DOCSLIB.ORG

Adult Education by Television

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Adult Education by Television Adult Education by Television Mario A. Azzopardi B.A. (Educ.) (Hons.), Dip. Educ. (Adm. & Mgt.) A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty ofEducation in Part Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree ofMasters in Education Uuiversity ofMalta. May,2009 ABSTRACT Mario A. Azzopardi Adult Education by Television Malta has a long tradition of adult education that dates back to at least 1850. Yet, compared to other EU member states, the percentage of adults aged between 25 and 64 participating in education and training is relatively low. In a globalised environment, where the world seems to be shrinking, and businesses half-way around the world can exert as great an impact on a business as the one right down the road, our small nation-state cannot allow such a large human capital to remain passive in a growing and competitive knowledge society. There are a vast array of reasons why so many adults opt to be so passive to learning. While many argue over these reasons, a phenomenon has been taking place and it has been affecting the Maltese society over the past two decades. This is pluralism in television. As a consequence of this occurrence more Maltese adults are participating in television programmes, with the result that more adults watch locally originated television programmes. The latest statistics show diagrammatic opposite trends. On the one hand, learning activity declines as the adult becomes older. Concurrently, adults watch more television as they become older, probably because they have more leisure time. Within this scenario, it is logical to ask: how can television be an effective stakeholder in adult education in Malta? II The question becomes more relevant, when one of the channels available in Malta, the educational channel E22 is facing an uncertain future. This research will explore why E22 has landed itself in this uncertainty and the rationale behind it becoming an effective transformative agent for adult education. M.Ed.(Adult Education) May,2009 Adult Education, Television iii Acknowledgments During my research, I merged two distinctive areas: adult education and television. With regards to the discourse about adult education and lifelong learning, I have to admit that I am entirely indebted to Prof. Kenneth Wain, Prof. Peter Mayo and Prof. Carmel Borg. They were my mentors throughout the whole journey, always ready to encourage me and give me all the assistance I needed. I would like to thank Jacques Sdberras (CEO, National Commission on Higher Education) who has helped me to concretise the country's needs in education for the future. As regards the local television industry, I have liberally depended on my gained knowledge and experience. In the last months before I submitted this dissertation, I worked closely with the Management Board of E22, and in particular with Fr. Joseph Borg (a member on the Board). Besides being an expert in the field of broadcasting, Fr. Borg helped me to gain more knowledge about broadcasting. I am also greatly indebted to Keith Fearne (former CEO of Maltanet a subsidiary of Maltacom plc before this company was privatised) and Jack Mizzi (Content Manager of GO plc ). Both of them guided me about the new technologies. This is the subject of Chapter FIVE. Moreover, this thesis could never have been completed without the academic supervision of Dr. Carmen Sammut who has unreservedly dedicated many hours of guidance to organise my thoughts. She led me to other literature on media studies and tutored me on how to present the following academic work in a rational way. Finally, I thank my wife Louise and my daughter Myrna. They did the proof reading and above all, supported me throughout. Mario A. Azzopardi May,2009 v Contents Acknowledgements Page v Chapter ONE Replacing gloominess with confidence 1 Chapter TWO Walking on a widened tightrope 11 Chapter THREE It is doable 29 Chapter FOUR In the wilderness 38 Chapter FIVE The future is bright 50 Chapter SIX Tackling the crunch 59 Chapter SEVEN And the winner is ... 69 Chapter EIGHT The way ahead 81 Bibliography 111 vi List of Tables: Table 1: Total Daily Average Audience Page 41 Table 2: Description of Programmes Produced by E22 and Transmitted on TVM (Autumn 2008) 44 Table 3: E22's schedule from 13 to 17 October 2008 45 Table 4: Role of Present Staff at E22 47 List of Charts Chart 1: Progress towards meeting the benchmark in Lifelong Leaming (EU average) 36 Chart 2: TV Viewing and Adult Leaming Compared to Age Groups 36 Chart 3: Participation of adults in education and Training (2005-2006) 81 Chart 4: Proposed Organisational Structure for E22 90 Appendices Appendix 1: Link page for Lura jil-Klassi 99 Appendix 2: Sample Worksheets used during Lura fil-Klassi 101 Appendix 3: Application Form 108 Vil viii Chapter ONE Replacing gloominess with confidence The summer of 2008 featured disquieting information. In July, the Council of the European Union published a Draft Progress Report for 2008 on "Delivering lifelong learning for knowledge, creativity and innovation". In Malta, the percentage of the population aged 25-64 participating in education and training in the four weeks prior to the survey in 2005-2006, stood at 5.5% (CEU, 2008). The participation rate benchmark set by the EU for 2010 is 12.5%. The EU- 27 average in 2006 stood at 9.6%. Malta ranks nineteenth out of the twenty seven member states. In September, Prof. Kenneth Wain, former Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta, long-time lecturer and strong advocator for lifelong learning since the late seventies, as well as one of the main architects of the national minimum curriculum, underscored the need for a national strategic plan for lifelong learning. Malta, he said, has not yet completely understood the concept of lifelong 1 learning, or taken it seriously, while it appeared in every EU policy paper • Prof. Wain was participating in a political forum, in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education. No one commented otherwise on Profs. Wain' s speech. 1 As reported in The Times, September 5 2008, p. 48 A few days later, I was perturbed during a research interview with Francis Borg, Permanent Secretary2 at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (henceforth referred to as Ministry of Education), who admitted that the educational 3 channel in Malta, E22 , did not have a structure and that by summer 2009, a political decision has to be taken on the future of this channel within the National Broadcasting Policy. During the same interview, it was revealed that the responsibility for E22 was no longer under the aegis for the Directorate for Educational Services4 but the Ministry of Education had assumed direct responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the channel. The Minister had appointed5 a Management Committee to oversee this operation. It is chaired by the Permanent Secretary 6 within the Ministry ofEducation • This decision was taken notwithstanding that in a recent call for applications7 for Service Managers in the Directorate for Educational Services, one of those appointed was earmarked for lifelong learning. In this particular Service Manager's portfolio, it was specifically stated that among the duties, the person selected had to 8 "manage and participate in matters related to educational broadcasting ". 2 Since I conducted the interview, Mr. F. Borg has moved on as Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Social Policy. As a result he relinquished the post of Chairman of the Management Board of E22. 3 Formerly known as Channel 12, Education Channel and Education 22. Henceforth, I will refer to this channel as E22. 4 The Department of Education was reformed into two directorates as a result of the Education Act, 1991 (Chapter 327) of the Maltese Laws, by the amendment XIII. 2006.6. The two Directorates are called: Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (Part II, Article 8) and the Directorate for Educational Services (Part II, Article 10). 5 The first meeting of the Management Committee was held on August 5, 2008. 6 The members of the Management Committee are Rev. Joseph Borg and Ms Nadette Bugeja. The present Head of E22 is called for these meetings but is not a member of the Management Committee. 7 Circular Reference AE 1/2008, dated January 4, 2008 8 The Service Manager (Lifelong Leaming) was excluded from the Management Committee but was invited for the Management Meetings as an observer after January 2, 2009. 2 The decision to reassign E22 to the Ministry rather than the Directorate for Educational Services may be interpreted that it is in conflict with the present legislature, namely the Broadcasting Act of 1991. In the Second Schedule, National 9 Broadcasting Plan , it is specified that pluralism is to be established in Maltese television and that "an educational channel will also be operated in conjunction with the Department ofEducation" 10 (my italics). There are two reasoned arguments that sustain why E22 should return within the remit of the Directorate of Educational Studies. Malta is a politically polarised country. Broadcasting is one of the most hotly­ contested political issues on the island. The political party in opposition (whichever it was) over the past forty-five years has consistently made serious accusations about the political bias in national broadcasting. The cause of these allegations always stemmed from the selection of the CEO, and from the composition of the Board of Directors and/or Editorial Board in charge of the News Department of the 11 public broadcaster PBS • Both boards are selected by the Minister responsible for broadcasting, which currently (that is in 2009) falls within the portfolio of the Minster of Education.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Monitoring Media Pluralism in Europe: Application of the Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in the European Union, FYROM, Serbia & Turkey
    Monitoring Media Pluralism in Europe: Application of the Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in the European Union, FYROM, Serbia & Turkey Country Report: Malta Author: Iva Nenadic TABLE OF CONTENT 1. About the Project 1 2. Introduction 2 3. Results from the data collection: assessment of the risks to media pluralism 3 3.1. Basic Protection (36% - medium risk) 4 3.2. Market Plurality (61% - medium risk) 5 3.3. Political Independence (63% - medium risk) 7 3.4. Social Inclusiveness (58% - medium risk) 9 4. Conclusions 11 References 12 Annexe 1. Country Team 12 Annexe 2. Group of Experts 13 1. ABOUT THE PROJECT 1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT The Media Pluralism Monitor (MPM) is a research tool that was designed to identify potential risks to media pluralism in the Member States of the European Union. This narrative report has been produced within the framework of the second EU-wide implementation of the MPM, carried out in 2017. The implementation was conducted in 28 EU Member States, Serbia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRoM) and Turkey with the support of a grant awarded by the European Union to the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) at the European University Institute. 1.2 METHODOLOGICAL NOTE The research was based on a standardised questionnaire and apposite guidelines that were developed by the CMPF. The data collection for Malta was carried out centrally by the CMPF team between August and December, 2017. A group of national experts was consulted to ensure accurate and reliable findings, and to review the answers to particularly evaluative questions (see Annexe 2 for the details on procedure and the list of experts).
    [Show full text]
  • Making Digital Broadcasting Available to All
    Further to the publication of the consultation document titled “Making digital broadcasting accessible to all” published on the 18th September 2007, the MCA and the BA are publishing this presentation, which highlights the key aspects of the consultation document, for ease of reference. Until further notice, the closing date for this consultation process is currently set at the 15th of February 2008. Consultation on Broadcasting that meets General Interest Objectives (GIOs) Summary Presentation 11th December 2007 Purpose of Presentation • This presentation is meant to highlight the key aspects that are dealt with in the Consultation document Background to the Consultation (1) Principles established in 2005 ‘umbrella’ DTTV Policy • February 2005 – Govt Policy on DTTV established the reservation of 3 frequencies for the purpose of broadcasting that meets General Interest Objectives. • As a rule assignment of rights of use of frequencies can only be made under competitive conditions if demand exceeds supply. • Direct Assignment of rights of use of frequencies can only be on the basis of clearly defined General Interest Objectives (GIOs). • Policy established the differentiation of roles of network operator and broadcaster under new (Digital Terrestrial) technology paradigm – one frequency = multiple broadcasters. • Document also highlighted need for dedicated policy iro. Broadcasting that meets GIO. • Assignment of frequencies to networks is an MCA function. • Direct allotment of transmission capacity to Broadcasters meeting GIOs is essentially a BA function. • Broadcasters qualifying as meeting the GIOs will share the 3 frequencies. Background to the Consultation (2) Key Developments in 2006/7 • RRC06 – resulting in a restriction on the number of coordinated frequencies • Maltacom takeover of Multiplus • Long drawn out coordination exercise with Italy • Impact on: – Govt DTTV policy – GIO Policy – Efforts to strengthen the information society • Spectrum carries ever increasing value as a national resource.
    [Show full text]
  • Television Programmes As a Resource for Teaching Italian
    Vol:1 No.1 2003 3-24 www.educ.um.edu.mt/jmer Television programmes as a resource for teaching Italian Sandro Caruana Sandro Caruana (1968, Sliema, Malta) completed a dottorato di ricerca (Ph.D.) in Linguistics at the Università degli studi di Pavia (Italy) in 2001. His main interests are General and Applied Linguistics, particularly the Methodology of teaching Italian as a second language. His research focuses mainly on the linguistic influence of the media and on the role of the media in language learning. His work has recently been published in Italy. (Mezzi di comunicazione e input linguistico. L’acquisizione dell’italiano L2 a Malta, Franco Angeli ed., Milano). He has lectured at the universities of Milan and of Bergamo and presented papers at international conferences. He currently holds the post of lecturer at the University of Malta where he carries out duties both at the G.F.Abela Junior College and at the Department of Arts and Languages in Education. Abstract: The island of Malta offers an ideal setting to investigate the extent to which the linguistic input from the media may be significant in second language (L2) acquisition. Although Italian is not spoken in Malta, many individuals are exposed to this language via the media as Italian television programmes are popular on the island. In this article the extent to which Italian may be acquired via the media is discussed by taking into account research carried out among guided and spontaneous learners of Italian L2. Despite the unidirectional nature of television and the absence of the possibility to interact and negotiate so as to modify or simplify the L2 input, results show that L2 input from Italian television programmes in Malta may help to learn the language, even in the case of learners who have never undergone formal instruction in the L2.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Communications Commission DA 11-732 Before The
    Federal Communications Commission DA 11-732 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of ) ) International Comparison Requirements Pursuant ) to the Broadband Data Improvement Act ) IB Docket No. 10-171 ) International Broadband Data Report ) ) ) ) SECOND REPORT Adopted: May 20, 2011 Released: May 20, 2011 By the Chief, International Bureau: I. INTRODUCTION 1. This second International Broadband Data Report (IBDR or Report) presents comparative data on the extent of international broadband service capability, based on the best data sources available to the Commission at this time.1 Our analysis of this data suggests a positive correlation between broadband adoption and income, population size, and population density. These factors help explain the United States’ rates of broadband adoption compared to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries. Based on OECD data, the United States ranks ninth for mobile broadband adoption on a per capita basis,2 and 12th for fixed (e.g., DSL or cable) broadband on a per household basis.3 U.S. fixed broadband adoption lags behind such countries as South Korea, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, but exceeds adoption rates in Japan and the EU average.4 This Report also compares data on average actual download speeds reported by a sample of consumers in a number of U.S. and foreign cities and finds that some large European and Asian cities exhibit a significant edge over comparable U.S. cities in reported download speeds, though reported speeds for some other international cities are roughly comparable to speeds in many U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Broadcasting in Gozo KEVIN AQUILINA
    Broadcasting in Gozo KEVIN AQUILINA Introduction so much so that demand outnumbered the supply of nationwide radio broadcasting frequencies. Since the advent of pluralism in the Maltese islands When the Broadcasting Authority, in 1993, came following the enactment of the Broadcasting Act to allocate the last two remaining radio frequencies in 1991, a number of local radios have sprung up, which had not yet been assigned from the original both on a nationwide and community level. Gozo ten, it had received three applications but had only has not been an exception to this phenomenon. One two frequencies available. In the circumstances, it of the nationwide radio stations – Radio Calypso was decided to give precedence to and to assign – used to broadcast from Gozo. Currently ten radio one frequency to the Gozitan Radio Calypso on stations of a community nature broadcast within the grounds that it would be the only company Gozo and the Broadcasting Authority also has a operating a national radio from Gozo, whilst the pending application for a nationwide television second frequency ended up being shared between station originating from Gozo. Furthermore, Gozo the other two applicants – the University of Malta has contributed to raising programme standards in and the Social Action Movement. the archipelago’s media landscape. In July 1992, the Broadcasting Authority received Nationwide radio stations an application from Radio Calypso Ltd. for a 24-hour mainly music service aimed at the There are 12 nationwide radio stations, divided as 30+ population. The programme format was follows: described as being middle-of-the-road / easy listening music and had to include news and Public Service Stations: Radju Malta speech programming covering the arts, culture, Radju Parlament interviews, and competitions.
    [Show full text]
  • ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Published in 2020 by the Broadcasting Authority 7 Mile End Road Ħamrun HMR 1719 Malta
    ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL REPORT2019 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 Published in 2020 by the Broadcasting Authority 7 Mile End Road Ħamrun HMR 1719 Malta Compiled, produced and designed by: Mario Axiak B.A. Hons (Business Management), M.B.A. (Maastricht) Head Research & Communications The Hon. Dr Robert Abela K.U.O.M., B.A., LL.D., Adv. Trib. Melit, M.P. Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Auberge De Castille Valletta March 2020 Honourable Prime Minister, Broadcasting Authority Annual Report 2019 In accordance with sub-article (1) of Article 30 of the Broadcasting Act, Chapter 350 of the Laws of Malta, we have pleasure in forwarding the Broadcasting Authority’s Annual Report for 2019. Yours faithfully, Frank V. Farrugia Dr Joanna Spiteri Chairman Chief Executive Officer BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MALTA CONTENTS Foreword 7 1. Review of the Year 8 1.1 The Broadcasting Authority 8 1.2 Sponsorship 8 1.2.1 Certificate Course in Proof Reading 8 1.2.2 28th edition of Malta Journalism Awards 8 1.3 Thematic Reports compiled by the Monitoring Department 9 1.4 Reaching Out 10 1.4.1 Kiplinger Program, Ohio State University 10 1.4.2 Deċiżjonijiet II - Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti 11 1.4.3 ICA Festival, MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts 11 1.4.4 Master Class on Scriptwriting 12 1.4.5 Course on Maltese for Journalists, News Casters , and Broadcasters 13 1.5 Quality in TV 13 1.6 Executive Training Seminar - Strategic Tools for Media Regulators in an Age of Abundance, Convergence and Disinformation 15 1.7 German visit – November 2019 16 1.8 European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA) 17 1.8.1 Media Plurality (4th February 2019) 18 1.8.2 Protecting children in audiovisual media services (9th October 2019) 19 1.9 Gender Diversity in News & Current Affairs Programmes 20 Item topics and presentation 21 Anchors - Reporters - Journalists - Commentators 21 Panels and Guests 21 Guests NOT on Panels 21 How were these items presented and discussed? 23 Concluding remarks 25 1.10 Study on the health and behaviour of school-age children 25 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Making Digital Broadcasting Accessible to All
    Making Digital Broadcasting Accessible to All A Consultation Document relative to: A Policy and Strategy for Digital Broadcasting that meets General Interest Objectives September 2007 Making Digital Broadcasting Accessible to All A Consultation Document relative to: A Policy and Strategy for Digital Broadcasting that meets General Interest Objectives Executive Summary In the Digital Broadcasting Policy that was published towards the end of February 20051, Government had reserved three frequencies (equivalent to three analogue channels) that could be allotted2, in a digital environment, to local broadcast content providers that met specific conditions. The policy highlighted the need for specific conditions applicable to broadcast content, termed General Interest Objectives (GIOs), to be established, as the fundamental criteria for such an allotment to take place. The purpose behind the reservation of three frequencies for broadcasting that meets GIOs was to safeguard broadcasting having to do mainly with local content that meets defined quality standards. That objective remains the central focus of this proposed Policy and Strategy. This Consultation Document addresses what are considered to be the general interests linked to broadcasting together with the related must-carry obligations incumbent on networks, and articulates how the two aspects, that is GIOs and must- carry obligations, come together from both a policy as well as an implementation standpoint. This Document also proposes a revised broadcasting licence framework that takes into consideration the potential for the establishment of a fully commercialised broadcasting environment. The rationalisation exercise with respect to licence categories also seeks to address the current anomalies between broadcasting channels owned and run by multi-channel network operators, vis-à-vis the ‘traditional’ broadcasters.
    [Show full text]
  • It-Tlettax-Il Leġiżlatura Pl
    IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L. 904 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 67 tad-19 ta’ Diċembru 2017 mill-Ministru għall-Enerġija u l- Immaniġġar tal-Ilma, f’isem il-Prim Ministru. ___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra BROADCASTING BROADCASTING A UTHORITY UTHORITY ANNUA L L R EP ORT 2016 ANNUAL REPORT Broadcasting Authority Malta 7, Mile End Road, Ħamrun HMR 1719 Tel: (+356) 2122 1281 E-mail: [email protected] www.ba.org.mt ANNUAL REPORT 2016 Published in 2017 by the Broadcasting Authority 7 Mile End Road Ħamrun HMR 1718 Malta Compiled, produced and designed by: Mario Axiak B.A. Hons (Business Management), M.B.A. (Maastricht) Head Research & Communications ---MAl-~~LV..---· ar-.Ainllorly Mllll The Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat KUOM, Ph.D., M.P Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Auberge De Castille Valletta June 2017 Honourable Prime Minister, Broadcasting Authority Annual Report 2016 In accordance with sub-article (1) of article 30 of the Broadcasting Act, Chapter 350 of the Laws of Malta, we have pleasure in forwarding the Broadcasting Authority’s Annual Report for 2016. Yours sincerely, ______________________________ ______________________________ Ms Tanya Borg Cardona Dr Joanna Spiteri Chairperson Chief Executive BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MALTA ANNUAL REPORT 2016 CONTENTS 1. Review of the Year 7 1.1 The Broadcasting Authority 7 1.2 Għargħur Transmitting Facilities 7 1.3 Sponsorship - Certificate Course in Proof Reading 7 1.4 Sponsorship - Malta Journalism Awards 8 1.5 Thematic Reports compiled by the Monitoring Department 8 1.6 Reach-out 8 1.7 Political Broadcasts 9 1.8 Equality Certification 9 1.9 Wear it Pink 9 2.
    [Show full text]
  • It-Tlettax-Il Leġiżlatura Pl 4166
    IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA P.L. 4166 Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 279 tas-6 ta’ Novembru 2019 mid-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għas-Saħħa, f’isem il-Prim Ministru. ___________________________ Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra ANNUAL REPORT 2018 Published in 2019 by the Broadcasting Authority 7 Mile End Road Ħamrun HMR 1718 Malta Compiled, produced and designed by: Mario Axiak B.A. Hons (Business Management), M.B.A. (Maastricht) Head Research & Communications The Hon. Dr Joseph Muscat KUOM, Ph.D., M.P Prime Minister Office of the Prime Minister Auberge De Castille Valletta June 2019 Honourable Prime Minister, Broadcasting Authority Annual Report 2017 In accordance with sub-article (1) of article 30 of the Broadcasting Act, Chapter 350 of the Laws of Malta, we have pleasure in forwarding the Broadcasting Authority’s Annual Report for 2017. Yours sincerely, ______________________________ ______________________________ Mr Martin Micallef Dr Joanna Spiteri Chairman Chief Executive Officer BROADCASTING AUTHORITY MALTA CONTENTS 1. Review of the Year 6 1.1 The Broadcasting Authority 6 1.2 Sponsorship 6 1.2.1 Certificate Course in Proof Reading 6 1.2.2 28th edition of Malta Journalism Awards 6 1.3 Thematic Reports compiled by the Monitoring Department 7 1.4 Reach-outs 7 1.5 IRF Project (International Radio Festival 8 1.6 New Collective Agreement 8 2. Administrative Offences 11 3. Broadcasting Licences 14 3.1 Television Licences 14 3.1.1 GIO Licences: Generalist and Niche 14 3.1.2 Commercial TV Licences 14 3.1.3 Satellite TV Stations 14 3.2 Radio Broadcasting Licences 15 3.2.1 National Analogue Radio (FM) 15 3.2.2 Digital Radio 15 3.2.3 Community Radio Stations 15 3.2.4 Long Term Community Radio Stations 15 3.2.5 Simulcasting of Community Radio Stations 15 3.2.6 Location of Long Term Community Radio Stations 15 3.2.7 Short Term Community Radio Stations 16 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Consumer Guides 2008
    CONSUMER GUIDES 2008 A Guide to Consumers of Electronic Communications Services Choosing your TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDER MALTA COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY Valletta Waterfront, Pinto Wharf, Valletta FRN 1913, Malta Web: www.mca.org.mt Tel: (+356) 21336840 Fax: (+356) 21336846 CONSUMER GUIDES 2008 1 CONSUMER GUIDES FORWARD The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) is the national authority responsible for the regulation of electronic communications (telephony, Internet and broadcasting transmission), eCommerce and postal services. One of its main objectives in regulating these sectors is to promote the interests of consumers. Amongst others, it performs this role by: 1. Working together with service providers to address issues concerning consumers and ensure that any relevant obligations are complied with; 2. Collaborating with the Consumer and Competition Division; which is responsible for ensuring that service providers abide by general consumer protection rules; and 3. Raising awareness regarding matters of direct interest to consumers. OBJECTIVE This guide aims to inform you about: 1. The general principles to follow when taking up offers made by service providers in the electronic communications sector; 2. The factors you should consider before selecting your TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDER 3. The steps to take when lodging a complaint with your service provider; and 4. How the MCA can help you when you have unresolved difficulties regarding a particular service. TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDER CONSUMER GUIDES 2008 2 CHOOSING YOUR TELEVISION SERVICE PROVIDER TYPES of Television Services you may choose from in Malta: Terrestrial Cable Analogue Digital Analogue Digital TERRESTRIAL BROADCASTING is known as ‘over-the-air’ television. It makes use of a network that transmits wireless signals that are received using a conventional rooftop television antenna (also known as an aerial).
    [Show full text]
  • Public Broadcasting Services Extended Public Service Obligation 2009/10 Report by the Auditor General June 2012
    Public Broadcasting Services Extended Public Service Obligation 2009/10 Report by the Auditor General June 2012 EPSO - Public Broadcasting Services TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS Page Abbreviations 3 Executive Summary 4 Report: EPSO - Public Broadcasting Services 5 Chapter One: Introduction 5 1. Background 5 2. The Terms of Reference 6 3. The PBS Core and Extended Public Service Obligation 6 4. Methodology 7 Chapter Two: The PBS PSO - Programme Selection and Funding 8 1. The selection of programmes covered by the Public Service Obligation 8 2. Funding Mechanism of the PBS’ Public Service Obligation 9 3. Extended Public Service Obligation - Allocation of Funds 10 4. The EPSO Allocation for the 2009/10 Schedule 11 5. Revision of the Extended Public Service Allocation - 2009/10 13 Chapter Three: Conclusions and Recommendations 16 Conclusions 16 1. Potential concerns arising from the EPSO funding mechanism 16 2. EPSO Budgeting 16 Recommendations 17 List of Appendices 19 Appendix 1: Letter to Public Accounts Committee 20 Appendix 2: NAO letter to Public Accounts Committee 21 Appendix 3: Extract from ‘Direttivi dwar il-ħtiġijiet tal-Ministeru u l-infieq tal-kontribuzzjoni EPSO u Kummenti u Mistoqsijiet dwar il-PSI għall-iskeda Ottubru 2009 sa Ġunju 2010’ 22 Appendix 4: Email from PBS to Ernst & Young 24 Appendix 5: Email from MFEI to MEDC, PBS 28 Appendix 6: Reply to PQ 27937 29 List of Tables Table 1: EPSO Allocation 2004-2012 11 Table 2: EPSO Allocation for 2009/10 11 Table 3: Actual EPSO Costs for 2009/10 12 Table 4: EPSO 2009/10 Contribution
    [Show full text]
  • Television Food Advertising to Children in Malta
    Health Promotion International, 2017;32:419–429 doi: 10.1093/heapro/dav105 Advance Access Publication Date: 24 October 2015 Article Television food advertising to children in Malta Daniel Cauchi1,*, Sascha Reiff2, Cecile Knai1, Charmaine Gauci2, and 3 Joanna Spiteri Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/heapro/article/32/3/419/2950982 by guest on 01 October 2020 1Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK, 2Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, Msida, Malta, and 3Broadcasting Authority, Hamrun, Malta *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected] Summary To undertake a cross-sectional survey of the extent and nature of food and beverage advertising to chil- dren on Maltese national television stations. Seven national free-to-air channels were recorded for seven consecutive days in March 2014 between 07:00 and 22:00 h. Advertisements were coded accord- ing to predefined categories, with a focus on advertisements aired during ‘peak’ children’s viewing times, defined as periods during which more than 25% of children were likely to be watching television on any channel. Food and beverage advertisements were classified as core (healthy), non-core (unhealthy) or miscellaneous foods. Malta. Whole population, with a focus on children. Food and drinks were the most heavily advertised product category (26.9% of all advertisements) across all channels. The proportion of non-core food/drink advertisements was significantly greater during peak compared with non-peak children’s viewing times (52 vs 44.6%; p ≤ 0.001). A majority of advertisements aimed at children are for non-core foods, and are typically shown during family-oriented programmes in the late evening rather than being restricted to children’s programmes.
    [Show full text]