Fiji Media Industry Development Authority pleased with industry
The head of Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority says he's comfortable that news outlets in the country are producing impartial, balanced, and fair reports.
Transcript
The head of Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority says he's comfortable that news outlets in the country are producing impartial, balanced, and fair reports.
MIDA was established with the issuance of the Media Decree in 2010 with the aim of improving the media's objectivity and discipline.
The United Front for a Democratic Fiji says local media are not complying with the provisions of the decree and often run statements from the regime without seeking the opposition viewpoint. It says MIDA should act, but the organisation's director Matai Akauola told Bridget Tunnicliffe that so far he's happy with the way the media is conducting itself.
MATAI AKAUOLA: Yes, so far so good. Things are going according to what we felt should be the case here in Fiji. So we haven't taken anyone to task. And that is a positive thing for us.
BRIDGET TUNNICLIFFE: The perception is that the media often report statements by the regime that attack opposition politicians, but they're not given a right to reply. What is your view?
MA: We haven't stopped anyone from airing their views in any of the media, so in the last few years since the media decree we haven't taken anyone to task, so that speaks for itself. With the new constitution in place, we've allowed the media to do everything that they've been mandated to do. We even have clauses in the new constitution that have provisions for free media in Fiji. So for us everything is open to media the way we see it at the moment.
BT: But it's what they're not doing that people are concerned about. They're concerned about the fact that the media aren't going to opposition MPs or other candidates when statements are made by the regime.
MA: Well, I cannot speak to that, but the politicians need to take their case to all those media, not to us. And we are not restricting anyone.
BT: It's not about restriction. It's a case of are the media going to opposition MPs and asking for their opinion?
MA: Well, that's why I said for you to talk to those media organisations. It's not us. We haven't put down a blanket restriction on them. We're just saying 'The constitution is there, it's open. There's free media. You can do whatever you like. So go for it.
BT: How closely are you monitoring the media? How closely is your organisation looking at newspaper articles and balanced coverage and both sides of the argument?
MA: Things are going on accordingly. The only thing you've told them, you've got a media code of ethics. If you apply that then you should have no problems with us. So right now they're just following the media code of ethics.
BT: Do you have the power to enforce the media decree and investigate possible violations?
MA: Yes, we have the powers, but the thing is, a lot of times people do not look at our functions - our function is to promote free media. And that's what the media authority is doing at the moment. We are allowing the media to do what's been mandated for them to do, and that's free media, free expression. And we don't see currently any situation where we need to drastically take someone to task.
BT: Really, though, because a lot of people comment on Fiji media and say it's so grossly one-sided it's laughable. Are you really comfortable with the media coverage in Fiji?
MA: Well, I'm dealing with the industry, so we'd rather stick to those who are the key players in ministry media. We allow our media people to do what's there for them to report on. And fairness, balance and accuracy are all in the code of ethics. I believe they are applying that, and we haven't seen any problems.
BT: The United Front for a Democratic Fiji has requested that the regime agree to nationally televise and broadcast debates and public meetings which include opposition candidates, so you can see both sides debating. Do you think that's a fair request and something you'd expect of a government that says it wants to bring democracy to Fiji?
MA: Well, I would not want to talk on what political parties are saying, but we have plans. As a media industry we've discussed the issues with our media members and saying as we look forward to elections we have the editors forum and the various other forums that we will put in place so that our people are informed before they go to elections. We are working with our media industry, so we set our plans. We do not work towards what political parties are saying, so whatever they have against the regime, that's theirs. The media industry authority is an independent body.
BT: Would you like to say a nationally televised debate between the candidates?
MA: I'll continue to talk to you from a media perspective. I've been talking to my media colleagues and we are all working towards how we would like to see the elections covered and all this. But firstly we need to understand the electoral system first before they set other plans in place. So we have a set mandate and a direction, we have a vision of how we believe the media can work towards promoting a better Fiji tomorrow.
BT: But do you think national debate live on tv between parties would be a good idea?
MA: Well, definitely. You know, we're not restricting anyone. It's freedom of expression with even the media authorities working towards FOIs. We are working towards World Media Freedom Day in May so these are all positive and proactive aspects of how the media authority is working with our media colleagues. We are not concerned about political parties, we are concerned about media colleagues and what works for them, so that's where we're coming from.
BT: Would you agree that it would be healthy for the public to be able to see opposing parties debate in public on TV, radio and meetings?
MA: Well, definitely. It's freedom of expression. So anyone and everyone can come on board to a nationally televised discussion on issues. We're talking issues and how to progress this nation rather than going back to the old political rivalries because one thing for certain is that we are all going to these elections in September as one people, as all Fijians. So that's the biggest thing that could happen for us in a nation like Fiji.
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