European Parliament Files Complaint With Broadcasting Authority Over Metsola Coverage Directive
The European Parliament has filed a complaint with the Broadcasting Authority after it instructed media houses to be “cautious” when reporting on Roberta Metsola during the MEP election campaign.
“Any reporting or any information from the European Parliament or any report which has to do with the President of the European Parliament needs to be reported with caution. Any such reports should focus on the news value of the story and whether the issue is a current and topical one,” the BA directive states.
The European Parliament called for the immediate suspension of the directive, which it warned could impair the work of the media in covering the MEP elections.
“It is of essence to ensure that all EU citizens are provided with information on the importance and the stakes of these elections to come and that the role of its President in liaising with EU citizens, in all Member States, is ensured,” Mario Sammut, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Malta, wrote.
Other directives include prohibiting media houses from publishing non-political adverts that feature MEP candidates, publishing programmes that are presented by a candidate who isn’t a full-time employee, and including MEP candidates in the opening or closing of a programme.
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Should this directive be lifted?
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