Appoġġ is accusing a Church organisation of exploiting vulnerable children by producing the very popular TV serial Five06. The series, which is broadcast on TVM on Thursdays, is set in a home for adolescent and young adult girls having a number of emotional and other character problems. The series is quite strong, with scenes of prostitution and attempted lesbianism. Technically, it is fairly well done but a number of unpardonable gaffes managed to make it to the silver screen.

The Church is involved because the serial is written and produced by the Media Centre. This does not make it a drama series produced by the Church but a drama produced by a group which is part of the Church. There is a big difference between these two positions.

The subject was discussed during a Xarabank edition recorded a few days ago and which will be broadcast next Friday. I was one of the participants in the programme and I think the issue is important enough to discuss here.

Some years ago, psychologist Mary Anne Lauri, social workers Christina Borg and Maria Borg Wirth and myself (since I have some experience in TV productions) produced the first ever guidelines on the participation of vulnerable people during TV programmes. It was an interdisciplinary approach and we all leant from each other. The guidelines, which were later adopted by the Broadcasting Authority, made a valuable contribution towards the protection of vulnerable people.

The series under discussion brings to the fore a different dimension: the portrayal of vulnerable people in drama. This is a question of representation and audiences' understanding of such representations. I think one should not object in principle to such TV productions, even if the vulnerable people involved are minors.

Another issue is about how the subject matter is presented on screen. The series is still evolving, but there is a genuine attempt to explore and present positive values of individuals and situations which prima facie are negative and/or disturbed. It still remains to be seen whether the series will do this well enough.

Appoġġ made a very valid point. Since there are only two such homes in Malta, there is a danger that the residents of the homes will be stigmatised by what is shown on TV.

This is a real danger, so every effort should be made to minimise it as much as possible. At the same time, attempts have to be made to maximise the possible positive effects that such a series can and should have.

I think the scriptwriters and producers of the series have to take into consideration the controversy that has arisen and make sure that the treatment of the subject is devoid of any sensationalism and exploitation. Appoġġ should also be consulted as this will only enhance the production.

Furthermore, an interdisciplinary team should be set up to draw up guidelines that provide parameters for the representation of vulnerable people in fictional programmes. Let's change this situation into a productive one by issuing such guidelines.

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