Suva, FIJI - Fiji Association of Women Graduates today joined the host of voices speaking out to defend freedom of Fiji’s media to remain self-regulated and above undue influence from outside bodies.
FAWG President, Winifereti U. Nainoca, today called on the interim government to respect media freedom, saying “Freedom of expression and information are amongst the cornerstones of any civilized society and play a key role in ensuring that leaders are held accountable for their actions.
“Trying to muzzle the media will only create uncertainty and rumour-mongering.
“It also is the prelude to a situation where the military and the interim government is no longer accountable to anyone. This is the complete opposite of the good governance and transparency the Interim Government espouses that it upholds.”
Nainoca re-released FAWG’s statement from 2003 when they commented on the then proposed Media Bill, which was never passed.
“FAWG’s statement in 2003 was as relevant today as it was then. The interesting difference is that in 2003 we were part of a process of consultation and feedback with the ruling government. FAWG urges the interim government of Fiji to rise to the challenge of good governance and transparency, and to initiate real consultation processes, and not to treat such important matters as a foregone conclusion,” she said.
“Media freedom is our freedom,” said Nainoca.
FAWG’s 2003 statement : The Fiji Association of Women Graduates, through its sponsorship and media representative highlighted:
1. The media in Fiji must never be controlled by any outside body, including government. Any attempt by outsiders to control the media endangers the independence and freedoms of every citizen of Fiji.
2. Any regulation of the media must be controlled by the media itself. It cannot be imposed by legislation. Censorship or regulation by government (or any outside body) is the worst possible outcome. Ever-improving media self-censorship and self-regulation is the best possible outcome.
3. This said, at times the media’s self-regulation and code of ethics is unsatisfactory. The existing Media Council has proved ineffectual to enforce high standards of conduct by the media and advertisers.
4. The proposed Bill is not a solution to problems referred to in point 3.
5. In today’s information-driven world, the media is a powerful instrument. A free and self-regulating media serves the interests of democracy. It must never be subjected to outside influence or powers.
6. The media is a complex and highly technical industry. As an academic field of study, it is not easily understood by laymen, or non-experts. Non-experts should never hold power over the media.
7. The proposed Bill creates more problems than it solves. It must not be supported.
For further information, kindly contact FAWG President, W. U. Nainoca, on 338-9235 or V. Charters on 3305-344.
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