Hiriga: Media funding should be tied to coverage and content output

State funding for media should be based on how extensively outlets cover events and produce content, said Ahmed Zahir (Hiriga), Managing Editor of Dhauru, in a post on X Thursday.

He called for a funding model guided by independent criteria, with minimal government involvement and no conflicts of interest. Hiriga proposed evaluating media outlets based on their societal impact, staff size, pension and salary practices, and coverage breadth. He also noted that outlets running both broadcast and print operations should be assessed accordingly.

“If the people's tax money gives a grant to the media, we think it is important to set the incentive for the production of specific content that will benefit the society,” he wrote.

Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) President Ahmed Naaif told Sun that he opposes state subsidies for media, warning it could undermine public trust. He urged outlets to pursue creative revenue models instead.

However, Orca Media Group CEO Akhmeem Abdul Razzaq said state assistance could help build independent journalism, provided the process is governed by a balanced committee and clear rules. He cited international examples of issue-based media support.

The debate follows public backlash over a now-canceled announcement that MVR 28 million would be allocated to 18 private media outlets. Critics questioned the basis for selection and called for more transparent, merit-based criteria.