Taina Basiyalo, a prominent sports journalist at the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, achieved a remarkable milestone in her career by winning the Television and Video Best Sports Award at the Fiji Media Achievement Excellence Awards. This prestigious event marked the first occasion in 17 years that the awards were held, making Basiyalo’s recognition even more significant.
Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, the mother of three dedicated her win to her close friends, particularly her four female colleagues in the sports journalism field who are making strides across various media organizations. “I’m lost for words, knowing the competition is pretty tight. There are a lot of sports journalists that I learn from,” she shared, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere among her peers.
Basiyalo’s passion for sports was cultivated in her upbringing in a sports-oriented family where her brothers played rugby, and her mother participated in netball and volleyball. Although she didn’t play sports herself, she found joy in observing the intricacies of various games, leading her to pursue a career in sports journalism. “It’s just amazing getting to meet sports representatives in this country. I’m just grateful to be a sports journalist in this country,” she stated.
Her influence extends beyond Fiji, as she has contributed to regional journalism. Notably, Basiyalo was chosen to support a new news team in Palau by preparing television and video news bulletins during the recent Pacific Mini Games, showcasing her dedication to the field.
As a female in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Basiyalo acknowledges the challenges but also the rewards that come with her role. She encourages aspiring young girls to seize opportunities within the media landscape. Her vision for the future includes advocating for more training programs to enhance journalists’ reporting skills and develop pathways for Fijian journalists to succeed internationally.
Basiyalo’s journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the progress women can achieve in sports journalism, and her hope for continued advancement in the industry reinforces the belief that dedication and hard work can lead to success.
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