Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Biman Prasad, addressed the increasing challenges faced by mainstream media amid the rise of alternative digital platforms at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 in Suva. He pointed out that many individuals are gravitating towards alternative media for convenience and perceived alignment with their perspectives.
Prasad highlighted a significant issue: the difference in regulatory frameworks between mainstream media and social media platforms. While mainstream media adheres to laws concerning defamation, privacy, employment, and ethical journalism, social media users, including bloggers and self-styled activists, often operate without such constraints, leading to the dissemination of unverified information.
Emphasizing the need to restore public trust in traditional media—especially in Fiji, where historical restrictions have bred skepticism—Prasad acknowledged the complexities of media challenges in the region. He outlined concerns related to geopolitical influences, misinformation driven by artificial intelligence, and the manipulation of information as growing threats.
“To address these issues effectively as the South Pacific becomes a focal point for major power rivalries, we must safeguard media integrity and combat AI-driven misinformation that jeopardizes livelihoods and rights,” he stressed.
Additionally, the Acting Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to media integrity by announcing funding support for public service broadcasting, with a budget allocation of $10.4 million. This investment aims to empower traditional media while ensuring that two private media organizations have already benefited from grants.
The ongoing Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 serves as an essential platform for regional media stakeholders to engage in discussions about journalistic integrity, the evolving landscape of digital media, and innovative strategies to address the challenges posed by misinformation. This conference represents a proactive step forward in enhancing media credibility and fostering a more informed public.
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