Broadcasting Authority rejects PN’s complaint on Dissett interview with minister

The Broadcasting Authority has rejected a complaint filed by the Nationalist Party over not being represented in an interview conducted by PBS head of news with Konrad Mizzi on Dissett.

While not finding any grounds of imbalance, the BA awarded the PN a right of reply on the next edition of Dissett, that would last three minutes.

Bugeja's interview with Mizzi had also featured video clips of former PN official Frank Psaila - who anchors Newsfeed on Net TV - and Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Carmel Cacopardo, who gave their opinions on Panamagate.   

“In the programme, Mizzi attacked the Opposition, who wasn’t given a chance to respond to his accusation. Moreover, the  Panamagate scandal is politically controversial, meaning that the PN should have sent a representative to discuss it with Mizzi,” the PN MP Clyde Puli had insisted.

However, the BA noted that an editorial decision had been taken to question Mizzi over his offshore trust fund and the company in Panama.

“These are questions that needed to be asked. In themselves, such questions do not give rise to imbalance or lack of impartiality,” the BA said.

“However, there were comments or political observations that the PN has a right to reply to. Thus, the PN should be given a right of reply.”