Helping to remove misunderandings about media role

The media came under scrutiny in Parliament this week. This newspaper was singled out by SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula when he clarified a report about his absence from a vote on Monday. The vote was on an Opposition petition seeking parliamentary approval for public submissions to a Standing Committee on whether the Great Council of Chiefs should be reinstated. Mr Nawaikula explained that he had given his apology to the Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni. The clarification was published the following day. We understand Mr Nawaikula’s concern. SODELPA supporters would have been asking why he was absent from an important vote because this was an Opposition petition and knowing they are a minority in Parliament they needed every MP to vote. The restoration of the GCC has been one of the core policies of both SODELPA and the National Federation Party. Mr Nawaikula is a vocal advocate and his concern over the report explains his sensitivity about the issue. He said in Parliament that the Fiji Sun report implied that “I did not support this side of the House.” The fact was he was absent and did not vote. The clarification was he had given the Speaker his apology. Members who did not vote did so because of one of the following reasons: Present but abstained Sick Away on official duties Bereavement. Other pressing personal and family commitments. National Federation Party MP Roko Tupou Draunidalo, in support of Mr Nawaikula, told Dr Luveni that she had powers to deal with the media. But Dr Luveni said: “What is reported in the media is really beyond my responsibility.” The relationship between the media and the MPs was covered in recent parliamentary training workshops which helped clear some misconceptions.

One way of ensuring that journalists get it right is by helping them in Parliament.

Although it is the job of the journalists to take their own notes, any help given will enhance accuracy. Smart politicians go out of their way to help journalists. The conditions or working environment of journalists in Parliament are crucial in helping journalists get it right. If there are future plans to review the set up in Parliament, can the media room be part of it? At the moment journalists share it with parliamentary staff. The room is detached from the main debating chamber and journalists rely on a television screen which blacked out one day this week because of a technical glitch. In the old Parliament the media room was situated above the public gallery. Journalists had a bird’s eye view on proceedings and it helped them in their reporting. It is like going down to the National Stadium and watching a top rugby or soccer game instead of watching it on television where your viewing can be interrupted by a technical problem. The atmosphere is different when you are close to the scene of action.

Journalists strive for accuracy in their reporting and are constantly under pressure to meet deadlines. Any assistance to help them achieve these objectives will remove some of the misunderstandings of the role they play.

If there are future plans to review the set up in Parliament, can the media room be part of it?