The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) has expressed its support for Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape’s request for clarity regarding the recent controversial dismissal of FM100 talk show host Cullighan Tanda. Tanda’s termination follows a three-week suspension linked to his discussions involving Opposition MP Governor Allan Bird, sparking widespread concern about media freedom in the nation.
PNG Media Council CEO Neville Choi condemned the abrupt firing of Tanda and the earlier dismissal of EMTV journalist James Guken, noting the impact of such punitive actions on the country’s media landscape. PFF Chair Robert Iroga highlighted a troubling trend of intimidation against journalists in Papua New Guinea, referencing a history of similar unjust dismissals affecting prominent journalists, and calling for accountability in media governance.
Iroga emphasized that for the Prime Minister to address these issues effectively, a comprehensive understanding of the governing body’s history and treatment of journalists is essential. He reiterated that ensuring editorial independence is crucial for fostering a democratic environment, where truth and integrity thrive.
Aligning with broader discussions on press freedom in the region, these events coincide with Papua New Guinea’s impending 50th anniversary of independence, a moment Iroga believes should celebrate the nation’s narratives and those who convey them. The call for stronger journalistic protection echoes sentiments raised in similar discussions where the role of media integrity and freedom of expression are becoming increasingly vital.
The collective efforts of organizations like the PFF highlight the ongoing struggle for media freedom in the Pacific and suggest that continued advocacy may pave the way for a more secure future for journalists and informed public discourse in Papua New Guinea and beyond.
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