Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/718140
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 24 AUGUST 2016 7 CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 But while the candidates will not be able to host programmes on their party media, they are still allowed to have their own programmes on other media stations or digital platforms. Agius himself has a programme on Smash TV. Asked whether this would still put other can- didates at a disadvantage, Agius argued that his 'weapon' were his "legs". "I have no one in politics … I am neither a lawyer nor a doctor. But I walk and I knock on doors because ultimately it's all about the people and getting the mes- sage across," he said. Thake, whose afternoon radio programme 'Taghna Lkoll' was extremely popular with Radio 101 listeners, said he respected the decision taken by the party's administration. "I am not privy to the infor- mation that led the administra- tion to take such a decision so I cannot comment about it," he said. He however added that he understood why the party would want to offer a level playing field, as the available slots on the party media were limited. "I personally agree with it… one might question whether such a decision was taken too early or too late, but ultimately such de- cisions are never easy ones." Switching to the digital plat- form, Thake will keep his radio show alive. "My responsibility as a can- didate is to deliver the message of the party with all available media. Every candidate should see what the guidelines are and study ways to bring out his or her best potential," he said. Psaila Zammit is contesting the general elections for the first time on a PN ticket, having been active in the PN media for the last 10 years. "Now I start a new chapter, hav- ing been asked by the PN leader to contest the general election on the 6th electoral district," Psaila Zammit said when contacted for a comment. She said that the PN's decision was taken at its highest levels, and, as such, she would abide by it. "As a general election candi- date, my priority now is to be close to my constituents on a daily basis – through house vis- its and meetings. I look forward to this experience as I acknowl- edge the importance for the PN to be closer to the people," she said. News SITUATION VACANT The Gozo Technical Diving Center Requires the services of a full time highly qualified scuba diving instructor If interested contact: Tom Steiner on 79009565 or Audrey Cudel on 79009575 Working Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 'XTRA' to replace 'Reporter' THE TV programme 'Reporter', which was first screened on TVM in 1999, has been replaced by the current affairs programme 'XTRA', which will also be host- ed by journalist Saviour Balzan, managing editor at MediaToday, in a new time slot and day. "The programme is a partner- ship between TVM and myself, but I will be depending on the support of MediaToday when it comes to features, research and logistics," Balzan said. The new programme is ex- pected to present a new look and base many of the themes up for discussion on current affairs, but not only politics. 'Reporter' was first screened in 1999 and started off as a daily hard talk programme on TVM. It was removed in 2004 even though it was shortlisted to replace Bondiplus, returned in 2006 but was once again re- moved in 2009. In 2013, it returned on a Mon- day and offered a current affairs reference point before the news. In all audience surveys 'Report- er' trailed Dissett in popularity but earned a reputation for a no holds barred, investigative re- portage. "We are adding some new tal- ent in the new series. Everything will be changing. I have every intention to continue to place the televiewer's aspirations and interests before everything else. But it is not competing with any programme. I should say that in 17 years of broadcasting I was never, ever found in default by the Broadcasting Authority for biased or unfair reportage. I hope it remains that way," Balzan added. "I had discussed this pro- gramme beforehand with Anton Attard and continued the final discussions with the new CEO, John Bundy. Unlike what is per- ceived out there, there were nev- er any intrusions in my choice of subjects or questions. There is a protocol I follow with the TVM head of news, Reno Bugeja. He gives his advice on content, but he does not gag or prompt me with editorial direction or spin. For example I debated the Pana- ma papers on TV more than any other presenter and never once was I told to change the topic." On the removal of other com- peting programmes such as Times Talk, he said: "I can understand how they are feeling at the moment. I was axed more than once in the past. As usual the justification is always unclear. There was no outcry then but I strongly believe that State broadcasting needs that quantum jump of different voices with differing views and different platforms, to promote debate. As long as there is diver- sity it should never be a problem. "It is not going to be easy for the two political parties to sit down and see the bigger picture, more so if they have their political sta- tions. But we owe it to the public to address this problem once and for all. Balzan added that in 2013 he tried to get things moving by talking to Simon Busuttil and Jo- seph Muscat, but nothing came of it. "Even though it is not as bla- tant as in the days of Lou Bondi I am still optimistic that State Broadcasting can be reformed," he said. Commenting on speculation that he would replace Joe Azzo- pardi's Xarabank on Friday eve- nings, Balzan said: "'Not the case' is the simple answer. Joe has his own style, which I have no intention of replicating and I am not capable of copying. We offer different products and it would be detrimental for PBS to dump him. I have made this very clear in my meetings at PBS. But it is important that we are aware that we all have an expiry date, myself included." TVM has also reconfirmed two other programmes, hosted and produced by MediaToday: they are the popular food programme GourmetToday and the psy- chology and social programme Dwarna. Candidates can still host shows on private stations YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt David Agius hosts a show on private TV station Smash but insists his greatest asset are his legs, which take him from door to door