Istitut tal-Ġurnalisti Maltin, Institute of Maltese Journalists
Mr Karl Wright (Chairperson)
e-mail: kwright@rtk.com.mt
Ms Caroline Muscat (Deputy Chair)
Room no. 120 (Third Floor)
280/3, Republic Street
Valletta
Malta
Tel: (+356) 9945 074
e-mail: igm.mediamalta@gmail.com
Web: http://igm.org.mt/
Since its foundation, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (originally set-up as The Malta Press Club – TMPC) has endeavoured to upgrade journalism in Malta. Ethics, together with Education and Professionalisation, were identified as the three principles the IĠM should pursue to achieve this objective.
In November 1991, following various meeting between 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 TMPC’s 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 2009 Dr Kevin Aquilina succeeded him.Dr Aquilina resigned last year and Dr Kevin Dingli succeeded him in June 2010.
Updated: 17/08/2017
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In November 1991, following various meeting between The Malta Press Club and the now defunct Institute of Broadcasters, a code of journalistic ethics was launched. It 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 put forward new concepts for the promotion of journalistic ethics, including guidelines for submission and handling of complaints. 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.
The PEC is nominated by the Council of The Malta Press Club and shall consist of a Chairman and six members. The Chairman and at least one of the members shall belong to the legal profession. ?A secretary to the Commission shall be nominated by the Council to carry out such administrative duties. He is not entitled to take part in the discussions.
The Commission shall meet whenever this is necessary and shall be convened in writing by the Secretary as directed by the Chairman. However there shall normally be a monthly meeting on a given day of each month.
Complaints against bona fide journalists alleging breach of Journalistic Ethics can be made to the Commission by any person who considers himself to be injured by the breach. On the date set for the hearing of the complaint, the Commission shall hear the complainant and his witnesses if any and shall then hear the journalist and his witnesses if any. The Commission shall begin the proceedings when the complainant and the journalist are present for the first meeting, offer to the parties the possibility of acting as a mediator in order to reach between them an amicable settlement of the dispute. ??[Source: Malta Press Club website]
Last Update – Aug 2006
