A total of 327 complaints have been lodged to date with the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) concerning broadcasting content and licensing disputes.
In a message on the occasion of ‘Broadcasting Day’ yesterday, MBC Chair Mohamed Shaheeb explained that the regulator assesses content based on the broadcasting code of practice.
Of the 327 complaints, Shaheeb revealed that 126 complaints were filed in relation to broadcasting content while 201 complaints concerned licensing issues.
Shaheeb called on private broadcasters to “join hands” in an effort to “repair the country’s torn social fabric”.
He also praised the telethon organised by local media to raise funds for Palestinian victims affected by the Israeli military aggression in Gaza.
However, Shaheeb criticised private broadcasters for their inadequate response to training programmes organised by the commission.
He added that the commission was in the process of compiling a report based on monitoring of broadcast content during last year’s presidential election.
Moreover, fruitful discussions have taken with the relevant authorities regarding the possibility of lowering charges levied for electricity and telecommunication services offered to broadcasters. The fees were presently high as they were charged on commercial rates, the commission noted.
