Alex Borg: From Malta’s Margins to Mainstream

Imagine this: a small, independent radio station broadcasting from a cramped studio in a side street off Republic Street. This is where Alex Borg, the man who would revolutionise Maltese media, began his journey. Today, he’s a household name, his influence stretching from the airwaves to the corridors of power. But why, after decades of success, is he still being criticised? And why do others seem to be copying his model?

From Pirate Radio to Mainstream

In the late 1980s, Malta’s airwaves were dominated by state-owned media. Alex Borg, then just a young man with a passion for music and news, saw an opportunity. He launched Radio 101 from a tiny studio in Old Theatre Street, broadcasting without a license – a pirate radio station in the heart of Valletta.

Borg’s approach was fresh, his content bold. He played music the mainstream stations wouldn’t touch, and he discussed topics others shied away from. Listeners loved it. But the establishment wasn’t pleased. “They called us everything,” Borg recalls, “but we didn’t care. We were giving Malta what it wanted.”

Criticism and Imitation

Decades later, Borg’s influence is undeniable. His stations – Radio 101, Magic, and One – dominate Malta’s airwaves. Yet, he’s still a controversial figure. Critics accuse him of sensationalism, of using his platforms to push personal agendas. But Borg sees it differently.

“They criticise us,” he says, “then they copy us. That’s the story of my career.” He points to other stations adopting his formats, his presenters, even his marketing strategies. “It’s flattering, in a way,” he admits. “But it also shows that we’re doing something right.”

Power and Influence

Borg’s power extends beyond the airwaves. His stations have backed political candidates, campaigned for social causes, and sparked national debates. They’ve also given a voice to the marginalised – immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, those living with disabilities. Borg sees this as his stations’ core mission.

“Media should reflect society,” he says. “In Malta, that means giving a voice to everyone, not just the loudest or the most powerful.” It’s a philosophy that’s earned him both fans and detractors. But it’s also made him a significant force in Maltese society.

Today, as he looks to the future, Borg is unapologetic. “We’ve always done things our way,” he says. “We’ve made mistakes, sure. But we’ve also broken rules, challenged norms, and given Malta a voice. And I’m proud of that.”

As for the criticism, the imitation? Borg just smiles. “It’s all part of the journey,” he says. “We started from nothing, from a tiny studio in Valletta. Now, we’re everywhere. What more could we ask for?”