Deputy minister Teo Nie Ching says the Media Innovation Fund supports digital transformation without compromising journalistic freedom or integrity.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has clarified that its RM30 million Media Innovation Fund is designed to bolster the local media industry, not to influence its editorial freedom.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching stressed the fund aims to strengthen media resilience against digital challenges, not secure favourable coverage.
She explained the initiative responds to a shifting advertising landscape where revenue increasingly flows to global platforms like Google and Meta.
“This fund does not come with conditions that compromise journalistic principles, such as requiring media to only praise the government,” Teo said in parliament.
She noted she follows local media closely and finds them very critical of government actions.
Teo was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Setar) during Dewan Rakyat Question Time.
On transparency, Teo said a special committee evaluates and selects eligible applications for funding.
The committee is chaired by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general and includes representatives from JAPEN, MCMC, and other relevant agencies.
Pitching sessions for applicants began today, with 10 organisations presenting proposals initially.
Another 29 organisations will be called for subsequent sessions, according to the deputy minister.
“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 stated.
The fund offers financing of up to RM300,000 per application for legally registered local media organisations.
Eligibility criteria include registration with the Department of Information (JAPEN).
Teo added the fund is expected to help create a healthier and more sustainable media ecosystem.
It will enable media organisations to adapt to new technologies without compromising news quality.
