A new bill before the People’s Majlis seeks to overhaul the Maldives’ media regulatory framework by dissolving the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Broadcasting Commission, replacing them with a single body — the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.
The bill, formally titled the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, was submitted by Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, the PNC parliamentarian for Thulhadhoo constituency. Its stated purpose is to safeguard freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution, while also strengthening press freedom and professional standards. The first reading of the bill is scheduled for tomorrow’s Majlis sitting.
Consolidation of Regulatory Powers
If passed, the legislation will merge the mandates of both existing regulators under a seven-member Media Commission. Of these, three members would be appointed by the President with parliamentary approval, while four would be elected by media organizations. The President of the Maldives would also hold the power to appoint the Commission’s chairperson.
Strong Disciplinary Authority
The proposed commission would hold sweeping powers to regulate the media landscape, including:
- Fining journalists between MVR 5,000 and 25,000 for breaching the code of conduct.
- Imposing fines of up to MVR 100,000 on media outlets.
- Temporarily suspending registrations prior to completing investigations.
- Permanently revoking newspaper registrations through the courts.
- Blocking websites during ongoing probes.
- Ordering the cessation of broadcasting.
A Revised Approach
This submission comes after Hanaan’s earlier Media and Broadcasting Commission Bill was withdrawn following pushback from journalists and media organizations, who warned of government overreach. That bill was criticized as a tool to “lock” newspapers and TV stations. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has publicly stated that government control over the media is not something he supports.
The new bill reintroduces similar enforcement mechanisms but packages them under a consolidated commission, reviving debate over the balance between press freedom and state regulation in the Maldives.
