The Fiji Times had a stellar performance at this year’s FAME Awards, clinching multiple prestigious honors in both print and digital journalism categories. Anish Chand, the Managing Editor for Digital, was recognized as the Journalist of the Year, additionally winning the Print Journalist of the Year award for his outstanding contributions.
Fred Wesley, the Editor-in-Chief of The Fiji Times, expressed elation over the accolades, stating that the awards reflect the publication’s commitment to being “the voice of the people” and emphasizing the importance of accountability in journalism.
One of the highlights of the evening was Chand’s receipt of the Scoop of the Year award for his revealing interview with Military Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai featured in the *Lens@177* segment. This exclusive story not only ignited national conversation but also underscored the significant role of digital journalism in Fiji.
The awards also recognized other notable journalists, including John Kamea, the Editor of the Sunday Times, who won the Best News Article – Print Feature award for his evocative storytelling focused on rural Fiji. Kamea dedicated his award to the many individuals whose lives inspired his work and emphasized the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.
Celebrated journalist Samantha Rina received the All Media – Best Coverage of a Major News Event or Issue for her in-depth 20-page insert on Lupus, published in May 2025. This special feature aimed to shed light on the complexities of the illness, which is often misdiagnosed, and Rina dedicated her award to the Lupus Foundation Fiji and the courageous patients and survivors who shared their experiences.
This year’s FAME Awards showcased the contributions of talented journalists in Fiji, highlighting the importance of storytelling and the impact of journalism in capturing the diverse voices and experiences throughout the nation.