20 Oct 2018

Fiji media kept away from royal visit

6:05 pm on 20 October 2018

A news magazine in Fiji says local independent media are being kept away from next week's royal visit.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, arrive for a two-day visit on Tuesday.

Islands Business said only international media and staff from the government's Department of Information will be part of the press pool granted access to public engagements.

It said local media would be cordoned off at a distance, and will have to watch speeches via a TV outside the venue.

Islands Business said this is a far cry from how local media are treated when royals visit other countries.

The British High Commission in Suva has refused to get involved, saying all media accreditation is being handled by the Department of Information.