Election Scoop

TVM built a special set and graphics for the ratification coverage, with the theme of a New Dawn in Maldives. Although I would like to close up the space between the host and the guest on the set and reblock the camera angles, I have to praise the content of this show from start to finish. I sat back like a proud mom as Rameez and the kids did a thoroughly professional job. I think back to the scared little bunch that was afraid to rewrite an official press release six months ago and I can't believe how much the entire news operation has grown. I also have to commend my colleague Gary Ponticiello who teamed up with Sophie to coordinate all six hours of coverage from the control room. The programming and production team had their game on. This really shows what TVM news and programming can accomplish when they work together instead of competing with each other.
The preview show from 9 to 10 am told the audience what to expect during the ceremony, reporters described the mood in the hall and provided a wide variety of reactions, and numerous political figures who have played key roles in the reform were invited to visit the set. One of them made news!
Gassim Ibrahim, the former finance minister, owner of the Villa business empire and speaker of the Special Majlis (which approved the constitution) told anchor Heena Waleed that he will run for president if asked to do so by the recently certified Republican party.

As for Heena's anchoring, she was composed, intelligent and basically flawless. She carried the six hours of coverage, even making the three minute dash to the Maldives Afternoon set to co-host the show from 2 to 3. It will be a huge loss for TVM when she leaves for college in India and we face the challenge of training a stronger bench of anchors behind Waseem and Shifla.