In a landmark move to strengthen independent journalism, the government has today gazetted the long-awaited Guidelines for Providing Financial Assistance to Media, fulfilling President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to allocate 0.1 percent of the state budget — amounting to MVR 27.9 million — for the development of private media outlets.
Unlike previous administrations, which left private media financially vulnerable, President Muizzu’s government has prioritized empowering the press with a transparent, structured, and sustainable funding mechanism. This marks the first time in Maldivian history that private media outlets will receive direct state support, aimed at ensuring independence from external pressures and securing financial stability.
Transparent Process and Strict Eligibility
The guidelines exclude Public Service Media and set clear criteria to guarantee accountability. To qualify, outlets must be formally registered and licensed, have operated continuously for at least three years, and meet obligations such as publishing a code of ethics, paying taxes, contributing to pensions, and processing staff salaries through banks.
Outlets with multiple platforms — whether broadcast, print, online, or magazines — may apply once per category. Applicants must also demonstrate good financial standing, with outstanding debts under repayment.
Single-Payment Disbursement and Real-Time Evaluation
Although the guidelines envisage distributing funds in three phases, President Muizzu has ordered this year’s full allocation to be released in a single payment to ensure immediate relief for private media. A dedicated online portal will manage applications, allowing outlets to view their provisional scores in real-time, submit additional information during evaluation, and file complaints if necessary.
Complaints will be reviewed by a committee comprising representatives from the Broadcasting Commission, the Media Council, media associations, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art itself — ensuring fairness and transparency. Final scores and funding amounts for each outlet will be made public, with disbursements completed within seven days of evaluation.
A Commitment to Independent Journalism
To qualify, proposals must score at least 60 points under the structured evaluation system, which awards points across specific criteria. The government has also published the formula for calculating the exact distribution of funds, leaving no room for bias.
By including this financial assistance in the annual state budget, President Muizzu has established a historic precedent that not only secures media independence but also stimulates creativity, responsible journalism, and job creation. The initiative underscores his administration’s firm belief that a free, professional, and self-sufficient press is essential for the nation’s democratic development.
