From left: Fijian Holdings Limited Group chief executive, Nouzab Fareed and chairman, Iowane Naiveli at a press conference earlier this year. Mr Fareed has been appointed as one of the directors on the Fiji Television Limited board whilst Mr Naiveli has been appointed as the chairman for Fiji TV’s Papua New Guinea-subsidiary, Media Niugini Limited.
By RACHNA LAL
Changes to the Fiji Television Limited board members were announced yesterday through the South Pacific Stock Exchange.
These changes are a result of the recent acquisition of Yasana Holdings Limited by Fijian Holdings Limited.
Fijian Holdings appointed Padam Lala, Ulaiyasi Baya, Viliame Gavoka, Aseri Radrodro and Nouzab Fareed as new directors of Fiji TV.
They also accepted the resignation of Kafoa Muror, Pita Mawi, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro, Isoromi Bayameyame and Sefanaia Rayawa.
Padam Lala was appointed as the new chairman of Fiji TV replacing Isoa Kaloumaira, who retains his board membership.
In addition, Ivan Fong, Gary Callaghan and Ajay Punja will continue as directors.
Gary Callaghan was made the deputy chairman of the board of Fiji TV.
Business as usual
New chairman of Fiji TV, Mr Lala said: “These changes were as a result of changes in share ownership and but in reality, its business as usual.
“We are certain these changes will bring strategic input to the board of Fiji TV.”
Fiji TV also appointed Mr Naiveli as the chairman for Media Niugini Limited and Colonel Apakuki Kurusiga as the chairman for the Media Solomon Islands Limited.
Tevita Gonelevu was appointed as the new company secretary for Fiji TV.
The $24m acquisition
Fijian Holdings in March announced 100 per cent acquisition of Yasana Holdings for a sum of $24 million.
Fourteen provincial councils plus the Rotuman Council held 62.23 per cent shares in Yasana Holdings and 32.77 per cent was held by the iTaukei Affairs Board.
The acquisition has meant Fijian Holding’s reentry into the media with Fiji Television being the biggest part of Yasana Holdings’ investment portfolio.
Fijian Holdings used to be an active investor in the Fiji Sun in the past from 2000 until 2009 when they divested the 50 per cent shares they held in the company.
In line with this acquisition,it has been indicated Fijian Holdings will be looking at changing the name from Yasana Holdings to FHL Media Holdings.