The Fiji Achievement in Media Excellence Awards (FAME) emerged as a significant celebration of journalistic perseverance and excellence on Saturday night at the Novotel in Lami. Stanley Simpson, the general secretary of the Fiji Media Association, marked the moment as a powerful recall of the journey the Fijian media has endured over the past 17 years.
Reflecting on the time since the last FAME awards in 2008, Simpson noted that while younger reporters were just beginning their education, the media landscape faced unprecedented challenges. He acknowledged the tumultuous years the industry had encountered, grappling with emergency regulations aimed at suppressing independent journalism, along with censorship that affected newsroom operations.
Simpson recounted the struggles journalists faced, explicitly highlighting the fears, uncertainties, and pressures of working in a climate where expressing truth posed risks. Despite these adversities, he praised the resilience of the Fijian media in continuing to report, ask pressing questions, and share vital narratives—stories that highlighted both the pain and triumph experienced across the nation.
The awards night was described not just as a recognition of excellence but as a symbolic resurrection for journalism in Fiji. Simpson called upon the younger generation of journalists to honor the hard-fought freedoms they now possess, encouraging them to embrace responsible journalism that adheres to core principles of balance, fairness, independence, and accuracy.
Fred Wesley, the Chief Editor of the Fiji Times, also addressed the audience, contributing to the evening’s themes of strength and commitment within the industry. The FAME awards have revitalized a shared spirit of purpose among media professionals, marking a hopeful new chapter in Fijian journalism as they move forward with renewed determination and a commitment to integrity.
As the industry navigates its future, the sentiments expressed at the FAME awards serve as a reminder of the resilience required to uphold the values of a free press and the importance of unwavering dedication to truth in journalism.