MVR 28 million to 18 media outlets from state budget

The government is set to disburse MVR 28 million to 18 eligible registered media outlets.

The disbursement of funds from the state budget to media outlets as financial aid is an electoral pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

According to the list publicized by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, a total of 18 media outlets met the requirements for funds from the state budget. A total of MVR 27.9 million will be distributed among these media outlets.

The media outlet which is set to receive the highest number of funds is Sangu media, run by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Mohamed Waheed (Asward). In this regard, Sangu TV is set to receive MVR 3.8 million while Sangu Online is set to receive MVR 1.3 million. As such, Sangu media will receive MVR 5.1 million in total.

Meanwhile, Sun Siyam Media is set to receive MVR 4.3 million in total, which is MVR 1.3 million to Sun Online, Maldives’ longest-running online news platform, and MVR 2.9 million to SSTV.

The breakdown of funds for other media outlets are as follows:

• VTV – MVR 3 million
• VNews MV – MVR 1.1 million
• One Online – MVR 1.37 million
• Voice MV – MVR 1. 36 million
• The Press – MVR 1.34 million
• Dhauru – MVR 1.3 million
• Mihaaru – MVR 1.29 million
• The Edition – MVR 1.17 million
• Thiladhun – MVR 1.2 million
• Adhadhu – MVR 1.17 million
• Theeru Media – MVR 1.14 million
• Dhiyares – MVR 1.1 million
• Gaafu Online – MVR 1 million
• Maaldif Online – MVR 899,197.77

According to the government, funds have been allocated to media outlets from the state budget to empower them, promote their finance independence and ensure they operate free from undue influence. The media is allocated 0.1 percent from the state budget.

While there is a policy outlining a point-based system for fund allocation is in place, the criteria considered include employees’ educational qualifications, professional experience, and gender equality within the organization.

The funds to media outlets are being disbursed amidst mounting concerns from media personnel regarding the a bill to amend the Evidence Act, introducing new conditions under which journalists may be compelled to disclose their sources.

The amendment, proposed by People’s National Congress (PNC) MP Ahmed Aslam, seeks to revise Article 136 of the Act.

Under the proposed changes, the High Court would be empowered to issue an order for source disclosure if deemed essential to prevent an accused from committing an offense. The court must decide within 24 hours of receiving such a request. If appealed, the case must be submitted to the Supreme Court within ten days.

The amendment also expands the list of circumstances where journalists may be required to reveal their sources. These include:

• Acts of terrorism
• Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information
• Attempts to overthrow the government by force
• Armed aggression
• Offences threatening national security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity

The move follows longstanding concerns from journalists over the original Evidence Act passed by the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government. Media professionals had petitioned the President’s Office to revise provisions they feared could compromise press freedom. Although former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih later pledged to amend the law, no changes were enacted during his term.