President of the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) Mariyam Waheeda has announced that community broadcasting services will be launched this year.
Speaking to PSM News, Waheeda said that MBC has already engaged with several local island councils to initiate community broadcasting. She also highlighted the keen interest of the councils in this service.
Additionally, Waheeda revealed that discussions have taken place with four islands in Baa Atoll and four in Lhaviyani Atoll regarding the establishment of community broadcasting services. As such, she said that agreements have been signed with the councils of four of these islands, and the necessary rules and regulations have been finalised.
Furthermore, Waheeda said that MBC aims to launch community broadcasting services on at least one island this year, despite budget constraints delaying the project. She also emphasised that these services will provide economic, political, and social benefits to the communities.
MBC has also shared information about community broadcasting with the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions. Vice President of MBC Mohamed Fazeen informed the committee that the commission lacks the funds to establish community broadcasting services. They added that MBC will seek to raise funds by engaging with foreign investors.
In 2020, MBC conducted a community broadcasting pilot programme in Dhuvaafaru in Raa Atoll, which yielded satisfactory results. Community broadcasting involves operating a television or radio channel at the island level, facilitating the dissemination of local news, announcements, and information from government agencies and associations. The Broadcasting Act in the Maldives defines community broadcasting and allows for the issuance of permanent licences for up to three years.