The board of PBS, the public broadcaster, has taken the controversial decision to drop some popular television shows this autumn. One is the current affairs show Times Talk, presented by this newspaper. Another is the cultural programme Madwarna, presented by the outspoken Salvu Mallia.
PBS has every right to determine its programming schedule, in line with its duty to serve the public interest for which it is subsidised by our taxes.
But if it axes successful programmes, one must assume they will be replaced by something equally good, or better. This remains to be seen.
These were popular shows, and audience ratings are unlikely to be the motive for their dismissal. Everything happens for a reason. People quickly assumed that the reason was political. The presenters who got the chop happen to be independent-minded and appear unwilling to suck up to government cronies at Castille.
Broadcasting in this country has been closely linked to politics from its inception. Our first cable radio station was established in 1935 under the British, as a reaction to Italian fascist propaganda on the airwaves. In 1957, television signals were received from Italy, and in 1962 Malta Television began its own broadcasts. Until the 1990s this was the only local television station, as no other broadcasting was allowed. The Opposition of the time resorted to setting up a radio station in Sicily to reach a Maltese audience.
The 1980s probably saw the worst level of political manipulation of popular opinion through the domination of the public broadcaster by the government of the day, and I hope we never repeat this experience.
The public does not have full trust in PBS, partly due to its history of government interference, as well as the perceived lack of independence of its board of directors. This perception was reinforced by the recent selection of its new CEO John Bundy by the government, presented to the board as a fait accompli.
Some by carrot and others by stick, all are being driven out, one by one
Imagine if, as vaguely rumoured, the government calls a snap election this November before the EU presidency begins in January. What level of television debate is to be expected in this set-up? Which are the independent or dissenting voices still left on the public broadcaster? Not many, I’m afraid. Some by carrot and others by stick, all are being driven out, one by one.
Mallia may contest the next election, and has openly stated that he no longer supports the Labour Party as he did in 2013. After being dropped by PBS, he took to Facebook and lashed out at what he called the ‘Castille clique’. He fumed that the government is only interested in selling off Malta and serving its own inner circles.
These decisions are best understood in a wider context. Is the perception that dissent is being quashed on PBS an isolated occurrence? Unfortunately, my personal experience of the ‘Castille clique’ suggests a wider pattern.
This clique is now using the internet to try to intimidate anyone who dares to criticise the political establishment. This is definitely not the work of some lone blogger. A series of vicious articles and posts is streaming out of Castille, in a range of styles and vocabulary which is obviously the work of a group.
I can’t see the fascination in taking and posting mundane photos of me having lunch or coffee with friends, or at a public meeting of the planning authority, but there you go. Different strokes for different folks.
Far more serious is the ongoing attempt to dent my professional reputation. Others are also picked on, although they are largely politicians and public persons. The private individuals who are singled out, like myself, are far fewer. Attempts by the big political establishment to bully an independent columnist is not an equal distribution of arms.
Why target me, and not some other columnists? Their activities are possibly far more interesting than mine.
I must be irking the political establishment, but challenging the status quo is the bread-and-butter of column writing. If I stop doing that I should just quit and stick to novels.
To illustrate my point, I will set the record straight on some untruths peddled by the Castille clique. They have posted that I obtained my academic position due to favouritism under the previous administration. In actual fact, I was employed under this Labour government.
To damage my credibility on the environmental front, they are spreading negative comments about my position at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority until 2013. But in that case, why did the then minister of planning Michael Farrugia publicly insist that I stay on, refusing to accept my resignation?
The most unsavoury aspect is that this spiteful rubbish is being orchestrated at one of the highest offices in the country. Castille is not a political party village club.
Speaking of clubs, their latest is that I was somehow responsible for demolishing the Union Club at Tigné. How much more ridiculous can you get?
This reminded me of how sad I was to see that place go, now reduced to childhood memories of long afternoons while adults played tennis or cards, or sat near the bar.
Many former Sliema residents will know precisely what I mean. That was not just a building, but a way of life.
petracdingli@gmail.com