Television in Malta: channels, programs and how people watch

Maltese television has grown from a small public service tradition into a lively mix of national broadcasters, private stations, and niche outlets that reflect the country’s languages, music, sport, and daily debates. Viewers in Malta often move between Maltese- and English-language shows, with schedules shaped by local current affairs, community life, and major events on the island. The strongest part of programming remains news and talk, but prime time also includes drama, reality formats, comedy, and family entertainment. Many households now prefer to watch online when they miss an evening bulletin or want a catch‑up option on mobile devices, and TV online access has become a normal extension of the classic living-room screen.

Key Maltese TV channels and what they offer

The backbone of Maltese broadcasting is TVM, the public service channel known for national news, election coverage, cultural events, and locally produced series that aim to serve broad audiences. For viewers who want a stronger focus on breaking stories, studio discussions and political analysis, NET Television is widely recognized for its talk shows and current affairs output, alongside entertainment and sports coverage. ONE is another major station with a mix of news, magazines, and popular entertainment, often featuring local personalities and audience-interactive formats. For lighter viewing, Xejk is associated with youth-oriented programming and entertainment content. To follow these stations beyond the traditional set, many people in Malta use live streaming on official platforms or approved aggregators, especially during major interviews, festivals, and sports weekends.

Genres that matter: news, sport, culture and family entertainment

News bulletins remain appointment viewing, with strong interest in parliament, local councils, transport, education, and public services, while long-form talk shows keep public discussion moving late into the evening. Sports programming peaks around football and major international tournaments, but local competitions and community events also receive attention when schedules allow. Cultural programs highlight Maltese music, religious feasts, and heritage topics, and seasonal broadcasts often connect families around traditions that are central to life in Malta. Audiences who want immediate access during headline moments may choose television live options offered on digital services, while others prefer to watch television online later for full episodes and longer interviews without time pressure.

How to choose what to watch and follow schedules in Malta

Picking the right channel in Maltese broadcasting usually depends on whether you want fast news updates, in-depth discussion, or relaxed entertainment. Viewers commonly check program guides for prime-time talk shows, special reports, and weekend variety programs, then switch between stations depending on guests and topics. In practice, the same household may start the evening with a main bulletin on TVM, continue with analysis on NET Television or ONE, and end with a lighter show on Xejk. As viewing habits change, more people rely on TV online platforms for flexibility, using official streams and catch-up pages to keep up with Malta’s daily agenda. When you want to follow an event as it happens, it is common to watch online through a broadcaster’s live page; when you want a full program without interruptions, on-demand viewing is often the easiest way to stay connected to Maltese television.