Maldives Broadcasting Commission’s President Mohamed Shaheeb has said that since 2007, licenses had been taken by 36 parties to start TV channels and 13 for radio channels.
Speaking in the ceremony held to launch Islamic Ministry’s Islamic Studio, held Wednesday night, Shaheeb said that all those parties had signed up for the service when the Commission opened for applications twice.
“The Commission wished to see a wider range of content in new channels, by releasing the licenses,” he said.
Shaheeb highlighted the number of religious content channels are low, though many TV and radio channels are in operation. However, he noted that many scholars brought about such content free of charge and on a volunteer basis.
He also noted that some felt the only promotion had to be given to political causes, which had, however, contributed to the loss of societal calm and common courtesy.
“Full coverage of political issues has damaged the society deeply,” Shaheeb said.
He noted that the Commission had worked to create religious, sports and entertainment channels, adding that those channels are thriving. Shaheeb said that proliferation of such channels will impact the society in a positive manner.
Licenses taken for 36 TV channels, 13 radio channels
