The Government has officially launched the Maldives’ first Media Grant Policy, creating a framework for providing State-funded financial support to registered private media outlets.

The policy was published in the Government Gazette today and marks a key step in fulfilling President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledge to allocate a portion of the national budget for strengthening journalism.

President Muizzu first announced the initiative shortly after his election victory, during the transition period.

At a consultative meeting with media organisations, titled Media Gunzaru he sought input on the sector’s challenges and assured participants of his administration’s commitment to sustainable solutions.

On the same evening, he revealed plans for a transparent and accountable system to channel a percentage of the State budget to private media.

Under the newly gazetted policy, all registered private media organisations in the Maldives will now be eligible to apply for funding.

Beginning this year, 0.1 per cent of the annually approved State budget revenue will be set aside for this purpose.

The allocation will exclude external grants, projected revenue from new initiatives, and funds earmarked for specific purposes.

This marks the first time private media outlets in the Maldives will be able to access financial assistance from the State through a regulated, transparent, and accountable process.

The government has stated that the policy is designed to empower independent journalism and foster a more resilient media landscape in the country.