The Nationalist Party expressed its concern Friday at the increasingly partial manner in which public broadcasting is being conducted, specifically by the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS).

PBS is funded by the public and, by law, is required to be impartial. However, the reality today is markedly different, with Government messaging dominating not only the news - which is heavily focused on government activities - but now even extending into entertainment programmes and quizzes, the PN said.

When advertising or references to "government benefits" are inserted into such programmes, this ceases to be a public service. It becomes hidden propaganda.

The PN recalled that the Broadcasting Authority and the Courts have been clear that information on State broadcasting must be delivered in a balanced manner, with controlled exposure and neutral presentation. Nevertheless, these limits are being ignored.

When public funds are used to promote a single narrative, citizens are being deprived of their fundamental right to balanced information. This also exacerbates the problem of the power of incumbency, whereby those in government use State resources to strengthen their political position.

In this context, the PN called for a national broadcaster that is free, independent and credible.

PBS cannot and must not serve as an extension of any party's partisan machinery - in this case, that of the Labour Party. PBS belongs to the whole nation, not to any one party, and the public has a right to balanced broadcasting where all narratives and viewpoints are heard, the PN said.