Newly-appointed PBS chief executive John Bundy only got the support of half the board members amid concerns on the way the appointment was handled, this newspaper has learnt.
PBS sources told the Times of Malta four out of the eight board members present at Wednesday’s meeting either abstained or voted against the appointment in protest against being presented with a “fait accompli”.
The sources pointed out that the matter could have further repercussions, including possible resignations.
They added that, during Wednesday’s meeting, some board members wanted to convey the message that they were not there to simply “rubber-stamp” the government’s decisions.
“In this respect, we may be set for a number of resignations from the board,” the sources added.
We may be set for a number of resignations from the board
“The objections stemmed from the fact that Mr Bundy was handpicked by the Culture Ministry and board members were not even given the opportunity to interview him, nor were they given any information whatsoever on the terms of his employment, including the remuneration package,” they said.
“Though Mr Bundy may be the best candidate for the post, the entire process lacked transparency and should have been based on meritocracy.
‘Furthermore, no justification was given for the creation of a deputy CEO post as part of a senior management overhaul,” they added.
Mr Bundy, 56, will be succeeding Anton Attard, who had been appointed in 2010 amid controversy on his political baggage as he had been the head of the PN’s general election campaign two years before.
Mr Attard’s appointment was made following a call for applications during which 14 candidates had come forward.
Asked by this newspaper why no call was issued this time around, the Culture Ministry referred the newspaper to PBS board chairman Tonio Portughese who, in turn, said only that the appointment was part of a senior management restructuring.
While confirming that a secret vote was taken “to give board members the utmost liberty”, he declined to give details, saying the result was in favour of Mr Bundy’s appointment.
“The new CEO brings with him years of broadcasting experience to PBS Ltd,” Dr Portughese said.
Charles Dalli has been appointed as deputy CEO. Meanwhile, Mr Attard is set to start talks on a severance package as he still had two years left to go according to his contract, the sources said.
They noted that notwithstanding his controversial background, under the helm of Mr Attard PBS consolidated its position as the most popular station and increased revenue through a series of aggressive advertising campaigns.
“This is why, last year, the board unanimously agreed to extend Mr Attard’s term by a further three years in spite of calls from Labour diehards against doing so,” PBS sources said.