NFP's motion to allow SKY Pacific to have local content and ads defeated in Parliament

A motion by the National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad that parliament agrees to a review of the Media Industry Development Act to allow Sky Pacific to air local content including local news and commercial advertising, was defeated in parliament today.

While tabling the motion, Prasad said that Digicel which owns Sky Pacific needs the advertising revenue to run a successful Pay TV business and people who subscribe to Sky Pacific should not miss out on local news.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Biman Prasad’s motion is flawed as Prasad is only advocating for Sky Pacific subscription.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the government-owned Walesi digital TV service is now providing coverage through terrestrial and satellite service throughout the country. He says there are 8 channels available so there are a lot of choices for the people.

Sayed-Khaiyum also states that Digicel knew before buying Sky Pacific that they could not air local content and advertisements as they had signed the licence condition.

Meanwhile SODELPA MP, Viliame Gavoka says Sky Pacific should be allowed to be viewed by everyone.

He says what a child watches in Suva should be the same as what children watch in other parts of the country.

The motion was defeated.

27 parliamentarians voted against Prasad’s motion, 15 voted for it while 8 MPs did not vote.