AD applies for TV licence

Alternattiva Demokratika is to apply for a television broadcasting licence with the aim to restore the political balance in broadcasting, AD chairman Harry Vassallo said yesterday.

"On several occasions the Broadcasting Authority has responded to our complaints about the unconstitutional imbalance in broadcasting by stating that a television licence would be issued to AD if it applied for one," Dr Vassallo said during a press conference.

He said that, since the other two political parties, which both have their own television stations, would not relinquish their "media empires" AD felt it was time to apply for a licence and get its own station.

However, he stressed, this channel would not be another station of partisan propaganda which people were sick of.

"We intend to set an example by using our license, not only to secure our legitimate space in the media, but also to give voice to civil society in a way that is not presently available," he said.

Dr Vassallo explained that, while drawing from its experience in radio broadcasting, AD planned to provide a television channel that offered a reliable, authoritative and independent news service and a forum for public debate that respected the intelligence of viewers and participants.

"To achieve this, a station operator separate and distinct from the party will be engaged under clear terms to be known to the public," he said adding that the operator would be selected following a call for tenders.

He said AD would have ultimate legal responsibility for the station, the name of which has not yet been decided.