18 Dec 2014

Fiji TV Chair says sackings done to extend licence

12:19 pm on 18 December 2014

The Chairman of Fiji TV says the double sacking of senior executives has been done to ensure it has a better chance of getting its licence extended.

The chief executive and the head of content were both dismissed this week, triggering the resignation of the deputy chairman.

Ioane Naiveli says the moves have been made as the station looks to get its six month broadcast licence extended which expires at the end of the month.

Mr Naiveli says the government made their views known about the staff members and this was taken into account.

"Fiji TV is judged. Its product is almost assessed every day of the week, 24/7, 365 days and we want to make sure that this service continues into the foreseeable future. With a six month licence, it is very hard to continue so we need to work with the government on what is the best thing."

Mr Naiveli hopes to have the licence changed to a 12 year licence, the same period granted to competitor FBC.