PBS denies PN claims of systemic bias in TVM news coverage

PBS has denied allegations made against it in a constitutional case filed by the Nationalist Party, insisting that it has upheld political balance and impartiality on the national broadcaster.

The PN filed the case against the Broadcasting Authority and Public Broadcasting Services on Tuesday morning, claiming there has been a “systemic” imbalance in TVM news coverage in favour of the government.

At the centre of the case are figures tabled in parliament showing that, between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026, PBS news bulletins broadcast 532 sound-on-tape clips, known as SOTs, featuring government members, compared with 66 featuring members of the Opposition.

PBS said the figures show that most government appearances on news broadcasts were linked to the exercise of ministerial functions, including announcements on policies, services, schemes and projects directly affecting the public, rather than partisan political activity.

“A public service broadcaster has a duty to inform the public about the actions of the country's government; this constitutes public service, not bias,” PBS said.

It added that balance in news coverage cannot be measured solely by the number of appearances.

PBS said the PN’s positions, criticism and proposals are regularly reported in news stories, while its current affairs and discussion programmes provide equal airtime to both government and opposition representatives.

It also noted that it had provided the figures cited in parliament itself, which it said demonstrated full transparency.

During the same period, PBS news broadcasts featured 66 appearances by PN representatives, including coverage of the party’s press conferences and other events.

PBS said it operates within a regulatory framework under the continuous supervision of the Broadcasting Authority, adding that any aggrieved party may file a complaint with the authority. It noted that the PN had not done so.

With the matter now before the court, PBS said it would make no further comment, while reiterating its commitment to impartiality and to serving the public as a whole.