Fiji: Regional media leader steps into Fiji's Media Decree body

The Pacific Freedom Forum says a key media appointment in Fiji will influence how freedom of expression is promoted in the Pacific Island country.
The comment from PFF Chair Titi Gabi of Papua New Guinea follows reports that the current head of the Pacific Islands News Association, Mr Matai Akauola, has been named as the new Director of Fiji’s Media Industry Development Authority.
The PFF , Gabi said,  will continue to engage with Mr Akauola, and other stakeholders, on the need to protect the public’s right to express their views.
"With his wealth of experience and having worked with Pacific media for seven years as PINA Coordinator, Akauola can make a big impact in shaping the future direction of Fiji media."
Co-chair, Monica Miller, a former President of PINA is confident the regions main media organisation will have no trouble finding a coordinator who will uphold the principles that PINA stands for, media freedom being a pivotal one.
"PFF thanks Akauola for his service and wishes him a bright future in his new role. We also remain hopeful of deepening our already existing ties with PINA on media ethics and independance," said Miller.
Many members of the PFF are also members of PINA, with PFF founding co-chair Monica Miller also serving as a former PINA President. Miller has been the only female president of PINA in its 30-year history.
Fiji has been without an elected government since a military takeover in December 2006, with the first elections currently set for 2014.--ENDS

LINKS:
Fiji Broadcasting Corp: ‎http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/13785/mida-director-appointed-

CONTACT: PFF Chair Titi Gabi | Freelance Journalist | Papua New Guinea Mail: PO Box 7776, Boroko, NCD, Papua New Guinea | Mob: (675) 7314 3929 | Email: titi.gabipng@gmail.com PFF co-Chair Monica Miller | KHJ Radio | American Samoa Mob 684 258-4197 | Office 684 633-7793 | Email: monica@khjradio.com The Pacific Freedom Forum are a regional and global online network of Pacific media colleagues, with the specific intent of raising awareness and advocacy of the right of Pacific people to enjoy freedom of expression and be served by a free and independent media. We believe in the critical and basic link between these freedoms, and the vision of democratic and participatory governance pledged by our leaders in their endorsement of the Pacific Plan and other commitments to good governance. In support of the above, our key focus is monitoring threats to media freedom and bringing issues of concern to the attention of the wider regional and international community.