Fiji’s media industry, The Fiji Times in particular, is today celebrating World Press Freedom Day as a truly free entity.
Yesterday, staff of the newspaper were reminded about the struggles some colleagues endured — and the uphill battles faced by the company over the past 16 years — simply to stay operational.
Fiji Times Pte Ltd board chairman Kirit Patel recognised the hardship faced by staff, not only due to MIDA (Media Industry Development Act), but also during the two-year Covid pandemic.
He commended the perseverance and commitment displayed by staff in carrying out their duties, which in turn ensured the newspaper was able to carry out its primary responsibility of disseminating information.
Mr Patel also assured the team of the board’s full support in the years to come.
The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley also acknowledged the team for banding together during the storms.
In honour of the occasion, staff were treated to lunch by management.