The Fiji Awards for Media Excellence (FAME) is set to make a comeback this November after a lengthy 17-year hiatus. This announcement was made by the Fiji Media Council and the Fijian Media Association during the recent Pacific Media Partnership Conference held in Suva.
Originally established in 2007, the FAME Awards were a highlight of Fiji’s media landscape, celebrating the achievements of journalists. However, the event was suspended after the 2009 implementation of stringent censorship laws that curtailed media freedom in the country. The most recent awards took place in 2008.
Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fijian Media Association, highlighted the significance of the awards’ return, indicating a gradual restoration of media freedom in Fiji. He noted that the difficult period for journalists came to a turning point with the repeal of the oppressive MIDA Act in 2023, leading to renewed optimism for the industry.
The 2025 FAME Awards is scheduled for November 29 and will include 30 awards across eight categories, recognizing outstanding contributions in print, radio, and television journalism. Notable awards will include Print Journalist of the Year, Radio Journalist of the Year, TV Journalist of the Year, and Journalist of the Year.
Public Member Shane Hussein has been appointed as the chairman of the FAME Awards. He expressed his enthusiasm about the relaunch of this prestigious event, emphasizing its importance in fostering camaraderie and healthy competition among media professionals in Fiji.
As the FAME Awards prepare to recognize journalism excellence, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that press freedom plays in a democracy. The entry eligibility for submissions encompasses a two-year period ending on August 31, 2025, encouraging a wide array of contributions from media professionals throughout Fiji.
In summary, the return of the FAME Awards marks a significant positive shift for the media landscape in Fiji, underscoring the resilience of journalists and the vital importance of press freedom in the country.
Leave a comment