The Broadcasting Authority yesterday filed a counter judicial protest in court over the World Cup rights issue, saying that Smash TV was not an ideal platform for free-to-air because it did not have good enough reception.

The BA categorically denied that the decision it had taken on 14 March regarding the broadcasting of World Cup games, was influenced by a third party. The BA said that such allegations were untrue, unfounded and without any form of factual basis.

The BA said that it was bound by law to ensure that the free-to-air station granted the rights to broadcast the games is one that can be accessed by a substantial proportion of the general public.

The authority said that

the granting of a digital

frequency to Smash Communications was not relevant in this case because the obligation is to air the games on a free-to-air station that transmits an analogue signal.

Smash TV, it continued, is licensed as an analogue channel, not digital. The authority said that Smash does not use repeaters in Malta and Gozo to ensure a good strong signal that can be received by a good proportion of the public.

In its decision, the BA made it clear that unless the station does not rectify the above mentioned situation, it would continue to regard it as not being ideal to be the free-to-air station that can reach a good portion of the population.

The authority therefore appealed for Smash TV to stop making false allegations. Professor Ian Refalo signed the counter protest.