PSM reinstates MMC pres Musthafa after controversial dismissal

Ahmed Musthafa has been reinstated to his position at Public Service Media (PSM), following his earlier dismissal, which occurred during his tenure as the president of the Maldives Media Council (MMC).

The dismissal was related to an award that was granted by the council.

PSM did not specify the reasons behind Musthafa's termination, though it noted that he had been a part of the organisation for over three decades. The controversy centred around an award for investigative journalism presented by the MMC, which included a documentary produced by Adhadhu newspaper.

In a statement, PSM said the documentary violated the company’s editorial content and journalistic standards. It claimed that a segment of the video was shown during the award ceremony without PSM's prior approval.

Musthafa has reportedly appealed his dismissal to the PSM board. He issued a statement indicating he had no direct involvement in the organisation or execution of the award ceremony in his capacity as MMC president.

PSM released a press statement addressing the broadcast incident, asserting that the award ceremony, which was aired live on PSM Wednesday evening, featured content that breached PSM's editorial guidelines. The statement emphasised that any video footage shown during live broadcasts should align with the company's editorial standards. However, the segment in question was presented without prior notification.

PSM accused the MMC of a premeditated act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine PSM.

The organisation has asked the parliament to investigate the incident, claiming that MMC’s actions have damaged the company’s reputation.