The Public Broadcasting Services has taken exception to remarks made by Helena Dalli, MP, Labour Party Spokesman on PBS, who accused PBS of delaying its programmes schedule process, allegedly placing new producers at a disadvantage when compared with established producers.

The company pointed out that the selection process is perfectly in line with the timetable published in PBS’s public statement of intent and the company’s rate of response to potential producers is exactly what they expected it to be when they made their submissions.

The idea that the board of directors of PBS acted to hurt smaller or newer producers contrary to the recommendations of the editorial board that sought to do the opposite is a blatant misreading of the facts, PBS said.

The editorial board’s original – and controversial – recommendations dropped submissions by smaller and new producers as well. Though the larger and more established producers do not by virtue of their size and experience necessarily have the best ideas, they also do not necessarily have worse ones. Either prejudiced views are simplistic and demonstrate lack of interest in the facts, PBS added.

PBS, on the instructions of its board of directors, introduced processes that improved access by smaller producers, simplifying the submission process and assisting directly in the preparation of demo tapes.

Our work with our partner suppliers has brought important results which Ms Dalli should have acknowledged. For the first time in several years, we have turned round the state broadcaster’s financial situation, netting a profit which is being re-invested in improved output in news, sports, and educational programmes for children and adults.