The head of Fiji's media watchdog says national televised debates between political parties would be a good idea leading up to the elections later this year.
The United Front for a Democratic Fiji has invited members of the Bainimarama regime to national debates on TV, radio and in public meetings.
The political grouping says local media typically run statements from the regime, without seeking opposing views.
But the Media Industry Development Authority believes news outlets in general are producing balanced reports and the director Matai Akauola says there's nothing preventing a televised debate.
"There's freedom of expression so anyone and everyone can come onboard into a nationally televised discussion on issues, we're talking issues and how to progress this nation rather than going back to the old political rivalries."
Matai Akauola from the Media Industry Development Authority, which was established with the issuance of the Media Decree in 2010.
