Thanks to a collaborative effort by Valletta’s Carmelite community and its feast committee, along with a number of dedicated individuals, the City once again has a radio station based within its historical walls.
Radio City 107.6 FM was inaugurated on December 8 by Valletta mayor Alexiei Dingli and Fr Richard Falzon during a brief ceremony attended by the station’s presenters, various guests and members of the press.
The radio station’s premises in West Street, which has been kindly provided by the Carmelites, thanks to the involvement of Fr Martin Schembri and Julian Vassallo of the feast committee, had previously served as a youth centre.
Radio City 107.6 FM was founded by veteran DJ Charles Zammit and will be broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The current schedule features live and recorded programmes, with a larger number of live transmissions to be included in the station’s programme in the near future.
Charles Grech, the station’s sales and marketing manager said Radio City caters for all Valletta residents and the business community based there. “We are lucky to be situated on the Xebħ ir-Ras hillside, as it offers an unhindered vantage point to reach all parts of the city and the areas that have been designated by the broadcasting and communications authorities,” he added.
Grech also emphasised the radio’s aim to work hand in hand with the council, parishes and organisations connected to the city.
On his part, Dr Dingli promised his full support for this voluntary initiative, adding that he looked forward to working with the station’s officials for the benefit of the community.
Zammit explained that the station’s schedule was intended to reach a wide range of listeners, from young people to senior citizens. “Besides various types of music shows, the schedule also includes programmes of a religious nature, sports, culture, personal interviews and biographies, band marches, legal aid, health education, general information related to Valletta, a citizens’ voice show and a children’s programme,” he said.
Radio City 107.6 FM can also be streamed live on the internet at www.ustream.tv/channel/radiocitymalta.