The Fiji coalition government has kept to its promise to ensure there is media freedom and its first step was to repeal the oppressive Media Industry Development Act.
Acting Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the government also ended the business of exclusive government contracts to selected media companies.
While opening the annual Pacific Media Partnership Conference (PMPC) in Suva Tuesday, Prasad said the government is criticized for many things, both in mainstream and social media.
He said that while some criticism is justified, others he feels is a bit unfair.
Prasad stresses that all the parties in the coalition government are strongly committed to the freedom of Fiji’s people, including freedom of expression.
“And if we are sometimes annoyed by the things people say, we perfectly understand that it is the price we pay for being in power. And to those who criticise us, I say keep holding us to account. But remember how you became free enough and informed enough to do that.”
Prasad said the coalition government will not interfere with the independence of any media organisation in the country.
Over 120 journalists, editors, and media executives have gathered in Suva for the annual PMPC.
The three-day event, co-organised by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, will share insights and discuss the media industry’s challenges and priorities for the year ahead.
ABU News Director Deborah Steele said these sessions will cover key issues such as the drug crisis, media training strategies, and cutting-edge developments like Starlink.
“So having an open mind, being willing to experiment, making sure that managers know that it’s good to encourage staff to experiment, and looking at tools that can be used to improve efficiency but also enhance content.”
Steele said the programme is designed around feedback from members, focusing on topics that matter most to the region’s media landscape.
She said that the programme will mean something different to each participant, but the goal is to facilitate an exchange of ideas that helps them understand the ongoing changes in the industry.
The Pacific Media Conference is a gathering of media professionals, academics, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Pacific media industry.
