The Fijian Media Association (FMA) has approached the government with a proposal to acquire a piece of land dedicated to establishing a journalism institute and Press Club. This initiative was announced by FMA’s general secretary and FijiNikua magazine editor, Stanley Simpson, during the launch of the bi-monthly magazine on Christmas Eve.
Simpson highlighted the significant constraints faced by the media landscape over the past 16 years and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Coalition Government for repealing the Media Industry Development Authority Act 2010, which has paved the way for a freer media environment. He emphasized the importance of this development for revitalizing democracy and fostering open discourse.
He urged that the present moment should be seized to create a lasting legacy of free speech for future generations. The proposed journalism institute and Press Club align with the FMA’s five-year strategic plan, and several key stakeholders have shown interest in supporting this initiative.
“This facility would serve as a testament to the media’s enduring contributions to our country,” Simpson stated. Furthermore, FMA is preparing to host the regional Pacific Islands News Association (PiNA) Media Summit in Savusavu in 2026, further underscoring their commitment to enhancing media engagement in the region.
This initiative not only represents a step forward for the media sector in Fiji but also a hopeful sign for the revival of a robust democratic framework that values free expression and informed discourse.
In summary, the FMA’s proposal signifies a commitment to advancing journalism in Fiji and enhancing the role of the media in fostering democracy, with plans for collaboration from various stakeholders and an upcoming regional summit to highlight these efforts.
Leave a comment