DhiTV shuts down after eight years on air

The Maldives’ first private TV station DhiTV has been switched off moments ago. It’s last broadcast aired at midnight.

News of the closure was abruptly announced to staff on Wednesday afternoon, just a day after the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives dominated parliament approved a draconian law re-criminalising defamation.

DhiFM, a radio station affiliated with the TV station, DhiFM plus, and the Dhivehi Online website were also shut down.

A memo sent to staff at the radio and TV stations said that the network’s parent companies, Broadcasting Maldives and Maldives Media Company, do not believe the channels “can be run in a sustainable manner under the current circumstances.”