Broadcasting Commission cautions stations to refrain from broadcasting content which is seen as a threat to National Security

September 27, 2013

Broadcasting Commission cautions stations to refrain from broadcasting content which is seen as a threat to National Security. The Commission states it has the discretion and will submit to court to revoke the license of any broadcaster seen to air content which is a threat to national security.

Following is the text of the Cautionary Notice sent by the Commission in this regard

“In this time of political instability during the Presidential Election period, Commission is receiving a number of complaints alleging that content aired by some broadcasters obstructs the peace, calls for violence and spreads falsified information. Broadcasting Commission is in the process of adjudicating these complaints.

“Article 14 of Broadcasting Regulation empowers Maldives Broadcasting Commission to hold the license of any broadcaster who broadcast content that derails national security and the Commission has the discretion to submit to court to revoke the license. If such a situation arises the Broadcasting Commission will proceed to take the necessary action.

“The Broadcasting Regulation defines “national security” as any situation which deters upholding law and order or implementing laws and regulations; or due to an attack on the national security forces any situation which obstructs the work of the services activated during an emergency situation; or if the general public or a group of the public is faced with unrest and if there is a general sense of fear; any organized or sudden unrest which causes damage to persons and property, if any content is broadcast to fulfill such an intention or supporting, assisting or paving the way for such a situation.

“We urge all state institutions to support and ensure Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom as these are fundamentals of any democracy.  We also urge the society, in this politically volatile situation to not root for physical violence or attack any broadcast journalist in retaliations or cause damage to any property of a broadcasting station.”