LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Sir,

I wish to thank the Fiji Sun newspaper for their editorial contained in the Sunday Sun issue of 18/05/08.  The dissertation on the proper workings of Journalism as a response to my call for fair and unbiased reporting was enlightening in view of the pieces I had cited as examples.  I was however unprepared for the ferocity of the attack contained in that editorial which came in the guise of defence.  The extent to which it stooped to expose my supposed ignorance was saddening. 

On the evening of Saturday 17/05/08 I received a call from someone who identified herself as being from the Fiji Sun newspaper.  She wanted to know the name of the Chairman of the Media Working Group.  I replied that I was unaware of such a Working Group nor was I aware of the name of the Chairman.
She then asked me whether the NCBBF had discussed the Thompson Report.  I asked her what Thompson and what report.  Because she sounded unsure, I asked her to get some more information on the matter for I was hesitant to make any comment given her vagueness.  Furthermore, I was not clear as to which Thompson report she was referring to. 

The report that immediately came to my mind at that time was the Sir Ian Thompson’s report on the Review and Restructure of the Fijian Administration.  Now with the benefit of hindsight I realize that the girl’s line of questioning was intended to get a reply that would give the answer the newspaper wanted.

The pen is indeed mightier than the sword so beware if you dare voice your concerns about journalism.  You just might get swamped with the response and meet the full brunt of that other estate.

Vinaka and God Bless

Adi Finau Tabakaucoro
NCBBF Member

May 19, 2008