Broadcom Introduces Journalist Accreditation Policy

The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) posted the Journalist Accreditation Policy in the Maldives Gazette yesterday.

The commission had previously published the policy on its website at the end of last year. In a social media update announcing the gazette publication, Broadcom clarified that broadcasting journalists may continue working without accreditation.

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According to the commission, the policy was formulated to ensure that journalists in broadcasting are qualified. Its stated aims include raising the quality of services, assessing the education and experience of media professionals, creating a registry of broadcasting journalists, issuing press passes, and linking the issuance of broadcasting licences to the employment of registered journalists.

Under the policy, “Press Pass” accreditation applies to reporters, editors, presenters, writers, columnists, photojournalists, photographers, video journalists, and videographers.

The policy sets out the qualifications required for accreditation. Journalists must hold at least an MQA Level 3 certificate in broadcasting, communications, or a related field, or have a minimum of three years’ experience in journalism. Applicants must not have had criminal offences in the past five years and are required to complete the training outlined by the commission.

Training modules include adherence to the code of conduct in journalism, child protection in broadcasting, safeguarding women’s rights, reporting on disasters and accidents, covering protests and large gatherings, and guidelines for reporting on political content during elections.

Broadcom stated that journalists seeking accreditation will need to pass a test and pay a fee of MVR 100. Successful applicants will receive an accreditation card valid for five years.