FIJIFIRST BLOCKS OPPOSITION MOVE TO REPEAL TELEVISION DECREE AND DENYS FIJI RUGBY TELECAST ----------- Leader of the Opposition Parliament House SUVA STATEMENT [No 25/12/2014] Government refuses Opposition move to allow television 7s coverage The government led by Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum today in Parliament voted NO to an Opposition motion by Hon Bill Gavoka to repeal the Television decree. This was after the Speaker suggested the issue was a matter of national importance. The government side did not want to debate the controversy over television broadcasting of the 7s. Instead it used its brute majority to call for a vote. A majority of the government members voted No, and the motion was lost. It appears, however, that one or two members of the government were not supportive of their government and did not vote. The Opposition is insisting that the Khaiyum Television decree is a ‘domestic ‘decree that shuts out competition and attempts to overturn international contractual arrangements between World Rugby and Fiji TV. The Opposition maintains that the AG can successfully negotiate a beneficial settlement by withdrawing his the Decree. This would allow citizens to watch the South Africa leg of the international 7s this weekend. The Acting Prime Ministers determination to retain the anti-competitive decree, suggests his real concern is for FBCTV, who’s CEO happens to be his younger brother. The Decree will bring benefits to FBC TV while breaking the exclusive contract Fiji TV has with World Rugby. Rugby 7s is to Fiji what the Melbourne Cup is to Australia. It is the one sport that stops Fiji in its tracks regardless of political and religious affiliations and ethnic origins. Our people unite as one behind our players, and we combine to cheer them on to victory. The Acting Prime Ministers handling of this issue is a study in arrogant incompetence. His refusal to allow this crucial national issue to be immediately resolved is absolutely unacceptable. Authorized By: Ratu Isoa Tikoca Chief Whip Opposition SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Main points of the Attorney-General’s explanation in Parliament through a ministerial statement:- - The A-G said last week that Fiji TV’s free to air channel had 70% coverage. He is basically saying that if 30% of the population are not accessible to free to air Fiji TV, then 70% of the people should not be able to watch live 7’s? Opposition disagrees - The A-G said that both FIFA and Word Rugby had given approval for the cross-carriage of the FIFA World Cup in June/July and Gold Coast 7’s in October. Opposition wants the A-G to provide evidence of these approvals. - Cross-carriage Decree requires TV broadcasters who share live feed with the holder of the broadcaster with rights to pay their share of the rights in accordance with their market share. Opposition wants the A-G to provide evidence that in respect of the FIFA World Cup, Fiji TV and FBC TV paid their share of the rights; and FBC TV and Mai TV paid their share of the rights for the Gold Coast 7’s and if not was adequate notice provided as required by the decree. - The AG also spoke about bringing equilibrium to the industry. Opposition wants to know why hasn’t Government discontinued its exclusivity with Fiji Sun and started sharing equally between the Sun and Times its advertising budget, and when will is share equally a share of the public service broadcast grants to Fiji TV, Mai TV, Communications Fiji Ltd and Mix FM? - The A-G said last week that Government will protect Fiji TV’s commercial interest. Opposition wants to know if Fiji Government will compensate Fiji TV for its loss of revenue through non-airing of sponsors’ advertisements because of non-coverage of Dubai 7’s and Mai TV for its losses from the FIFA World Cup.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 06:52:41 +0000
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