Fiji TV may bring back some replaced channels

Fiji Television Limited said it may be able to bring back some of the popular Sky Pacific channels that have been replaced.

CEO Tevita Gonelevu said this can only happen if negotiations with the distributors are successful.

Fiji TV also clarified that the BBC Channel was dropped after repeated complaints by them to BBC that the channel was currently pirated in Fiji.

Gonelevu said this was one of the biggest challenges they faced as other channels Fiji TV had were being pirated including the content of the FOX Channels.

He said they have informed the companies whose channels have been pirated as the onus is on them to protect their relationship.

According to Gonelevu, given Fiji TV’s public listed status, it is vital that territories were legally cleared for airing of Sky Pacific Channels and they will not be involved in piracy.

He said they had conducted an extensive review process taking into account customer feedback before they made the changes in channels and when they had difficulties in clearing some of the channels, they then took into account the customer feedback in what channels they would look for if they brought in new channels.

We questioned Gonelevu on how the customer’s feedback was conducted as there have been numerous complaints after the channels were replaced.

Gonelevu was also asked if a survey was conducted with all the subscribers to get their feedback as many subscribers say that they were not consulted and they had paid for the service based on the channels that Sky Pacific was offering.

This is the response from Gonelevu and the Manager Content, Tanya Waqanika.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on Fiji Television Limited to be realistic and bring back at least four out of the nine Sky Pacific channels removed.

Consumer Council of Fiji Manager Projects Bindula Prasad said they call on Fiji TV to listen to the grievances and pleas of the 20,000 plus subscribers and show some compassion.

Prasad said customers are paying $49 every month for the service and their interest must be taken on board.

Prasad added the nine channels removed are BBC, Nat Geo, Starplus, Discovery Home & Health, Fox Crime, Star World, Fox Premium, Cartoon Network and Discovery channel.