PNG to host 9th Pacific Media Summit in 2028

President of PNG Media Council and newly appointed PINA President, Neville Choi speaking during the PINA Annual General Meeting (AGM) outlining MCPNG and NBC PNG's bid to host the 9th PINA Summit. *(NBC News)*

Papua New Guinea is set to host the 9th Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Media Summit in Port Moresby in 2028.

The Media Council of PNG (MCPNG) and the National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea (NBC PNG) have jointly put forward a bid to host the regional summit.

Speaking at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Fiji recently, President of the PNG Media Council and newly appointed PINA President Neville Choi said the bid comes at an important time for the country and the Pacific media industry.

Choi said PNG wants to use its experience in working with government and the media industry to contribute to discussions across the Pacific.

“We are ready to host. And we have a very, very tough act to follow. I think the Fiji Media Association has shown that this is the level and standard of a PINA summit that we want to be.”

President Choi added that PNG's media industry has strengthened its relationship with government over the past three to four years, while continuing to push for self-regulation.

There are also concerns about possible changes in government and leadership following PNG's next general election, expected in 2027.

Choi stressed that the Media industry in PNG wants to build on the progress already made before those political changes take place.

He said PNG's experience could also provide lessons for smaller Pacific countries dealing with similar challenges around media regulation, press freedom and government relations.

PNG's cultural diversity, with more than a thousand tribes, was also highlighted as one of the country's strengths in bringing different voices together.

PNG Delegation to the 8th PINA Media Summit at Savusavu, Fiji. The delegation pictured comprised of NBC PNG, Media Council of PNG and the PNG Censorship Board. *(NBC News)*

The joint bid also comes as the Pacific media industry faces growing challenges from misinformation, technology and pressure on press freedom.

Choi representing PNG acknowledged the high standard set by Fiji in hosting the 8th PINA summit, but said PNG is ready for the challenge.

“It’s going to be, like I said, a tough act to follow, but we are up to the challenge. And if you are all supportive, then we want you along with us on this," Choi said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) Johnson Honimae seconded MCPNG AND NBC PNG's bid and move the motion in favour of PNG to host the 2028 9th PINA Media Summit in Port Moresby, PNG.

"This AGM, I want to support and move the bid from PNG Media Council and NBC PNG to host the 2028 PINA Summit".