From Rediffusion to Xandir Malta : the transfer of broadcasting from a foreign, private-owned company to a state-owned corporation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to show that the fundamental changes which occurred in broadcasting between 1971 and 1975, namely the transfer of broadcasting from a private, foreign-owned Company to a Maltese State-owned Corporation, were the result of decisions which were taken by powerholders. Conflict among various institutions played a major part in this shift and the decisions taken were often the outcome of numerous conflicts that occurred, not only between 1971 and 1975, but even previously. The Introduction provides a review of books, dissertations and theses that deal with Maltese broadcasting between 1971 and 1975, and a theoretical review related to mass media and society.