The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) has received praise for its advancements in financial management, transparency, and digital transformation, highlighted during a recent parliamentary debate on its annual reports from 2018 to 2023. Despite a 44% cut in Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) funding, FBC reported a net profit of $555,000 for 2024 and has reduced its reliance on government funding from 42.6% in 2018 to 39.4% in 2024.
Assistant Minister for Information Sachida Nand noted that the FBC is undergoing significant modernization, which includes implementing digital upgrades, a new outside broadcasting system, and a disaster resilience project valued at $3.8 million, supported by the Korean government. He explained that all technology initiatives are integrated into the corporation’s strategic planning framework, promising enhanced transparency in future disclosures about progress.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, countered criticisms from the opposition regarding FBC’s financial integrity, emphasizing that much of the discussed report stems from the opposition’s own time in power. He asserted that under the coalition government, FBC is now functioning with enhanced transparency and accountability and that journalists can operate freely, which has allowed the corporation to prosper and broaden its reach.
Paralleling FBC’s positive trajectory, the government is implementing measures to level the playing field in Fiji’s media landscape. Recent initiatives include a planned broader allocation of PSB funds to various media outlets, promoting fair competition and diverse media content across the country. This shift aims to ensure that all media organizations, not just FBC, can thrive and serve the public interest effectively.
The improving conditions within Fiji’s media sector indicate a hopeful future where increased competition and better resource management could enrich the quality of broadcasting, benefiting communities and enhancing public discourse throughout the nation. As these changes take root, they offer a glimpse of a revitalized and inclusive media landscape in Fiji.
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