Pacific Media Watch

15 January 2015

FIJI: MIDA pledges to put focus on 'meaningful' media freedom, ethics

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Editors of the local media with the chairman of Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority, Ashwin Raj, during their meeting at The Fiji Times boardroom. Image: Tevita Vuibau/Fiji Times
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9103

Tevita Vuibau
SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority will pay special attention to freedom of expression and ethics this year, a stand revealed at the editors' roundtable meeting this week.

The roundtable provides a space for editors to consult with MIDA on issues concerning the media industry and to also facilitate the development and welfare of media practitioners.

MIDA chairman Ashwin Raj said that along with a focus on freedom of expression and ethics, MIDA would also emphasise training of media to cover Parliament and the role of the media in fostering social cohesion.

"I really want the media industry to move forward to some productive and meaningful engagement and work together in upholding the media code of ethics and also create a kind of forum where they can air views," Raj said.

He said he wanted the media to be able to air matters that were of concern to them, adding that MIDA would work with them to advance freedom of expression and of the press while upholding the code of ethics.

Fiji Media Association president Ricardo Morris said the meeting with MIDA was a positive way to start the year.

"We are glad that we are able to bring these issues to the fore so it's a good start to the year. In a social setting, we were able to get some of those issues out and MIDA has promised to look into that and we find a very positive response."

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