NEW COUNCIL OF THE INSTITUTE OF MALTESE JOURNALISTS appointed

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has just appointed its new Council for 2014, composed of seven members, following its Annual General Meeting, held recently at its premises in Valletta.

The three officials of the IĠM are Malcolm J. Naudi, who was confirmed as Chairman, Tony Barbaro Sant, who replaces Joe A. Vella, who has occupied the post of Hon. Secretary for a long number of yearas, and Mario Schiavone, who was once more elected Hon. Treasurer after he was not contested.

During the election that was held during the Annual General Meeting, Charles Flores, Charles Mizzi and Charles Camenzuli were re-elected Council members of the IĠM, and they were joined by Roderick Agius, who was elected a member after he contested the election.

During the first Council meeting of the IĠM, held last week, Charles Flores was appointed Vice-President and Roderick Agius was Information Secretary.

An amendment to the Institute’s Statue at the 2013 Annual General Meeting provides for journalist representatives of seven journalists to represent the local media on the IĠM Council with full voting rights during the Institute’s meetings.

The IĠM is a founder member of the Alliance of Independent Press Councils of Europe (AIPCE), which was set up in 1998. The Institute is also an associate member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and a full member of its European regional branch – the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).

The IĠM was instrumental in setting up the Press Ethics Commission (PEC) in 1991, and the Tumas Fenech Foundation for the Education of Journalists (FTFEĠ) in 1999.

In November this year the IĠM is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its setting up. Malcolm J. Naudi, Chairman of the Institute, said “during this year, the Institute is going to continue to work for the benefit of the profession in the three main areas of focus: ethics, education and professionalisation.

“We will be seeking to introduce new blood into the Institute, adopting a five-year plan of action and adopting a new code of journalism ethics with the approval of all the major players in the media. I am convinced this will be truly a memorable year for the Institute.”