Is there any hope for democracy if our media is heavily controlled - SEEP Fiji

Social Empowerment and Education Program (SEEP) Executive Director Chantelle Khan has questioned the Government on how can the media be free if the Government is heavily involved through both MIDA and the tribunal.

In her message on the 15th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, Khan says the media is a vital source of information to the general public on the daily affairs of the State, and they cannot do this if there is an air of fear and intimidation.

She says Fiji’s media industry is governed by the Media Industry Development Act 2010, which seems to give power to Government to control the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) and the tribunal appointment.

She adds to practice democracy, the media industry needs to be independent and report without the fear of prosecution.

The Executive Director says the vaguely worded Media Industry Development Act bans reporting that may be considered critical of the government to maintain national interest and public order.

Khan says such punitive laws not only obstruct the ethics of a journalist, but it also affects transparency and accountability, the pillars on which democracy stands.

She further says as we reflect on Fiji’s journey towards democracy, we know that historically, it has been tainted with coups and its ramifications as long as one can remember.

Khan adds going into preparations for the national elections, we should reflect on what democracy means for us and what the act of voting means for our future.