The Maldivian government has allocated USD 1.8 million from the state budget to be disbursed among media outlets, as part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to provide financial assistance to strengthen the media sector.
Applications for financial aid under this initiative opened in August and closed on October 7. The Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Information and Arts has now announced the list of eligible outlets and the amounts allocated to each.
The full list of allocations is as follows:
- Sangu TV: USD 246,433
- VTV: USD 194,553
- SSTV: USD 188,067
- VNews MV: USD 71,336
- One Online: USD 88,846
- Sun Online: USD 86,252
- Sangu Online: USD 84,306
- Voice MV: USD 88,197
- The Press: USD 86,900
- Dhauru Newspaper: USD 84,306
- Mihaaru Newspaper: USD 83,658
- Mihaaru English Edition: USD 75,875
- Thiladhun: USD 77,821
- Adhadhu News: USD 75,875
- Theeru Media: USD 73,930
- Dhiyares: USD 71,336
- Gaafu Online: USD 64,851
- Maaldheef Online: USD 58,314
The funds, representing 0.1% of the state budget, will be released in three instalments under the Policies on Financial Assistance to Media.
To qualify for this support, media outlets must be officially registered, and broadcast media must hold a valid operating license.
This marks the first year the state budget has allocated financial assistance to private media organizations. The government states that the initiative is designed to help media outlets remain financially viable and independent, while promoting responsible journalism and ensuring a sustainable, professional media environment that offers meaningful employment opportunities.