Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democracy and press freedom at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025.
Addressing media professionals, government officials, and international delegates at the Suva Civic Centre, Prof. Prasad highlighted the Coalition Government’s reforms to restore media independence following years of restrictions under the previous administration.
“One of our first acts in Government was to repeal the oppressive Media Industry Development Act,” Prof. Prasad stated.
“We also ended the business of exclusive Government contracts to selected media favourites.”
Prof. Prasad acknowledged that his government is subject to criticism from the press but views it as an essential pillar of democracy.
“Some of that criticism is justified—we are far from a perfect government. Some of it we feel is a bit unfair, but I suppose all governments feel that way sometimes.”
Highlighting Fiji’s progress, Prof. Prasad pointed to recognition from global watchdog Freedom House.
“In 2023, Freedom House ranked Fiji the most improved country in the world for civil liberties as a result of the change in government. That is no accident.”
He recalled the media restrictions of the past, describing how previous governments controlled newsrooms.
“Who can forget the days when the former Fiji Sun editors waited every afternoon to be told by the Government what the following day’s headlines would be? The price for their subservience was a multi-million-dollar exclusive advertising contract.”
Prof. Prasad assured the audience that such political interference is now a thing of the past.
“This government will not interfere with FBC’s independence. Even the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation—the government-owned broadcaster—now regularly runs news that is critical of the government.”
Prof. Prasad also addressed the growing challenges posed by misinformation and social media, emphasising the importance of ethical journalism.
“Mainstream media is challenged by a set of rules which do not apply to social media—the requirement to be accountable under national laws, media and business regulations, and ethical journalism standards. None of these laws apply to bloggers or so-called activists who push their often-half-baked ideas onto others from their keyboards.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public service broadcasting, announcing continued financial support for media organisations.
“On our part, the government allocated a total of $10.4 million in the last budget for public service broadcasting, and already two private media organisations have received their grants.”
Concluding his address, the Acting Prime Minister urged media professionals to continue their critical role in holding power to account.
“To those who criticise us, I say, keep holding us to account. But remember how you became free enough, and informed enough, to do that.”
The 2025 Pacific Media Partnership Conference is taking place at the Suva Civic Centre from 11-13 February 2025, co-hosted by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). It coincides with FBC Radio’s 70th anniversary, the launch of FBC’s Media Academy, and World Radio Day 2025, culminating in a Gala Dinner at Ratu Sukuna Park.
The conference will address key challenges for Pacific Island broadcasters, including content acquisition, sports rights, digital platform innovations, Generative AI in news, emergency broadcasting, and monetising OTT platforms. Discussions will also revisit budget pressures, reliance on Big Tech, climate change, gender equality in media leadership, and press freedom.
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