All Government newspaper advertising and notices will be placed in the Fiji Sun in 2016. The Government confirmed this after an intensive and extensive search to select the best media to use.

It means all Government ministries, departments, statutory bodies, authorities and entities will use the Fiji Sun.

The Government had called for Expressions of Interest from print media publishers. The Ministry of Communications set wide ranging criteria applicants would be selected on. The written expressions of interest were then evaluated. Finally there were face-to-face interviews conducted with representatives of the shortlisted applicants.

These were done by a panel headed by Solicitor-General and Acting Permanent Secretary for Communications Sharvada Sharma and including an international consultant.

Confirmation of the Fiji Sun’s selection came in a letter from Mr Sharma to Fiji Sun Publisher/CEO Peter Lomas on Christmas Eve.

Mr Lomas said yesterday that the process was designed to find the best newspaper to use to get information out.

“This went way beyond things like just ad rates,” he said. “We ticked the boxes.”

Mr Lomas said the Fiji Sun was also able to show how it adds real value.

“For example, we were able to show how we always tried harder. Such as waiting up to 3am to get critical Elections Office notices in the paper and circulated widely during the elections. For example, readership. We do not have just paid urban shop and street sales circulation. But also our wide ranging PANPA award-winning programmes working with schools and others getting newspapers out to maritime and rural areas.

“For example, stepping up during national emergencies. Such as getting our papers – with vital information – through to flood hit areas when others could not. Again we won a PANPA award for this.

“For example, our educational and awareness programmes in areas as diverse as voter registration and fire safety. Again, we have been a PANPA award winner for such efforts.

“For example, our investment in better equipment and quality of production. Such as being the first Fijian newspaper to use CtP (computer to plate) technology in prepress and four-high colour towers on our press.

“For example, our investment in people through extensive training programmes here and overseas. And tapping into best practice expertise globally. Such as our partnerships in India, home of the world’s biggest English-language newspapers.

“For example, our industry-leading investment in new media. Such as being an interactive newspaper using groundbreaking QR codes. Our own apps. Redesigning and developing our website. Using social media to bring people to this.

“It all adds up to a pretty compelling value added case for any advertiser.

“We’re honoured by the Government’s decision to put their faith in the Fiji Sun.”