Smash Television is contesting a Broadcasting Authority directive, given on September 5, to change the name of its programme Alfred Sant u l-Ewropa.

In a letter to the station dated September 18, the authority noted that in spite of its directive, the station did not change the name of its September 10 and September 17 programmes. It said the station was being fined €4,190 for disobeying the order. The station had the option of contesting the charge.

In a letter signed by lawyer Emmy Bezzina, the station argued that the authority had no legal basis on which to issue such a directive and this had even been highlighted in a Maltese court judgment.

The station told the authority it would not be paying the fine until a legal decision was taken.

It said it would fight the decision all the way in court including in Luxembourg and Strasbourg.

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