Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has reiterated the Coalition Government’s commitment to media freedom, transparency, and democratic values at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference (PMPC) 2025 in Suva.
Addressing regional and international media representatives, he highlighted key changes, including the repeal of restrictive media laws such as the MIDA Act, the restoration of press independence, and efforts to improve public access to information.
Professor Biman cited the 2023 Freedom House ranking which recognised Fiji as the most improved country in the world for civil liberties, an achievement he attributed to the Coalition’s Government’s commitment to transparency. He also referenced the government’s recent decision to withdraw its appeal against The Fiji Times’ 2018 sedition acquittal, describing the original case as an act of political vengeance.
“Our government promised the people of Fiji that they would be free, and we kept that promise,” he said. “We repealed the oppressive Media Industry Development Act, ended exclusive government contracts for favored media, and ensured that public broadcasters operate independently.”
He also acknowledged the new challenges facing mainstream media, particularly the rise of misinformation fueled by digital advances. He expressed concern over the unchecked influence of social media, contrasting it with the accountability and ethical standards traditional journalism uphold.
“Mainstream media operates under national laws, business and employment regulations, and journalistic ethics. None of these apply to anonymous bloggers or social media influencers who spread half-truths and disinformation,” he said.
Professor Biman also addressed public service broadcasting, pointing out that government support should not be used as a political tool, and assured attendees that the FBC would remain independent under his government.
“The misuse of public broadcasting funds for political purposes is a thing of the past. We have allocated $10.4 million in the last budget for public service broadcasting, ensuring responsible governance of these funds,” he said.
He also encouraged international development partners to invest in public service broadcasting, recognising its role in disaster warnings, resilience, and community engagement—a topic widely discussed at PMPC 2025.
Co-hosted by the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and held under the theme Pacific Cultures in a Global World, the PMPC 2025 continues over the next two days, with workshops and panel discussions on geopolitical challenges, the future of Pacific journalism, and gender representation in media leadership. Delegates will also explore ways to preserve indigenous cultures through digital platforms and tackle the growing influence of Big Tech in the media industry.
The conference will also include discussions on monetisation of digital platforms, responsible use of generative AI in journalism, and strategies to manage financial pressures in the media industry.
Photo: Ministry of Finance
