Broadcasters of yore

The demise of Ġemma Portelli has again highlighted the fact that old timers who were pioneers in broadcasting are dwindling and soon there will be none left. Many a time I pleaded and recommended that PBS, as the direct descendant of Rediffusion and Xandir Malta, should present a series of TV programmes based on the personal experiences of those who are still alive.

At times I get the impression that certain persons, especially the younger generation, seem to be averse to the truth of broadcasting history. Perhaps these want to give the impression that they are reinventing the wheel. The fact is that we pioneered without the technical assistance and modern technology available today.

I cannot fathom why certain quarters are reluctant to admit that they had not even been born yet when we old timers were already exploring, experimenting and entertaining the public. No one can change history.

It shows that the younger generation, albeit the macho image, suffer from a serious inferiority complex when they try to give the impression that there was no broadcasting in days of yore.

The PBS administration owes it to its viewers and to the history of broadcasting to organise such a series of special primetime programmes before it would be too late.