THE 8th Pacific Media Summit 2026 has generated a lot of interest in Savusavu as prominent media personalities and members of the People’s Coalition joined the forum.
Healthy deliberations took place on a range of issues, including media freedom, responsible journalism, freedom of expression, media reach, artificial intelligence, and trust in the mainstream media.
It is important to deliberate on the risks and challenges that journalists encounter daily while carrying out their duties, especially online safety as journalists often get bullied on social media.
Therefore, it is important that laws protect journalists in the course of their work. After all, they play a vital role in keeping the public informed.
Journalists must be allowed to carry out their work without fear or intimidation and should never be held to ransom in their pursuit of information.
I read the editorial titled “Close the information gap” (FT: 25/09) with interest and I agree that the media plays a vital role in holding those in power to account.
The media industry suffered a lot during Fiji’s 16 years of suppression.
While some media organisations were treated fairly and given access to government news and information, others were unfairly treated and had to rely on government social media platforms and online posts for official information.
The media industry must never experience those dark days again.
A healthy relationship between the government and the media industry is the way forward for our beloved Fiji. Let journalists work without oppression!
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam
Nadawa, Nasinu.
