The Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Selai Adimaitoga has blamed the reckless reporting by journalists as one of the causes of violence and economic destruction over the past years.
She made this statement while delivering the end of the week statement on the Media Industry Development Act 2010 in Parliament on Friday.
She said dishonest media had played a role in every troubling event in Fiji history.
For that, she said, media organisations had a duty, to tell the truth to the public and not something that would stir political instability or violence.
“We must ensure that history does not repeat itself as Fijians deserve honest and fair media,” she said. Ms Adimaitoga said every media organisation should only speak the truth and fairly report on facts.
“Many reporters do that. They bring critical messages for people and support our young democracy, instead of trying to divide it. Some do not.
Ms Adimaitoga said the Fiji Media Act was established to ensure that the public was protected should the journalist report in an unethical or illegal manner.
“Fiji cannot afford the reckless reporting of the past.”
Ms Adimaitoga called on the Media Industry Development Authority of Fiji to investigate reports lodged in their office and take action on media organisations for their reckless reporting.
“If complaints have been reported to the Media Industry Development Authority of Fiji, why haven’t media organisations been investigated.
“Will something be done about the current situation of reckless reporting? If nothing is done there is a threat that history will repeat itself.
“The media have a responsibility to publish the truth. They also have a responsibility to maintain professional standards, a responsibility to maintain integrity.”
