2026 PNG MEDIA SUMMIT BRINGS TOGETHER DOMESTIC & REGIONAL MEDIA EXPERTS

THE Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG)’s 2026 PNG Media Summit gets underway, tomorrow, Friday, May 1, at the Crown Hotel in Port Moresby, bringing together local journalists, international experts, and delegates from across the Blue Pacific to address the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Organised by Women In Media PNG, this year’s summit carries the theme, “Press Freedom through Human Rights, Security & Innovation: Facts and Verification to NGE2027 & Beyond”.

The 2026 event marks a significant milestone as it expands from a national dialogue into a regional platform, focused on “Elevating the Narrative of Pacific Media”.

Neville Choi, President of the Media Council of PNG, highlighted the urgency of the summit’s agenda. “As we stand on the cusp of a new era defined by artificial intelligence and shifting digital boundaries, our commitment to facts and verification has never been more critical,” said Choi.

“This summit isn’t just a meeting; it’s a necessary intervention to ensure that as we move toward the 2027 National General Election, the integrity of our information remains unassailable”.

The program features a heavy emphasis on the intersection of technology and journalism. Keynote addresses will be delivered by Kalafi Moala, President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), and Michael Hsieh from the Centre for International Security and Cooperation, who will discuss how AI is changing the nature of credibility in journalism.

“We are honoured to welcome our Pacific brothers and sisters,” Choi added. “By regionalising this summit, we are strengthening our collective voice.

Whether discussing the impacts of the National AI Framework with Secretary Steven Matainaho or addressing misinformation during elections, we are doing so as a united Pacific media front”.

The day-long event includes sessions on investigative journalism, the integration of broadcast and digital media, and a dedicated “Spotlight” session featuring Belinda Kora and Jennifer Baing while our Wan Solwara speaker Lisa Kingsberry will share some insights and opportunities at from South Pacific Commission.

The summit will conclude with an industry outlook plenary and a closing event celebrating PNG’s growing community of