PMA Response | Independence of public media at risk on the Isle of Man

The Public Media Alliance calls on the Isle of Man’s Tynwald to ensure the independence of Manx Radio, the island’s public service broadcaster.

On the 23 November 2018, the Public Media Alliance (PMA) reported on a Select Committee report by the Isle of Man’s parliament (Tynwald) on the future of public service media.

The report makes 11 recommendations which, if implemented, are set to have a fundamental impact on the continued existence of public service broadcasting (PSB) in the Isle of Man, despite Tynwald reaffirming its commitment to PSB earlier in 2018.

Of particular concern are recommendations that would undermine the necessary independence of Manx Radio and a proposal to redefine public service broadcasting for the country.

PMA has since written to the Tynwald’s  Members of Legislative Council and House of Keys, calling on them to maintain Manx Radio’s independence and ensure that there is no political interference in editorial decisions. The full letter can be found below, which also highlights PMA’s key areas of concern.