Politics in the Post-Broadcast Era: Malta’s New Media scene

Picture this: It’s 7 pm on a Tuesday, and the usually bustling Republic Street in Valletta is quiet. No more huddles around TV screens in cafes or bars, no more rush to catch the evening news. Welcome to Malta’s new political media scene, where the broadcast era is a distant hum.

From TV Screens to Social Scrolls

Gone are the days when Malta’s political news was dominated by a few TV stations. Today, it’s a digital free-for-all. Smartphones have become the primary news source, with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter leading the charge. According to a 2021 survey by the Malta Communications Authority, 91% of Maltese households have internet access, with 86% using it for news.

Take the 2020 Maltese general election, for instance. While traditional media still played a role, it was the digital sphere that buzzed with real-time updates, viral memes, and heated debates. Political parties, too, have embraced this shift. The Labour Party’s use of Facebook Live for press conferences, and the Nationalist Party’s strong Twitter presence are testament to this.

Local Voices in the Digital Mosh Pit

Amidst the national party noise, local voices are finding their footing. Independent news portals like Malta Today and Newsbook have carved out spaces for themselves, offering alternative perspectives. Then there are the hyperlocal Facebook groups, where residents discuss everything from politics to potholes.

Take the ‘Sliema Residents’ group, for instance. What started as a platform for locals to share community events has evolved into a space for political debate. Residents discuss everything from the proposed Sliema promenade project to national policies, with local councillors often joining the conversation.

Misinformation: The Dark Side of the Digital Revolution

While the digital revolution has democratized political discourse, it’s not without its challenges. Misinformation, or ‘fake news’, is a growing concern. A 2021 study by the University of Malta found that 75% of Maltese adults have encountered false or misleading information online.

Politicians, too, are not immune to the temptation of spreading misinformation. The 2020 election saw its fair share of ‘fake news’, with both parties accused of spreading false information. The issue was further highlighted when the former Minister for Justice, Owen Bonnici, was caught sharing a fake news story on Facebook.

Navigating the New Normal

As we navigate this new media scene, one thing is clear: the old rules no longer apply. Traditional media still has a role to play, but it’s digital platforms that now set the political agenda. For politicians, this means engaging with voters where they’re at – on their smartphones, scrolling through Facebook or Twitter.

For the rest of us, it’s about being discerning consumers of news. It’s about fact-checking before we share, about seeking out diverse voices, and about engaging in respectful, constructive debate. Because in the post-broadcast era, the power to shape political discourse is in our hands.

“We’re seeing a shift in power,” says Dr. Jeanette Paul, a political scientist at the University of Malta. “The question is, how will we use it?”