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Just as SBS had done when it originally slashed Maltese programs from 9 hours per week to just two in the revised schedule published in November 2012, SBS has again failed to consult with the Maltese community leaders before reviewing the continued funding of two hours of Maltese programs and making its decision to cease funding.
In a Media Release issued on 1 July 2015 SBS announced that two hours of Maltese language programs on SBS Radio Digital, one at 12.00 pm Tuesday and the other 2.00 pm Thursday on SBS Radio 3 will be discontinued from the 6th August 2015.
The Maltese Community Councils of Victoria and New South Wales have prepared a joint submission which has been forwarded to the SBS with a request that it be referred to the SBS Board to review and reverse the decision.
Arrangements are currently being made for a meeting with SBS representatives at which Maltese community leaders will have an opportunity to verbally address the issue and hopefully convince these representatives that the Maltese have a special case and the current four hours of Maltese language program broadcasts should continue.
The Maltese Community Councils of Victoria and New South Wales are also sponsoring a petition (click here to download a copy of the petition form) which has been distributed among affiliated associations and members within the Maltese community for submission to the SBS Board and the Federal Minister for Communications, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull.
The Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull and other Federal and State politicians are being approached for their assistance and support.
Hopefully the SBS representatives will be convinced that the threatened programs should continue to be broadcast in the interest of the Maltese community in Australia.
SBS turns its back again on the Maltese community
