President Mohamed Nasheed has today ratified Broadcasting Bill passed by the People’s Majlis at its sitting on 3 August. Following the ratification, the Broadcasting Act has been published in the government gazette.
The Broadcasting Act makes provisions to establish a broadcasting commission to implement broadcasting policy. The Act states duties and responsibilities of the commission, and stipulates how broadcasting license can be issued.
The Act covers 8 areas: preliminary matters; the Maldives Broadcasting Commission; broadcasting services; licensing; broadcast content; providing broadcasting services; regulations; and other general matters.
Following the ratification, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission, a 7-member commission entrusted with implementation of broadcasting policy, regulation of broadcasting industry and promotion of responsible broadcasting, is established in accordance with the Article 3 of the Act.
The President shall appoint the members to the Commission as stipulated in the Article 6 of the Act.
According to the Act, broadcasting service can only be provided under the terms of a license issued by the Broadcasting Commission.
The Act comes into effect after 90 days of ratification and publication in the government Gazette.
