By Monika Singh
Fiji’s Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding freedom of speech, urging all media platforms to foster open expression while creating safe and inclusive spaces for every Fijian.
In her congratulatory message to the media fraternity following the Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence (FAME) Awards 2025, Ms Tabuya said every journalist played a vital role in strengthening democracy.
“The return of the FAME Awards after 17 years serves as a powerful recognition of the dedication, courage, and resilience of our media professionals, who work tirelessly, both on screen and behind the scenes, to keep our nation informed.”
Ms Tabuya also emphasised the government’s commitment to continue working with media organisations to ensure people have access to accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information at all times.
The awards night was held in Suva on Saturday, 6 December, where 22 individuals and organisations were recognised across various categories.
The top award – Journalist of the Year – went to veteran journalist and Fiji Times managing editor (Digital), Anish Chand. The 54-year-old thanked The Fiji Times for giving him a platform to share stories that matter.
Fiji Media Association (FMA) president and acting publisher of the Fiji Sun, Rosi Doviverata, urged journalists to dig deeper beneath the surface of ministerial statements and corporate publicity to hold the powerful to account.
According to Ms Doviverata, excellence demands challenging the status quo, asking difficult questions, and uncovering stories that matter most to communities. “For 17 years, the FAME has been silent. And yet through all those years, Fiji’s media never went quiet. Tonight is special because this is not just a return of an awards night — it is a return of confidence,” she said.
“The repeal of media laws opened a new space in Fiji — not just the legal space, but the emotional space. Creative space. Courageous space. And the return of the FAME Awards is proof.”
FMA general secretary and MaiTV director, Stanley Simpson, celebrated the resilience of Fiji’s media, calling the event a symbol of victory.
“Tonight feels personal. In a battle of wills against a brutal regime that took a lot out of many of us, tonight feels like freedom has won.”
He reflected on the challenges journalists faced since the FAME Awards were last fully held in 2008, recalling censorship, threats, and the fear of punishment for reporting the truth.
Despite these hardships, Mr Simpson emphasised that Fiji’s journalists “did not stop. We did not bow. We did not break,” continuing to report and ask difficult questions in the face of danger.
The event also included the induction of five individuals into the Fiji Media Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
FAME 2025 Winners
Top Honours
- Journalist of the Year: Anish Chand (The Fiji Times)
- Print Journalist of the Year: Anish Chand (The Fiji Times)
- Overall Television Journalist of the Year: Isoa Vuki (Mai TV)
- Radio Journalist of the Year: Vijay Narayan (fijivillage News)
Print & Journalism
- Scoop of the Year: Anish Chand (The Fiji Times)
- Best Print Article (News/Sports): Ivamere Nataro (Fiji Sun)
- Best Feature Article (Print): John Kamea (The Fiji Times)
- Best Business Journalism: Waisea Nasokia (Fiji Sun)
- Best Sports Journalism: Lusi Banuve (Mai TV)
- Best News Photography: Ronald Kumar (Fiji Sun)
- Best Sports Photography: Leon Lord (Fiji Sun)
- Young Journalist of the Year: Ioane Asioli (Fiji Sun)
Television & Video
- Best News Report (TV/Video): Vijay Narayan (fijivillage News)
- Best Camera Work (TV/Video): Isoa Vuki (Mai TV)
- Best Sports Report (TV/Video): Taina Basiyalo (FBC)
- Best Current Affairs Report: FBC (Coverage of Tui Nayau Installation)
Radio & Personality Categories
- Best Show or Personality (English): Alex Elbourne & Victoria Vollmer (Legend FM Breakfast Show)
- Best Show or Personality (Hindi): Masala Mix Show – Satya Nand, Anamika Maharaj, Jai Prasad & Jessica Lal (Radio Navtarang)
- Best Show or Personality (Vosa Vakaviti): Matakavou Show (Bula FM)
- Best Male Commentator: Satish Narayan (FBC)
- Best Female Commentator: Sesalina Cakau (FBC)
Digital, Marketing & Advertising
- Most Innovative Digital Team: The Fiji Times
- Most Innovative Storytelling (Digital): Mai TV (Coke Games coverage)
- Best TV Advertisement: Isoa Vuki (Mai TV)
- Best Print Advertising: Gaurav Tyagi (Fiji Sun)
- Best Radio Advertisement: John Vakaloloma (“Eyes up, phones down”)
Fiji Media Hall of Fame – Class of 2025
- Vijendra Kumar: The first local editor of The Fiji Times, who steered his newsroom through coups, closure, and intense political pressure, earning lasting respect as a champion of press freedom.
- Masimeke Latianara: A broadcasting icon whose 55-year career made him one of Fiji’s most recognisable and trusted voices.
- Laisa Taga: Honoured for her achievements as Fiji’s first female editor of a daily newspaper, a regional publishing leader, and an advocate for principled journalism.
- Keith Broadbridge: The legendary radio newsreader whose voice defined national bulletins on FBC and Gold FM for decades, earning him public admiration and national honours, including the Officer of the Order of Fiji.
- William Parkinson: Co-founder of Communications Fiji Limited, who won the government bid to establish private radio in 1984 at just 22. Forty years on, his influence on the media and leadership landscape remains unparalleled.
This article was first published on Wansolwara News and has been republished with permission.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
