Broadcast Media starts implementing one minute delay when showing live protests

Broadcast Media have begun imposing a one minute delay when broadcasting live streams of protests, as specified by the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.

Article 55 of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act states that all broadcast Media shall impose a delay of 60 seconds (1 minute) when broadcasting of protests to the public. The reason for the delay is to allow the broadcaster to refrain from broadcasting speech or actions that might contradict with principles of broadcasting.

Raajje TV imposed a delay of one minute in their live broadcast of last night’s protests. CEO of Raajje TV Abdulla Yameen said today that they have started to work in accordance with the standards specified for broadcast Media in the Freedom and Peaceful Assembly Act.

President of the Broadcasting Commission Mohamed Shihab however said that the Act does not specify the commission as the body to monitor the implementation of the delay, and that they are currently in the process of seeking legal advice regarding the issue.

“The Act does not specify who it is that has to broadcast live with the 60 second delay. We are not clear about that. We are currently in the process of seeking legal advice regarding the matter,” said Shihab.