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Apr 23 GSD Concerned at GRA Verdict of GBC Decision

GSD GibraltarThe Gibraltar Social Democrats are concerned about the possible ramifications of the decision recently issued by the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA), dated 18th April, 2013. The decision is contained in what is described as a “Closure Statement”.  It follows an investigation carried out by the Regulatory Authority at the request of the Liberal Party regarding its non-inclusion in GBC’s Viewpoint programme shown on 14th March, 2013.

“This is a terrible decision for democracy”, said Isobel Ellul-Hammond, GSD Spokesman,  “it cannot be right that the effect of all of this is to, in fact, give the parties in the Government greater prominence in any future debate.  That on a debate of political importance, such as the one which was the subject of the Viewpoint programme in question (i.e. Parliamentary Reform) the GSD representative should have to debate with, in effect, two Government representatives is nonsensical.”

The Liberal Party is in alliance with the GSLP and they both form the Government.  They both fought the last four general elections on a joint programme for government and won the last election on one manifesto.  Their policies over the last 13 years, including those in government have been presented as one and the same entity.  They therefore have no distinction in policy which would allow them to express divergent views on anything.”

The long and the short of it is that as a result of this decision it is possible for the Government to have two participants whilst the Opposition only one in a future debate, that is a retrograde step for democracy and debate.

Broadcasting is a highly sensitive matter in a modern society especially so when dealing with matters of participation by political parties and giving undue prominence to the Government of the day. The GSD is writing to the Regulatory Authority expressing its disquiet and concern at this recent development, particularly in light of the fact we were not asked to provide our views before they came to a decision.  This must infringe all principles of natural justice and a fair hearing indeed, we voted against the Broadcasting Act and it appears to have failed at the first hurdle.