Somare challenges government to support NBC

Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. Getty

A senior statesman, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, has challenged the Government to fully support the NBC become the number one information service of Papua New Guinea.

Sir Michael issued the challenge today, when he officiated at celebrations marking NBC's 40 years of broadcasting, at the Broadcast House at Five Mile.

He says the NBC has played an important role in his political career, having taken to the microphone more than 40 years ago, before becoming a politician and leading the country to self governance.

Now the East Sepik Governor says, NBC's role then is just as important as it is today, in educating and informing people about the government's development priorities.

Sir Michael says the Government must support this important infrastructure.

"I also call on the national government to increase the funding for our national broadcaster to continue improving its important role.

"The National Broadcasting Corporation will continue to need government support as it works towards to meet the standards within NBC vast resources and infrastructure right throughout Papua New Guinea.

"The government must continue to play its role in supporting NBC to improve existing infrastructure.Some of the infrastructures are outdated.

"Peoples information is so vital.We have to relay proper message if we are talking about developing a big nation", said Sir Michael.

But Sir Michael says, Government support must not come with conditions, adding the national broadcaster must be independent, and allowed to do its work freely and fairly.