‘Shaping a Future of Rights’

Today marks World Press Freedom Day, a day to reflect on the importance of press freedom and the role it plays in shaping our future.

This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights,” emphasises the fundamental truth that all human rights depend on press freedom.

Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and justice, providing the public with the information necessary to form opinions and hold those in power accountable.

Without it, governments could act with impunity, free from scrutiny or criticism, and the public would be deprived of their right to know.

This year’s theme reminds us that press freedom is not just a fundamental right, but also serves as the lifeblood of human rights.

It provides a platform for marginalised voices to be heard and for issues that might otherwise be ignored to be brought to the forefront.

In Fiji, media freedom was a topic of concern since military takeover in December 2006, last year. Military stormed into Fijian media newsrooms monitoring journalists and editors ensuring that their content did not hurt the then regime. As a result it compromised their integrity and undermined their credibility.

In 2010, the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) was enacted and subsequently the Fiji Media Council, made up of national media, government, and community reps whose primary role is to handle complaints and keep tabs on media standards, was dissolved.

The council was replaced with the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) which was criticized for being a ‘toothless tiger’.

Fijian journalists worked under the dubbed ‘draconian laws’ which imposed hefty fines, jail term, the restriction of overseas investment into Fijian media to name a few.

For 16 years, journalists were deprived of their right to hold government accountable.

But the coalition Government in its 100-days in office became the voice of reason for media organisations in Fiji when it repealed the MIDA Act (2010).

Immediately after, the Fijian Media Association (FMA) began its works to the revival of the Fiji Media Council.

And while we talk about and celebrate press freedom on this day, we also note that as media companies, we must also be governed by our conscious and that is to do our jobs with utmost care and responsibility.

Journalists must continue to hold themselves to the highest standards of accuracy and fairness in their reporting, even in the absence of legal frameworks to regulate their work. The public must also be vigilant in consuming news from reputable sources and holding journalists accountable when they fail to meet those standards.

Despite the challenges, Fiji’s media has continued to provide a vital service to the public, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Journalists have risked their own health and safety to ensure that the public is informed and up-to-date on the latest developments.

As we reflect on World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to press freedom and the vital role it plays in shaping our future.

Let us also remember that with freedom comes responsibility, and that it is up to all of us to ensure journalism serves the public’s interest with integrity and credibility.