PBS today announced this evening that after failing to reach agreement with the organisers of the Malta Television Awards, it would not be taking part in this year's edition of the awards.

Net later announced it will also not be taking part.

PBS said it strongly believed in awards for different programme categories as such awards helped boost talent and the local television industry.

It felt that for such awards to have the desired credibility, these should be organised under the wings of the Broadcasting Authority.

PBS said it was willing to collaborate so that such awards would be organised, even later this year.

Sources said that Net TV also pulled out of the awards and all producers whose programmes are aired on Net were asked to withdraw their nominations if they had submitted any.

In a letter to the organisers, Net Television said that following the withdrawal of PBS from the upcoming Malta Television Awards, its management had, regretfully, decided not to take part in the awards.

"Net Television believes that, under the circumstances, the Awards would only be credible if all three major television stations took part.

"Net Television would welcome a scenario where all television stations and other organisers, with the involvement of the Malta Broadcasting Authority, would all agree to a set number of criteria and categories for the organisation of a television awards event, in the greater interest of the industry."