"Policy and Legislation: Since the introduction of the government’s Media Decree in 2012, the Fiji Media Industry Development Authority censors and controls the media industry. The constitution guaranteeing freedom of the press has been suspended since 2009. Threats against local and international journalists and editors have been common since the military takeover. Some sections of the Fiji Media Council Code of Ethics are included in the Media Decree but others are left out. Regular amendments create a tense atmosphere in the Fijian media industry. Fiji government representatives nevertheless argue that the various decrees, which were put in place, have empowered the general population by giving them greater voice and improved their access to information.
Media Systems: Fiji has had a National Disaster Management Plan since 1995. Radio Fiji and FM96 are used to communicate emergency warnings during natural disasters. The Early Warning System also includes SMS messages, warning sirens, cars with speakers, and word of mouth. Fiji has agreements with telecommunications companies to provide emergency calls for free. During 2011 floods, social network sites were used by people to access information. Most technicians have no formal training and there is no institution in Fiji offering broadcast technicians training. Technicians with formal training may have qualifications in related fields from Fiji National University. There is no formal network of technicians in Fiji. Informal networks and internet forums are used to seek advice and information. FemLINKpacific trains women in content production using radio, video and mobile suitcase transmitters.
Capacity Building: Several education and training initiatives are available in the area of media and communications in Fiji; the main institutions are USP and FNU. Fiji is an education hub for the region. Journalists also receive on the job training, and access training and workshops offered by SPC and UN agencies. Recent training has focused on media law training in relation to the new regulations and amendments. FNU offers vocational courses in journalism, media production, and technical skills, and film production. FNU’s completion rate is 80 per cent. Graduate outcomes are recorded. Many graduates choose to work in the NGO sector. FNU is challenged by a shortage of teachers. There is no media association in Fiji. The Fiji Media Council closed following the changes in legislation in 2009 and 2010.
Content: Climate change is a national priority. USP is playing a leading role in using participatory approaches to climate change communication. There is a lack of awareness of the impacts of climate change in the general community. There is a reported ‘jargon gap’; bridging this gap is seen as important. There is no targeted training around NCDs for journalists. Climate change communication occurs across many media outlets including radio, TV, Several communication initiatives on the topic of NCDs have been broadcast in Fiji, including radio campaigns and TV documentaries. These are in conjunction with inter-personal communication methods." (Summary of findings)