Malta represents an interesting case study for digital radio, boasting a population of over half a million people, essentially multilingual and coming from different countries and cultures: English is spoken by 96% of the population, Maltese by 90%, Italian by 62%, and French by 20%.

A challenge, but also an opportunity to offer a differentiated service aimed at diversifying the offering from a cultural and musical perspective.

All this, as we will learn in the interview, while simultaneously focusing on improving, rather than progressively sacrificing, sound quality.

To delve deeper into the Maltese radio landscape and to better understand the choices related to the migration to digital, NL interviewed the CEO of the network operator Digi B Network Ltd, Sergio d’Amico.

History of Radio in Malta

Radio broadcasting in Malta officially began on November 11, 1935, through Rediffusion Malta Ltd, a British company that obtained a monopoly to broadcast programs via cable. The service, initially designed to counter Italian fascist propaganda, provided news, music, and entertainment to approximately 50,000 subscribers. At the time, programs were broadcast on two channels: one featuring BBC content and the other with foreign programs, primarily Italian.

The Over-the-Air Shift in 1973

Until 1973, broadcasts were delivered via cable. Subsequently, the Malta Broadcasting Authority introduced regular wireless transmissions in Maltese on the 999 kHz medium wave frequency, which is still in use today. Radio Malta, on the other hand, began FM broadcasts on 93.7 MHz in 1979, when the frequency was abandoned by the British Forces Broadcasting Services.

Radio Malta in Italian

As described in this article, from May 1 to September 7, 1974, Radio Malta broadcast a music program in Italian, aimed at tourists, on the 755 kHz frequency. In April 1979, the station was renamed Radio Malta International, with programming in Italian from 7:00 AM to 1:15 PM and in English from 1:15 PM to 5:00 PM. These programs ended on December 13, 1979, due to direct competition from the (then) new Italian private radio stations receivable from Sicily.

Radio in Malta Today

Today, Malta has around 30 FM radio stations with formats ranging from generalist to news/talk, with a significant presence of religious stations.

DAB+

The transition to digital is led by the network operator Digi B Networks, which manages six DAB+ multiplexes, covering 100% of the island’s population. Active since 2008, Digi B offers over 50 channels (all FM stations plus digital-native ones), including international services like BBC World Service and exclusive digital stations such as Smooth 70s. We asked its manager, Sergio D’Amico, about the organization of the network provider, the scope and quality of the offering, and Malta’s stance on a potential switch-off, in light of recent trends observed in Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Belgium.

The Interview – Digi B Network

(Newslinet) – First of all, a brief introduction to Digi B Network Ltd.
(Sergio D’Amico) – Digi B began broadcasting digital radio services across Malta and Gozo (an island 4 km northwest of Malta) in 2008. Today, we offer over 50 radio channels nationwide. Digi B holds spectrum licenses beyond 2030.

Network Provider for National and International Content

In addition to relaying local content, Digi B has expanded choices for Maltese listeners by retransmitting thematic content, including reputable international news channels such as BBC, RAI, VoA, various Italian channels like Radio Deejay, and numerous channels dedicated to niche musical interests, both local and international (e.g., Jazz, Pure, Glitterbeam, All Rock, All 70’s, All 80’s, etc.).

The Multiplexes

(NL) – How many MUXes does the Maltese DAB offering include?
(S.D.) – Digi B manages 6 MUXes, two of which are recent additions.

An Open Model

(NL) – The composition of your MUXes is international: stations in English, Italian, but few Maltese stations…
(S.D.) – There is a significant English and Italian linguistic and cultural heritage due to historical influences and geographic location. Moreover, Maltese people are largely bilingual (Maltese and English).

Broad Digital Dividend

The digital dividend in radio allows us to cater to these tastes more broadly, given the available capacity.

Frequency Allocation, European Model

(NL) – What are the titles under which you operate?
(S.D.) – Malta is part of the European Union and follows the same legislative framework for spectrum acquisition. The local authority is the Malta Communications Authority (https://www.mca.org.mt/). Digi B Ltd has successfully applied for and acquired spectrum through public procedures managed by this authority.

Focusing on Quality

(NL) – In Italy, an average bitrate of 48 kbps (36 CU with protection ratio 3) is becoming standard, while we see channels in your MUXes at 72 and 128 kbps. What is the trend in your country?
(S.D.) – We believe audio quality is one of the strengths of digital radio in a competitive local market. Therefore, while we currently also use 48 kbps, we are trending toward wider bandwidths.

4K

(NL) – You recently announced that the Smooth Radio channel has switched to 4K format. What is it?
(S.D.) – 4K is a service that delivers a signal with the highest quality possible under DAB+ standards: 192 kbps.

DAB+ Penetration in Malta

(NL) – What is the current penetration of DAB in Malta (compared to analog broadcasting)?
(S.D.) – Market surveys indicate limited awareness of DAB+ availability, despite it being in service for several years. Official data show listenership below 10% (of the population).

Beyond Estimates

But I must add that our surveys suggest it is likely significantly higher.

DAB Listening on the Move (Often Unknowingly)

This is supported by the greater availability of DAB+ in cars (often without users realizing they are using it), particularly in the context where radio listening in Malta primarily occurs in vehicles during commutes.

Contextualizing

But let’s not forget the context: it’s necessary to consider Malta’s local situation, where all analog (and digital) radio stations have national coverage with quality ranging from good to excellent.

IP

(NL) – And the penetration of IP? In Switzerland, for example, DAB and IP are now equivalent (42% and 41% compared to FM, reduced to 8%).
(S.D.) – Such data is not readily available. Generally, our view is that digital radio competes directly with online services (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).

Standalone Radio in Decline

In terms of devices, online services dominate, but while traditional (FM) radio stations maintain an advantage in vehicles, we believe the trend is shifting toward DAB when on the move.

Indoor Listening Increasingly Irrelevant Due to the Disappearance of Standalone Receivers

In homes, market segments differ significantly: analog radio remains popular among older age groups, but any type of radio receiver is becoming far less relevant across other age groups.

FM Switch-Off

(NL) – The Swiss public radio (SSR) has chosen to anticipate the switch-off (planned for all operators by December 31, 2026) by two years. This approach is also under discussion in Germany (which began it in some regions this month), the Czech Republic, the UK, and France, while Belgium has had a (highly contested) change of heart. The UK, however, still operates MW (medium wave) and possibly LW (long wave) stations. What is Malta’s position?
(S.D.) – There is no clear institutional stance on this, so the operational assumption is that analog radio will remain present at least in the medium term. (M.H.B. for NL)