The Institute of Maltese Journalists submitted its opinions on the proposed government media reforms last Friday, following a series of discussions among members of the IGM council and people within the profession.

Some of Malta's leading news platforms have endorsed the submission, including Times of Malta, MaltaToday, Newsbook, The Malta Independent and Content House.

The IĠM said that it agrees with some of the government's proposals, including amendments to the Criminal Code to make attacks on journalists and media workers an aggravated crime. The IĠM also wants to see media freedom and protection of journalistic sources entrenched in the enforceable parts of the Constitution, instead of in the unenforceable Chapter 2 of the document.

With regard to defamation and libel, the IĠM believes that the current provisions in the law to seek redress are adequate. "The judiciary has so far showed restraint when awarding libel damages, rarely granting the highest amount possible. Rather, the IĠM is suggesting that the judiciary encourage Alternative Dispute Resolution at the start of defamation proceedings as an alternative to lengthy court procedures."

The IĠM is also calling on the government to enact stand-alone legislation that protects journalists from Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), to also apply to local cases. Other recommendations are made, including for increased dissuasive penalties."

Moreover, the IĠM said it is suggesting that the FOI Act be reformed and that the legally mandated timeframes for responses are reduced drastically.

Beyond legislative changes, the IĠM is calling for tripartite discussions between the government, journalists and media owners to make the industry economically feasible via a Sustainable Media Democracy Support Package, with support measures that range from company and individual tax incentives to grants and the fair and transparent distribution of advertising expenditure.

"It is essential for any democratic country to have a vibrant, independent media landscape that holds power to account. The urgently needed reforms in Malta must strengthen media freedom in order to safeguard democracy."