The Fiji Awards for Media Excellence made a remarkable return after a 17-year hiatus, celebrated last night in a significant event for the nation’s journalism industry. Rosi Doviverata, the Acting Publisher of the Fiji Sun and President of the Fiji Media Association, addressed attendees, emphasizing that despite the prolonged break, journalists in Fiji remained dedicated to serving the nation.
Doviverata characterized the event as more than a celebration, describing it as a “return of confidence, pride, and excellence” for media professionals throughout Fiji. She reflected on the industry’s evolution from 2007 to 2025, declaring that Fiji’s media did not falter during tough times but instead improved.
The awards ceremony honored the achievements of major media organizations, recognizing their resilience amidst various challenges such as political, financial, and operational issues. Doviverata particularly praised the FBC for elevating sports broadcasting into a national phenomenon, the Fiji Times for its commitment to independent journalism, and Fiji Television for its pioneering achievements despite facing commercial hurdles.
In highlighting the rapid digital growth of platforms like Fiji Live and Fiji Village, as well as the continued progress of the Fiji Sun, she underscored the vibrant landscape of media in Fiji. Additionally, Doviverata, who is also the founder of Women in Media, spotlighted the increasing presence of female leadership within newsrooms. She declared that women are stepping into strong roles, signifying a shift in the industry.
Encouraging young female journalists, she stated, “don’t wait for permission. You belong here. You can lead here. And your voice is needed here.” Doviverata called on journalists across the industry to move past superficial reporting and engage in deeper investigations, fostering accountability and impactful storytelling. She reiterated the media’s crucial role, asserting that journalism transcends being merely a profession; it embodies a “public trust and a calling.”
This revival of the Fiji Awards for Media Excellence not only recognizes past achievements but also sets a hopeful tone for the future of journalism in Fiji, inspiring current and emerging media professionals to uphold the highest standards in their work.
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