BY CHRONOX MANEK

IT IS IMPORTANT to note that the role the media plays in society is not for them alone, but all professionals and laity and the civil society can also facilitate transparency and awareness of important issues.

The media has an important role to play. It is also a watchdog to expose corruption and safeguard development and investment.

Media in developing countries like PNG and other Pacific island countries have the same roles, but the conditions under which they exercise their profession may vary due to economical and social factors.

The media has no obligation to publicise any specific issue, and addresses each issue when it arises. Media agencies or companies are in the business of generating revenue, often at the expense of good governance, despite giving rebates such as free plugs or coverage up to a certain point.

However, to prevent such outcomes, those in the front line of reporting should impart factual information, report fairly and in a balance manner – and help open up doors to development and investment.

Whilst the media has demonstrated that it can cover global and governance issues, it neglects the potential to be a responsible partner, especially in developing countries such as Papua New Guinea and to an extent the Pacific.

However, this partnership can be strengthened with the media industry and government departments and agencies working to improve their ability to work with each within their regions and abroad to achieve social, economical and political mileage.

Finally, freedom of information and a free media is about upholding the freedom we currently enjoy in a democratic society, as it is about our freedom to express ourselves and be informed appropriately and responsibly.

But is there a limit to freedom of information? And when can information be controlled and tailored to meet demands and needs?

In my view this would be done only when freedom of information is seen to question or overstep the boundaries of national sovereignty and national interest as provided for under section 51 of the PNG Constitution.

So would it be fair to end with this question? Is a free media all about upholding the freedom we currently enjoy as citizens of our democratic societies or is it about our freedom to express ourselves and be informed in any manner or form whatsoever?

Chronox Manek is PNG’s Chief Ombudsman

Source: Conclusion to ‘Freedom of information – challenges and the way forward’, a paper delivered to the Unesco Global World Press Freedom Day Conference, Brisbane, 2 -3 May 2010