The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and the Arts has extended the deadline for private media outlets to apply for state financial assistance until 7 October, giving registered newspapers, magazines, and private broadcasters additional time to submit proposals.

The grants are offered under the Regulation on Financial Assistance to the Media, issued on 22 August. Applications must be filed through the government’s online portal at mediaapp.one.gov.mv.

For this first-of-its-kind programme, the government has earmarked USD 1.8 million, about 0.1 per cent of projected state revenue, to strengthen the financial stability and independence of private media, support the production of credible content, and promote sustainable employment in journalism.

Key Requirements

Unlike the regulation’s usual three-installment disbursement, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has authorised a single lump-sum payment for 2025. Funds will be awarded using a points-based assessment, with applicants required to score at least 60 points to qualify.