The media in Fiji is heavily criticised and there has never been a time when one could be appreciative of its work, says Fiji Media Association general secretary Stanley Simpson.
Speaking during the Democratic Development in Melanesia Webinar Series this week, Simpson said the public was always of the view that the media lacked in meeting their standards every time.
He said this was the same with Government and the Opposition parties adding people could tell which media agency was being criticised just by hearing their complaints.
“The media in Fiji, know that no matter how much they may try, they will never be able to make everyone happy and they will always be criticised that they were either over sensationalising or not doing enough to cover an important issue adequately or not covering it at all.
“I think it’s important too for the media to acknowledge this and in fact respond to this feedback and the criticisms, because they are often general but I think it’s more important for the media to abide by the Code of Ethics by being fair and balanced on a matter.”
Simpson said there were times when the media were labelled as anti-government for a single story despite the many pro-government spins they would churn out. He added that when criticising the ability of the media, people needed to keep things in perspective considering the unavailability of resources and other issues in these agencies.
“More investigative stories and reporters are needed and better analysis of issues and more indepth pieces to try to uncover the truth or the facts of the story.
“There needs to be more training and development and there need to be more resources put in to assist reporters.”
Meanwhile, questions sent to the Minister for Communications Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, remain unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
