Communications Fiji Limited Chairman William Parkinson says it is an exciting time for the organisation, which is in a very strong financial position, as it explores opportunities for growth into other areas that are expected to take shape over the coming year.
CFL, the parent company of fijivillage, and radio stations LegendFM, FM96, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and VITIFM, recorded a final group profit of $1.55 million in 2025, compared to $1.04 million in 2024, while shareholders also received a dividend payout of 21 cents.
While speaking following the 41st Annual General Meeting, Parkinson says there are also challenges facing the organisation, including the rise in fuel prices and other costs, but overall he is happy with where the organisation is at right now.
Parkinson says CFL is looking at a Fiji Showcase this year that is almost sold out, which is always a major boost for the company.
He says the possibility of elections in the second half of the year is also expected to positively impact revenue.
Parkinson says they are looking forward to another strong year, while major changes have also been made in CFL's subsidiary company, PNGFM Ltd.
He says Papua New Guinea remains a major growth opportunity for CFL despite global challenges such as rising fuel prices.
He says PNGFM has gone through a year of adjustment after settling into its new headquarters, and the company has made leadership changes, including appointing Esther Gegelagi as the new Chief Executive Officer while Rosemarie Botong focuses on content creation.
Parkinson says CFL sees strong potential for growth in Papua New Guinea, especially as the fuel crisis could create new opportunities there.
He also highlighted confidence in the experienced management team in PNG to guide the business through both risks and opportunities.
He says CFL is also looking at expanding its online and digital presence in Papua New Guinea alongside its three radio stations, which are already market leaders in the country.
Parkinson says the media industry is changing dramatically internationally, with traditional newspaper, television, print and radio organisations now shifting into the digital space.
He says CFL began its transition into digital media some time ago, starting with the launch of fijivillage in 1997, and has since established a strong position in the digital media space.
INSERT: WP on CFL's positioning 28 may
The CFL Chairman says audiences can already see some of the work CFL has started, including the new-look fijivillage website, with plans to further expand digital content in the coming months.
He says the company is also exploring new investment opportunities that will be revealed later this year, while major growth is also expected in Papua New Guinea under new leadership, both across its three market-leading radio stations and its expanding online presence.
Parkinson further says that community work has always been part of CFL’s DNA, with the organisation working closely with listeners and partners to make a difference in the community.
The Chairman has highlighted that as part of CFL’s 40th anniversary celebrations, a formal trust called Communications Fiji Foundation, was launched to manage and account for all community projects separately, with the company committing five percent of its after-tax profit to the trust.
Parkinson says CFL has already carried out several community initiatives this year, including Christmas projects, support for a Salvation Army programme, and the WOWS charity walk led by Senior Content Director Satya Nand, which raised around $185,000 for WOWS Kids Fiji.
He adds the organisation expects to expand that work further in the coming year as community support becomes an even more important part of what CFL does.
INSERT: WP on exciting times 28 may
