Minivan Radio Loses Out In Frequency Bids

Private broadcasting in the Maldives moved a step closer as the Telecommunications Authority (TAM) announced the winners of broadcast frequencies on Tuesday. Frequencies were awarded for five national radio stations, a national television channel and several local radio stations limited to single atolls.

The winning companies must now sign Agreements with the Information Ministry before the first broadcasts take place.

But the launch of government-licensed private broadcasting may signal the death of Minivan Radio, the opposition station which has pioneered independent broadcasting in the Maldives since 2004, after its parent company failed to win a frequency.
Ahmed Naseer, the station’s founder, told Minivan News, “It is not the end of Minivan Radio. Not getting a license from this government, which is illegitimate in my opinion, is not an obstacle.”

But current editor Fathimath Shaheeda said “it is too early to say what the plan is. Honestly, I can’t see other stations buying our content. We will wait and see.”

“In some ways it is a good thing as we will not have to sign an agreement with the Information Ministry. The time will come for to sign agreements with the government, but it is not yet,” she added.