A new bill has been introduced in the Parliament to create the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, which will replace the existing Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) and Maldives Media Council (MMC).

The bill, proposed by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdullah Hannan, aims to consolidate the functions of both bodies under a single government-controlled commission. The first reading of the bill is scheduled for Wednesday.

Under the proposed structure, the commission will consist of seven members: four appointed by the president, with parliamentary approval, and three elected by the media. This setup ensures a government majority within the commission. The President will also have the authority to appoint the president and vice-president of the commission, subject to parliamentary consent. The bill allows members to serve up to two consecutive five-year terms or a maximum of two non-consecutive terms.

The commission will oversee media regulation, ensuring press freedom while holding media organisations accountable for breaches of conduct. Measures outlined in the bill include issuing corrections or warnings, halting broadcasts or publications, and imposing financial penalties. The bill also empowers the commission to sanction individual journalists who violate the code of conduct.

While the bill is aimed at promoting responsible journalism and modernising media standards, concerns have been raised about the potential for government influence over media regulation, given the president’s significant control over the commission's leadership.