The Maldives Independent reader survey

It’s hard to believe it’s been nine months since the relaunch. We’ve published 546 stories, six comprehensive timelines, more than a dozen podcasts and a dedicated new Dhivehi edition. The website itself has achieved an active user base of 185,000 people, a not-insignificant percentage of the total population (at almost 40 percent), while innumerable social media posts reached over 2 million impressions last quarter - just across Instagram. 

But wholesale data like this doesn’t tell us the full story. Understanding and better serving our readers is a crucial part of the Maldives Independent’s new approach, and for that we’re asking you for feedback directly.

It’s particularly important right now, as we’re about to launch a host of new features including the return of the infamous comments section, and a membership program, which we hope will guarantee our independence and survival as the press climate continues to deteriorate. It’s extremely difficult to fund media in the Maldives without political ownership or backing, and major advertisers are often fearful of political backlash. We both say and get told ‘no’ a lot.

Asking readers to support the team directly ensures we can provide a platform for the best Maldivian journalists, even as the press crackdown worsens. Reader support also means MI remains accountable to the audience that really matters: you. We won’t lock content behind paywalls, because we know members will want MI’s stories to remain as widely accessible to readers as possible - regardless of income. We'll still have plenty of 'thank you' perks like a special members’ version of newsletter, and behind-the-scenes looks at the newsroom. Possibly even tote bags - if you vote for them (see question 12). 

Thank you for reading the Maldives Independent, and supporting our exciting next steps.