The Fijian Media Association has welcomed the amendment to the Media Industry Development Decree to remove the $1000 fine that journalists faced for breaching the decree.
The amendment passed in Parliament this week means journalists will no longer have the threat of a fine hanging over their heads while doing their job.
Association President Ricardo Morris says this is a positive step forward by the government in recognizing some of the constraints that the Media Decree has imposed on journalists.
Morris says this should encourage journalists to seek out and report stories that will bring positive changes to communities and people’s lives.
He adds journalists should not operate in an environment of fear but do their jobs freely and fairly.
However, FMA says concerns remain that editors, publishers and media companies continue to face substantial fines of up to $25,000 and $100,000 respectively.
Morris says anybody who does a job where there is a risk of huge fines for breaches of the law will certainly feel some kind of pressure.
