(PINA/IFEX) – Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Bill Skate, on 4 August 1998, accused the international media of painting a negative image of the country, newspapers reported. Addressing Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra, Skate said Papua New Guinea was the victim of sensational reporting by journalists “who have little understanding of PNG.” Papua New […]
(PINA/IFEX) – Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Bill Skate, on 4 August 1998,
accused the international media of painting a negative image of the country,
newspapers reported. Addressing Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra,
Skate said Papua New Guinea was the victim of sensational reporting by
journalists “who have little understanding of PNG.”
Papua New Guinea’s “Post-Courier” newspaper quoted Skate as saying: “Yes,
there are problems in PNG but these are not as bad as some of the less
professional media would have you believe.” Skate said journalists from
Australia should make an effort to visit Papua New Guinea and “take fresh
look at the country.” Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in
1975. Skate added: “PNG is a young country, we have a free press and vital
press, but unfortunately, we are at times misrepresented in the
international press. Come and take a fresh look at PNG.”
Background Information
Papua New Guinea authorities have in the past regularly criticised
international, especially Australian, news media coverage of their country.
But in recent years visa restrictions on overseas journalists have been
eased, making it easier for them to visit Papua New Guinea on reporting
assignments.
