Front Harsien ODZ files complaint against PBS over 'political censorship'

Front Harsien ODZ has filed a formal complaint against national broadcaster PBS, claiming political censorship of its announcement of a national protest, to be held later this month. 

Addressing Reno Bugeja, head of the PBS newsroom, and Pierre Cassar, head of the Broadcasting Authority, the representatives of the Front and of other supporting NGOs contributed to the formal complaint that took the task the decision to omit any sort of coverage of the Front Harsien ODZ's planned events and the press statements of other NGOs.

The news coverage of the 6 June was the main focus of the complaint. The letter lays out the numerous opportunities for coverage of the organisation's news, all of which were ignored. 

On 6 June, Front Harsien ODZ announced that a protest would be taking place on 20 June at 10am in Valletta, against the proposed development of Zonqor point. The announcement of the protest was omitted from news bulletins.

The state broadcaster also failed to report a statement by seven environmental NGOs (Ramblers' Association of Malta, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Din L-Art Ħelwa, Greenhouse - Malta, Birdlife Malta and Nature Trust Malta) supporting the protest and explaining the reason of their adhesion as well as a statement of support by Moviment Graffitti and Alternattiva Demokratika 

"These news items were not carried on the TVM news bulletin, Radju Malta and www.tvm.com.mt, despite these news media finding ample time and space for all manner of news of a trivial character while suppressing news of an important event in the political life of the nation," the statement reads.

"We believe that the announcement of a national protest is an important news item which the citizens of this country have a right to be privy to. This is so they can choose to exercise their democratic right to be present at this demonstration. Thus not carrying the news item about Front Ħarsien ODZ's national protest is an act of political censorship."

"We also believe that not carrying the press statement of the environmental NGOs is also an act of censorship. It is inexplicable why the public should not know that the protest is being supported by this important sector of civil society, and that these NGOs should not have their justification for supporting this demonstrations heard."

By way of remedy, the representatives are demanding the publication or broadcast of the press statements in question in a timely manner.