The Interim Government has had a relationship with the media that has been fraught with tension and difficulties, the relationship has not been smooth and in fact we do not expect it to be so all the time said the Interim Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama.

As we celebrate World Media Freedom Day today, Bainimarama said the government and the media need each other because for the government the media is the most important, independent mechanism through which it communicates with the public.

The Interim Prime Minister adds that the Interim Government recognises that the news media is entitled to take positions on any public issue and to argue for them in its reporting and editorials however such positions should not detract the media from its responsibility to be balanced, accurate and truthful.

Bainimarama said it has been noticed that a large part of the mainstream media has tended to fall far short of this responsibility on issues that are of vital importance to Fiji and its future, such as the work of the NCBBF adding that some media have tended to focus on the negatives instead of increasing awareness of issues and encouraging informed debate and discussion.

He also urges publishers and editors to commit themselves to a free, responsible and vibrant media where all citizens are afforded the right to be fully informed in a fair, balanced and accurate manner.