The Parliamentary Independent Institutions Committee has initiated consultations on the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Regulation Bill, inviting registered media outlets and relevant agencies to provide input.
The decision follows a vote to approve the bill for completion by 15 September, alongside a move to open it for public comment.
In a committee meeting on Thursday, it was decided that several key bodies will be consulted on the bill including the Maldives Media Council, Maldives Broadcasting Commission, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts.
The bill was moved by Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru, and is designed to create a new regulatory body, the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission, by merging the existing Maldives Media Council and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission.
According to its text, the bill aims to promote and develop press freedom, maintain a free and responsible press, prevent the spread of false news and ensure the responsible exercise of constitutional rights by the media and journalists.