In a significant recognition for journalism in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Malum Nalu, Supplements Editor at The National, has been honored with the Divine Word University (DWU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Communication and Development Award. This accolade highlights Nalu’s outstanding contributions to communication and development, particularly in the digital media landscape.
Celebrating Media Freedom Day at Divine Word University
The award announcement took place last Friday during Divine Word University’s vibrant celebration of Media Freedom Day. The event featured a range of engaging activities, including inspiring speeches, captivating drama performances, lively songs, and thought-provoking panel discussions. Held annually, Media Freedom Day serves as a platform to promote press freedom and ethical journalism in PNG.
This year’s theme, “PNG Media in the Digital Age,” underscored the evolving role of digital platforms in news dissemination and public engagement. As PNG continues to embrace digital transformation, the focus on responsible online journalism has never been more critical.
Acknowledging Malum Nalu’s Digital Media Impact
Br Michael McManus, Head of the Communication Arts Department at Divine Word University, praised Nalu’s work during the event. “Since the emphasis at today’s celebration is on digital media, we would like to especially acknowledge Malum Nalu’s contribution to digital media through his blog site: Malum Nalu Blogspot,” McManus stated.
He emphasized the growing need for skilled professional journalists in the online space: “We believe that there is a greater need than ever for competent professional journalists to provide context and analysis of news for consumers online.” McManus also urged journalists to uphold ethical standards when publishing content digitally, warning that a lack of balance could undermine the quality of online news in PNG.
Although Nalu was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he shared his gratitude and response digitally via his popular Blogspot platform, aligning perfectly with the event’s digital theme.
Insights from Panel Discussions on Digital Advocacy
The Media Freedom Day program included a dynamic panel discussion featuring representatives from the Bismarck Ramu Group (BRG), a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Madang. BRG is renowned for leveraging social media tools like Facebook and YouTube to amplify its advocacy campaigns and community outreach efforts in PNG.
Adding to the discourse, Elizabeth Miae, a former health reporter with The National, challenged aspiring journalism students to harness digital media responsibly. “Digital media, particularly the use of the internet, is becoming increasingly common. It’s another step further in keeping the global community on par with what is happening,” Miae explained.
She stressed the importance of accountability in the digital era: “We must always be reminded that the freedom of using and uploading information on the new media must come with responsibility. Remember your code of ethics. Be diligent with the packaging and distribution of news items in this digital age.”
The Importance of Ethical Journalism in PNG’s Digital Landscape
This award and the surrounding discussions highlight the pivotal role of digital media in PNG’s development. As more Papua New Guineans turn to online platforms for news and information, awards like the DWU-UNESCO Communication and Development Award encourage journalists to prioritize accuracy, ethics, and balance.
For those interested in PNG journalism, digital media trends, or Media Freedom Day events, Malum Nalu’s blog offers valuable insights into the industry’s evolution. Stay tuned for more updates on communication advancements in Papua New Guinea.
Source: University honours journalist