When the time approaches to have a new schedule of TV programmes, presenters and producers often appear on the screen appealing for persons who have a story to tell to contact them in order to be included in programmes or shows or, better still ,to make a full programme of their story.

Do these persons know that in other countries those who are asked to volunteer for TV and radio programmes, often revealing their private lives, are offered a lot of money? Is it morally right for a company to make money without offering any remuneration to those who provide the main ingredients for the show?

I think it is about time that the Maltese public became aware of these rights as many are still under the impression that ap­pearing on the TV screen is a pri­vi­lege.