Independent media organizations in Fiji face significant challenges, including issues relating to media freedom, democracy, and financial constraints.
Vijay Narayan, news director of Communications Fiji Ltd (CFL), spoke on these issues during a panel discussion at the 2024 Pacific International Media Conference in Suva yesterday.
Narayan noted that CFL had faced numerous threats over the past 13 years for advocating democracy and media freedom before the repeal of the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) 2010 last year.
He stressed the importance of media independence and the need for legal and financial support to sustain the media industry in the Pacific. Additionally, he highlighted the need for meaningful collaboration with the Government, donors, and universities.
“I want to challenge everyone in this room, there can be a lot of talk, but it needs to be followed up with good support and action,” Narayan said.
“We need meaningful collaboration, the donors that are sitting here—don’t just tick the box.
“We need to evolve with time – many challenges lie ahead but we need to engage them head-on.
“Because at the end of the day, we must ask ourselves the question of why are we doing this?
“What is our objective and what are we trying to achieve?”