On National Broadcasting Day, MMBC urges broadcasters to avoid provocative content

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has urged all those working in the field to disseminate news and information responsibly in connection with National Broadcasting Day.

The Commission said broadcasting is one of the most important tools for raising social, political and economic awareness and providing accurate information to the public. MMBC noted that broadcasters in the Maldives perform a valuable national service by upholding Islamic values, Maldivian identity and culture, and by delivering reliable information to society.

Broadcasting in the Maldives began on December 29, 1962, when Male' Radio aired its first transmission from a small room inside the Secretariat building. The service later became Seneco Radio and then the Maldives Island Broadcasting Service (MIBS) in 1967. It was renamed Radio Maldives in 1969 and Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu in 1980. Television broadcasting started in 1978 with Television Maldives (TVM), marking the country’s first national TV studio. Private broadcasting was opened in 2007, following the shift toward digital transmission.

With the advancement of technology, MMBC said it will continue working to strengthen the broadcasting sector and enhance the technical skills of workers. The statement added that one of the Commission’s main objectives is to establish an independent and responsible journalism and broadcasting environment.

On the occasion, MMBC urged all broadcasters to refrain from false information and provocative activities, and to disseminate news responsibly in the national interest. The Commission also reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of workers in the sector.

The sector was given legal status under the Broadcasting Act (16/2010). MMBC was established under the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, ratified on September 18 last year. According to the Commission, 37 broadcasters and 29 rebroadcasters are currently operating in the Maldives.