One time champion of a free media and a journalist himself, President Mohamed Nasheed has now come under fire by the fraternity of Maldives’ journalists over a heavily biased state TV, radio and delayed media bills in Parliament.
Largely seen as an icon who clamored for a free media when in the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the President is now criticized by the Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) for manipulating the state-owned Television Maldives and the Voice of Maldives.
“Maldives Journalist Association reiterates our concern that state broadcasters Television Maldives and Voice of Maldives continue its coverage heavily biased in favor of the Government and the ruling party in the absence of laws stipulating independent editorial boards accountable only to the Parliament,” a statement said.
The Association alleged that “prime time and even other air time are now dedicated on promoting the agenda of the Government” and both TVM and VOM fail to cover “serious issues of national concern such as the economic crisis and other social woes.”
The issue is further complicated by delayed media bills in Parliament that will pave the way for a free media.
“Due to media-related bills still pending at the Parliament, TVM and VOM continue to be influenced heavily by political appointees appointed by the Government responsible for administration and editorial content,” it alleged.
The Media Bill, the Maldives National Broadcasting Cooperation Bill and the Freedom of Informational Bill are pending in Parliament for more than a year.
Consequently, “democracy in Maldives has taken many steps backward” within a year since the new Constitution came into effect, it said.
Citing an instance, the Association accused the Government of withholding details of the loan interest amount and loan interest period pertaining to two major projects awarded recently by the Transport Ministry.
And “Invest Maldives” continues to function in a not-so-transparent manner, which we fear are possible gateways to conduct large scale corrupt practices,” it said.
The Maldives Journalist Association led by its President Ahmed “Hiriga” Zahir recently met the Speaker of the Parliament to stress the speedy passage of media bills.
Meanwhile, a recent Government decision to stop publishing notices in private media has made the media sector difficult to survive.
The move that came into effect from September 1, 2009 has deprived the private media of a main source of income, forcing it to heavily “depend on the goodwill of advertiser.”
It is further worsened by staggering license fees being charged for registering electronic media outlets under existing laws.
In turn, only big business companies can afford to own media institutions ultimately affecting their editorial independence, it explained.
The Maldives Journalist Association is represented by three TV stations, four radio stations and five dailies including the state media.
- Asian Tribune –
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