Kuala lumpur: The Communications Ministry has assured that the newly introduced RM30 million Media Innovation Fund will not threaten media freedom in Malaysia. The initiative is designed to enhance the resilience of the local media industry as it navigates the challenges of the digital landscape.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the fund's purpose is to facilitate the digital transformation of local media organizations. This move comes in response to significant shifts in the advertising market, where revenue has increasingly been funneled to global giants like Google and Meta, impacting traditional media entities.
Teo clarified that the government does not intend to sway media coverage in its favor but rather aims to help local media stay relevant and competitive in the digital age. "This fund does not come with conditions that compromise journalistic principles, such as requiring media to only praise the government. I follow local media closely, and they are very critical of government actions," she stated during a session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Addressing concerns about transparency, Teo noted that a special committee has been formed to manage the fund's distribution. This committee, led by the Communications Ministry's deputy secretary-general, includes representatives from the Department of Information (JAPEN), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and other relevant agencies.
Teo announced that the first day of pitching sessions for fund applicants had commenced, with 10 organizations presenting their proposals. An additional 29 groups are scheduled for future sessions. "The committee will evaluate each application and determine whether or not it should be approved and the appropriate amount of funding to be awarded," she added.
The Media Innovation Fund offers up to RM300,000 per application and is open to legally registered local media organizations that fulfill certain criteria, including JAPEN registration. Teo expressed confidence that the fund would contribute to a healthier and more sustainable media ecosystem, allowing media organizations to embrace new technologies while maintaining high-quality news reporting.