MMBC Mandates Annual Reports for Media Outlets to Drive Sector Growth

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has introduced a comprehensive new registration framework for newspapers and magazines, making the submission of annual operational reports mandatory for all publications. Under the new regulations, media outlets must provide detailed data on their operations, including the volume of articles published across various sectors. The MMBC warns that publications failing to submit these reports will face financial penalties. The commission views this data collection as a strategic move to map the scope and focus of the Maldivian media landscape over the next two years. Speaking on the ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme on PSM News, Ibrahim Ashraf, Director of Broadcast Regulation at the MMBC, emphasized that the reports would evaluate both the overall operational output and the specific content published. According to Ashraf, this transparency will help the commission identify critical training gaps for journalists, ultimately fostering professional development within the industry. Beyond regulation, the reports are designed to unlock financial opportunities. By providing a clear picture of a publication's scale and impact—particularly for smaller outlets—the MMBC believes these documents will serve as essential evidence for foreign donors and entities considering financial assistance for local media. The framework also formalizes the classification of print media into four categories: newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and journals. New registration applications must now be processed within 30 days, and every publication is required to appoint a designated editor and a responsible person. Registrations will remain valid for five years, with a renewal requirement 90 days before expiry. To prevent dormant registrations, any publication that ceases operations for 12 consecutive months will have its registration automatically canceled. Additionally, the MMBC is introducing tighter controls on commercial activities. Any publication intending to charge readers a fee must now submit its proposed pricing structure to the commission for approval. To ensure a smooth transition, the MMBC has granted a six-month grace period for all previously registered publications to comply with these new mandates.