Broadcasting Commission orders Channel 13 to stop airing PNF protests live, citing repeated violations of delay requirements

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has ordered Channel 13 not to broadcast live the nightly protests held by the People’s National Front (PNF), the party led by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Channel 13 has been broadcasting the PNF’s anti‑government protests live, during which the party has been calling for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

In a letter sent to Channel 13 CEO Ismail Sofwan, the Broadcasting Commission said political parties must conduct live broadcasts of demonstrations and rallies in full compliance with the rules stipulated under the Broadcasting Regulation Act.

The letter stated that the commission had observed the demonstrations being broadcast live in violation of the code of conduct. The commission said it had instructed the channel to implement a 60‑second delay when broadcasting the event live. The 60‑second delay is a broadcast‑safety requirement used to prevent unfiltered or unlawful content from going out live.

However, the commission said it had repeatedly observed the demonstrations being aired without delay, despite the channel being reminded twice via phone calls.

Therefore, the commission said it is investigating the publication of sights and sounds in violation of rules on the accreditation of journalists covering the rally, and has ordered Channel 13 not to broadcast the demonstrations live until a decision is made on the matter.

Notably, police entered the Adhadhu newsroom with a court order on Monday evening. According to the order, police intervened in connection with a documentary aired by the outlet on March 28, the journalists said.

The President’s Office spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Rasheed (Mundhu) has said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has not filed any case against Adhadhu.

The government’s formation of the new Broadcasting Commission has also drawn criticism, with concerns raised about increased control over the media. A bill was introduced in Parliament on August 18 last year to expand the government’s authority over the media. The bill was moved by government‑affiliated Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr.

The government expressed support for the bill. However, journalists raised concerns from the outset. Journalists also protested in the committee that passed the bill, saying their concerns had not been addressed.

After the ruling PNC’s supermajority passed the bill, several journalists called for it not to be ratified. However, on September 18, the President approved the bill. A commission has since been formed under the new law.