What FAME is all about?

The Media Council of Fiji created the annual FAME program in 2004 to honour the achievements of the many media professionals who continue to highlight through press, radio and television, the concerns of our Pacific neighbourhood within the developing world. In an era of commercial globalization, we also need the globalization of understanding. It is through the most challenging efforts of media professionals that this can become a reality.

The awards, which cover all categories of mainstream media communication, provide for recognition of insight, analysis, creativity and entertainment. They are open to all mainstream print, radio and television media and other organisations that are members of the Fiji Media Council.

In addition to being an essential means for information dissemination, the mass media plays a critical role in spreading awareness in the Fiji Islands of the importance and benefits of the information revolution. Newspapers, radio and television provide an easy, accessible and cheap means of carrying information to the end user. Information in all its forms empowers people to make informed decisions, to make better sense of the world around them. It is in this broad sense that FAME will provide the forum to recognize the efforts that have been made in the past 12 months to improve the flow of information to people all over Fiji.

Why FAME media awards?

Although the media in Fiji are developing higher standards of communication on major issues, there is a perception in the community that standards could be improved.

The FAME awards, under the umbrella of the Media Council aim to highlight the best examples of reporting, creativity and communication within each category.

It is through this process that the community at large can see that standards are being set and attained, and examples of exceptionally good work are shown to the media industry to use as a benchmark for further development.

• Create greater awareness on the role of the Fiji Media in the development of higher standards of communication at all levels within the mass media;

• Support Fiji media to establish benchmarks for excellence and promote appropriate training and development through the awarding of scholarships of educational exchange programs as rewards for category winners;

• Enhance access to information to people living in the Fiji Islands on issues of importance and concern to the Pacific region, thereby raising greater awareness and understanding.

• Stimulate national debate on key issues and emerging trends in the media.