CSC appoints interim committee to oversee new media body

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has formed a five-member committee to administer the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission on an interim basis.

The arrangement follows the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, which came into force on Thursday. Under the Act, the commission is to be run by a CSC-appointed committee until new members are formally appointed.

CSC President Mohamed Mujthaba confirmed the names of the interim members:

The interim committee has authority to conduct administrative functions of the commission and to decide on proposals for media registration. However, it does not have powers to investigate or take action against media outlets.

With the new Act, the Maldives Media Council and the Broadcasting Commission have been dissolved. The new commission will consist of seven members: three appointed by Parliament and four elected by the media. Parliament will also retain authority to dismiss the four media-elected members.

The Act was passed by Parliament and ratified by President Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday despite calls from journalists, local organisations, and international bodies to withdraw it.