Radio remains one of the best mediums for news and information for a number of reasons and in situations such as natural disasters and political upheavals, the role of Communications Fiji Limited is well known amongst people who have grown with radio.
As we celebrate World Radio Day, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has also congratulated Communications Fiji Limited, fijivillage News and its News Director Vijay Narayan for standing up to the bullies and all the attempts to silence independent media organisations.
He says this Government wants to, no matter who is in government in the future, leave a culture where there is freedom of information and journalists can hold leaders and government to account so that it would become a way of life in a democracy.
Professor Prasad says no one should try and muzzle the media.
The Acting Prime Minister has also congratulated CFL for it’s 40 years of service to the country this year.
As this year’s World Radio Day theme is ‘Radio and Climate Change’, Professor Prasad says radio, climate change and climate action go together because radio, provides real-time news updates and breaking news, especially when we now are experiencing the frequency, the intensity of natural disasters as a result of global climate change.
He adds for small island countries like Fiji, where the frequency of natural disasters is much higher compared to those in bigger countries, real-time information to people, can only come through radio at a much lower cost and in a much more efficient and much more trustful and credible way than perhaps when it comes through other mediums or other forms of information that might be available.
As we celebrate World Radio Day today, Lalai Vugakoto from Korovou in Tailevu, brought her family to the home of Communications Fiji Limited at 231 Waimanu Road, Suva to show her children where their favourite radio station, Legend FM is based.
Vugakoto says the way radio personalities promote their programs is impressive and captures her attention, motivating her to be part of this celebration.
She says the government should utilize radio platforms to deliver messages about drugs and other social issues by incorporating them into advertisements.
The 45-year-old says children are more likely to engage with ads rather than lengthy speeches from government stakeholders.
She says she wants her children to witness firsthand what they experience through radio by visiting the stations in person.
The 45-year-old believes despite advancements in technology, radio remains the number one platform for delivering fresh news, great music, and other important information.
Communications Fiji Limited Chairman William Parkinson says radio has always been about building individual relationships with listeners.
Parkinson says while they continue to broadcast traditionally, technology now allows listeners to stay connected through online streaming, digital platforms, and social media.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia says without radio and Communications Fiji Limited in particular, he would not be where he is today.
Reflecting on his journey while standing at the podium at Civic Centre to open World Radio Day, Bia recalled his first day at CFL and expressed gratitude to God for the support that shaped his career.
The theme for this year's World Radio Day is “Radio and Climate Change: A powerful tool for climate action”.
Good radio is about building relationships with our listeners 24/7 and no other media can do that in quite the same manner as radio, and particularly in the Pacific.
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson highlighted this during the Pacific Media Partnership Conference World Radio Day celebrations at Suva Civic Centre today.
Parkinson says we talk directly to our listeners in good and bad times.
He says that's where the importance of us meeting the requirements in terms of emergency is critical and it’s been a core part of CFL's growth - particularly during cyclones.
The Chairman says the digital world allows us to enrich the 24/7 relationship with our listeners and build on it, and that's certainly our philosophy.
He further says our news website fijivillage has been in existence since 1997 which has been another critical element in terms of building relationships.
Parkinson adds that he expects our radio personalities not only to be the number one radio personalities in their market but also the number one online influencers.
Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu is calling on policymakers, media stakeholders, and community leaders to leverage radio as a driver of climate action, fostering dialogue on adaptation strategies and promoting sustainable solutions for future generations.
While speaking on World Radio Day, Seruiratu says on this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to using this powerful platform to amplify the voices of those most affected by climate change and work towards a more resilient Fiji.
The theme for this year’s World Radio Day is "Radio and Climate Change: A Powerful Tool for Climate Action."
Seruiratu says he recognizes the indispensable role of radio as a medium for informing, educating, and mobilizing communities, especially in the face of climate change.
He says in a time when climate-related disasters threaten our livelihoods, radio remains a critical tool for early warnings, disaster preparedness, and spreading awareness on sustainable practices.
Seruiratu adds that radio continues to be a lifeline for many Fijians, particularly in rural and maritime communities where internet access is limited.
He says it serves as a bridge between scientific knowledge and local action, ensuring that climate information reaches those who need it most.
He further emphasizes the need for investment in radio broadcasting infrastructure to enhance climate resilience.
Assistant Minister for Information, Aliki Bia has stressed that radio fosters peace and connects communities while recognizing the essential work of broadcasters, especially public service broadcasters, in upholding democracy, culture and peace.
While speaking during the World Radio Day celebration at Suva Civic Centre today, Bia who is a former Communications Fiji Limited journalist says funding is key to ensuring radio remains a tool for unity, dialogue and understanding.
The Assistant Minister says public service radio can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world and continue to progress and maintain the standard of excellence.
He says the importance of funding for public service broadcasting cannot be overstated.
The Assistant Minister says the Fijian government allocated $10.4 million for the public service broadcast grant in the 2024 and 2025 national budget for both radio and television.
He says a tender was issued instead of relying solely on tradition, leading to the selection of Fiji Television and Mai TV as successful bidders for the television component.
He says the grant empowers the two television companies to produce and broadcast high-quality local content that is both informative and educational, serving the interests of the general audience effectively.
Bia further says radio is a public service that shapes the way we live, understand one another and build more resilient societies and acknowledged Communications Fiji Limited and Fijian Broadcasting Corporation for their incredible work over the past years.
He highlighted that CFL has set the benchmark for commercial radio and event management in Fiji, however, it is critical to acknowledge that these achievements and innovations do not come without their challenges.
The Assistant Minister adds that radio gives a voice to the voiceless, provides a forum for diverse views and communicates during both crisis and calm.
As we celebrate World Radio Day today, Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company of LegendFM, FM96, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam and fijivillage has organized some fun activities at its 231 Waimanu Road home.
Listeners and followers of our five radio stations and our news website fijivillage will also get a chance to have a tour around the home of CFL and meet the radio personalities from 12 to 2pm.
The event will begin at 10am with lively music and a warm welcome for listeners and guests from the Master of Ceremony followed by some interactive games and prize giveaways.
General Manager, Charles Taylor will also talk about the power of radio in connecting communities and sharing stories.
CFL’s first radio station, FM96 started on July 5th, 1985, it was the first ever 24-hour radio station in the country and also the first ever FM radio station.
The celebration will end at 2pm.
The theme for this year's World Radio Day is "Radio and Climate Change."
We hope to see you all during the celebrations.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
