The national broadcaster has rejected Nationalist Party claims that the Office of the Prime Minister was influencing its head of news.

The Broadcasting Authority yesterday accused Public Broadcasting Services of having “seriously failed” its duties when it decided not to refer to an incident in Parliament between Labour MP Joe Debono Grech and independent MP Marlene Farrugia at the first opportunity of learning about it. Mr Debono Grech was heard threatening to beat up Dr Farrugia in Parliament.

But in a statement today, PBS said it had taken note of the BA's decision which it pointed out was not unanimous and was decided by the chairman.

"It's the first time in two and a half years that the authority concluded what it had called a serious shortcoming in its news bulletin rapportage."

PBS said that at no point did the authority establish there had been a serious shortcoming in the broadcasting law and did not order a remedy.

Addressing a news conference, Nationalist spokesman Clyde Puli said the Office of the Prime Minister was interfering in the work of TVM's head of news.

"Unfortunately, head of news Reno Bugeja's loyalty is not towards viewers, but towards Castille."

Citing examples, he said PBS had lost all credibility where it came to balance and impartiality