Updated | Martin Micallef named Broadcasting Authority chairperson

Martin Micallef has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Broadcasting Authority, following the passing of the recently-appointed chairperson, George Mifsud.

Micallef has 40 years of experience under his belt in both local and international media, occupying different positions from line reporter, current affairs coordinator, and deputy head of TV programmes, among others. He also spent a number of years on the editorial board and as producer of the international TV production Mediterraneo in collaboration with RAI-Italy and France 3.

Micallef was the first Malta National Co-ordinator for CIRCOM Regional, the European Association of Regional Television and was the PBS representative on the action committee for the setting up of a EUROMED satellite TV network.

Furthermore, he organised RADIO EUROMED in collaboration with RAI INTERNATIONAL with programmes broadcast from Malta and other Mediterranean cities.

Micallef also served as Secretary General of the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce and is currently responsible for the International Affairs and Communications Unit of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

According to a government statement, Micallef was appointed the position in accordance to the Constitution.

Article 118 (2) of the Constitution, which pertains to the Broadcasting Authority, reads that the Prime Minister must consult with the Opposition leader before recommending members to the authority.

“The  members  of  the  Broadcasting  Authority  shall  be appointed by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister given after he has consulted the Leader of the Opposition,” the article states.

However, PN media spokesperson Clyde Puli claimed that Micallef’s appointment took place without a consensus or agreement between the government and Opposition, adding that the decision was “irresponsible” and that the Prime Minister was “adding to the institutional crisis.”

“Joseph Muscat has once again chosen the interest of his inner circle over national interest by, at such a delicate time, selecting a person who is not trusted by all parties,” Puli said.

He claimed that the appointment was made for political reasons, in order to manipulate national broadcasting, pinpointing former BA chairperson Anthony Tabone and judge emeritus Joe Said Pullicino as better options for the authority’s chairperson.