Second English paper in Fiji

Press, 25 September 1989, Page 9

Second English paper in Fiji

NZPA-AAP Suva Fiji’s second English daily newspaper, the “Daily Post,” published its first edition in Suva at the week-end. The paper, which, is now in direct competition with the 120-year-old, Rupert Murdoch-owned “Fiji Times,” replaces the thrice-weekly “Fiji Post” which began after two military coups in 1987. In its editorial the Post, said it was completely owned by Fiji interests. “It is of special significance that this newspaper is totally locally owned and is something the people of Fiji can claim to be their very own,” it said. The editorial said that while the “Fiji Post” had been started as a paper to promote indigenous Fijian interests, “this notion has faded.” “The Daily Post” is a paper which is targeted to have wide appeal for all people of Fiji,” it said in apparent reference to both indigenous Fijians and ethnic Indians who are both served by a number of publications in their respective languages.

Before the political events of two years ago, Fiji’s second daily was the “Fiji Sun” — a part of the Hong Kong media magnate Sally Aw’s empire. It failed to re-open after the then military government insisted on a code of selfcensorship. In its editorial, the “Post” said it would "jealously guard” the freedom of the press but would also use its “powers judiciously and objectively.”