(PINA/IFEX) – The company operating the national television service in the Fiji Islands is trying to get a ban on its paid political advertising lifted, media reports announced on 17 November 1998. The company, Fiji Television Limited, is seeking the Fiji Islands government’s approval to allow political parties to advertise during the campaign before general […]
(PINA/IFEX) – The company operating the national television service in the
Fiji Islands is trying to get a ban on its paid political advertising
lifted, media reports announced on 17 November 1998. The company, Fiji
Television Limited, is seeking the Fiji Islands government’s approval to
allow political parties to advertise during the campaign before general
elections scheduled for May 1999. The company holds an exclusive twelve-year
licence from the Government to set up and run the national television
service. But as a condition of the licence it cannot carry paid political
advertising.
According to a report carried by Island Networks radio news, Fiji
Television’s request has unanimous support from the major political parties.
In a separate court action, Fiji Television abandoned its right to cross
examine the Minister for Communications, Works, and Tourism in a judicial
review hearing, “The Fiji Times” reported on 18 November 1998 (local date).
Fiji Television sought the review of a proposal by the minister to take away
its exclusive licence. The minister said the exclusive licence breaches a
new Fair Trading Decree.
Background Information
The Government issued Fiji Television the twelve-year licence in 1994, with
provision for a review after eight years. Fiji Television took over from a
temporary service set up in 1991 during an interim government which was in
power after two 1987 military coups. The Fiji Islands returned to elected
government in 1992. Fiji Television now operates
one free-to-air and two pay channels. Its main shareholder is the Fiji
Development Bank, which holds shares in trust for the country’s indigenous
Fijian provincial councils. Other shareholders include Television New
Zealand and Telecom Fiji.
