The Media Industry Development Authority is conducting regular meetings as part of proactive measures to explain its work to various stakeholders and media representatives.
MIDA members reiterated authority objectives and the work needed to be done to raise the standard of media services in English as well as vernacular languages.
MIDA chairperson Professor Subramani highlighted there was considerable misunderstanding of the true intentions of the Media Decree, both within and outside the country.
“It is very important that as part of the vision for a new Fiji with a common identity and purpose, there are quality media services in all languages that will help us in defining ourselves,” he said.
Professor Subramani added it was for this reason that MIDA was particularly keen on facilitating the growth of vernacular media services and also perceptive analysis of news and events in English.
“The provisions in the Media Decree are necessary in order to take Fiji’s media services a stage further,”
Professor Subramani said.
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“The stipulations in it regarding composing of advertisements, safe-guarding the interests of women and children, displaying sensitivity in reporting of Fiji’s multi-ethnic communities and protecting national interest are all worthwhile goals that require an educated media that exercises discipline and objectivity in carrying out its responsibilities.”
Professor Subramani stressed that it was hoped Fiji would have media services that follow standard media ethics and practices.
“We want it to evolve its own ethics and modes of expression that represent the true ethos of our region,” he says.
The MIDA will be working closely with organisations and institutions associated with the media in order to move in this direction.
It will further hold dialogue with training institutions and media organisations of Fiji as well as overseas-based organisations.
The authority in its consultations with media personnel and academics in the western part of the country in November last year found a great deal of support for its aims.