The National Broadcasting Corporation of Papua New Guinea (NBC/PNG) is continuing to strengthen the role of local-language broadcasting in preserving the country’s cultural identity and ensuring communities have access to information in languages familiar to them.

The importance of language preservation was highlighted as Papua New Guinea marked 51 years of independence, with NBC reflecting on the connection between traditional methods of preserving knowledge and the role modern broadcasting plays in carrying stories and cultural identity from one generation to the next.

The reflection followed a training programme in Beijing, China, where international journalists were introduced to the ancient Chinese practice of rubbing — a technique traditionally used to reproduce inscriptions and preserve written texts before the widespread use of modern printing.

For Papua New Guinea, the experience offered a parallel with the country’s own long history of using broadcasting to preserve and communicate through local languages.

Since independence, local-language radio has played an important role in helping communities receive news and information in ways that are accessible and meaningful to them.

NBC/PNG has continued to develop this approach as broadcasting technology and audience habits evolve. Earlier in 2026, the national broadcaster expanded its local-language services from radio into television news, extending the use of Papua New Guinea’s languages across another major broadcast platform.

The initiative demonstrates how modern journalism can contribute to the preservation of language and cultural knowledge while continuing to serve audiences with relevant and accessible information.

As broadcasting moves increasingly across television, radio and digital platforms, NBC/PNG’s local-language services highlight how new technologies can be used not only to reach audiences, but also to help ensure that languages, stories and cultural identities continue to be heard by future generations.

https://test.nbc.com.pg/post/39910/from-ancient-chinese-rubbings-to-png-language-news-preserving-stories-across-generations?utm_source=chatgpt.com