Update 2 | Times editors deny commercial interference in daily running of newspapers

The editors of The Sunday Times, the Times of Malta and timesofmalta.com have categorically denied any editorial interference from the commercial arm of Allied Group in the daily running of the newspapers.

“The editors enjoy full independence in their day to day decisions in respect of the newspaper. Never has a commercial consideration motivated an editorial decision, never mind a political one,” Steve Mallia, Ray Bugeja and Herman Grech said.

Allied Newspapers Ltd, publishers of The Times newspaper, have launched an inquiry following the “very serious allegations” made by blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Managing director Adrian Hillman is taking leave until the conclusions of the inquiry are considered by the board.

The three editors expressed their concern over allegations made in relation to Hillman, but also said that the “commercial side of the organisation is distinct from editorial”.

They said that, as with any other organisation, the editors dialogue with the management of the company, including the managing director, but the management have never imposed editorial decisions.

“Those are the sole discretion of the editor,” they said.

In a statement on Radju Malta on Saturday,  Bugeja said the newspapers respected the decision made by the board.

"As to the possible impact on journlaists, please note we have always made a clear distinction between the commercial and administrative side of the company and the editorial side. Though we are in continuous contact and discuss issues, we make our own editorial decisions. So in reality, this decision does not change anything."

A meeting of the board was convened on Friday afternoon after the blogger claimed “graft in high places” at Allied Newspapers.

Without explaining further, but arguing that it “directly impacted on the credibility of those two newspapers in the run-up to the general election of 2013”, she linked this to holdings in the British Virgin Islands owned by OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri.

“The board has decided to investigate these serious allegations through an independent inquiry,” the Allied Group said.

“The company stresses that the inquiry is a measure of good governance and in no way is it accepting the veracity of these allegations.

“In accordance with best practice, and in agreement with the incumbent, the managing director will be taking leave until the conclusions are considered by the board.

Greens call for Schembri’s suspension

Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson, Arnold Cassola called for the suspension of Schembri.

"Prime Minister Muscat should immediately suspend Keith Schembri pending a thorough investigation. As the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, Mr Schembri has access to all reserved information about our country's security, each individual citizen of Malta, delicate information about possible terrorist activities and any reserved and classified information which only the Prime Minister is privy to."

Cassola added that country's security and democracy are at stake.

“It would be totally irresponsible on the part of the Prime Minister if Keith Schembri is not suspended immediately and kept away from all the state information in Castille," Cassola said.