Fijian Media Association

18/11/2025

Fijian Media Association Stands with Samoa Observer on Press Freedom

The Fijian Media Association (FMA) stands in strong support with the Samoa Observer newspaper, following the newspaper’s editorial titled “The PM’s wish and our promise.”

In that editorial, the Samoa Observer’s editorial board highlights current attempts by the Prime Minister of Samoa to block its journalists from attending official press conferences, and ban them from interviewing him and cabinet ministers.

FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson says any effort to silence or sideline an independent news outlet undermines the foundations of democracy.

He says Pacific media organisations must stand together when basic press freedoms are challenged.

Simpson says media freedom must be protected at all times and that political leaders have a responsibility to respect the role of journalists, even when reporting is uncomfortable. He notes that a strong democracy needs the media to inform the public, hold the powerful accountable, ask difficult questions, and bring forward stories that matter.

The FMA also raises broad concerns that attempts anywhere in the region to interfere with media independence send a dangerous signal. Simpson warns that restricting the press, or punishing journalists for doing their job pushes societies toward less transparency and weaker democratic systems.

The FMA notes that Fiji has gone through unfortunate periods of media restrictions that hampered free speech and created a stifling undemocratic environment.

The Fiji Media Association expresses full solidarity with the Samoa Observer and with all journalists who face political pressure. The FMA stands firmly behind the Samoa Observer’s right to report freely without fear, favour, or interference.

The Association urges the Samoan Government — and all governments in the Pacific — to respect and uphold press freedom, engage openly with journalists, and recognise that a strong and independent media is a cornerstone of every healthy democracy.

Stanley Simpson
General Secretary,
Fijian Media Association

14/10/2025

We hosted our first ever town hall in Savusavu last August. We provided an opportunity for members of the public to raise their issues with the Government. We may not get the answers we want but it’s important that we continue to hold those in power accountable. Vinaka vakalevu U.S. Embassy Suva for supporting our town halls. Today, we are hosting the Tavua Town Hall at the Golden Event Center from 7pm featuring the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Join us there or through our live cross on Fiji One News Fiji Sun The Fiji Times FijiLive fijivillage FBC News Mai TV. You can also send us your questions.

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

Come and join us at the Golden Event Center in Tavua tomorrow from 7pm. Or join our live cross across fijivillage FBC News Fiji Sun The Fiji Times Mai TV FijiLive Fiji One News.

13/08/2025

STATEMENT BY THE FIJIAN MEDIA ASSOCIATION
August 12, 2025

The Fijian Media Association condemn today's attempted attack on journalists covering the sentencing of convicted murderer Tevita Kapawale outside the High Court in Suva.
While being escorted to a waiting vehicle, the handcuffed Kapawale attempted to assault a female journalist, photographer, and two male reporters who were performing their legitimate duty to inform the public about court proceedings.
This is not the first time journalists have faced physical threats while covering court cases, and the Fiji Police Force's repeated failure to provide adequate security for media personnel is unacceptable. The media plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in our justice system. Journalists have the right to report on matters of public interest without fear of violence or intimidation.
We demand the Fiji Police Force immediately implement proper security protocols for court proceedings, including:
• Secure perimeters during prisoner transport
• Adequate police presence to protect journalists from violent offenders
The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. The police must do better.

Stanley Simpson
Secretary,
Fijian Media Association

24/07/2025

We have started our “Meet the Public” Town Hall in Labasa with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad at the Fiji Football Association hall in Nakai St.

23/07/2025

FMA rejects Town Hall propaganda claim

“The Fiji Media Association strongly rejects Mr Mahendra Chaudhry’s claim that our Northern Division forums are a government propaganda show,” Mr Simpson said today.

“These town-hall meetings are organised by editors from seven independent news outlets – Fiji Sun, The Fiji Times, Mai TV, Fiji TV, Communications Fiji Ltd, FBC and Fiji Live.

Our goal is simple: give ordinary Fijians a chance to question leaders, live and unfiltered or highlight issues and challenges that concern them.

“This is not a choreographed event. In fact, the Prime Minister and several ministers have already sent their apologies because of other commitments. Whoever attends will face unscreened questions from the public and follow-ups from journalists.

“The United States Embassy’s support is strictly logistical – covering venue and technical costs under its long-running media-freedom programme. The Embassy has zero editorial control and no financial tie to any broadcaster beyond those costs.

“Town-hall forums are a standard democratic practice, used widely in countries like the United States. They work because leaders must answer questions in front of the people and the press at the same time."

"The FMA will happily facilitate any forum where leaders—government or opposition—are willing to be held to account in public.

“The Fijian Media Association will continue to safeguard press freedom, protect editorial independence and strengthen democratic dialogue for all Fijians.”
ENDS

23/07/2025

We are ready to roll. Join us at 7pm when we host our first ever town hall at Grand & Epic Hotel in Savusavu.

23/07/2025

We are going live from the Grand & Epic Hotel in Savusavu at 7pm tonight on our first ever “Meet the Public” “Meet the Press” Town Hall.