MJA calls to establish an independent editorial board for TVM and Voice of Maldives

The Maldives Journalist Association (MJA) has welcomed the new government’s decision to hand over the management of Television Maldives (TVM) and Voice of Maldives (VOM) to Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC). They also called to establish an independent editorial board for TVM and VOM.

MBC was created for the purpose of establishing public service broadcasting in the Maldives.

MJA said that these institutions’ responsibility to provide unbiased information, news and reports is larger than that of commercial TV stations, radio stations and newspapers. It is therefore important to set up an independent and professional editorial board.

“Our hope is that MBC will, in the management of these institutions, work within the limits of the law, avoid discrimination and provide fair information. We hope that the editorial content will pay special attention to the fact that these institutions are financed by taxes, and work towards rebuilding social unity in our country,” says MJA in their statement.

The Association also called to reduce the involvement of political persons, and appoint independent persons for the editorial board.

They also said that they will closely monitor the services of TVM and VOM.

MJA encouraged MBC to work according to the Maldives Broadcasting Regulations and promote the country’s language, religion and culture. It also called MBC to take steps against TVM and VOM being influenced by the government or politics, and to work towards gaining public confidence in this regard.