Cir 02/16
Circular to all Nationwide Radio Stations
Update on the Replacement of the Master Antenna at Gharghur
As you are aware, the Broadcasting Authority has embarked on a project to replace the existing Master Antenna at Gharghur and also install a reserve antenna on the same tower.
At present, all radio stations are currently transmitting via the reserve antenna. As the name implies, the reserve antenna is a contingency plan to address switch-off problems whenever routine maintenance needs to be undertaken on the master antenna proper.
Prior to this project, any maintenance work on the master antenna had to be conducted during the night and always necessitated a switch-off for all radio stations for a number of hours. The reserve antenna will allow for stations to continue with their broadcasts while maintenance works take place.
In general we are pleased with the outcome of the reserve antenna and although we are aware that a very small percentage of listeners have reported reception problems in some localities in Malta and Gozo, coverage of all radio stations is satisfactory.
This morning we have asked each and every operator to lower the transmission output by 500W in order to ensure that the people working within the Gharghur compound are doing so in an environment which is free from any hazards. This afternoon, technicians from the Malta Communications Authority will be conducting further tests to determine that the output levels are within acceptable parameters within the compound.
We are aware that the lowering of the transmission output may result in reception problems in some areas of the island. However we kindly ask you to appreciate that this is the only integrative solution that we can offer until the works are completed. Otherwise we would have had to switch-off all radio stations for a number of days.
It is our mission to provide a service to all operators whilst respecting health and safety standards at all times. We are now approaching the final phase of the project. Today the old master antenna which has served the country since the early 1990s has been dismantled and a new antenna will be installed. It is envisaged that the works will be completed by the end of the week and that all radio stations will once again migrate to the master antenna at full power by Sunday night.
In a bid to complete the project, we may need to issue a further notification for all stations to broadcast at a maximum of 1KW for the next few days. This further decrease in power may be necessary to maintain a hazard free environment for all the crew working on the project. Should this be the case, you will be informed accordingly.
Whilst thanking you for your cooperation we look forward to providing all operators and listeners of FM radio in Malta a better, continuous service.
Pierre Cassar 13th April 2016
Chief Executive