Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas has defended the freedom of the media.

His comments came amid concern expressed over the Manx Radio’s venture into video and, conversely, calls for greater support for local media rather than the BBC, in reaction to the Panorama programme on the Paradise Papers.

Earlier in the same Tynwald sitting, Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) suggested that the Chief Minister’s office should consider demanding editorial control when giving interviews on matters of national importance. Although Chief Minister Howard Quayle has previously criticised the Manx media, he ruled out such an idea.

Mr Thomas said: ’It is absolutely, profoundly important for the functioning of a good democracy that we have a free media, in the papers, in the radio and in television.’

Following a question from Daphne Caine (Garff) about Council of Ministers’ policy on maintaining plurality of media outlets free from state subsidy, Mr Thomas said: ’The Broadcasting Act 1993 contains provisions under section 3 of that act and defined in Schedule 1 of the Act, which aim to ensure plurality of media outlets in the Isle of Man, whether state funded or not.

’I am advised that the (upcoming) Communications Bill will contain similar provisions.’

He pointed out that the latest review of public service broadcasting in the Isle of Man described Manx Radio as a ’high quality’ provider of such a service.

Chris Robertshaw (Douglas East) said there was a bigger issue, concerning the TV licence.

’I have always previously supported the BBC, but in light of the scurrilous and infantile behaviour of the BBC recently, which effectively has brought the concept of investigative journalism into disrepute, does he not think it is time for us to sit back and think about how we support our local media?’ he asked.

Mr Thomas said: ’The BBC, whatever any failings in coverage in one programme recently, is also a high quality public service broadcaster.

’The issues of public service broadcasts go beyond those of a court, a parliament, a set of politicians, feeling angry at one moment.’