In a Press Conference held in front of the offices of the Broadcasting Authority, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo said that an application for a television licence had been filed with the Broadcasting Authority and that the Broadcasting Authority has requested additional information and has indicated that it would issue a letter of intent once this information is supplied.

"In view of these developments and because of the urgency of the matter Alternattiva Demokratika is today announcing the issue of a tender for the supply of services in connection with a cable television broadcasting license" Dr Vassallo said. He added that Alternattiva Demokratika had chosen to proceed in this manner in order to ensure that the broadcasts under the license would be at arm's length from the party.

"Broadcasting in Malta does not require yet another vehicle for political propaganda and the editorial policy we have described in the tender is aimed at providing the kind of service normally expected of a national station in a civilized country. All that Alternattiva Demokratika requires is a fair representation of its views and the opportunity to debate openly with all interested parties" Dr Vassallo said.

Asked what guarantee he could give that the station would not be yet another propaganda machine, Dr Vassallo said the facts will speak for themselves and the public has a track record of 18 years of Green politics on which it can be confident that once more Alternattiva Demokratika will lead the way to a more civilized way of presenting politics, this time on television.

"Our arm's length policy with regard to radio broadcasting has been so effective, that to this day many people do not realise that Capital Radio has operated for years under a license issued to Alternattiva Demokratika. Our television programming will provide a fair and reliable news service and a forum for debate respecting all political parties as well as civil society institutions, NGOs, social minority groups and stakeholder lobbies. Our intention is to compete with the national television service in quality and not with the political party stations." Dr Vassallo said.

"In view of the urgency of the matter the tender will open on Monday 1st October and close at noon on Saturday 13th October 2007. The tender documents can be collected from our offices in Sliema at 10 Triq Manwel Dimech during working hours against a fee of Lm 100" Dr Vassallo said.

"Any commercial enterprise having the necessary skills and capacity can apply if it is confident that it can supply a service of the quality required. Party affiliation is not a requirement. Credibilty which is the most important asset we value can be acquired and retained only if the service provided is seen to be impartial and professional. There is a clear editorial policy which we are publishing today and our viewership will be the judge whether we attain the high standards we are setting ourselves" Dr Vassallo said.