Children’s Commissioner disagrees with young teenagers’ participation in TV modelling show

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner has voiced concerns about the participation of young teenagers in a modelling show on Net TV, Family minister Michael Falzon said on Monday.

Falzon was replying to a parliamentary question by government whip Byron Camilleri, who asked whether the commissioner had investigated a report by online portal Lovin Malta about the programme.

The article, ‘7 Total WTF Moments From This New Maltese Modelling TV Show’, referred to a number of occasions in which young female models were asked whether they would be willing to model wearing lingerie.

“The Commissioner for Children was contacted by an individual as well as the Broadcasting Authority regarding the programme in question,” Falzon explained.

“The commissioner has expressed concern at certain comments made by member of the programme’s panel. The commissioner also did not agree with the programme’s setup, particularly the broad range of ages of the participants.”

Falzon said the commissioner’s office would be monitoring the programme and would continue discussing it with the Broadcasting Authority in “children’s best interest”.

Camilleri also asked Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, who is responsible for the Broadcasting Authority, whether any investigation had been started.

Bonnici replied by saying that the authority was “evaluating the case”.