TVM and MaltaToday avoid citing NAO’s full verdict

In a report published on Tuesday, the National Audit Office (NAO) repeatedly described the illegitimate and irregular contract as “fraudulent”.

The NAO’s explicit reference to fraud suggests that Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà is duty-bound to launch a criminal investigation.

ADPD, which had initially requested the NAO’s review through its former leader Carmel Cacopardo, and civil society group Repubblika have called on the police to take action.

While most news outlets cited the Auditor General’s reference to criminal conduct, the state broadcaster PBS, as well as Saviour Balzan’s MaltaToday and Illum, omitted the term “fraudulent”.

Unlike the articles in Balzan’s publications, a minimalist online report by PBS (TVM) even avoided delving into key points of the audit office’s findings.

In TVM’s main news bulletin L-Aħbarijiet at 8pm, the same online report was simply read out by the presenter.

PBS also did not provide an English translation of its article, as has become usual practice at Gwardamanġa Hill in case of news able to embarrass the Labour party.

Update 13:00 | The fully government-controlled station only provided an English version of its ‘report’ on the NAO’s findings on 29 November.

Cover Image: Freepik