BETTER JOURNALISM WILL LEAD TO BETTER DEMOCRACY, SAYS UNDP CONSULTANT

CAPTION: Training Participant -Journalists from the National, Post Courier, National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), TVWAN and FM100 with Mrs Slovak.

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

“I truly believe in the power of real journalism and the role of professional media. In a time when social media is so strong, we need strong, professional mass media more than ever,” Mrs. Slovak said.

A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant says strengthening journalism in Papua New Guinea is the key to strengthening democracy, especially ahead of the 2027 National General Elections.

Speaking in an interview with FM100, UNDP consultant, Mrs. Tjasa Slovak said access to public information and media professionalism must be prioritized.

“I think the biggest challenge for PNG journalists today is access to public information. If you want to inform your citizens, you need to know the whole truth. You need to have all the necessary information.”

Mrs. Slovak is facilitating a 5-day training for journalists from the National, Post Courier, National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), TVWAN and FM100.

The workshop, held at the Lamana hotel in Port Moresby began on Monday 31st August and will conclude on Friday 4th September.

The workshop is facilitated by UNDP and the Media Council of PNG and funded by the European Union.

With over 30 years of experience in journalism, including 10 years as Editor in Chief in Slovenia, Mrs. Slovak said she was passionate about supporting journalists in PNG.

She noted that in an era where social media dominates, professional journalists in the mainstream media play an even more important role.

“I truly believe in the power of real journalism and the role of professional media. In a time when social media is so strong, we need strong, professional mass media more than ever,” she said.

Mrs. Slovak emphasized that workshops like this are important for building capacity.

“I hope that after these five days of training, you will learn, use, and apply this new knowledge in your everyday journalistic life,” she said.

The workshop aims to strengthen professional journalism in PNG with a special focus on coverage of the 2027 National General Elections.