Praise lavished on DOI for referendum media services

The Department of Information has received several glowing testimonials from foreign journalists who had come to Malta to cover the March 8 referendum, but some were perplexed by the limited access at polling stations.

A total of 74 journalists came to Malta to cover the membership referendum, representing 38 foreign media organisations consisting of 13 TV stations, six radio stations and 19 news agencies, together with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Along with the local media, foreign correspondents, cameramen and technicians made use of the facilities which were available at the Press Centre at the Ta' Qali counting complex. The centre was set up by the Department of Information in coordination with the Electoral Commission.

The DOI asked the visiting foreign media to give their views on the level of service offered at the Press Centre. They were also invited to comment on any other aspect relating to their stay in Malta.

"Believe me, from all countries I've already visited, Malta gained the deepest place in my heart," Dana Kovalova, Czech News Agency editor, wrote.

"All people in the Department of Information and Press Centre alike were very helpful and provided me all kind of information I needed. Moreover, I am really glad to admit that the fact-sheets about Malta's referendum were perfect and comprehensive. Now I am trying to persuade my director to assign me to Malta again as I think that your general elections will be the same interesting issue like your referendum."

Ingrid Hedstrom of Dagens Nyheter (Sweden) commented that the DOI officials on duty at the Press Centre were generally very helpful and service-minded.

"I was especially pleased that they managed to organise transportation to the Prime Minister's press conference in Valletta at such short notice. It was a problem that the mobile phone system jammed completely at the crucial moment when the first projection was reported. However, DOI officials were most helpful in providing a phone card for a brief call to my home desk.

"One remark that doesn't actually touch on the Press Centre. I found it quite annoying that journalists weren't allowed to go into the polling stations and talk to people directly outside. Being barred from polling stations was a totally new experience for me as a journalist."

Her sentiments were echoed by Henrik Samuelsson of Swedish Television.

Peter Sidler, of Neue Zuercher Zeitung (Switzerland) was also full of praise.

"It would be paradise for us journalists if government information officials in other countries, delivered the same kind of services DOI offered during the vote counting."