Papua New Guinea Opposition MP and East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird has issued a scathing rebuke of recent actions taken by government-linked entities against journalists, calling for a nationwide boycott of media companies tied to Telikom PNG.
“It is frightening the road our country is taking in relation to the ruling cartels actions against journalists,” Bird said in a strongly worded statement.
His comments follow the reported suspension of FM100 radio host Cullighan Tanda, who interviewed MP Bird in a segment the MP says became the station’s highest-rated show.
“I understand Cullighan Tanda was suspended after he interviewed me. The sad thing is that I have been a regular participant on FM100 since 2003 when the late Roger Hau’ofa flew to Madang to interview me at the Madang Resort. I have been supporting FM100 for more than 20 years,” he said.
Bird criticised FM100 management for failing to support their journalist, despite prior engagement with the station’s CEO before the broadcast.
“I am deeply disappointed in the way their management have responded especially when we met his CEO before the show and he could have objected then.”
He also referenced the recent termination of an EMTV journalist over coverage of the Section 145 court matter. “I have never met that reporter,” he added.
Calling for a passive protest, Bird urged citizens and businesses to pull all advertising from EMTV and to stop using Telikom PNG services, including FM100.
“I now make a call on all PNGeans to do a passive protest against these actions by government agents. Effective immediately, the public and private sector must stop advertising on EMTV and to stop using Telikom PNG. FM100 is owned by Telikom.”
“Let’s switch to other phone networks and let’s abandon EMTV. I believe EMTV is also owned by Telikom PNG. Who do these people think they are? Let’s show them people power.”
Bird pledged to sever his own business ties with Telikom PNG, saying he would move to Digicel and Vodafone.
“Enough is enough. Let’s cease our support of these businesses that act as an extension of government cartels that are suppressing our rights as citizens. Let’s collapse these businesses and send them broke.”
Bird’s comments highlighted rising concerns about press freedom in Papua New Guinea, with opposition figures openly accusing state-linked media of censorship and intimidation.
PNG PM must look deeper at alarming suppression, sackings of journalists, says Pacific media watchdog
Pacific Article 19 watchdog, the Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) has welcomed the call from Papua New Guinea PM James Marape for more information and facts on the recent sacking of a high profile talk show host connected to his airtime with Opposition MP, Governor Allan Bird.
The three-week suspension of FM100 talkback host Cullighan Tanda for bringing points of view to a timely and relevant issue has become more controversial with news of his termination this week.
In a statement condemning the move, PNG Media Council CEO Neville Choi noted the no-notice sacking of EMTV journalist James Guken, following his online posting of a story quoting Governor Bird.
“We stand in solidarity with our PNG media family, noting these dubious dismissals are part of a history of punitive treatment of well-respected journalists, including the likes of Choi, former staffers Sincha Dimara and Scott Waide, and the more than 20 staff who were terminated while on protest at the workplace intimidation and conditions,” says PFF Chair Robert Iroga, of the Solomon Islands.
“If the Papua New Guinea PM really wants to get to the heart of the matter, he must view the context of a long history of treatment from the Telikom PNG board in question. Oversight and management of newsrooms should not lead to muzzling and sacking of journalists, without process or accountability,” he said.
“We know that in this 50th year of independence, Papua New Guinea should celebrate its stories, and those who report them. Certainly, for the PFF, 2025 marks almost two decades since the first statement was released under our founding Co-Chair, late Susuve Laumaea, founding member late Yehiura Hriehwazi, and other former and current journalists who continue to support the watchdog role of the fourth estate.”
“Editorial independence is what we get when journalists are allowed to be journalists. This is key to ensuring truth continues to deliver thriving democracies, credible governments, and informed people,” said Iroga.