Broadcasters must clearly state their position against racial discrimination as the act of remaining impartial when citing events of racial hatred may be “tantamount to supporting them” according to the draft Requirements as to Standards and Practice issued by the Broadcasting Authority.

The Broadcasting Authority (BA) issued the approved draft guidelines that are applicable to the Promotion of Racial Equality on Wednesday.

The guidelines said that broadcasters have to avoid prejudicial and insulting references to a person’s ethnic group, nationality, race or colour; furthermore, reference can only be made when directly relevant to the event being reported.

Broadcasters have to be careful when using visual images and names that could lead to the identification and persecution of people – especially where refugees are concerned.

The guidelines also stressed the importance of verifying facts which “must be presented with due caution and restraint” especially when reporting events relating to local ethnic or religious disputes. Furthermore, the events must be presented “with due caution and in a manner which is conducive to the creation of an atmosphere congenial to national harmony, amity and peace.”

The draft said that all sensational, provocative and alarming headlines and programming must be avoided. News reports of the events must not “inflame the passion, aggravate the tension or accentuate strained relations between the communities concerned.”

More importantly, “programmes which could potentially exacerbate communal trouble must not be broadcast.”

The guidelines called on broadcasters to “exert a judicious decision when selecting presenters and participants during a programme dealing with racism,” and urged them not to invite people with racist ideas and opinions.

Furthermore, it said, broadcasters are to foster a multicultural society by allowing minorities to be represented by members of the minorities themselves.

They also should give space to provide information on other cultures present among the Maltese population. Broadcasters also should include different views when discussing multicultural issues.

The people coming from a different background rather than those who merely have second-hand knowledge, should express these views, it said.

Furthermore, it added, broadcasters must take into account the linguistic and cultural differences that may be experienced by the interviewee and “all necessary steps must be taken to place the interviewee at ease and to reflect the interview faithfully.”

Individuals must not be exploited or caused unnecessary distress and the audience should not be made to feel that they are spectators of others’ distress. The draft also stated that programmes that “are likely to stir up racial hatred should not be transmitted.”

Furthermore, all forms of racial terms are to be avoided and broadcasters have to take into consideration the possible effect upon the ethnic minority concerned. Broadcasters are urged to check the facts and steer clear of exploiting any form of prejudice. The guidelines also stated that broadcasters should set up an easy-access complaints procedure and proactively inform the public and specifically vulnerable groups about it.

Media owners, it added, should promote ethical standards among editors and journalists and raise awareness about these guidelines.

Furthermore, training on these guidelines should be a standard element of journalistic training.

The BA urged all those who wish to provide feedback on the draft guidelines to do so by not later than 30 March. Replies can be sent by fax

on 2124-0855 or by email to

[email protected].