SUVA (Fiji Sun / Pacific Media Watch): Ricardo Morris v. Samisoni Pareti. Controversial former Fiji Times editor Netani Rika back in the news media. A new magazine undercutting the cover price of its competitors.
These were some of the scenarios yesterday as the highly competitive Fijian magazine business got even more competitive.
Former Mai Life magazine editor Ricardo Morris launched his monthly glossy news and lifestyle magazine Republika in local outlets.
It pits two of Fiji’s leading reporters. Morris and Mai Life’s new editor Samisoni Pareti, against each other as editors.
Republika is being sold for $3.95, undercutting main competitors Mai Life ($4.95) and Islands Business/Fiji Business ($4.60). Other magazines in a crowded market are Teivovo ($4.95) and Turaga ($3.95).
Republika has taken away one high profile Mai Life columnist, Alex Elbourne. It has also reintroduced Rika to the mainstream news media as one of its contributing writers.
By press time last night, Morris had still not responded to questions about his magazine. These included over how it is being funded.
He indicated he could be holding a news conference today.
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Pacific Media Watch
