FBC, Drua seal deal

Fijian Drua supporters across the country will gain wider access to their teams following the expansion of a broadcast partnership that includes free-to-air television and radio coverage. 

Drua chief executive officer Jeff Miller said yesterday the agreement allows fans to watch matches through set-top boxes, including those in remote communities. He said the move helped take the teams to people across the nation.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua plays in the ShopNSave Super Rugby Pacific while the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua (women) takes part in the Australian Super W competition. 

“The people of Fiji and the fans of the Drua can now watch the team on free-to-air television through set-top boxes,” Miller said. 

The legendary Wallabies flanker said the Government’s investment in set-top boxes ensured that coverage reached rural areas, allowing fans to follow the Drua from villages, markets and workplaces. 

“Whether it’s at the markets or in villages or rural areas, you can still watch the Fijian Drua do their thing,” he said. Miller also acknowledged Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) for its production work during the Drua home games, saying the broadcasts captured the atmosphere of the crowd and met international standards. 

“You can actually feel the excitement of the crowd coming through those broadcasts,” he said.

Miller added that 13 cameras were now used around the ground and FBC’s investment in production meant Drua matches were broadcast not only in Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand, but also to audiences in other overseas countries. 

He said this was something Fijians should be proud of. The partnership also includes radio coverage for fans unable to watch matches live. 

Miller said, listeners could follow the games while at work or on the move. 

“If you can’t watch the games, you can plug it into your ears and listen to the broadcast,” he said. 

FBC Television general manager Halofaki said, the partnership with the Drua has helped lift the broadcaster’s production standards over several years. 

He said earlier agreements had driven improvements in television coverage. 

“Our previous contract with the Drua enabled us to lift our game in terms of production,” Halofaki said. 

He said FBC plans to continue improving its coverage and highlighted the broadcaster’s national reach through both FM and AM transmitters. 

“In all corners of the islands in Fiji, FBC is there,” he said. Halofaki said Drua matches were carried live on free-to-air television and radio, including 558 AM and Radio Fiji One on 93 FM, ensuring fans across the country could follow local Drua games.