THE IMPACTS OF PROTECTIONISM ON CULTURAL INDUSTRIES

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Editing a local film

Parc, Messerlin, and Kim (2022) discussed the impact of protectionism on cultural industries, which is quite fascinating, especially regarding the effects of China’s film policies on imported films. So, how does that work for PNG and what if PNG developed and implemented its own Protectionism policy? – Liklik 2t tintin blo mi. The impact of protectionism on cultural industries in a small country like Papua New Guinea, where much of the content and media models are derived from Western frameworks, can be multifaceted:

1. Cultural Preservation and Identity: Protectionist policies could help PNG promote and preserve its unique cultural identity by encouraging the production and distribution of local content. By limiting foreign media imports, the government could create a more favourable environment for local filmmakers and content creators to develop narratives that reflect PNG's diverse cultures and traditions. This could lead to a stronger sense of national identity and cultural pride among the population.

2. Economic Development: By fostering a local film and media industry, protectionism could stimulate economic growth through job creation and the development of related sectors, such as tourism and education. A thriving local cultural industry could attract investment and provide opportunities for young people in PNG, reducing reliance on foreign media and creating a sustainable economic model.


Macquarie University Film Studio

 

3. Challenges of Isolation: However, protectionism may also pose challenges for a small island nation like PNG. The limited size of the domestic market could hinder the growth of local content industries, as there may need to be more demand to sustain them. Additionally, without access to diverse international content, audiences may have a narrower range of media experiences, which could limit exposure to global ideas and trends.

4. Quality and Resources: The effectiveness of protectionist measures would depend on the capacity and resources available to local creators. If the local industry lacks the necessary funding, training, and infrastructure, protectionism could stagnate content quality. In such cases, audiences might still prefer foreign content, undermining the goals of protectionist policies.

5. Balancing Act: Ultimately, PNG would need to strike a balance between protecting its cultural industries and allowing foreign content importation. A hybrid approach that supports local content creation while still permitting some level of foreign media could help foster a vibrant cultural landscape. This landscape would respect local traditions while remaining connected to global narratives, inspiring the audience with the potential of PNG's cultural industries.

 

In summary, while protectionism could offer opportunities for cultural preservation and economic development in PNG, it also presents challenges related to market size, quality, and resource availability. However, a balanced and nuanced approach that considers both local needs and global influences would be essential for the sustainable growth of PNG's cultural industries. This reassures the audience that all factors are being carefully considered in the analysis.


Filming in Kikori


Comments

  1. BubumahnOctober 28, 2024 at 10:06 PM

    Kefere, good thoughts!

    Protectionism can go two ways, PNG in my view stands to miss out if we go down that part.

    China can did it because they have a substitute for Google, Facebook and android! An obvious infrastructure, technology, manufacturing, investment and market difference to support their aspirations.

    For a small country like PNG to try to protect and promote its own through policy, might mean sacrificing many things.

    You see, limiting foreign content and introducing restrictions on foreign content means filtering content that comes in from Google, Youtube, facebook and other related platforms where much of the foreign content is shared.

    The US doesn't like it when countries introduce filters or come up with their own technology to substitute what it is already providing.

    The evidence is clear when US and China were at it when the Trump administration was still in place. Really a media war!

    Hence, we still depend on these information hubs at present for everything, including sourcing foreign content which we see as industry leaders.

    Globalization and capitalism thrive in our country where we are still yet to find the right balance in a nation of thousand tribes, where regionalism exists even in the peripheries of our towns and cities.

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