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Getting right information to voters vital: Sayed-Khaiyum

October 23, 2018 7:35 pm

It is very important voters get the correct information before the 2018 general-election.

FijiFirst General Secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says to ensure this occurs, the different media organizations play a very important role.

He says at the moment Journalists are just doing shoddy work, getting interviews done when one politician makes remarks about another politician.

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He says before doing a news article for the general public’s view, media personnel need to do their research and find out about the truth and then report in a timely manner.

“This is the level of journalism we have in the country at the moment where you just write on ‘he said that’, ‘she said that’ basis. The fact of the matter is that there are far better services available in Fiji than ever before. The fact of the matter is we have 24 hours seven days hospitals operating now. More facilities are being built. Are you checking that out?”

Sayed-Khaiyum says media companies should also be able to share their information with each other on matters affecting the nation.

“This whole idea of exclusivity, go away with it. Just because we get interviewed by Fiji Sun doesn’t mean other media can’t pick it up. Just because you have done an interview with CFL doesn’t mean FBC can’t pick it up. You need to be able to share information.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says as election nears, some politicians will attack other political party candidates personally as well, but the media needs to be transparent in their reporting.

He says fact checking will help Fijians get the correct information, which is the prime role of the media organizations- to provide correct and timely information to all citizens.