MMBC Publishes Revised Guidelines for Media Grant Distribution
Maldives Media Commission plans to release media grants to outlets soon | Photo: The President’s Office
The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has published revised guidelines for the distribution of media grants to local outlets, following the withdrawal of earlier rules amid criticism over unfair allocation.
MMBC gazetted the new guidelines today, setting out revised eligibility requirements. Media organisations must have been registered before 1 January 2024, while broadcasting outlets must hold a valid licence to operate.
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@mmbc_mv "މީޑިއާތަކަށް 2025 ވަނަ އަހަރު މާލީ އެހީތެރިކަން ދިނުމާ ބެހޭ އުސޫލު" ގެޒެޓް ކޮށްފި pic.twitter.com/C2rTPg77ma— Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (@MmbcMv) December 25, 2025
Under the new framework, MMBC will assess applications based on several criteria, including the number of employees, the proposed business plan, and the nature and quality of content produced. The commission will also consider staff qualifications and administrative capacity when awarding marks.
MMBC said media outlets operating under the same company may submit proposals for two different platforms or modes of news dissemination. To manage the process, the commission has launched an online portal through which applicants can submit proposals and receive provisional scores in real time. Media organisations will also be able to lodge complaints after the evaluation period concludes and final scores are issued.
According to MMBC, the Youth Ministry will disburse grant funds one day after the final scores and individual allocations are published. Media outlets must secure at least 60 points to qualify for funding. The commission said it will publish the grading criteria, a breakdown of how scores were awarded, and the formula used to determine grant amounts.
The allocation of 0.1 per cent of the annual state budget for media support was introduced as part of the government’s policy to strengthen journalism in the Maldives. A total of MVR 27 million has been set aside for distribution this year.
The revised guidelines follow public backlash over the initial grant allocations, which were later revoked. The earlier decision drew criticism after the largest share—MVR 5.1 million—was awarded to Sangu TV and Sangu Online, outlets linked to Youth, Information and Arts Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward), while The Press, associated with State Minister Ali Shamaan, received MVR 1.35 million. The controversy raised concerns over conflicts of interest and the absence of clear, transparent selection criteria.
