Broadcasting regulator moves to censor political satire show

Four episodes of the Maakanaa Show aired in April violated Maldivian societal norms or behavioural standards, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission concluded after an inquiry. The private station was instructed earlier this week to abide by the broadcasting code of practice as such content could “adversely affect the country’s social fabric.”

Based in the fictional dhooni raajje (bird country), the late night show features comedy sketches and humorous interviews with caricatures of local politicians. The weekly programme is produced by a third party and Raajje TV bleeps out some words that could be deemed offensive.

The style of language or the use of slang on the show has not drastically changed over the years, a Raajje TV official told the Maldives Independent. But the broadcaster will continue to closely monitor language in future episodes, the official said.