A prominent radio host was suspended and subsequently terminated from work after he interviewed an opposition leader.
This statement was originally published on pacificfreedomforum.com on 15 May 2025.
Pacific Article 19 watchdog, the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) has welcomed the call from Papua New Guinea PM James Marape for more information and facts on the recent sacking of a high profile talk show host connected to his airtime with Opposition MP, Governor Allan Bird.
The three-week suspension of FM100 talkback host Cullighan Tanda for bringing points of view to a timely and relevant issue has become more controversial with news of his termination this week. In a statement condemning the move, PNG Media Council CEO Neville Choi noted the no-notice sacking of EMTV journalist James Guken, following his online posting of a story quoting Governor Bird.
“We stand in solidarity with our PNG media family, noting these dubious dismissals are part of a history of punitive treatment of well-respected journalists, including the likes of Mr Choi, former staffers Sincha Dimara and Scott Waide, and the more than 20 staff who were terminated while on protest at the workplace intimidation and conditions,” says PFF Chair Robert Iroga, of the Solomon Islands.
“If the Papua New Guinea PM really wants to get to the heart of the matter, he must view the context of a long history of treatment from the Telikom PNG board in question. Oversight and management of newsrooms should not lead to muzzling and sacking of journalists, without process or accountability,” he said.
“We know that in this 50th year of independence, Papua New Guinea should celebrate its stories, and those who report them. Certainly, for the PFF, 2025 marks almost two decades since the first statement was released under our founding Co-Chair, late Susuve Laumaea, founding member late Yehiura Hriehwazi, and other former and current journalists who continue to support the watchdog role of the fourth estate.”
“Editorial independence is what we get when journalists are allowed to be journalists. This is key to ensuring truth continues to deliver thriving democracies, credible governments, and informed people.”
