The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has announced that 41 out of 57 private media outlets applying for State financial assistance in 2025 have qualified under the eligibility requirements.

According to MMBC, 57 media outlets created profiles to apply for financial assistance, and 41 have qualified under the criteria. Licensed private media outlets registered in the Maldives and operating by 1 January 2024 were invited to apply, and the points awarded to those who applied will be made publicly available on the designated portal.

MMBC further noted that eight complaints were submitted after the deadline, and the review committee accepted complaints from three parties.

Under the 2025 Media Grant Policy, points will be awarded based on the duration of the media organisation, number of employees, the development of the outlet, business planning, content type, employee education level, experience and administrative arrangements.

A total of MVR 27.9 million, amounting to 0.1 per cent of the State budget, has been allocated for media financial assistance. Payments will be issued after the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts and MMBC submit the required information to the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Each media outlet that meets the criteria will receive a single payment.

The initiative, one of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s key Presidential Pledges, is the first time a Maldivian Government has allocated State budget funds to support registered private media outlets.