PNG Achieves Landmark in Health with First Kidney Transplant

 Papua New Guinea’s Wau Waria MP and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Marsh Narewec, has issued a strong reminder to media executives about the vital role of media independence in upholding democracy. He emphasized that media organizations are not ordinary businesses but a critical part of the nation’s democratic framework.

Narewec described media outlets as the Fourth Estate, saying they serve as both watchdogs and development partners. He urged media managers to prioritize independence and resist any external influence that could compromise journalistic integrity and public trust.

His comments come amid an ongoing parliamentary review of the suspension and eventual dismissal of FM100 Talkback show host Cullinghan Tanda. The incident, along with other related concerns raised by Media Council President Neville Choi, is being examined by the Committee for potential breaches of journalistic welfare.

The Committee is set to conduct regional inquiries, starting with the Southern Region, to determine whether due process was followed in the case. Narewec highlighted that Kalang Advertising, the company operating FM100, is a State-Owned Enterprise and must be held accountable for its actions.

Narewec also confirmed that Parliament will resume on May 27, after which a Committee meeting will be held to brief MPs and finalize preparations for the regional hearings. These sessions will be broadcast live to allow public participation and input from journalists.

He noted that the Committee’s Terms of Reference include a specific focus on journalists' welfare, under which Tanda’s case falls. Narewec encouraged journalists across Papua New Guinea to come forward during the hearings and contribute recommendations on improving media freedom and working conditions.

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PNG Achieves Landmark in Health with First Kidney Transplant