During the exchange of greetings with the media and constituted bodies at the Labour Party Headquarters, the Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader, Robert Abela, said that the media is a crucial sector because, while it scrutinises politicians and the work being carried out, it is also an essential source through which people obtain information about what is happening in Malta and beyond, a PL statement read.

He said that journalism stimulates critical thinking and that there is scope for it to be strengthened so that, as a country, Malta keeps pace with the progress being achieved in the economic, social and cultural spheres.

Abela recalled how the Government is working to penalise deepfakes through specific legislation to prevent digital tools, such as AI, from being used to cause harm or deceive people. He explained that this Government is also investing in media literacy, through the drafting of a strategy that is expected to be presented to Cabinet in the coming period, aimed at making people more aware of how they consume information and news from the media.

The Prime Minister spoke about fair reporting, noting that while journalists often set aside their personal opinions to convey the news in a factual manner, criticism should be constructive, objective and well-researched, as credibility is built on how factual and consistent reporting is.

He referred to the €1 million scheme being granted this year to the printed media to help offset paper costs. He noted that while, unfortunately, beyond Malta's shores some journalists working in war zones or under oppressive conditions have been killed or lost their lives, "in Malta this Government is instead looking at how it can continue to improve and protect the media and recognise the value of their work," the PL said.

He said that the media always keeps politicians in check, "which is important because it ensures that more meaningful work is carried out for the benefit and in the interest of the people. Addressing the constituted bodies, Abela said that the Government is always ready to listen, consult and give due consideration to proposals and ideas."

He concluded by stating that, despite the challenges that will not cease, the Government remains determined to continue carrying out its work in line with the mandate given by the people, and even beyond that, with the aim of achieving a leap in the quality of life so that Malta continues to register unprecedented results across various sectors.