Voice of the voiceless

It seems entirely incredible to me that Smash Television, the voice of the voiceless, with limited resources at its disposal, does so much and that most of it goes unappreciated.

Thanks to Smash Television, on Saturday, July 2 we saw the Live 8 concert in its entirety. Super One TV tried to do the same but it seems that their source was of an inferior quality as the picture was not clear enough, let alone their incessant stoppages for news and other reasons.

It still amazes me that a political station like Super One TV, which is funded by the party faithful in those endless fund-raising telethons, can still get away with such poor quality sound and picture. These are the same people that, time after time and survey after survey, win the popularity vote. This proves one or more of the following things:

¤ That the Maltese television viewing public does not care about quality and watches whatever these people throw at them.

¤ That, in Malta, viewership surveys put party politics first.

¤ That the people who donate their hard-earned money towards this white elephant want to get their money's worth by watching every second of transmission that this station churns out.

Add your own reason here.

A few days ago, it was reported that, during a business breakfast organised by a local newspaper, Smash Television were the first and only ones to speak out strongly in favour of "free to air" digital terrestrial television in Malta.

Then there is the question of Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici! Smash Television was the only TV station to invite him to say what he had to say in a programme on his own.

Smash Television has never asked us for any money; has never given us only one view; has never exhibited half truths; has always portrayed a wide spectrum of choice; has always done this with a clearer picture and better sound.

Two hours after the blast in London, PBS was still going on with its pre-programmed schedule of programmes without a reaction...

Smash Television should feel very proud that it is the only station in Malta to give a voice to the voiceless.

With its limited resources, this television station is doing what PBS is duty bound to do. Where's everybody now in this time of need? Smash Television stand up and take a bow.