Media in Fiji

Fiji's media system combines public-service, commercial and online providers. The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) is the national broadcaster. Radio Fiji One and Radio Fiji Two provide public-service broadcasting under government contracts, while FBC TV, Fiji TV and MaiTV provide free-to-air television. Walesi is the national digital television platform and carries channels including FBC TV, Fiji One, FBC Sports, FBC2, MaiTV, Parliament Channel and Hope Channel. Remote and maritime islands may need UHF or satellite reception. Walesi free-to-air access does not require a monthly fee after the necessary hardware is installed. Households with annual income below FJ$30,000 may qualify for a government set-top-box subsidy; applications use an EFL bill, payslip and identification. Households above that threshold generally need to purchase the equipment. Antenna or dish installation and any internet or data service create additional costs. FBC also provides the Viti+ and Sere+ digital platforms. The Walesi app needs an internet connection and supports Android 5 or later and iOS 8 or later. Prices and available programmes vary by service, and no single local tariff applies to all streaming providers. The Television and Online Streaming Act 1992, amended in 2020, specifically regulates online streaming services connected with live sport and commercial gain. Unlicensed live-sport streaming can lead to a fine of up to FJ$100,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both. Social media users in Fiji have rights under the Constitution, including freedom of expression, publication and access to information, subject to lawful limits. Section 24 protects privacy. The Online Safety Commission (OSC), under the Online Safety Act 2018, deals with harmful electronic communication such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, trolling and image-based abuse. A complaint normally begins with the platform. If the problem continues, a person can complain to the OSC without paying a fee. The OSC can receive and assess complaints, investigate, mediate and issue a removal notice; court action may follow if the notice is not obeyed. A child under 18, a parent or legal guardian, or a school principal or head teacher with the required consent can use the child complaint process. A court can order removal, correction, an apology, no contact, a right of reply or damages. Individual offences can carry a fine of up to FJ$20,000 or five years' imprisonment; penalties for a company can reach FJ$100,000 or seven years' imprisonment. Copyright protection covers text, photographs, audio, audiovisual works and broadcasts under the Copyright Act 1999. A public post or broadcast therefore does not automatically permit re-uploading, copying or commercial reuse. Journalistic practice is expected to address accuracy, fairness, balance, ethics and cultural sensitivity. The Fiji Media Council operates as a self-regulatory forum for accuracy, fairness, accountability and public concerns; current formal enforcement powers were not established in the available research. The Media Industry Development Act 2010 was repealed by the Media Industry Development (Repeal) Act 2023, so its former registration and sanction framework is not the current access framework. Internet use reached 74.7% of the population in 2024, with active mobile-broadband subscriptions at 144 per 100 inhabitants and mobile-phone ownership at 82.7%. Coverage was at least 2G for 94%, 3G for 93% and LTE or WiMAX for 85% of the population; no 5G coverage was recorded in the cited data. These national figures do not show the differences between households or islands. Radio, free-to-air television and mobile services therefore remain especially relevant for public-service information, sport, emergencies and communities with limited fixed internet access. People can participate through complaints to the OSC and the courts, public-service channels such as the Parliament Channel, and media education at the University of the South Pacific (USP). USP offers a BA in Journalism, BA in Communication and Media, MA in Journalism and Diploma in Pacific Journalism. Its student media include Wansolwara in print and online and Radio Pasifik on 89.4 FM. The diploma contains 12 courses, uses a portfolio and interview for entry, and may recognise prior learning for applicants with at least one year of professional experience.