Public Service Media (PSM)
Public Service Media (PSM) serves as the state-run broadcaster of the Maldives. Established in 2015 under the Public Service Media Act, it replaced the Maldives Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) as the country’s principal public media entity. PSM operates television, radio, and online platforms intended to deliver information, education, and entertainment to the Maldivian public.
Media assets
Television: TVM, PSM News, Munnaaru TV, Yes TV, Maldives TV, TVM Qur’an
Radio: Dhivehiraajjeyge Adu, Dhivehi FM, Dheenuge Adu
Publishing: Maldeeb
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
PSM is a fully government-owned public service corporation, created through the enactment of the Public Service Media Act in 2015. This legislation effectively dissolved its predecessor, MBC, which had assumed public broadcasting responsibilities in 2012 from the Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation (MNBC). Prior to 2008, state-run radio and television services operated as separate institutions.
The transition to PSM was met with sharp criticism from domestic and international media freedom advocates, who argued that it marked a regression in editorial independence. Critics contended that the new legal framework subordinated public broadcasting to tighter government oversight and control.
PSM is governed by a board of directors nominated by the Office of the President and subject to approval by the Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), a state oversight body. In practice, however, the appointment process has been mired in political interference and delays. The board has often remained partially vacant due to hold-ups in PCB confirmations—an issue that observers note has further entrenched political influence over the institution’s operations.
According to the SOE Gateway, the following individuals are currently serving on the PSM board, now complete: Aminath Namza — Chairperson, appointed by the Government of Maldives, Ibrahim Nasreen — Managing Director, Government-appointed, Abdulla Yamin — Director, Government-appointed, Ahmed Adhham — Non‑Executive Director, Government-appointed, and Ahmed Hassan — Non‑Executive Director, Government-appointed.
Since December 2024, Ibrahim Nasreen (commonly known as “Nattu”) has served as Managing Director. He joined PSM in 2010, holding senior roles such as Sales & Marketing Director and Chief Commercial Officer. Nasreen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Limkokwing University (First Class Honours), an MSc in Service Innovation from Thammasat University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Business at Taylor’s University
Source of funding and budget
PSM derives the bulk of its revenue from public funding, with additional income generated through commercial activities such as advertising and production services. According to Transparency Maldives, the broadcaster received MVR 475 million (approx. US$ 30.6 million) from the government between 2015 and 2021. This sum included capital injections, operational subsidies, and grants.
No updated budget figures have been officially disclosed for fiscal year 2024–2025, although government allocations reportedly remain the primary financial lifeline for the organization.
Editorial independence
Legally, PSM’s mandate is to offer impartial public service broadcasting that fosters social cohesion and unity. Its stated mission is to “sustain the spirit of unity, peace and harmony in the society.” In practice, however, editorial independence remains severely compromised.
Journalists and media analysts interviewed in May 2024 reported that criticism of the government is effectively prohibited on PSM’s platforms. A content analysis conducted by the Media and Journalism Research Center for the same report revealed a consistent pattern of news coverage that centers overwhelmingly on government achievements, official events, and state narratives—presented without scrutiny or opposing viewpoints.
Despite calls for reform, there is currently no legal or institutional mechanism in place to ensure or audit editorial independence at PSM. The absence of an independent regulator, combined with the politicized governance structure, continues to raise serious concerns among media observers and press freedom organizations.
July 2025