Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts (MoYEIA) has confirmed that more than USD 1.7 million has been disbursed to media outlets across the Maldives, marking the first time in the country’s history that the government has provided direct financial assistance to the media sector.
According to the ministry, the funding was allocated in line with a pledge made by President Mohamed Muizzu, with over 40 media organisations benefiting from the initiative.
The ministry said the objective of the financial support is to strengthen private media institutions by helping them become financially viable and operationally independent, while encouraging responsible journalism and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities within the sector.
The selection and evaluation of eligible media outlets were carried out by the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC). Based on criteria set by the commission, 40 media outlets were identified as qualifying for state assistance.
MoYEIA said that once the evaluated list was received from MMBC, the ministry coordinated with the Ministry of Finance and Planning to complete the disbursement process. In total, USD 1,770,398 was transferred to the accounts of the selected media organisations.
Under the revised policy framework, the criteria for funding allocation have been updated. Media houses are now assessed based on their administrative capacity, infrastructure development, public service-oriented content, and public awareness efforts, with marks awarded across each category.
The funding programme is backed by a budgetary allocation of 0.1 percent of the estimated state revenue in this year’s national budget, reflecting the government’s stated commitment to supporting the sustainability of the media industry.
Officials say the initiative represents a significant policy shift, aimed at fostering a stronger, more resilient media landscape while maintaining editorial independence.
