Government Opens Public Service Broadcasting to All Media Organisations
“PSB funds are important and serve an important public good. This will help us produce content that enrich Fijians with knowledge, news, culture and information,” Mr Simpson said.
Tuesday 16 July 2024 | 13:26
Government’s decision to open Public Service Broadcasting service is expected to improve media standard in Fiji. (Inset: Mai TV director Stanley Simpson.)
Good news to media organisations and members of the public after Government announced yesterday its decision in opening the Public Service Broadcasting service to all media organisations.
This will start from the next financial year compared to exclusivity given to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) in past years.
In a statement yesterday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, while announcing Cabinet’s decision in its meetings on July 11, 12 and 15, said: Government had exclusively engaged Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) to provide public service broadcasting through radio and TV. To ensure fairness and a level playing field in the media industry, Government intends to engage other service providers ensure a wider reach on issues of public interest and fair competition in the media industry.”
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The good news should be welcomed because it would allow a level playing field, more local and interesting content, increase the reach of media service across the country and improve media standard in Fiji.
Mai TV director Stanley Simpson commended Government for the incentive.
“Mai TV has been operating for 15 years without any government support while competitors have been given huge financial benefits and incentives,” Mr Simpson said.
“PSB funds are important and serve an important public good. This will help us produce content that enrich Fijians with knowledge, news, culture and information,” Mr Simpson said.
“They will strengthen our ability to tell our own stories to the world, otherwise our people will be influenced by content flooding them from overseas.”
He said the fair distribution of PSB funds would enhance Fiji’s broadcast industry and production capabilities, something that has long been lamented about.
FBC chief executive officer Tarun Patel welcomed the news saying other media has come on board to participate in public service broadcasting grant and nation building events.
“FBC will continue its work to deliver PSB as per the contract by Government.” He said.
Efforts to obtain comments from Fiji Television Limited chief executive officer Sunjeewa Perera and Communications Fiji Limited general manager Charles Taylor were unsuccesful.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
