Communication, information and the media

This chapter discusses the flows of communication and information in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It argues that communication and information are essential to all aspects of life. As such, the concepts are cross-cutting. The chapter considers whether citizens have the means to communicate their views. It also asks whether citizens have access to timely information. The chapter is a literature survey that posits the importance of communication and information for governance and effective democracy. A key component of a functioning democracy is a citizenry that is well informed and actively engaged in debates about government policies. The chapter suggests that the mainstream media in PNG has a fragile freedom but does not carry out sufficient in-depth investigations. The argument is made that urban residents are much more easily able to access the media than those living in rural villages. The chapter also looks into uses of mobile telephones, the internet and social media.

Keywords: Papua New Guinea, Pacific, Oceania, internet, journalism, journalist, media, media business, media industry, media law, media organisation, mobile phones, mobile phone, mobile technology, telephone, social media.