The MLP had complained that the press conference to announce the new Cabinet had been transmitted live by the national station but PBS had failed to ask Dr Sant for his reaction.

PBS had not accepted the MLP’s request for a right of reply and so the MLP had complained in writing to the Broadcasting Authority. The BA concluded that the MLP was justified in its complaint and ordered PBS to rectify the matter.

In its decision, the BA said that the prime minister’s press conference contained comments of a political nature. It added that this imposed on PBS the need to obtain a reaction from the Opposition, something that PBS had not done.

PBS conceded that while the MLP should not have been given the same facilities as the prime minister, at least the company should have asked for the MLP leader’s reaction. Last Sunday, PBS had asked Dr Gonzi for comments after the MLP’s press conference on the appointment of Dr Eddie Fenech Adami as President.