A top Papua New Guinea editor yesterday warned Fijians of the impact of Fake News on elections.

Fake news, through the improper use of social media, contributed to causing a turbulent election in Papua New Guinea last year, he said at Nadi.

Neville Choi is Head of News and Current Affairs at Papua New Guinea’s main television station, EMTV, and a former newspaper editor.

He said it is time news organisations work together to counter the damage done by Fake News and what he termed ‘the misinformation that is mushrooming on social media.”

Mr Choi was among speakers on the closing day of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Pacific Media Partnership conference at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau, Nadi, hosted by the Fijian Government. It was organised by the ABU, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and Fiji TV.

Speaking after a conference session, Mr Choi elaborated on his warnings about“Fake News” and the Papua New Guinea elections given during a panel discussion on “Making News Great Again”.

He said:  “We saw a rise in people using social media especially Facebook and putting up stories which weren’t very credible and were mainly attacking their opposing candidates.

“While there is a case to be made for the using of social media platforms as a means for sourcing information and news tips, there is also a case to be made for invalidated and unsubstantiated news and information to be countered.”

Mr Choi called on news outlets to focus on the basics of journalism and to work together to promote the values of mainstream media.

This was critical with the proliferation of “Fake News” on social media.

“Like Climate Change, other dangerous precedents have been set. Precedents that call into question the pillars of what journalism stands on. The foundation in which lies the truth.”

Mr Choi urged Fijian journalists to be vigilant in their work as the national election draws near.

He urged: “Report and be the voice of the people. Stick to the facts and tell the world your story.”

Media executives and senior journalists from Asia and the Pacific were in Nadi for a media summit on climate change.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Lusi Banuve is a senior reporter for the Fiji Sun based in Lautoka