Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has raised concerns over the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, which is now being reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Independent Institutions.

The bill was introduced by Thulhadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Abubakur in his personal capacity. At today’s committee meeting, members of Broadcom said the bill was drafted without consulting stakeholders or carrying out proper research.

BroadCom President Safa Shafig said the bill includes serious issues, such as fines for journalists and media outlets that were decided without studying their income levels or international practices. She also questioned the proposal to place both media and broadcasting platforms under one regulator, saying more time and research were needed.

Safa noted that many of the measures in the bill already exist under the current BroadCom Act but cannot be carried out because the commission lacks funds and resources. She added that even a new commission would face the same problem unless proper funding is given.

Other members of BroadCom also supported her remarks and repeated their concerns, stressing that more discussion is needed before the bill moves forward.