The government has announced its decision to open the Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) service to all media organizations starting from the next financial year, ending the exclusivity previously granted to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC).
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated in a release that the Cabinet reached this decision during meetings held on July 11, 12, and 15. He emphasized that this move aims to promote fairness and create a level playing field in the media industry. The inclusion of more service providers is intended to ensure broader coverage of issues of public interest and foster fair competition in the media sector.
This development is expected to be welcomed as it will allow for more local content, increase the reach of media services across the country, and improve overall media standards in Fiji.
Stanley Simpson, director of Mai TV, praised the government’s decision. He noted that Mai TV has operated for 15 years without government support, unlike competitors who have received significant financial incentives. Simpson highlighted the importance of PSB funds, stating that they serve the public good and will aid in producing content that enriches Fijians with knowledge, news, culture, and information. He also emphasized that this fair distribution of PSB funds will strengthen Fiji’s broadcast industry and production capabilities.
FBC’s chief executive officer Tarun Patel also welcomed the inclusion of other media in the PSB grant and nation-building events. He assured that FBC would continue its work to deliver PSB services as per the government contract.
Attempts to obtain comments from Fiji Television Limited’s CEO Sunjeewa Perera and Communications Fiji Limited’s general manager Charles Taylor were unsuccessful.