Broadcom issues warning of strict measures against RaajjeTV

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) has issued a formal warning to privately-run television station RaajjeTV, threatening strict regulatory action over alleged violations of broadcasting standards, despite the station's ongoing efforts to seek clarification on the issues under investigation.

RaajjeTV was in the process of responding to Broadcom’s inquiries when the commission abruptly concluded its investigations and issued the warning, without addressing or clarifying the concerns raised by the station.

The case centers around an allegation that RaajjeTV broadcast content that allegedly compromised the dignity of a minor. In a letter sent to Broadcom on 8 April 2025, RaajjeTV requested the commission to provide specific clarification regarding the nature of the alleged harm, including whose dignity was compromised by the broadcast, in what way the content caused harm, and how the content violated specific clauses of the Broadcasting Code of Practice and the Guidelines for Protecting Minors in Broadcasting, as cited by Broadcom.

RaajjeTV also noted that the content in question was ambiguous, with the speaker making no reference to any specific individual or minor. The speaker had clearly expressed a reluctance to speak about a minor, and no identifying details or names were mentioned.

Given this context, RaajjeTV requested clarification on whether the story referred to a minor at all, and if so, which individual was being referenced. The station emphasized that it has a constitutional and legal right to understand and respond to the allegations before any final decision is made.

However, in a letter addressed to the station on Sunday, Broadcom highlighted that the commission had concluded that RaajjeTV had violated broadcasting principles. The commission further warned that if the station continues to broadcast content that allegedly violates these principles, or if such incidents recur, it would face "strict measures" in line with relevant laws and regulations. The decision was made unanimously by the commission members who reviewed the case.

In a second, unrelated case, RaajjeTV had sent a letter to Broadcom on 20 May 2025, stating that the commission’s correspondence failed to explain how the content in question violated the cited principles of the Broadcasting Code of Practice. The station requested full clarification and additional time to respond.

Despite the request, Broadcom proceeded to close the case and issue another warning, once again, without providing the requested clarifications or allowing sufficient time for RaajjeTV to respond.

RaajjeTV has consistently maintained that regulatory bodies have a responsibility to provide clarity and transparency during investigations, and that denying the accused party the opportunity to properly respond undermines due process and the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives.