PBS imbalance against PL

The decision reached by the Broadcasting Authority about two separate cases of political imbalance against the Labour Party is merely an official confirmation of what has been happening at the state owned Broadcasting services, under GonziPN.

The Public Broadcasting Service belies its name. It is not being used as a service to the whole public, but only as another propaganda tool for the re-election campaign of the Gonzi government. PBS should be an impartial service, but the people chosen to lead it are well connected to the PN.

The Head at PBS, Natalino Fenech is well known for his anti-Labour leaning. Some years ago, he was also appointed by Minister George Pullicino to serve on a Government committee. In fact, in the hearing to decide on impartiality or otherwise at the Broadcasting Authority, the PBS chief was accompanied by one of the new candidates of the PN, Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia, who seems to be regarded, by PN strategists,  as one of the upcoming PN politicians.

Gino Cauchi, the PL spokesman on Media and social Dialogue, said that the attitude shown by Natalino Fenech at the Broadcasting Authority hearing, was a demonstration of his anti-Labour sentiments. His behaviour was a clear example of his extremist tendencies against the PL and all those that support the party, said Gino Cauchi.

This attitude is a grave concern. The impartiality of the state-owned broadcasting service, especially with a forthcoming general election, cannot be accepted. The Labour Party should pay particular attention at this crucial time and should ensure that the Malta Broadcasting Authority plays a more active role in ensuring impartiality in the content of the state owned broadcasting service. Gino Cauchi concluded by saying that the Labour Party will closely monitor PBS to ensure that it will not abuse its position for partisan reasons in favour of the PN. The PL will hold all those guilty of abusing their position to account.