The Fiji Media Council and the Fijian Media Association successfully revived one of the nation’s most prestigious honours — the Fiji Media Hall of FAME — during a powerful ceremony at the FAME Awards 2025 on Saturday, 6 December in Suva.
Returning after 17 years, the Hall of FAME ceremony honoured five towering figures whose work shaped Fiji’s media industry across print, radio, and television.
Their stories—told through carefully crafted citations read by today’s media leaders—brought the audience to its feet and marked one of the most emotional moments in Fijian media history.
A stage of giants
To underscore the significance of the moment, ten of Fiji’s most senior editors, media CEOs and Fiji Media Council members stood together on stage as an Honour Guard for the induction ceremony.
Their collective presence represented decades of journalistic leadership and symbolised unity across Fiji’s media landscape.
THE FIJI MEDIA HALL OF FAME – CLASS OF 2025
1. Vijendra Kumar
Inducted by Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief, The Fiji Times. Fred Wesley delivered a powerful tribute to the late Vijendra Kumar, describing him as a towering editor who transformed The Fiji Times during some of Fiji’s most turbulent years.
As the first local editor of the newspaper, Kumar steered his newsroom through coups, closure, and political pressure—earning enduring respect as a defender of press freedom.
Kumar was announced as the first inductee of the Fiji Media Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
2. Masimeke Latianara
Inducted by Felix Chaudhary, general manager news current affairs sports – FBC.
Veteran journalist and FBC newsroom head Felix Chaudhary delivered the citation for the late Masimeke Latianara, whose 55-year broadcasting career made him one of the most recognisable voices in Fiji.
Beginning in 1958, Latianara’s warm, authoritative radio presence earned public trust for generations.
He was acknowledged for his unique ability to connect with iTaukei audiences, getting access to powerbrokers in a way no one else could. He was named the second inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
3. Laisa Taga
Inducted by Netani Rika, Publisher – Islands Business Magazine.
The citation for the late Laisa Taga was delivered by fellow media leader and media industry stalwart Netani Rika, who honoured her extraordinary achievements as Fiji’s first female editor of a daily newspaper, a regional publishing leader, and a fearless advocate for principled journalism.
She was announced as the third inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
4. Keith Broadbridge
Inducted by Richard Broadbridge, media industry veteran, business leader and son of the late inductee.
In one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments, Richard Broadbridge read the citation for his father, the late Keith Broadbridge—Fiji’s legendary radio newsreader.
For decades, his voice defined main news bulletins on FBC and Gold FM, earning him public affection and national honors, including the Officer of the Order of Fiji medal.
He was named the fourth inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
5. William Parkinson
Inducted by Charles Taylor, general manager – CFL. CFL leader Charles Taylor presented the citation for William Parkinson, the visionary who co-founded Communications Fiji Ltd after winning the government’s bid to establish private radio in 1984 at just 22 years of age.
With CFL now celebrating 40 years, Parkinson’s influence on Fiji’s media and leadership landscape remains unparalleled.
Following the announcement, Parkinson was invited on stage, where he received his Hall of FAME plaque and shared brief remarks.
He was inducted as the fifth member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
A historic return
Shane Hussein, chairman of FAME Awards 2025 said: “The Fiji Media Hall of FAME ceremony marked a defining moment in the evolution of the FAME Awards.
The Hall of FAME will continue annually as part of the FAME Awards, ensuring the media never forgets those whose work paved the way for Fiji’s journalists and the industry.
The chief editor of The Fiji Times Fred Wesley delivered a powerful tribute to the late Vijendra Kumar. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
William Parkinson (middle) receives a Hall of Fame Inductee award from Charles Taylor, (left), as Fred Wesley looks on at the FAME Awards on Saturday night.
Pictures: ELIKI NUKUITABU
