RADIO/TELEVISION

There are three radio companies with many stations. The government-run Fiji Broadcasting Commission (FBC or Radio Fiji) operates two AM and three FM bands in English, Fijian and Hindustani. Communications Fiji Ltd or FM96, which is a privately-owned radio station, broadcasts in English, while its sister station Navtarang and Bula FM also transmit on the FM stations but in Hindi and Fijian respectively.  Zed FM broadcasts in English from Lautoka while a Christian radio station also operates out of Suva. All stations by Communications (Fiji) Ltd, offer upbeat music and apart from five minute news bulletins on the hour, have very little to offer by the way of talk shows, documentaries or interviews. FM96 is, however, popular with its wide coverage of sports events. Both FM96 and Navtarang are heard in Suva, the western division and parts of the northern division. Both stations are directed at the teenage-to-40 year old segment of the listening audience.

Radio Fiji broadcasts countrywide on the AM bands, with FM bands restricted in coverage of greater Suva and the western division.  It offers a greater variety of programs including documentaries, local and world news, community and educational programs and a wider selection of music. World news coverage generally originates from Australia, UK, New Zealand and the US. Regional news is supplied by the regional news network, PACNEWS.

Fiji Television

Television was introduced in Fiji in 1991 when the government awarded a temporary license to Television New Zealand to enable local rugby followers to witness the live coverage of the Rugby World Cup competition. The temporary license was extended and continued until 1994 when a permanent service was introduced.

Today, Fiji Television operates twelve channels, Fiji One (free to air) and eleven pay channels including Sky Plus, Sky Entertainment and ESPN. Government is the largest shareholder of the station through the Fiji Development Bank, Yasana Holdings Ltd (59%) and a direct share of 14%.