Papua New Guinea must build a resilient media sector capable of adapting to rapid technological change while maintaining public trust, says the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Flierl Shongol.

Speaking at the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, Shongol said Pacific nations are experiencing significant digital transformation as internet connectivity expands and digital platforms increasingly shape how citizens access information.

However, he warned that the opportunities presented by digital technologies are accompanied by growing challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, cybersecurity threats and declining traditional media revenue streams.

"The question before us is not whether media will become digital. That transition is already underway," Shongol said.

"The question is how do we build resilient Pacific media systems that remain trusted, sustainable, secure and relevant in the digital age?"

He said media resilience involves the ability of media organisations to adapt to technological change, resist cyber threats, counter misinformation and continue serving communities during crises and disasters.

For Pacific Island countries, he said, resilience must also account for geographical challenges, limited infrastructure, small advertising markets and climate-related risks.

"Resilient media is not only a media issue. It is a national development issue, a governance issue and a digital transformation issue," he said.

Shongol said governments, regulators and media organisations must work together to ensure the region's media sector remains strong and sustainable as digital transformation continues across the Pacific.