Parkinson’s journey in transforming Fiji’s radio industry

Despite many obstacles along the way to set up Fiji’s first ever 24 hour radio station, FM96 in 1985, one of the founders of Communications Fiji Limited, William Parkinson has achieved success by learning everything from scratch and transforming the media landscape in Fiji and the Pacific.

Speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Parkinson shared that after finishing university in the early 1980s and hearing that the Fijian government would allow private radio, he began researching and planning to launch a station.

He also met various people, including former Fiji Times journalist and public relations specialist, Matt Wilson, who was heavily involved in the early days of CFL for a long period and helped put together the proposal.

By 1984, his proposal led to winning an open bid to launch private radio in Fiji at just 22 or 23 years of age, turning his early passion for media into reality.

He added that businessman Harry Punja joined their organisation as an investor and later chairman, giving the company credibility and helping it gain momentum.

Parkinson says having no internet and operating with only one computer, FM96 became Fiji’s first 24-hour FM station, introducing a commercial radio format with a fresh, youth-driven energy, a rotating playlist of the latest music and new broadcasting techniques.

He further says that FM96 pioneered live call-in reporting and the use of radio RT units in cars and also became involved in sports by introducing fast coverage through volunteers and innovative technology.

Parkinson highlighted that the success of FM96 paved the way for other CFL radio stations, including Navtarang in 1989, Viti FM in 1996, Legend FM in 2002 and Radio Sargam 2004.