Political impartiality in public broadcasting : a comparative analysis

Abstract

The dissertation looks to analyse Malta’s public broadcasting system with a particular inquiry into its adherence to the impartiality requirement, enshrined both in the Constitution as well as other legislations. The author, drawing inspiration from ‘The State of State Media’ analysis, will examine political impartiality in public broadcasting from the governance, funding and editorial autonomy mechanisms in place in the current legal framework. A careful understanding of the broadcasting scenario as it stands today cannot be achieved without a prior examination of its historical development. Subsequently, the Author proceeds with an examination of the current legal framework having particular regard to the relevant legal such as: The Constitution, the Broadcasting Act, the National Broadcasting Policy and the Public Service Obligation Contract. The exercise of inquiry on political impartiality in public broadcasting is repeated on the United Kingdom and German counterparts. The research examines the operative safeguards of impartiality in these respective jurisdiction through consultations of the relevant broadcasting legislation, jurisprudence, statutes and guidelines. Finally, the author uses this comparative analysis, along with consulted literature, to recommend a more suitable legal framework with a view of enhancing political impartiality in Maltese public broadcasting.