Med.TV: A Year of Illuminating Maltese Screens

Imagine this: you’re walking down Republic Street, the heart of Valletta, and you notice something different. The usual chatter and bustle are accompanied by a new rhythm – the hum of a television studio. This wasn’t a dream, but a reality that unfolded a year ago when Med.TV, Malta’s newest local TV channel, went on air.

Birth of a New Voice

Med.TV was born out of a desire to fill a gap in local broadcasting. Launched on 15th October 2021, it promised to be a voice for the people, by the people. The brainchild of local entrepreneur and media personality, Joe Gerada, Med.TV started its journey from a small studio in Birkirkara, aiming to grow into a significant player in Malta’s media scene.

Gerada, a familiar face in Maltese media, saw an opportunity. “Malta needed a channel that truly reflected its diversity, its culture, its people,” he says. “We wanted to create a platform that would give a voice to everyone, from the smallest village to the busiest city.”

A Year of Firsts and Milestones

In its first year, Med.TV has achieved several milestones. It started with a handful of shows, now boasting a varied lineup of news, current affairs, lifestyle, and entertainment programs. It’s the first local channel to stream live on Facebook, reaching audiences beyond traditional television. It’s also the first to introduce a daily news bulletin in Maltese sign language, a significant step towards accessibility.

One of Med.TV’s standout shows is ‘X’jenza’, a weekly news magazine that delves into complex issues with in-depth analysis and interviews. Another is ‘Il-Belt Valletta’, a docu-series exploring the history and culture of Malta’s capital city. Both shows have been praised for their quality and local relevance.

Challenges and Growth

Like any startup, Med.TV has faced challenges. The pandemic posed unique difficulties, with productions often having to adapt to strict health protocols. Yet, these challenges also brought opportunities. “The pandemic pushed us to innovate,” says Gerada. “We’ve seen viewership grow, especially among younger audiences who prefer digital platforms.”

Med.TV has also faced criticism, mostly from established media outlets. But Gerada remains undeterred. “Criticism is part of growth. We’re learning, we’re evolving. We’re not perfect, but we’re trying our best to give Malta a voice it deserves.”

As Med.TV marks its first anniversary, it’s looking towards an exciting future. Plans are underway to expand its studio space, invest in more technology, and launch new shows. It’s also exploring collaborations with local NGOs and educational institutions to create content that truly reflects Malta’s diversity.

Gerada sums it up, “We’ve come a long way in a year. But this is just the beginning. We’re here to stay, and we’re here to grow with Malta.”