MJA criticises Channel 13 broadcast suspension in PNF rally

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has raised concern over the Broadcasting Commission’s decision to suspend Channel 13’s broadcast during the live coverage of a People’s National Front (PNF) rally at Artificial Beach, Malé.

The Commission ordered the suspension from 8 to 9 pm on Thursday night, coinciding with the rally. The notice of suspension had been issued 10 days earlier.

In a statement on Friday, the MJA said the Commission had directed Channel 13 to halt its broadcast until 8 pm on 21 August. On 9 August, Channel 13 had publicly announced that it would air the PNF rally.

The Commission, when questioned, said it had not been aware of the channel’s plans to air a political rally. It described the suspension as coincidental. However, the MJA argued that the timeline suggested the order had been issued under external influence to serve a particular purpose.

This marks the first time the Commission has ordered a channel to halt broadcasting.

“The recent decision by the Commission to take such an action against a channel was made while the channel was preparing to show a specific programme. It is public knowledge that this may be considered as an act of intimidation,” the MJA said.

The association added that:

The MJA urged the Commission to conduct its work with openness and transparency. It warned that Broadcom’s actions highlight potential risks to press freedom if media regulation shifts to an external mechanism influenced by government authority.

The association also renewed its call for the withdrawal of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill currently under parliamentary review. It argued that, if passed, the law could lead to media closures and tighter control of content.