Culture of Qala

transmitting the first schedule of programmes on the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph, patron saint of Qala. It was a totally new idea for Qala and even for Gozo, but which took root and is now spread all over the Maltese islands in a considerable number of community radio stations. One may ask, was it opportune that such a radio station should be set up? The answer is definitely yes. Otherwise how could the station be still functioning thirteen years after it started. The station serves many purposes. In the first place it is a valuable means of transmission. Besides, it forms a link with Maltese emigrants scattered in so many countries overseas; it is a means for spiritual and social teaching; it is also a means of support and consolation to so many lonely old or sick people who listening to the voice reaching them from the small town in the east of Gozo, can follow all that is happening in the world outside their rooms and feel that they are still a part of that world.

The beginning was difficult. Resources were limited. None of those involved were experts in the field of transmission. It all started from nothing in a small room on top of the church sacristy. Yet it was from there that the voice which today still echoes first emerged. The first schedule of programmes spread over a few days was successfully completed and all felt happy and proud of the achievement. On the days following the village feast, many were asking "Why did you stop transmitting?" It was evident that the idea of a local station had been well received in the town and that the community of Qala was in favour that it should be explored further. The enthusiasm of the pioneering group was strong enough not to let the idea die out but instead to make it grow and develop. And that is exactly what happened. From then onwards the schedule of programmes continued to grow in quantity and quality.

Originally Radio