Broadcaster ahead of its financial target

FIJI Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) has achieved an unaudited figure of $1 million in sales for the first six months, says Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Sakiusa Tubuna.
Speaking in Parliament, he said the national radio and television broadcaster was well ahead of its financial targets.
“The new leadership had attained, for the first six months, unaudited figures of $1m, more than what was achieved for the same period last year,” Mr Tubuna said.
“The board has already mandated that any extravagance and wastage, such as the $207,000 vehicle bought by the previous board for the previous CEO would be eliminated and FBC would
be operated in an efficient and effective manner.
“This can be seen that FBC is now operating in a fairly balanced and objective manner rather than as a previous rate of risk. The risk of undue influence by the previous CEO.
“It has also cut out extravagant expenses accorded previously, and it is already ahead of its financial targets for the year, being $1m more positive than the same period last year.”
He refuted comments made by Opposition member Aliki Bia that the FBC board had opted to misinform the media about its operations.
“The chairman and the board have, at no time misinformed the public on FBC operations, but at all times stated the facts in a transparent and accountable manner,” Mr Tubuna said.
“Including the fact that under the previous leadership, without the PSB (Public Service Broadcast) grant, FBC was technically insolvent.
“FBC and the Government have an existing contract covering PSB services and we are always open to meeting with them to ensure that there will always be an open transparent process in how the funds are utilised.”
Mr Tubuna said some staff members had resigned “for reasons that will suit them” but FBC leadership was committed to running the company in an efficient and effective manner.
“FBC has an obligation to ensure that the staff (members) are utilised well for their skills and the board and management are extremely grateful for the diligence and hard work shown by the staff to be part of a company that is managed efficiently and staff safety including living a balanced life.
“All things considered, FBC is now free and balance in reporting and its use of all contents across their many media platforms.”