Government MPs Received Significantly More Airtime on PBS Than Opposition

In brief

  • Government Members of Parliament received eight times more airtime on state broadcaster PBS compared to Opposition MPs.
  • This imbalance was observed over a one-year period, with 532 sound bites for the government and 66 for the opposition.
  • The disparity in coverage has raised concerns regarding fair political representation on public broadcasting.

Government Members of Parliament (MPs) were given significantly more airtime on the state broadcaster, PBS, compared to Opposition MPs over a one-year period.

Reports indicate that government MPs were heard eight times more often than their opposition counterparts. Specifically, the state broadcaster aired 532 sound bites featuring government representatives, while Opposition MPs received 66 sound bites during the same period.

This notable disparity in coverage has led to concerns regarding the impartiality and fair political representation provided by the public broadcasting service. The figures highlight a substantial imbalance in the visibility of the two main political blocs on the national station.

The Spin Room

Medium media divide. NET News highlighted the significant disparity in airtime given to government and opposition MPs on the state broadcaster, with The Malta Independent providing specific figures confirming the imbalance. ONE News did not cover this development.

  • NET News: Emphasised the eight-fold difference in airtime, framing it as a significant imbalance in public broadcasting.
  • The Malta Independent: Focused on providing the specific numerical data of sound bites for both government and opposition over the one-year period.

Sources (2)