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Chaudhry critical of media report
By fijitimes.com
May 8, 2008 - 2:54:34 PM
In a statement yesterday, he said Fiji TVs main news report on Wednesday highlighted his comments on the need for people to grow more food.
Fiji TV said in an advertisement placed in the local papers two weeks ago, Mr Chaudhry had merely asked people to grow more food and had provided no other solution to the current crisis caused by rising food prices.
My newspaper advertisement emphasised three main points. One, it explained to the people that rising food prices was a worldwide phenomenon and not something confined to Fiji, Mr Chaudhry said.
Secondly, that there was no short term answer to this global problem and that Fiji will have to start growing as much of its food requirements as possible. I urged all people with land to grow some vegetables and root crops in their backyards for their home consumption.
"I see nothing wrong with this advice. Indeed, although The Fiji Times had criticised me for saying this, it carries a similar message in its editorial comment.
Thirdly, I clearly underscored the fact that government was closely monitoring the food situation and would take measures as necessary to alleviate hardship to the poor.
Fiji TV chief executive officer Mesake Nawari said Fiji TV does not have any political affiliations.
"We operate an independent newsroom. We have reviewed our news bulletin from last (Wednesday) night and in our view, there was nothing mischievous or selective about our report, he said.
The report aired stated facts, which were comments made by the interim Finance Minister on the issue of rising food prices on April 19 as well as the contents of a paid advertisement on April 26," said Merana Kitione, Fiji TV's Manager News, Current Affairs and Sports.
"These were made before the decision by Cabinet this week and we had reported it then. The full transcript of our story is available on our website and people can judge for themselves whether our report was mischievous or not.
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