Sakiusa Tubuna, chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, addressed Parliament regarding the financial health and operational strategies of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) while presenting the Consolidated Review Report of its Annual Reports from 2018 to 2022. He stated that even as a government-owned entity, FBC has adopted a commercial approach to become self-sustaining in its operations.
Emphasizing the role of FBC TV in public service broadcasting, Tubuna noted its mission to promote local talent and produce diverse programming, thereby offering a wide array of content to the public. He remarked, “Despite facing competition from other commercial entities, FBC has successfully maintained a strong market position through its hybrid programming, with a significant emphasis on local content.” This strategy has allowed FBC to retain a loyal audience across various regions, particularly through its unique AM radio service that covers the entire country.
However, Tubuna also acknowledged the challenges facing FBC, particularly in terms of potential market share loss due to stiff competition from other broadcasters, which poses a risk to advertising revenues. To remain competitive, he highlighted the necessity for FBC to continually innovate and develop captivating programming that not only attracts a broader audience but also generates additional revenue streams.
FBC operates six radio stations, catering to Fiji’s three major languages: iTaukei, Hindustani, and English, which include Radio Fiji One, Bula FM, Radio Fiji Two, Mirchi FM, and Gold FM & 2Day FM. In addition to its successful radio services, FBC also runs a television station, FBC TV, along with an in-house production unit known as Studio 69.
Insights from a recent report by FBC’s Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar, reveal a marked reduction in dependence on public funding, decreasing from 64% to about 30% between 2018 and 2023. This substantial shift aligns with FBC’s strategic goal of enhancing self-sustainability. The government’s push to democratize public service broadcasting further reflects a commitment to fostering a diverse media landscape in Fiji, enabling more local content production while reducing the historical dependence on government support.
As FBC continues its transformative journey, the focus on generating innovative content and expanding its reach provides a hopeful outlook for both its operations and the broader landscape of Fijian media. The government’s efforts to involve additional service providers in public broadcasting could pave the way for a more inclusive and competitive environment, enhancing media quality and representation across the nation.