MJJA urges editors to clearly label sponsored content after journalists threatened over Equal Hills coverage

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJJA) has called on news editors to clearly distinguish between sponsored news and independently produced journalism, following threats against journalists who reported on projects by the company Equal Hills. In a statement released on its website, the MJJA urged editors not to engage in practices that expose journalists to risks due to business transactions with news outlets. It demanded that content brought by media through sponsorship be labeled so readers can identify it as promotional content. The association said respecting journalistic ethics and ensuring editorial independence is a fundamental duty of media organizations. Noting that serious warnings have been issued on social media against journalists who reported on various projects undertaken by Equal Hills under its sponsorship—as well as against their families—the MJJA has filed a complaint with the police, requesting a serious investigation into the threats. It has also asked police to ensure the safety and security of the journalists. The MJJA stated that journalists work in accordance with the editorial guidelines of their media organizations, but generating hatred and issuing threats against individual journalists for performing their duties is unacceptable.