Radio Lehen il-Qala was set up way back in 1996. It was the 25th of July of that year when for the first time a local voice was heard on our radio sets. A voice that echoed into our homes and which is still echoing today in wider and stronger dimensions.

The mind behind the whole idea was that of Canon Karm Refalo who was archpriest of Qala at the time. Helped along by a group of young people all fired with dynamic energy and enthusiasm they succeeded in transmitting the first schedule of programmes on the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph, patron saint of Qala. It was a totally new idea for Qala and even for Gozo, but which took root and is now spread all over the Maltese islands in a considerable number of community radio stations. One may ask, was it opportune that such a radio station should be set up? The answer is definitely yes. Otherwise how could the station be still functioning twelve years after it started. The station serves many purposes. In the first place it is a valuable means of transmission. Besides, it forms a link with Maltese emigrants scattered in so many countries overseas; it is a means for spiritual and social teaching; it is also a means of support and consolation to so many lonely old or sick people who listening to the voice reaching them from the small town in the east of Gozo, can follow all that is happening in the world outside their rooms and feel that they are still a part of that world.

The beginning was difficult. Resources were limited. None of those involved were experts in the field of transmission. It all started from nothing in a small room on top of the church sacristy. Yet it was from there that the voice which today still echoes first emerged. The first schedule of programmes spread over a few days was successfully completed and all felt happy and proud of the achievement. On the days following the village feast, many were asking “Why did you stop transmitting?” It was evident that the idea of a local station had been well received in the town and that the community of Qala was in favour that it should be explored further. The enthusiasm of the pioneering group was strong enough not to let the idea die out but instead to make it grow and develop. And that is exactly what happened. From then onwards the schedule of programmes continued to grow in quantity and quality.

Originally Radio Lehen il-Qala transmitted on frequency 106.5FM. But when consequently a national radio started transmissions on a frequency quite close, it caused a hindrance to our community radio. People were complaining that the voice of the local radio was no longer clear and they were experiencing difficulty in following the programmes. This was a further proof of the value of the radio. It was a confirmation that it was a good and modern means of bringing the Christian message to the whole community. An official request was therefore made to the Broadcasting Authority and Radio Lehen il-Qala was given a new frequency – 106.3FM.

Since its beginning, Radio Lehen il-Qala has changed its transmission studio more than once, always with one aim, to give better service. Unfortunately this did not always turn out to be the truth, but one can only learn through mistakes. Today, Radio Lehen il-Qala has new studios, better equipped, more comfortable, which after all suit the high image the radio enjoys. These studios have been inaugurated in this current year 2008. They are under the direction of the present archpriest Canon Dr. Joe Zammit and they are committed to grow better and stronger thus laying the way for the future.

It is true that this is a community radio. Equally true is that it is small. Yet no one doubts that it has a big heart. This heart grew in size and strengthened its beat thanks to all those who at one time or other have done their part in its service. There were many who in the course of the years have given their time so that Radio Lehen il-Qala could continue its service towards the community. Presently the radio can make itself heard both locally and overseas by means of the internet. Through the webcasting emigrants who are living so far from their native town can still feel united to it in spirit.

Who could have thought that Radio Lehen il-Qala would start a new page in the field of national broadcasting? Yet that is exactly what happened. Once more the radio took the front lead among community radios in the finals for best programmes in the Maltese islands. Saturday, 16th November 2002 is a date that will be forever remembered and which will be written in gold in the history of the radio and in that of broadcasting in Malta. Not only was the radio among the finalists but also won first place with the programme ‘L’edukazzjoni ta’Wliedna’ (The Education of our Chidren). Many just could not believe. They queried how a community radio could compete with national stations. Yet it could. Following its success, the radio figured prominently in the local media when it sought to go further. There were more surprises in the pipeline. The station once more reached the finals in the Awards for the best programmes set by the Broadcasting Authority. In November 2003 Radio Lehen il-Qala won third place out of eighteen nominations in the edition Gharfien Nazzjonali Zghazagh fis-Socjeta’ 2003 (National Recognition of Youth in Society 2003)

The secret behind this successful story was the dedication, involvement and sacrifice of the volunteers helped along by the invisible hand of God and those of our Patrons, St Joseph and the Immaculate Conception. There was no barrier that could not be reached and what had originally seemed impossible had now become a reality.

We look back with a great feeling of satisfaction and feel proud of our achievement. We do not intend to stop here. The past is a guarantee for our future. Under the guidance of the Patron Saints of Qala, St Joseph and the Immaculate Conception we shall go on being the means for bringing the radio’s voice into the homes of our listeners.