Obtaining information from government authorities not easy for journalists: Boradcasting Commission report

A survey conducted by Maldives Broadcasting Commission has shown that local media stations face difficulties in obtaining information from government offices and independent institutions.

The report is based on a survey conducted between January 2011 and December 2013 to assess the level of obstructions faced by journalists in relation to safety and security, press freedom, and obtaining information.

The report states that 72 percent of journalists who participated in the survey said that it was difficult to obtain information from government offices and independent institutions.

Broadcasting Commission also collected information on activist journalist activities, level of future threat for journalists, and level of encouragement to practice free, fair and responsible journalism.

The report states that 69 percent of journalists who participated in the survey said that activist journalists exist in the Maldives, while the remaining 31 percent did not agree with this statement.

Also, 66 percent said that threat level for journalists is likely to increase in the future, while the remaining 34 percent said that the threat level is likely to go down; and 54 percent said that free, fair and responsible journalism is encouraged by media stations, while the remaining 46 percent did not agree with this statement.

The report was based on information from 44 journalists from 9 media stations.