Several articles have been proposed to the bill of Maldives Media Commission which could result in more fines levied on media outlets.
Media Commission, which is currently under parliament approval stage is headed towards inception following the dismissal of both Broadcasting Commission and Media Council.
Titled "Media Commission Bill" was presented to parliament floor by Ungoofaaru constituency lawmaker Jaufaru Dawood, and cited the aim of bill was to promote freedom and boost productivity and progress of local media channels and outlets.
The bill also aims to amend and strengthen the operational standards and policies for media outlets, which should be adhered by all news and media channels.
The bill, designed mandatory for all local media cites that news and broadcast channels must support and pledge to upholding the state and its constitution, apart from this channels are barred from operating under influence of any political or prominent entity or entities.
Local media are also ordered to avoid character assassination and acts of defamation on any individual or individuals.
The proposed bill suggested that media outlets found in violation of these conditions could be fined with no less than 2% of the total income of past two years, while temporary halt on transmission could be issued by Media Commission.
Both news media and journalists are subjected for a fine between MVR 10,000 and MVR 100,000 if they were found in violation of the operating or policy standards and regulations. In addition to this, the bill grants Media Commission the right to declare temporary suspension on both news outlets and journalists til pressed charges and following case proceeds to completion.
Should medias breach the conduct and violate regulations repetitively, the commission would reserve the right to terminate the media license of any such media under question.
Furthermore the bill had discussed the media commission will consist of 7 members, all designated by the President of Maldives, while the state head will reserve right of electing both president and deputy president of the commission.
The new bill also dictates that individuals with journalistic practice or in ownership of a media property cannot be elected or even nominated for membership of the commission.
Members under the commission will serve for a duration of five years according the new bill.
Media Commission, which is currently under parliament approval stage is headed towards inception following the dismissal of both Broadcasting Commission and Media Council.
While the bill has been presented to the parliament, lawmakers will deliberate on it this week.
