Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development & Statistics, Biman Prasad, has highlighted the growing challenges faced by mainstream media in an era of alternative digital platforms.

Speaking at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 in Suva, Prof. Prasad noted that many people now turn to alternative media not only for convenience or cost but because they perceive it as aligning more closely with their worldviews.

“Mainstream media is bound by regulations that do not apply to social media. Laws on defamation, privacy, employment, and ethical journalism standards do not restrict bloggers or self-proclaimed activists, who often spread half-baked ideas from behind their keyboards,” he said.

The Acting PM emphasized that public trust in mainstream media must be rebuilt, particularly in societies like Fiji, where past media restrictions created deep skepticism.

New Media Challenges in the Pacific

Prof. Prasad also acknowledged the growing complexity of media challenges in the region, citing geopolitical influences, artificial intelligence-driven misinformation, and digital manipulation of information as key concerns.

“As the South Pacific becomes a focal point for big power rivalries, we must equip ourselves to address these issues. AI-driven misinformation threatens livelihoods and rights, and we must ensure media integrity is protected.”

Government Backs Public Service Broadcasting

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening media integrity, Prof. Prasad announced funding support for public service broadcasting.

“The government allocated $10.4 million in the last budget for public service broadcasting. Two private media organizations have already received their grants,” he said.

The Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 continues in Suva, bringing together regional media stakeholders to discuss journalistic integrity, digital media trends, and strategies to combat misinformation.