PN alleges PBS failing to uphold impartiality

The Nationalist Party has raised concerns about the role and conduct of Public Broadcasting Services (PBS), alleging that the national broadcaster is failing to uphold its obligation of impartiality.

In a statement, the PN said that PBS, which is publicly funded and legally bound to operate in a balanced and neutral manner, is increasingly reflecting government messaging. 

According to the PN, references to “government benefits” within such programming amount to indirect promotion of government initiatives, which the party described as a form of “hidden propaganda.” 

The party claimed that this trend is not limited to news coverage but is also extending into entertainment programmes and quiz shows.

Reference was also made to established court and Broadcasting Authority rulings, which state the need for balance, proportionality and neutrality in state broadcasting, stating that these standards are “being ignored.” 

“When public funds are used to promote a single narrative, citizens are being deprived of their fundamental right to balanced information,” it said, continuing to express concern with the increasing “power of incumbency,” where governing parties benefit from greater access to state resources.  

Consequently, the PN has called for PBS to operate as an independent and credible national broadcaster, serving the public interest and reflecting a diversity of viewpoints.

“PBS cannot and must not serve as an extension of any party’s partisan machinery – in this case, that of the Labour Party,” the PN concluded.