Fiji Awards for Media Excellence
The Fiji Awards for Media Excellence (FAME) is the most prestigious annual award event in the Fiji media industry.
Organised by the Fiji Media Council, FAME was last held in 2007 and was in hibernation for well over a decade because of oppressive government regulations in that period.
After 17 years, FAME finally returned in 2025 with the awards hailed a resounding success by the media industry and Fijian public.
It was resurrected with the re-establishment of the Fiji Media Council, following the repeal of the Media Industry Development Authority of Fiji in 2023 by Fiji’s Coalition government.
In its new phase, FAME once again recognizes outstanding achievements in journalism and media production in Fiji, across various categories.
This annual event celebrates excellence in different aspects of Fiji media including reporting, television production, radio broadcasting, and online journalism.
The Fiji Media Council is currently finalising the categories, entry guidelines and key dates for the 2026 Fiji Awards for Media Excellence (FAME).
2025 FAME Winners
The Fiji Media Council proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of the winners of the 2025 Fiji Awards for Media Excellence (FAME), recognising the journalists, broadcasters, storytellers, photographers, producers and media organisations that continue to raise the standard of journalism and public communication in Fiji.
The 2025 awards showcase the breadth and diversity of Fiji’s media industry - from courageous investigative reporting and compelling feature writing to innovative digital storytelling, powerful photography and outstanding broadcasting across English, Vosa Vakaviti and Hindi platforms.
Together, these award-winning works reflect the essential role that a free, ethical and vibrant media plays in strengthening democracy, informing communities and celebrating the stories that shape our nation.
The Fiji Media Council congratulates all finalists and extends special recognition to the following category winners.
Award 1
Category: Print – Best Print Article (News or Sports)
Winner: Ivamere Nataro – Bangladeshi Workers
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Ivamere Nataro is recognised for her powerful investigative reporting into the plight of vulnerable migrant workers in Fiji. Through compelling storytelling and careful journalism, her work exposed serious human rights concerns, gave a voice to those often unheard, and sparked important public discussion while prompting action from authorities.
Award 2
Category: Print – Best Feature Article (News or Sports)
Winner: John Kamea – Samoan Princess
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: John Kamea is honoured for his ability to bring history and culture vividly to life through feature writing. His beautifully crafted story of the Samoan princess on Nawi Island seamlessly blends history, anecdote and cultural context, creating an engaging and deeply human narrative that showcases the enduring power of storytelling.
Award 3
Category: Radio – Best Show or Personality – English
Winner: Legend FM Breakfast with Alex & Victoria
Organisation: Communications Fiji Limited
Citation: Alex Elbourne and Victoria Vollmer are recognised for their infectious energy, engaging conversations and unmistakable Fijian humour. Their dynamic breakfast programme consistently delivers entertaining and informative content, setting the benchmark for English-language breakfast radio in Fiji.
Award 4
Category: Radio – Best Show or Personality Vosa Vakaviti
Winner: BulaFM Matakavou Show
Organisation: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
Citation: The Bula FM Matakavou Show is celebrated for its long-standing tradition of delivering engaging, high-quality radio content. Combining humour, wit and meaningful discussion, the programme has become a trusted and much-loved companion for audiences across Fiji.
Award 5
Category: Radio – Best Show or Personality Hindi
Winner: Masala Mix – Satya Nand & Team
Organisation: Communications Fiji Limited
Citation: The Navtarang Masala Mix team receives this honour for two decades of entertaining and relatable broadcasting. Led by the iconic Satya Nand, the programme’s humour, storytelling and vibrant personalities have created a lasting connection with Hindi-speaking audiences in Fiji and abroad.
Award 6
Category: Digital – Most Innovative Storytelling
Winner: Mai TV – Coke Games Coverage
Organisation: Mai TV
Citation: Mai TV is recognised for redefining sports storytelling through its innovative digital coverage of the Coke Games. By combining live video, social media engagement and behind-the-scenes storytelling, the team created an immersive experience that brought one of Fiji’s biggest sporting events to life.
Award 7
Category: Digital – Most Innovative Digital Team
Winner: The Fiji Times
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: The Fiji Times is acknowledged for its forward-thinking digital strategy and successful transition to a video-led news service. Through mobile journalism, data-driven storytelling and innovative audience engagement, the organisation continues to lead Fiji’s evolving digital media landscape.
Award 8
Category: Television & Video – Best Camera Work
Winner: Isoa Vuki – Women of the Sea
Organisation: Mai TV
Citation: Isoa Vuki’s outstanding cinematography in “Women of the Sea” captured the resilience and stories of Pacific women with artistry and authenticity. Through breathtaking drone footage and intimate handheld imagery, his work demonstrates the transformative power of visual storytelling.
Award 9
Category: Television & Video – Best News Report
Winner: Vijay Narayan – Constitutional Review
Organisation: Communications Fiji Limited
Citation: Vijay Narayan is recognised for his incisive reporting on the constitutional review process. His ability to simplify complex legal issues into accessible and engaging content highlights the value of cross-platform journalism and reinforces the importance of informed public discourse.
Award 10
Category: Television & Video – Best Sports Report
Winner: Taina Basiyalo – Senior Players Join Nayacalevu’s Call
Organisation: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
Citation: Taina Basiyalo’s report stood out for its ability to move beyond sport and examine broader issues of leadership and accountability. Her timely and compelling coverage generated national conversation and demonstrated the far-reaching impact of sports journalism.
Award 11
Category: Television & Video – Best Current Affairs Report
Winner: Sitiveni Halofaki – Tui Nayau Installation Coverage
Organisation: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
Citation: Sitiveni Halofaki and the FBC team are recognised for their exceptional multi-platform coverage of the historic installation of the Tui Nayau. Their culturally respectful and technically sophisticated production connected audiences across Fiji and the diaspora through radio, television and digital media.
Award 12
Category: Marketing & Advertising – Best TV Spot/Advertising
Winner: Isoa Vuki – Seat Belts
Organisation: Mai TV
Citation: Isoa Vuki’s creative seatbelt campaign delivered a powerful road safety message without relying on graphic imagery. Its ability to encourage reflection and promote responsible driving made it highly effective across television and digital platforms.
Award 13
Category: Marketing & Advertising – Best Radio Advertising
Winner: John Vakaloloma – Eyes Up, Phones Down
Organisation: Communications Fiji Limited
Citation: The “Eyes Up, Phones Down” campaign captured public attention with a simple but memorable message about the dangers of distracted driving. Its influence extended beyond radio into social media and everyday conversation, significantly raising awareness.
Award 14
Category: Marketing & Advertising – Best Print Advertising
Winner: Gaurav Tyangi – Vodafone Father’s Day Reader Connect Activity
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: This innovative campaign successfully engaged readers by inviting them to celebrate their fathers through shared stories and photographs. The initiative combined print and digital storytelling to create a meaningful and highly interactive audience experience.
Award 15
Category: All Media – Best Commentary, Analysis, Opinion or Critique
Winner: Naisa Koroi – Minister’s Missteps Demand Swift Action
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Naisa Koroi is recognised for producing a bold and thought-provoking editorial that challenged leadership accountability and sparked widespread public discussion. His work demonstrates the enduring value of informed and courageous opinion writing.
Award 16
Category: All Media – Best Coverage of iTaukei Affairs
Winner: Eparama Warua (Mango Bay)
Organisation: Fiji TV
Citation: Eparama Warua is honoured for his sensitive and balanced reporting on issues affecting traditional landowners in Serua. His work navigated a complex and often difficult subject with professionalism, cultural understanding and journalistic integrity.
Award 17
Category: All Media – Best Sports Journalism
Winner: Lusi Banuve – 7s Women’s Team Sleeping Outside
Organisation: Mai TV
Citation: Lusi Banuve’s investigation into the treatment of the Fiji women’s sevens rugby team brought national attention to issues of athlete welfare and gender equity. Her commitment to protecting sources and pursuing accountability exemplifies the very best traditions of investigative journalism.
Award 18
Category: All Media – Young Journalist of the Year
Winner: Ioane Asioli – Gay Management
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Ioane Asioli receives this award for fearless and impactful reporting that ignited a nationwide conversation on inclusion, discrimination and institutional accountability. His work demonstrates maturity, courage and a deep understanding of journalism’s role in society.
Award 19
Category: All Media – Scoop of the Year
Winner: Anish Chand – Military Non-Intervention
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: Anish Chand is recognised for securing a rare and exclusive interview that provided unprecedented public insight into a critical moment in Fiji’s democratic history. His months of patient relationship-building and investigative work resulted in journalism of exceptional public value.
Award 20
Category: All Media – Best Coverage of a Major News Event or Issue
Winner: Samantha Rina – Lupus Coverage
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: Samantha Rina’s groundbreaking series on lupus combined personal stories, medical expertise and social analysis to shine a light on an often misunderstood illness. Her work challenged stigma, informed the public and inspired tangible action within the health sector.
Award 21
Category: All Media – Best Business Journalism
Winner: Waisea Nasokia – UB40 Concert and Events Tourism
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Waisea Nasokia is recognised for highlighting the broader economic opportunities created by major entertainment events. His reporting explored the benefits for tourism operators, local businesses and communities, showcasing the important connection between events and economic development.
Award 22
Category: All Media – Best News Photography
Winner: Ronald Kumar – Poor Condition of School
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Ronald Kumar’s powerful images transformed a routine assignment into a story that drove public action. His photographs exposed unsafe classroom conditions and prompted immediate investigations and improvements, demonstrating the impact of visual journalism in advancing accountability.
Award 23
Category: All Media – Best Sports Photography
Winner: Leon Lord – Mixed Emotions
Organisation: Fiji Sun
Citation: Leon Lord’s striking image perfectly captured the contrasting emotions of triumph and heartbreak at the 2024 Under-17 Deans Final. Through impeccable timing and patience, he produced a photograph that tells a complete sporting story in a single frame.
Award 24
Category: All Media – Best Male Commentator
Winner: Satish Narain
Organisation: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
Citation: Satish Narain is celebrated as one of Fiji’s most recognisable and respected sporting voices. His distinguished broadcasting career, including commentary at the World Rugby Sevens Series, has made him a true icon of Fijian sports media.
Award 25
Category: All Media – Best Female Commentator
Winner: Sesalina Cakau
Organisation: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation
Citation: Sesalina Cakau impressed the judges with her versatility and professionalism across both news and sports broadcasting. Her confident delivery and engaging style continue to make her one of Fiji’s leading media personalities.
Award 26
Category: Premier Award – Print Journalist of the Year
Winner: Anish Chand
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: Anish Chand receives this premier honour for fearless investigative reporting and an unwavering commitment to holding power to account. His work across issues of governance, corruption, public safety and press freedom continues to define excellence in print journalism.
Award 27
Category: Premier Award – Radio Journalist of the Year
Winner: Vijay Narayan
Organisation: Communications Fiji Limited
Citation: For more than 25 years, Vijay Narayan has earned the trust of audiences through insightful interviews and rigorous reporting. His journalism cuts through misinformation and provides clarity on the issues shaping Fiji, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Award 28
Category: Premier Award – TV Journalist of the Year
Winner: Isoa Vuki
Organisation: Mai TV
Citation: Isoa Vuki is recognised for his exceptional contribution to visual journalism. Whether through documentaries, current affairs or public awareness campaigns, his work combines creativity, empathy and technical excellence to inform and inspire audiences across Fiji.
Award 29
Category: Main Award – Journalist of the Year
Winner: Anish Chand
Organisation: The Fiji Times
Citation: The Fiji Media Council proudly recognises Anish Chand as the 2025 Journalist of the Year. Over a distinguished career spanning three decades and every major media platform, Anish has consistently demonstrated courage, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the public interest. His investigative reporting, dedication to accountability and ability to tell stories that matter embody the highest ideals of journalism and set the benchmark for media excellence in Fiji.