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Maltese Music on Private Radio Stations Support Scheme

Invalid deadline format: 04-08-2026 12:00 pm

Deadline

The deadline to apply is 04-08-2026 at

12:00 pm.

Late applications will not be accepted.

apply now

The Maltese Music on Private Radio Stations Support Scheme forms part of Arts Council Malta’s support portfolio that invests in diverse artistic and cultural expression and in the development of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. The scheme has been developed to promote and support the exposure of local musical talent on broadcast platforms. This scheme provides financial assistance to eligible broadcasting entities committed to showcasing Maltese music through structured programming that aligns with the cultural and linguistic identity of Malta.

In line with ACM’s Strategy2030 this scheme primarily addresses creative practitioners supports creative practitioners and cultural operators by fostering sustainable artistic development, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural and creative sectors.

The scheme contributes to the priorities of Strategy2030 by actively seeking to:

  • · Increase the exposure and accessibility of Maltese music across private broadcasting platforms, strengthening audience engagement with local artistic content;
  • · Support Maltese creatives within the local music industry by creating greater opportunities for dissemination, recognition, and professional visibility;
  • · Encourage investment in local musical content and strengthen collaboration between the broadcasting sector and Malta’s cultural and creative industries;
  • · Promote Malta’s cultural and linguistic identity through the dissemination of Maltese music and diverse contemporary artistic expression;
  • · Foster the development and sustainability of Malta’s music ecosystem by supporting initiatives that contribute to audience development, sectoral resilience and creative entrepreneurship;
  • · Encourage innovation, diversity, and intergenerational engagement in music programming by creating opportunities for both emerging and established artists, while fostering wider public participation and appreciation of Maltese music across different generations and communities;
  • Contribute to the cultural, social, and economic value generated by Malta’s music sector through strategic public investment in local creative production and distribution.

The main objective of the scheme is to increase the broadcast presence of contemporary Maltese music, particularly works that feature the Maltese language and are created by local artists. Through an increase in dedicated airtime for Maltese music, the scheme aims to foster greater appreciation for Maltese culture, support the local music industry, and ensure that new and emerging works are accessible to a wider audience through regular, high-quality programming.

The scheme supports applicant broadcasters in producing and airing thirteen (13) dedicated programmes per schedule across three consecutive schedules, starting from 1st October 2026. Each programme must include a minimum of forty (40) minutes of Maltese music, which can be aired in either:

  • · One continuous block between 06:00 and 20:00; or
  • · Two separate blocks of 20 minutes each, also between 06:00 and 20:00.

Programmes must consist of original broadcasts; repeat content is not eligible. Additionally, advertisements must not be counted within the 40-minute minimum requirement.

The music content must comply with the following criteria:

  • · Composed and/or written by Maltese individuals;
  • · Released within the past 36 months;
  • · At least 50% of the music must contain lyrics in the Maltese language.

To be considered for support under the scheme, applicants must submit their October 2026 broadcast schedule together with their application.

This scheme is developed to enable high-quality, locally produced music to receive the visibility and recognition it deserves, thereby contributing to a vibrant and sustainable Maltese music scene.

In line with its commitment to supporting the arts through its sustainable and accountable approach to public investment:

Applicants are encouraged to give due consideration, as appropriate, to the principles explained in the requirements in line with Arts Council Malta’s ongoing Strategy.

In line with its commitment to supporting the arts through its sustainable, inclusive and accountable approach to public investment, ACM draws applicants’ attention to ACM’s Right to Culture – Resource Pack when developing their proposal, in relation to how they engage with communities and the considerations of everyone’s cultural rights in their work. This resource pack is aimed at increasing awareness regarding inclusivity and supporting the implementation of cultural rights in our day-to-day practice.

Applicants are also expected to give due consideration, as appropriate, to the main principles outlined in the Charter for the Status of the Artist when proposing their operational and programming activities to ensure fair and just working conditions for artists. These include the right to artistic freedom, improved accessibility, formal/informal/non-formal skill recognition, decent socio-economic conditions, non-discrimination and equity, ethical considerations and adherence to intellectual property rights and international labour law. The Charter for the Status of the Artist is meant to provide a dynamic frame of reference for any legislation, policy, or initiative which directly or indirectly impacts artists and cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that any action is aligned with the ultimate long-term vision of elevating the status of artists in Malta in line with their tangible value to society.

The grant is open to undertakings that carry out an economic activity within the meaning of Article 107 TFEU (for which assistance will be granted in line with the de minimis Regulation) (Kindly refer to Section 9 of these guidelines for additional information). Applicants must qualify as a:

  • · Company registered with the Malta Business Registry

Barra minn hekk, l-applikanti jridu jikkwalifikaw bħala xandar li huwa stazzjon tar-radju privat fuq bażi nazzjonali jew stazzjon privat tax-xandir awdjodiġitali u mniżżel fost l-istazzjonijiet liċenzjati fil-paġna tal-Awtorità tax-Xandir disponibbli hawn.

Click here to download the guidelines and click here to download the application template.

Rank Order

Beneficiary: Digi B Network Ltd

Reference Number: PRS07-26-9652

Amount Awarded: €10,000

Project Description: Melodija60 is a dedicated radio series of weekly 60-minute episodes that shine an uncompromising spotlight on the full breadth of contemporary Maltese music. The series will feature a diverse selection of songs released during the past three years with its main focus on songs sung in Maltese. The series is conceived with the aim of serving as a genuine cultural document: a living archive of where Maltese music stands today across every genre it inhabits.

Beneficiary: Beacon Media Group Limited

Reference Number: PRS06-26-9621

Amount Awarded: €10,000

Project Description: Ritmu Riċenti, programm ġdid fuq RTK103 li se jiċċelebra l-aktar kanzunetti riċenti mix-xena mużikali Maltija. Kull ġimgħa se jintefa’ dawl fuq ix-xogħol ta’ kantanti, artisti u gruppi mużikali Maltin li pproduċew xogħlijiet fl-aħħar snin. L-għan hu li jiżdied l-għarfien dwar il-kantanti u l-gruppi lokali filwaqt li jinxteħet dawl fuq kollaborazzjonijiet internazzjonali li uħud ikunu qed jaħdmu fuqhom.

Kull tip ta’ kanzunetti minn ballads sa pop, lirika ħierġa mill-qalb sa ritmu innovattiv – dan huwa programm li m’għandekx titlef biex tiskopri x’toffri x-xena mużikali Maltija tal-aħħar snin. Mhux hekk biss iżda fil-programmi se nkunu qed niltaqgħu mal-artisti nfushom li se jkunu mistiedna fl-istudios ta’ RTK103.

Kunu magħna kull nhar ta’ Erbgħa fl-4pm b’ripetizzjoni is-Sibt fid-9pm, bi produzzjoni u preżentazzjoni ta’ Steve Meli.

Beneficiary: Capital Communications Ltd

Reference Number: PRS05-26-9607

Amount Awarded: €10,000

Project Description: Lous & Local is a twice-weekly radio segment on VIBE FM, airing every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 PM to 2:20 PM between September 2026 to September 2027. The programme will feature 40 minutes per week of original music by Maltese artists, focusing on works released within the past 36 months, with at least 50% of the lyrics in Maltese. Each segment will include curated tracks and short voiceovers introducing the artists and highlighting their creative contributions. By integrating Maltese music into VIBE FM’s weekday schedule, the project aims to promote contemporary local talent, increase the presence of the Maltese language in mainstream media, and support the growth of Malta’s music industry through consistent national exposure.

Beneficiary: Y Ltd

Reference Number: PRS01-26-9518

Amount Awarded: €10,000

Project Description: Calypso Radio 101.8 proposes “Mill-Garaxx“, a weekly 60-minute live programme dedicated exclusively to Maltese music. Named after the authentic birthplace of local talent; the humble rented garage where artists experiment and find their sound, this initiative bridges the gap between grassroots creativity and mainstream airplay.

The show will expose diverse audiences to a rich variety of genres, enhancing public engagement with Malta’s contemporary musical identity. By providing a consistent, high-profile broadcast platform, “Mill-Garaxx” supports the professional growth of both emerging and established local artists. Ultimately, this project drives the long-term sustainability of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that homegrown music remains a vibrant, accessible, and celebrated part of our national broadcasting landscape.