PNG Opposition sees government's purchase of EMTV as a move to control media

PORT MORESBY: The Opposition has questioned the government of its real intention to purchase EMTV.

The Opposition fears the final purchase of EMTV by the government is another tactical move by the government to control media in the country.

Opposition Leader, Don Pomb Polye says the country’s longest serving television station may now become another propaganda tool for the Prime Minister and his government.

“The timing of the purchase of EMTV raises a lot of questions as we are only few months away from the national elections,” said Mr Polye.

“Now that government owns EMTV, it may continue to use the television station to drive its agenda through especially during the looming national general election,” said Mr Polye.

Mr Polye says government must not make a big song and dance about the purchase of the television station as this is not a priority for the country at this stage.

Mr Polye said ‘the immediate worries’ at hand were to adequately fund the electoral commission and the electoral roll update.

“It is not only to prepare the country well for the general election next year but also for purposes of transparency in democracy society,” he said.

He also queried whether the transaction’s K20 million was the actual price as the previous value was at K27 million.

Mr Polye questioned government’s motive in acquiring another television station when it already owns NBCTV, formerly known as Kundu 2 TV.

“NBCTV is a struggling entity and the government through NBC management should inject more resources to build the capacity of NBCTV instead of purchasing another television station,” said Mr Polye.

Mr Polye said despite challenges facing the National Broadcasting Corporation radio and TV, they had proven to be premium.

“The main reason for the acquisition is obviously for political expediency and is not morally justifiable.

“The Prime Minister and his government has lost confidence of the MPs and their people so I am not surprise that the TV station will be used to spin this perception,” he said.

He said TV was an important mode of communication to satisfy the entertainment, education and information needs of the people.

“The government’s involvement in media business portrays high prospect of compromise with the independence and objectivity of news and other programs,” said Mr Polye.

The Opposition Leader is urging the government through the Telikom board to review its decision for the transaction.

Polye said it was economically unjustifiable for the government to involve in any businesses activity.

“Any government in the world is primarily obliged to provide necessary services like electricity, communication, transport infrastructures and other infrastructure to accelerate economic activities and the government is no different,” he said.

He said the Opposition’s view was that the public-private partnership is a way forward for any state investments in the country.

“Our alternative government policy discourages the government from doing businesses.

“When the Opposition is in power, we will adopt other best economic models or to resell the company to recoup the taxpayers’ money,” said a determined Polye.