Members of the Fiji Media Council,

Members of the media organisations,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula vinaka and Good morning,

Today, I am pleased to announce yet another major development in our national media landscape.

As you are aware, on 6 April of this year, the Parliament repealed the Media Industry Development Authority Act, which fulfilled the Coalition Government’s commitment to reinstate media freedom and for a more dynamic, accountable, and independent media industry in Fiji.

Since the repeal, there has been a lot of work progressing to establish the Fiji Media Council, and I am pleased to announce that the composition of this important body has been finalised. The Fiji Media Council comprises a diverse group of individuals who are committed to upholding the highest journalistic standards, defending media independence and freedom, and proactively addressing public concerns.

I’d like to congratulate Agatha Ferei-Furivai who was unanimously elected as Interim Chair of the Fiji Media Council.

I’ve been informed that the Fiji Media Council is made up of a diverse group, including national media organisations, government reps, and community members. This diversity is a big plus, as it allows for a wide range of perspectives and ensures that the Council can have meaningful discussions and make good decisions.

The main goal of the Fiji Media Council is to promote self-regulation and uphold high standards in the media industry. It acts as a platform where people in the media world can talk, work together, and resolve any issues that come up. The Council is also committed to taking public complaints about media content and ethics seriously, making sure there’s a fair and transparent process for handling concerns.

In addition, the Fiji Media Council is working on creating a set of guidelines called a ‘Code of Ethics and Practice’ for everyone in the media field. These guidelines stress the importance of accuracy, fairness, and accountability in journalism. The Council is also all about boosting media literacy among the public, giving people the tools they need to critically engage with media content.

So, in a nutshell, the Fiji Media Council is all about maintaining a diverse and responsible media landscape, building trust, and promoting transparency between media pros and the public.

The Coalition Government is fully committed to supporting the Fiji Media Council in its endeavors.

With that being said and as I have mentioned previously on many occasions, it is important to point out that the Fiji Media Council will operate independently of government influence, safeguarding its integrity and credibility.

The establishment of the Media Council represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant and responsible media industry. We are confident that the Council, with its diverse membership and clear mandate, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our media landscape.

Vinaka vakalevu and Thank you.