In mid-1997, Nadi was on the verge of a significant development as its first community television station was set to begin operations. According to a report from The Fiji Times on May 3, 1997, John Yates of Community Television announced that he had received a three-year broadcasting license from then-Information Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
Mr. Yates, along with his wife Regina, had initially approached the government with their proposal in 1995, with the intention of starting with two-hour programs each evening. “We have everything in place and now we’re ready to get the finance from whoever’s interested to come in and support community television,” Mrs. Yates noted. Their efforts had already garnered significant interest, with aid organizations and 700 volunteers eager to support the initiative.
The planned programming aimed to encompass a wide range of educational content suitable for all age groups, with focuses on literacy, music, cultural, and religious themes, ultimately aiming to enhance community quality of life. Mrs. Yates highlighted a pressing matter: the setup of an aerial, which would require permission from landowners, potentially postponing their plans by a few months. “Once we have the necessary permissions, we could be on the airwaves in three to six months,” she expressed, radiating excitement about the project finally coming to fruition.
This vision for community television reflects a hopeful step towards fostering education and cultural awareness within the community. The enthusiasm and support from local volunteers and organizations indicate a strong desire for a platform that can enhance community engagement and improve the quality of life. As this project progresses, it holds the promise of uniting and educating the community through shared values and information.
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