The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) has garnered recognition for its remarkable strides in financial management and digital transformation, especially during a challenging parliamentary session that addressed its annual reports from 2018 to 2023. Remarkably, despite facing a considerable 44 percent reduction in Public Service Broadcasting funding, FBC reported a net profit of $555,000 for the financial year 2024. This marks a significant decrease in the corporation’s reliance on government support, which has dropped from 42.6 percent in 2018 to 39.4 percent in 2024.
Assistant Minister for Information Sachida Nand highlighted the modernization efforts at FBC, including the implementation of a new outside broadcasting system and a $3.8 million disaster resilience program funded by the Korean government. He emphasized that these technological advancements are woven into the corporation’s strategic planning and will be elaborated upon in future annual reports to enhance transparency.
During the parliamentary debate, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad defended FBC’s recent improvements amid criticism from the opposition. He pointed out that the contentious reports primarily reflect the years when the opposition held power, challenging their critiques regarding FBC’s financial integrity and accountability. Prasad remarked on the current media landscape in Fiji, where journalists operate with relative freedom, contributing to FBC’s development and enriching the broader media environment in the country. Additionally, he noted the fair distribution of advertising among various media outlets under the coalition government, fostering competition and fairness in Fiji’s media sector.
The recognition of FBC’s resilience and strategic improvements signals a positive evolution in Fiji’s media industry as it navigates changes while enhancing accountability and transparency. The ongoing advancements promise a hopeful future for FBC and contribute to the cultivation of a diverse and competitive media landscape in Fiji.