PSM management has provided assurances that coverage regarding referendum will remain impartial; we will resume our protests if they fail to uphold this commitment: Niyaz
Following protests by the MDP alleging biased coverage of the upcoming referendum, executives at the state broadcaster, PSM, have guaranteed that equal airtime will be provided to all parties. The MDP claimed that previous programming functioned solely as a government campaign; however, PSM has now committed to incorporating diverse perspectives in its future broadcasts. The MDP further warned that it would resume protests if the state media fails to uphold this commitment to balanced reporting.
Ali Niyaz, the former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
Former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency, Ali Niyaz, has stated that senior management at Public Service Media (PSM) have provided assurances that their program aimed at raising awareness for the upcoming referendum will be conducted impartially. He further warned that protests would resume if the state broadcaster fails to maintain this neutrality.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a protest outside Public Service Media (PSM) on Monday to voice concerns over allegations of bias in the state broadcaster's news and content delivery.
During the protest, the party alleged that they were being denied equitable coverage by the state media. MDP expressed their frustration, stating that they resorted to protesting because no official was available to meet with them despite their repeated requests to discuss the matter.
The protest, which began at 1:00 PM on Monday, was concluded by the party late Monday night after PSM officials agreed to a meeting time.
Following a meeting with the management of Public Service Media (PSM) on Tuesday, Niyaz stated that the party's primary concern is the state media's failure to provide accurate information regarding the election, despite the proximity of the polls.
Niyaz noted that while the Elections Commission does not appear to acknowledge its responsibility to raise public awareness regarding the referendum, Public Service Media (PSM) had shown some initiative by producing a series of programs. However, he pointed out that throughout the three programs aired so far, the broadcaster appeared to be campaigning exclusively for a specific group.
The ballot paper offers two choices: "Yes" or "No." However, we observed that the government’s actions appeared intended to campaign solely by engaging those who chose "Yes." This is what caused our concern.Ali Niyaz, the former Member of Parliament for the Hulhumale' constituency.
Niyaz stated that PSM listened attentively to the party's concerns. He further noted that after hearing and discussing these issues, the broadcaster assured them they would work to revise the program's format to ensure it reflects the views and perspectives of both proponents and opponents.
Niyaz further noted that senior officials from PSM expressed their commitment to working with the Elections Commission to raise public awareness regarding the referendum. He added that the officials pledged to enhance current programming to ensure more balanced coverage that incorporates the perspectives of both sides.
Niyaz stated that they will continue to monitor the conduct of the state media and will resume protests if the broadcaster fails to honor its assurances.
Public Service Media (PSM) is currently broadcasting programs regarding the referendum to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections, actively encouraging the public to vote in favor of the government's preferred outcome. However, the state broadcaster has failed to provide any information or coverage regarding the opposing viewpoint, nor have they aired any reasons why citizens might choose to vote against the proposal.
