Media urged to look at bigger picture

Caption: Governor Parkop speaking to the media

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, December 8, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE message was echoed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop last week when hosting a luncheon for the mainstream media to thank them for their coverage, where he urged them to bear in mind whenever they reported on issues or activities of the city’s authority.

He told them to be mindful of what the commission was trying to achieve for the city, making reference to the most historic and controversial buai ban in Port Moresby.

“I know the relationship has not always been good, but at the end of the day we complement each other.”

“In our city, most of the coverage of the media has been positive and some critical, but that is all part of a freedom we have in our country, which is very critical,” he said.

He likened himself, with humour, to having developed thick skin, which enabled him to handle criticisms, especially those that came from the media.

The governor made special mention of how the buai ban was covered by the media.

“I thank you all for the coverage, which has been a win-win situation for all our residents, both chewers and non-chewers.”

“It is a big achievement for us all including you,” he told them.

He said that a majority of citizens and residents of the city had seen the benefits of the ban; however, he added that the challenge of the ban was on how it would be sustained in the years to come.

Media representative were then reminded of the big role they would play with coverage of major regional and world events that would showcase the capital city beginning next year with the Melanesian Arts Festival. 

The South Pacific Games in 2015, and APEC Meet in 2018, he said were among the biggest events to be staged so close together that they would be a challenge, but one he said was not impossible to achieve.

He concluded by reiterating the importance of the city to the nation, as it was the centre of business and government.

“What happens here shapes the nation, from hygiene to basic cleanliness- these are basic things we can achieve that can be emulated by the rest of the country.”