Rules for media funding allocation gazetted

For the first time, the government has formulated and gazetted regulations to provide financial assistance to registered private media outlets.

The allocation of state funding for the media falls under the President’s mandate and was a campaign promise made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. This year’s state budget includes funding in line with that commitment, allocating 0.1 percent of the budget’s estimated revenue to support the media sector.

The rules governing the allocation of state funds to media organizations were officially gazetted today.

According to the President’s Office, these new regulations mark the first time private media outlets will be eligible to apply for government funding, under a process that is designed to be transparent and accountable.

Under the new rules, media outlets must meet the following eight criteria to qualify for financial assistance:

- Be a registered or licensed media service provider.

- Have operated continuously for at least three years since obtaining registration or a license.

- Provide accessible channels for public communication and make this information publicly available.

- Have a publicly stated media code of ethics and editorial standards.

- Fulfill tax obligations and be in good standing with tax authorities.

- Participate in and contribute to a retirement pension scheme as required by the Pension Act.

- Have employment agreements and job descriptions in line with the Employment Act, and pay staff salaries via bank transfers.

- If the media outlet or its personnel have any outstanding debts under legal judgment, those must be settled accordingly.

- Media organizations will be assessed using a points-based system, with only those scoring 60 points or more eligible for funding.

A five-member committee will be established to evaluate applications and handle complaints. The committee will include:

1. A representative appointed by the government ministry responsible for community empowerment

2. A representative from the Broadcasting Commission

3. A member appointed by the Maldives Media Council

4. A representative from a registered media association

5. A representative from the ministry responsible for financial matters

Of the total budget allocated for media funding, 35% will go to broadcast media. The remaining funds will be distributed among newspapers and magazines. The amount awarded to each outlet will be based on factors such as: Years of operation, Scale of annual operations, and Qualifications and experience of employees.

Points may be deducted if disciplinary action has previously been taken against the media outlet.

Media outlets scoring 60 points or more will receive funding. The specific amount granted to each will be calculated based on the outlet’s score relative to the total pool of eligible outlets and the overall budget.

Funds will be disbursed in three installments: 50% initially, with the remaining 50% split between the second and third payments. However, for this year only, payments will be issued as a single lump sum.