Jason Micallef hits out at Anton Attard; PBS CEO reacts

“Competition is healthy,” One News executive chairman and chairman of V18 Jason Micallef wrote on Facebook, “but the fact that a national station, or the executive head of PBS Anton Attard for that matter, prostitutes himself by metaphorically stealing One TV’s talent and a number of productions, is unacceptable.”

He said Mr Attard used to head NET and the Nationalist Party’s election campaign activity logistics. Mr Micallef said if there was someone in authority who approved of such behaviour and thought he would remain silent for good, then this person is mistaken.

“I will stop here for the time being,” he wrote.

In reply, Mr Attard said that pro- gramme selection at PBS is done according to the National Broadcasting Policy.

Following the publication of the PSI (Programme Statement of Intent), a number of programmes currently aired on One TV submitted an application.

The shortlist of the programmes is done by the Editorial Board of PBS and not by the CEO. The schedule of programmes is then approved by the Board of Directors.

“I did not approach any programme which is currently aired on One TV to submit an application with PBS.

“I cannot understand how I can be held responsible if private TV producers applied and want their productions aired on PBS.”

The Malta Independent has learnt that among the programmes to move to PBS from ONE is Liquorish (which started on NET TV, went to PBS and then to One) and Aroma.

After the election, One TV had to face the challenge of rebuilding its team after a massive exodus of journalists and other staff who joined PBS or went to work in government ministries.