The Executive Head of the Maltese broadcaster has stated that PBS is in discussions on appealing the EBU ruling on “Kant”.
Speaking to TVM, Mr Keith Chetcuti confirmed that the broadcaster is discussing making an appeal that “Kant” remains in the contest. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) informed the delegation yesterday that “Kant” must change its title and remove the word “Kant” from the song lyrics. He said in a statement to TVM that:
“We are talking to the artist and her team who are the authors of the song to see what we can change from the song so that it is accepted by the reference group and therefore, accepted to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. We, for our part, feel that this is censorship and discrimination against the Maltese language completely because it is the only Maltese word in the song that is censored.
We were firm in our speech that the song with which the Malta Eurovision Song Contest was won, must be the one to participate and we are in discussions with the artist and the authors of the song to see what minimal changes can be made to make it acceptable for the EBU to accept it for the Eurovision Song Contest without changing anything particular from the song that won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest and that song, which we can see from social media and from all the networks that it is so popular, this song, in its current state.”
According to TVM News reporting yesterday, a broadcaster which they understand to be the BBC, requested that the song title be changed and the word be removed from the song.
The word that “Kant” sounds like, is viewed as a highly offensive term in the United Kingdom. Broadcasters in the United Kingdom need to comply with OFCOM rules regarding swearing and strong language. OFCOM rules set clear criteria and guidelines that prohibit its use before 21:00. Broadcasters state that the use of the term requires clear justification for its use after 21:00 due to its offensive nature.
PBS the Maltese broadcaster has until two days before the song submission deadline on March 10 to submit a decision.
Image Source: TVM | Source: TVM
