Commission urges all broadcasters to refrain from broadcasting content inciting political instability

September 16, 2013

Commission urges all broadcasters to refrain from broadcasting content inciting political instability.

Following is the circular issued by Maldives Broadcasting Commission in this regard.

The Commission has been receiving complaints stating that content aired by some broadcasters after the first round of the 2013 Presidential election is in breach of the Broadcasting Code of Practice.  Broadcasting Commission is in the process of adjudicating these complaints.

We urge all broadcasters to refrain from airing content that may obstruct the peace, call for violence and spread falsified information. We remind all broadcasting stations to adhere to the Broadcast Code of Practice enacted under Article 37 of the Broadcasting Act. In accordance with the rules and regulations Maldives Broadcasting Commission will take action against broadcasters who fail to comply with the Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, Article 14 of the Broadcasting Regulation states that if any broadcaster airs content which is seen as a threat to national security the Maldives Broadcasting Commission has the discretion to withhold the license and appeal to the courts to annul the license of the broadcaster.

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.

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission takes this opportunity to urge all broadcasters to be mindful of this and adhere to the Broadcasting Code of Practice.