* See PMW items 2808, 2805, 2802, 2801, 2776, 2772, 2770, 2741, 2740, 2739, 2738, 2737, 2735.
Fiji TV May 29 Close-Up transcript: http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/archive/fiji_coup/0529policemandies.html
SUVA (PMW): The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) has protested to Fiji's telecommunications authorities under
the interim military regime over a threat to revoke Fiji Television's licence over a programme linked to a violent
attack on the station last month.
The station, which broadcasts the Pacific country's only free-to-air television channel and two pay channels, was
attacked and trashed on the night of May 28 following a Close-Up panel programme which discussed media coverage of the
hostage crisis.
Rebel leader George Speight was strongly criticised in the programme, especially by one panellist. An armed mob attacked
the station, causing a reported $500,000 worth of damage and cutting transmission for almost 46 hours.
The letter on 19 June 2000 to Telecommunications Director Josua Turaganivalu, signed by PEN president Jean Rosier Jones
and chair Gordon McLauchlan, the NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) "urges you and your staff not to frustrate the free
flow of information through the media during the present political crisis in your country.
"We understand that you have threatened to revoke Fiji Television Ltd's broadcasting licence because a current affairs
programme provoked an attack on the station by terrorists at present holding political hostages. It is extraordinary
that a media organisation should be penalised because terrorists violently objected to programme content.
"We believe the right to convey information to the public and to express opinions based on that information will be
critical to the future of your country. While we understand the difficulties Fijian society faces at the moment, we hope
you will take a stand for freedom."
+++niuswire
WATCH FOR PMW'S NEW WEB SITE LAUNCH: http://www.pmw.c20.org
PACIFIC MEDIA WATCH is an independent, non-profit, non-government organisation comprising journalists, lawyers, editors
and other media workers, dedicated to examining issues of ethics, accountability, censorship, media freedom and media
ownership in the Pacific region. Launched in October 1996, it has links with the Journalism Program at the University of
the South Pacific, Bushfire Media, the Australian Centre for Independent Journalism, and Pactok Communications, in
Sydney and Port Moresby.
(c)1996-2000 Copyright - All rights reserved.
Items are provided solely for review purposes as a non-profit educational service. Copyright remains the property of the
original producers as indicated. Recipients should seek permission from the copyright owner for any publishing.
Copyright owners not wishing their materials to be posted by PMW please contact us. The views expressed in material
listed by PMW are not necessarily the views of PMW or its members.
Recipients should rely on their own inquiries before making decisions based on material listed in PMW. Please copy
appeals to PMW and acknowledge source.
For further information, inquiries about joining the Pacific Media Watch
listserve, articles for publication, and giving feedback contact Pacific
Media Watch at: E-mail: niusedita@pactok.net.au or: bfmedia@mpx.com.au Fax: (+679) 30 5779 or (+612) 9660 1804 Mail: PO
Box 9, Annandale, NSW 2038, Australia or, c/o Journalism, PO Box 1168, Suva, Fiji Website:
http://www.pactok.net/docs/pmw/ New website: http://www.pmw.c20.org