In a move that would totally revolutionise the operations of the media in general, and radio specifically, the government approved a private radio licence for a Suva company headed by a former broadcaster.
The Fiji Times reported on Friday, September 21, 1984, that the successful applicant was Communications (Fiji) Ltd, set up by William Parkinson, a former Radio Fiji announcer.
Another partner in the company was Matt Wilson, owner of a public relations firm in Suva.
A government statement issued in Suva a day prior, stated several conditions would be attached to the licence, and that these would be negotiated with Communications (Fiji) Ltd.
“Although this is the first private radio licence to be granted, it is felt that in time and with further development, there may be room for more than one private radio licence to be granted to private individuals or organisations,” the statement read.
The Fiji Times article quoted Mr Parkinson, who was then 22, as saying he would have his FM station on the air within six to seven months if everything went according to plan and if the final negotiations with the government were successful.
Sources said an FM station would be cheaper and easier to operate, although the station would have to be sited on a high place.
The site had not yet been chosen and the company still had several options on where to buy equipment.
“The initial capital investment is going to be something like $300,000,” Mr Parkinson said.
“The small private station would initially beam programs for listeners in Suva and greater Suva area only.”
The article further quoted sources as saying the company planned to transmit its programs to the Western Division later and set up a station in the West as a third step.
“We are initially thinking of a staff of about 20 people,” Mr Parkinson said.
“We are obviously very delighted with the government’s decision to give us the licence, but I can’t give details now because the whole deal still depends on the final negotiations with the government.”
The Fiji Times sources said the private radio station would provide music, interviews and news from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, initially.
A feasibility study carried out with the help of the Economic Development Board and a door-to-door survey had shown that the majority of listeners were likely to be under 30 years old.
Therefore, the station would have English, Fijian and Hindi disco, country music, film and rock music.
The announcers would be encouraged to speak everyday English, Hindi and Fijian and to use everyday expressions used by the people.
The sources said the advertising rates of the new station were likely to range from $15 to $8, with $5 for late night advertisements.
At one stage, there were about eight companies wanting commercial radio licences, but only six companies applied for them.
They included Communications (Fiji) Ltd, AWA, The Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun.
