Financial consultant Paul Bonello has hinted that his programme on RTK was suspended after the comments he made with regard to the potential acquisition by APS Bank of HSBC Malta operations.
But the radio station has replied that the decision had nothing to do with the comments Bonello made.
Writing on Facebook, Bonello said that he had been advised by the RTK management that his fortnightly programme on the station, which dealt with finance and economic matters, "has been suspended with immediate effect".
"I ask: does this have anything to do with my expression of opinion - both from an economic and regulatory point of view as well as from a Catholic practitioner point of view - regarding the APS potential acquisition of HSBC operations?", Bonello wrote.
"Is this the attitude of the church authorities with which they receive criticism? Is it possible that they treat freedom of expression with such disdain and contempt? Is this the approach of the Church with the laity? Tghid ser naqla' d-dnub il mejjet? Tghid ghad ituni difna Nisranija go knisja? Do these people really have the keys to heaven? Has the Church in Malta changed from the dirty 1960s? Do these people have the gall to criticise PBS?
"I would like to raise the alarm with regards to the democratic credentials in the church - dogma apart - and this irrespective of whether one agrees with my views on the underlying matter or not."
In a statement in reply, RTK said that before the launch of its new schedule, RTK103 communicated to Bonello that changes were being made to the financial literacy segment of Christine Delicata's radio programme 'Għal Kulħadd', since in recent days a sponsor was acquired for this segment.
Changing line-ups of presenters and, in his case, guests, is normal practice with the launch of new schedules especially when content is sponsored, the station said.
Bonello can rest assured that decisions in this regard have absolutely nothing to do with his comments in the media. RTK103 has never taken issue with him or any other guests on this topic, the station said, thanking him for his contributions.
The Archdiocese of Malta is the majority shareholder in APS Bank, owning a 55.2% stake through its wholly owned company, Arom Holdings Ltd. The Diocese of Gozo owns 12.7% of APS with the rest of the shareholding held by the public and institutional investors. RTK is the Church's radio station.
Last week it was reported that APS was in talks to buy HSBC's operations in Malta.
HSBC Bank Malta said that it is not aware of any negotiations taking place between its majority shareholder (HSBC Holdings plc) and APS Bank.
HSBC Malta said it had been informed by HSBC Holdings plc that it will undertake a strategic review of its indirect 70.03% shareholding in the Bank.
HSBC Malta said it had been informed by HSBC Holdings plc that it will undertake a strategic review of its indirect 70.03% shareholding in the Bank.