'Times of Malta' joins forces with 'Il-Każin' for monthly debate show

Times of Malta and Il-Każin are collaborating on a joint production, with the first edition under the partnership set to air next month.

Under the new collaboration, the monthly programme Il-Każin will be presented by award-winning journalists Jon Mallia and Mark Laurence Zammit as alternate hosts. 

Il-Każin, which was until recently aired on TV, will be held monthly in front of a live audience and broadcast on Times of Malta’s website and on YouTube. 

Each edition will either feature a one-on-one interview or a debate between two guests, steered by Zammit and Mallia. The final segment of the show will allow audience members to put questions directly to the guests.

“Information has never been more abundant, yet the truth has never been harder to find,” said Zammit. 

“Twenty years ago, we believed the digital age would empower democracy; instead, the internet has become a cacophony of noise that makes clarity nearly impossible.”

Zammit said that while audiences are often presented with a high volume of content, what they increasingly need is curated discussion. 

“We believe our duty is to sift through the chaos and provide a focused, objective discussion on what actually matters.” 

To do it involves time, expertise and resources than one entity alone cannot accomplish, especially in a landscape like Malta.

Zammit, who is also a host on Times Talk, said this was why the collaboration with Il-Każin was “essential.” 

“My hope is that when people watch Il-Każin, they feel the gap between the noise and the truth is finally being closed.”

We believe our duty is to sift through the chaos and provide a focused, objective discussion on what actually matters

Mallia, also an award-winning podcaster, described the collaboration as the “logical next step” for the show.

“Times of Malta has a long-standing tradition of serious, independent journalism and employs some of the most respected journalists in the country.” 

Mark Laurence Zammit and Jon Mallia. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

As Il-Każin grew, the natural question was how the standard could be raised further and expand its reach without diluting its edge.

“We share the same core commitment – to hold power to account in a way that exclusively serves the public.” 

He said the collaboration would combine Il-Każin’s high-pressure debate format with Times of Malta’s institutional discipline and experience.

“I have a great deal of respect for Mark’s work. His presence reinforces what Il-Każin stands for – respectful, fact-based scrutiny delivered in a way that engages the public,” said Mallia.

He thanked supporters who backed Il-Każin throughout its journey, saying the next step would not have been possible without them.  

The first show under the new collaboration will be hosted by Mallia, with Zammit hosting the following edition.

A number of seats at each event will be reserved for Times of Malta subscribers, who will receive an email invitation to register.

In addition to the monthly show, the Il-Każin team will organise free critical thinking workshops every month, aimed at helping participants develop techniques to analyse issues, break down arguments and ask informed questions.