Transform MNCB into public service broadcasters- Article 19

The Human Rights watchdog, Article 19, urged the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation to be transformed into a public service broadcaster, in the best interest of the people.

"State-owned broadcasters such as Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation should be transformed into public service broadcasters with an independent regulatory board, and operating under a framework in the public interest, in order to stop political interference,” Article 19 Programme Officer, Oliver Spencer based in its London headquarters, told the Asian Tribune.

In April, Parliament passed a bill to establish the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) to operate the state media, with nine board members appointed and answerable to the House.

Later, President Mohamed Nasheed ratified the bill establishing the MBC.

But in mid July, the President’s Political Advisor Hassan Afeef signaled a decision not to hand over the two state controlled media, the Television Maldives and the Voice of Maldives to the MBC, despite the Act.

”Although the MBC has been established, the MNBC will continue operating the state broadcasters. I would like to note that TVM and VOM are both channels registered under MNBC and are assets of that company,” Afeef was quoted as saying in Minivan News.

“MNBC is a company established under a resolution by the president and all its assets and land also belong to the company under a contract,” Afeef argued backing the government decision.

However, Article 19 pointed out that “once transformed into a PSB, MNBC would then have a duty to be fair, balanced and impartial in their news and current affairs programmes, including discussion programmes such as interviews or debates. “

The global watchdog for freedom of expression urged that “opposition voices should receive news coverage commensurate with their importance in national politics and the extent of their electoral support."

The Maldives Journalists Association also expressed concerns over the government move not to hand over the state media to the MBC.

“MJA believes that, the Government decision to keep state TV and Radio under the MNBC (100% Government Company) would lead to hinder the free Media which guarantees under the Constitution,” it said in a recent statement.

The MJA reminded the ruling MDP of its election manifesto that promised to hand the control of the state media to the MBC.

The association also alleged Afeef’s comments smacked of possible “intimidation” of the state media by the government.

- Asian Tribune -