Government Retracts Media Grant List After Backlash, Hands Oversight to Media Commission

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts has retracted the recently released list of media outlets set to receive government funding, following mounting criticism from local journalists and news organizations.

Oversight Shifted to Media Commission

In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry announced that the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (Media Commission) will now oversee the media grant’s regulatory and administrative processes.
According to the official gazette notice, this change aims to ensure greater transparency, accountability, and impartiality in how future grants are allocated.

The Ministry explained that the initial grant guidelines were originally developed in collaboration with the now-dissolved Maldives Media Council and Maldives Broadcasting Commission. Both entities have since been merged under the new Media and Broadcasting Regulation Act, forming the unified Media Commission now responsible for oversight.

As part of the transition, the Ministry has rescinded the earlier recipient list and revoked previous calls for applications, effectively restarting the grant process from scratch.

Backlash Over Funding Decisions

The decision comes after widespread public backlash from several news outlets questioning the fairness of the grant’s initial distribution. Many journalists described the process as unclear and biased, claiming that inactive or minimally operational outlets received large sums, while established and active media were left out.

Critics raised particular concern over potential conflicts of interest in the allocation of funds. Reports revealed that Sangu TV and Sangu Online, outlets reportedly linked to Youth, Information, and Arts Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward), were awarded the largest share of MVR 5.1 million.
Meanwhile, The Press, associated with State Minister Ali Shamaan, received MVR 1.35 million. These revelations triggered a broader debate on political influence and fairness in the government’s media support initiatives.

Grant Policy Rooted in Presidential Pledge

The media grant program was launched as part of President Mohamed Muizzu’s broader pledge to support independent journalism and strengthen the Maldivian media landscape.
Under this policy, 0.1 percent of the annual state budget is earmarked for media development grants — a measure intended to enhance press freedom and sustainability across the sector.

However, the controversy surrounding the first round of allocations has raised questions about how such funds are managed and whether political neutrality can truly be maintained in state-supported media programs.

As the Media Commission assumes full oversight, industry stakeholders and journalists alike will be watching closely to see if the renewed process delivers the transparency and fairness the government has promised.