RaajjeTV has expressed concern that the Broadcasting Commission is attempting to obstruct the media through a new policy created in the name of providing equal coverage of presidential candidates.

In a press release on Sunday, the TV station noted flaws in the policy draft and stated that if passed without amendments, it would undermine the media freedoms provided by the Maldives Constitution, as well as harm private broadcasters and TV stations.

“Active private media firms such as RaajjeTV have constantly been targeted with unjust penalties and appeals in court have only resulted in lengthy trials. Also, taking into account that the Maldives Broadcasting Commission has so far been untrustworthy in investigating complaints, RaajjeTV is concerned that the current draft of the Commission’s new policy gives it the authority to investigate and request the courts to nullify the ‘offender’s’ media license,” stated the TV station.

RaajjeTV, Maldives’ most popular TV channel, stated that it is taking it upon itself to discuss with the various political parties in order to ensure equal coverage for the elections and that this should not be something that should be forced with threats and punishments.

RaajjeTV also stated that attempts to “diminished the freedom of private broadcasters to set its own airtime and having that power given to another authority will not be tolerated.”

“The Broadcasting Commission also provided a narrow windows of opportunity to submit comments on its hastily drafted policy ‘on providing airtime for presidential candidates by media stations’. Since there are numerous concerning issues in the draft, RaajjeTV asks that the Commission provide more time to discuss and acquire legal recommendations on these issues.”