Local
AD issues tender for new cable television service
By MaltaMedia News
Sep 29, 2007 - 5:08:53 PM

On Saturday, Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that an application for a television licence had been filed with the Broadcasting Authority and that the Broadcasting Authority has requested additional information and has indicated that it would issue a letter of intent once this information is supplied.

In view of these developments and because of the urgency of the matter, AD is announcing the issue of a tender for the supply of services in connection with a cable television broadcasting license. Dr Vassallo said that AD had chosen to proceed in this manner in order to ensure that the broadcasts under the license would be at arm’s length from the party.

“Broadcasting in Malta does not require yet another vehicle for political propaganda and the editorial policy we have described in the tender is aimed at providing the kind of service normally expected of a national station in a civilized country. All that Alternattiva Demokratika requires is a fair representation of its views and the opportunity to debate openly with all interested parties” Dr Vassallo said.

Asked what guarantee he could give that the station would not be yet another propaganda machine, Dr Vassallo said the facts will speak for themselves.

“Our arm’s length policy with regard to radio broadcasting has been so effective that to this day many people do not realise that Capital Radio has operated for years under a license issued to  Alternattiva Demokratika. Our television programming will provide a fair and reliable news service and a forum for debate respecting all political parties as well as civil society institutions, NGOs, social minority groups and stakeholder lobbies. Our intention is to compete with the national television service in quality and not with the political party stations.” Dr Vassallo said.

The tender will open on Monday and close at noon on Saturday 13th October. The tender documents can be collected from the AD offices in Sliema at 10 Triq Manwel Dimech during working hours against a fee of Lm 100.

“Any commercial enterprise having the necessary skills and capacity can apply if it is confident that it can supply a service of the quality required. Party affiliation is not a requirement. Credibilty which is the most important asset we value can be acquired and retained only if the service provided is seen to be impartial and professional. There is a clear editorial policy which we are publishing and our viewership will be the judge whether we attain the high standards we are setting ourselves” Dr Vassallo said.

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