Government reforms drive media freedom gains: PM Rabuka

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji’s rise in global press freedom rankings is the result of deliberate government reforms aimed at restoring openness, trust and access to information.

Speaking yesterday to mark World Press Freedom Day, Mr Rabuka said Fiji’s jump from 84th in 2023 to 24th this year in the Reporters Without Borders global index was not accidental.

"Our rise in the global rankings from 84th in 2023 to 24th today is not by chance. It reflects deliberate decisions by Government to restore openness, rebuild trust, and strengthen access," Mr Rabuka said.

Mr Rabuka said key reforms included the removal of restrictive media laws, notably the Media Industry Development Authority framework, which he said constrained media independence.

“We chose engagement over control, accessibility over distance, and transparency over restriction,” he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to Government support for the sustainability of the media industry, including the extension of public service broadcasting grants beyond the national broadcaster.

While acknowledging that there was a valid policy argument for such support to primarily go to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Rabuka said his Government adopted a broader approach.

“A strong democracy benefits from a diverse and functioning media landscape,” he said, adding that weakened media institutions could not effectively serve the public.

He said Government welcomed the progress made but stressed that continued commitment was needed to maintain and strengthen media freedom.

“So yes, this is a moment to celebrate,” Mr Rabuka said. “But it is also a moment to reflect.”