Calls for removal of Media Decree in Fiji

The Fiji Opposition has called for the abolishment of the Media Industry Development Decree.

They say, the Decree is “regressive and suppresses media freedom”

Media Freedom an issue often subjected to debate.

On Thursday, Members of the Opposition called for the repeal of the Media Industry Development Decree.

Speaking on behalf of  the Opposition, National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad says heavy fines and penalties in the decree have resulted in media organizations practicing self-censorship.

“We believe that the media should not be regulated by the state of any government. We also believe that the Decree is essentially an enforcer of government’s agenda as far as media is concerned,” said Professor Prasad.

MIDA’s role also came under the spotlight with Prof. Prasad claiming the media body is not operating independently.

“The minister appoints the chairperson and 5 other members and can also remove them. This is an obvious and major conflict of interest/ Section 17 provides the Authority immunity from legal proceedings, civil or criminal while the media is bound by the restrictive act with virtual impunity. Where is the balance and fairness government is preaching about?”

Defending its role, MIDA Chairman Ashwin Raj says, the  media are not to be politicised or used for political point scoring.

“You have to read the media decree in totality. MIDA has consistently said that we are working towards self-regulation; it shouldn’t be seen as an instrument for penal liberty alone. My focus is not on hefty fines and imprisonment. And just to put it on record, no media organization to date has been incremented on its content, even if you look at Fiji TV and the issue of hate speech, no fines were imposed,” said Raj.

Raj says, MIDA has always been neutral and even received and acted on complaints against the government.

“There have been complaints lodged against government and MIDA has acted on it. The fact that we have received complaints against Fiji Sun which has been alleged to be a propaganda mouth piece for the government- I have acted on those complaints. The fact of the matter is that for the first time the country has seen an unprecedented discussion on matters on hate speech, responsibility of media, where was Dr. Prasad and NFP then?”

While Professor Biman Prasad is adamant the Media Decree prohibits media Freedom, MIDA Chairman Ashwin Raj says freedom of speech, media and expression are reflected in the 2013 constitution.

SOURCE: FIJI TV/PACNEWS