LEAVE POLITICS OUT OF EMTV

 

WAU BUSINESSMAN SUPPORTS EMTV REPORTERS

By JOAN BAILEY

POLITICS and other outside influence must not manipulate the way information is being disseminated to the people through different media platforms, according to a PNG businessman in Lae.

Black Cat Limited managing director Rex Mauri made this statement in support of EMTV reporting staff who have been terminated after a standoff with their CEO over the sidelining of their news director Sincha Dimara.

Mr Mauri said media is the fourth estate of this country and is an independent body that must run its own affairs and not be manipulated by any external influences including government.

He said media organization in the country must be applauded for their tremendous effort and perseverance in disseminating information to the people and keeping them informed of what is happening in PNG and other countries.

EMTV journalist Julie Badui Owa (left) and her childhood nanny. Julie is now jobless. 

“Everyone has the right to express their opinions, views, grievances and concerns in the media without intimidation, harassment and threatening.

“We are a democratic country with media freedom rights and we should maintain this instead of using our authority to suppress media freedom,” Mr Mauri said.

He said EMTV situation is very unfortunate and this country needs EMTV reporters to continue deliver news and information on this television station.

He said from observation, there are people trying to control how news is being aired on EMTV especially with sensitive stories by using the management and this must stop.

“Media plays a vital role in keeping check and balance in our country so if certain people are also involved in the EMTV issues which resulted in EMTV reporters going on peaceful protest following suspension of their head of news and current affairs manager, they must be feeling guilty.

“We need all media organizations and their rights to report without fear and favor must not be compromised or manipulated in any way by anyone,” Mr Mauri added.

The Lae media team in the days of Scott Waide. with them is former Lae Met Sup Anthony  Wagambie Jnr now in charge of NCD and Central as commander.