By Emmanuel Maipe
Media freedom and the influence of media on society were the main messages at Media Freedom Day celebrations at the Port Moresby National High School yesterday.
The celebration to mark Media Freedom Week in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was part of the World Press Freedom Day. It was organized by the Media Council of PNG.
The theme for the celebrations is “Media freedom is our freedom, helping to transform our society.”
The PNG Media Council president Joe Kanekane told students at the Port Moresby National High School said media freedom was about the freedom of expression, disseminating information to inform people without being suppressed by anyone or any authority.
“I hope you will remember what this event stands for,” Kanekane said.
The media now includes the internet and the social networks.
He said social networks such as Facebook were used to communicate and inform others and had transformed societies.
However, he said media freedom had limitations – things that could be done and could not to be done.
Kanekane called on the government to support media in Papua New Guinea and not attack it.