A newly-born child cries and shouts to attract attention when s/he needs something. Indeed, airing one’s voice is the most effective way to attract attention.

The recently-signed agreement between the Gozo Ministry and Public Broadcasting Services is a feather in the cap of both the minister, Anton Refalo, and of PBS chairman Tonio Portughese.

The agreement can and should, provided it is handled properly, give a meaningful voice to Gozitans.

Till now, the only TV programme dealing with Gozo is that produced by Alvin Scicluna and his family. Beyond that, there is a void.

Participation by Gozitans via a direct link in TV programmes transmitted live is a possibility that never materialised. Now it appears that PBS has acknowledged that Gozo’s exposure on TVM is an asset that can and must be availed of.

The Gozo Ministry has purchased digital mobile link equipment, which can come in very handy.

The ingredients of success are there. In Gozo, there exists a team of dedicated technical people who are up to standard in terms of broadcasting. Scicluna is one of them and his weekly mainly cultural programme Għawdex Illum has been winning various awards.

But Gozo needs much more than a weekly cultural programme. There needs to be discussion too.

PBS has announced that participation of guests from Gozo in practically any live TV programme on the national broadcaster is now possible. That is, of course, good news but there has to be determination and goodwill for that to materialise.

Thus, PBS producers, especially those who are responsible for live discussion programmes, must constantly keep Gozo in mind and make use of the direct link facilities. It is, of course, futile having a costly infrastructure in place if foresight and goodwill are lacking.

I now expect the PBS directors and the editorial board make to push for these facilities to be made use of by producers. Broadcasting in Malta can be promoted and improved if regional aspects are highlighted, as RAI does in its RAI 3 news bulletins.

I do not want to be viewed as being negative but it bears recalling that, in the early 1990s, the then Ministry for Gozo had already followed this route when almost €140,000 were invested in broadcasting equipment and a macro-wave link. However, the equipment was never used and it now lies in the ministry courtyard, exactly below the old chapel.

Gozitans finally have the opportunity to broadcast, literally, their feelings, expectations and opinions

So, although on paper, Gozitan participation in live TV programmes via direct link was a possibility, it rarely if ever happened. Thankfully, it finally appears that, this time round, thanks also to Portughese, a long-time friend of Gozo, ideas have matured and all those that matter are acknowledging that the participation of Gozitans is an opportunity that can and must be taken.

Such TV programmes need not be restricted to Gozitans affairs. There are brains in Gozo that can offer ideas and discuss matters of both national and international dimensions.

Also, an effort must be made to ensure that it is not always the same three or four faces that appear on TV programmes, as if all others are not qualified or are unsuitable. Sadly, in Gozo we only hear about business, finance and tourism. We hear absolutely nothing about normal Gozitan needs whether of a cultural, social, sporting (not only football), historical or a political nature. Not to mention general requirements and aspects that involve everyday life.

Sadly, I must note a lack of interest even by most Gozitans as very few take time to write what they feel is required by or lacking in Gozo and its inhabitants.

I exhort all Gozitans who can contribute towards this cause not to remain passive now that the facilities are there. Rather than trying to see what is the catch behind the move, as often happens, this time round, all those who believe in this cause – whether NGOs, the ministry itself or individuals – must make their presence felt.

We finally have the opportunity to broadcast, literally, our feelings, our expectations and our opinions. PBS has crossed the channel and came to us.

We must reciprocate by being present in live programmes without having to cross the waters.