Qualitative data from BBC Media Action Research reveals that fijivillage is regarded as one of the most trusted news sources in Fiji

Qualitative data from this year's BBC Media Action Research reveals that fijivillage is regarded as one of the most trusted news sources in Fiji.

The independent survey conducted by BBC Media Action also highlights media consumption habits across platforms, with radio continuing to enjoy widespread listenership, and Navtarang identified as the country’s most popular Hindi station, followed by Radio Sargam, while FM96 leads among the youth audiences and LegendFM leads it's target audience. VITIFM has also been ranked highly in the survey.

The new BBC Media Action survey has found that Fiji is now one of the most digitally connected countries in the Pacific, with smartphones, social media, and mobile access increasingly shaping how people consume, share, and trust information.

Speaking at the launch of the survey results at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, British High Commission Counsellor, Josh Kemp highlighted that the findings show Fiji’s extensive digital reach, with nearly all adults now having access to mobile phones and smartphones.

He says misinformation remains a serious concern, with many respondents encountering false or misleading content at least once a month.

BBC Media Action’s Pacific Research Manager, Haung Nyoi says that despite the challenges, interest in news remains strong, with 88 per cent of respondents expressing at least some interest in current events.

She says the study, which included a telephone survey of 1,013 people, found that 68 per cent of respondents use the internet and social media daily, with Facebook remaining the most widely used platform, followed by YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Nyoi says the survey included face to face questions as well.

She says many respondents reported that they rely on established media outlets to verify information they encounter on platforms like Facebook and TikTok, which many users consider unreliable.

Nyoi says personal networks, including family, friends, and community members, also play a significant role in how people interpret and confirm news.

She says these insights are critical for supporting a more balanced, trustworthy and inclusive media sector that can meet the information needs of all Fijian communities.