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.
Despite the sweeping changes in government and media, life goes on in the teeming streets of Male. You can still see the men in island dress selling their produce from handcarts or at stalls in the local market. 
We had a crew standing by to cover any celebrations or demonstrations in the street when the new constitution was signed, but nothing happened. It's hard for an outsider to interpret this but a Maldivian told me that people are worn out by the ongoing process of reform and just see the constitution as another step in the road. Most don't seem to feel it will change their lives very much. The media has to do a better job of explaining the changes and educating the voters.
As for me, I'm just proud to be an American playing a very small part in all of this. Here I am with my very own copy of the Maldivian constitution... in Dhivehi!
It was only six months ago that I sat in a small, dark room with Maldivian opposition leaders who doubted they would ever be shown on TVM. What a difference now! Reporters crowded around candidates from all parties, seeking soundbites. And for the first time there is competitive TV news coverage, with both DhiTV and VTV represented.
Most of the major opposition leaders had a high profile at the constitution signing event. Of course, there is still a lot of concern about continued favoritism of the president, and like politicians everywhere, they want to present their entire program and not just a soundbite on the evening news.
I'm told that the president personally called opposition leaders and invited them to be here. After the national holiday euphoria is over, the campaign really gets down to business, with the nation's first presidential debate planned for Monday Aug. 11. It is sponsored by the neutral voter education program Think Nation and will be aired on TVM live. At least three candidates have already accepted, so we hope to confirm both President Gayoom and MDP leader Mohammed Nasheed (Anni). Any candidate who declines will be represented by an empty chair.
This detailed meeting involved, among many other things, a spirited discussion of what kind of food will be catered during election night and during the period of counting the votes, however long it takes. Apparently Maldivians agree with the American TV saying, "Good television only happens on a full stomach!"
TVM had live coverage of the president signing the bill, and then a live shot from the swearing in ceremony for the 2500 police officers in the country. It was amazing to see the sea of blue shirts. The cops came in shifts so there would be a constant police presence in the streets. Similar ceremonies were held in the atolls. Ziyaa did an awesome job with the live reports and Iqbal organized the shoot as field producer. He has much to teach his colleagues at TVM because of his skills from the VIP unit and it was a pleasure to work with him in the field.
The block ended with a story about the unusually high waves hitting the beach side of Male. One of the new batch reporters, Hamza Rasheed, was doing a standup when he got drenched by a huge wave. A great, memorable moment and fortunately there was no damage to the equipment. And no damage to our star reporter, either. Here he is, all dried off.
Here, Ziyaa is doing a standup at an office where the list was not available to the public until TVM asked for it. Apparently, the person responsible for the list had gone home for the day and those who remained in the office were just telling people to come back another time.
This is one of the most important aspects of our "hands on" training program. We teach reporters that the story only begins at the news conference and they must take the initiative to go out in the field and verify what is really going on. The sign in the picture tells voters to call the hotline for the Elections Commission if they notice any errors on the voter list.
The training course began in May and was accelerated because of the election. In less than three months, these students advanced to the point of reporting, shooting and editing their own stories. They will improve with practice. I met the group less than two weeks ago when they were wearing their student uniforms. They came to the graduation ceremony looking like true professionals. Both Ali and Rameez gave speeches and Musthafa showed a tape of some of the trainees' reports. I was proud to be able to say a few words of encouragement because I know their jobs will not be easy. In the past, atoll reporters have been subjected to pressure from atoll chiefs to slant the news. And it is especially difficult for the young women to live and work alone on an island, away from their families. Some of the reporters are going to their "home" islands, but others will be starting over in a strange place.
The new batch makes it possible to bring some of the veteran reporters back to the capital for a few months of additonal training. The ceremony was held at the VOM radio building, which is much larger than the TV station. VOM chief Badru Nasser helped award the certificates. And what Maldivian ceremony would be complete without food! There was a nice buffet after the graduation.
The divemasters from Delphis Diving made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Andrew and I struggled with the European diving gear, so different from what we have back in the US. But we had no worries with these professionals looking out for us. Diving here can be a bit tricky because of the strong currents. The steel tanks made it unnecessary to wear a weight belt, but had a tendency to flip me over on my back, so I used a lot of air trying to stay upright against the current. After the dive, it's all very organized with a freshwater tank for rinsing. Then your gear is stowed in a bag and ready for you the next day!
