41 media outlets qualify for MVR 28 million state funding

Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission has decided that 41 media outlets are eligible to receive MVR 28 million in financial assistance allocated in the 2025 state budget.

State funding for the media was announced as part of the budget. The process was previously handled by the Ministry of Youth Affairs before being transferred to the commission. The commission issued a statement on the decision on Sunday night.

According to the commission, 57 media outlets submitted applications for the funding. Following an evaluation, 41 outlets were deemed eligible.

The commission has published the points awarded to the eligible outlets on the MediaApp portal. The portal does not specify the amount allocated to each outlet. Payments are calculated based on points awarded, in accordance with a formula set out in the rules.

The commission said six criteria were used to assess applications under the gazetted rules. These were the duration of operation, number of employees, development proposals or business plans, type of content produced, educational qualifications and experience of staff, and administrative arrangements.

The commission also amended the rules after easing certain requirements. This included allowing outlets that began operations in January last year to qualify for the grant.

Previously, 18 media outlets had qualified under the earlier criteria.