MPs seek to assign blame for state media’s US$5m payout

The payout to a marketing company ballooned due to accrued fines.

Former president’s appointees sacked en masse

Chairpersons, managing directors and board members of 11 state-owned companies were dismissed.

Erasure of footage at state media under investigation

An entire folder of video footage was deleted before it could be archived.

Broadcasting regulator admits bias, rejects press freedom index

The watchdog’s president conceded bias in defamation inquiries initiated by his colleagues.

Maldives state media refuses to retract news on fake US cable

The US embassy dismissed the alleged leaked cable as fake.

IPU ‘praised’ Maldives, reports state media, despite calls to reinstate 12 MPs

No mention was made of the IPU’s calls to immediately reinstate 12 MPs and withdraw obstruction charges raised against 12 opposition lawmakers for entering parliament.

Al Jazeera accused of plotting to damage Maldives economy

In an article published on its website last night, PSM said the ‘Stealing Paradise’ documentary was made in collaboration with the opposition by “a foreigner and non-Muslim called Will Jordan with the purpose of spreading falsehoods about the Maldives and causing loss of investor confidence”.

How the defamation law has changed Maldives’ media landscape

The new defamation law has forced newsrooms across the Maldives to practice self censorship, use broadcasting delays and control what is said by politicians on talk shows

Chairman of state broadcaster now heads ruling party TV station, news website

Manik, who chairs the state’s Public Service Media (PSM) board, was appointed as the chief operating officer of PPM’s Channel 13 in August. He has now taken on the role of chief executive officer of Avas, a news website set up by Vice President Ahmed Adeeb.

State broadcaster to launch international television channel

The state broadcasting company, Public Service Media (PSM), yesterday announced plans to create an English language international TV channel called ‘Maldives’ in 2016.

Sacked TVM reporter to be reinstated