Journalists' basic protection in Malta has deteriorated, and is a cause for concern, a bleak preliminary report probing the country's media pluralism has revealed.
Malta placed in the 'medium risk' basic protection category, a dip from the 'low risk' registered in 2016. The low score is considered uncommon for an EU state.
Most of the risk-increasing factors are related to the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and to what the report described as the deficiencies in the protection of journalists and whistleblowers.
The findings were presented at an event organised by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom of the European University Institute in cooperation with the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences at the University of Malta. The report was drawn up following a comprehensive study and interviews with media players.
The report gives a snapshot of Malta's media situation but also highlights some stark realities which are deemed unusual and risky, especially for an EU state.
Where it came to political independence, Maltese media placed in the “medium risk”, “but very close to high” category.
Political parties are among key players in the media market, while the appointment procedures for Public Broadcasting Services and Broadcasting Authority do not guarantee independence from political influences, the report says.
Self-regulation is not effective and there are no legal mechanisms to ensure autonomy
Malta is the only EU country where political parties hold such extensive media ownership.
It says self-regulation is not effective and there are no legal mechanisms to ensure autonomy. Editorial autonomy in Malta is not well protected, neither from political, nor from commercial influences.
Self-regulation is not effective, with the only professional association being perceived as “inefficient”. There is no specialised trade union representing journalists to take care of their working conditions.
Malta is also one of a few countries in Europe that to date have no policy on media literacy.
Since Malta has been impacted by the migration influx, many concerns relate to access to media for minorities.
Furthermore, there is lack of research on media representation of different minorities and communities, particularly considering, for example, the representation of Muslim community in a predominantly Roman Catholic society.
Policy on access to media content by people with disabilities is only partly implemented.
The Media Pluralism Monitor was conducted in 28 EU states, Serbia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Turkey.