26 Oct 2016

FBC suspends controversial Fiji TV show host

8:55 pm on 26 October 2016

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation has suspended the producer of its TV language programme Wasea Bhasha amid claims of racial discrimination.

The FBC and its chief executive, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, have been reported to police for allegedly inciting communal antagonism for broadcasting content that was demeaning to indigenous Fijians.

FBC News said an internal investigation had been launched and the programme's producer, Nemani Bainivalu, had been suspended despite him apologising for the programme.

FBC News said the issue had turned political after the opposition leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa, said the apology was of no consequence and that Mr Sayed-Khaiyum should resign.

"So we would like him to take responsibility for what has happened with one of their stations, and in this regard he should do the honourable thing," she said.

Fiji Broadcasting Corporation apologises for comments after social media complaints

Fiji Broadcasting Corporation apologises for comments after social media complaints Photo: FBC TV Facebook

Complaints about the programme have been lodged with the police, the Human Rights Commission and the Media Industry Development Authority.

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