FIJI SUN: OUR FAB FOUR OF THE NORTH NEWSROOM
LED BY SHRATIKA NAIDU, THE TEAM WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT NOT ONLY IS NEWS COVERED, BUT CIRCULATION AND OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE MET.
Yesterday over 150 newsrooms around the world participated in World News Day. Over the past weeks we highlighted those who tirelessly work behind the scenes seven days a week.
Despite the warning of an impending cyclone, flood or COVID-19, the work continues.
The aim of this year’s celebration is to raise public awareness of the critical role that journalists play in providing credible and reliable news, to help people make sense of — and improve — the rapidly changing world around them.”
The theme is how journalism spurs positive change.
Journalism Matters is the motto. While there may not be any parade or fireworks to mark World News Day, here’s hoping that readers seriously think about journalism and the value of being informed.
The flip side of course – a community without news.
In Labasa, we have our team of four who ensure the smooth running of the Fiji Sun Labasa Bureau, covering the North.
Led by Shratika Naidu, the team work together to ensure that not only is news of the North covered, but circulation and office responsibilities are met.
Though they are out of sight from the demanding editors and managers based at headquarters, they are certainly not out of touch, academic and experience wise.
Adi Laisa Laveti Kabulevu
Adi Laisa Laveti Kabulevu taught Language and History for six years. Cicia High School was her last posting in 2018 before she took up journalism. The change surprised her. The late assignments and calls from the newsroom for clarification. But because she hails from Vatulovona village, Wailevu, Labasa –connecting with the community was easy. Her previous community work experience also helped. Adi Laisa holds a Bachelors degree in Geography and Literature and Language.
Ashmita Prasad
The face of the Labasa Bureau office is Ashmita Prasad.
A true patriot of the Babasiga Lions, Ms Prasad is a Labasa born and bred. She is a Fiji National University graduate.
She earned her Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) in 2014.
Before joining the Fiji Sun as an Administrative Assistant in 2018, she held worked as accounts clerk for a number of Labasa businesses.
Her job is not only limited to the office. She also ensures that circulation runs are met in the two main towns, Labasa and Savusavu.
Renu Radhika Prasad
Renu Radhika Prasad is also a Labasa born and bred. She was offered a scholarhip to study Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, Journalism and Mass Communication, English Literature at the University of Mysore, India. She had attended Nadogo Central College.
Upon her return from India, the Fiji Sun was her workplace of choice. Here she continues to be mentored in the craft.
Her knowledge of the North is invaluable as she covers Labasa, Seaqaqa, Savusavu and Taveuni.
Shratika Naidu
And ensuring the smooth operation of Fiji Sun’s presence in the North is North Editor and Manager, Shratika Naidu.
She’s earned the respect for many in Labasa and the wider North for her hard work and dedication.
The 33-year-old completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science at the Fergusson College and Diploma in International Relations, Human Rights and Role of International Law at Abeda Inamdar Senior College of Arts, Science and Commerce affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, India in 2015.
Always eager to learn, she enrolled at the University of the South Pacific Labasa Campus in 2018 and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration Human Resource Management.
The following year she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration General Managers.
Though they are out of sight from the demanding editors and managers based at headquarters, they are certainly not out of touch, academic and experience wise.