The public has slammed state media PSM for airing pro-government propaganda during their World Cup coverage.
PSM channels have been broadcasting video clips of the government’s large development projects during the World Cup coverage.
PSM’s two channels TVM and YES TV have received exclusive rights to cover the World Cup. The channels broadcasted pro-government clips before and after matches as well as during half-time.
Many have taken to social media to address their concerns.
So @presidencymv’s new plan is to show propaganda immediately after each World Cup match on TVM, hoping to reach a larger audience ?
— Mohamed Shafeeu (@shappiu) June 16, 2018
One tweet asks whether PSM blocked other Maldivian channels from broadcasting the World Cup to force the public to watch their propaganda.
What is this @tvmaldives??? Is this the reason why you guys wanted to block other re-broadcasters showing #WorldCup and force public to watch #TVM @PSMnewsmv propaganda pic.twitter.com/B3i6QdAzZb
— fandhara (@fandhara) June 16, 2018
Although PSM was established as a free and unbiased media company, it has been using taxpayer money promote and campaign for the current administration. PSM senior officials also frequently attend President Abdulla Yameen’s events.
The current administration has seen numerous projects that have been marred by corruption, due to which the state debt is estimated to rise to MVR 49 billion by the end of this year, which is MVR 144,000 for each Maldivian citizen.
While the government has been taking loans without parliament approval, 75 percent of foreign loans are owed to China.
