The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BCC) has taken disciplinary action against two local television channels for breaching national broadcasting standards.
Channel 13 Faces Temporary Broadcast Suspension
Channel 13 has been ordered to halt its transmission for two hours tomorrow, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., following violations of the national Code of Practice for broadcasters.
The BCC’s decision stems from content aired during a live episode of the People's National Front (PNF) program The Front Office on April 17 last year. According to the Commission, the segment did not meet established broadcasting standards, prompting the temporary suspension.
Rajje TV Receives Official Warning
In a separate ruling, Rajje TV has been issued an official warning over material broadcast during the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) emergency rally on March 12. The Commission highlighted that the broadcast contained content that infringed upon the dignity and rights of children, triggering an investigation.
The BCC emphasized that Rajje TV violated guidelines protecting minors in media. The warning carried a caution that future breaches could result in stricter penalties, depending on the severity of any infractions.
The case follows controversial comments made during the rally by MDP member Mariyam Zubair (Mandhy), which referenced President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s eldest son. These remarks prompted First Lady Sajidha Mohamed to file a defamation lawsuit in Civil Court, where the court ruled that the comments had damaged the child’s reputation.
