President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called on journalists to be more accountable in what they communicate and to represent the public in addressing the major issues in society. The president made the appeal in a video message broadcast during the Journalism Award Ceremony 2019 hosted by the Maldives Media Council (MMC).
In his message, the President congratulated the winners of the Journalism Award presented at the ceremony. Emphasising the Maldives supports a non-partisan and competitive atmosphere for journalism, the President urged journalists to be more responsible in the messages they convey to the public, and to assist in nation-building efforts.
Speaking in this regard, the President shed light on the role of journalists in a modern democracy. He underlined the responsibility of a journalist extends beyond delivering the most accurate information to the public and includes ensuring that the public is informed towards the brightest and most righteous paths. He highlighted the importance of expanding the role of journalists in addressing the most critical societal issues, namely substance abuse and religious extremism, in the country.
Further, President Solih also urged journalists to play a pivotal role in the efforts to bounce back from the economic distress the country has experienced due to COVID-19. The President outlined the dire situation of press freedom in the Maldives from two years ago, noting the main duty of the Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission back then had been to find faults and penalise journalists and media stations. He expressed that his administration had successfully eliminated that toxic culture from the Maldives journalism profession.
Addressing the new journalists, President Solih urged to begin their careers with a positive mindset to make a difference in the nation through their craft.