IĠM submits position on media reform, makes suggestions

The Institute of Maltese Journalists has submitted its opinion on the government's proposed media reform following a series of discussions among members.

The institute said 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 shown restraint when awarding libel damages, rarely granting the highest amount possible. 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.

In other recommendations, the IĠM is suggesting that the Freedom of Information Act be reformed and that the legally mandated timeframes for responses be drastically reduced. 

Beyond legislative changes, the IĠM is calling for 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.

Journalism 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, the institute said.

See the institute submissions on the pdf link below.