Energy FM (Malta)
Energy FM is a community radio station located in Birzebbuga, Malta. It transmits in stereo at a frequency of 96.4 MHz.
The Radio Station plays the best of contemporary music and the most popular singles that were released in the past forty years, with a special focus made on 60s and 70s hits during night time. It is referred to as "THE SOUTH ENERGY MUSIC MIX".
The Beginning
This radio idea started off as a dream in 1994 when a friend of David Spiteri presented him a sign showing SPEEDY RADIO (Speedy referred to David Spiteri's own mobile disco that was known as ‘Speedy Disco’). For years he thought hard on how to bring this dream to life. In November 2002 he made up my mind and applied for a radio license.
Why Energy?
"Choosing a name for the radio was no easy task.", David Spiteri, owner
Finally a decision was made, Energy FM. What inspired David most was the fact that the south of Malta is the area that provides all of the energy facilities for the rest of the island by storing fuels, gases and producing electricity. Finally, in January 2003, he was granted a license by the Malta Broadcasting Authority to run a Community Radio Station.
Within months David managed to create a studio with the latest technology. This included the installation of a transmitter, music schedule equipment and a new revolutionary computer system that was to administer Energy FM’s technical needs.
Choosing the Staff
The main idea behind Birzebbugia’s community radio station is to build and strengthen friendly relationships between individuals and the local community. At first he thought it was going to be hard to recruit staff, as work here is done on a voluntary basis. He was wrong! Soon enough, a number of radio and music lovers approached David to help in administrating this project in various ways. David therefore hired competent individuals who wasted no time to start operating the radio’s sophisticated equipment.
On Air
Finally, the most awaited day had arrived and on the 21st of March 2003, Energy Fm went live on air. The first official words were, “This is Energy FM for the first time on 88.4FM in stereo.”
After a few months...
88.4 Energy FM established itself with both listeners and advertisers thanks to its professional operation. Energy’s music format and well-trained DJs reached very good standards and immediately showed promising prospects for the future.
The Radio Station plays the best of contemporary music and the most popular singles that were released in the past forty years, with a special focus made on 60s and 70s hits during night time. We refer to it as "THE SOUTH ENERGY MUSIC MIX".
September 2004
Due to some technical difficulties, Energy FM had to change its frequency to 96.4FM. This was heartbreaking as it had been such a massive task to build such a good reputation with their followers, that it was feared that it would be very hard to inform ALL of the listeners about the change.
But by September the 1st 2004, the staff were already receiving comments from a number of listeners, who complimented them for the new quality of sound offered.