Breaking barriers: Taina Basiyalo wins Best Sports Report

Fijian Broadcasting Corporation sports journalist Taina Basiyalo has made history after winning the Best Sports Report (Television & Video) at the Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence Awards (FAME) Awards.

It is an achievement that stands out in a field long dominated by men.

A highlight of her career was covering the Palau Mini Games, where she helped produce daily television bulletins.

Ms Basiyalo said the win left her emotional and grateful.

“Sports journalism in Fiji is tight, and there are so many amazing journalists I learn from every day,” she said.

Coming from a family of athletes, she found her own path through storytelling.

“Being in the sports space is not just a job for me. It’s a passion,” she said.

As a woman breaking barriers, she hopes her win inspires others. “Just do it. Take every opportunity and run with it,” she said.

Ms Basiyalo also called for more training programmes to help women thrive in sports journalism.

From Sautabu, Navosa, with maternal links to Nahigatoka, Nadroga, she was a part-time radio personality at FM96 from late 2016 to early 2018.

She joined FBC in February 2022 as a digital officer for nine months before becoming a multimedia sports journalist.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj