No substitute for unbiased, quality reporting

I am extremely pleased that Indian Newslink is publishing a Special Report on Fiji based on interviews with Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney General and Justice, Trade and Tourism Minister (apart from other portfolios) Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, other important officials of the Government, business leaders and common people.

I am proud of the editor of this newspaper who went on a ‘fact-finding’ mission to Fiji and was able to meet so many people within a short span of seven days. I am sure he will be in a better position to appreciate the real position in Fiji and report without bias or preconceived notions.

I believe that this Special Report is of great significance to the people of New Zealand.

That is because we are often used to negative publicity on Fiji and thus far Radio Tarana has been the only member of the New Zealand media, which has constantly balanced its reports on Fiji, bringing to our growing list of listeners South Pacific’s most important country in the proper perspective.

So far, our weekly interview with Mr Bainimarama has been the only source for the outside world to project his views and assess the developments occurring in Fiji.

Apart from interviewing government officials, our reporters also speak to all political parties, business and community leaders in Fiji to provide an overall view of the developments in the political, commercial, social and community areas.

That is because we believe in providing the real situation to our listeners and readers so that they would be able to judge on issues and people. I believe this is imperative for any media organisation to remain impartial.

It is a matter of pride that our reporters and newsroom staff source their stories directly from the concerned and do not copy from other websites, blogs and twitters.

Sobriety and seriousness are the hallmarks of our approach to news –not sensationalism, as is the wont of some sections of the media.

Seeking moderation and balance in our news stories is one of the most distinguishing factors of our radio station.

Over the years, we have brought credibility into our reporting process and our reporters and presenters are well trained to access and handle information that provides credibility, verifiability and utility to our listeners.

People of Indian origin (PIO), including Indo-Fijians in New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world listen online (www.tarana.co.nz) for constant updates on Fiji and other world news and events, with our special and exclusive link-up with the BBC World Hindi Service broadcast from London.

Just like Indian Newslink, our passion for quality reporting has earned the station a unique place in the media industry.

Be it the coup, a soccer match or any other major development, Radio Tarana marks its presence in Fiji with live reports and interviews.

Our radio station also provides people-to-people contact whenever warranted.

The ongoing Holy Month of Ramadan for instance, links people in both countries to greet each other and exchange pleasantries. We also link with the stations of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited to reach a larger audience throughout Fiji.

Festivals such as Diwali and Christmas are also occasions when listeners in New Zealand and Fiji are able to convey their greetings to their families and friends.

As well as providing news and events as they unfold in Fiji on air, our website is a great resource for daily update of news from Fiji.

I am happy that Indian Newslink has established links with the government, political parties, businesses and people in Fiji.

Our listeners and readers can be assured of exclusive and extended coverage on Fiji.

The Indian Government is taking a keen interest in the developments occurring in Fiji, and on the welfare of Indo-Fijians as Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh told the editor of this newspaper in Chennai earlier this year (Indian Newslink, January 15 & February 1, 2009). It is time all of us did so as well.

That is not all. Radio Tarana is the single largest (and only) radio station in New Zealand that brings news, developments, features and other events occurring in not only New Zealand but also India and rest of the world.

From attending and providing exclusive live and after-event coverage of film festivals, film awards ceremonies, rugby and cricket matches and several other events, Radio Tarana today offers a ‘complete package’ of information and entertainment that is unparalleled and unmatched by any other ethnic radio station in New Zealand.

Robert Khan is managing director of Radio Tarana based in Auckland.