Lal Welcomes CFL's $1.7 Million Taxpayer Grant

Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, has welcomed the awarding of a $1.7 million Public Service Broadcast (PSB) grant to Communications Fiji Limited (CFL).

Lal acknowledged CFL’s long-standing role as a trendsetter in radio broadcasting, noting that its stations have been the most listened to in Fiji for many years.

"Dialogue Fiji has always been a strong proponent of sharing the public advertising dollar around," Lal said. "In a small media market with limited advertising revenue and only a handful of advertisers, it is essential that state funding supports private operators alongside the state broadcaster. This helps foster a balanced and competitive media environment that better serves the public interest."

He emphasised, however, the importance of safeguarding editorial independence for media organisations receiving government funding.

"The fact that Fiji Television, MaiTV, and now CFL are receiving state funding must not create any expectation that they will promote government narratives at the expense of the public interest," he said. "Editorial freedom is paramount. Fijians need independent media companies that serve their interests, not act as mouthpieces for the government."

Lal stressed that mechanisms must be in place to ensure that the PSB tendering process does not penalise media outlets for critical reporting on government policies.

Dialogue Fiji has been active in research and advocacy around media and democracy, having previously released landmark studies on media bias during the 2018 elections and the Media Industry Development Act 2010.