Arnold Cassola questions new collab between media owners and PN, PL

Independent MEP candidate Arnold Cassola has questioned a new association formed between media owners, the PN and Labour

Cassola said that this union of the two major political parties and the independent media appeared to be “quite a unique one”.

He questioned whether this was an indirect way for the government to “finance and strengthen the PL and the PN bankrupt media” by utilising public funds, with the excuse of helping independent media.

Cassola also asked how this media lobby was going contribute to more transparency and more protection of third and independent political voices.

The independent candidate said that voices like his were already stifled by the Electoral Commission and the Broadcasting Authority, which are dominated by PN and PL nominees.

“The free thinking Maltese citizens expect quick answers to these serious questions”, Cassola said in a media statement issued on Saturday morning.

His statement has not been reported on by any local news outlet except for Bonġu, which also was the only newsroom to highlight the problematic composition of the association’s members.

In an article published on Saturday morning, Times of Malta played down possible negative effects on its newsroom.

None of the media owners participating in the association have replied to this newsroom’s questions submitted to their media houses on Friday.