Room no. 120 (Third Floor)
280/3, Republic Street
Valletta
Malta
E-mail: joeavella@onvol.net
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PRESS RELEASES
Stqarrija ghall-istampa 04/2012 Data: 28 ta’ Jannar 2012
Il-mewt ta’ Charles Grech Orr fl-eta’ ta’ 84 sena lbierah
IMUT IEHOR MILL-FUNDATURI TAL-IGM
Il-Kunsill tal-Istitut tal-G.urnalisti Maltin (IG.M) espima s-soghba tieghu ghall-mewt ta’ Charles Grech Orr, li thabbret ilbierah filghodu fl-Isptar Mater Dei fl-eta’ ta’ 84 sena.
“Grech Orr kien wiehed mill-g.urnalisti pijunieri li f’Novembru 1989 waqqfu The Malta Press Club (TMPC), li llum huwa maghruf bhala l-IG.M,” sahaq il-Kunsill tal-Istitut fi stqarrija ghall-istampa mahuga lbierah.
Huwa serva bhala Editur ta’ The Times ghal 25 sena shah bejn l-1965 u l-1990, u fl-2005 huwa rcieva l-Gold Award, li jinghata mill-IG.M lil dawk il-g.urnalisti li jkunu taw kontribut ghall-iz.vilupp tal-gurnalizmu f’Malta li jmur lilhinn minn rekwiziti ta’ prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu.
Press Release 02/2012 NOMINATIONS FOR THE GOLD AWARD 2012 The Institute of Maltese Journalists (I?M) will be receiving nominations for the Gold Award 2012. Submissions will be accepted from individual persons, associations, organizations or institutions. Individuals cannot nominate themselves, but everyone
is free to submit to the I?M an individual, group of persons,
association, organization, or institution, if in his or her
opinion, the nomination qualifies for the Gold Award. The aim of the Award is to give recognition: (a) To a Maltese person, residing in Malta, with a long career and vast experience in journalism and whose contribution goes beyond the requisites of normal professional practice; or (b) To an association, organization, institution or a group of persons that gave an outstanding contribution for the development of journalism. This is the fifteenth year in which the Gold Award is being awarded. The award is in addition to the annual Malta Journalism Awards (MJA) which recognizes achievements by an individual journalist on specific contributions of the previous year. Deadline for submissions Submissions will be accepted up till Monday, 13th February, 2012. The nominations must include all relevant details (e.g.: details of the achievements over the years; letters of reference; biography of the nominee) as well as the reason or reasons for the submission of the nomination. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges chaired by the President Emeritus Dr Edward Fenech Adami. Nominations are to be submitted to Joe A. Vella, Secretary, IGM, Third Floor, 280, Republic Street, Valletta; or 146/5 Howard Street, Sliema, SLM 1759. Past Winners 1998 - Fr Joe Borg; 1999 - Anton Cassar; 2000 - Frank Attard; 2001 - J.G. Vassallo; 2002 - Anthony Montanaro; 2003 - John Manduca; 2004 - Charles Grech Orr; 2005 - Paul Carachi; 2006 - Paul Saliba; 2007 -Lino Cassar; 2008 - Joe Micallef Stafrace; 2009 - Lino Spiteri; 2010 - Victor Aquilina; 2011-Michael Schiavone.
Press Release 01/2011 Date: 7 January 2012 IGM launches 22nd edition of Malta Journalism Awards The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched the 22nd edition of the annual press awards, known as the Malta Journalism Awards (MJA), on Saturday, 7 January, 2012, with 17 categories. Apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments may select and submit entries of what they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies. In both cases, consent has to be given by the individual journalist/s concerned by filling the appropriate part on the Official Application Form prior to the submission of the entry by the Editor, Head of News Department, or organisations/corporations/bodies. “The Malta Journalism Awards are undoubtedly the most prestigious awards for the local media and over the years members of the media from all media organisations have taken part. “This is a source of great pride for the Institute of Maltese Journalists, which has proved time and time again that it can be a unifying force in local society,” said IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi. “This year we have three new categories. The Broadcasting Authority has accepted to sponsor a new category, Broadcast Journalism – TV Script Features, enabling the broadcast category to be split into two: news and features. “Similarly, Sports Journalism has been split into print and broadcasting, with the Good Causes Fund retaining the broadcast category and Middlesea Insurance plc sponsoring the print category. “Promoting Inter-Cultural Dialogue, which
is sponsored by the Media InterAct Project, a joint venture
between the IGM, SOS Malta and PBS Ltd, with European Union
funding, is a brand new category. These are the 17 categories: Print categories Print Journalism – Features – sponsored by Vodafone Malta Ltd Photo Journalism – sponsored by The Farsons Foundation
Broadcast categories Broadcast Journalism – TV Script News – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – TV Script Features – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – TV Film – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – Radio – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority
E-category
General categories Travel Journalism – sponsored by Emirates Airline Sports Journalism Broadcasting – sponsored by the Good Causes Fund Sports Journalism Print – sponsored by Middle Sea Insurance p.l.c. Sports Photography – sponsored by the Malta International Airport Cultural Journalism – sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority Opinion Articles – sponsored by Family Sammut Environment Journalism – sponsored by Green Dot Malta Promoting Inter-Cultural Dialogue – Media InterAct Project Best use of Maltese Language in Journalism. This year’s edition of the Gold Award is
being sponsored by the Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni
fil-Gurnalizmu (FTFEG). More details about this particular award
will be announced at a later date. only coverages that were made overseas by the
journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Travel Journalism
category; The winner of the first 15 categories above will
each be awarded: The finalists will be announced on Monday, 26 March, 2012, at The Palace Hotel, Sliema. Presentation Ceremony The winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony to be held on Saturday, 5 May, 2012, at The Palace Hotel, Sliema. Eligibility of submissions All Maltese journalists may participation in the Malta Journalism Awards, irrespective of whether they are IGM members or not. All entries, whether in Maltese or in English,
must have been published or broadcast in Malta between 1 January,
2011, and 31 December, 2011. Submissions for the 22nd edition of the Malta
Journalism Awards will be received at the offices of the Institute
of Maltese Journalists, Suite No. 120 (Third Floor), 280 Republic
Street, Valletta, on Saturday, February 4, 2011, between 1.30
p.m. and 4.00 p.m.
Press Release 22/2011 Click here to download the draft code for journalism ethics.
Press Release 21/2011
Press Release 19/2011 Date: 24 August 2011
NEW MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS CATEGORY Promoting Integration and Intercultural Dialogue
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IG.M) is pleased to announce that the 2012 Malta Journalism Awards is to have a new category: Promoting Integration and Intercultural Dialogue.
The sponsor of this award is SOS Malta as the lead partner of the Media InterAct project, which is co-financed through the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs). This is a one-year project aimed at initiating an avenue for mainstreaming the integration and diversity of TCNs within Maltese media and journalism.
“The IG.M is constantly looking for opportunities to enable journalists in Malta and Gozo, both members and non-members, to be more professional in their work and, through the Malta Journalism Awards, over the past 21 editions, this has certainly proved to be the case,” IG.M Chairman Malcolm J. Naudi said.
“We are making this announcement at this time because it is important for anyone intending to make submissions for the 2012 Malta Journalism Awards to be aware of the new category,” he added.
Claudia Taylor-East of SOS Malta said: “We view the Malta Journalism Awards as an ideal platform to encourage the local media to prepare feature stories, news stories and other content that capture the realities and the needs of an increasingly diverse audience and that provide a more accurate and balanced portrayal of TCNs in Malta”.
“We have partnered with the IG.M and the Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) Ltd on this project and we will be releasing more information about this project in due course.”
This is the 15th category in the Malta Journalism
Awards, which has three print categories, three broadcast categories,
an e-journalism category, six general categories and one for
Best use of the Maltese Language in Journalism. And the Gold
Award given to a journalist whose
The 22nd edition of the Malta Journalism Awards will be officially launched in January, 2012.
Stqarrija ghall-istampa 17/2011 Id-dokument huwa accessibbli hawn.
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 16/2011 Data: 8 ta’ Lulju 2011 L-IGM JIKKUDANNA ATTAKK FIZIKU FUQ KRU TA’ THE TIMES L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) ikkundanna attakk fiziku minn xufier tas-servizz il-gdid tal-karozza tal-linja fuq fotografu u gurnalist ta’ The Times waqt il-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom. L-attakk sehh it-Tlieta li ghadda ghall-habta tal-12.15 pm waqt li l-fotografu ta’ The Times kien qed jiehu ritratti tal-venda tal-karozzi tal-linja tal-Belt Valletta akkumpanjat minn gurnalist. Il-fotografu kien qed jiehu ritratti ta’ passiggieri li kienu qed jitlighu fuq il-karozza tal-linja min-naha tax-xufier. Ghall-ewwel , ix-xufier hareg ilsienu u sew il-fotografu u l-gurnalist hasbu li kien qed jiccajta. Imma mbaghad ix-xufier hareg idu , qabad il-kamera min-naha tal-lenti u waddabha f’wicc il-fotografu. Ix-xufier sahansitra hedded lill-fotografu ta’
The Times biex “Ma tihux l-ebda ritratt tieghi. “Ser
ninzel u naqlaghlek ghajnejk barra”. Il-Kunsill tal-IGM esprima “solidarjeta’
shiha mal-fotografu u l-gurnalist ta’ The Times li kienu
attakkati waqt il-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom. “Din huwa episodju iehor f’katalogu tal-misthija ta’ attakki fizici kontra gurnalisti, fotografi u kameramen matul l-ahhar snin waqt il-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom,” wissa l-Kunsill tal-IGM. L-IGM appella lill-Korp tal-Pulizija biex jaghtu “protezzjoni xierqa lill-gurnalisti u fotografi li jkunu qed jirrapportaw sitwazzjonijet sensittivi bhal dawn. “B’dispjacir ninnutaw li ma kien hemm l-ebda ufficjal tal-Pulizija fil-post tal-incident,” ilmenta l-Kunsill tal-IGM. Il-Kunsill stieden lil Arriva Malta sabiex taghti “tahrig xieraq lix-xufiera taghha dwar kif jgibu ruhhom meta ffaccjati mill-‘media’ waqt il-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom”. Tmiem/
Press Release 15/2011
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 14/201 Data: 18 ta’ Mejju 2011
Il-GURNALISTI MALTIN GHANDHOM ‘ID-DRITT U D-DMIR’ LI JISTAQSU L-MISTOQSIJET -- L-IGM
Il-Kunsill tal-Istitut tal-G.urnalisti Maltin (IGM) iddiskuta l-andament tal-kampanja elettorali tar-referendum dwar id-dhul tad-divorzju fit-28 ta’ Mejju 2011 u kif dan qed jaffettwa hidmet il-g.urnalisti.
Il-Kunsill tal-IGM jikkundanna bil-qawwa kollha id-dec.iz.joni tal-Moviment Zwieg. bla Divorzju (MZ.BD) li ma jwegibx ghall-mistoqsijiet tal-gurnalisti waqt attivitajiet gall-istampa tal-istess Moviment.
“Ladarba l-Moviment Z.wieg. bla Divorzju qed jistieden il-g.urnalisti ghall-attivitajiet ghall-istampa tal-Moviment, allura l-g.urnalisti g?andhom id-dritt u d-dmir li jaghmlu l-mistoqsijiet lill-mexxejja tieghu biex jikkjarifkaw il-poz.izzjoni tal-istess moviment,” sa?aq il-Kunsill tal-IGM.
Il-Kunsill lanqas jista’ jaccetta l-iskuz.a li ng.abet mill-istess Moviment li l-g.urnalisti kienu ser jinghataw l-opportunita’ li jistaqsu il-mistoqsijiet “waqt il-konferenza stampa li ser tinghata mill-mexxejja tal-MZ.BD bhala parti mill-iskedi ta’ xandiriet politici”.
“F’socjeta’ demokratika il-g.urnalisti ta’ kull fehma ghandhom id-dritt li jpog.g.u taht skrutinju il-poz.izzjonijet tal-z.ewg. movimenti bil-mistoqsijiet taghhom fuq materja ta’ interess pubbliku u kontroversja kurrenti bhalma hu d-divorzju,” sahaq il-Kunsill tal-IG.M.
ll-Kunsill appella lill-Moviment Zwieg. bla Divorzju biex ibiddel il-poz.izzjoni tieghu u jhalli lill-g.urnalisti sabiex isaqsu d-domandi waqt l-attivitajiet ghall-istampa tieghu.
Tmiem/
Malta Journalism Awards: Jithabbru r-rebbieha tal-21 edizzjoni L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) il-bierah filghaxija habbar il-gurnalisti rebbieha tal-21 edizzjoni tal-Malta Journalism Awards f’cermonja li saret fil-Lukanda The Palace u li rat lill-kumpanija A.X. Holdings tikkollabora ghat-tielet sena konsekuttiva ma’ l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin f’din l-attivita annwali li matulha jkunu ippremjati dawk li jahdmu fil-gurnalizmu. Fl-istess cerimonja, gurija indipendenti ippreseduta milll-President Emeritus Dr. Edward Fenech Adami bhala Chairman, flimkien mas-Sur Manni Spiteri u mas-Sur Peppi Azzopardi u habbret lil Michael Schiavone bhala r-rebbieh tal-Gold Award. Il-President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech prezenta l-Gold Award lil Michael Schiavone. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nnominata li skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika taghha. Fl-edizzjonijiet li saru s'issa dan l-unur intrebah minn Fr Joe Borg (1998), Anton Cassar (1999), Frank Attard (2000), J.G. Vassallo (2001), Anthony Montanaro (2002), John Manduca (2003), Charles Grech Orr (2004), Pawlu Carachi (2005), Paul Saliba (2006), Lino Cassar (2007), Dr. Joseph Micallef Stafrace (2008), Lino Spiteri (2009) u Victor Aquilina (2010). Gurija indipendenti ohra mahtura mill-IGM biex tevalwa l-Malta Journalism Awards, u li kienet maghmulha minn Dr. Joe Mifsud bhala Chairman, is-Sur Charles Sacco, is-Sinjorina Victoria Galea, is-Sur Lino Mintoff u s-Sur Tony Parnis. Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet - sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. Christian Peregin (The Times) David Vella (Vida Magazine) Matthew Mirabelli (The Times) Paul Zammit Cutajar (The Sunday Times) Charlon Gouder (One TV) Basement Productions (Net TV)
Cynthia Zerafa (Radju RTK)
Basement Production (Net TV) Christian Micallef u George Micallef (Net TV) Matthew Mirabelli (The Times) Kristina Chetcuti (timesofmalta.com) Claire Bonello (The Sunday Times) James Debono (Malta Today) Alvin Scicluna (PBS) Fis-serata finali tal-bierah inghata wkoll rikonoxximent
lis-Sur David Brockdorff, Direttur Manigerjali tal-kumpanija
BPC International tal-appogg kontinwu li l-kumpanija tat tul
dawn l-ahhar 21 sena minn meta bdew jigu organizzati l-IGM AWARDS
Tmiem
Press Release 10/2011 Date: 02 April 2011 IGM CALLS FOR FOI ACT TO FULLY COME INTO FORCE The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) appeals to the Government to fully bring into force the Freedom of Information Act that was approved by parliament in 2008. According to OPM Circular No 14/2010, issued by the Principal Permanent Secretary Dr Godwin Grima, the FOI Act was meant to come into force on 31 August, 2010. This was quoted and reproduced on the European Public Sector Information Platform website (http://www.epsiplus.net/news/news/malta_prepares_for_foi_act). Yet the legislation, for which the IGM had contributed with a detailed position paper on the White Paper on the draft bill way back in 2007, has not come into force a full seven months later. The IGM feels that more than enough time has elapsed for the Public Service to have prepared and published the information asset lists defined in the FOI Act, especially since Legal Notice LN 218/2009 bound all public authorities to publish all categories of documents held by them by 31 July, 2010. Failure by the Government to publish this information means it is breaking the law. “The Maltese media, as well as the public, have a right to access information according to the FOI Act and any further delay means that the rights of the media and the public are being infringed,” Malcolm J Naudi, Chairman of the IGM, said in a statement. “The Institute had played an important role in the discussions on the Freedom of Information White Paper, with input from the Commonwealth Press Union and other associate bodies, so we feel that it is imperative that the FOI Act be brought into force without delay. “Government enthusiasm to introduce the FOI
Act appears to have waned. The Public Service has had more than
enough time to build the structures necessary and any infringements
of the law need to be rectified forthwith.” The IGM points out that the official website of
the Freedom of Information Act (www.foi.gov.mt), which provides
explanations on the different ways to submit requests for information,
emphasises that no requests can be submitted for the time being
as the law is not yet fully in force. Ends/ Stqarrija numru 09/2011 39 FINALISTA FIL-21 EDIZZJONI TAL-MALTA JOURNALISM
AWARDS L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar l-ismijiet tad-39 finalista li lahqu l-istadju finali minn fost s-77 participant li hadu sehem fil-kompetizzjoni gurnalistika Malta Journalism Awards. Din hi l-21 edizzjoni konsekuttiva li l-Istitut
tal-Gurnalisti Maltin qed jorganizza. Matul is-snin, din il-kompetizzjoni
kibret u l-lum ghandha 13-il kategorija differenti. Il-Gurija ta’ din l-edizzjoni ghazlet lil dawn il-finalisti mnizzlin hawn taht f’ordni alfabetika.
Peregin Christian Sansone Kurt Gurnalizmu Stampat – Features - sponsorjat minn Vodafone
Malta Ltd Sansone Kurt Vella David Gurnalizmu Fotografiku – sponsorjatat minn The Farsons
Foundation Mirabelli Matthew Zammit Lupi Darrin Gurnalizmu marbut ma’ l-Ivvjaggar – sponsorjat minn
Emirates Airline Micallef Mario Zammit Cutajar Paul Gurnalizmu Mxandar – Skript Televiziv – sponsorjata
mill-Awtorita` tax-Xandir Demicoli Keith Gouder Charlon Gurnalizmu Mxandar – Filmat Televiziv – sponsorjata
mill-Awtorita tax-Xandir CVC Media Vella Melissa Zerafa Cynthia Gurnalizmu Kulturali – sponsorjata mill-Awtorita Maltija
tat-Turizmu Bugeja Lino Demicoli Keith Gurnalizmu Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi
Gusti Micallef Christian & Micallef George Micallef Sandro Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Malta
International Airport Mirabelli Matthew Zammit Lupi Darrin e-Gurnalizmu – sponsorjata minn SmartCity Malta Chetcuti Kristina Micallef Sandro Vella Matthew Artikli ta’ Opinjoni – sponorjata mill-Familja Sammut
Chetcuti Kristina Zammit Jacques Rene` Gurnalizmu Ambjentali – sponsorjata mill-kumpanija Green Pak Bugeja Lino CVC Media Debono James Dr. Deidun Alan Importanti li wiehed ikun jaf, li mhux bilfors ikun hemm rebbieh f’kull kategorija, anki jekk f’xi kategorija partikulari jkun hemm finalist wiehed.
Kif sar fl-ahhar snin, is-sottomissjonijiet fil-kategoriji tal-gurnalizmu Fotografiku, tal-gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv kif ukoll fil-kategorija tax-Xandir f’dak li hu filmat kienu analizzati minn gurija separata. Din is-sena c-cerminonja tal-premjazzjoni se ssir fis-7 ta’ Mejju, 2011. Ir-rebbih tal-kategorija l-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Gurnali]mu jithabbar fil-lejla tal-prezentazzjoni.
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 08/2011
Press Release 07/2011 Date: 07 February 2011 77 PARTICIPANTS IN THE 21st EDITION OF THE MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has received submissions from 77 journalists and other media professionals, who are taking part in the 21st edition of the Malta Journalism Awards (MJA). Submissions are currently being adjudicated by the five-person Jury, and the IGM will announce the finalists on Monday, 21 March, 2011. The IGM organises these awards on an annual basis. There are 14 categories in this year’s awards: Print Journalism – News, Print Journalism – Features, Press Photography, Broadcast Journalism – Television Script, Broadcast Journalism – Television Film, Broadcast Journalism – Radio, e-Journalism, Travel Journalism, Cultural Journalism, Sports Journalism, Sports Photography, Opinion Articles, Environment Journalism and the Maltese Language in Journalism award. Each category is sponsored by a different company or organisation. The sponsors are HSBC Bank Malta plc., Vodafone Malta Ltd, The Farsons Foundation, the Broadcasting Authority, SmartCity Malta, the Malta International Airport plc., the Malta Tourism Authority, the Good Causes Fund, Emirates Airline, Green Dot Ltd, the Sammut Family and l-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, 7 May, 2010, at The Palace Hotel, Sliema. During the evening, the Gold Award for outstanding contribution to the journalism profession that goes beyond the normal call of duty will also be awarded. This category is sponsored by the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism (FTFEG). Submissions for this year’s edition of the Gold Award are to reach the IGM offices by Monday, 28, February, 2011.
Press Release 04/2010 Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 03/2010 Data: 27 ta’ Jannar 2010
Vot ta’ fiducja fil-Kunsill tal-IGM
L-ufficcjali u l-membri tal-Kunsill tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) regghu gew eletti minghajr kontestazzjoni meta nhar il-Hamis li ghadda saret il-Laqgha G.enerali Annwali tal-istess IGM.
G?alhekk l-uffic.jali tal-Kunsill ghal din is-sena huma: Malcolm J. Naudi (Cermen), Joe A. Vella (Segretarju), Mario Schiavone (Tezorier), Julia Farrug.ia (Vici-Cermen), Charlot Zahra (Deputat Segretarju), u Charles Flores (Assistent Tezorier), filwaqt li Charles Camenzuli kien kkonfermat bhala membru. Il-Kunsill rega’ hatar lil Keith Demicoli bhala rapprezentat tas-Sezzjoni taz-Zghazagh tal-IGM.
Ic-Cermen Malcolm Naudi qal il-fatt li l-membri tal-Kunsill ma kinux kontestati jirrapprez.enta vot ta’ fiducja specjalment ghall-hidma li saret matul is-sena li ghaddiet, fejn il-IGM akkwista kwartieri godda, hadem biex isir kors ghall-gurnalizmu li se jibda din is-sena, u ghal darb’ohra organizza l-Malta Journalism Awards (MJA) b’success kbir.
Tmiem/
Press Release 02/2011
Press Release: 01/2011 Date: 8 January 2011 IGM launches 21st edition of Malta Journalism Awards The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched
the 21st edition of the annual press awards, known as the Malta
Journalism Awards (MJA), with 14 categories. Apart from the
journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments
may select and submit entries of what they consider to be the
best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether
that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions
can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies.
“I am convinced that there are many journalists and media professionals who look forward to the Malta Journalism Awards and last year’s record number of over 80 submissions is a testament to this,” said IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi. “If you have submitted work in the past but failed to win an award, I urge you not to give up but to try again with fresh, exciting submissions. The jury changes every year but there is always continuity from one year to the next. So, I encourage all journalists to show what they are worth. Being a finalist is already a big achievement.” The 14 categories are:
Print categories: Print Journalism – News – sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. Print Journalism – Features – sponsored by Vodafone Malta Ltd Photo Journalism – sponsored by The Farsons Foundation
Broadcast categories: Broadcast Journalism – TV Script – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – TV Film – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – Radio – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority
E-category: E-Journalism – sponsored by SmartyCity Malta
General categories: Travel Journalism – sponsored by Emirates Airline Sports Journalism – sponsored by the Good Causes Fund Sports Photography – sponsored by the Malta International Airport Cultural Journalism – sponsored by Malta
Tourism Authority Opinion Articles – sponsored by Family Sammut Environment Journalism – sponsored by Green Dot Malta Best use of Maltese Language in Journalism This year’s edition of the Gold Award is being sponsored by Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni fil-Gurnalizmu (FTFEG). More details about this particular award will be announced at a later date. Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points:
Prizes The first three classified in each category will receive a certificate. The winner of the first 13 categories above will each be awarded:
The winner of the special category entitled ‘Il-Lingwa
Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu’ will be presented with the Malta
Journalism Award trophy for that category. The winner of the
Maltese category will not receive a cash prize but will be offered
a specialised course in the Maltese language. The Finalists will be announced on Monday, 21 March, 2011, at the Palace Hotel, Sliema.
The Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony to be held on Saturday, 7 May, 20101 at The Palace Hotel, Sliema. All Maltese journalists may participate All Maltese journalists may participation in the Malta Journalism Awards, irrespective of whether they are IGM members or not. All entries whether in Maltese or in English must have been published or broadcast in Malta between 1 January, 2010, and 31 December, 2010. Closing Date Submissions for the 21st edition of the Malta Journalism Awards will be received at the offices of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, 280/3 Republic Street, Valletta, on Saturday, February 5, 2011, between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm. Non-members of the Institute will be charged an entry fee of €50.00. Regulations and applications may be obtained either by phoning Mr Joe A. Vella on 2131-6958/9945-0746 or downloaded from the IGM website here. Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 19/2010 Data: 20 ta’ Dicembru 2010 Inawgurati ufficcji godda tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin - L-MCAST se joffri kors li jwassal ghal Diploma fil-Gurnalizmu
Dan habbru s-Segretarju Parlamentari responsabbli
mill-Konsultazzjoni Pubblika Chris Said meta nhar it-Tnejn inawgura
l-ufficcji l-godda tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) li
jinsabu fi Triq ir-Repubblika, fil-Belt Valletta. Il-konferenza
tal-ahbarijiet kienet indirizzata wkoll mic-Chairman tal-IGM
Malcolm Naudi.
Is-Segretarju Parlamentari Chris Said qal li mill-1992 ‘l hawn, mindu x-xandir f’Malta kien liberalizzat, dawk impenjati fil-gurnalizmu f’pajjizna zdiedu bil-bosta. Il-htiega li f’Malta jkun offrut kors li jwassal ghal certifikazzjoni fil-gurnalizmu ilha tinhass. Il-kors offrut mis-Centre for Communications Technology fl-Universita’ ta’ Malta ma jhejjix studenti biex isiru gurnalisti izda biex jahdmu fil-qasam tal-komunikazzjoni. Chris Said fahhar lill-IGM li baqa’ jaghmel pressjoni sabiex din il-kwistjoni tkun indirizzata u s-Segretarjat Parlamentari tieghu, li hu responsabbli mid-Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni, dahal biex jappoggja din l-inizjattiva.
L-IGM, originarjament maghruf bhala The Malta Press Club, twaqqaf fl-1989. Din is-sena ghalaq 21 sena. Fost il-membri tieghu, l-IGM ghandu gurnalisti, fotografi, kontributuri, opinjonisti mill-ispectrum kollu tal-media lokali, gazzetti, stazzjonijiet tat-TV u tar-radju.
Press Release No. 18/2010 Date: 9 December 2010 MALTESE JOURNALISTS CONDEMN US “DESPERATE AND DANGEROUS” BACKLASH OVER WIKILEAKS
“These revelations may be embarrassing in their detail, but they also expose corruption and double dealing in public life that is worthy of public scrutiny. The response of the United States is desperate and dangerous because it goes against fundamental principles of free speech and democracy,” the IFJ Secretary General added. “Following on this trend, Paypal, Mastercard, Visa and the Swiss Post office have also stopped supplying services to WikiLeaks, claiming that the whistleblowing website was offering “illegal” services for disclosing classified information,” the IGM Council lamented. The IFJ had taken no position on the justification
for the release of hundreds of thousands of internal documents,
which have made headlines around the world, in the past few
days, but it had welcomed the decision of WikiLeaks “to
use respected channels of journalism, including Der Spiegel,
The Guardian, the New York Times and El Pais, to filter the
information. “It is simply untenable to allege, as some people have, that lives are being put at risk here. The only casualty here is the culture of secrecy that has for too long drawn a curtain around the unsavoury side of public life,” he added. The IFJ also expressed concern about the welfare
and well-being of Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, and
Bradley Manning, the US soldier in Iraq who was under arrest
on suspicion of leaking the information.
Press Release No. 17/2010 Date: 1 December 2010 MALTESE JOURNALISTS SALUTE WHITE’S 23-YEAR-STINT AS IFJ SECRETARY-GENERAL The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), the sole Maltese affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), salutes IFJ Secretary-General Aidan White’s departure from the IFJ Secretary-General after an uninterrupted 23-year-old stint in the post. “White was instrumental in supporting the
IGM’s application for IFJ and EFJ application in November
2003, and has been keen in supporting the journalistic community
in Malta over the past few years with his indefatigable zeal
and passion,” said Charlot Zahra, IGM Deputy Secretary-General.
An IFJ statement issued yesterday explained that White, who had been with the Federation since 1987, would leave on 31 March 2011. The Executive Committee of the IFJ, meeting in Brussels from 27-28 November 2010, finalised “a mutual separation agreement with White”. They also agreed the process for his succession and the appointment of a new General Secretary in the early part of next year.
Press Release No. 16/2010 Date: 23 November 2010 IGM JOINS IFJ CAMPAIGN TO MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF AMPATUAN MEDIA MASSACRE The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
and its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists of the
Philippines (NUJP), have called on journalists, media workers
and their friends and colleagues to organise a Global Day of
Action on 23 November 2010 to mark the first anniversary of
the world’s single biggest atrocity perpetrated against
journalists ever. The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), the
sole IFJ affiliate in Malta, has associated itself with the
IFJ Global Day of Action today. The IGM has also written a protest fax to Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg calling on the Maltese Government to demand that the Philippines administration take action to address the massacre and achieve justice. “I am writing as the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), on behalf of all journalists in our country, to urge you to do everything in your power to press the Government of the Philippines to ensure the perpetrators of the massacre of a confirmed 58 people in the southern Philippines on 23 November, 2009, are brought to justice,” Naudi insisted in his protest fax to the Foreign Minister. The IGM Council was also inviting “all IGM
members, as well as the entire Maltese journalistic community
and all those who are concerned about the situation in the Philippines
to send an e-card to the Philippines President to urge him to
bring all those who committed the Ampatuan massacre to justice”.
Press Release No. 14/2010 Date: 5 November 2010
IG.M JOINS EFJ CALL TO ‘“FREE ALL JAILED TURKISH JOURNALISTS NOW!’”
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) had
called for all journalists currently in jail in Turkey to be
set free immediately “if the movement towards key changes
in the country’s constitution is to deliver promises of
democracy and freedom.
The EFJ had joined its affiliate, the Turkish Journalists Union (TGS), in a call for the immediate and unconditional release of more than 40 journalists jailed in Turkey “who they say are in prison for nothing more than doing their job”.
They made the call after a majority of Turkish citizens voted “Yes” to amending the country’s constitution in a referendum earlier this month.
“We demand the immediate release of all journalists whose continued detention has only served to show the country’s intolerance of real democratic debate,” EFJ President Arne König insisted.
“The vote for changes on 12 September would open the possibility of genuine change and modernisation,” König explained. “It is prime time for the Government to show leadership and to end the climate of fear and intimidation which still surrounds the work of Turkish journalists,” the EFJ President added.
An EFJ statement explained how the Turkish journalists currently in prison were awaiting trial on charges of “violating the Turkish penal code or anti-terror laws through their work as journalists”.
In addition, the EFJ lamented, over 700 Turkish journalists were facing lawsuits, with the threat of imprisonment.
“These journalists are guilty only of doing their job honestly and professionally,” König said. “It is unconscionable to be locked up for carrying out their normal journalistic duties.”
The frustration of European journalists was also shared by journalists’ leaders inside the country. “We urge the Government to release the jailed journalists immediately and reform the country’s legal system to protect journalists’ rights to respect freedom of expression,” Ercan Ipekçi, TGS President and member of the EFJ Steering Committee, said.
“There can be no free society without free journalism,” he warned. “The Government must put press freedom at the core of its constitutional changes,” he insisted.
The TGS had already joined forces with 18 other journalists’ organisations to establish the Freedom for Journalists Platform to monitor issues concerning the freedom of journalists on 25 August, 2010. A council of law would be set up to review judicial cases concerning press freedom in Turkey.
The EFJ called on its member unions and civil society groups to join the campaign to free jailed Turkish journalists.
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IG.M), the sole affiliate of the EFJ in Malta, has associated itself with the EFJ campaign to free more than 40 journalists held in Turkish prisons solely for exercising their profession.
The IG.M has sent a fax of protest to the Turkish ambassador in Malta in which it highlighted the fact that “the 2009 Progress Report by the European Commission says that ‘Turkish law does not sufficiently guarantee freedom of expression in line with the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and the ECHR case law. Political pressures on the media and legal uncertainties affect the exercise of freedom of the press in practice.’
“To date, thousands of journalists and civil society groups around the world have already joined our call to free the jailed journalists in Turkey (link to EFJ postcard campaign: http://www.ifj.org/assets/docs/242/118/254f1f2-5b9a176.pdf),” IG.M chairman Malcolm J. Naudi lamented in his fax to the Turkish ambassador to Malta.
“The IG.M urges your Government to answer the call of journalists and civil society around the world by ending this climate of fear and intimidation facing Turkish journalist and by immediately reforming the country’s legal system to protect journalists’ rights,” he concluded his fax to the Turkish ambassador to Malta.
“The IG.M Council is calling on all its members, Maltese journalists and all those concerned about the state of media freedoms in Turkey to send an electronic card to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. This can be accessed on the link http://www.ifj.org/en/pages/set-turkish-journalists-free.
The EFJ was also scheduled to demonstrate outside the Turkish Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, on the Stand Up for Journalism Day today, 5 November, 2010. Press Release No. 15/2010 Date: 6 November 2010
PRESS ETHICS COMMISSION CHAIRMAN PARTICIPATES IN AIPCE ANNUAL MEETING
The Press Ethics Commission (PEC) was represented at the 12th annual meeting of the Alliance of Independent Press Councils of Europe (AIPCE) held in Amsterdam on 4-5 November 2010 by its Chairman, Dr. Kevin F. Dingli, who presented a report on the workings of the PEC in Malta.
This year’s event, hosted by the Netherlands’ Raad voor de Journalistik also celebrating its 50th anniversary, was attended by 75 delegates from 35 countries.
Various topical subjects were debated, including online and media accountability issues, human rights and free speech.
Members of the public may file complaints with the PEC concerning allegations of breach of the Code of Journalistic Ethics by journalists, following the procedure set out in the Rules of Procedure. These are dealt with expeditiously and free of charge.
Further information may be obtained from the Institute of Maltese Journalists’ (IG.M) website www.maltapressclub.org.mt/pec.html. Press Release: 17/2010 Dated: 29 September 2010
IG.M supports Journalism Diploma Course at MCAST
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IG.M) lends its full support to the Institute of Business & Commerce (IBC) within the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), which is launching a three-year Diploma in Journalism Studies evening course as from this month.
The IG.M put forward concrete recommendations to the IBC, based on approved learning content adopted by the National Union of Journalists in the UK and material which IG.M Council members have developed specifically with the needs of the local media in mind. The course, which depending on demand can also be developed to first degree level, has 15 core modules and four optional half modules. In addition, third-year students will be expected to submit a Dissertation.
The core modules include practical media skills, language skills in Maltese and English, local legislation and ethics, production management, practical elements, and corporate governance and public policy. The optional modules cover specialised reporting, photo journalism, shorthand for journalists and specialist IT applications.
“This is an important milestone in Maltese journalism,” said Malcolm J. Naudi, IG.M Chairman. “Not since the mid-Eighties has a journalism course been available from any local educational institutions and I would like to give credit to the authorities who have lent their support and encouragement to the IG.M’s endeavours to raise the standards of local journalism.
“This course is open both to those who have just left school and to experienced practitioners who wish to have a formal educational background. I am counting on the media industry to lend their support by allowing their members of staff to spend time to attend,” Mr Naudi added.
New IG.M premises
The IG.M has also moved to premises at 280 Republic Street, Valletta, a prominent public building from where it will be operating.
“I would like to pay tribute to Parliamentary Secretary Dr Chris Said for having taken the political decision to enable the IG.M to be afforded prestigious premises in the main road of Malta’s capital. He was also instrumental in lending the necessary support for the Journalism Diploma Course to be considered at MCAST,” the IG.M chairman said.
“My sincere thanks also go to BPC International Ltd, who have supported the IG.M since inception and for more than 20 years afforded them their previous premises in Old Mint Street, Valletta.”
Ends/
7 September 2010 International Bureau of Epilepsy - 50th anniversary To celebrate 50 years from foundation of International Bureau of Epilepsy, IBE has launched two competitions:
http://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/news/launch-of-the-excellence-in-journalismn-award A photo competition: http://www.ibe-epilepsy.org/news/epilepsy-without-words Maltese journalists are welcome to participate. For further info, one may contact: Dr Janet Mifsud Email: janet.mifsud@um.edu.mt Tel: +356 23402845
Press Release No.: 13/2010
The Institute of Maltese Journalists today announced the formation of a new Press Ethics Commission – Malta (PEC), including a new chairman, while retaining the format of the outgoing commission. Addressing a press conference at the IGM’s premises in Valletta, the institute’s chairman, Malcolm J. Naudi, said that, following the premature resignation of the PEC in 2009, led by Professor Kevin Aquilina, the IGM had embarked on a lengthy process that took several months to set up a new commission. The new commission is to be composed of ten members, including the chairman (see bottom of this PR), and the PEC’s term should be for a period of one year, starting on 1 May, 2010. Mr Naudi thanked Professor Aquilina for his brief tenure and the outgoing members of the PEC. “The IGM Council accepted their resignation with regret,” he added. While introducing Dr Kevin Dingli to the media, Mr Naudi said that his first task is to get the PEC working again, tackling a number of pending cases, but in the coming months it will be working on suggesting changes to the Code of Ethics for the IGM Council and members to approve, apart from indicating the way forward. “I urge anyone contemplating making a complaint to the Commission to consider seriously the implications of their decision. Complainers have several options, including taking court action, and making a complaint to the PEC should not be seen as the cheaper option but the most effective one,” Mr Naudi said. Among the changes that are being contemplated are a move from a Press Ethics Commission to a Media Ethics Commission, since complaints do not relate solely to the press but to all media. The IGM also intends to take a lead to bring about a harmonisation among the various codes of ethics in the country, whether they are those of individual stations/media houses, political parties or the Broadcasting Authority. “The IGM calls on all the various authorities to come together to eliminate confusion among the public and build a universal code of ethics that can be applied across all media. This will not only make life easier for journalists but ensure that the public can obtain equal remedy whatever the medium and individual media house concerned,” Mr Naudi said. All complaints to the PEC must be addressed to: The Secretary The Press Ethics Commission can also be contacted via e-mail at pecmalta@gmail.com.
Since its foundation, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has endeavoured to upgrade journalism in Malta. Ethics, together with Education and Professionalisation, were identified as the three principles the IGM should pursue to achieve this objective. In November 1991, following various meeting between the IGM (then known as The Malta Press Club) and the now defunct Institute of Broadcasters, a code of journalistic ethics was launched, following approval by the members of both organisations. That Code, launched during a press conference on 11 November 1991, provided for the setting up of the Journalistic Ethics Council, which was to be the precursor of the present Press Ethics Commission (PEC). In February 1996, a policy document prepared by former TMPC Education and Information Secretary, Carmel Bonello, was presented during a seminar for all Maltese journalists. Among others, this document put forward new concepts for the promotion of journalistic ethics, including guidelines for submission and handling of complaints, as well as for a revision of the former Journalistic Ethics Council. The document suggested the setting up of a body called the Press Ethics Commission (PEC) and its composition. The new PEC became operational in January 1999 under the chairmanship of Notary Myriam Spiteri Debono. In 2001, the Chief Justice Emeritus, Professor Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici, was appointed Chairman. In 2006 Joe Cordina was appointed Secretary. In April, 2009, Dr Kevin Aquilina was appointed Chairman but resigned on 30 July, 2009, after a PEC decision was leaked to the media. In May, 2010, Dr Kevin Dingli was appointed Chairman. The Press Ethics Commission is currently composed of: Chairman: Dr Kevin Dingli Members: Charles Abela Mizzi Secretary: Joe Cordina
18-05-2010 Il-Kummissjoni tniedi t-tieni Premju tas-Sahha tal-UE ghall-Gurnalisti
Il-gurnalisti huma mistiedna biex jissottomettu artikli ppubblikati f’pubblikazzjonijiet stampati jew dawk onlajn bejn is-16 ta’ Gunju 2009 u l-1 ta’ Lulju 2010 billi juzaw formola tal-applikazzjoni onlajn. Il-kompetizzjoni taghlaq f’nofsillejl tal-1 ta’ Lulju 2010. Ir-rebbieha jintghazlu kif gej: f’kull pajjiz tal-UE, gurija nazzjonali maghmula minn gurnalisti u esperti tas-sahha pubblika, ippreseduta mill-Kummissjoni Ewropea, taghzel finalist nazzjonali wiehed. Gurija tal-UE mbaghad taghzel tliet rebbieha fil-livell tal-UE fost is-27 finalisti. Ladarba jkunu kkonfermati l-ismijiet tal-membri tal-gurija nazzjonali u tal-UE, huma jkunu disponibbli fuq il-websajt tal-Premju ta’ Gurnalisti. Ir-rebbieha se jircievu premijiet fi flus b’€5,000
ghall-ewwel post, €3,000 ghat-tieni u €2,000 ghat-tielet.
Il-finalisti nazzjonali kollha se jkunu mistiedna jmorru Brussell
fil-harifa 2010 biex jiehdu sehem f’seminar tal-midja dwar
kwistjonijiet tas-sahha tal-UE. Il-Premju tas-Sahha tal-UE ghall-gurnalisti
tnieda ghall-ewwel darba fl-2009. Biex tissottometti artiklu u ssib aktar taghrif dwar il-Premju jekk joghgbok zur il-websajt tal-Premju tal-Gurnalist: http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/journalist_prize/2010/index_en.htm Ghal aktar informazzjoni dwar il-kampanja l-Ewropa ghall-Pazjenti: http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/europe_for_patients/index_da.htm
It-tieni Programm ta’ Sahha ghall-Komunità 2008-2013: http://ec.europa.eu/health/programme/policy/index_en.ht 09.05.2010 Malta Journalism Awards: Jithabbru r-rebbieha tal-20 edizzjoni L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar il-gurnalisti rebbieha tal-20 edizzjoni tal-Malta Journalism Award is-Sibt 8 ta' Mejju. Fl-istess cerimonja, gurija indipendenti ippreseduta milll-President Emeritus Edward Fenech Adami bhala Chairman, flimkien ma' Fr. Joe Borg u s-Sur Tony Cassar Darien habbret lis-Sur Victor Aquilina bhala r-rebbieh tal-Gold Award. Filwaqt li l-President Emiritus Dr. Eddie Fenech ipprezenta l-motivazzjoni wara l-ghazla tar-rebbieh tal-Gold Award, il-President Emeritus Dr. Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, il-President tal-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ipprezenta l-Gold Award lis-Sur Victor Aquilina. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nnominata li skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika taghha. Fl-ghaxar edizzjonijiet li saru s'issa dan l-unur intrebah minn Fr Joe Borg (1998), Anton Cassar (1999), Frank Attard (2000), J.G. Vassallo (2001), Anthony Montanaro (2002), John Manduca (2003), Charles Grech Orr (2004), Pawlu Carachi (2005), Paul Saliba (2006), Lino Cassar (2007), Dr. Joseph Micallef Stafrace (2008) u Lino Spiteri (2009). Gurija indipendenti ohra mahtura mill-IGM biex tevalwa l-Malta Journalism Awards, u li kienet maghmulha mis-Sur Joe Felice Pace bhala Chairman, Dr. Joe Mifsud, is-Sinjorina Sylvana Debono, is-Sur Paul Galea u s-Sur Ronnie Muscat: Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet - sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. 1. Ariadne Massa (The Times) Gurnalizmu Stampat - Features - sponsorjata minn
Vodafone Malta Ltd 1. Melvin Farrugia (L-Orizzont) 3. Victor Vella (L-Orizzont/ It-Torca) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku - sponsorjata minn The
Farsons Foundation 1. Christian Sant Fournier (The Times) Gurnalizmu dwar l-Ivvjaggar - sponsorjata minn
Emirates Airline 1. Paul Zammit Cutajar (The Times) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Skript Televiziv 1. It-Tim ta’ Biografiji (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Filmat Televisiv 1. CVC Communications (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Radju 1. Carmel Bonello ( RTK ) 2. Keith Demicoli (Radju Malta ) 3. Cynthia Zerafa ( RTK )
Gurnalizmu Kulturali - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita`
Maltija tat-Turizmu 1. Basement Productions (Net TV)
Gurnalizmu Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi
Gusti, 1. It-Tim ta’ Replay (Net TV) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Malta
International Airport 1. Darrin Zammit Lupi (The Times) Gurnalizmu Elettroniku (e-Journalism) - sponsorjata
minn SmartCity Malta 1. Fabrizio Ellul (maltastar.com)
The George Sammut Opinion Article Award – sponsorjat mill-Familja Sammut (Trofew ipprezentat mis-Sur Andrea Sammut, rapprezentant tal-Familja Sammut) 1. Josanne Cassar (The Malta Independent) 2. Clare Bonello (The Times) 3. Vanessa Macdonald (di-ve.com)
Gurnalizmu dwar l-Ambjent – sponsorjat mill-kumpanija GreenPak 1. Dr. Alan Deidun (The Sunday Times) 2. Mario Micallef (PBS) 3. Lino Bugeja (The Sunday Times)
L-Ilsien Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu - Kategorija
Specjali 1. Il-Gens Illum (Il-Gens Illum)
Press Release No. 12/2010
29.04.2010 EU awards journalists for raising awareness of discrimination "The media can play a key role in tackling discrimination, prejudices and stereotypes by reporting on these issues. Journalists trigger debates. They can form opinions and raise awareness in our societies on issues as important as discrimination," said Viviane Reding, Commission Vice-President and Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship. "Diversity and social inclusion are values on which our Union is founded and they are all the more important in the current economic context. Today's award winners have made a valuable contribution to raising awareness on discrimination issues and I hope that this will encourage more journalists to participate in the 2010 competition." Today's ceremony in Brussels will honour those journalists who, through their writing, help foster a better understanding of the benefits of diversity. These reporters encourage readers to consider discrimination and inequality issues more closely. This year, the Commission is dedicating a special award to an article about the links between poverty and discrimination issues. 2009 Award Winners Kathrin Löther, a young student journalist from Germany, won first prize for her article “Das Lieben der Anderen” (“The Love of Others”), which was published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung. The winning article addresses the issue of love between people with disabilities, raising awareness of this topic in a warm and human way. István Balla was the runner-up winner for his article in the Hungarian online magazine Figyelonet on the living conditions of Roma children (Mit látnak Budapestbol a cigány gyerekek? (“What do Roma Children See of Budapest?”). Finally, Hanna Nikkanen received a special award for “Kerrosten välissä” (“Stuck in between”). Her article in the monthly magazine Voima tells the story of a migrant facing poverty in Finland. The winning articles can be found on: http://journalistaward.stop-discrimination.info/
Launch of entries for the 2010 award
Background The journalist award scheme is part of the awareness-raising activities in the EU's “For Diversity. Against Discrimination” campaign. European Youth Press, the European Journalism Centre and the Association of European Journalists are partners of this award edition. The EU selected the winning entries from more than 500 articles from all 27 Member States that were submitted between November 2008 and the end of August 2009. The jury members underlined the high quality of the articles submitted. The three European winners will each receive a grant for a research trip to an EU country of their choice. See also MEMO/09/51 For more information: “For Diversity. Against Discrimination.” Journalist Award http://journalistaward.stop-discrimination.info “For Diversity. Against Discrimination.” campaign http://www.stop-discrimination.info/99.0.html European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu 12.04.2010
Personal launch at the International Festival
of Journalism, Perugia, Italy
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa 10/2010 39 FINALISTA GHALL-20 EDIZZJONI TAL-MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar l-ismijiet tad-39 finalista li lahqu l-istadju finali minn fost 82 sottomissjoni li hadu sehem fil-kompetizzjoni gurnalistika tal-Malta Journalism Awards (MJA). Din hi l-20 edizzjoni konsekuttiva li l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin qed jorganizza. Matul is-snin, din il-kompetizzjoni kibret u l-lum ghandha 14-il kategorija differenti. Diversi istituzzjonijiet u kumpaniji ewlenin, sena wara l-ohra, jisponsorjaw il-Malta Journalism Awards. Fost dawn hemm l-Awtorità tax-Xandir, il-Fond ghall-Kawzi Gusti, l-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., SmartCity Malta, Vodafone Malta Limited, l-Awtorità Maltija tat-Turizmu, The Farsons Foundation, Malta International Airport p.l.c., il-linja ta’ l-ajru Emirates, il-Familja Sammut u l-kumpanija GreenPak Ltd. Il-gurija ta’ din l-edizzjoni ghazlet lil dawn il-finalisti mnizzlin hawn taht f’ordni alfabetika: Gurnalizmu Stampat – Ahbarijiet – sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.: Il-Gens Illum; Gurnalizmu Stampat – Features – sponsorjata minn Vodafone Malta Ltd: Farrugia Melvin; Gurnalizmu Fotografiku – sponsorjatat minn
The Farsons Foundation: Gurnalizmu marbut ma’ l-Ivvjaggar – sponsorjat minn Emirates Airline CVC Communications; Gurnalizmu Mxandar – Skript Televiziv – sponsorjata mill-Awtorità tax-Xandir: CVC Communications; Gurnalizmu Mxandar – Filmat Televiziv – sponsorjata mill-Awtorità tax-Xandir: Basement Productions; Gurnalizmu Mxandar – Radio – sponsorjata mill-Awtorità tax-Xandir: Bonello Carmel; Gurnalizmu Kulturali– sponsorjata mill-Awtorità
Maltija tat-Turizmu:Basement Productions; Gurnalizmu Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi Gusti: Azzopardi Kevin; Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Malta International Airport p.l.c.: Ellul Michael; e-Gurnalizmu – sponsorjata minn SmartCity Malta Ellul Fabrizio; Artikli ta’ Opinjoni – sponsorjata mill-Familja Sammut Bonello Clare; Gurnalizmu dwar l-Ambjent – sponsorjata minn GreenPak Ltd Bugeja Lino; Importanti li wiehed ikun jaf li mhux bilfors ikun hemm rebbieh f’kull kategorija, anki jekk f’xi kategorija partikulari jkun hemm finalist wiehed. Il-Gurija qed thejji wkoll rapport dettaljat dwar is-sottomissjonijiet u l-livell gurnalistiku taghhom, li ghandu jinqara qabel il-premjazzjoni fis-serata finali. Dakinhar jithabbru wkoll l-ismijiet tal-membri li huma fuq il-Gurija ghal din l-edizzjoni. Is-sottomissjonijiet fil-kategoriji tal-Gurnalizmu
Fotografiku u tal-Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv kienu analizzati
minn Gurija separata maghmula minn fotografu professjonali,
li wkoll fis-serata finali se jipprezenta rapport dettaljat.
Din is-sena c-cerimonja tal-premjazzjoni se ssir is-Sibt, 8 ta’ Mejju, 2010. Ir-rebbieh tal-kategorija l-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu jithabbar fil-lejla tal-prezentazzjoni. Fl-istess cerimonja jithabbar ukoll ir-rebbieh
tal-Gold Award, sponsorjata mill-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni
fil-Gurnalizmu. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nominata li
skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta’
prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika
taghha. Il-Gold Award ilu jinghata mill-1998.
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa: 10/2010 Data: 5 ta’ Marzu 2010 L-IGM SOLIDALI MA’ STEPHEN CALLEJA Wara li rcieva lment minghand il-gurnalist Stephen Calleja, il-Kunsill tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) iddiskuta l-kaz imsemmi minnu u nnota b’dispjacir l-attakk ingust li sar fuqu mill-President tal-Malta Union of Teachers (MUT). Il-Kunsill tal-IGM jikkundanna dan l-agir fuq gurnalist li kien qed jaghmel id-dover tieghu u li ghandu d-dritt u l-obligu jesprimi l-fehma tieghu f’pajjiz demokratiku. Il-Kunsill juri solidarjetà’ ma’ Calleja u jittama li attakki bhal dan ma jirrepetux ruhh Stqarrija ghall-Istampa: 09/2010 Stqarrija ghall-Istampa: 07/2010 Data: 25 ta’ Frar 2010 IMUT BENNY PACE: MEMBRU ATTIV TAL-IGM SA MILL-BIDU TIEGHU L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) jinnota b’niket profond il-mewt ta’ Benny Pace, eks-Segretarju ta’ Valletta FC u gurnalista sportiv, li thabbret aktar kmieni dalghodu. Sa mit-twaqqif tal-Istitut fl-1989, Pace kien membru attiv tal-Istitut u ha sehem bosta drabi fil-Malta Journalism Awards (MJA), li din is-sena dahlu fil-21 edizzjoni taghhom. Pace serva bhala editur tal-gazzetta il-Poplu mill-1955 sal- 1973. Bejn l-1970 u l-1982 serva bhala editur sportiv mal-gurnal in-Nazzjon Taghna. Huwa kien ukoll editur sportiv tal-gazzetta ta’ kull nhar ta’ Hadd il-Mument bejn l-1972 u l-1982. Fl-ahhar snin kien ukoll kontributur ma’ diversi gurnali lokali fosthom il-gurnal l-Orizzont. Pace kien okkupa ukoll il-kariga ta’ Editur mal-gurnal Sporting Star. Pace kiem maghuf ghar-rekord dettaljati dwar il-futbol lokali li kien izomm, li hafna drabi kienu s-sors ta’ sensiliet ta’ artikli fil-gazzetti lokali dwar il-futbol Malti. F’isem il-bosta membri tal-Istitut u l-kommuinta’ gurnalistika f’Malta, il-Kunsill tal-IGM jassocja ruhu mal-Ghaqda Gurnalisti Sport (GhGS) fin-niket espress ghat-telfa tal-kollega veteran, u joffri l-kondoljanzi lill-qraba u l-hbieb tieghu f’dan il-mument ta’niket ghalihom..
Press Release 06/2010 Date: 15 February 2010 NOMINATIONS FOR THE GOLD AWARD 2010 The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IG.M) will be receiving nominations for the Gold Award 2010. Submissions will be accepted from individual persons, associations, organizations or institutions. Individuals cannot nominate themselves, but everyone is free to submit to the IG.M an individual, group of persons, association, organization, or institution, if in his or her opinion, the nomination qualifies for the Gold Award. The Gold Award is sponsored by the Tumas Foundation for Education in Journalism (FTFEG.). The aim of the Award is to give recognition: (a) To a Maltese person, residing in Malta, with a long career and vast experience in journalism and whose contribution goes beyond the requisites of normal professional practice; or (b) To an association, organization, institution or a group of persons that gave an outstanding contribution for the development of journalism. This is the tenth year in which the Gold Award
is being awarded. The award is in addition to the annual Malta
Journalism Awards (MJA) which recognizes achievements by an
individual journalist on specific contributions of the previous
year. Submissions will be accepted up till Monday, 2 March, 2010. The nominations must include all relevant details (e.g.: details of the achievements over the years; letters of reference; biography of the nominee) as well as the reason or reasons for the submission of the nomination. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges chaired by the President Emeritus Dr Edward Fenech Adami. Nominations are to be submitted to Joe A. Vella, Secretary, IG.M, 104 a, Old Mint Street, Valletta; or 146/5 Howard Street, Sliema, SLM 1759. Past Winners 1998 – Fr Joe Borg; 1999 – Anton Cassar; 2000 – Frank Attard; 2001 – J.G. Vassallo; 2002 – Anthony Montanaro; 2003 – John Manduca; 2004 – Charles Grech Orr; 2005 – Paul Carachi; 2006 – Paul Saliba; 2007 –Lino Cassar; 2008 – Joe Micallef Stafrace; 2009 – Lino Spiteri.
4th February 2010 IGM CONDEMNS ATTACK ON PHOTOGRAPHER The photographer was attacked by several persons when he was taking photos outside the premises, thrown to the ground, and injured in the face and other parts of his body. The photographer’s equipment was also damaged. The main perpetrator has been identified and PBS have footage of the incident. After the photographer was treated at the nearby polyclinic, he filed a report at the Cospicua Police Station. The IGM condemns without reservation this cowardly attack and calls on the authorities to press charges against the aggressors. The IGM calls on the Courts to ensure that aggressions against journalists are punished with an exemplary sentence that takes due consideration of the important role that journalists and photographers fulfil in a democratic society. It is unacceptable for members of the media to be treated in this way when they are fulfilling their duty in a lawful manner. The Institute also reminds members of the media to bein a position to visibly display their press cards when on duty to facilitate their identification by the Police authorities. IGM Newsflash 01/2010 Data: 13 ta’ Jannar 2010 L-IGM TWAQQAF REGISTRU TAL-BLACKLISTED Wara li evalwa d-diversi ilmenti li rcieva, l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin ihoss li b’effett immedjat ghandu jwaqqaf Registru b’ismijiet ta’ individwi, kumpaniji jew stazzjonijiet li huma blacklisted. L-ghan ta’ dan ir-Registru hu biex jissalvagwardja kemm lill-membri tieghu kif ukoll Djar tal-Pubblikazzjonijiet u Stazzjonijiet lokali milli jkomplu jingidmu minn individwi jew kumpaniji li ma jhallsux ghal servizzi u xoghlijiet li jkunu nghataw. “Matul dawn l-ahhar xhur l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin ircieva ghadd ta’ ilmenti dwar persuni fil-media li kienu ngannati f’dan is-sens. Uhud mix-xoghlijiet ta’ gurnalisti li sal-lum ghadhom ma thallsux jammontaw ghal eluf kbar ta’ ewro,” spjegat Julia Farrugia Deputat Chairperson tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin. “S’issa rcevejna digà ilmenti kontra tliet individwi differenti li ma hallsux ghal xoghol li rcevew.” Ghal dan il-ghan, l-IGM qed titlob biex minnufih dawk il-partijiet kollha li b’xi mod ingidmu minn skemi jew sitwazzjonijiet bhal dawn jaghmlu kuntatt mal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin bid-dettalji kollha mehtiega fuq dan l-indirizz elettroniku: institute.of.maltese.journalists@gmail.com Importanti li fl-email taghkom tipprovdu dan it-taghrif: 1. L-ammont li ghandkom tiehdu; 2. Minghand min; 3. X’tip ta’ xoghol ghamiltu u f’liema perjodu; u 4. X’passi hadtu s’issa u x’gara s’issa f’din it-tilwima. L-IGM beda ezercizzju biex, f’kuntatti ghal tal-apposta mad-dirigenti tal-istazzjonijiet televizivi, tar-radju, gazzetti u Djar tal-Pubblikazzjonijiet, jingabru d-dettalji ta’ dawk li sal-lum ghandhom jaghtu flejjes kbar ghal progetti li saru. L-IGM qed jintrabat li jtella’ dan ir-Registru fuq is-sit elettroniku tieghu. Il-kazijiet kollha li jigu solvuti se jkollhom marka fil-genb li tindika li l-kaz kien solvut u meta. B’dan il-mod gurnalist jew membru tal-IGM, qabel ma jidhol ghal progetti fix-xandir u l-istampar, ikollu stampa cara tax-xejriet passati u/jew prezent minn dawk il-persuni jew stazzjonijiet li qed joffrulhom ix-xoghol. “Din hi sitwazzjoni li l-Istitut ma jittollerax. L-informazzjoni hi mezz qawwi kif nistghu nahdmu biex dan l-agir jieqaf darba ghal dejjem. Jekk kulhadd jikkopera, dawn l-affarijiet mill-ewwel nilqghu ghalihom,” qal Malcolm J. Naudi, chairman tal-IGM. Il-persuni kollha li se jressqu l-ilmenti lill-IGM se jkunu marbuta li meta l-kaz jissolva u jkunu rcevew il-flus kollha dovuti jinfurmaw minnufih lill-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin.
19 ta' Jannar 2010 L-IGM issejjah ghal aggornament tal-ligijiet li jolqtu l-liberta’ tal-espressjoni * Il-Konferenza Generali Annwali tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin li tlaqqghet nhar it-Tnejn 18 ta’ Jannar, ghamlet sejha ghal aggornament shih tal-ligijiet tal-pajjiz li, b’xi mod jew iehor, jolqtu l-liberta’ tal-espressjoni u biex dawn ikunu jirriflettu r-realtajiet li qed nghixu llum kif ukoll biex ikunu konformi mal-ligijiet tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Bis-sahha ta’ dan l-aggornament tal-ligijiet ma tibqax il-htiega li jittiehdu proceduri kriminali li sahansitra jistghu jwasslu li persuna tintbaghat il-habs. Kunsill gdid Fl-istess laqgha gie elett Kunsill gdid ghas-sena
2010. L-ufficjali Malcolm J. Naudi (chairman), Joe A. Vella
(Segretarju) u Mario Schiavone (Tezorier) ma gewx kontestati.
Madankollu se jkun hemm wicc gdid fil-Kunsill, Carmel Camenzuli,
li se jkun fost il-membri eletti. Il-membri l-ohra eletti huma:
Julia Farrugia, Charlot Zahra u Charles Flores. Keith Demicoli
gie mahtur fuq il-Kunsill bhala rapprezentant tal-Ghaqda taz-Zghazagh. 9th January 2010 IGM launches 20th edition of Malta Journalism Awards The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched the 20th edition of the annual press awards, known as the Malta Journalism Awards, today with 14 categories. Apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments/News Editors may select what they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/contributor and submit entries irrespective of whether that journalist/contributor belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies. In both cases, consent has to be given by the individual journalist/contributor concerned by filling in the appropriate part on the Official Application Form prior to submission of the entry by the Editor, Head of News Department/News Editor, or organisations/ corporations/bodies. “With this 20th edition, the IGM has reached an important milestone. The Institute has proved to be a reliable partner to the many official bodies and private/public companies who have sponsored these awards over the years,” said IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi. “I am convinced that thanks to these press awards, the IGM has played an important role in raising the standards of journalism in this country. We have a huge pool of talent that is mobilised each year to showcase the best work and the MJA has is that showcase.” The 14 categories are: Broadcast categories: General categories: Cultural Journalism – sponsored by Malta
Tourism Authority Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points: a)only coverages that were made overseas by the
journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Travel Journalism
category; Prizes The winner of the special category entitled ‘Il-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu’ will be presented with the Malta Journalism Award trophy for that category. Announcement of Finalists Presentation Ceremony All Maltese journalists may participate Closing Date Regulations and applications may be obtained either by phoning IGM Hon. Secretary Joe A. Vella on 2131-6958/9945 0746 or from the website: www.maltapressclub.org.mt. Ends
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa
IGM Press Release Date: 3 September 2009
MALTESE JOURNALISTS SUPPORT EFJ CONDEMNATION OF BERLUSCONI'S “MEDIA VENDETTA”
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the regional group of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has accused Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi of putting press freedom to the sword by launching a legal vendetta against media at home and abroad for reporting on his troubled personal life. "It's understandable that Prime Minister Berlusconi wants to keep his colourful personal life out of the headlines," said Aidan White, IFJ and EFJ General Secretary. "But he puts press freedom at risk by trying to use the law to intimidate journalists and to stifle media reporting." The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IG.M), the Malta affiliate of the IFJ and the EFJ, associates itself fully with this statement. The EFJ says that Berlusconi often used his power as both media magnate and political leader to intimidate media and individual journalists, but this time he "has stepped over a line by trying to stifle embarrassing but legitimate journalism at both home and abroad." On 28 August 2009, Berlusconi sued the daily “La Repubblica” simply for having publicly asked him ten questions. At the same time, the daily “Il Giornale” owned by the Berlusconi family is attacking the catholic paper “Avvenire”. Moreover, Berlusconi is suing French weekly “Le Nouvel Observateur”, and reports say his lawyers are looking into the possibility to sue British papers – including the ones owned by his former "friend" Rupert Murdoch. All of this follows intense media interest in his personal life including his divorce and controversy surrounding his relationships with young women. "What happened is incredible," said Franco Siddi, President of the IFJ affiliate Federazione Nazionale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI). "This complaint against La Repubblica and the attack on Avvenire are evidence of spectacular intimidation of media or journalists who ask questions, express opinions or even discuss the influence of Berlusconi's private life in politics. He should know that in democracy there are limits to his power," Siddi insisted. The EFJ says Berlusconi's onslaught against the press over his personal behaviour is unacceptable, in Italy or elsewhere. The attack on Avvenire, a respectable newspaper of the church, has added to public indignation over his actions, which many observers believe damage his international reputation. The EFJ is backing the FNSI in their demands for Berlusconi and his political allies to respect independent and free media in Italy. "Journalists and media must stand firm in defence of the principles of press freedom and quality journalism," said White. "And particularly so when the threat comes from the most powerful politician in the land."
The EFJ represents over 250,000 journalists in over 30 European countries
Press Release URGENT: IGM ACCEPTS PEC RESIGNATION The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has accepted the resignation letter of the Chairman and Members of the Press Ethics Commission with immediate effect. A copy of the resignation letter is being attached with this press release.
Ends/ Click here to see the letter of resignation: Page 1 Page 2
Media Release Stqarrija ghall-Istampa Stqarrija ghall-Istampa
Words raising awareness: EU journalist competition on discrimination and diversity
15% of Europeans believe they have been discriminated against – one good reason for the European Commission to launch for the sixth year running its “For Diversity. Against Discrimination.” journalist competition. The award is open to both print and online journalists. It showcases the talents of media professionals who, through their writing, contribute to a better understanding of the benefits of diversity and tackling discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin. This year's award includes a special category for articles focusing on the link between poverty and discrimination.
communication campaign which promotes diversity and better information about discrimination rights throughout Europe. The award is organised in partnership with the Association of European Journalists, European Youth Press, and the European Journalism Centre. Last year the joint winners came from Le Monde in France and Danish national daily, Jyllands-Posten. The recently published Media4Diversity study has cited the Journalist Award as a good practice example which demonstrates “the power of incentives from the policy-making community through initiatives – and parallel funding measures”.
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS 2009: L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) il-bierah filghaxija habbar il-gurnalisti rebbieha tad-19-il edizzjoni tal-Malta Journalism Awards f’cermonja li saret fil-Lukanda The Palace u li rat lill-kumpanija A.X Holdings tikkollabora ma’ l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin f’din l-attivita annwali li matulha jkunu ippremjati dawk li jahdmu fil-gurnalizmu. Fl-istess cerimonja, gurija indipendenti ippreseduta milll-President Emeritus Dr. Edward Fenech Adami bhala Chairman, flimkien ma' Dr. Clare Thake Vassallo u Dr. Carmen Sammut habbret lil Lino Spiteri bhala r-rebbieh tal-Gold Award. Il-President Emeritus Dr. Edward Fenech Adami ipprezenta l-Gold Award lil Lino Spiteri. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nnominata li skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika taghha. Fl-edizzjonijiet li saru s'issa dan l-unur intrebah minn Fr Joe Borg (1998), Anton Cassar (1999), Frank Attard (2000), J.G. Vassallo (2001), Anthony Montanaro (2002), John Manduca (2003), Charles Grech Orr (2004), Pawlu Carachi (2005), Paul Saliba (2006), Lino Cassar (2007) u Dr. Joseph Micallef Stafrace (2008). Gurija indipendenti ohra mahtura mill-IGM biex tevalwa l-Malta Journalism Awards, u li kienet maghmulha minn Dr. Anna Mallia bhala Chairman, is-Sur Mario Azzopardi, is-Sur Joseph Felice Pace, is-Sur Winston Azzopardi u s-Sur Gino Galea: Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet - sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. 1. Ariadne Massa (The Times) Gurnalizmu Stampat - Features - sponsorjata minn
Vodafone Malta Ltd 1. Charlot Zahra (MaltaToday) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku - sponsorjata minn The
Farsons Foundation 1. Michael Ellul (In-Nazzjon) Gurnalizmu dwar l-Ivvjaggar - sponsorjata minn
Emirates Airline 1. It-Tim ta’ Xarabank (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Skript Televiziv - sponsorjata
mill-Awtorita` tax-Xandir 1. Reno Bugeja (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Filmat Televisiv- sponsorjata
mill-Awtorita` tax-Xandir 1. Basement Productions (Net TV) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Radju - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita`
tax-Xandir 1. Cynthia Zerafa (Radju RTK) Gurnalizmu Kulturali - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita`
Maltija tat-Turizmu 1. Alvin Scicluna (PBS) Gurnalizmu Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi
Gusti 1. Christian Micallef u George Micallef (Net TV) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Malta
International Airport 1. Matthew Mirabelli (The Times) Gurnalizmu Elettroniku (e-Journalism) - sponsorjata
minn SmartCity Malta 1. Christopher Scicluna (timesofmalta.com) The George Sammut Opinion Article Award –
sponsorjat mill-Familja Sammut 1. Sarah Puntan Galea (The Economic Update) L-Ilsien Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu - Kategorija
Specjali 1. Alvin Scicluna (PBS) Il-Gurija hejjiet ukoll rapport dwar is-sottomissjonijiet u l-livell gurnalistiku taghhom (mehmuz ma’ din l-istqarrija). Fis-serata finali tal-bierah inghata ghall-ewwel darba premju gdid peress li l-Unjoni Ewropea iddedikata din is-sena ghall-Innovazzjoni u l-Kreattivita. Kien ghalhekk gest f’waqtu – li l-Istutut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin mill-ewwel accetta – li l-Ministeru tal-Edukazzjoni, Kultura, Zghazagh u Sport joffri l-Premju ghall-Kreattivita. Il-guriji kienu mitluba biex waqt li jkunu qed jezaminaw ix-xoghlijiet sottomessi, jiehdu wkoll nota ta’ dan il-premju gdid u jaghmlu r-rakkomandazzjonijiet taghhom. Il-gurija dehrilha li dan il-Premju kellu jinghata lil zewg xoghlijiet, wiehed miktub u iehor fotografiku; dak lil Ariadne Massa u lil Darrin Zammit Lupi rispettivament.
Press Release 29.4.2009 IGM deputy chairman wrongfully accused by PN MEP candidate Julia Farrugia, deputy chairperson of the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) and a Mediatoday journalist, has filed a complaint with the IGM after she alleged that a Nationalist Party candidate for the European Parliament elections made serious allegations of professional misconduct against her, which she states are totally false. Alan Deidun last Sunday sent a text message to Ms Farrugia in which he accused her of passing information that he had given her in confidence to Super 1 and of asking him “malicious questions” that were aimed at causing him political damage. In her complaint, Ms Farrugia said that she felt the contents of the text message were an attack on her professional integrity as an independent journalist and could potentially jeopardise her employment. On the basis of the information the IGM has in hand, it appears evident that Dr Deidun has overstepped the line. The IGM condemns this attack and, although this is taking place in the middle of an election campaign, this does not give a politician or public person any latitude to make such inapprorpiate accusations. The Institute notes that Dr Deidun has since apologised in private to Ms Farrugia. However the IGM feels that since Ms Farrugia has made an official complaint the IGM’s views on this case should be made public. Ms Farrugia subsequently made a complaint to the Nationalist Party, calling on it to take disciplinary action against Dr Deidun. Meanwhile, the Institute expresses its support to Ms Farrugia following the garnishee order against her personally by the Federation of Hunting and Conservation (FKNK) in connection with a libel action in her newspaper Illum. The IGM feels that this action was totally uncalled for and unnecessary, and could be interpreted as harassment and a threat to independent journalism.
Valletta, 16 April, 2009 ENLARGED PRESS ETHICS COMMISSION HAS NEW CHAIRMAN Addressing a press conference at the IGM’s premises in Valletta, the institute’s chairman, Malcolm J. Naudi said that at its 2009 annual general meeting, the IGM had resolved to introduce changes to the PEC, following consultation with the outgoing chairman, Chief Justice Emeritus Professor Giuseppe Mifsud Bonnici. The institute approached Dr Kevin Aquilina, former
chief executive of the Broadcasting Authority, to become the
new chairman and then set about to invite a number of individuals
to become members of the commission. Mr Naudi thanked Chief Justice Emeritus Professor Mifsud Bonnici and the outgoing members of the PEC for their service. “Prof. Mifsud Bonnici has lent a high degree of credibility during his term as chairman of the PEC since 2001 both in Malta and internationally,” he added. During this time, the IGM’s Code of Ethics was revised, new Rules of Procedure were adopted to clearly define how the Commission operates and the different steps adopted by the PEC during its handling of a complaint, and a website with frequently asked questions (FAQs) launched. This can be found at www.maltapressclub.org.mt/pec.html. While introducing Dr Aquilina to the media, Mr Naudi said that his first task is to get the PEC working again, tackling a number of pending cases, but in the coming months it will be working on suggesting changes to the Code of Ethics for the IGM Council and members to approve, apart from indicating the way forward. “I urge anyone contemplating making a complaint to the Commission to consider seriously the implications of their decision. Complainers have several options, including taking court action, and making a complaint to the PEC should not be seen as the cheaper option but the most effective one,” Mr Naudi said. All complaints to the PEC must be addressed to: The Secretary Press Ethics Commission – Malta PO Box 21 Marsa GPO 01 Malta
A Short Historical Overview of the PEC Since its foundation, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has endeavoured to upgrade journalism in Malta. Ethics, together with Education and Professionalisation, were identified as the three principles the IGM should pursue to achieve this objective. In November 1991, following various meeting between the IGM (then known as The Malta Press Club) and the now defunct Institute of Broadcasters, a code of journalistic ethics was launched, following approval by the members of both organisations. That Code, launched during a press conference on 11 November 1991, provided for the setting up of the Journalistic Ethics Council, which was to be the precursor of the present Press Ethics Commission (PEC). In February 1996, a policy document prepared by
former TMPC Education and Information Secretary, Carmel Bonello,
was presented during a seminar for all Maltese journalists.
Among others, this document put forward new concepts for the
promotion of journalistic ethics, including guidelines for submission
and handling of complaints, as well as for a revision of the
former Journalistic Ethics Council. The document suggested the
setting up of a body called the Press Ethics Commission (PEC)
and its composition.
The Press Ethics Commission is currently composed of: Chairman: Dr Kevin Aquilina Members: Dr Stefano Filletti Dr Klaus Vella Bardon Mr Antoine Ellul Mr Charles Mizzi Dr Carmen Sammut Mr Joe Felice Pace Ms Silvana Debono Ms Joanna Spiteri Dr Joe Cassar Mr Tony Cassar Darien Secretary: Joe Cordina Stqarrija ghall-Istampa Data: 7 ta' Marzu 2009 HTIEGA TA' TRATTAMENT AHJAR GHALL-GURNALISTI Wara diskussjonijiet mad-Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni, il-Kunsill tal-Istitut tal-Gunalisti Maltin (IGM) jixtieq jiccara li, kontra ghal dak li qal fl-istqarrija ta' nhar is-Sibt li ghadda, il-gurnalisti ma thallewx ikunu fuq quddiem hames snin ilu waqt l-inawgurazzjoni tal-President Eddie Fenech Adami. Madankaollu, l-Istitut itenni l-kritika tieghu dwar il-pozizzjonar tal-gurnalisti waqt ic-cerimonja tal-hatra kif ukoll dwar ir-restrizzjonijet li sabu l-gurnalisti meta kienu qed jirrapportaw il-hatra tal-President Gorg Abela.
Xi gurnalisti prezenti lmentaw fuq il-volum baxx li minhabba f'hekk ma setghux jisimghu dak li kien qieghed jintqal u li ma thallewx jaghmlu xoghlhom kif suppost. In-numru tan-nies fis-sala tal-Palazz kien limitat, pero' xorta l-quddiem il-media trid tkun rapprezentata kif hu xieraq.
Barra minn hekk, l-Istitut jistenna li jekk sar ftehim mal-media kellu jigi rispettat min kulhadd, sew mill-organizazzjonijiet tal-media kif ukoll mill-organizzaturi tal-avveniment.
Ikun xieraq li darb'ohra, isiru arrangamenti aktar effettivi sabiex ilahhaq mal-influss ta' gurnalisti u camermen li kien previst li jattendu. Press Release Date: 4 April, 2009
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) strongly condemns the far from professional way that journalists and photographers/cameramen were treated by the Department of Information (DOI) while they were reporting the Oath of Office of the President of the Republic earlier today. Numerous reports of incidents between DOI officials and representatives of the press and broadcasting media, who were on duty, reached the IGM Council. The full details of where cameramen, journalists and photographers were to stay were agreed during two meetings held yesterday – one with representatives of the press/radio; and the other with representatives of the TV stations. Despite all this, this agreement was not honoured by DOI officials and there was complete confusion during the President’s stroll to the Palace from St John’s Co-Cathedral and the ceremony itself at the Palace. Journalists were, in fact, relegated to the last row in the Grand Council Chamber, where they could hardly hear the speeches as they were delivered and capture the atmosphere of the occasion. When the journalists protested with senior officials of the Department of Information, they were informed that responsibility for the arrangements was in the hands of the Office of the President. “We recall that when President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami took the Oath of Office five years ago, journalists were accommodated in the front together with the photographers,” the IGM stated. Even after the ceremony was over, the journalists were first asked to leave the Palace and it was only after they insisted that they were allowed to see the atmosphere. “In the words of all those present this morning, there was a complete breakdown in co-ordination by officials of the DOI and the Office of the President,” the IGM Council maintained. A senior official of the Department of Information even pushed a PBS cameraman, while an Armed Forces of Malta official stopped a journalist from the same station who was reporting live while the AFM band was coming out of the Palace on to St George’s Square. “Despite the good will expressed by the Parliamentary Secretary for Information, Chris Said, and the Director General at the Department of Information, it appears that the Department’s officials still needed to provide adequate facilities in this era when the amount of media, not just printed but also audiovisual and electronic, has grown in number,” the Institute of Maltese Journalists maintained.
MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS PRESS RELEASE
Din hi d-19-il edizzjoni konsekuttiva li l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin qed jorganizza. Matul is-snin, din il-kompetizzjoni kibret u l-lum ghandha 13-il kategorija differenti. Diversi istituzzjonijiet u kumpaniji ewlenin, sena wara l-ohra, jisponsorjaw il-Malta Journalism Awards. Fost dawn hemm l-Awtorita` tax-Xandir, il-Fond ghall-Kawzi Gusti, l-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., SmartCity Malta, Vodafone Malta Limited, l-Awtorita` Maltija tat-Turizmu, The Farsons Foundation, Malta International Airport, il-linja ta’ l-ajru Emirates u l-Familja Sammut. Il-gurija ta’ din l-edizzjoni ghazlet lil dawn il-finalisti mnizzlin hawn taht f’ordni alfabetika: Gurnalizmu Stampat – Ahbarijiet – sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c
Ariadne Massa;
Gurnalizmu Fotografiku – sponsorjatat minn The Farsons Foundation Ellul Michael;
Gurnalizmu marbut ma’ l-Ivvjaggar – sponsorjat minn Emirates Airline Micallef Mario;
Bugeja Reno;
Gurnalizmu Kulturali– sponsorjata mill-Awtorita
Maltija tat-Turizmu
Gurnalizmu Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi Gusti Azzopardi Kevin;
Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv – sponsorjata mill-Malta International Airport Mirabelli Matthew;
e-Gurnalizmu – sponsorjata minn SmartCity Malta Mcdonald Vanessa;
Artikli ta’ Opinjoni – spnsorjata mill-Familja Sammut Bugeja Lino; Importanti li wiehed ikun jaf, li mhux bilfors ikun hemm rebbieh f’kull kategorija, anki jekk f’xi kategorija partikulari jkun hemm finalist wiehed. Il-Gurija qed thejji wkoll rapport dettaljat dwar is-sottomissjonijiet u l-livell gurnalistiku taghhom , li ghandu jinqara qabel il-premjazzjoni fis-serata finali. Dakinhar jithabbru wkoll l-ismijiet tal-membri li huma fuq il-Gurija ghal din l-edizzjoni. Ghall-ewwel darba din is-sena, is-sottomissjonijiet fil-kategoriji tal-Gurnalizmu Fotografiku u tal-Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv kienu analizzati minn Gurija separata maghmula minn forografu professjonali, li wkoll fis-serata finali se jipprezenta rapport dettaljat. Il-kriterji ghall-ghazla ta’ l-ahjar ritratt minn din is-sena nbiddlu u kienu segwiti kriterji applikati f’kompetizzjonijiet internazzjonali tal-fotografija. Din is-sena c-cerminonja tal-premjazzjoni se ssir is-Sibt, 2 ta’ Mejju, 2009. Ir-rebbieh tal-kategorija l-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu jithabbar fil-lejla tal-prezentazzjoni. Fl-istess cerminonja jithabbar ukoll ir-rebbieh
tal-Gold Award. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nominata li
skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta’
prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika
taghha. Il-Gold Award ilu jinghata mill-1998, u din is-sena
hu l-ghaxar anniversarju tieghu. Press Release Date: 18 February 2009 57 PARTICIPANTS IN THE 19th EDITION OF THE MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has announced that 57 journalists were taking part in the 19th edition of the Malta Journalism Awards (MJA). Currently the Jury was doing its job, and the IGM will announce the Finalists at the end of next March. The IGM organizes these awards on an annual basis.
This year’s awards have 13 categories, including a new
one reserved for Opinion Writers. Each category is sponsored by a different company or organization. The sponsors are HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., Vodafone Malta Ltd, The Farsons Foundation, the Broadcasting Authority, SmartCity Malta, the Malta International Airport, the Malta Tourism Authority, the Good Causes Fund, Emirates Airline, and the Sammut family. The awards ceremony will be held next May. During the evening, the Gold Award for the practice of journalism that goes beyond normal journalism practice will also be awarded. This category is sponsored by the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism (FTFEG).
IGM launches 19th edition of Malta Journalism Awards The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched the 19th edition of the annual press awards, known as the Malta Journalism Awards, with 13 categories. Apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments may select and submit entries of what they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies.
“This also makes the awards more timely, because we are honouring journalists for the work they did during 2008.” Another major innovation is the introduction of
a category for opinion writers. “This has been introduced
after a great deal of pressure from participants,” Mr Naudi
said. “I thank the Sammut family for sponsoring this category
in memory of the late George Sammut, a journalist and editor.
The 13 categories in the MJAs are: Print categories: Print Journalism – News – sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. Print Journalism – Features – sponsored by Vodafone Malta Ltd Photo Journalism – sponsored by The Farsons Foundation
Broadcast categories: Broadcast Journalism – TV Script – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – TV Film – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority Broadcast Journalism – Radio – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority
E-category: E-Journalism – sponsored by SmartyCity Malta
General categories: Travel Journalism – sponsored by Emirates Airline Sports Journalism – sponsored by the Good Causes Fund Sports Photography – sponsored by Malta International Airport p.l.c. Cultural Journalism – sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority Opinion Articles – sponsored by the Sammut Family Best use of Maltese Language in Journalism Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points: only coverages that were made overseas by the
journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Overseas Assignment
category; The winner of the first 12 categories above will each be awarded: a cash prize of €350; Announcement of Finalists The Finalists will be announced in March 2009. Presentation Ceremony The Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony to be held in May 2009 at Robert Samut Hall, Floriana. All Maltese journalists may participate All Maltese journalists may participation in the
Malta Journalism Awards, irrespective of whether they are IGM
members or not. All entries, whether in Maltese or in English,
must have been published, posted on a news website or broadcast
in Malta between 1 January, 2008, and 31 December, 2008. Closing Date 05.01.2009 IGM Council of Management 2009
Chairman: Mr Malcolm J. Naudi General Secretary: Mr Joe A. Vella Treasurer: Mr Mario Schiavone Deputy Chairperson: Ms Julia Farrugia Deputy General Secretary: Mr Charlot Zahra Deputy Treasurer and Malta Youth Press representative: Mr Keith Demicoli Chairman FTFEG Board of Studies: Mr Charles Flores Member: Mr Brandon Pisani Member: Ms Marion Zammit
Coordinator for Malta Journalism Awards Mr Roderick J. Agius
Annual General Meeting - 5th January 2009: Please click on the following links for documents related to this AGM: application-for-igm-committee-2009.doc mozzjonijiet-u-emendi-igm-agm-2009.doc
Stqarrija ghall-istampa Data: 28 ta' Novembru 2008 L-ebda libell m'huwa se jbezza' lill-IGM milli jhares id-drittijiet tal-gurnalist Malti
L-ufficjali tal-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) se jikkontestaw din il-kawza fejn se jipprezentaw numru ta' eccezzjonijiet legali u ghadd ta' xhieda inkluz gurnalisti u fotografi li kienu attakkati, mhedda u aggrediti waqt li kienu qeghdin jaqdu dmirhom il-Belt, Valletta fis-7 ta' Marzu 2007. Ghal dan il-ghan l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) hatar lill-avukat Joe Mifsud ex ufficjal tal-Istitut biex jiddefendi lill-ufficjali u lill-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) f'dan il-kaz. (Nota tal-eccezzjonijiet ghall-kawza ipprezentata dalghodu l-Qorti mehmuza ma' din l-istqarrija). L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) se jibqa' jkun tarka ghall-gurnalisti Maltin u Ghawdxin kollha fejn l-ebda vjolenza jew theddida ta' passi legali m'ghandha tbezzaghhom fil-hidma li qeghdin iwettqu.
04.11.2008 Malta Journalism Awards: Jithabbru r-rebbieha tat-18-il edizzjoni L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar il-gurnalisti rebbieha tat-18-il edizzjoni tal-Malta Journalism Awards. Fl-istess cerimonja, gurija indipendenti ippreseduta milll-President Emeritus Guido de Marco bhala Chairman, flimkien ma' Dr. Natalino Fenech u l-Professur Dominic Fenech habbret lill-Avukat Joseph Micallef Stafrace bhala r-rebbieh tal-Gold Award. Is-Sur Joe A Vella, Trustee tal-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ipprezenta l-Gold Award lill-Avukat Micallef Stafrace. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nnominata li skond il-Gurija tkun marret lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-gurnalizmu tul il-karriera gurnalistika taghha. Fl-ghaxar edizzjonijiet li saru s'issa dan l-unur intrebah minn Fr Joe Borg (1998), Anton Cassar (1999), Frank Attard (2000), J.G. Vassallo (2001), Anthony Montanaro (2002), John Manduca (2003), Charles Grech Orr (2004), Pawlu Carachi (2005), Paul Saliba (2006) u Lino Cassar (2007). Gurija indipendenti ohra mahtura mill-IGM biex tevalwa l-Malta Journalism Awards, u li kienet maghmulha mis-Sur Michael Schiavone bhala Chairman, Dr. Anna Mallia, is-Sur Tony Formosa u s-Sur Tony Mangion tat dan ir-rizultat: Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet - sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. 1. Ariadne Massa (The Times) Gurnalizmu Stampat - Features - sponsorjata minn
Vodafone Malta Ltd 1. Ariadne Massa (M magazine / Pink magazine) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku - sponsorjata minn The
Farsons Foundation 1. Michael Ellul (In-Nazzjon)
Gurnalizmu dwar l-Ivvjaggar - sponsorjata minn
Emirates Airline 1. Alvin Scicluna (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Skript Televiziv 1. Xarabank (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Filmat Televisiv 1. Xarabank (PBS) Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Radju Gurnalizmu Kulturali - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita`
Maltija tat-Turizmu 1. Victor Vella (l-orizzont/ It-Torca)
Gurnalizmu Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Fond ghall-Kawzi
Gusti, 1. Kevin Azzopardi (The Times) Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Malta
International Airport 1. Darrin Zammit Lupi (The Times / Reuters) Gurnalizmu Elettroniku (e-Journalism) - sponsorjata
minn SmartCity Malta 1. Robert Micallef (maltamedia) L-Ilsien Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu - Kategorija
Specjali 1. Reno Bugeja (PBS)
Stqarrija ghall-istampa
Stqarrija ghall-Istampa
Press Release IGM PUBLISHES "WHEN JUDGES DISSENT" - A collection of judgments involving Judge Giovanni Bonello at the European Court of Human Rights The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) has just published the book "When Judges Dissent", a collection of sentences of the European Court of Human Rights on which the Maltese Judge Giovanni Bonello, who was a member of the court, had a separate opinion from that of his fellow judges. The book contains 53 cases, assembled and edited by Mario Schiavone, an I?M Council member, and is the result of 18 months' work.
Among those present was the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dolores Cristina, Judges, Magistrates, Lawyers, members of the Diplomatic Corps, journalists and other guests. Each one of the 53 cases in the book (including three cases involving Malta) has a summary, the European Court of Human Rights' sentence and the separate opinion of Judge Bonello, in which he did not agree with the Court decision, partially agreed or agreed with the decision but felt that the European Court should have done more to defend the citizen whose application was being dealt with. When one reads the separate opinions of Judge Bonello, one is struck by a number of things, including: Firstly: the great courage of Judge Bonello. He does not hesitate to criticise, often in a strong manner, his fellow Judges with whom he works and meets every day. Secondly: the concise and attractive literary way in which he expresses his opinions. Thirdly: his logical line and the complete, impeccable way of presenting his arguments. Fourthly: the fact that he is almost always takes the side of the citizen who files the complaint. The book's editor, Mario Schiavone, writes: "When one reads Giovanni Bonello's opinions one by one, you forget the previous one you have read." Even in the cases against Malta, Judge Bonello, without fear, said all in conscience he felt he needed to say, even criticizing our laws or the way in which they are administered. When one examines these decisions and Judge Bonello's criticism or suggestions, one realises that from his first case to the most recent case included in this collection, in sentences on similar rights to those that a few years ago the Maltese Judge had criticised, the European Court of Human Rights has begun to accept Judge Bonello's arguments, which are now reflected in its sentences. "This should surely be a source of great satisfaction for Giovanni Bonello, not only because his criticism has now been vindicated, but more so because with his harsh but justified criticism, he managed to widen the meaning of several rights sanctioned in the European Convention on Human Rights. He is a true champion of human rights. "For this and much more, Judge Bonello deserves our praise and gratitude and that of all European citizens who found in him the true defender of their fundamental rights," says Mr Schiavone. The book, which is printed in hardback and paperback
versions, can be bought from all local book sellers.
26 TA' LULJU 2008 il-Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti habbar l-ewwel decizjonijiet tieghu dwar kif jinktbu bosta varjanti tal-Malti. Ser ikun hemm zmien ta' 3 snin fejn il-varjanti ezistenti jistghu jibghu jintuzaw flikmien mal-godda. Id-Decizjonijet kienu ppubblikati fil-harga tal-Gazzetta tal-Gvern tasl-25 ta' Lulju 2008, li kopja taghha tinsab hawn: http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/gazetteonline/2008/07/gazts/GG%2025.7.pdf
Press Release GOLD AWARD 2008 NOMINATIONS The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) accepts nominations for the Gold Award 2008. Submissions can be made by persons, organisations or institutions. No one can nominate himself or herself, but everyone is free to submit nominations to the IGM of a person, persons, society, body, organisation or other institution who, in their opinion, qualify for this honour. The Gold Award is sponsored by the Tumas Fenech Foundation for the Education of Journalists (FTFEG). The aims of the Gold Award are to give deserved
recognition: In both cases the contribution would be above and beyond the requisites of normal practice in the profession.
Closing date Submissions will be accepted until Thursday, 21 August, 2008. Whoever submits a nomination has to provide all the details necessary, including: a detailed account of the work carried out; a letter of recommendation from a number of persons involved; the nominated person's biography. This must be accompanied by the reason or reason why the nomination is being made so that the Council of the IGM will be in a position to pass on the nomination to the Selection Board, whose Chairman is President Emeritus Prof. Guide de Marco. The Selection Board's choice will be officially announced during the presentation ceremony of the Malta Journalism Awards (MJA). Submissions should be sent to the IGM Secretary General Joe A. Vella, Press Club, 104 Old Mint Street, Valletta VLT 1517; or 146/5 Howard Street, Sliema SLM 1759.
1998 - Fr Joe Borg; 1999 - Anton Cassar; 2000 - Frank Attard; 2001 - J.G. Vassallo; 2002 - Anthony Montanaro; 2003 - John Manduca; 2004 - Charles Grech Orr; 2005 - Paul Carachi; 2006 - Paul Saliba; and 2007 - Lino Cassar. The Institute was instrumental in setting up the Press Ethics Commission (PEC) in 1991 and the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism (1999). The 19th anniversary of the IGM's foundation will
be celebrated in November this year. The Institute will continue
to work on its stated objectives to improve the standard of
journalism, through ethics, education and professionalism.
Press Release Date: 15 July 2008
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) strongly condemns the violent assaults on various members of the media corps who were doing their jobs during the strike by the Transport Federation yesterday. In one incident, NET TV cameramen Joe Francalanza was punched in the face as he filmed drivers trying to smash a coach which was picking up tourists, while a PBS cameramen was also physically assaulted while filming incidents at Floriana. IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi called on the police and the authorities to provide protection for journalists who are doing their jobs without fear or favour. “Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Maltese journalists are assaulted while doing their duty in what has become a catalogue of shame over the past few years. “We strongly urge the police to investigate all those who were responsible for this aggression against members of the media and call on them to bring the perpetrators to justice in the shortest possible time,” Naudi insisted. The IGM Council noted that one of the fundamental rights in a democratic society such as Malta was the gathering and dissemination of information. “We strongly urge the Transport Federation and its members not to interfere with this fundamental right for all the citizens of this country and to realise that Malta is now part of the European Union – with all the rights and responsibilities that this brings,” Naudi insisted. The IGM Council also offers its solidarity to the victims of this violence and urges all members of the media to stand united and look out for their fellow professionals in these deplorable circumstances.
04 July 2008 Joint Statement by The Journalists' Committee
and the Institute of Maltese Journalists on Thursday evening's
MEPA public hearing on Fort Cambridge The journalists present in this meeting carried out their duty admirably in bringing to public attention a draft press release by the MEPA public relations officer, which had pre-empted Thursday's decision on the Fort Cambridge project before an official public decision was taken. This incident alone sows doubts on the transparency and integrity of the MEPA board hearing and its new chairman. The Committee and the Institute find MEPA's accusations against a journalist of "malicious actions" and of disrupting the meeting to be totally unacceptable and deplorable. "According to journalists present, PRO Peter Gingell was not in a position to describe how the document came into the journalists' hands because he wasn't around at the time, as he admits himself when he says that he was ushering people in at the time. Hence, the allegations of maliciousness are even more irresponsible," spokespersons for the Committee and Institute, said. "His draft press release was chanced upon by a member of the press while taking her seat and then shared with the rest of her colleagues. The PRO must have been upset for having foiled his superiors since he demanded to be given the photographs of the press release in question. Such an arrogant demand by a public official is deplorable by any standard. Peter Gingell should apologise for calling into question the integrity of the journalist, who brought such this incident to public attention." "Journalists have a vital role to play in public hearings because they represent the wider public who cannot be present in person," IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi said. "What can be regarded as a failing on behalf of a public authority must not be construed to be the fault of journalists who were doing their job without fear or favour. They expect respect and a mature treatment even in such a situation." "The journalists present were right to bring to the public's attention this dangerous exercise in subverting what should have been a transparent and public hearing," Committee spokesperson Matthew Vella said.
12 June, 2008 IGM LAUNCHES 18TH EDITION OF MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched the 18th edition of the annual press awards known as the Malta Journalism Awards, with 12 categories today. Apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments may select and submit entries of what they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies. In both cases, consent has to be given by the individual journalist/s concerned by filling the appropriate part on the Official Application Form prior to submission of entry by Editor, Head of News Department, or organisations/corporations/bodies. "The Malta Journalism Awards are an annual event which any journalist worth his salt must look forward to. The Institute of Maltese Journalists puts a lot of effort into organising the event, but it is thanks to our sponsors, who continually lend their support to this prestigious event, that we are ever grateful," said IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi. The 12 categories are: Broadcast categories: General categories: This year's edition of the Gold Award is being sponsored by Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni fil-Gurnalizmu. More details about this particular award will be announced at a later date. Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points: a) only coverages that were made overseas by the
journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Travel Journalism
category; Prizes The winner of the special category entitled 'Il-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu' will be presented with the Malta Journalism Award trophy for that category. Announcement of Finalists Presentation Ceremony All Maltese journalists may participate Closing Date Regulations and applications may be obtained either by phoning IGM Mr Joe A. Vella on 2131-6958/ 9945-0746 or from the website: www.maltapressclub.org.mt.
IGM CONSULTATION ON FUTURE OF JOURNALISTIC
PROFESSION IN MALTA Press Release Date: 5 May 2008
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) associates itself with the statement issued on this occasion by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), of which the IGM is the Malta affiliate, which says that global battles for safety, decent work and quality journalism can only be won if journalists stand together in defence of their rights. In that statement, the IFJ called for “a renewal of global solidarity among journalists to combat the threats facing media”, quoting its president, Jim Boumelha, as saying: “The future of journalism depends upon building fresh solidarity. Our work is at the heart of the struggle for democracy and human rights.” The IFJ says the future of journalism will not be guaranteed by politically-inspired publicity stunts, or by dumbing down media and cutting editorial budgets. In Europe, Arne Konig, who chairs the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), said: “World Press Freedom Day gives us an opportunity to showcase how quality journalism is vital for democracy and can only be achieved when journalists have access to decent working conditions and respect for their role.” The EFJ says that pressure on journalists to reveal sources of information and residual political interference are key challenges facing journalists and media. Konig goes on to say: “But we cannot ignore the impact of the economic crisis that has overtaken much of Europe’s media. Quality journalism is suffering as media owners impose devastating cuts in editorial budgets.” In Malta, the American non-governmental organisation Freedom House has further downgraded press freedom in Malta this year, within the ‘Free’ category. Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press, these rights are also restricted “under a variety of circumstances”. “Malta is one of the few European Union countries not to have a Freedom of Information Act, which is why it is so important that this law should be enacted with urgency in this new legislature and we await the publication of the Bill in the Government Gazette,” IGM Chairman Malcolm J. Naudi insisted. The Freedom House report noted that the Broadcasting Authority “sued an independent television station for broadcasting material that could incite racial hatred”. Several journalists and photographers, including IGM council member Julia Farrugia, were injured while covering a protest by hunters and trappers in Valletta last year. The attack was the latest of a series of threats and attacks against journalists covering public demonstrations and debates in Malta. “We have just witnessed a general election campaign in which the media, including new media, played an important role, despite attempts by the main political parties to control the news agenda of the independent media to suit their partisan agendas at such a critical time for a democracy like Malta. “Sometimes, these attempts were not so subtle, as in the muzzling of political coverage on web portal www.di-ve.com following Government complaints on its political coverage. We hope that such episodes do not repeat themselves in future,” Naudi said. Despite the proliferation of media, rising standards and greater investment, it is vital for the media to remain in touch with the public and continue to fulfil its role to inform, educate and entertain. Journalists in Malta need to continue to fight to improve their professional status and media owners must continue to invest to ensure that they not only have the latest equipment but that their staff, especially journalists, will commit to their jobs in the long term. “The nature of the job means that long hours are spent to provide the service readers, viewers and listeners have come to expect, but journalists’ wages should also reflect this,” Naudi insisted. “At the same time, there should be greater
accountability and more awareness of the high ethical standards
journalists are meant to abide by to retain the trust that comes
with their position in society, since greater press freedom
also means greater responsibility,” the IGM Chairman added. Press Release 06/2008
Press Release 05/2008 Stqarrija ghall-Istampa NEWSLETTER GHALL-MEMBRI
07.02.2008 Journalists' Committee-IGM Protest against GO's muzzling of di-ve.com The Journalists' Committee together with the Institute of Maltese journalists this morning presented a letter of protest to the Chairman of GO against the newly declared corporate policy to ban all political coverage. In the letter (attached), the two representative
organisations of Maltese journalists condemn this policy, particularly
when the country is facing a general election and Maltese citizens
need information more than ever, before they go to vote. This is the text of the joint letter to Go's Chairman Sonny Portelli:
The Journalists' Committee The Institute of Maltese Journalists
7 February 2008 Dear Mr Portelli, As representatives of all Maltese media professionals, we would like to register our disapproval and condemnation of your company's newly declared corporate policy to stop your news portal di-ve.com from covering political activities and statements. As one of the foremost communications companies on the islands, we expect that the least GO could do for its customers and the Maltese public, particularly in the run-up to the general elections, is to continue offering updates and regular developments that are happening on the political scene. Since its launch, di-ve.com has been a news website and a regular reference point for its users. We hope you realise your company's decision is a disservice to your own customers, to the Maltese public in general and to political parties that need journalists to disseminate and analyse their programmes before our country is called to vote. It also humiliates our colleagues working in the di-ve.com newsroom. Besides the unacceptable interference from the company's board in editorial decisions that should remain di-ve.com's sole responsibility, your decision goes, in fact, against the very claims to corporate social responsibility as claimed by the company. We hope this mistaken decision is not the result of any political interference and we call on you to withdraw it with immediate effect and show again the trust and editorial freedom that the di-ve.com news team has enjoyed so far. We also appeal to the Dubai mother company, Tecom Investments, to realise this is a European country in which the free press is an essential part of our democracy. We hope the new owners of di-ve.com realise this to the full having decided to operate in a democratic country where politics is discussed, covered and criticised openly as is the case in the rest of the democratic world. Looking forward to your reassurances that the decision will be revoked, we remain your sincerely,
Karl Schembri ChairmanJournalists' Committee Malcolm NaudiChairman Institute of Maltese Journalists
Stqarrija ghall-istampa SOLIDARJETA' MAL-MEXXEJ LABURISTA Il-Kunsill ta' l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin
(IGM) jesprimi s-solidarjeta' kollha tieghu mal-mexxej Laburista
Alfred Sant u l-qraba tieghu f'dan il-waqt difficli fil-hajja
tieghu. Il-Kunsill jawgura li l-operazzjoni fuq Dr Sant li ser
issir ghada tirnexxi u b'hekk ikun jista' jissokta bil-hidma
politika tieghu ghall-gid tal-pajjiz. Stqarrija ghall-Istampa ID-DRITTIJIET U D-DMIRIJIET TAL-MEDIA F'SOCJETÀ DEMOKRATIKA L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) ircieva ilment minn membru tieghu dwar storja pubblikata nhar it-Tlieta fil-gazzetta elettronika maltastar.com li tirrigwarda lil dan il-membru. Minghajr ma jidhol fil-merti partikolari ta' dan il-kaz, l-Istitut ihoss li l-fehma politika ta' individwu ma ghandha qatt tippregudika l-possibbiltà ta' mpjieg ta' xi hadd, hu min hu u jokkupa liema kariga jokkupa, sakemm l-individwu jkollu l-hiliet biex jaghmel ix-xoghol mitlub minn dik il-kariga. Madankollu l-Istitut ihoss li f'kaz ta' process li allegatament ma jkunx trasparenti l-media ghandha d-dmir u d-dritt li tinvestiga dawn l-istess allegazzjonijiet. Dan id-dritt fih aktar relevanza meta l-hatriet/impjiegi huma mhallsa mill-fondi pubblici bhal f'dan il-kaz tal-PBS. Jekk izda l-Gurnalist partikolari hassu ngurjat
bl-istorja ppubblikata sta ghalih li jfittex rimedju legali
jew mod iehor fil-konfront tal-gazzetta partikolari.
23 November 2007 Joint Press Statement: IGM and Journalists' Committee The Journalists' Committee and the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) want to express their serious concern at the way the state public broadcaster is being systematically stripped of its public service ethos for commercial and political expediency. In a joint statement, IGM Chairman Malcolm Naudi and Journalists Committee Chairman Karl Schembri said: "The past months have served to confirm our suspicions throughout the PBS restructuring process launched by the Investments Ministry and which has stripped the workforce to one-third of its original complement. "Not only has the national broadcaster been rendered incapable of producing its own current affairs programmes, but the last indicting development to come out of PBS confirms that the registered editor, Sylvana Cristina, cannot even speak to her colleagues from the press and defend her own decisions. "With the ministry's declared policy of vetting and amending any statement given by workers falling under its portfolio, Cristina would be unable to participate in a discussion programme on PBS as she would need the ministry's go-ahead for whatever she says - a practice which goes to confirm how cut off the ministry is from the subject matter it is meant to be responsible for. "The same applies to PBS Chairman Joe Fenech Conti and Chief Executive Albert Debono, although it seems the two appointees are comfortable with this situation as they gladly resort to 'ministerial policies' whenever held to account by journalists for their decisions. "This is a very serious situation that puts the country's democratic credentials into question. Irrespective of the ministry's own set policies, Cristina remains answerable to the editorial board and to the public, and at law she remains solely and personally answerable for editorial content on the PBS stations. "And irrespective of the PBS Chairman and Chief Executive's preferences to be vetted by the ministry, the public deserves a free, transparent and accountable public broadcaster, unshackled from any suppression and able to expose and attack any attempts at its stations' manipulation. "We would like to remind the public that the PBS editorial board is still without a chairman, that the last editorial board report was compiled two years ago, and that the Broadcasting Authority itself has declared it cannot fathom who is calling the shots at our national broadcaster. "It is clear this situation cannot go on, even more so with an election round the corner, where the station will be required more than ever to give a public service to the citizens in reaching their informed decisions. "Whatever the rhetoric employed by the ministry and the PBS Chairman and Board of Directors, the PBS editorial board has made it amply clear through its public denunciations that its editorial decisions are constantly being ignored, overruled and nullified. We cannot afford even more resignations from the editorial wing because of this. It is the chairman and higher authority who have to reconsider their position and decide whether to focus on investments or public broadcasting."
Stqarrija Numru 19/2007 MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS: L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar il-Gurnalisti rebbieha tas-17-il edizzjoni tal-Malta Journalism Awards (MJA). Fl-istess cerimonja, Gurija indipendenti maghmulha minn Dr Roger Degiorgio, Frans Ghirxi u l-President Emeritus Guido de Marco bhala Chairman, habbret li Lino Cassar hu r-rebbieh tal-Gold Award. Il-President Emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici ipprezenta l-Gold Award lis-sur Cassar. Dan l-unur jinghata lil persuna nnominata li skond il-Gurija tkun marret lilhinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-Gurnalizmu tul il-karriera Gurnalistika taghha. Fid-disa' edizzjonijiet li saru s'issa dan l-unur intrebah minn Fr Joe Borg (1998), Anton Cassar (1999), Frank Attard (2000), J.G. Vassallo (2001), Anthony Montanaro (2002), John Manduca (2003), Charles Grech Orr (2004), Pawlu Carachi (2005) u Paul Saliba (2006). Gurija indipendenti ohra mahtura mill-IGM biex tevalwa l-Malta Journalism Awards, u li kienet maghmulha minn Ranier Fsadni, Michael Schiavone u minn Anton Cassar bhala Chairman, tat dan ir-rizultat: Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet Gurnalizmu Stampat - Features Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Skript Televiziv Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Filmat Televiziv Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Radju Gurnalizmu Kulturali Gurnalizmu Sportiv Gurnalizmu Elettroniku (e-Journalism) L-Ilsien Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu Il-Gurija tal-Malta Journalism Awards hejjiet ukoll rapport (mehmuz separatament) dwar is-sottomissjonijiet u l-livell Gurnalistiku taghhom. Rapport iehor thejja mill-Kunsill Nazzjonali ghall-Ilsien Malti dwar il-kategorija specjali L-Ilsien Malti fil-Gurnalizmu (li jinsab mehmuz ukoll ma' din l-istqarrija). F'din l-edizzjoni kien inawgurat trofew gdid iddisinjat
mill-artist Malti, Alfred Mizzi.
MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS PRESS RELEASE: 22.08.2007 29 Finalist ghas-17-il edizzjoni tal-Malta
Journalism Awards L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) habbar l-ismijiet tad-29 finalist li lahqu l-istadju finali minn fost il-45 partecipant, ilkoll gurnalisti stabbiliti, li hadu sehem fil-kompetizzjoni gurnalistika Malta Journalism Awards. Din hi s-17-il edizzjoni konsekuttiva li l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin qed jorganizza. Matul is-snin, din il-kompetizzjoni kibret u l-lum ghandha 12-il kategorija differenti. Diversi istituzzjonijiet u kumpanniji ewlenin qed jisponsorjaw il-Malta Journalism Awards. Il-Gurija ta' din l-edizzjoni ghazlet lil dawn il-finalisti mnizzlin hawn taht f'ordni alfabetika: Gurnalizmu Stampat - Ahbarijiet - sponsorjata
mill-HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.
Gurnalizmu Stampat - Features - sponsorjata minn Vodafone Malta Ltd Martin Debattista (The Times - i-tech section)
Gurnalizmu Fotografiku - sponsorjata minn The Farsons Foundation Ben Borg Cardona (The Malta Independent / Le Figaro)
Overseas Assignments/Rappurtagg minn Barra minn
Malta - sponsorjata minn Emirates Airline
Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Skript Televiziv - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita` tax-Xandir Reno Bugeja (TVM)
Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Filmat Televisiv- sponsorjata mill-Awtorita` tax-Xandir Alvin Scicluna (TVM)
Gurnalizmu Mxandar - Radju Mario Micallef (Radju Malta)
Gurnalizmu Kulturali - sponsorjata mill-Awtorita` Maltija tat-Turizmu Lino Bugeja (The Sunday Times)
Gurnalizmu Sportiv - sponsorjata minn Melita Cable, Mark Attard (Illum)
Gurnalizmu Fotografiku Sportiv - sponsorjata mill-Malta International Airport Matthew Mirabelli (The Times)
Gurnalizmu Elettroniku (e-Journalism) - sponsorjata
minn SmartCity Malta
Il-Gurija qed thejji wkoll rapport dwar is-sottomissjonijiet u l-livell gurnalistiku taghhom li ghandu jinqara qabel il-premjazzjoni. Dakinhar jithabbru wkoll l-ismijiet tal-membri li huma fuq il-Gurija ghal din l-edizzjoni. Din is-sena c-cerimonja tal-premjazzjoni se ssir fi ftit gimghat ohra. Il-finalisti u r-rebbieh tal-kategorija l-Lingwa
Nazzjonali fil-Gurnalizmu jithabbru fil-lejla tal-prezentazzjoni.
F'din il-kategorija hemm 25 partecipant li qed jissottomettu
xoghol gurnalistiku bil-Malti.
Nominazzjonijiet ghalI-GOLD AWARD - 2007 L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin qed jibda' jilqa' nominazzjonijiet ghall-Gold Award 2007. Sottomissjonijiet jistghu jsiru minn persuna, ghaqda, organizzazzjoni jew istituzzjoni. Hadd ma jista' jaghmel sottomissjoni ghalih innifsu, izda kulhadd huwa liberu li jissottometti lill-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin persuna, persuni, ghaqda, korp, organizzazzjoni, istituzzjoni ohra li fl-opinjoni tieghu tikkwalifika ghal dan l-unur. Il-Gold Award qed tigi sponsorjata mill-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni fil-Gurnalizmu. L-iskop tal-Gold Award huwa li jinghata gharfien
misthoqq: Fiz-zewg kazi jrid ikun inghata kontribut li jmur lil hinn minn rekwiziti ta' prattika normali fil-professjoni. Data ta' l-gheluq: Is-sottomissjonijiet jintlaqghu sal-Hamis, 23 ta' Awissu, 2007. Kull min jinnomina ghandu jaghti d-dettalji kollha mehtiega (ezempji: rendikont dettaljat tal-hidma mwettqa, ittri ta' referenza minghand ghadd ta' persuni kkoncernati, bibljografija ta' min ikun qed jigi nnominat) kif ukoll ir-raguni jew ragunijiet ghaliex qed issir dik in-nominazzjoni halli b'hekk il-Kunsill ta' l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin ikun f'qaghda li jghaddi in-nominazzjonijiet lill-Bord ta' l-Ghazla, li c-chairman tieghu huwa l-President Emeritus Prof. Guido de Marco. L-ghazla tithabbar ufficjalment waqt ic-cerimonja tal-premjazzjoni. Kull sottomissjoni ghandha tintbaghat lis-Segretarju ta' l-IGM, Joe A. Vella, 104 Old Mint Street, Valletta; jew 146/5 Howard Street, Sliema. Ir-rebbieha s'issa: 1998 - Fr Joe Borg; 1999 - Anton Cassar; 2000
- Frank Attard; 2001 - J.G. Vassallo; 2002 - Anthony Montanaro;
2003 - John Manduca; 2004 - Charles Grech Orr; 2005 - Paul Carachi;
2006 - Paul Saliba.
Press Release 12/2007 Date: 22 July 2007
IGM WELCOMES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) welcomed
the publication of the White Paper outlining the Government's
proposals for a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) as an important
step forward towards introducing a culture of transparency and
accountability in the Public Sector.
IL-MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS IL-FINALISTI JITHABBRU F'NOFS AWISSU Kien hemm numru sostanzjali ta' gurnalisti li ssottomettew xoghol ghal Malta Journalism Awards. Il-gurija temmet ix-xoghol taghha din il-gimgha u l-finalisti issa mistennija jithabbru f'nofs Awissu. Ic-cerimonja fejn jithabbru l-finalisti mistennija li ssir f'Villa Parisio, Hal-Lija, ir-residenza tal-Fondazzjoni Strickland, f'gurnata li ghad trid tigi konfermata, li aktarx tkun l-Erbgha, 22 ta' Awissu, 2007. Kull min issottometta xoghol se jigi mistieden ghal din l-okkazjoni. KUNGRESS TA' L-IFJ F'MOSKA Mario Schiavone, it-Tezorier ta' l-IGM irrapprezenta lill-IGM fit-tielet Kungress Dinji organizzat mill-International Federation of Jouranlists li sar f'Moska bejn it-28 ta' Mejju u l-1 ta' Gunju. Waqt dan il-Kungress kienu diskussi diversi problemi li qed jiffaccjaw il-professjoni tal-gurnalizmu madwar id-dinja fejn qed naraw numru minn shabna jinqatlu, mhux biss f'postijiet fejn imorru biex jirrappurtaw dwar gwerer imma sahansitra f'pajjizhom stess u l-awtoritajiet tal-pajjiz anqas biss jaghmlu investigazzjonijiet dwar dawn id-delitti. Kellna wkoll tahditiet ma' l-Union tal-Gurnalisti Russi dwar program ta' skambji ta' gurnalisti bejn iz-zewg pajjizi u hadna hsieb ukoll biex ghamilna kuntatti ma' kollegi minn pajjizi tal-Mediterran dwar il-Kungress li se jsir f'pajjizna f'Settembru li gej. LAQGHA TAL-GURNALISTI TAL-MEDITERRAN Intant l-Awtorita' Maltija tat-Turizmu accettat talba tal-Kunsill ta' l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin biex tisponsorja l-Konferenza tal-Guranlisti tal-Mediterran li se ssir f'Malta bejn is-27 u t-28 ta' Settembru 2007. Din il-Konferenza ssir taht l-awspici ta' l-International Federation of Journalists. Is-sena li ghaddiet din il-Konferenza saret fil-Croatia fejn matulha r-rapprezentanti ta' l-IGM kienu hadu parti attiva hafna. SKONT FUQ TITJIRIET TA' L-AIR MALTA Infakkarkom li l-Air Malta qed toffri skont ta' 15% lill-membri ta' l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin li jivvajjgaw lejn il-pajjizi li topera lejhom l-Air Malta. Dettalji minghand is-Segretarju: joeavella@onvol.net
Press Release 09/2007 Date: 18 May 2007
IGM COUNCIL in audience with Archbishop Cremona
The Council of the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) today had an hour's audience with Archbishop Paul Cremona. The cordial meeting was held at the Archbishop's Curia, Floriana.
The agenda of the meeting included the media's relations with the Catholic Church in the reality of the pluralist society in which we live.
IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi praised Mgr Cremona for his accessibility to the media in the weeks following his appointment and augured that the Curia should be more open to the means of social communication.
On his part, Mgr Cremona urged the media to be more honest in the way it communicates the Church's message without imposing its agenda. He expressed his willingness to continue his dialogue with the media as he has done so far.
Press Release 08/2007 World Press Freedom Day 2007 ISSUE OF FOI WHITE PAPER LONG OVERDUE - IGM On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2007 on May 3, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) called on the Maltese Government to issue the much-promised White Paper on Freedom of Information as soon as possible. "Government had pledged that the White Paper was going to be published by the end of last year. There had been some delay, even from our side, in giving our feedback to the draft White Paper that has already been circulated, yet a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act is needed to put Malta truly at par with its partners in the EU and combat the culture of secrecy pervading the Public Sector," said Malcolm J. Naudi, Chairman, IGM. The IGM presented its position on the proposed Freedom of Information Act and teamed up with the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative to present a joint reaction some weeks ago, and expects them to be included in the draft legislation. "Our proposals are intended to provide Malta with a law that gives a general right to information held by the executive and administration branches of government, thus promoting transparency and accountability," said Mr Naudi. "A Freedom of Information Act is an important step towards protecting the individual citizen and achieving fuller press freedom in Malta," he added. This year's theme for World Press Freedom Day, organised by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is Press Freedom, Safety of Journalists and Impunity. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a dramatic escalation of violence against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel. In many countries around the world, media professionals are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered. According to professional organisations, 2006 was the bloodiest year on record, with over 150 members of the media killings. Hundreds more media workers were arrested, threatened or attacked because of their work. "Being a journalist has never been more dangerous," Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, said in his message for World Press Freedom Day 2007. Conflict zones - and post-conflict zones - are particularly hazardous environments for journalists. The worst example is Iraq, where 69 media professionals were killed last year. Over 170 media professionals, the vast majority being local journalists, have been killed in the country since the conflict began in April 2003. "Never in recorded history has there been such a large-scale killing of journalists," said Mr Matsuura. "The safety of journalists is an issue that affects us all. Every aggression against a journalist is an attack on our most fundamental freedoms. Press freedom and freedom of expression cannot be enjoyed without basic security." Fortunately, in Malta, no journalists have been killed, but last year alone there were six reported cases where journalists were harassed to some extent or another. In one case, an editor of a weekly newspaper had his front door torched, while a newspaper columnist had her back door set on fire after they spoke out in favour of asylum seekers in their respective media. Until now, nobody has been brought to Court in connection with the arson cases. "Crimes against journalists should not go unpunished as they are crimes against freedom of expression," said Mr Naudi.
Every year, May 3 is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. May 3 was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered. It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide. It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. For comments please call Malcolm J Naudi, chairman, IGM on 9990 0207 or Charlot Zahra, Information Officer, IGM on 7940 8522 Press Release 06/2007 Date: 9 April 2007
IGM CALLS ON JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS MINISTRY TO INTERVENE IN ARMENIAN JOURNALIST'S CASE
The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) yesterday called on the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry to intervene in the case of Gina Khachatryan, the 30-year-old Armenian journalist who landed in Malta on Friday afternoon on her way to be deported to her homeland.
"We call on the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry to investigate the circumstances surrounding this case and, if warranted, offer political asylum to Ms Khachatryan," said Malcolm J Naudi, chairman, IGM.
"Ms Khachatryan was in the UK for the past four years after being detained in Armenia for 40 days for revealing electoral fraud, therefore it would be suicidal to send her back to her homeland, where she would risk being detained once more for doing her job as a journalist," added Mr Naudi.
The IGM also called on the British authorities to reverse their decision not to extend Ms Khachatryan's stay in the United Kingdom.
"As a promoter of democracy and human rights on a global scale, the United Kingdom should not shirk its responsibility in this case and hand over Ms Khachatryan and her family to the Armenian government," he insisted.
According to the international journalists' organisation Reporters Sans Frontieres, Armenia was the 101st worst country (out of 168) for restrictions to press freedom in 2006.
Edik Baghdasaryan, head of the association of investigative journalists in Armenia, has reported a recent wave of violent attacks against journalists in the country as an electoral campaign looms.
There is a history of press freedom violations in Armenia. If officials or large-scale businessmen - do not like what is written, reporters are threatened and, in some cases, beaten up. One reporter was forced to leave his flat last summer.
A copy of this statement has been sent to the
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Justice and
Home Affairs Ministry and the British embassy in Malta Press Release 06/2007 Date: 9 April 2007
IFJ REITERATES CALL FOR CREDIBLE EXPLANATION OVER JOURNALISTS' DEATHS DURING IRAQ WAR FOUR YEARS AGO
The fourth anniversary of the still unexplained killing of three journalists by United States troops in Baghdad on 8 April 2003 was marked yesterday by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) following a week of shocking attacks on journalists which saw four journalists being killed and another eleven injured.
These deaths bring to 23 the number of Iraqi media killed in 2007 alone. At least 196 journalists and media workers have died in Iraq since the US invasion four years ago.
The IFJ and its national journalists unions around the world, including the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), the IFJ's Malta affiliate, renewed calls for the United States to provide credible reports over a number of media deaths at the hands of US soldiers in Iraq and, in particular, the killing of three journalists on April 8th 2003.
Sunday marked the fourth anniversary of the attack by US troops on the Palestine Hotel, which housed scores of media personnel, killing Taras Protsyuk of Reuters and Jose Cuoso, of the Telecinco network in Spain. On the same morning, journalist Tareq Ayyoub was killed when the Baghdad offices of the Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera were attacked by US fighter planes.
"Four years on still no credible reports have been produced to explain these attacks and no one has been held to account for the killings," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White.
"The United States must answer questions that are still asked over these deaths and many others at the hands of their troops in Iraq. With the number of media casualties growing daily, impunity becomes intolerable, particularly when it concerns the actions of those who speak in the name of democracy and human rights."
In December 2006, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1738, a measure championed by the IFJ and its member unions that protects journalists in conflict zones and says killing them can be considered a war crime.
The IFJ has also demanded action over the deaths of British ITN reporter Terry Lloyd and his colleagues Fred Nérac and Hussein Osman, whose bodies are still missing, in a fire fight between US and Iraqi troops near Basra, in March 2003 as the invasion of Iraq gathered pace and has raised questions over the shooting by US soldiers of Reuters cameramen Mazen Dana.
In October last year the IFJ demanded the United States "tell the whole truth" about media deaths in Iraq at the hands of US troops after a British coroner ruled that the death of ITN reporter Terry Lloyd in the Basra fire-fight was an "unlawful killing."
"The US military has never owned up to its responsibilities in Iraq," White said. "We hope the UN resolution will help stop this trend of attacks on journalists but we must continue to fight to make sure that all past cases are investigated and the killers brought to justice. If not, we not only run the risk of more journalists being killed, but that these people will kill journalism as well." 29th March 2007 IGM LAUNCHES 17TH EDITION OF MALTA JOURNALISM AWARDS The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) launched the 17th edition of the annual press awards known as the Malta Journalism Awards, with 12 categories. As from this edition, apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments may select and submit entries of what they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies. In both cases, consent has to be given by the individual journalist/s concerned by filling the appropriate part on the Official Application Form prior to submission of entry by Editor, Head of News Department, or organisations/corporations/bodies. "Through this significant innovation, the Malta Journalism Awards are being made accessible to everyone as anyone can now submit an application on his/her behalf if they are journalists, or on behalf of another journalist," said IGM chairman Malcolm J. Naudi. The 12 categories are: Broadcast categories: General categories: This year's edition of the Gold Award is being sponsored by Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni fil-Gurnalizmu. More details about this particular award will be announced next month. Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points: a) only coverages that were made overseas by the
journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Overseas Assignment
category; Prizes The winner of the special category entitled 'Il-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-?urnalIGMu" will be presented with the Malta Journalism Award trophy for that category. Announcement of Finalists Presentation Ceremony All Maltese journalists may participate Press Cartoons Category every 3 years However, being a non-competing category, caricaturists or their Editors may submit up to 15 caricatures per caricaturist to be considered for an annual publication to be released next year. Closing Date Regulations and applications may be obtained either
by phoning Mr Vella 2131-6958/ 9945 0746 or from here.
Press Release 05/2007 EFJ SAYS MALTA MUST STOP ATTACKS ON MEDIA AFTER JOURNALISTS ASSAULTED AT HUNTING PROTEST The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today called on the Maltese government to protect journalist safety after recent attacks on journalists covering a protest by hunters and trappers in the capital. The EFJ and IFJ are backing a call by their affiliate, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM), for authorities to take tough action against those responsible for the attacks on journalists reporting on the 7 March protest in the capital city of Valletta where hunters and trappers hurled bottles and stones at police and media. "These recent attacks on journalists show that protesters feel they can attack reporters and photographers with impunity," said Arne König, EFJ Chair. "This intimidation and violence against journalists on assignment is a serious threat to independent media in Malta." Darrin Zammit Lupi, a photographer from The Times newspaper, was hospitalised after he was struck in the face and his equipment was damaged, IGM said. Julia Farrugia, a journalist from Illum newspaper and Brandon Pisani, a journalist from l-orizzont newspaper were taken to a nearby health centre suffering from slight injuries. Photographer Ben Borg Cardona of newspaper The Malta Independent had his equipment broken and stolen by hunters and was slightly injured. Photographer Ray Attard from Illum newspaper was also slightly injured. Farrugia and Borg-Cardona were threatened by representatives of the Federation for Hunting, Trapping and Conservation, which organised the protest. These are the latest cases of attacks on journalists in Malta, where journalists have been threatened or assaulted while on assignment cover public gatherings or judicial proceedings, the IGM said. Last year, an editor and a columnist had their front doors set on fire while the country was having a public debate about asylum seekers in Malta. At the time, far-right political figures were inciting attacks against the media, who were generally sympathetic about the plight of asylum seekers. For more information please call: + 32 2 235 22
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Newsletter Nru. 2
The Fund for American Studies, bil-kollaborazzjoni tal-European Journalism Institute (EJI) se torganizza seminar ta' tmint ijiem fi Prague bejn is-7 u l-15 ta' Lulju 2007, li ghalih jistghu japplikaw gurnalisti attivi u anke studenti universitarji. Min irid ikun jaf iktar dwar is-seminar jista' jzur il-websajt www.tfasinternational.org/eji/about filwaqt li min jixtieq jistaqsi dwar il-programmi jista' jikkontattja lil Cynthia Ramirez, International Programs Assistant fuq cramirez@tfas.org Min jinghazel ghal dan is-seminar ikun irid ihallas il-biljett ta' l-ajru biss ghax il-lukanda tkun bla hlas. Is-sena li ghaddiet tliet gurnalisti membri ta' l-IGM attendew ghal kors simili u l-IGM hallas il-biljett ta' l-ajru ghal tnejn minnhom. Jekk ikun hemm xi membri taghna li jigu accettati biex jattendu dan il-kors, il-Kunsill jikkonsidra jisponsorjalhom il-vjagg taghhom. Naturalment min ma jkunx aggornat fi shubija ma jigix ikkonsidrat ghal ghajnuna. L-uzu tal-premises mill-gurnalisti Kmieni din is-sena l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin beda jgawdi mill-iskema ta' tahrig ta' l-istudenti li introduca l-ETC. Permezz ta' din l-iskema studenti ta' bejn 18 u l-21 sena li jkunu ilhom jirregistraw ghax-xoghol ghal sitt xhur, jigu allokati ma' xi NGO u jitharrgu maghha ghall-perjodu ta' sitt xhur. Matul dan iz-zmien l-ETC thallas Lm30 fil-gimgha lill-istudent li min-naha tieghu jkun irid jahdem 20 siegha fuq hamest ijiem. Minn Frar li ghadda, l-IGM u l-ETC bdew ihaddmu din l-iskema, u llum l-IGM hu f'pozizzjoni li joffri lill-gurnalisti, membri u mhumiex, l-uzu tal-premises matul in-nofs ta' nhar fil-ghodu, b'hekk inaqqsu mill-iskarrig zejjed u l-htiega li l-gurnalisti joqoghdu jmorru l-ufficcju biex jghaddu x-xoghol taghhom. Madankollu qabel nibdew nimplimentaw is-sistema nixtiequ l-feedback minghand il-membri. Fil-premises ghandna computer u librerija u jekk ikun hemm risposta pozittiva mill-gurnalisti ghall-uzu tal-facilitajiet taghna, allura behsiebna ntejbu l-facilitajiet li ghandna biex il-gurnalisti jkollhom il-htigjiet kollha li jkunu jehtiegu. Kif ghidt id-decizjoni nimxux iktar 'l quddiem nehduha wara li nircievu r-riazzjoni tal-membri. Discount Card Nixtieq ninforma lill-membri li Julia Farrugia, ufficjal tal-IGM, qed tahdem fuq skema ta' Discount Card li permezz taghha l-membri jkunu jistghu jgawdu minn rohs sostanzjali meta jzuru l-postijiet/hwienet/restoranti li jkunu dahlu fl-iskema. Iktar dettalji dwar din l-iskema jinghataw iktar 'il quddiem. Jekk il-membri jixtiequ xi kumpaniji jidhlu f'din l-iskema jinformawna. Journal Il-Kunsill ta' l-IGM jinsab fil-process li jippubblika t-tieni edizzjoni tal-Journal li jkun jinkludi d-diskorsi li saru fit-tieni Konvenzjoni li organizza l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin bil-kollaborazzjoni tal-Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech ghall-Edukazzjoni fil-Gurnalizmu. Ufficjal Informazzjoni Il-Kunsill hatar lil Charlot Zahra, ex membru tal-Kunsill, bhala Segretarju Informazzjoni.
09.03.2007 L-IGM jistenna li l-pulizija tieghu azzjoni L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin, f'isem il-komunita' gurnalistika, id-djar tal-pubblikazzjoni f'Malta u l-maggoranza kbira hafna tal-Maltin u l-Ghawdxin, filwaqt li jerga jtenni l-kundanna tieghu ghall-vjolenza mwettqa minn kaccaturi u nassaba fuq gurnalisti u fotografi waqt il-qadi ta' dmirijiethom nhar l-Erbgha li ghadda fil-belt Valletta, jistenna kundanna ghal dawn l-atti vjolenti mill-Federazzjoni Kaccaturi, Nassaba u Konservazzjonisti filwaqt li jappella lill-Pulizija biex jassiguraw li jittiehdu passi skond il-ligi kontra min wettaq dawn l-atti vjolenti. Mhux accettabbli li l-FKNK tohrog stqarrija biex suppost tikkundanna dak li gara u fl-istess nifs tipprova tiggustifika l-aggressjoni billi sostniet li " dan seta' gara minhabba provokazzjoni ta' xi persuni." B'dan il-mod intefa' dawl ikrah fuq il-Pulizija u gurnalisti li kienu qed jaqdu dmirijiethom f'cirkostanzi li suppost kienu pacifici izda li whud irrendewhom vjolenti bl-imgieba intollerabbli taghhom, sa mill- bidunett tal-protesta meta kien hemm minn dahal bil-vettura tieghu f'post li l-Pulizija kienet ghalqet ghat-traffiku u b'rezistenza lill-istess pulizija. L-FKNK qarrqet ukoll fl-istqarrija meta qalet li "minkejja s-sitwazzjoni mweghra li jinsabu fiha dawn l-eluf ta' cittadini, ma nqala' ebda ncident sakemm spiccat il-Protesta." Fil-verita' ghall-habta tas-18.20 meta l-protesta kienet waslet quddiem Pjazza Regina, kienu diga' nqalghu incidenti fejn numru ta' fliexken u ghadd ta' gebel intefghu lejn id-direzzjoni tal-Pulizija u tal-gurnalisti. L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Malti jistenna li l-Pulizija tiehu azzjoni wkoll fil-konfront ta' numru ta' persuni li fil-prezenza ta' ufficjali tal-FKNK heddew verbalment gurnalisti u fotografi. Fost dawn kien hemm "fotografu" li kien qed jigbed ritratti ghall-Federazzjoni stess u li qal kliem dispreggjattiv fil-konfront tal-fotografu Ben Borg Cardona li xi kaccaturi kissrulu u serqulu l-apparat fotografiku. Dan il-fotografu tal-FKNK sa indirizza lill-gurnalist bil-kliem "Sew ghamlulek lilek." Dan il-kliem sab ir-rezistenza tal-gurnalista u kollega Julia Farrugia li kompliet tinsisti li dan il-kliem qatt ma kellu jintqal u hu ta' min jistkerrhu. Din il-gurnalista giet mhedda u ntimidata minn ufficjal tal-FKNK fil-prezenza ta' Lino Farrugia Segretarju tal-Federazzjoni li minflok ma waqqaf dan id-diskors ghadda rimarki u kliem li jista' jitqies bhala theddid fil-konfront ta' l-istess gurnalista. Dan l-individwu sa beda jghajjat l-isem tal-gurnalista fuq il-megaphone. Dan it-tip ta' incitament mhux accettat aktar u aktar meta fil-belt Valletta kien ghad baqa' numru ta' kaccaturi. Dan l-atteggjament seta' qala' aktar inkwiet u vjolenza fuq il-gurnalisti. L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin jistenna dikjarazzjoni
cara mit-tmexxija tal-FKNK u azzjoni mill-Pulizija.
07.03.2007 L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin Jikkundanna bil-Qawwa Kollha il-Vjolenza Fuq il-Gurnalisti : “Kultant zmien, il-mostru ikrah tal-vjolenza fizika kontra l-gurnalisti jgholli ruhu, specjalment waqt attivajiet pubblici jaharqu” L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Malti jikkundanna bil-qawwa kollha l-agir tal-membri tal-Federazzjoni tal-Kaccaturi, Nassaba u Konservazjonisti fuq il-gurnalisti u fotografi waqt il-qadi ta’ dmirijiethom il-lejla. Minn ta’ l-inqas hames gurnalisti/fotografi gew attakkati fizikament u verbalment mhedda mill-membri ta’ l-GHKNK sahansitra fotogrofu ta’ The Times/Reuters Darrin Zammit Lupi li kellu jittiehed l-isptar ghal kura. Ma dan kienu mhedda gurnalisti mill-gurnali The Malta Independent, l-orizzont, u Illum. Niddeploraw li f’demokrazija fejn id-dritt ta’ liberta’ ta’ l-espressjoni ghandha tigi rispettata dan l-atteggament arroganti ghandu jsir. L-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin sfortunatament jinnota li kultant zmien, il-mostru ikrah tal-vjolenza fizika kontra l-gurnalisti jgholli ruhu, specjalment waqt attivajiet pubblici jaharqu. Il-Kunsill ta’ l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin jishaq ma’ l-awtoritajiet, ewlenin fosthom il-Pulizija, sabiex dawk kollha li kienu responsabbli ghal dan l-agir kundannabbli ikunu investigati u mressqa l-Qorti bla telf ta’ zmien u moghtija sentenzi kompatibbli mar-rifjut assolut tal-vjolenza f’socjeta’ demokratika bhalma hija Malta.
18.02.2007
Preparations for this year's edition of the Malta Journalism Awards are in full swing as this year, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) is planning to hold this event earlier than usual. The first category sponsorship agreement has been signed this week with Vodafone Malta Limited. For the third consecutive year, the mobile telephony company is sponsoring the print features category which is one of the most competitive of the eleven annually presented awards. An independent judging panel will be selecting the best selection of print features written in 2006 and submitted in this category. Vodafone's Head of Legal, Regulatory & Corporate Affairs, Mr Joseph Cuschieri, presented the sponsorship to IGM Chairman, Mr Malcolm J. Naudi. He said: "Vodafone has been sponsoring the print features category since it was first established, however, Vodafone constant support for Maltese journalists dates back to the early 1990s. On several occasions the company has sponsored various events organised by this national association of Maltese journalists." Ariadne Massa (The Times) and Brandon Pisani (l-orizzont)
were the two winners in this category for 2004 and 2005 respectively. New IGM Council for 2007 IGM Officials uncontested The three officials of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, Malcolm J. Naudi (chairman), Joe A. Vella (Secretary) and Mario Schiavone (Treasurer) were re-elected uncontested at the IGM Annual General Meeting held earlier this week. However, there was a healthy contest for the posts of members on the Council. Following an election held during the AGM, the IGM has two new faces on its Council, Charles Flores and Sergio Mallia whilst Julia Farrugia and Roderick Agius were re-elected. During the meeting the members approved a recommendation by the Council to continue discussions with the Journalists' Committee for the setting up of a trade union for journalists, which if set up, will be completely independent and autonomous from the Institute of Maltese Journalists. The Institute will continue to work on its stated objectives to improve the standard of journalism, through ethics, education and professionalism.
LAQGHA GENERALI ANNWALI 2007 Il-Laqgha Generali Annwali 2007 ta' l-Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM) se tinzamm nhar it-Tnejn, 29 ta' Jannar fis-7.30 pm f'The Malta Press Club, 104a, Triq Zekka l-Qadima, Valletta. Matul din il-laqgha se ssir l-elezzjoni ghall-Kunsill ghas-sena 2007. Il-karigi huma ta' Chairman, Segretarju, Tezorier, u erba' membri. Min jixtieq jikkontesta ghal xi kariga jista' jaghmel dan sa l-Erbgha, 24 ta' Jannar, 2007, billi jibghat l-applikazzjoni tieghu lis-Segretarju, Istitut tal-Gurnalisti Maltin (IGM), 146/5, Triq Howard, Sliema; jew 104a Strada Zekka, Valletta, jew permezz ta' e-mail lil joeavella@onvol.net Min irid iressaq xi mozzjoni jew emendi ghandu jaghmel dan sa' l-istess data, jigifieri l-Erbgha, 24 ta' Jannar, 2007.
Ikklikkja hawn ghad-dokumenti tal-laqgha.
Press Release 01/2007 IFJ REPORTS 155 MURDERS AND UNEXPLAINED KILLINGS IN YEAR OF UNPRECEDENTED BRUTALITY The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said on Sunday that 2006 was a year of tragedy for the world's media as killings of reporters and media staff reached historic levels with at least 155 murders, assassinations and unexplained deaths. "Media have become more powerful and journalism has become more dangerous," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "2006 was the worst year on record - a year of targeting, brutality and continued impunity in the killing of journalists." The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM) is the Malta affiliate of the IFJ. During the year the numbers began to accumulate with civil strife and resistance to military occupation in Iraq. The IFJ says media became prime targets of terror attacks or victims of poor soldiering. By the year's end, 68 media staff had been killed, bringing to 170 the number killed in the country since the invasion in April 2003. Elsewhere, the IFJ says continuing violence in Latin America, particularly Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, claimed the lives of 37 media staff while in Asia relentless attacks in the Philippines and Sri Lanka pushed the total of killings to 34. The only positive sign came in the final days of the year, says the IFJ, when the United Nations, for the first time ever, issued a statement condemning targeting of journalists and calling for prosecution of the killers of media staff. In a resolution passed on December 23 the UN Security Council unanimously called on governments to respect international law and to protect civilians in armed conflict. The Council called for an end to impunity and for prosecution of the killers of journalists and agreed to prepare annual reports on the risks facing media. "This was the only bright spot in a year of unremitting gloom," said White. "For the first time the United Nations has put the focus on a deepening media crisis. It is long overdue. We want to see action against countries that allow impunity in the killing of journalists." The IFJ totals for 2006 are as follows: The previous high was last year when the IFJ recorded 154 deaths, a number inflated tragically by the deaths of 48 Iranian journalists on a military assignment. But this year there were many fewer accidents - just 22. The full details are set out in the IFJ report
-Journalism Put to the Sword - to be published in the middle
of January. The report also covers the work of the IFJ Safety
Fund, which provides humanitarian aid to the victims of violence
and their families. In October a judge in the United Kingdom said one of the victims, ITN journalist Terry Lloyd, was unlawfully killed by American soldiers outside Basra. His interpreter Hussein Osman was also killed and cameraman Fred Nerac is missing believed dead. There have been calls for prosecution of US servicemen involved in this and many other cases. Nevertheless, during 2006 the vast majority of killings have been at the hands of terrorists and sectarian gangs who have made the streets of Baghdad and other major cities no-go areas for many news teams. But the IFJ says that the crisis of impunity is not confined to conflict zones. On December 12 the Federation joined with other international press support groups to launch an International Commission of Inquiry into the killings of journalists in Russia. The action follows the assassination of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya in Moscow on October 7. Her death was the latest in more than 200 killings of journalists in Russia since 1993. Many of these have been explained, but since President Vladimir Putin came to power around 40 killings of journalists have taken place and none of them have been satisfactorily resolved. Second only to Iraq among the most dangerous spots in the world for active journalism is the Philippines, says the IFJ, where 13 journalists died in 2006, bringing to 49 the number of media staff murdered since Gloria Arroya came to power in 2001 - surpassing the numbers killed under the 14-year Marcos Dictatorship. And in Latin America journalists in Mexico moved ahead of Colombia as the deadliest country for journalists covering crime and corruption with 10 deaths, many of them investigative reporters. In Africa countries wracked by internal conflict also proved to be the most dangerous for journalists. Swedish freelance Martin Adler was shot while filming a demonstration in Mogadishu and veteran journalist Mohammed Taha, a Sudanese editor, was kidnapped and killed. "It has been a year in which small steps have been taken to confront this media catastrophe," said White, "The issue will figure strongly at the IFJ World Congress to be held in Moscow in May. But we must do more, particularly to help the victims of violence and to bring the killers of our colleagues to justice."
For press releases issued between 1999 and 2000 click here. For press releases issued in 2001 click here. For press releases issued in 2002 click here. For press releases issued in 2003 click here. For press releases issued in 2004/2005/2006 click here. |
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Meanwhile,
the 2010 edition of the journalist award is now open for entries.
The competition is open to both print and online journalists
who write on issues of discrimination on the grounds of racial
or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, disability and sexual
orientation. Articles must be published between 1 September
2009 and 17 September 2010 in a print or online media outlet
that has its main editorial office in one of the 27 EU Member
States. The deadline for submitting articles via the award website
is 17 September 2010. http://journalistaward.stop-discrimination.info
Matul
il-laqgha kordjali hafna, li damet aktar minn nofs siegha u
li saret fil-Palazz tal-President, il-Belt, ic-Cerpersin tal-Istitut
fisser lill-President Abela il-hidma tal-IGM fuq it-tliet oqsma
li fuqha jahdem l-Istitut – l-edukazzjoni , l-etika u l-professjonalizmu.
To
mark the launch, an event was held at Villa Parisio, Lija, seat
of the Strickland Foundation, which assisted in the book's publication.
Among the speakers was President Emeritus Professor Guido de
Marco, who is also Chairman of the Strickland Foundation, Judge
Bonello, Lawyer Joe Giglio and Mr Schiavone.
