What's Happening?
The Standing Committee on Economic Affairs chair, Sakiusa Tubuna, praised the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) for its self-sustainability efforts despite being government-owned. Tubuna presented the Consolidated Review Report on FBC's annual reports from 2018 to 2022 in Parliament, highlighting FBC's commercial approach to covering operational costs. FBC TV aims to promote local talent and diverse content, maintaining a strong market position through hybrid programs that emphasize local content. Despite facing competition from other commercial entities, FBC has retained loyal audiences across urban, rural, and maritime areas. Challenges include potential market share loss due to competition, impacting advertising revenue. FBC operates six radio stations in Fiji's major languages and a television station, FBCTV, with an in-house production unit, Studio 69.
Why It's Important?
FBC's focus on self-sustainability is crucial for its continued operation and service delivery in Fiji's competitive media landscape. By emphasizing local content, FBC supports cultural preservation and provides a platform for local talent, contributing to the country's cultural and economic development. The corporation's ability to maintain a strong market position despite competition ensures diverse media options for Fijians, fostering informed communities. However, the challenges of competition and potential revenue loss highlight the need for innovative strategies to sustain operations and expand viewership. FBC's approach serves as a model for other government-owned entities seeking self-sustainability while fulfilling public service mandates.
