FIJI: Fiji broadcaster plays down Hindi contract dispute

Private broadcaster Communications Fiji Ltd says court action being taken against it by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation is not directed at its new Hindi-language radio station

Pacific Media Watch
Monday, March 29, 2004

SUVA (RNZI Online/Pacific Media Watch): Private broadcaster Communications Fiji Ltd says court action being taken against it by the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation is not directed at its new Hindi-language radio station.

Its general manager, Ian Jackson, says his company respects that the High Court has issued a stay order on the US$450,000  government contract for Hindi language public service broadcasting.

The contract is being challenged by FBCL.

But Jackson says CFL is now launching a new station, called Sargam.

"They are a separate issue. Fiji Broadcasting have sought a judicial review on the granting of Hindi public service contract to us. That is what¹s being disputed. What we¹re doing is opening another Hindi radio station which has nothing to do with the government contract. I mean, its our radio station under our normal radio licence."

Ian Jackson says the new Hindi radio station is set to go to air on Wednesday.

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Date Posted: 3/29/2004