Press Release: 10/99
Date: 27.05.99

THE MALTA PRESS CLUB PARTICIPATES 
IN CONFERENCE PROMOTING  PRESS  FREEDOM 
IN  THE  COMMONWEALTH

The discussion at the four-day conference, was animated by the highly provocative interventions of distinguished speakers.  These included Lord Wakeham - Chairman of the UK Press Complaints Commission, Sir Bernard Ingham - a former chief press secretary to the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Mr Laurie Flynn, from The Guardian.

The chequered background and experiences of the participants themselves further ensured  a lively and, at times, fiery debate on the topics tackled.  Among the subjects raised were: 

* Can self-regulation work or is the statutory route more 
  effective? 

* Access to information: How transparent should and  can 
  governments be? 

* The right to privacy: What does the  public need  to know? 

* When should criminal defamation be used?

The participation of Dr Vella Bardon and Mr Bugeja was made possible thanks to a sponsorship by the British High Commission and The Strickland Foundation and the assistance of Air Malta.
 

Press Release: 10/99
Data: 27.05.99

It-tkattir tal-liberta' gurnalistika fil-Commonwealth kien is-suggett ta' konferenza  li saret dan l-ahhar fi Steyning, West Sussex fir-Renju Unit.  Ghaliha attendew Dr Klaus Vella Bardon, membru tal-Press Ethics Commission (PEC), u s-Sur Ray Bugeja, chairman ta' The Malta Press Club, attendew il-konferenza. 

Matul il-konferenza ta' erbat ijiem tqajjmu diskussjonijiet provokattivi hafna minn kelliema distinti. Dawn kienu jinkludu lil-Lord Wakeham, chairman tal-Press Complaints Commission ta' l-Ingilterra, lil Sir Bernard Ingham li kien segretarju ewleini ghall-istampa tal-Prim Ministru Margaret Thatcher u Mr Laurie Flynn, tal-gazzetta The Guardian. 

L-isfond u l-esperjenzi differenti  li minnhom ghaddew l-istess participanti wkoll kkontribwew ghal dibattiti interessanti. Fost is-suggetti li tqajmu kien hemm: 

* Huwa ahjar li gurnalisti jimxu bl-awto-dixxiplina jew 
  inkella huma aktar effttivi ligijiet li jirregolaw il-
  gurnalizmu?

* Biex tinkiseb l-informazzjoni: Kemm ghandhom ikunu
  trasparenti l-gvernijiet? 

* Id-dritt ghall-privatezza:  X'ghandu bzonn il-pubbliku li 
  jkun jaf? 

* Meta ghandha tintuza d-defamazzjoni kriminali?

Il-participazzjponi ta' Dr Vella Bardon u tas-sur Bugeja ghal din il-konferenza saret possibbli permezz ta' l-ghajnuna moghtija mill-Kummissjoni Gholja tar-Renju Unit, l-iStrickland Foundation u l-Air Malta. 

Press Release: 9/99
Date:  26.04.99

The Malta Press Club has received with apprehension the news that journalists and the media in Yugoslavia are being repeatedly targeted by NATO military action.  These air strikes resulted also in loss of life and heavy damage to media set ups.

The Malta Press Club believes that the principle of the freedom of expression has been seriously interfered with through this military action. 

The Malta Press Club strongly urges NATO authorities to immediately reverse any decision about future military actions intended against journalists and/or the media.

The Malta Press Club is also concerned about the media crackdown within Yugoslavia and the murder of Serb independent journalist, Slavko Curuvija, in Belgrade earlier this month.

The Malta Press Club expresses solidarity with all journalists in Yugoslavia who are working in this hostile and life threatening environment.
 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR OT THE TIMES

1, May 1999

Sir,

I refer to "Vanessa Macdonald cutting edge" (The Times, April 30, 1999) and specifically to the item where she referred to The Malta Press Club.

Mrs Macdonald mentions the statement issued by The Malta Malta Press Club on April 26, 1999 with regard to the Balkan conflict and press freedom.  For her benefit and also for the benefit of readers who may still be unaware of this statement, this is what The Malta Press Club has said:

The Malta Press Club has received with apprehension the news that journalists and the media in Yugoslavia are being repeatedly targeted by NATO military action.  These air strikes resulted also in loss of life and heavy damage to media set ups.

The Malta Press Club believes that the principle of the freedom of expression has been seriously interfered with through this military action. 

The Malta Press Club strongly urges NATO authorities to immediately reverse any decision about future military actions intended against journalists and/or the media.

The Malta Press Club is also concerned about the media crackdown within Yugoslavia and the murder of Serb independent journalist, Slavko Curuvija, in Belgrade earlier this month.

The Malta Press Club expresses solidarity with all journalists in Yugoslavia who are working in this hostile and life threatening environment.

The statement was titled: "THE MALTA PRESS CLUB CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS".  Indeed, the aim was to condemn all attacks on journalists, irrespective of the source. 

It would indeed be a dangerous precedent were one to start looking for justification when any attempt, of whatever type, is made to muzzle the media. 

If that were to be accepted, certain black events, even in Malta's own recent history, could suddenly start turning grey.

Carmel Bonello
Information Secretary
The Malta Press Club

Press Release: 5/99
Date: 12.04.99

The Council of the Malta Press Club has appointed Mr Charles Spiteri as its representative in Gozo. An action programme for Gozo was discussed with Mr Spiteri at an ad hoc sitting the Council held in Gozo recently.  The Malta Press Club's five-year prospectus (1998-2003) was also discussed with Mr Spiteri, with particular reference to activities and action, which could be specifically targeted to Gozo.

Mr Spiteri has been active in freelance journalism for the past 30 years and has been a member of The Malta Press Club since its inception in 1989.  He is a member of the Institute of Journalists (UK) and Akkademja tal-Malti among other associations.

Mr Spiteri served on boards of various organisations in Gozo, sat on the Ghajnsielem local council for the past two terms and was also elected by Gozitan local councillors to represent them on the board of directors of Gozo Channel Co.

Press Release: 03/99
Date:   29.01.99

The Malta Press Club has established the Press Ethics Commission (PEC) and appointed its members.  These are the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Notary Myriam Spiteri Debono who will also be the PEC Chairman, senior journalist Mr Anthony Montanaro and Dr Klaus Vella Bardon.

This was announced by the Chairman of The Malta Press Club, Mr Ray Bugeja, during the Annual General Meeting of the Maltese journalists' organisation.  He said that Notary Speaker Debono was chosen both for her legal background as well as for her national standing, Mr Montanaro is an authority in journalism, while Dr Vella Bardon will be representing the consumer of the news media. 

The PEC, who will be totally autonomous from the Council of The Malta Press Club,  shall first consider for approval a draft set of rules concerning the PEC operational aspect and also review the original Code of Ethics adopted in 1991.  The Council of The Malta Press Club shall then be striving for the inclusion of the revised Code of Ethics to form part of each journalist's contract of employment.

A Committee for the Promotion of Press Ethics shall be also set up.  This Committee shall create and maintain an on-going information campaign as well as to generate funds by convincing media owners to support ethical journalism in a tangible way through financial means.

In his Chairman's Address, Mr Bugeja reviewed the achievements of The Malta Press Club during last year. For the first time, a five year plan (1998-2003) covering such policy areas as Ethics, Education and Professionalisation, was developed and adopted. 

Work has already started on each policy area. The PEC was created as a result of the work already embarked upon in the Ethics policy area. 

In the Education policy area, an Education & Training Working Group has been set up.  Active cooperation was established with the Centre for Communication Technology of the University of Malta.  This should be bearing concrete results in 1999. 

A Professionalisation Working Group shall be also set up very soon.  The five-year plan also envisages the role of each policy area working group as a practical method how more journalists can be involved in the mission of The Malta Press Club. 

This mission is to upgrade the character of the News Media in Malta in accordance with the highest professional standards by providing a structure to enhance the ability of our members as professional journalists through the establishment of a Continuous Professional Development Scheme (CPD); achieve professional status for journalists; represent and defend the rights of journalists where freedom of information and the News Media are concerned; provide opportunities for journalists to meet and exchange views and ideas; and offer a range of services of professional and personal benefit to members.

Mr Bugeja stated: "The Malta Press Club is not a union, but an association of journalists who are both endeavouring to achieve professional status as well as creating a journalistic culture.  We are very conscious of the fundamental right of information and of preserving the freedom of the news media." 

"Since it was established in 1989, The Malta Press Club has accomplished feats which many Maltese journalists thought that were impossible to achieve - at least in such a short span of time.  The Malta Press Club was instrumental in securing for Maltese journalists the confidentiality of the source, the qualified privilege, and the right of information from government.  There are journalists in European countries who, till today, still cannot benefit from such essential tools in their respective countries," added Mr Bugeja. 

"But perhaps, the biggest achievement," reminded Mr Bugeja, "is the fact that The Malta Press Club is still very much active today.  This is because a small number of journalists always and firmly believed that there is a scope and a role for such an institution."

He expressed his disappointment at the fact that there are a number of Maltese journalists who are still close-minded and not interested in promoting and upgrading the profession but only their self-interest. 

"The Malta Press Club has shown through various initiatives taken during this last decade that it can significantly contribute towards the promotion of professional journalism.  What is needed today are journalists who forget their self-interest and instead altruistically ask "What can I do for the Press Club?" concluded Mr Bugeja. 

During the Annual General Meeting, the Administrative Report and the Income and Expenditure Report were read and approved.  An election was held for the Council.  Mr Ray Bugeja and Mr Joe A. Vella were respectively confirmed as Chairman and Secretary for the second consecutive year.  Mr Mario Schiavone was elected Treasurer while Mr Carmel Bonello and Miss Joanna Ripard were elected Council Members.  The official responsibilities of the Council Members will be announced following next week's first council meeting. 

Press release: 07/99
Date:          28.04.98

The Malta Press Club (TMPC) is receiving applications from journalists and prospective journalists for an introductory course about the development of Malta as an international financial services centre.  This course is being organised in conjunction with the Malta Financial Services Centre (MFSC). 

Conducted by various executive directors and officials from MFSC, the course commences on Tuesday 11th May 1999 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for three consecutive weeks.  The course covers such subjects as insurance business, fund management and investment services, the regulatory function of MFSC as well as the future of the financial services sector in Malta.

"This is the third course in the Press Club's educational programme," stated Education Secretary, Mr Carmel Bonello.  "It is yet another effort to upgrade the level of journalism in Malta which follows on the success of the BPC Award to Journalists and other initiatives taken by The Malta Press Club in recent years."

The Malta Press Club, through its Education and Working Group set up last November, is developing a portfolio of courses which are targeted according to the actual needs of journalists in Malta.  Maximum use will be made of its human resource as well as of the academic resources and expertise available on the Island.  The aim of The Malta Press Club in offering this series of courses is to continuously expand the knowledge and expertise of Maltese journalists on topical subjects. 

Application forms are to be received by the Education Secretary by not later than Wednesday 5th May 1999.  For further details one may contact The Malta Press Club on 243212 or fax number 249290. ends
 

Press release: 07/99
Date:          28.04.98

Il-Malta Press Club (TMPC) qed jilqa' applikazzjonijiet minghand gurnalisti u gurnalisti prospettivi ghall-kors introduttorju dwar l-izvilupp ta' Malta bhala centru internazzjonali ghas-servizzi finanzjarji.  Il-kors qed ikun organizzat bl-ghajnuna tal-Malta Financial Services Centre (MFSC). 

F'dan il-kors, diretturi ezekuttivi u ufficjali mill-MFSC ser jaghtu sensiela ta' lectures li ser jibdew it-Tlieta  11 ta' Mejju 1999 u jkomplu kull nhar ta' Tlieta u nhar ta' Hamis ghal tlett gimghat konsekuttivi.  il-kors ser ikopri suggetti bhal assigurazzjoni, tmexxija ta' fondi, servizzi ta' investiment, il-funzjoni regolatorja ta' l-MFSC kif ukoll il-futur tas-settur tas-servizzi finanzjarji f'Malta. 

"Dan huwa t-tielet kors fil-programm edukattiv li qed jorganizza The Malta Press Club," qal is-Segretarju Edukattiv,  Carmel Bonello.  "Dan qed isir sabiex il-livell tal-gurnalizmu f' Malta jkompli jitjieb, wara s-success li kisbu inizzjattivi simili bhalma huma l-BPC Award to Journalists u inizjattivi ohra mehuda minn The Malta Press Club f'dawn l-ahhar snin."

The Malta Press Club, permezz ta' l-Education and Working Group li waqqaf f'Novembru li ghadda, ser ikompli jizviluppa ghadd ta' korsijiet li huma mmirati ghall-htegijiet attwali tal-gurnalisti f' Malta.  Ser isir uzu shih mir-rizorsi umani li hemm fost il-membri kif ukoll tar-rizorsi akkademici li jezistu fil-pajjiz.  L-ghan ta' The Malta Press Club meta jorganizza dawn il-korsijiet huwa li jkompli jespandi l-gharfien tal-gurnalisti f'Malta dwar suggetti topici. 

Formoli ta' l-applikazzjoni jibqghu jintlaqghu ghand is-Segretarju Edukattiv sa l-Erbgha 5 ta' Mejju 1999.  Aktar dettalji jinkisbu minn The Malta Press Club fuq telefon 243212  jew fax 249290. 

Press release: 04/99
Date:          11.02.98

The Malta Press Club (TMPC) is receiving applications from journalists and prospective journalists for an introductory course in statistics and economics being organised in conjunction with the Central Office of Statistics. 

"This is the second course in the Press Club's educational programme," stated Education Secretary, Mr Carmel Bonello.  "It is yet another effort to upgrade the level of journalism in Malta which follows on the success of the BPC Award to Journalists and other initiatives taken by The Malta Press Club in recent years."

Conducted by COS Director, Mr Alfred Camilleri and COS Advisor, Mr Reno Camilleri, the course commences on  Tuesday 23rd February 1999 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday for five consecutive evenings. 

The Malta Press Club, through its Education and Working Group set up last November, will be developing a portfolio of courses which  are targeted according to the actual needs of journalists in Malta.  Maximum use will be made of its human resource as well as of the academic resources available on the Island.  The aim of The Malta Press Club in offering this series of courses is to continuously expand the knowledge and expertise of Maltese journalists. 

The Council of the Malta Press Club is inviting both editors and management to encourage a number of journalists from their respective establishments to attend and to sponsor their fee for this course.  Members of The Malta Press Club, moreover, may benefit from a fee structure which makes it more economical per capita.

Application forms are to be received by the Education Secretary by not later than Friday 19th February 1999. For further details one may contact The Malta Press Club on 243212 or fax number 249290. 

For press releases issued in 2001 click here.