FIJI SUN RECEIVES SUPPORT TO COVER MARGINALISED AND VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES
WE ARE ONE OF 450 NEWSROOMS SUPPORTED BY GOOGLE NEW INITIATIVE’S NEWS EQUITY FUND
‘It will help build more trust. Trust in the Fiji Sun brand. Trust in journalists and in the local media industry as agents of change’
News Equity Fund is a global commitment to provide financial support and opportunities to news organizations that primarily serve underrepresented communities. The aim is to strengthen inclusion, further empower a diverse news ecosystem, and specifically support small and medium sized publishers creating original journalism for underrepresented audiences around the world.
Fiji Sun is among more than 450 news organisation platforms across the globe to become a successful applicant for Google News Initiative’s News Equity Fund.
News Equity Fund is a global commitment to provide financial support and opportunities to news organisations that primarily serve underrepresented communities.
Google’s aim is to strengthen inclusion, further empower a diverse news ecosystem, and specifically support small and medium-sized publishers creating original journalism for underrepresented audiences around the world.
The support will help us, as a news publisher in the region, better serve the diverse Fijian communities through our reportage – especially of issues faced by women, children and those who are physically challenged living in rural Fiji.
While outlining the need for funding, Fiji Sun Acting Publisher/CEO Rosi Doviverata, said the target
subjects were mostly marginalised mainly because of their location.
“Getting journalists working in the main centres seconded for a month to rural areas allows for better understanding of issues and how they are linked to decision makers,” Ms
Doviverata said.
“It also builds trust. Trust in the Fiji Sun brand. Trust in journalists and in the local media industry as agents of change.”
And so in essence, face-to-face interaction is key despite the world moving to online and zoom interviews as the new norm.
Telling their stories
Telling these stories, are a powerful tool to bring to the attention of policy and decision makers.
While the Fiji Sun has three branches operating outside of the capital, Suva – getting access to rural areas can be a challenge.
It’s an expensive exercise and often through rugged terrain. Several outer islands can sometimes take a day or two to get to by boat.
The expected outcome is to have the issues raised by those living in rural communities addressed promptly.
We know that change will take time (often years), therefore consistent follow-ups are vital.