The state TV station’s head of news took lifestyle programme 12:05 off air yesterday because of the topic being discussed on a day, which, by law, should be a time of reflection in view of the divorce referendum.

Natalino Fenech said, when contacted, the topic was one of the arguments raised during the divorce campaign.

The Broadcasting Authority had issued a directive saying that “during the campaign silence period, broadcasting stations shall avoid a situation where they actively support or otherwise any issue related to divorce or a related subject”.

The directive also said that: “Care should be taken to ensure all programmes and all advertisements are free of material, which could be interpreted as favouring or giving undue exposure to any interest group, or which might be reasonably considered as being directed towards a political end.”

Dr Fenech said the station’s programme manager had sent an e-mail noting that programmes to be aired yesterday and today should not include anything or anyone “which can in some way influence voters in the divorce referendum”.

Even though the producers have to send in a rundown with a list of guests, Dr Fenech said in this case they did not, “but they were aware they should not discuss the subject”. The programme was halted midway.

Dee Media and presenter Ray Calleja declined to comment.

Dr Fenech said initially the producers “protested but then they apologised for the lack of sensitivity for discussing the subject”.

The Broadcasting Authority is also investigating comments by Fr Joe Inguanez on his Campus FM programme X’Qrajt, Smajt u X’Naħseb Jien after a complaint was made by Labour MP Evarist Bartolo.