IGM opposes proposal of warrants for journalists

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has opposed warrants for journalists after Opposition Leader Alex Borg said earlier this week suggested warrants for journalists.

"Warrants make journalism far less accessible as a job and would lead to a pool of journalists who write and think the same – to the detriment of the sector and our country’s democracy," the IGM said. 

The IGM is referring to when Alex Borg voiced his suggestions for the introduction of a warrant for journalists, insisting it would give journalists more safeguards and responsibility.

The IGM said journalists in Malta come from different backgrounds, with some having studied journalism and communications at university while others studied law, languages, economics or theatre. Some journalists did not attend university.

The profession also includes people with different working preferences. Some enjoy being in front of a camera while others prefer writing, while some work mainly in Maltese and others in English.

The IGM argued that this variety matters because it helps ensure different stories are pursued and different perspectives are represented in the media.

The organisation also said the issue was important for democracy.

"Journalists have power, and power should be accessible," the IGM said, arguing that a broad and open profession helps the media sector represent the ideas of the different communities that make up Malta.

The IGM said warrants would make journalism less accessible as a profession and could result in a smaller pool of journalists with more similar views and backgrounds.

It warned that this would come at the expense of both the media sector and Malta’s democracy.