The FAME Awards, or the Fiji Awards for Media Excellence, are set to make a comeback this year after a 17-year hiatus. The announcement was made by the Fiji Media Council and the Fiji Media Association during the ABU Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Suva.
The awards were disbanded in 2009 due to stringent censorship laws that restricted media freedom. FAME Awards Chairman Shane Hussein emphasized that these awards represent the pinnacle of achievements within Fiji’s media landscape, stating that they are highly coveted within the industry. He highlighted the importance of recognizing both the solidarity and competition that exists among Fiji’s media professionals.
The revival of the FAME Awards is a key initiative of the reformed Fiji Media Council, which aims to promote self-regulation and uphold high standards of responsible reporting. Agatha Ferei Furivai, Chairperson of the Fiji Media Council, remarked that the awards underscore the critical role of journalists and the significance of responsible reporting in promoting media freedom and communication rights in the country.
Stanley Simpson, General Secretary of the Fiji Media Association, noted that the awards’ return signals a positive shift towards enhanced media freedom in Fiji. He stated that the FAME Awards will recognize the excellence and dedication of journalists, while raising awareness about the vital role of good journalism and press freedom.
This year’s awards will feature 30 different accolades across eight categories, with major categories including Print Journalist of the Year, Radio Journalist of the Year, TV Journalist of the Year, and Journalist of the Year. The event will also reintroduce the Fiji Media Hall of Fame. The eligibility period for submitted works is two years, ending on August 31, 2025, and the awards ceremony will take place on November 29 in Suva.
The return of the FAME Awards not only celebrates the achievements of journalists but also represents an encouraging step toward restoring media freedom and responsibility in Fiji. This development can be seen as a hopeful signal that the media landscape in the region is on a path to greater openness and recognition of journalistic integrity.
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