ABC celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence

13 September 2025

ABC celebrates Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of independence

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is programming a rich slate of commemorative content across its screen, audio and news channels for Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 50 years of independence on 16 September.

ABC teams have worked for more than 18 months, to produce the range of content which explores Australia’s colonial legacy in PNG, and PNG’s first 50 years as a unified, independent nation.

Content highlights of the ABC’s coverage in Australia and across the Indo-Pacific include;

A 60-minute screen and audio documentary Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, examines the history, spirit and diverse traditions of PNG’s people, deeply connected to their roots and confidently looking to the future. The film was produced by ABC International Services in conjunction with PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and supported under the DFAT-funded Media Development Initiative, with ABC Backroads’ Kathy McLeish as Executive Producer and NBC’s Maureen Orea hosting.
A 60-minute screen documentary PNG: Road to Independence tells the gripping story of the PNG-born leaders who united culturally and linguistically diverse tribes in a peaceful transition from Australian colonial rule to give birth to their new nation. The film is an ABC co-production from WildBear Entertainment, written and directed by PNG-born journalist, filmmaker and former ABCNEWS Director Max Uechtritz.
An 11-part series of audio and screen mini-documentaries titled Pasin Wantok, produced in collaboration with NBC, explores first-hand PNG’s diverse cultures and traditions, which remain strong in a rapidly modernising nation.
A 30-minute special edition of ABC Australia’s The Pacific, reflects on 50 years of nationhood — the successes and the challenges — and what’s next for PNG.
ABC Radio Australia’s flagship daily current affairs program Pacific Beat will broadcast live from PNG’s capital Port Moresby, covering the action all week from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September meanwhile weekday morning program Nesia Daily will also broadcast live from Brisbane’s popular PNG 50th Independence Celebration on Saturday 13 September.
ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagram are carrying highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence as well as a curation of materials from the ABC Archives.
ABC NEWS’ Port Moresby bureau will deliver in-country independence coverage for ABC NEWS channels alongside dedicated segments for flagship current affairs program, 7.30.
ABC Education will release an educational “digibook” for Australian and PNG students to learn about the period, featuring key moments from PNG: Road to Independence with accompanying questions.
60-minute special edition of ABC Australia’s That Pacific Sports Show, filmed in Port Moresby, with host Sam Wykes and special guest co-hosts Nesia Daily’s Michael Chow and award-winning PNG-based sports journalist Jamie Haro. The episode explores how sport unites the people of PNG and celebrates PNG’s sporting prowess today and into the future.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said: “The ABC stands with PNG in celebrating its rich history, culture and journey to independence. We are delighted to be offering a broad spectrum of content across our channels, underscoring the historic moment’s importance for Papua New Guinea and Australia.”

ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman said: “We are incredibly proud of the ABC’s commemorative content slate, much of it produced in collaboration with PNG’s public broadcaster, the NBC. It is creative, poignant and most importantly centres the voices of PNG in its storytelling.”

ABC’s PNG’s independence anniversary content and coverage will be available in Australia on ABCTV, ABC NEWS Channel, iview and ABC listen and internationally on ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia and ABC Pacific.

Australian audiences can access PNG 50 Years content here;

ABC TV

PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 21:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Wednesday 17 September at 11:00 AEST
7.30: Journey to Sovereignty – 1 x package
Tuesday 16 September at 19:30 AEST

iview

PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September from 07:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September from 14:00 AEST
That Pacific Sports Show: PNG Independence 50th Anniversary – 1 x 60-minute special
Wednesday 17 September at 18:30 AEST
The Pacific: PNG Anniversary Special – 1 x 30-minute episode
Thursday 18 September at 18:30 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x mini-documentaries
Sunday 14 September at 12:00 AEST
Voices of Independence – 10 x short-form episodes
Sunday 14 September at 12:00 AEST

ABC RADIO NATIONAL

Late Night Live, Saturday Extra, Sunday Extra and Law Report will carry special coverage of PNG 50 Years of Independence commemorations on ABC RN.
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Monday 15 September from 14:00 AEST on History Showcase

ABC NEWS

7.30, The World, ABC News Breakfast and ABC NEWS Channel will carry special coverage of PNG’s 50 Years commemorations.

ABC PACIFIC

For ongoing PNG 50 Years coverage and content, go to ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagram which will carry highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence and an ABC-NBC coproduced social media video, as well as material from the ABC Archives.

ABC EDUCATION

PNG: Road to Independence “digibook” available here from Tuesday 16 September.

International audiences can access PNG 5o Years content here;

ABC AUSTRALIA

Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 14:00 AEST and repeated at 20:00 AEST
PNG: Road to Independence – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Monday 15 September at 14:00 AEST and repeated at 20:00 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x short-form videos
From Tuesday 2 September
Voices of Independence – 10 x short-form videos
From Thursday 11 September
That Pacific Sports Show: PNG Independence 50th Anniversary – 1 x 60-minute special
Wednesday 17 September at 18:30 AEST
The Pacific: PNG Anniversary Special – 1 x 30-minute episode
Thursday 18 September at 18:30 AEST

ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA

Nesia Daily – Independence Day Special Live from PNG 50 Years of Independence Festival
Saturday 13 September at 10:00 AEST
Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years – 1 x 60-minute documentary
Tuesday 16 September at 13:00 AEST and repeated at 18:00 AEST
Pasin Wantok – 11 x 10-minute mini documentaries
From Monday 1 to Tuesday 16 September, at 7.40am AEST
Voices of Independence – 2 x 30-minute episodes
Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September at 16:00 AEST
Pacific Beat: PNG Independence Coverage
Monday 15 September to Friday 19 September from 06:00 AEST

ABC PACIFIC

For ongoing PNG 50 Years coverage, go to ABC Pacific’s homepage, Facebook and Instagramwhich will carry highlights from Pasin Wantok, Voices of Independence, Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years, PNG: Road to Independence and an ABC-NBC coproduced social media video, as well as material from the ABC Archives.

RFE/RL journalist freed from Belarus detention

11 September 2025

RFE/RL journalist freed from Belarus detention

RFE/RL journalist Ihar Losik and former Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellow Alena Tsimashchuk have been freed from unjust imprisonment in Belarus.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus said:

“We are immensely grateful to President Trump for securing Ihar and Alena’s release from wrongful detention by Belarusian authorities. We also thank Secretary Rubio, Deputy Special Envoy John Coale, the Lithuanian government, and the press freedom community for their strong support of RFE/RL’s imprisoned journalists.

Ihar suffered horribly because he was a journalist working for RFE/RL. This phase of his excruciating and wholly unfair ordeal, which stretched beyond five years, is finally over.

Alena is a young woman at the start of her career who had two years of her life stolen from her.”

Ihar Losik is a journalist for RFE/RL’s Belarus Service who was detained in Minsk in June 2020. In December 2021, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on false charges, including “organization of mass riots” and “incitement to hatred.” While in detention, Ihar endured extremely harsh conditions, including long periods of incommunicado detention.

Alena Tsimashchuk, a former Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellow, was also released. Alena was detained in September 2023 on extremism charges. In June 2024, she was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.

Today’s releases come after the Trump administration secured the release of RFE/RL journalist Andrei Kuznechyk in February and former RFE/RL journalist Ihar Karnei in June. Both men were imprisoned in Belarus.

RFE/RL journalists Farid Mehralizada and Nika Novak remain unjustly imprisoned in Azerbaijan and Russia, respectively. Former RFE/RL journalist Reza Valizadeh remains imprisoned in Iran.

South African presenter Ayanda Charlie to host the AIBs 2025

8 September 2025

South African presenter Ayanda Charlie to host the AIBs 2025

Ayanda Charlie to host 21st annual journalism awards in London

Winner of the AIBs 2024 Emerging Talent award will lead global celebration of journalism and factual storytelling

The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) is delighted to announce that Ayanda Charlie, South Africa-based freelance multimedia producer and presenter, will host the 21st annual AIBs, the international awards celebrating journalism and factual productions across video, audio and digital platforms.

The AIBs gala will take place in London on 14 November 2025 at the Park Hyatt London River Thames, welcoming journalists, editors, producers, directors and media executives from across the globe to honour the very best in international factual storytelling.

Ayanda Charlie is best known for her work with BBC Africa Eye, including Fear And Loathing in South Africa, a powerful investigation into the xenophobic group Operation Dudula. She is the winner of the AIB Emerging Talent Award in 2024 and a 2022 Open Society Foundations Investigative Journalism Fellow, establishing her as one of the most dynamic and courageous voices in investigative journalism today.

Ayanda Charlie said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be invited to host the AIBs in 2025, especially after winning the Emerging Talent award last year. The AIBs shine a vital spotlight on the power of journalism and the importance of reporting facts with integrity – something that is urgently needed, particularly across my home continent of Africa where courageous reporting can change lives. It is also deeply meaningful to me, as a woman in journalism, to stand on this stage and celebrate the outstanding work of colleagues around the world who are holding power to account and telling the stories that matter.”

Simon Spanswick, Chief Executive of the AIB, said:
“We are thrilled that Ayanda Charlie will be hosting the AIBs 2025. Ayanda embodies the values of fearless, independent journalism that the AIBs were created to celebrate. Her work with BBC Africa Eye has highlighted critical issues with integrity and bravery, and her voice will add an inspiring and compelling presence to this year’s awards gala in London.”

The AIBs 2025 will showcase entries from across the world, recognising the creativity, determination and impact of journalists and producers who bring factual stories to audiences on television, radio, podcasts and digital platforms.

For more information about the AIBs, visit www.theaibs.tv.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in September: Manga Behind the Scenes

2 September 2025

NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in September: Manga Behind the Scenes

Manben: Behind the Scenes of Manga with Urasawa Naoki

Otomo Katsuhiro September 13 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Otomo Katsuhiro is celebrated as a man who revolutionized Japanese manga, and he joins us for an in-depth discussion with Urasawa Naoki. Admired by today’s top creators, Otomo’s work redefined realism, movement, and spectacle in manga. We look through original drafts to reveal the secrets of his innovative style, from striking perspectives to unforgettable destruction scenes. Urasawa revisits Domu, the masterpiece that impacted him even more than Akira. Watch to find out what’s coming next!
IMPACTS: Climates Change the World September 27 Sat. 1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC) Asia’s Double Global Warming The WMO’s latest report revealed warming in Asia to be twice the global average in 2024. Among record high sea surface temperatures and marine heatwaves, we examine the reasons for these phenomena.
Journeys in Japan Tuesdays 0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC) Explore a different side of Japan. Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks!

Bundesliga International lands historic three-year deal with MBC GROUP for the MENA region

22 August 2025

Bundesliga International lands historic three-year deal with MBC GROUP for the MENA region

Bundesliga International strikes deal with MBC GROUP, becoming the first European league to be shown on their linear and digital channels
MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in MENA, and will offer fans the opportunity to watch multiple games per matchday free-to-air
Alongside live matches, both organisations will work together on joint-marketing strategy to continue the growth of the Bundesliga in a locally relevant way

The Bundesliga will be available to millions of football fans throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, after a three-year partnership was struck with media powerhouse MBC GROUP. The move comes as part of the Bundesliga International’s global growth strategy to ensure maximum exposure in a rapidly growing fanbase.

Recognised as the largest and leading media conglomerate in MENA, and present in every Arab-household, MBC GROUP will now bring the Bundesliga to its core sports offering as the first European league to be broadcasted.

The deal, which begins immediately, ensures that the millions of German football fans across the region can watch Bundesliga matches without restriction, starting with this Friday’s season opener between reigning champions FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig (kick off 20:30 CEST).

Three matches a week will be available on free-to-air (FTA) channel MBC ACTION, while the opening match will air on the flagship channel MBC1 to celebrate the launch of the new season. All matches will be available on Shahid – the world’s leading Arabic streaming platforms. Together, Bundesliga International and MBC GROUP will develop a joint-marketing strategy, ensuring that the partnership goes way beyond the live matches.

“We are proud to work with the region’s leading player, and one that is committed to bringing the Bundesliga closer than ever before to millions of football fans,” said Peer Naubert, CEO of Bundesliga International:

“As one of the fastest growing regions for football fandom, and in particular within the female demographic, the Middle East and North Africa is central to our global growth strategy, and our partnership is built on a 360-degree, localised approach that will ensures we are telling the stories that matter in a relevant and engaging way. From the world-class product on the field, to our unique and unrivalled clubs and fans, MBC’s phenomenal reach and position as a media and entertainment superpower will ensure that together we deliver the best of the Bundesliga day-in and day-out.”

The Bundesliga has been active across the MENA region, at all levels of football development. In April 2025, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig hosted an all-female coaching delegation from the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), sharing expertise and providing opportunities for the young coaches to lead training sessions at their elite academies.

Furthermore, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has hosted leagues for knowledge exchange workshops on areas such as broadcast technology and league administration. As part of a comprehensive growth strategy, the league is also active on the ground to bring the Bundesliga closer to fans. Alongside coaching exchanges and fan visits, Bundesliga International hosted its first Iftar in Jeddah in April 2025, with Bundesliga fans gathering to a Ramadan Iftar and watching a Bundesliga match.

“We are proud to partner with the Bundesliga, bringing the next three seasons of the German Premier League to the MENA region exclusively across MBC broadcast and streaming platforms. Our partnership will extend beyond broadcasting rights to also include marketing and promotion, as well as exchanging comprehensive technical expertise, and much more,” said Mike Sneesby CEO of MBC Group.

“This new agreement is part of our strategic objective to bring the best international sports to millions of fans across the Arab world and the entire region and will allow them to enjoy all the magic of German football,” concluded Sneesby.

[Source: MBC press release]

Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on Foreign Media Access to Gaza

21 August 2025

Media Freedom Coalition issues statement on Foreign Media Access to Gaza

In light of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, urge Israel to allow immediate independent foreign media access and afford protection for journalists operating in Gaza.  

Journalists and media workers play an essential role in putting the spotlight on the devastating reality of war. Access to conflict zones is vital to carrying out this role effectively. We oppose all attempts to restrict press freedom and block entry to journalists during conflicts.    

We also strongly condemn all violence directed against journalists and media workers, especially the extremely high number of fatalities, arrests and detentions. We call on the Israeli authorities and all other parties to make every effort to ensure that media workers in Gaza, Israel, the West Bank and East Jerusalem – local and foreign alike – can conduct their work freely and safely. Deliberate targeting of journalists is unacceptable. International humanitarian law offers protection to civilian journalists during armed conflict. We call for all attacks against media workers to be investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted in compliance with national and international law. 

We reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, unhindered flow of humanitarian aid and for a path towards a two-state solution, long-term peace and security.  

Signed:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Chile
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Sierra Leone
Slovakia
Slovenia
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
the Netherlands
the United Kingdom