The countdown is on to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary this year!

In commemoration of this milestone, the ABC and PNG’s national broadcaster, the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), worked closely for the past 18 months to deliver the landmark documentary titled Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years.

The one-hour film is a powerful journey through PNG’s history, spirit and traditions. The documentary is part of a suite of ABC-NBC co-produced content being released across ABC and NBC television, radio and digital channels in the lead-up to and during the 50th anniversary celebrations.

The documentary was launched in a special event in Port Moresby this week. The ABC International Head Claire M. Gorman and NBC Managing Director Kora Nou hosted the advanced screening of the film for a selection of government, media, community and cultural leaders. PNG’s Prime Minister Hon. James Marape MP and the Minister for Communications and Information Technology Hon. Timothy Masiu MP provided video messages of support for ABC and NBC’s collaboration, Minister-Counsellor from the Australian High Commission Penny Morton addressed the audience and PNG Independence leaders including Sir Moi Avei, Dame Meg Taylor and family members of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare attended.

Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years will premiere on PNG’s Independence Day, Tuesday 16 September 2025, on the following channels;

• NBCTV at 7.30pm Papua New Guinea Time (PGT)
• ABC Australia at 2pm and 8pm PGT
• NBC National Radio 90.7FM at 8am and 8pm PGT
• ABC Radio Australia 101.9FM at 1pm and 6pm PGT

Across September, the NBC and ABC will also share special PNG 50 Years content and coverage with PNG audiences via NBC TV – PNG, NBC National Radio, TribeFM, ABC Australia, ABC Radio Australia, ABC Pacific and ABC News channels.

The ABC-NBC co-production was supported by the Media Development Initiative (MDI). The MDI is funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the #PNGAusPartnership program, and implemented by our team in PNG at ABC International Development.