The Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) has announced that journalists in the broadcasting sector will only be eligible for accreditation cards after completing a compulsory training programme.
The requirement is outlined in BroadCom’s new Rules on Accreditation of Journalists, which will come into effect six months after their publication. According to the commission, the rules are aimed at raising professional standards, verifying the qualifications and experience of broadcast journalists, and maintaining a public registry of accredited media personnel.
Accreditation cards will be issued to editors, reporters, presenters, writers, columnists, as well as photo and video journalists employed by television and radio stations. Applicants must either possess a Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) Level 3 certificate in broadcasting, communication, or a related field, or have at least three years of professional experience. Additionally, applicants must not have been convicted of a criminal offence within the past five years.
The training programme will cover key areas including the broadcasting code of practice, child protection, women’s rights, reporting on disasters and tragedies, coverage of protests and unrest, and political reporting during elections.
Accreditation cards will be valid for five years. However, they may be cancelled if the cardholder is convicted of a criminal offence, or revoked for breaches of the broadcasting code of practice or non compliance with BroadCom directives.
BroadCom also stated that a public register of accredited journalists will be compiled and published.
