Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has stated that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, 39 media outlets are earmarked to receive state funding and that the disbursement cycle is currently ongoing.
MMBC has stated that schedule of payments to the media outlets for 2025 was sent to the youth ministry on 30 December. From the initial 41 media houses eligible for funding, one company was found to run two media outlets, resulting in payments currently being held for these two outlets. The commission said that discussions were had with the media house in question, and that payments are currently on hold until the issue can be resolved.
In a press release from MMBC, the commission has stated that 40 media outlets have been approved, marking the deduction of the company with two media outlets and that they are working on showcasing changes through the media app in order to provide more transperancy throughout the process.
Private media outlets that requested state financial assistance in 2025 were evaluated under a rubric according to MMBC. The criteria for funding have also been revised under the new policy. Allocation will now be based on the media houses’ progress in administrative capacity, infrastructure, public service content, and public awareness, educational qualifications of staffs with marks awarded in each area. The number of employees will also be considered in awarding marks.
In 2026, 0.1 percent of the state budget, or USD 1.75 million has been allocated for media support. The Youth Empowerment Ministry will act solely as an intermediary, forwarding the MMBC’s finalised list and payment instructions directly to the Ministry of Finance and Planning without any additions or alterations.
This year, all eligible media outlets will receive the total amount in one payment. This marks the first time private media outlets receive funding as part of the state budget.