Commission issues warning regarding live phone-in programs following allegations of forced PNC recruitment!
6 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 11:23The Maldives Media Council has issued a statement following a RaajjeTV broadcast that alleged STELCO employees were being coerced into joining the People’s National Congress (PNC). The Commission asserted that recording and broadcasting private phone conversations without consent violates established journalistic codes of ethics. Consequently, the regulatory body has urged all media outlets to uphold professional standards by respecting individual dignity and protecting the right to privacy.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, established by the government to exert control over news publications and broadcasters. | Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has issued a press statement following revelations that the Human Resource Department of the State Electric Company (STELCO) has been contacting employees and pressuring them to join the main ruling party, the People’s National Congress (PNC).
Allegations that employees are being coerced into joining PNC through threats of dismissal were exposed during a phone call on RaajjeTV's "Fashaairu" program.
During the program, the RaajjeTV team contacted STELCO’s Human Resources Department. When inquired about which number to send the screenshot confirming their registration with the PNC, the HR department instructed them to upload the screenshot via the link previously provided to the employee.
This has further lent weight to allegations that employees of state-owned enterprises are being pressured to join political parties.
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has issued a press statement regarding this incident. In the statement, the Commission emphasized that media outlets, journalists, and media professionals must adhere to established laws, regulations, and codes of ethics when broadcasting phone calls, interviews, and other forms of communication.
The Commission stated that every individual's private and family life, as well as their personal communications, are inviolable. The statement further emphasized that under the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulations, it is mandatory to protect the dignity, reputation, and personal integrity of every individual.
Furthermore, the Commission stated that broadcasters must ensure that any individual answering a phone call or participating in a communication has no objection to the interaction being broadcast to the public. The statement also stipulated that if a phone conversation is intended for live broadcast, the individual must be clearly informed that the call is being aired live.
The Commission further emphasized that special caution must be exercised regarding recordings and information obtained without an individual's knowledge or consent. The Commission also called upon all media outlets to cooperate in upholding responsible and professional broadcasting standards, while ensuring the protection of individual privacy and fundamental rights.
