PBS scraps Dom Mintoff TV series, fearing PN backlash

A mini-documentary series on former prime minister Dom Mintoff has been scrapped by the national broadcaster for fear of a backlash from Nationalist viewers. 

The PBS board decided not to broadcast a four-part documentary series on the life of the Labour political icon after some of its members felt it would not sit well with viewers who are sensitive about the Mintoff years, Times of Malta has learnt.

The documentary, which was produced externally by private production company I Vision and was commissioned and funded by the Foundation for National Celebrations (FCN) and Arts Council Malta to mark 10 years since Mintoff’s death.

PBS sources said the documentary had been approved by an editorial review panel which found the production to offer a “balanced and well-researched” take on the life of the controversial political figure. 

However, earlier this month, members of the PBS board raised concerns that including a documentary on such a prominent Labour figure in its upcoming programming schedule without counterbalancing it against a similar production on a Nationalist personality would not sit well with PN-leaning viewers. 

“A decision was taken to hold off on running the...