28 Oct 2003

Fiji Broadcasting Corp says cross-media takeover a threat to the country's radio stations

11:26 am on 28 October 2003

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation says radio stations may be forced to close down if a proposed takeover gets the go ahead.

Fiji Television Ltd wants to buy out the ZFM radio station, in what would be the country's first cross-media takeover.

Fiji TV's Chief Executive Ken Clark, says a deal has been struck and they are now waiting for the Director of Communications, Ratu Jone Kubuabola, to approve it.

But, the head of the FBC, Francis Herman says it will lead to unfair competition and may lead to stations going out of business.

"The advertising market is so small that it could end up with a lot of the stations closing down or phasing out. Money will dictate how the media develops in Fiji and unfortunately, the wishes or the needs of the listeners, the viewers, the patrons will take a back seat to revenue."

The proposal is expected to get approval by the government by the end of the year.