Vaguthu Media has forcefully criticized the government’s media grant distribution, arguing that the allocation of MVR 27.9 million from the state budget was unfair and selectively engineered. While the Ministry of Youth claims Vaguthu did not qualify because they did not submit an application, Vaguthu maintains the approval criteria were crafted to exclude credible and active media platforms from the beginning.
Their statement questions why outlets with minimal staff and sporadic publication received millions, while more prominent outlets were mysteriously sidelined. Vaguthu insists that a fair funding policy must reflect workforce capacity and audience reach to genuinely strengthen journalism in the Maldives.
Public anger is increasingly directed at State Minister Ali Shamaan. Critics accuse him of directly influencing the rules, evaluating applicants and then using his authority to approve his own affiliated platform. The Press, linked to Shamaan, received MVR 1,348,796.65, placing it among the highest funded outlets. This revelation has fueled widespread suspicion that the initiative was manipulated to reward insiders, not support independent media.
The published grant figures now provide a transparent breakdown of beneficiaries:
Eligible for Grant: 18 Outlets
Broadcast Media
• Sangu Television, MVR 3,810,505.84
• VTV, MVR 3,010,299.61
• SS TV, MVR 2,972,194.55
Online or Print Media
• One Online, MVR 1,377,803.03
• Voice MV, MVR 1,363,299.84
• The Press, MVR 1,348,796.65
• Sun Online, MVR 1,334,293.46
• Sangu Online, MVR 1,305,287.08
• Dhauru, MVR 1,305,287.08
• Mihaaru, MVR 1,297,783.89
• Thiladhun, MVR 1,218,267.94
• The Edition, MVR 1,174,758.37
• Adhadhu Online, MVR 1,174,758.37
• Theeru Media, MVR 1,145,751.99
• Vnews MV, MVR 1,116,745.61
• Dhiyares News, MVR 1,102,242.42
• Gaafu Online, MVR 1,029,726.48
• Maldeef Online, MVR 899,197.77
