Filming rights at song festival

The MaltaSong Board thanks 4People Ltd for confirming more than once, that MaltaSong gave specific instructions to everyone during the Malta Song for Europe Festival, and stuck by them throughout (The Sunday Times, February 18). Neither were Where's Everybody nor any other organisation, at any time, given special rights or treatment or filming possibilities during the semi-final and final nights.

During rehearsals, however, there was no such restriction and MaltaSong gave a free rein to all members of the press, be they radio, TV or print media, to roam freely within the venue.

The board has investigated 4People Ltd's claims that Where's Everybody filmed in restricted areas during the semi-final and final nights. At no time was anybody allowed within the restricted area, let alone did they allow film crews inside to record the goings-on in the 'Green Room'.

It might be pertinent to point out that two sides of what is referred to as the 'Green Room' were mostly glass walls. At the risk of spelling out the obvious, any footage shown was filmed from outside the room, through the clear glass. MaltaSong certainly did not stop anybody, including 4People Ltd, from filming in areas where Where's Everybody did. This is definitely, therefore, not a case of some being more equal than others. More, it seems, of some being more resourceful than others.