History of Communications Fiji Limited

The story of Communications Fiji Limited (CFL) began in 1983 when co-founder William Parkinson recognised an opportunity to establish Fiji’s first privately owned commercial radio station, following an election campaign commitment made by the Alliance Government in 1982.

After completing his university studies and returning to Fiji in late 1983, Parkinson joined forces with founding director Matthew Wilson to establish Communications Fiji Limited and prepare a formal proposal for Government approval.

The proposal was approved in late 1984, paving the way for the launch of CFL’s first radio station, FM96, on 5 July 1985. Initially broadcasting exclusively to Suva, FM96 began as one of the smallest radio stations in the South Pacific but marked a significant milestone in the development of independent commercial broadcasting in Fiji.

Building on this foundation, CFL progressively expanded its broadcasting operations, establishing five radio stations in Fiji, three in Papua New Guinea and a diversified portfolio of media, entertainment and digital businesses.

On 20 December 2001, CFL achieved another significant milestone when it became a publicly listed company on the South Pacific Stock Exchange, now known as the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX). This strengthened the Company’s corporate structure and positioned it for continued growth and diversification.

OUR RADIO NETWORKS IN FIJI.

CFL operates five radio stations in Fiji, each designed to serve distinct audience segments through tailored programming, music, entertainment, news and community engagement.

FM96

Launched on 5 July 1985, FM96 is CFL’s flagship radio station and Fiji’s first privately owned commercial FM broadcaster. Broadcasting in English, FM96 primarily targets younger audiences with contemporary music, entertainment, interactive programming and engaging personalities.

Navtarang

Launched on 15 September 1989, Navtarang is a Hindi-language radio station serving Fiji’s Indo-Fijian community. Combining popular Bollywood music, entertainment, news and interactive programming, the station has established a strong connection with its listeners both locally and internationally.

Viti FM

Launched on 1 November 1996, Viti FM is an iTaukei-language radio station celebrating Fijian culture, language, music and traditions. Its programming combines entertainment, humour, current affairs and community engagement, connecting audiences across Fiji through relatable content that reflects everyday Fijian life.

Legend FM

Launched on 16 August 2002, Legend FM primarily serves mature audiences aged 30 and above. Broadcasting in English, the station features familiar music from past decades, complemented by engaging personalities, lifestyle discussions, entertainment and community-focused programming.

Radio Sargam

Launched on 31 March 2004, Radio Sargam is a Hindi-language station with a strong community and cultural focus. Featuring classic Hindi music, traditional programmes, entertainment and community information, Radio Sargam complements Navtarang by serving audiences who appreciate familiar music and programming that celebrates their cultural heritage.

BEYOND RADIO: OUR DIVERSIFIED BUSINESSES.

Recognising opportunities beyond traditional broadcasting, CFL has strategically expanded into complementary businesses that strengthen its media operations, diversify revenue streams and create additional opportunities for advertisers and audiences.

These businesses work alongside the Group’s radio networks to deliver integrated media, marketing, entertainment and promotional solutions.

Total Event Company – Fiji

The Total Event Company (TEC) is CFL’s dedicated event management and production division, specialising in the planning, coordination and delivery of corporate, commercial, entertainment and community events.

From major public events and concerts to corporate functions, exhibitions and promotional activations, TEC provides comprehensive event solutions supported by professional production capabilities. Its integration with CFL’s radio and digital platforms enables brands to connect with audiences through engaging live experiences and coordinated promotional campaigns.

fijivillage

Established in 1997, fijivillage is CFL’s digital news and information platform, providing audiences with timely coverage of local, regional and international news.

Over the years, fijivillage has developed into one of Fiji’s leading digital news platforms, delivering breaking news, current affairs, sports, business and community information. The platform complements CFL’s broadcasting operations while expanding the Group’s digital reach and advertising opportunities.

CFL CinemADs

Launched on 16 April 2010, CFL CinemADs expanded the Group’s advertising portfolio into cinema advertising following an agreement to market advertising opportunities across Damodar cinema locations in Fiji.

CFL CinemADs provides businesses with an additional platform to engage audiences through visually compelling advertisements displayed in the cinema environment, complementing the Group’s existing radio, digital and event-based advertising services.

OUR EXPANSION INTO PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

In 1994, CFL was invited to participate in the establishment of Papua New Guinea’s first privately owned commercial radio network.

In partnership with prominent Papua New Guinean investors, CFL established PNG FM Pty Limited, introducing a new approach to commercial radio broadcasting in the country.

In 1999, CFL acquired the interests of its PNG partners, becoming the sole owner of PNG FM Limited.

Today, PNG FM operates three radio stations, each catering to distinct audiences through a combination of music, entertainment, news and community programming.

Nau FM

Launched on 14 November 1994, Nau FM is a contemporary English-language radio station targeting younger, urban audiences in Papua New Guinea. Its programming features popular music, entertainment, interactive content and engaging personalities, reflecting the interests and lifestyles of its listeners.

Yumi FM

Launched on 24 February 1997, Yumi FM broadcasts primarily in Tok Pisin, one of Papua New Guinea’s most widely spoken languages. The station connects with audiences through local music, entertainment, cultural programming and community-focused content that reflects Papua New Guinea’s diverse traditions and way of life.

Legend FM – Bikpla 101

Launched on 16 September 2011, Legend FM Bikpla 101 caters primarily to mature, urban audiences aged 30 and above. Broadcasting an English-language music format featuring familiar favourites, the station appeals to professional, established and expatriate audiences seeking a blend of music, entertainment and lifestyle programming.

OUR EVENTS BUSINESS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Total Event Company – Papua New Guinea

Building on the success of its events operations in Fiji, PNG FM established its own Total Event Company (TEC) to provide professional event management and production services in Papua New Guinea.

TEC specialises in the planning, coordination and execution of corporate events, concerts, exhibitions, product launches, promotional activations and community celebrations.

Leveraging PNG FM’s established radio networks and media platforms, TEC delivers integrated event experiences that connect businesses, brands and communities. The company contributes to the Group’s diversified business portfolio while supporting the growth of live entertainment and experiential marketing in Papua New Guinea.

LOOKING AHEAD.

From a single radio station broadcasting to Suva in 1985, Communications Fiji Limited has grown into a diversified Pacific media and entertainment group with established operations in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

Through its radio networks, digital platforms, event management businesses and advertising services, CFL continues to evolve in response to changing audience preferences, technological developments and market opportunities.

With a strong commitment to local content, innovation and community engagement, CFL remains focused on connecting people, supporting businesses and creating meaningful experiences for audiences across the Pacific.