Public Broadcasting Services yesterday launched its re-branded identity together with the autumn programming schedule

The rebranding comes as PBS prepares to mark the 50th year since the setting up of Malta Television Services in 1962.

The new schedule will consist of a wide range of new and existing programmes for TVM, Radju Malta and Magic Malta, with several producers and presenters joining from other stations.

“We wanted to go back to our roots,” PBS chairman Joseph Mizzi said at an event at the Radisson Golden Sands Resort to launch the new brand and schedule. The logo of Malta Television Services used to be a Maltese Cross and PBS felt that the new logo should trace the origins of the state broadcaster.

PBS chief executive officer Anton Attard announced that TVM would soon start trials in high definition, with the aim of migrating the station’s transmission to HD in the medium term. As a first step, the channel will broadcast in widescreen format (16:9) from next month.

Mr Attard said that the station was proud to be the first choice for local production houses. “We have succeeded in signing all those production houses, producers and presenters we aspired to have in the respective TV and radio programme schedules,” he added.

Together with the new logo, PBS has invested in new programme openings, graphics and music for its flagship news programmes. The station will also have a uniform visual identity for promotions and announcements.

Football fans will also rejoice at the news that TVM has obtained the broadcasting rights to all Euro 2012 matches.

Mr Attard also announced that the dates for the semi-final and final nights of the 2012 Malta Song Festival have been set for Friday, January 27 and Saturday 28 respectively.