Around the world, journalists face threats and censorship in their pursuit of illuminating issues that matter and giving voice to the voiceless, nameless, and faceless.
While delivering his statement on World Media Freedom Day, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that today is an important occasion to recognise the value of a free and independent press.
Rabuka says we live in an era where the media landscape is continuously evolving and the challenges faced by journalists are more difficult than ever.
The Prime Minister says just over two years ago, media freedom was suppressed under the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Act, which forced journalists to work in fear of fines, imprisonment, or both.
Rabuka reminded the public that democracy and their votes ended the dark days of suppression, noting that one of the Coalition Government's first actions was to revoke the MIDA Act.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need to reaffirm the values and ideals of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the freedom of the press.
He says given our recent history, this freedom should not be taken for granted. The Prime Minister also remarked that today is a fitting time to remember those in the media industry who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their lives in the line of duty.
He paid tribute to his namesake, the late Sitiveni Moce, a brave newspaper photographer who was attacked in 2000 at Parliament and again in 2007 by security forces — simply for doing his job of capturing history through his lens.
He says the Coalition Government wishes to use this occasion to highlight the achievements and resilience of journalists, and their commitment to delivering accurate information and fostering transparency.
Rabuka says it was in the pursuit of these fundamental values that the Coalition Government decided to open up the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) Grant to other radio and television broadcasters in the country.
He noted that Communications Fiji Limited and MaiTV have joined the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation as PSB Grant partners, promoting national unity by sharing vital public information on health, safety, and community wellbeing. The Prime Minister is appealing to media practitioners in both mainstream media and social media to exercise their rights and freedoms responsibly.
