The Broadcasting Authority has condemned Public Broadcasting Services for “its irresponsible behaviour” in not authorising journalists Reno Bugeja and Ruth Amaira to chair BA political broadcasts.

In a statement, the BA said it had drawn up the schedule of political broadcasts and this was agreed with the political parties. An agreement was also reached between the chief executives of PBS and the BA on the use of studios, the set, lighting and the chairpersons.

But after the BA this morning issued a statement saying that Mr Bugeja would be chairing the first broadcast between Tonio Fenech and Chris Cardona, PBS informed the authority its editorial board had decided not to allow its journalists to be present in activities where they could not ask questions.

The authority said that it condemned PBS's behaviour because it was creating logistical problems.

The BA said it has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the schedule of political broadcasts continues as planned and tomorrow’s broadcast will be held as scheduled.