Media Commission: Must inform if phone call is being broadcasted live

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, on Sunday, stated that individuals must be explicitly informed whenever a phone call is to be broadcast live.

In a press release, the Commission stressed that media organizations, journalists, and media professionals are required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards when broadcasting content, including telephone calls, interviews, and live programs.

The Commission also underscored that the Constitution guarantees individuals the right to privacy in their personal and family lives, as well as the confidentiality of communications.

According to the Commission, broadcasters are required to ensure that individuals who answer phone calls have no objection to their conversations being broadcast publicly.

"Broadcasters and media professionals must comply with established standards regarding obtaining consent, maintaining privacy, protecting dignity, and engaging in fair communication," the statement read.

The Commission’s statement comes following an incident during Raajje TV’s "Fashaairu" program last Thursday, in which Amir Saleem, Head of the station’s Programs and Coordination Department, made a live call to the landline of STELCO’s Human Resources Department.

During the call, when asked which number should be used to send a screenshot of the party registration through the Elections Commission portal, the HR staff member provided the STELCO HR number.

Raajje TV did not inform the staff member during the initial contact that the call was being broadcast live. However, the call was disconnected when the station identified itself as Raajje TV during a second attempt. Following the incident, STELCO suspended the employee who answered the call and launched an investigation into the matter.

The Media Commission has called on all media outlets to cooperate in maintaining professional and ethical standards while safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and rights of individuals.