The Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence (FAME) Awards 2025 are set to take place on the 6th of next month at the Novotel Lami Convention & Entertainment Centre. This year’s awards hold a special meaning for Fiji’s media community, as it marks 19 years since censorship was imposed on local newsrooms, making the event a celebration of resilience and press freedom.
FAME Awards Chairman Shane Hussein has announced that preparations are in full swing, with a record 121 entries submitted across 25 award categories, making it one of the most competitive editions in the history of the event. “The Fijian Media Association and Fiji Media Council have worked hard to design the FAME Awards into one of the biggest events on our national calendar. Our journalists have submitted strong entries, and the judges will have an excitingly difficult task ahead of them,” said Hussein.
Among the most competitive categories are Best Feature Article (Print), Best Commentary or Opinion, Best Coverage of iTaukei Affairs, Best Sports Journalism, and Scoop of the Year, among others. The judging process is currently underway, with finalists expected to be announced shortly. All nominees will receive invitations to the awards night, along with digital finalist badges to recognize their accomplishments.
In a notable highlight, the overall Journalist of the Year will be selected from the winners of Radio Journalist of the Year, Print Journalist of the Year, and TV Journalist of the Year. Hussein also mentioned that there are still some sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and media supporters who wish to contribute.
This year’s ceremony will also revive the Fiji Media Hall of Fame, with five inductees being honored for their lifetime contributions to journalism in Fiji. The return of the FAME Awards symbolizes a positive shift towards enhanced media freedom and recognition of journalistic excellence, fostering a hopeful outlook for the future of the media landscape in the nation.
This event not only represents a chance to celebrate the achievements of journalists but also underlines the critical importance of press freedom and responsible reporting in a democratic society. It marks a significant moment for Fiji’s media industry, emphasizing the resilience of journalists and their commitment to keeping the public informed.