Maldives Media Commission Halts Funds for One Outlet, Proceeds with 39 Others

The Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission (MMBC) has announced that 39 media outlets will receive financial assistance from the state budget, while payments for one outlet have been temporarily halted. A total of 41 media outlets applied for funding and completed the required procedures, but two of the eligible outlets were operated by the same company, prompting a review. The commission has clarified the issue and informed the affected media outlet. The Youth Ministry has been asked not to release funds to the outlet until the matter is resolved. The remaining 39 media outlets will proceed with disbursement through the Youth Ministry and the Finance Ministry. The commission is also working to ensure that media outlets applying for assistance can view updates and changes through a designated app. The allocation of state-budget funding to private media outlets has recently drawn criticism on social media, particularly from some opposition-aligned politicians, who have expressed dissatisfaction over media funding at a time when the country is facing issues such as medicine shortages and delays in student allowances.