RTK’s Andrew Azzopardi Fined For Calling Norman Lowell ‘Racist’

Jan 24 2024

The Broadcasting Authority (BA) has fined Church radio station RTK €1,750 for a statement made by presenter Andrew Azzopardi, describing far-right figure Norman Lowell as “xenophobic and racist” during an October broadcast.

Despite Lowell’s prior conviction for promoting racial hatred, the BA upheld Lowell’s complaint, citing unjust treatment under Article 35 of the Broadcasting Act.

Azzopardi made the comments while interviewing BA CEO Joanna Spiteri, questioning the fairness of giving individuals with controversial views media appearances, specifically citing Lowell as an example.

“Norman Lowell has a history of racism: we can beat around the bush but he is xenophobic and racist: I can’t see how you can interpret things differently,” Azzopardi had said.

The BA board, chaired by Frank Farrugia, found Azzopardi’s comments exceeded a simple opinion, constituting a declaration. The total fine, including a suspended fine from a 2022 case, amounted to €6,410.

The BA has previously fined programs featuring Lowell, emphasizing the importance of avoiding airtime for individuals known for promoting racial hatred and offensive opinions. Despite defending Lowell’s appearances as a political candidate, such justifications have been rejected by the BA in the past.

#MaltaDaily

House Party On Saturdays Are Our Followers’ Jam

Jan 24 2024

Asking our Instagram followers about their parting habits, here’s what we found…

75% go to a party less than once a week, with the second most common answer being 18% for once a week. 3% go to a party twice a week whereas 4% go to parties 3 times a week.

Meanwhile, 37% sometimes say goodbye before leaving a party, whereas 20% never say goodbye. 29% always say goodbye.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

When it comes to preferences, 20% chose a full on rave as their event of choice, whereas 35% chose house parties. 29% chose concerts and 16% chose gigs.

57% chose Saturday as their favourite day to party, whereas 38% chose Fridays. Sundays and other days of the week were voted at 3% and 2% respectively.

What do you think?

#MaltaDaily

Gosling Disappointed Robbie & Gerwig Not Oscar Nominated

Jan 24 2024

In response to his Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in the film “Barbie,” Ryan Gosling expressed gratitude but also voiced disappointment over the Academy’s snubs of Margot Robbie for best actress and Greta Gerwig for best director.

Gosling emphasized the collaborative nature of the film, stating, “There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no ‘Barbie’ movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film.”

Although Robbie received a nomination as a producer for best picture, and Gerwig was recognized for best adapted screenplay, their absence in the actress and director categories garnered significant attention.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark Avery (@heymarkavery)

Gosling acknowledged the groundbreaking work of Gerwig and Robbie, noting their contributions in making audiences laugh, breaking hearts, pushing culture, and making history.

Despite expressing disappointment in their omissions, Gosling congratulated America Ferrera, who received a best supporting actress nomination for her role in “Barbie.”

The comedy received a total of eight nominations, including costume design, production design, and two original songs. In his third Oscar nomination, Gosling joins a competitive field of actors, including Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, Robert Downey Jr., and Mark Ruffalo.

#MaltaDaily

Cabinet Meets With Voluntary Organisations

Jan 24 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela chaired a Cabinet meeting at Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi, discussing the government’s public consultation document on the reform of the voluntary and non-profit sector.

During the meeting, Professor Joseph N. Grima, President of the Maltese Paralympic Committee and Siġġiewi Rowing Club, spoke about the drive to do voluntary work coming not from monetary incentives but from one’s own desire to help the community.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

The meeting included input from various voluntary organizations, covering environmental, sports, cultural, and youth sectors. Prime Minister Abela emphasized the government’s commitment to easing volunteer work through both financial support and necessary reforms, aiming to inject more energy into the sector.

The reform, set to benefit thousands, focuses on reducing bureaucracy and streamlining processes for more immediate assistance to voluntary organizations.

The reform aims to foster trust and collaboration with numerous organizations, acknowledging their crucial role in delivering essential services. In addition to fiscal support, the government is providing operational space for voluntary organizations, with plans to open a new support center in Gozo.

The public consultation on the reform will be open for a month, inviting feedback on proposed changes that seek to enhance such activities in Malta.

#MaltaDaily