Civil Society NGO Repubblika has written to the European Broadcasting Union about a controversial memo issued by PBS to producers of current affairs programmes.

Earlier this week, PBS sent out a letter to producers, telling them that they have to present their topics and list of guests for approval from head of news Norma Saliba 15 days before the programme is to be broadcast.

The moves has been described as “anti-democratic” by the Nationalist Party.

Reacting, PBS refuted the allegation that it is trying to stifle discussion, putting down the measure to a need for more coordination in a fuller broadcast schedule. It has, however, not withdrawn the directive.

Repubblika said the directive issued by PBS chairman Mark Sammut is an “insult” to journalists and a threat to the right to information.

It said it has written to the EBU about this “condemnable” behaviour from a public station funded by taxpayer money.

“PBS does not belong to the government or the Opposition. Public broadcasting is not a government notice board.”

Repubblika said PBS belongs to the Maltese people and has a duty to provide information and discussion on current affairs in an independent and impartial way. The station should always be prepared to deliver a factual and objective debate on current affairs.

The directive, it said, goes against the concept of actuality and clearly shows that press freedom is being undermined.

“It is clear that those at the helm of PBS are not acting in the public interest but are taking steps that are characteristic of dictatorships.”

It called for the immediate withdrawal of the directive.

PBS has been heavily criticised by the Opposition, which says the national station is acting as a propaganda machine in the hands of the government.