Solutions can be found upon media meeting with committee: Nazim

Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim has said that upon discussion, a consensus can be reached concerning the worries that journalists have about the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulations Bill.

Independent MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru (Thulhaadhoo) was the one to introduce the bill, with this being the second attempt. Nazim has stated that he has assisted Hannan this time around in crafting the bill.

Nazim, while saying that he and various media individuals are on the same page concerning the bill, went on to say that the current version of the bill is in line with international standards.

And so, Nazim said that the bill should be looked up and discussed properly during the committee stage so that any issues or worries can be highlighted, with agreeable solutions also being reached. He went on to say that the fact that an independent member has brought the bill to light makes it easier for discussion and amendment opportunities to take place.

Nazim alleged that he is now seeing people's reputations being run over without any restraint. He also said that a better solution to the current situation of public interest being lost due to media actions must be thought of.

Nazim went on to criticize the way that media is being run, saying that since the media is also financed with advertising and the like, it is not something that is under the purview of any higher institution.

All PNC members of the Parliament have expressed their support during the discussion of the bill, even though the bill was presented from an independent member.

The debate of the bill ended with further discussions, outlining that the next administration will keep a debate process open concerning the bill.

The Parliament gallery was filled with journalists during the first hearing of the bill. Journalists were there in protest to the concerning details of the bill, with their hands covering their mouths signifying what is to come if the bill comes to pass.

The bill states that the responsibilities of both the MMC and the Broadcasting Commission will be unified and handed over to the Media Commission.

The proposed commission would consist of seven members including three appointed by the President with parliamentary approval, and four elected by the media. The President would also appoint the Chairperson of the commission.

The bill states that journalists who breach ethical standards set by the commission stand to face hefty fines, and revocation of the media outlet registries. Individual journalists can face fines of between MVR 5,000 to MVR 25,000, while the outlets can be fined up to MVR 100,000.