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Frequently Asked Questions
The Rules of Procedure of the Press Ethics Commission
explain how the Commission works. Here are some basic questions
and answers about making a complaint to the Press Ethics Commission
(PEC), with references to the relevant paragraphs of the Rules of
Procedure in brackets:
Q: Who can make a complaint to the Press Ethics Commission?
A: Anyone who feels himself/herself injured by a breach
of the Code of Journalistic Ethics. A person cannot make a complaint
on behalf of someone else, unless specifically requested by the
injured person to do so. (See paragraphs 10 and 11)
Q: Against whom is a complaint to be made?
A: The Code of Journalistic Ethics refers to bona
fide journalists. Therefore a complaint about a breach of ethics
is directed against a journalist (see Paragraph 10). One cannot,
for example, complain against a politician for something he has
said and which is quoted in the media.
Q: How can one make a complaint?
A: The complaint has to be made in writing to the
Press Ethics Commission, addressed either to the Chairman or the
Secretary, PO Box 21, G.P.O. Marsa. It is not sufficient to send
it by e-mail. The complaint has to be accompanied by material that
gives evidence of the breach. (See Paragraph 11)
Q: How much time does one have to make a complaint?
A: The complaint has to be made within the period
of one month from the date of the publication or broadcast of the
alleged breach. (Paragraph 12)
Q: What does the Commission do when receiving a complaint?
A: The Press Ethics Commission examines the case to
see whether there possibly is a breach of ethics, what is called
a prima facie breach of ethics. If the answer is 'No', the case
stops there and the person who made the complaint is informed by
the PEC directly. If the answer is 'Yes', the Commission holds a
hearing where the complainant and the person against whom the complaint
is made are invited to be present. After the hearing the Press Ethics
Commission decides whether there in fact has been a breach of ethics
or not and, if yes, how serious it is. It then informs the parties
of its verdict. (Please study paragraphs 12 to 18 for a more detailed
and exact explanation of the proceedings and note in Paragraph 18
that the complainant has to appear for the hearing. If not, the
case is dropped.)
See also 'Mediation' (paragraphs 22-24) which may
be chosen in some cases.
Q: How long will it take for a complaint to be decided?
A: If the complainant provides the necessary material
of evidence immediately together with the complaint, the complaint
will normally be examined within a month. If the Commission decides
to invite the parties involved for a hearing, it will aim to have
the hearing and reach a verdict within two and a half months from
the date when the complaint is made. However, unforeseen difficulties
in finding a suitable date for the hearing or with the case itself
may cause delays.
Q: Will the PEC make its decision on a complaint public?
A: The PEC normally makes its verdict public if there
has been a breach of ethics, but is not committed to do so. The
Commission decides in each case what is appropriate, in part depending
on how serious the breach of ethics is. If the verdict is that there
is no breach of ethics, normally only the parties involved are informed.
Q: How much will it cost to make a complaint?
A: Nothing, except the cost of sending the letter
and the evidence by post.
If you have other questions and do not find the answers
in the Code of Journalistic Ethics or the Rules of Procedure, you
may send them by e-mail to the PEC. The e-mail address is: pecmalta@gmail.com
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