Government companies have started cancelling their sponsorship agreements with news outlets that stood up against the government-backed bill to dismantle free media.

Adhadhu has learnt that some State-Owned Enterprises (SOE)s were sending notices for agreement termination to stop the sponsorships.

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) Executive Director Mohamed Junayd has also expressed concern over the move.

During a meeting with the parliament's committee on independent institutions on Monday, he said sponsorships from SOEs have become a weapon used by the government to influence the media.

“In connection with this bill, action has been taken against news outlets that opposed the bill,” he said.

Adhadhu understands that Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the Maldives Airports Corporation Limited (MACL) have warned some news outlets about terminating the sponsorship.

Some senior officials of news outlets said a sudden termination of sponsorships could bring their operations to a standstill and cause more financial burdens.

Many SOEs provide sponsorships to MMTV connected to President Mohamed Muizzu. The TV station began operations with a MVR 38 million deal to rent an office building to National Social Protection Agency (NSPA). However, the agreement was canceled after criticism.

On August 28, the government said there was no reason to withdraw the bill despite concern from journalists, NGOs and political parties.

Attorney General Ahmed Usham made the remarks after the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) met President Mohamed Muizzu and requested for the bill to be withdrawn.

The new Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission will be established if the bill is approved by the government-controlled People's Majlis. The commission will be made up of seven members, three of whom will be appointed by the President.

The bill does not explain why a commission to regulate the media needs members appointed by the President. It further states that the Chairperson of the commission will also be appointed by the President.

The bill gives the new commission substantial powers. These include fines of up to MVR 100,000 for media outlets and temporary cancellation of registration before a case is investigated. The commission can also go to court to revoke a registration.

The commission will also be empowered to issue orders to block a news website or stop a broadcast while it investigates a case.

The bill is currently being reviewed by the committee for independent institutions. On Monday, the committee held a meeting, where all the journalists requested for the bill to be rejected.