Department of Communication Arts (Journalism)
Academic Publication
Title: Media, Information and Development in Papua New Guinean
In Papua New Guinea, as in other south pacific islands, there has been a noticeable lack of research into media and little information about how people use the media. Lack of proper research in this field has further contributed to a general perception that communication is not a priority for the country’s development.
A number of articles as well as books have been written over the years sketching the PNG media profile, but not enough has be done to offer an in depth analysis of PNG media that would contribute to a better understanding of media’s role in PNG. Equally no audience research has been carried out so far in order to identify the information needs of the majority of the population and ways to meet them.
There is a need to build on previous work and encourage young Papua New Guinean researchers to provide their insights on the role of communication and media in their country. There is an increasing need in the south pacific to generate indigenous research and address thus the lack of locally trainer researchers. The expansion of media and cultural studies from a Pacific perspective would contribute to developing interlinked indigenous research cultures in media and non-media disciplines.
DWU journalism graduates indicated, in an extensive survey undertaken as part of the curriculum review of the Communication Arts Program in 2004 that they were aware not only about this gap in locally driven research - “Let students do more research into what journalism really is” - but also in the lack of skills - “More research theories and methodologies should have been included”. The Communication Arts Department at DWU looked at this gap and tried to address it by putting an increasing emphasis on equipping its students with research skills. Early results from the efforts to create a research culture in the journalism program at DWU are positive. In an effort to encourage indigenous research, we invited some of the 2004 degree student at the Communication Arts Department to contribute with their research.
This publication is the collective effort of degree students, staff and associates to the Communication Arts department at DWU. The book touches a wide number of media issues in PNG but maintains a focus on media and development. This is expected to be the first in a series of volumes containing the best of CA staff, associates and student research every year.
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