Institute of Maltese Journalists rejects journalist warrant proposal

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) has formally rejected a proposal by Opposition Leader Alex Borg to introduce a mandatory warrant system for journalists to practice their profession.

The Institute argues that such a system would create unnecessary gatekeeping mechanisms, potentially restricting access to the profession. The IĠM emphasizes that journalism’s strength lies in its diversity, drawing individuals from various academic and professional backgrounds, including lawyers, economists, and activists.

According to the Institute, implementing warrants would require an authority to determine who qualifies as a journalist, which could narrow the range of perspectives and investigations available to the public. The organization maintains that while improving standards is important, it should not come at the cost of making the field less accessible or harming Malta’s democratic function through a lack of diverse voices.