MEDIA RELEASE
02 October 2007
For immediate release
PNG journalist takes part in Douglas Gabb Internship
A PNG journalist has been selected to take part in a new internship program set up by the Australian Government in memory of the late Papua New Guinean broadcaster, Douglas Gabb.
Mr Ivan Bayagau, a senior reporter with FM100, was chosen to participate in the inaugural Douglas Gabb Australia Pacific Journalism Internship with Radio Australia. He will fly to Australia this week for the intensive two-week program which will include a wide range of visits and activities in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
The internship was established earlier this year in honour of Mr Gabb – a well known and highly respected broadcaster with Radio Australia for nearly 20 years.
Mr Bayagua and FM100 Managing Director, Peter Tareasi, visited the Australian High Commission this morning to meet the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis.
Mr Moraitis said: “We have invited a number of PNG journalists to travel to Australia over the years because it is useful for them to gain first hand insights into Australian society, given the importance of the relationship between our two countries.
“I am particularly pleased that Ivan, a Papua New Guinean, has been selected to take part in this new internship because Douglas Gabb was also a Papua New Guinean.”
Mr Bayagau said: “It is a privilege to be selected for the inaugural internship and I thank the Australian Government for this opportunity. I’m also grateful to FM100 for allowing me to take part. It is a real bonus for FM100, especially the newsroom.
“This program will be beneficial to me, as I am very keen to know more about the type of electronic equipment and technology that radio journalists use in Australia.”
The internship allows journalists from the Pacific to build contacts in Australia and report on aspects of contemporary Australian society. It also seeks to develop the journalism skills of participants and provide a broader awareness of some of the technology being used in Australian broadcasting.
The internship is managed jointly by Radio Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr Bayagau will visit Australia from 6-20 October.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454