Tension at Papua New Guinea's oldest TV broadcaster is escalating after all newsroom journalists walked off their jobs on Thursday to protest the suspension of their news director.
Media Niugini Limited (MNL) stood down EMTV's news and current affairs manager Sincha Dimara on 8 February.
Sincha Dimara, one of the longest serving journalists in PNG, was suspended for three weeks without pay by the EMTV management - Media Niugini Limited. Photo: Supplied
Ms Dimara has been accused by MNL of "insubordination and damaging the reputation of the company" for running a series of news reports concerning a controversial Australian businessman operating in PNG.
In a statement, EMTV's deputy head of news Jack Lapauve said they're disappointed with the "harsh treatment" of Ms Dimara and "the continuous interference from outside the newsroom."
Mr Lapauve said the news team want their leader to be reinstated.
PNG's EMTV Photo: Supplied
He said this is the third time in the past five years for an EMTV news manager to be suspended due to external influence.
Lapauve said they no longer have confidence in the company's acting CEO Lesieli Vete and are calling for her to be "sidelined and investigated."
He said the journalists will not return to the newsroom until "the wrongs have been righted."
EMTV didn't broadcast its national evening news bulletin yesterday.
Suspension of veteran PNG journalist called 'unjust'
The Pacific Freedom Forum has condemned the "unjust suspension" of Dimara, one of the longest serving journalists at EMTV.
The regional media watchdog joins the Media Council of PNG, regional journalists and press freedom advocates calling for her reinstatement.
PFF co-chair Bernadette Carreon is urging Media Niugini management to reconsider their decision as it is not new for a veteran of PNG media to receive such treatment.
The suspension followed inquiries by management as to why EMTV was following the court proceedings of Australian businessman Jamie Pang.
The Pacific Freedom Forum Melanesia co-chair, Robert Iroga, said reporting the proceedings of court cases is an important part of the news cycle and the public interest, and we hope Ms Dimara can be reinstated.