MLP calls for resignation of PBS executive

The Malta Labour Party has called for the resignation of Public Broadcasting Services chief executive Andrew Psaila.

The call was made by MLP general secretary during an urgent meeting with the Broadcasting Authority.

In a statement, the MLP said Mr Psaila was at the forefront in the decision taken by PBS not to broadcast spots by the MLP in favour of its policy of partnership with the EU.

But in a statement, PBS board of directors said they assumed all the responsibility for the decision not to follow the Broadcasting Authority's directive over spots by the MLP. The directive was to allow the MLP to broadcast the spots.

Therefore, PBS added, the accusation and the call for the resignation of the chief executive was not appropriate.

The board added that it did not feel that at this stage it should comment on its decision not to broadcast the MLP spots as requested since the case was before the court and therefore sub judice.

In a statement, the Broadcasting Authority said that at a meeting yesterday it decided to file an application in the civil court so that the case instituted by PBS Ltd against the BA on a remedy ordered by the authority in favour of the MLP would be heard with urgency.

The BA also decided that its chief executive would issue a charge against PBS Ltd so that the station would reply for the breach of the authority's directive.