Showcasing the Mediterranean ‘anytime, anywhere’, Med.TV has been born out of a profound appreciation for the Mediterranean’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.
“For millennia, this region has been a crossroads of civilizations, where diverse peoples have exchanged ideas, art, cuisine, and traditions. The Mediterranean is not just a place; it’s a living story—a mosaic of ancient ruins, sun-drenched coastlines, vibrant markets, and a shared way of life that connects countries despite their differences,” says Tabone who is thrilled about the content Med.TV will be bringing to an audience across the Malta, the Med and beyond.
In the first few weeks, viewers can expect a blend of cultural documentaries, food and travel shows, and profiles of inspiring individuals who embody the Mediterranean spirit. The programming will be multilingual, reflecting the region’s linguistic diversity, including content available in English, Arabic, French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, and more.
In Italian, for example, Vivi E Lascia Vivere (Live and Let Live) is a brand-new drama series in which, after the sudden death of her husband in a mysterious fire, a woman, now struggling with financial difficulties, must return to Naples to rebuild her life as the family’s past begins to unravel.
Med.TV will also feature events, such as traditional festivals and sports competitions, and hopes to introduce to its viewers lesser-known towns, villages and communities, including those which are currently under-represented, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic narrative.
“I hail from Gozo and have been thinking about this project for a couple of years now. I am a big fan of the Mediterranean region and Malta’s position and role in Mediterranean affairs and this journey [starting Med.TV] was inspired by the region’s resilience and its ability to blend the old with the new. The Mediterranean region has a unique cultural identity that continues to captivate hearts and minds. Med.TV seeks to celebrate this diversity, highlight untold stories, and remind the world of the deep connections that bind the Mediterranean’s people,” Tabone continues.
“Malta is the perfect base because it embodies the essence of the Mediterranean: strategically located at the heart of the region, we have been influenced by a myriad of cultures—from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Arabs and the British. Our tiny island nation is a microcosm of the Mediterranean experience, where ancient traditions coexist with modern innovation, and our linguistic versatility, historical significance, and thriving arts scene make it an ideal hub for a project that aims to unite the region’s stories in one place.”
Programmes of particular interest include Med What’s On which highlights major cultural events happening around the Mediterranean, and the weekly MedBiz a Med.TV flagship program the covers business matters pertinent to the region.
Beyond entertainment, Med.TV hopes to be a platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration. “We will produce content that highlights pressing social and environmental issues, such as climate change’s impact on the Mediterranean ecosystem and efforts to preserve the region’s cultural heritage,” says Tabone. “There will also be history content, educational programming to support language-learning, and insights into regional cuisines and traditions. And politically, we hope to foster greater understanding and unity among Mediterranean nations by shedding light on common challenges and opportunities.”
When asked about his own challenges setting up Med.TV, Tabone laughs wryly. “Starting an international TV channel of this dimension is a daunting task and comes with a multitude of challenges that would take a whole day to describe them to you. It’s like being thrown into a washing machine and you need to understand all that’s going on whilst turning around in it!”
Med.TV will be accessible through various platforms to ensure maximum reach and convenience. Viewers can tune in via satellite TV, an official streaming app, a dedicated website, on Melita and GO, SKY Italia, Tivusat, Facebook and Instagram that will host live streams, on-demand content, and interactive features. By bringing the Mediterranean’s stories to life, we hope to inspire a sense of belonging and pride among its people, while also inviting global audiences to immerse themselves in this extraordinary part of world.