MJA Criticises Proposed Media Regulatory Body as Threat to Press Freedom

The Maldives Journalism Association (MJA) has voiced strong concerns over proposed legislation that would establish a government-controlled body to regulate media, warning it could significantly threaten press freedom.

Independent MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, representing Baa Thulhaadhoo, introduced a bill today aiming to dissolve both the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission. The proposed legislation would create a new entity, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, consolidating their regulatory functions under a single body. This commission would be granted the authority to levy substantial fines against individual journalists and media outlets.

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In a statement released today, the MJA cautioned that the proposed framework would restrict journalistic freedom and introduce substantial obstacles for the media.

“This legislation would remove the media’s ability to self-regulate, enabling government influence and potentially rolling back press freedom in the Maldives by several years,” the MJA stated.

A key point of contention is the structure of the proposed commission, with a majority of its members set to be appointed by the president, subject to parliamentary approval. According to the MJA, this arrangement would compromise the independence of the media by allowing significant government influence.

The association also noted that the commission’s chair, appointed by the president, would retain comprehensive control over its operations, raising further concerns about oversight and impartiality.

The MJA highlighted that the commission’s powers would include the authority to revoke media licences and impose fines on both organisations and individual journalists, measures which the association argues could severely undermine press freedom in the country.

“The MJA has always maintained that media regulation should be self-regulatory. Media plays a critical role as a watchdog, holding government and powerful entities accountable. Allowing the government to regulate the media could undermine this fundamental role,” the association stated.

The association expressed additional concerns about the lack of consultation with key stakeholders. According to the MJA, neither MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru nor the government engaged with the association or senior journalists before submitting the bill to parliament.

“If there are issues with the current self-regulatory mechanism, it should be reformed rather than eliminated entirely,” the MJA suggested.

The association further proposed that, if a new commission is necessary, it should comprise at least 75% of editors, senior and junior journalists, media organisations, and civil society representatives to ensure a balanced approach to media oversight.

“We cannot support any regulatory commission that would grant the government control over media,” the MJA concluded.