IFJ Welcomes Entry of Media on Fiji Consultation

IFJ Welcomes Admission of Barred Media on Fiji Consultation

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) welcomes reports that Fiji’s interim government has said it will permit the Fiji Times and Fiji Television to participate in consultations on a government-devised Media Decree, after initially barring the two media outlets from the process.

The move, announced by interim attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during a press conference on March 30, follows the administration extending its emergency regulations by one month to the end of April.

The regime of Commodore Frank Bainimarama is reported to have said it will lift the regulations once the Media Industry Development Decree 2010 is finalised.

The regulations, enforced almost a year ago on April 10, 2009 as a “temporary” measure, have imposed sweeping censorship in Fiji, with official censors and police placed in newsrooms.

The Fiji Times and Fiji Television, among other organisations, said they would appreciate seeing copies of the draft decree in order to inform their response.

“The IFJ remains concerned about the administration’s intentions regarding the role of the Media Decree in relation to independent media, in view of statements that the government would only repeal the emergency regulations after the Media Decree is finalised,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

“The IFJ therefore strongly encourages the administration to ensure all relevant stakeholders are able to participate in consultation on the decree, without fear or favour, and that the environment for discussion allows for the airing of open and constructive feedback, whether positive or negative.

“A reasonable amount of time must be permitted for this important community process.”

In a statement on March 16, the IFJ called on the interim government to ensure all stakeholders are given the opportunity and adequate time to provide input on the decree. The public consultation had been scheduled to begin that day but was postponed as Fiji contended with a cyclone.

Latest reports are that interested parties must register to participate in the consultations on the decree by April 6, with the consultations to be held in different locations on April 7, 8 and 10.

ENDS