The Broadcasting Authority, set up on September 29, 1961, that is 50 years ago today, is usually in the news for the wrong reasons. It has become a favourite punchbag of anybody who somehow feels discriminated against in terms of broadcasts. Sometimes they are right; most of the time they are outright greedy or illogical. Which does not mean the BA is always right and the 50th anniversary is a fine opportunity to take stock and see what needs to be done.
But first it befits the occasion to highlight some aspects of the BA that may be little known to the public.
The BA is the longest established regulatory body in the country. In 1964, its composition and primary regulatory functions were enunciated in articles 118 and 119 of the Constitution.
Perhaps a lesser known activity of the BA is the production, at its own expense, of public service announcements dealing with a wide variety of issues. It had even organised Malta’s first participation in the Eurovision Song Festival.
The BA has also made its contribution to international relations. It was instrumental in establishing in Malta in 1995 the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities which, today, has a membership of 53 European Broadcasting Regulators. The Mediterranean Network of Regulatory Authorities, another international body of which the BA is an active member, will be meeting here this November and Malta will be assuming the presidency of the network for 2011-2012.
A lot of work is carried out behind the scenes by a very professional team of people virtually unknown to the public and it might not be amiss to suggest to the BA board to rethink this strategy and consider communicating with the various stakeholders, notably the public, in a more consistent way.
The BA must be aware of the new challenges ahead. Pluralism paved the way for new stations to mushroom and now new technology is making headway in the industry with Malta facing new realities with on-demand, IPTV (internet protocol television) and satellite broadcasting. It may well be that the government might need to consider increasing substantially the annual subvention voted to the broadcasting watchdog to enable it to invest in new technology that facilitates capturing of data and monitoring processes to enable it properly fulfil its constitutional duties.
One wonders whether 50 years after its foundation, the composition of the BA board should remain unaltered. Is there still need of a board composed of two representatives of each of the two political parties with a chairman appointed by the President of Malta on the advice of the Prime Minister following consultation with the Leader of the Opposition? Does such a composition meet the requirements of the broadcasting scene today? Many feel it does not.
In article 119 (1) the Constitution puts the onus on the BA to ensure due impartiality “in respect of matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy and that broadcasting facilities and time are fairly apportioned between persons belonging to different political parties”.
But the Constitution goes further and, in 119 (2), adds that the function listed in sub-article (1) “shall be without prejudice to such other functions and duties as may be conferred upon it by any law for the time being in force in Malta”.
Will the government and/or the opposition move to give a new lease of life to the Broadcasting Authority? Or will this have to be done through a Private Member’s Bill?