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Placing Photos Instead Of Absent PN MPs Breaches Broadcasting Code, BA Says In Challenge To Maltese Chat Show

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A presenter replacing the seats of absent PN MPs on his chat show with their photos is in breach of Broadcasting Authority rules, the state body is arguing. 

During an episode of ‘Propjetà Minn Wara l-Kwinti’, Simon Debono put photos of PN MPs Alex Borg and Ivan Bartolo in five episodes over July after the party refused them permission to appear on the show. 

Simon Debono, who administers the popular Facebook group Abortion in Malta? Not In My Name’, invited Ivan Bartolo and Alex Borg to discuss their vote against a bill that legalised the genetic testing of embryos for certain serious hereditary conditions.

The MPs accepted the request and asked the PN for permission as per party protocol, but the PN refused to green-light the interview.

The BA is pointing to a clause which states that interviewees who are unable to attend “should be referred to in as detached and factual a manner as possible and the presenter should as far as practicable make known the absent interviewee’s or his or her organisation’s views on the subject under discussion, were known.”

F Living is contesting the decision, arguing that it constitutes fair practice. The case will now go before a tribunal.

What do you think of the BA’s action?

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Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.

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