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Serene, objective and impartial broadcasting
“I never had any interference in my editorial line and if I have, I won’t accept it,” Reno Bugeja said.
24 November 2013, 12:00am
Jerome Caruana Cilia
Jerome Caruana Cilia
2 min read
PBS Head of News Reno Bugeja
Veteran PBS journalist Reno Bugeja is known for his journalism work and sharp-edged questioning, copiously shown in his grilling of high-profile public officials. This is evident in his programme Dissett where Bugeja boldly asks those questions that everyone wants to ask. Testament to Bugeja's wittiness and unhesitant questions is his 37-year experience within the public broadcasting services and his weekly programme, which is currently considered as one of the best current affairs programmes in Malta.
His appointment as PBS head of news and consequent removal of Natalino Fenech from his post caused a stir, particularly among Opposition exponents. As a matter of fact, there is a constant criticism vis-à-vis Reno Bugeja's way of tabling questions and methods, but nevertheless Bugeja has stressed that he has always been precise and fair in his position.
"The only libel case against me was made by the Labour Party," Bugeja said. "There are those who respect me for being so credible whereas others say that I look at people's political opinion and that I am not a journalist. Despite this criticism, I am prepared to stake my reputation on it."
In an exclusive interview on Sunday paper Illum, Bugeja argued that there are those who have hidden personal agendas that are eager to accuse him of leaning towards the Labour Party. "One has to analyse whether the criticism is justified. The audiences and the general public have to judge my modus operandi."
Bugeja said that during six months as PBS Head of news, he has received criticism from both political parties. "This type of criticism makes me stronger, since it implies that I am stinging both sides of the political spectrum."
"I never had any interference and if I had I won't accept," Reno Bugeja said. "I did not pursue this promotion and I refused this position several times. I have to defend the editorial line everywhere. Hence, I cannot accept any intrusion in the editorial line."
Denying any intention in contesting an election, Bugeja said that the PBS newsroom ought to present the facts as they are. "I believe that in public broadcasting, one has to be serene, objective and impartial."
Read more in today's edition of Illum.
Abdi D •
Mr Bugeja is a very impartial journalist. Obviously if PN supporters compare him to PN puppets on a string they are bound to find him wanting, since other so called journalist never grill PN personalities the way he grills personalities from all parties.
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Mr. Bugeja, reading this article and your replies finally convince me that we still have upright gentlemen. However I do know people always get promoted especially when it comes to political ones for service rendered. My question is why others are all falling like a deck of cards and not heard of anymore while you Sir seemed to have did extremely well. Surely not because of your looks.
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Mr. Bugeja, reading this article and your replies finally convince me that we still have upright gentlemen. However I do know people always get promoted especially when it comes to political ones for service rendered. My question is why others are all falling like a deck of cards and not heard of anymore while you Sir seemed to have did extremely well. Surely not because of your looks.
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Tell that to the marines, Mr. Bugeja. You're nothing but a puppet on a string and the only reason you are Head of News is because you are biased towards labour and have always been and not because of your ability. Your latest selection of 3 One TV journalist for your newsroom is proof enough.
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Reno Bugeja, like Saviour Balzan, are two out of a very restricted circle of journalists one should respect for their balanced work and ethics.
