In a landmark move, the Maldivian government has, for the first time in the nation’s history, opened applications for state financial assistance to registered private media outlets.
The initiative, a key pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, is aimed at strengthening private media institutions, promoting financial independence, and reducing reliance on external funding sources.
The Regulation on Financial Assistance to the Media was gazetted on 19 August, with applications now open until 27 September. Submissions are being accepted online through the portal mediaapp.one.gov.mv, under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts.
While the regulation generally provides for disbursements in three instalments, President Muizzu has authorised that, for this year only, eligible outlets will receive the grant in a single lump-sum payment. A total of USD 1.8 million has been earmarked from the state budget for the programme—equivalent to 0.1 percent of projected state revenue for 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is governed by a points-based evaluation system, with applicants required to secure a minimum of 60 points to qualify for funding. Key eligibility conditions include:
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Registration and Licensing: Applicants must be a registered private newspaper or magazine, or hold a valid broadcast licence.
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Operational Longevity: At least three consecutive years of continuous service.
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Transparency: Outlets must publish a publicly accessible code of ethics.
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Financial Compliance: Must be up to date on tax obligations, staff pension contributions, and salary payments via bank transfer.
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Debt Obligations: Any verified debts owed by the outlet or its management must be actively serviced.
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Application Limits: Media companies running multiple platforms (e.g. print and broadcast) can only apply for one outlet of each type.
Officials have described the scheme as a transformative step in bolstering independent journalism and supporting the media industry’s long-term sustainability. By ensuring financial stability, the initiative is expected to help outlets focus on producing quality content, providing reliable information, and creating more secure employment opportunities for journalists.
In addition to reducing financial strain, the government has highlighted the importance of ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in Maldivian media, in line with global efforts to build stronger governance and literacy frameworks around AI.
The inaugural round of funding marks a new chapter in the government’s relationship with private media, reflecting a commitment to both safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the survival of independent voices across the country.
