AD's secretary general Stephen Cachia observed that Malta is the only

country in Europe where political parties are the direct owners of

television stations.

"This is resulting in a democratic deficit against third parties like

Alteranttiva Demokratika and civil society organizations. This political

monopoly on broadcasting is simply perpetuating the two party system. It

is also leading to a situation where two opposite versions of the truth

are being presented to the public"

Mr Cachia also expressed agreement with the BA chairman on the need

of an independent public broadcasting service.

"Public broadcasting is even more necessary in the Maltese situation where

political parties own rival TV stations. Any reforms in public

broadcasting should respect the constitutional functions of public

broadcasting", Mr Cachia concluded.