Silence in paradise

It is safe to say that the greatest challenge we face with censorship is inconsistency. What we may or may not cover is at the discretion or more often the whim of the censor on duty.

Last month the Public Emergency Regulation was extended for a further 30 days and this went unreported. The Permanent Secretary for Information declared that the media was now reporting responsibly. In my view, Fiji’s media has always tried to report responsibly.

Unfortunately, all of our country’s rulers since independence in 1970 believe that responsibility means no anti-government stories.

The people know of our inability to provide a truly independent view of what is happening in our home. Those who can use shortwave radio to find a link to the outside world and news broadcast on Radio Australia or Radio New Zealand. A plethora of blog sites has sprung up spewing Fiji stories, rumour, gossip and speculation into cyber-space.

Most of this news is accessible only to the small portion of the community which has access to the Internet. Unable to halt the onward march of the bloggers, Fiji’s rulers have resorted to ordering the closure of Internet cafes from 6pm each evening in an attempt to stem the tide.

But how does it stop the coconut wireless which for generations has provided steady - if not entirely factual - news in countries around the region?

To say that Fiji’s media has been under fire since December 2006 is no exaggeration. We have been threatened, bullied and intimidated. Our cars have been smashed, our homes firebombed. Despite this, our staff have remained committed to the ideals of a free media, telling the stories that must be told, exposing the weaknesses in State policies and also covering human interest assignments.

It is because of their commitment and refusal to detract from the cause that the interim government has been forced to gag the media.

It is important in these trying circumstances for senior journalists and managers to maintain a brave face and communicate constantly with their staff, offering support and protection. It is also imperative that we offer guidance and direction and stress the importance of the role of a vibrant, free press in a democracy. Training, upskilling and mentoring are also important.

At the Fiji Times we have found that our people - and many of them are young - understand the complexities of the situation we face.

How do we build their courage?

Simply, by not backing down.