The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has stated that details of 39 media outlets eligible for Government financial assistance have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts for processing.

In a statement, the MMBC said a total of 41 media outlets qualified for the Government’s financial assistance scheme for private media this year. The commission confirmed that the relevant information, including the approved funding amounts, was submitted to the Ministry on 30 December.

However, the MMBC noted that two of the 41 applications were submitted by media outlets operated under the same company. As a result, the commission said clarification was sought from the media organisation concerned, and the Ministry was requested to temporarily hold the payment pending verification.

Following the review, the MMBC said 40 media outlets will ultimately receive state financial assistance. The commission added that it is working to reflect the updated information through the media portal.

The Government’s objective in providing financial assistance to private media outlets is to help ensure their financial sustainability and strengthen their ability to operate independently. This marks the first time financial assistance for private media has been allocated through the State budget.

Meanwhile, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed has assured that the Government will have no role in determining how financial assistance is allocated to media outlets.

Addressing earlier media reports questioning the transparency of the process, the Minister said the Ministry acknowledged concerns raised by media organisations and agreed that the process required greater clarity. As a result, responsibility for managing the assistance scheme was fully handed over to the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.

The Minister said the MMBC subsequently established the necessary procedures, engaged with media organisations, collected required information, and carried out the relevant assessments. He added that the Ministry’s role is now limited to facilitation, with verified information provided by the MMBC forwarded directly to the Ministry of Finance and Planning for disbursement, without any alteration or intervention.