Maldives regulations underpin broadcasters’ accountability

Broadcasters in the Maldives have been warned by state officials they must now take full responsibility for the content they air. A circular from the Maldives Broadcasting Commission yesterday (25 March) stresses that under Article 27 of the island nation's new broadcast regulation, which came into effect on 15 March, licensed broadcasters rather than individuals are accountable for the content they transmit. The commission has drafted two broadcasting related regulations this month, the other of which deals with the allocation of television and radio frequencies, reports Haveeru Online. Some radio and television channels have reportedly sold airtime to third parties, and declared the events on air. The content subsequently broadcast on behalf of the third party was considered the latter's sole responsibility rather than that of the broadcast license holder.