Freedom of the Press - Papua New Guinea (2003)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 3
Political Influences: 10
Economic Pressures: 12
Total Score: 25

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 57
Religious Groups: Roman Catholic (22 percent), Lutheran (16 percent), indigenous beliefs and other (62 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian
Capital: Port Moresby

Media freedom is provided for by law and is generally observed. The private press reports vigorously on alleged official corruption, police abuse, and other sensitive matters. However, journalists face occasional harassment and threats at the hands of the police and armed forces. Radio is a key source of information, given the country's low literacy rate and many isolated villages. State-run radio networks suffer from inadequate funding and deteriorating equipment, but offer balanced news coverage. The private NAU-FM network serves the capital of Port Moresby and is expanding into other areas, while local stations serve other cities. Television reception is limited mainly to Port Moresby and provincial capitals. In March, Reporters Sans Frontieres reported that foreign journalists were hindered in their attempts to visit refugee camps set up by the Australian government.