The transfer of TVM head of programmes Reuben Zammit should not be used a political football, PBS Chief Executive Officer John Bundy told The Malta Independent.

Zammit has been in the broadcasting industry for almost 25 years.  He started working at the Broadcasting Authority but later moved to PBS and occupied various roles within the company. Zammit was appointed head of programmes in 2010 after a public call for the post was issued. 

When asked why he was removed Bundy said that, "he was not removed but was asked to move to another post as stipulated in the company's contract." The PBS CEO added that, "Zammit's new role will be in the quality control department, where people like him are an asset."

Zammit was removed from his post even though the PBS board of directors was dissolved - a process that takes place after a new government is elected. It is common practice that the board resigns when there is a change in government or a new government. Asked why Zammit was transferred even though there is no board, Bundy said, "I do not need and did not need the approval of anyone. I did this because it was necessary."

Asked if there were other PBS employees who got transferred, Bundy said, "so far no, but I do not exclude it. Reshuffling within the company happened in the past and will continue to happen according to the company's needs."

Sources close to PBS told this newsroom that for the time being Zammit is on leave.