The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has urged all industry practitioners to disseminate news responsibly, avoid disinformation, and prioritize the national interest, in a statement released to commemorate National Broadcasting Day.
In its official statement, the commission emphasised that broadcasting serves as one of the most influential mediums for raising public awareness across social, political, and economic spheres, as well as delivering truthful information. The regulatory body acknowledged the invaluable national contributions of local broadcasters in upholding Islamic values, national identity, and cultural heritage while ensuring credible reporting for the public.
Extending felicitations on the occasion, the MMBC appealed to media organisations to steer clear of discord, incitement, and unverified reports that compromise social harmony. The commission also reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to protecting and safeguarding the professional rights of practitioners working across the sector.
Highlighting the historical evolution of the industry, the MMBC noted that broadcasting in the Maldives began on December 29, 1962, under the name "Malé Radio." The platform evolved through several iterations—including Seneco Radio, Maldives Island Broadcasting Service (MIBS) in 1967, and Radio Maldives in 1969—before becoming "Dhivehiraajjeyge Adu" in 1980, alongside the launch of Television Maldives (TVM) in 1978.
The legal and operational landscape expanded significantly after private broadcasting opened in 2007, followed by the enactment of the Broadcasting Act in 2010. Following the ratification of the Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act on September 18, 2025, which established the MMBC, the sector entered a modern regulatory era that currently encompasses 37 broadcasters and 29 re-broadcasters nationwide.