Fijian Media Association

FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson and Vice President Fred Wesley with China's Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian. The FMA is seeking to broaden and strengthen exchange and partnership with various countries whose relations impact Fiji.

Vinaka vakalevu Pacific Media Assistance Scheme

Ten journalists from several media organisations gathered in Suva today for a workshop conducted by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG).

The one-day workshop was conducted in collaboration with InterNews to offer journalists a better understanding of the OAG's work.

A group of journalists and HR personnel from different newsrooms are meeting in Suva today for a child protection workshop, focusing on safeguarding children in both professional and personal lives.

The workshop highlighted ethical reporting on child-related issues, preserving young children's privacy and dignity. Attendees learned about the psychological and legal aspects of child-protection to ensure responsible and sensitive reporting.

Hosted by The Asia Foundation and facilitated by Save the Children Fund, the workshop also encouraged media organisations to develop their respective child protection and child safeguarding policies.

This is but one of several workshops and trainings our members are participating in this week to broaden their knowledge and enhance their skills.

Tomorrow, the same group will participate in another workshop on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH).

Also in attendance as well are reps from femLINKpacific who are our Women In Media Fiji partners under their PowerUp project.

12 Fijian journalists are participating in an Accountability (Audit, Budget and Essential Skills) training to develop skills in reporting on the national budget, ahead of the national budget announcement this Friday.

The training is a partnership between the Fijian Media Association and Internews and is part of ongoing efforts to build capacity among Fijian journalists to better report on budget, economic, business and financial issues.

The training is being conducted by Internews trainer Naomi Goldsmith.

FMA journalists covering the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in their kalavata for today's opening ceremony.

FMA, US Embassy and Fiji Airways forge partnership to send journalists to cover Festival of Pacific Arts

Fijian Media Association (FMA) editors and executives have farewelled 7 Fijian journalists who flew to Hawaii today to cover the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture which starts tomorrow.

This is the first Fijian media delegation organised and sent out by the Fijian Media Association in partnership with the US Embassy and national airline Fiji Airways.

The FMA team is led by Fiji Live editor Reginald Chandar and includes Sivaniolo Lumelume of FBC, Alipate Narawa of CFL/Fiji Village, Josefa Kotobalavu of Mai TV, Stella Morisio Taoi of Fiji TV, Wati Talebula of the Fiji Sun and Kate Talebula of the Fiji Times who will provide coverage for their respective organisations.

"This is a pioneering partnership to take Fijian journalists to regional and international locations and events we find difficult to cover, and provide coverage from a Fiji perspective for the people of Fiji," says FMA General Secretary Stanley Simpson.

"We thank the US Embassy for the funding to cover accommodation and meals, and national airline Fiji Airways for accepting our proposal to provide return travel tickets that has enabled our journalists to cover this great event celebrating the culture of Pacific peoples."

The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture
stands as the world's largest celebration dedicated to the indigenous Pacific Islanders. It serves as a significant platform for cultural exchange, storytelling, and the vital preservation and celebration of Pacific heritage. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in forging enduring connections among diverse communities.

"The FMA has been instrumental in providing our journalists, and through them the people of Fiji, greater exposure to regional and international events, shaping how they are relevant to people at home and encouraging pride in our Pacific heritage and tradition," Simpson said.

The Fijian Media Association was part of a two-day workshop in Labasa, facilitated by the IOM - UN Migration, alongside our colleagues from the Fiji Police Force

The focus was on empowering law enforcement and the media to better understand and communicate about trafficking in persons - using the media for proactive awareness messaging and reporting, with emphasis on labor rights and human trafficking.

Fiji Media training on reporting human trafficking issues

Fijian Media Association members based in Labasa, together with key members of the Fiji Police Force are participating in a 2-day workshop on trafficking in persons organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The training is to raise awareness on the issue of working conditions on fishing vessels operating in the Pacific, labour rights violations and human trafficking.

Following this training, IOM is inviting journalists, media associations or organizations, and other actors who share information, to develop innovative media products covering the issue of labour rights and human trafficking, with a specific focus on fishing vessels operating in the Pacific.

IOM will be inviting training participants to submit a project proposal and a selected applicant will receive a FJD 10000 grant, to implement their proposal and develop the innovative media product.

Vinaka vakalevu to the U.S. Embassy Suva for hosting our first Press Club of 2024 this week in Suva.

We were joined by USAID Pacific Islands' visiting cybersecurity expert, Dr. Maurice Dawson from the Illinois Institute of Technology, who held a session with some of our editors about the responsible use of Generative AI in Journalism.

Also in attendance at our press club, held at Albert Park in Suva on Thursday, April 25, were colleagues in PR and Comms, as well as University of the South Pacific Journalism students.

The Fijian Media Association conducted its annual general meeting on Friday (22 March 2024), at the Fiji Museum in Suva, where it reviewed the work carried out in 2023, including its financial report, proposed measures to strengthen the organisation and forthcoming projects in 2024.

The meeting, in the 10th year since the FMA's establishment, also elected its Executive Committee for 2024-2026 and appointed the association's first Life Member in Fiji Times photographer Atunaisa Rasea who retired on Friday after more than 30 years of service.

The meeting discussed the FMA's healthy financial position, with the challenges of implementing its line-up of projects in 2024. In this context, there were discussions of the history of the association, especially during the period of its formal registration on 29 April 2014, at a time when the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA), regulating and constraining media activities was in force.

There had been strong development within FMA's Women in Women In Media Fiji project during 2023, with the project expected to continue this strong growth in 2024.

One of the FMA's priorities during 2023, following the change in government, was to push for the repeal of MIDA and the setting up of a self-regulating mechanism. Both of these were achieved in 2023, with the removal of MIDA and the establishment of the Fiji Media Council, an independent self-regulating arm supported by all of Fiji's media organisations.

The challenge in 2024 is the implementation of donor-funded activities, regular communication with members, and broadening the reach of FMA's activities to more members.

Executive Committee 2024-2026

President: Rosi Doviverata
Vice President: Fred Wesley
General Secretary: Stanley Simpson
Assistant General Secretary: Indra Singh
Treasurer: Reginald Tui
Assistant Treasurer: Vijay Narayan
Executive member: Makereta Komai

Special thanks to FMA's donors for their support during the past year including ABC International Development through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, U.S. Embassy Suva and Internews.

Eight journalists who are part of the Women in Media Fiji Group currently attending the FMF Legacy Leadership Symposium currently underway at the Sofitel Resort on Denarau Island in Nadi.

Topics covered so far have been on transformational leadership, problem solving, servant leadership and identifying the leaders within.




Supported by The Asia Foundation, Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and the Fijian Media Association

VACANCY
Position title: FMA Operations Coordinator
Organisation: Fijian Media Association
Location: Suva, Fiji
Reporting line: FMA President with close coordination with PACMAS and FMA Executive Team
Duration: 12 months, full-time

Purpose of role
The Operations Coordinator role will be an essential part of the smooth daily operation of FMA as the association continues to grow. Primarily, the role will provide secretarial and coordination support to FMA in increasing its organisational capacity. The role will strengthen FMA’s capacity to effectively utilise and secure diverse avenues of funding to carry out varied activities for Fiji’s media workers. The position will work closely with the FMA Executive, and the Fijian Women in Media group, to seek and manage partnerships, handle billing/expenditures and implement systems that will support sustainable organisational growth. Close cooperation with the PACMAS Country Liaison Officer will be required, in particular to discuss PACMAS-supported activities.

Key accountabilities
• Assist Fiji Media Association (FMA) to ensure compliance with the Industrial Associations Act
• Support FMA to arrange and hold annual Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings as required
• Maintain FMA membership register, and coordinate collection and documentation of annual membership fee renewals and registrations
• Create and maintain operations resources, such as manuals, policies, check-lists and reports
• Work with the FMA Executive to develop communication and reporting materials to inform donors and key stakeholders of FMA programs
• Provide administrative and logistics coordination for Fijian Media Association activities and events.
• Support implementation, monitoring and evaluation of FMA strategic plan and activities.
• Organise monthly meetings of the FMA Executive
• Follow-up on actions from the monthly meetings and liaise with stakeholders and document actions from meetings as required
• Maintain a list of media trainers and mentors for future activities
• Submit monthly report on deliverables to PACMAS representative
• Contribute to grant proposals as required.

Qualifications
• Higher education in business, management, resource mobilisation or similar.

Key capabilities/Experiences
• Successful project management, organisational development or proposal/grant writing experience
• High proficiency using all Microsoft Office applications
• Experience with donor funded programs or international organisations
• Understanding of Fijian media landscape
• Strong organisational and time management skills with proven ability to multitask
• Ability to show initiative and be proactive
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written, and able to keep on top of communicating multiple issues with different stakeholders at once
• Ability to interpret and act accordingly in response to meeting policy and procedure requirements, identify gaps and resolve issues
• Committed to gender equality, child protection, social inclusion.

About FMA
Registered in 2014, the Fijian Media Association (FMA) is a grouping of media workers established under the terms of the Industrial Associations Act. Our vision, mission and purpose are built around values that protect the best interests of the associations and its members. Membership consists of all media workers in organisations across Fiji. Annual membership fee is FMA’s primary source of revenue with smaller revenue from administration fees for implementing activities for partners.

The General Secretary and Executive Committee oversee the operations of FMA. The association’s main activities and programs include providing professional training to upskill and build the capacity of media workers in Fiji, promoting and defending media freedom and freedom of information, organising activities around World Media Freedom Day and for the Fiji Press Club, and promoting fair and proper treatment of all media workers.

About PACMAS
The Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) is a regional media development program funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and managed by ABC International Development. Investment in PACMAS began in 2008. The program promotes informed and meaningful public discourse and good governance, focussing on training, supporting high quality original content, and providing improved broadcasting infrastructure, via Pacific media. PACMAS delivers capacity building activities in partnership with national media organisations and associations, key regional bodies, DFAT-funded programs and civil society groups.

Applications to be sent to [email protected]
Closing date for applications: Close of business 12 March 2024.

A mini get together between West Media, visiting Suva-based journalists and Drua Comms people at the Tanoa International this evening

What to know about generative AI and its effects on disinformation Since ChatGPT was released to the public in November 2022, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has dominated the public’s attention. The rapidly evolving technology is already impacting industries such as education, travel and government.

The Fijian Media Association hosted its first-ever editors' visit to news colleagues in Labasa and Savusavu this week.

The Northern Divison media team presented a sevusevu to the visiting editors, who expressed their appreciation for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring the Northern public's voices were heard.

The FMA team recognises the dedication required by their Northern journalists, who often work in isolation but who often band together to overcome the challenges they face.

The Northern editors tour and outreach supported by the Australia's Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) was aimed at connecting with people and stakeholders and building relationships for better coverage of the North.

In Labasa, the editors met with the Special Administrator, the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, the Labasa Ratepayers' Association, the Commissioner Northern and other stakeholders.

Northern journalists from The Fiji Times, Fiji Sun, Fiji TV, FBC and CFL were present at the first Northern media press club on Thursday.

FMA's Women in Media Fiji chapter attended the Women in Media Australia's 2023 conference held in Sydney.

Our four representatives were part of a 12-member Pacific contingent that joined colleagues from Australia for two days of networking, sharing, and hearing from inspiring women in the media sector such as Ita Buttrose, ABC Chair and Women in Media patron, who emphasised the need for women to take control of their careers. Buttrose, a trailblazing media executive, shared anecdotes from her 66-year career, highlighting the challenges women faced in the industry.

The conference also touched on addressing gender equity, embrace body acceptance and self-compassion in the media, evolving platforms, and consumer expectations. Discussion panels tackled the need for progressive media, the impact of women's sports, and the portrayal of women in film and television. Challenges facing women in creative arts were also discussed, as well as the qualities of a great storyteller and the importance of curiosity, active listening, empathy, and caring about one's work.

The conference addressed the concerning statistic that a significant number of women in media are considering leaving their jobs in the next year, underlining the need for continued support and career development for women in the industry.

The conference also noted that while significant progress has been made, there is still work to be done, and women who aspire to success should persevere.

Our president and WiM Fiji co-founder, Rosi Tamani-Doviverata, shared the progress made in Fiji since its establishment and the work being done to assist other Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in establishing their WiM community as well.

We are grateful to ABCID via its Pacific Media Assistance Scheme and Women in Media Australia for facilitating our participation.

Former Fiji journalist Sophie Foster, now working as News Corp Australia's Queensland Digital Real Estate Editor and SME writer, conducted three half-day workshops with business journalists in Suva this week. ANZ Pacific supported these workshops. Sophie, who previously held the position of deputy editor at The Fiji Times and was also the host of FijiTV’s Talk Business show during her time in Fiji, also visited newsrooms to hold one-on-one sessions with the journalists and sub-editors. Vinaka vakalevu, Sophie!

🗣️ We had an incredible session with and ANZ's Financial Inclusion Manager, Elenoa Buliruarua, offering practical financial tips. 💼 From saying no, to self-care, live simply - they covered it all! Pacific Media Assistance Scheme

Productive meeting between colleagues in the North, led by Serafina Silaitoga Qalo, and the new DPC North, Kemueli Baledrokadroka, discussing how the media in the North can collaborate better with his team. Vinaka Vakalevu. 🤝🗞️

FIJIAN MEDIA ASSOCIATION STATEMENT
19 JULY 2023

The Fijian Media Association strongly condemns the comments made by the former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama on Tuesday to camerapersons of Mai TV, fijivillage and Fiji Sun outside the Suva courthouse as distasteful, unbecoming and unacceptable.

Bainimarama told the Mai TV cameraman in the iTaukei language: “Qarauna de dua tacaqe, au na qai caqeta yani na muna."
Translated: "Be careful no one stumbles, for I will then kick his backside."

The former Prime Minister also told the fijivillage cameraperson "watch out, you slip, and then I will kick your backside."

Bainimarama also told a Fiji Sun photographer "kwan kwan",
a derogatory term commonly used to chase away dogs or animals.

The FMA finds these comments highly offensive.

The FMA continues to reiterate that journalists, photographers and videographers are doing an important work of informing the public, and threats of violence against them is unacceptable.

The FMA states that journalists have come through a period where they have been beaten, intimidated and abused and will not accept these threats to deter them from doing their duty.

Fijian Media Association executives with the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) Team - after the signing of the Partnership Agreement in Suva

Fijian Media Association President, Rosi Doviverata signs a Partnership Agreement with ABC International Development (ABCID) Project Director, Kate Seymour. Ms Seymour leads the ABCID's Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) Project in a number of Pacific countries, and the FMA is a key partners to deliver media development activities in Fiji.