PBS censorship: BA refuses to meet Bernard Grech, says he has no official role

The Broadcasting Authority has refused to meet PN leadership contender Bernard Grech, saying it cannot meet him since he has no official role.

Earlier this week, Grech criticized the authority’s decision to not allow PBS to broadcast questions at the end of a press conference by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci.

He said the decision went “completely beyond the authority’s function” and called for a meeting with BA chairperson Frank V. Farrugia.

Replying, Farrugia said he could not meet Grech in the current circumstances given that he holds no official role. He also referred the lawyer to a statement issued by the BA on Wednesday, in which it stuck to its position.

In reply, Bernard Grech said he was disappointed at the BA’s refusal to meet him.

He said the need for a meeting became more relevant after the BA issued a statement that raised more questions and doubts rather than providing a clarification.

“I cannot understand how the authority can consider a decision not to allow PBS to broadcast journalist questions to be its constitutional function,” he said.

By saying that these questions could be followed on the independent media was an admission by the BA that it is failing in its mission, he added.

He said that, in his opinion, the BA is stretching the Constitution in order to accommodate government spokespersons. The authority, he said, is undermining citizens’ right to information.

The BA’s decision was also blasted by the Institute of Maltese Journalists and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia.