A new bill has been proposed to Parliament, aiming to merge the Maldives’ two main media regulatory bodies into one commission. This initiative, called the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, seeks to combine the Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission under a single authority.
This bill, put forward by MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, aims to streamline regulations and enhance ethical standards in the media. Its goals include promoting press freedom, ensuring the media’s sustainability, and tackling misinformation. It also intends to set guidelines for media outlets and journalists to responsibly use their constitutional rights.
If passed, the new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission would take over the duties of the existing bodies, leading to the repeal of related laws. The commission would consist of seven members: three appointed by the president and four elected by media organizations. The president of the commission would be nominated by the Head of State, with the vice president chosen by the commission members. The Elections Commission of Maldives would oversee the elections for the media-elected members.
The commission’s responsibilities would include maintaining a national register of journalists and editors. It would also have enforcement powers, such as issuing orders and imposing fines on broadcasters and print media for ethical violations. For broadcasters, fines could reach up to 10% of their revenue, and licenses could be revoked. Print media could face fines and registration suspension. The bill is currently being reviewed by Parliament.
