As part of the recent Women’s and Agriculture Expo, a team from Radio Fiji One traveled to Vanuabalavu in Lau, reconnecting with local villages and celebrating the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation’s 70th anniversary. Senior Radio Personality Watisoni Butabua took to the airwaves, broadcasting live from the villages of Levukana, Lomaloma, and Dakuilomaloma. His segments captured nostalgic stories from elderly villagers about the early days of radio, a time when the devices were a rarity in their homes.
Villagers recounted gathering at the few homes that possessed radios, excited to hear transmissions, with some even humorously recalling their belief that small voices came from within the sets. These cherished stories featured prominently during the nightly 9 p.m. segment on Radio Fiji One, known as Na Siteseni ni Yalomatua, a program dedicated to sharing wisdom and experiences from Fiji’s elders.
Leadership figures, such as the Tui Levukana and the Tui Dakuilomaloma, emphasized the continual relevance of radio as an essential communication lifeline, especially during national emergencies like cyclones when information accessibility is critical. Women and children participated actively as well, sharing insights about radio’s impact on their lives and community bonding.
For the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, this visit marked not just a milestone celebration but also underscored the enduring significance of radio in fostering community connections and delivering vital information. The event reflects a hopeful picture of media’s power to unite and uplift local voices, demonstrating that even as digital platforms emerge, traditional media remains a cornerstone of Fijian life.
Reflecting on the broader context, the event aligns with recent discussions around the importance of public service broadcasting, highlighted by the Fiji Government’s commitment to invest $10.4 million in strengthening media services in the coming fiscal year. This investment aims to enhance communication and ensure communities have access to essential information, fostering a more informed society.
The intertwined narratives of community resilience and the enduring role of media suggest a growing recognition of how vital these connections are for navigating contemporary challenges. Through music and stories shared over the airwaves, Fijian radio continues to embody hope and unity among its listeners.
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