Former Broadcasting Commission President Safa Shafeeq on Sunday described state-run Public Service Media (PSM) as the only media outlet in the Maldives that adheres to journalism and broadcasting regulations.
Safa made the remarks during her interview with Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee, which was vetting candidates for the newly formed Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) under the recently passed Media Control Act. She was the third candidate interviewed.
Introducing herself, Safa, who began her broadcasting career in 2006 as a presenter and producer at TVM, said she considers PSM and its television arm, TVM, to be the most disciplined and ethical media entities in the country.
 “PSM and TVM are places that follow discipline and ethics. They are the most disciplined and ethical media in the Maldives,” she said.
Safa added that her time at TVM had been formative, stating, “I learned a lot from TVM.”
From the parliament's Committee on Independent Institutions meeting held on October 19, 2025. (Photo/Parliament)
She also noted a sharp rise in complaints during her tenure as BroadCom president, claiming that the number of cases filed with the commission increased tenfold after she assumed the role.
 “Rules and regulations are something I believe in very much. I don’t believe in freedom of speech alone, I believe in freedom with responsibility,” she said.
Safa also expressed concern about the content in newspapers and TV channels, saying she often hides certain pages from her child due to inappropriate material.
 “It’s a good newspaper, but I can’t show my children some pages because they contain things they shouldn’t know,” she said, adding that she rarely allows her children to watch TV, except for select programs on TVM.
She reiterated her earlier criticism of the media bill, which was passed in mid-September despite widespread protests from journalists and civil society groups. Safa had previously warned that the bill lacked stakeholder consultation and required careful review.
While members of the commission said the bill aims to ensure media accountability, they emphasized that such legislation must be preceded by thorough research and public feedback.