Minister at the President's Office for Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Khaleel, has held discussions with the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (MBC) and the Maldives Media Council (MMC). The meeting was held at the President's Office.
The meeting centred around the challenges faced by MBC and MMC in fulfilling their duties and their concerns regarding the media environment. Participants in the meeting acknowledged the legal reform process had been at a standstill since 2008. They underscored the need for government support in providing opportunities for human resource development in the media sector and the amendment of the Broadcasting Act.
In addition, members of the MBC and MMC commended the initiatives outlined in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's presidential pledges, specifically the allocation of a suitable portion of the government's budget to the media, fostering media growth, and establishing a media village.
The President's Office has engaged with all stakeholders in the Maldives media within just ten days of President Muizzu assuming office. In addition, the President held a meeting with journalists and media employees on November 14, in which he acknowledged the challenges faced by the media and assured that he will provide solutions in a fair and transparent manner.
Additionally, President Muizzu vowed to establish a special media village in the Greater Male' Region to reduce the cost of running the businesses and to provide opportunities for journalists to develop their skills by opening up free scholarships. His administration has also allocated funds in next year's state budget to financially assist media outlets.