The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, seeks to establish a unified body called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The bill’s first reading is scheduled for today’s parliamentary session.
A bill proposing the merger of the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has been submitted to Parliament, enabling fines for individual journalists as well as media outlets.
The bill, submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, seeks to establish a unified body called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission. The bill’s first reading is scheduled for today’s parliamentary session.
If passed, this new commission would replace the current Media Council and Broadcom, merging their staff, assets, and responsibilities.
These responsibilities would include overseeing broadcasting, frequency licensing, newspaper and magazine registration, media monitoring, and the promotion and regulation of journalism.
Under the bill, the new commission would consist of seven members: four appointed by the President with Parliament’s approval, and three elected by the media.
Only broadcasters, media outlets, and journalists registered for five years or more would be eligible to vote for the three media representatives. The President, with Parliament’s approval, would appoint the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Commission.
Members would serve a maximum term of five years, with salaries determined by a pay commission.
Until the Act takes effect and members are appointed, the Civil Service Commission will establish a five-member ad hoc committee to temporarily oversee the commission’s functions.
The commission’s responsibilities would include creating a code of conduct for media and journalists in consultation with industry professionals, maintaining a register of journalists and editors, and issuing press passes.
The bill grants the commission powers to enforce the code of conduct, including the authority to fine media outlets for repeated breaches, suspend licenses, halt programs, or issue mandatory apologies.
Fines for repeated violations by media outlets would range from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000. Individual journalists may also face fines between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000 for breaches of conduct.
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