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Political instabilities and the breakdown of law and order in PNG continue to restrict the ability of news media to operate effectively, and PNG journalists routinely face threats of violence.
In a program aimed at helping PNG journalists deal with these barriers, APJC workshops in Madang and Port Moresby in 2003 included training in assertiveness and other personal communication skills.
Twelve journalists joined 10 journalism students from Divine Word University in a 5-day workshop held at the main DWU campus in Madang, and 14 journalists joined five journalism students from the University of Papua New Guinea in similar workshop held at Loloata Island near Port Moresby.
The training team comprised APJC program director John Wallace, Steve Tanner of the School of Media, Communication and Culture at Murdoch University and Robyn Wallace, an educational management consultant specialising in affirmative action and mentoring programs.
Guest speakers included the editors of PNG's two major newspapers and PNG's chief ombudsman. Administrative assistance was provided by the PNG Media Council.
The workshops were funded by AusAID via the Australian National University's Centre for Democratic Institutions as part of the effort to promote good governance in the region. News media employers funded travel for journalists where needed.
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Madang workshop participants examine their personal profiles.
Feedback from PNG workshop participants
"It opened up a lot to me, in particular how to be assertive in everyday situations in different environments."
"Knowing that there is a better way to approach people and situations will help me a lot in my work."
"I found out things about myself I didn't know. The development of personal skills is important to me because I know asserting myself is a way to become a good journalist." |
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Port Moresby workshop participants work on an investigative journalism simulation.
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Investigative Reporting and Personal Skills