Amplify voices of people – Singh - Voice of Asia - Telling Stories from Asia to the World!

Dr. Shailendra Singh, Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific (USP), stated at a panel discussion for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination hosted by "Dialogue Fiji" last week that Fijian media should focus more on amplifying the voices of the people, rather than giving the government excessive coverage. This shift in focus could lead to a more balanced and representative media landscape.

Dr. Singh believes that the media's role is to reflect the views of all sectors of society, especially the voices of the people, rather than prioritizing the government's position. He emphasized that excessive focus on the government's perspective is not conducive to presenting a true and complete picture of society. This comprehensive approach ensures that all perspectives are considered and represented.

Dr. Singh pointed out that the media is often easily attracted to conflict events and celebrities, so politicians occupy a large amount of media space. He specifically mentioned that Fiji's front-page news and television headlines are often dominated by political figures, especially a few, which to some extent shapes public perception of Fiji's racial and ethnic issues. This dominance can skew public understanding and create an imbalanced view of societal issues.

Dr. Singh also emphasized the need for more in-depth research into Fiji's media practices, especially when compared to countries such as Australia. He cited recent remarks by senior minister Pio Tikoduadua on issues such as minority rights, the role of the military in democracy, and national unity as an example, questioning whether the media is giving enough attention to the overall behavior of Fijian leaders. A comparative analysis could reveal areas for improvement and best practices for Fijian media.

"The question is, what are our other leaders doing? What are they saying in parliament? How are they behaving? Are they promoting unity or creating division?" Dr. Singh asked. "These questions are crucial for us because in a country like Fiji, the words and actions of leaders often set the tone. So, does the media truly represent society? If the media mainly focuses on the government and politicians, does the media narrative accurately reflect our society?" These questions highlight the importance of a diverse and representative media landscape in shaping public discourse and fostering national unity.