Media outlets registration deadline tomorrow

The 30 days deadline for the registration of all media outlets under the Media Decree comes to an end tomorrow.

Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed the 30 day time frame comes to an end this week according to the decree as it came into effect on the 28th of last month.

Under the decree, a media organization is registered when the proprietor deposits with the Media Development Authority affidavits sworn and signed by the proprietor and in the case of print media, by the proprietor or the persons intended to be the printer and the publisher of the newspaper.

The affidavit must contain full disclosure of all ownership interests held by any person or in the case of a company, a list of its shareholders.

Sayed-Khaiyum said all the affidavits and queries on this matter are to be addressed to the AG's Chambers.

Any media organization that is not registered in accordance with the decree commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or both and in the case of a company to a fine not exceeding $100,000.

Sayed-Khaiyum said since the 30 days come to an end tomorrow, all those providing media services in the country should ensure that they have followed the procedures under the decree.

Story by: Vijay Narayan