Broadcasting Authority Dismisses Secretary Conflict Of Interest Concerns Amid Imperium Europa Link
The Broadcasting Authority has rejected suggestions of conflict of interest in its recent ruling against Andrew Azzopardi’s declaration that he plans to censor Norman Lowell.
After the BA slapped RTK103 with a €1,750 fine, it was hit with criticism by the likes of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and the Aditus Foundation.
The foundations pointed out that the BA’s secretary Adriano Spiteri was actively involved in Lowell’s Imperium Europa party himself and had previously represented the party as its lawyer.
However, the BA dismissed suggestions of conflict of interest with the following statement.
“The Authority makes reference to the comments about its board secretary Dr Adriano Spiteri, which it feels unfounded in light of the fact that he was chosen by the Broadcasting Authority board following a public call and interview process. The Authority also confirmed that Dr Adriano Spiteri had no longer occupied an official role within a political party. The role of secretary is well-defined in the Broadcasting Act and doesn’t include some form of involvement in the decisions and deliberations. Therefore, the BA deems that there isn’t a conflict of interest.”
Both the BA and Imperium Europa criticised media houses who reported that Azzopardi had been sanctioned for calling Lowell a racist, rather than because he had declared his intention to censor him during an interview with BA CEO Joanna Spiteri.
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“The decision itself states that the presenter’s words were tantamount to a declaration,” Imperium Europa said. “The Authority observed that it was possible for the presenter to raise the same concerns without mentioning Mr Lowell.”
“The decision states that the part of the program objected to, was played during the hearing, hence the Authority must have listened to the following: “Lowell”, “razzist u xenofobiku” (racist and xenophobe), “ma għandux ċans jidħol, anqas jekk jintrabat mal-bieb” (he stands no chance of being invited, not even if he chains himself to the door).”
“This amounts to defying and challenging an official of the Authority to her face, in public, regarding the observance of those directives issued by the Broadcasting Authority during electoral campaigns. Prof. Andrew Azzopardi adamantly stated that he would not respect them.”
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