Fiji TV, Mai TV Secure PSB Grant
“Our aim is to produce shows that help our people make informed choices and contribute to good citizenship, community development and cohesion.”
Saturday 01 February 2025 | 11:09
From left: Mai TV director Stanley Simpson, Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia, Mai TV chief executive officer Raijieli Vulaono and New Methodist Christian Fellowship Reverend Atunaisa Vulaono during the signing of the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) Grant agreement January 31, 2025. Photo: DEPTFO News
Fiji Television Limited and Mai TV will now run their daily operations more effectively and efficiently with allocations from the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) grant.
The television companies signed the PSB grant agreement on Friday, allowing them the opportunity to diversify their contents.
Government had allocated $10.4 million in the current National Budget for the PSB grant, which also covered the shares for state broadcaster, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.
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A tender was then put out for the remaining grant for television and radio. Fiji Television and Mai TV were successful bidders for television.
Mai TV director Stanley Simpson said the grant was a welcome boost for Mai TV, which had survived despite being the smallest TV station in the market, being unfairly treated, and operating on an uneven playing field.
“We have had to downsize, minimise and run on almost a bare minimum for the last 10 years just to stay afloat,” Mr Simpson said.
Assistant Minister for Information, Aliki Bia with Fiji Television chief executive officer, Sunjeewa Perera during the signing of the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) Grant agreement January 31, 2025. Photo: DEPTFO News
“The PSB funds will go towards producing meaningful public interest content such as independent news and current affairs services, talk-shows, minor sports coverage, cultural storytelling, business features, health and educational awareness, and discussions on development issues.”
Mr Simpson said Mai TV was committed to providing unbiased, informative, and engaging content for the people of Fiji.
“Our aim is to produce shows that help our people make informed choices and contribute to good citizenship, community development and cohesion.”
Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia said the grant would help the television companies in producing and broadcasting local content that are informative and educational for the Fijians.
Fiji Television chief executive officer, Sunjeewa Perera, did not respond to emailed questions.
The focus is now on finalising the tender for the radio component.
Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj
