‘Defamatory And Abusive’: RTK Fined By Broadcasting Authority After Host’s Comments On Norman Lowell
Malta’s Broadcasting Authority has fined radio station RTK103 €1,750 for host Andrew Azzopardi’ s “defamatory” and “abusive” statements on Imperium Europa leader Norman Lowell.
Earlier today, the Authority published a statement announcing that it has found the radio station to have been in breach of Article 34(1)(a) of Chapter 350 of the Laws of Malta.
In other words, as per this article, the Authority found that Lowell was “unjustly” and “unfairly” treated by the radio station.
The complaint was brought before the Authority by Josiah Vella, the Secretary of Lowell’s Imperium Europa party, on 30th October 2023.
He accused Azzopardi of “maliciousness” and “discrimination,” since according to him, the radio host “consciously and intentionally made declarative remarks” about Lowell during his programme ‘Andrew Azzopardi on RTK103’ on an episode which aired on 14th October 2023.
The complaint pertained to comments made by Azzopardi during an interview with Broadcasting Authority CEO Joanna Spiteri, where the host did not mince words.
“He has a history of racism; we can beat around around the bush as much as we like but he is xenophobic and racist,” Azzopardi said, referring to Lowell.
“He can tie himself to our front door for all I care but he won’t come onto my programme. Can the BA insist that I have to give him a chance?”, Azzopardi added.
This Authority’s decision has kicked off a previous fine of €4,660 imposed by the Broadcasting Authority which had been suspended for three years, and has to now be paid on top of the €1,750 fine- a fine totalling to €6,410.
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