In a move unprecedented in Fiji, the government has given the contract for the broadcast of Hindi language public service radio to a private company, Communications Fiji Limited.
Fiji TV reports that for the last six years the state-owned Fiji Broadcasting Corporation has held the 650 thousand US dollar contract for public service programmes in the Fijian and Hindi languages, known as Radio Fiji One and Radio Fiji Two.
FBC still retains the Fijian language public service contract.
The director of information, Eliki Bomani, says the Major Tenders Board awarded the contract to Communications Fiji Limited against the recommendation of the information ministry.
Public service radio, which is paid for by the state, requires the broadcasting of government programmes, news and weather including cyclone and flood warnings with a nationwide reach including remote areas that Fiji's many commercial FM stations do not cover.
