Council hosts successful first Media Networking Event

THE MCPNG successfully hosted its first Media Networking Event for the year on June 15th at the Stanley Hotel.

The event saw invited guests representing media personnel and Media Managers understanding what the Council Executives are working on with the support of media stakeholders and partners.

Council President Neville Choi gave a presentation featuring updates since the current executives were elected in 2017, the onset of COVID-19 on the industry, the challenges the executives faced in supporting its mainstream members as they adjusted to and adapted to the impact and consequences of the pandemic, and current work underway to reconstitute the council and update its records.

The Council's new Women In Media (WIM) initiative was explained, and appreciated for its aim to become a robust support network for women media personnel in the country.

This initiative is being led by Council Secretary, Belinda Kora, and the Media Development Initiative. Successful WIM meetings have already been held with women media personnel in Lae, Madang and Port Moresby, with more planned to take place before the end of the year.

The Media Networking Event also showcased its Print Media members. Post Courier Editor In Chief, Matthew Vari spoke on their behalf, and provided both his personal, and professional opinions on the future of newspapers in the PNG media space.

There were many questions from guests on the current state of the media industry, remuneration and salary concerns, legal support for journalists, and the Council becoming more inclusive, and actively engaging with its membership.

The issue of bloggers, and other SME media space practitioners was raised and discussed, along with what the council is planning in the media and industry training space.

Council Executives, Neville Choi, Gregory Moses, and Belinda Kora responded to and discussed each of the issues raised, as they announced Monday, July 10th as the date for this year's Annual General Meeting.

Mr. Choi explained that priority following the AGM and fresh elections for the Council Board and Executive Management Team, would be to review and amend the MCPNG Constitution in the areas of Membership, engagements, and the proper reestablishment of the Media Council Complaints Adjudication Committee, otherwise more commonly known as the MCPNG Complaints Tribunal.

This important committee provides oversight for all complaints made against is members in the mainstream media which cannot be resolved between the complainants and the media organization.

The President also announced a membership drive which would be happening for all traditional full and associate members in preparation for the AGM, and to consider opening up membership with new categories.

ENDS…//