IĠM changes approach in media reform discussion following criticism

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has announced a discussion meeting, after having received strong criticism from journalists for discussing the impending media reform behind closed doors.

The meeting will be held on Thursday evening at the Malta Chamber of Commerce in Valletta.

Last Saturday, IĠM president Matthew Xuereb said on 103 Malta’s Heart it would be “unethical” to publish the recommendations due to a “gentlemen’s agreement” between committee members and the government.

Xuereb blamed the lack of public consultation with journalists on time constraints, with only two months during the election campaign to submit feedback on draft legal amendments.

Days earlier, more than 100 journalists, authors and activists called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to publish the experts committee’s report, and for public consultation.

Minister claimed ‘wide public consultation’

When presenting the media reform last Wednesday, Justice Minister Jonathan Attard claimed there had been a “wide public consultation exercise”.

Attard told journalists that the legal amendments will be presented in parliament, with no further public consultation being planned.

Initiative: ‘International standards disregarded’

The ‘Media Reform Initiative’ has criticised the presented legal amendments of the proposed reform for “ignoring international standards on press freedom”.

Strong Anti-SLAPP legislation, the right to seek information, and the state’s duty to promote an enabling environment for journalism have been disregarded, the initiative said in a statement.