Calls Grow for Independent Probe into Media Fund as Outlets Linked to Ministers Receive Millions

Concerns over transparency and conflicts of interest have intensified after the Maldivian government disbursed MVR 28 million in media grants, with several outlets linked to cabinet ministers receiving some of the largest allocations.

According to official data published on the MediaApp portal of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, Sangu TV, connected to Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) received the highest grant, amounting to MVR 3.81 million for its television channel and additional funding for its online wing, totaling approximately MVR 5.1 million.

Another outlet, Maldeef, reportedly linked to Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, was also among the grant recipients. The ministry has not clarified whether outlets connected to government officials were subject to additional conflict-of-interest screening during the selection process.

Adding to the controversy, Orca Media Group has publicly called for the immediate suspension of the media fund and a comprehensive independent review, citing “significant irregularities and conflicts of interest.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Orca Media said public trust has been eroded due to “a lack of transparency, unclear evaluation criteria, and apparent favoritism.” The company highlighted three key issues:

• Conflict of Interest: MVR 1.34 million was reportedly awarded to an outlet managed by State Minister Ali Shamaan, who was involved in the grant process.

• Perceived Partiality: The largest grant (MVR 5.1 million) was awarded to an organization with reported ties to Minister Ibrahim Waheed.

• Lack of Transparency: Details about the evaluation criteria and selection committee were not publicly disclosed.

Orca Media urged the government to pause all fund disbursements and conduct an independent audit of the process. The company also proposed forming a new impartial committee to reassess applications based on “clear, public criteria” and to ensure full disclosure of the evaluation process.

The Media Financial Assistance Program, introduced in August 2025, earmarks 0.1 percent of the annual state budget to support private media outlets. The initiative was intended to strengthen “media sustainability and independence,” but critics argue it risks undermining those very principles if political influence is not eliminated.

As of Wednesday, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts has not responded to growing calls for an audit or comment on the concerns raised by Orca Media Group.