MJA Opens Public Feedback on Press Council Committee
MJA meeting on September 22, 2025 | Photo: Anoof Junaid’s X Account
The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) has invited public feedback on the decisions taken by the newly formed Press Council Committee, a self-regulatory initiative established in response to the government’s ratification of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act last week.
At a meeting held on Monday, the committee appointed Dhauru Managing Editor Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga Zahir) as Chairperson and MJA Executive Director Mohamed Junaid Saleem as Co-Chairperson. Members agreed to finalise the structure of the committee within a month, by 22 October.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
The committee, formed as an alternative mechanism to government regulation, will consist of nine members: six representing media organisations, including two from broadcasters; two from the public; and one from a civil society organisation. Each media house will be allocated one vote.
The first official meeting of MJA's Press Council Committee was held yesterday to establish a self-regulatory system for journalism in the Maldives.
We want YOUR feedback on the decisions made.
📝Here is the link: https://t.co/y4yC0UXSJB
⏰Submit your thoughts via email before… pic.twitter.com/RCjRFJIyvG— Maldives Journalists Association (@mjamaldives) September 23, 2025
The council’s mandate includes drafting a code of ethics for journalistic content, addressing public complaints and concerns, and promoting media literacy. Members also discussed the objectives of the council, mechanisms for reviewing complaints, and potential funding arrangements.
The MJA has opened submissions from journalists and the public on the committee’s decisions. Feedback can be sent to info@mja.mv before 6:00 pm on 30 September.
Last Thursday, after President Dr Mohamed Muizzu ratified the new media regulating act, he also formed the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, after voiding the existing Maldives Media Council (MMC) and incorporating the existing Maldives Broadcasting Commission (Broadcom) into the newly formed commission. The Act received pushback from journalists locally and internationally while it was being considered in the parliament, and is criticised for the attempted control of the press by the government. Currently, an interim body has been appointed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to oversee matters relating to media until the committee members are finalised.
