Lae, Morobe Province – February 18, 2026
The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) continued its regional consultations on proposed amendments to the NBC Act 1973, holding its second regional forum at the Lutheran Church grounds in Lae for MOMASE Region. The exercise is part of four wider consultations aimed to update the broadcast Act so they reflect current realities of digital platforms, changing audience expectations, and media convergence.
NBC Managing Director Mr. Kora Nou told participants that the review was long overdue, given the rapid changes in technology and audience behavior.
“The broadcasting sector has evolved significantly since the enactment of the NBC Act in 1973. Advances in technology, the rise of digital platforms, convergence of media services, and changing audience expectations have really transformed the media landscape in PNG,” he said.
Mr Nou emphasized that the consultations were not just procedural but participatory, designed to capture the voices of broadcasters, content creators, civil society, legal experts, and the general public.
“Your insights, concerns, and recommendations will help shape a regulatory framework that balances freedom of expression with responsibility, encourages investment and innovation, protects consumers, and upholds national values and standards,” he added.
The NBC MD outlined guiding principles for the review, including independence and fairness in regulation, protection of freedom of expression, promotion of local content, adaptation to digital convergence, and transparency in processes.
“Amending the NBC Act is not about constraining the media space; it is about strengthening it… ensuring that our regulatory environment supports growth, professionalism, competitiveness, and more importantly, public trust in NBC, our Public Broadcaster,” Nou added.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology also weighed in. Deputy Secretary for Policy and Emerging Technologies Mr. Shongol highlighted the broader Media Development Policy, which complements the NBC Act review.
He explained that the policy “establishes a structured framework for the growth and regulation of PNG’s media sector,” aiming to balance press freedom with responsible journalism and national development priorities. It also provides guidance on ethics, standards, and capacity building for media organizations and practitioners.
The Lae consultation follows the first session held in Kokopo in December 2025 for the NGI Region. Two more regional forums are planned before the draft amendments are finalized.
NBC Managing Director encourage all stake holders and the public to approach this exercise with open minds and a shared commitment to “building a broadcasting framework that serves the public interest, fosters innovation, and reflects the aspirations of our nation, as it did in the formative years, leading up to Independence in 1975.”