The PN has sought redress from the watchdog.

Less than two years in to this legislature, the Nationalist Party has already filed 36 complaints against the national television station and sought redress from the Broadcasting Authority on as many occasions as the Labour Party did during its last five years in Opposition.

Since March last year, when Labour was elected to government, the PN has filed 15 complaints with the broadcasting watchdog claiming political bias on the Public Broadcasting Services.

The most recent complaint was filed earlier this month after Times of Malta’s current affairs TV programme Times Talk opted to invite Transport Minister Joe Mizzi to discuss the perennial problem of traffic, along with two other independent experts.

The Nationalist Party was offered the chance to contribute via a video recording or a live link with the party transport spokesman but he declined, insisting he should be present on the programme.

The PN went on to complain to the Broadcasting Authority, arguing that on issues of political controversy, the law obliged the producers to give ‘equality of arms’ to the involved parties and it was therefore unfair that the PN’s views were offered through a telephone link.

The PN is saying the media cannot grill a minister without the Opposition present

The authority said the PN’s complaint was justified but did not recommend any remedial measures.

When contacted, a PN spokesman said that during the past 20 months, the party felt that PBS had failed to comply with the broadcasting law. “On a number of occasions, we protested with the Broadcasting Authority, which declared that the PN’s arguments were valid,” he said.

The spokesman added that it was in the people’s interest to ensure that the State-funded station gave a fair and accurate account of developments in the political sphere.

“The PN appeals for balanced discussions, programmes and news bulletins to ensure that viewers are presented with the entire picture, and not just the government’s views,” the spokesman said.

Times of Malta editor-in-chief Steve Mallia said: “Giving a ‘fair and accurate account’ of political developments has nothing to do with the presence of politicians, and everything to do with the presence of independent journalists who should be left to do their work unhindered.

“What the PN is saying is that a media organisation cannot grill a minister without the presence of the Opposition spokesman.

“This is beyond ridiculous and runs contrary to the principles of a free press.

“It should know better and it is a sad reflection on the people within the party today that it doesn’t,” said Mr Mallia.