The government has recommended certain changes to the Media Industry Development Decree which would allow foreign companies to own Pay Television stations and also allow cross ownership of only Pay TV.
Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum tabled a motion in relation to the amendment to the decree.
He says this is purely for Pay TV in the country.
No local content including local news will be allowed to be shown on these Pay TV stations.
Sayed-Khaiyum says Digicel is currently talking to Fijian Holdings Limited to buy Fiji Television Limited’s Pay TV company Sky Pacific.
He says under the current law this cannot be done.
Sayed-Khaiyum says the bill also recommends that the Media Industry Tribunal’s ability to fine journalists be removed.
He says journalists will be liable for an apology for any breaches.
Sayed-Khaiyum says only the publisher, editor or company will be liable for fines as they have higher responsibility.
Parliament has passed the motion to be debated today and it will not go to the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
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