Broadcom opposes media bill: "it cannot be implemented"

Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has stated today that they oppose the media regulation bill, adding that the bill, as is, cannot be properly enforced.

Parliament accepted the bill submitted by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan AbuBakuru, despite widespread concerns raised by Maldives Media Council, Maldives Journalists Association and several international organizations. 

The bill was accepted in an extraordinary sitting held while parliament was officially in recess. The bill was then forwarded to the Committee on Independent Institutions for review. 

Broadcom attended today's Committee meeting to discuss the bill. At the meeting, Broadcom, for the first time, voiced their views on the bill. 

Commission President Safa Shafeeq said that it is deeply concerning that such a bill was submitted to parliament without consultation with relevant bodies or proper research. According to Safa, Broadcom sent three letters requesting participation in the bill’s deliberations, but the bill was ultimately drafted without consulting them.

Safa asserted that while criteria for media regulation and sanctions is being prescribed in the law, a proper national level research should have been conducted. As the bill is designed to cover all forms of media, it is crucial to conduct a study to determine the best course of action, she said. 

She went on to say that as there is a correlation between media and freedom of expression, consideration must be given to whether an article written about this contravenes international treaties that the Maldives has signed. She said that rushed introduction of a bill without proper research risks breaching such treaties. 

Safa further said that a study needs to be conducted whether Maldives needs a self-regulatory system or a co-regulatory system. Any law brought into effect without consideration for this would not bring about the desired results, she opined. This, she said, is why consultation is key during the bill drafting process. 

Safa said that the bill, as it is, would be difficult to enforce. She stated that even at present, the Broadcom does not have the resources, including human resources, for monitoring. Hence, a law on paper alone cannot be implemented unless the necessary resources are provided, she said. 

Safa said that while the bill is meant to be enforced over all forms of media, it will require an excessive number of regulations and policies to be drafted under it. This, she said, would take considerable time. Safa maintains that having a blanket law covering all media platforms would be challenging. 

Consultation with media and relevant institutions during bill drafting will lead to better acceptance of a bill that governs media, Safa said, adding that it would also assist with easier enforcement. 

Broadcom Vice President Shifla Ibrahim and the other five members of the commission also stated in today's committee meeting that they oppose this bill. 

Members back the Broadcom President's views and said that the bill is framed in a way that will obstruct the work of media. 

Although commission members detailed their views, no questions were posed to them by any MPs attending today's committee meeting. Instead, the committee meeting was announced closed as soon as Broadcom members concluded their statements.

Those supporting the bill in parliament and the government have, however, previously claimed that the bill will be proceeded through discussion in the committee stage.