Martin Micallef, chairman of the Broadcasting Authority for the last two years, has died. He was 61 years old.
Micallef had a long career in broadcasting journalism with PBS, occupying different positions from reporter, current affairs coordinator, and deputy head of TV programmes, among others
He was also for a time a secretary general of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Malta.
He also spent a number of years on the editorial board and as producer of the international TV production Mediterraneo in collaboration with RAI-Italy and France 3.
He was the first Malta National Co-ordinator for CIRCOM Regional, the European Association of Regional Television and was the PBS representative on the action committee for the setting up of a EUROMED Satellite TV network supported by RAI, France 2, Mediaset, and other euromediterranean tv stations. Furthermore, he organised Radio Euromed in collaboration with RAI International with programmes broadcast from Malta and other Mediterranean cities.
He was also responsible for the International Affairs and Communications Unit of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and served on the Press Ethics Commission.
Furthermore, he organised RADIO EUROMED in collaboration with RAI INTERNATIONAL with programmes broadcast from Malta and other Mediterranean cities.
Micallef held an MA in Mass Communications.
In a statement, the Broadcasting Authority said that "it is with profound sadness that we share the news of the demise of the Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority, Mr Martin Micallef, this morning at the age of 61.
"Mr Micallef was appointed Chairman on the 24 April 2017. His extensive experience in the sector has no doubt enriched the organisation and the broadcasting industry in general. He will be remembered for his dedication and professionalism."
The Nationalist Party expressed its condolences.
The Institute of Maltese Journalists issued a statement remembering Micallef's professionalism and dedication. The Institute said that Micallef was well respected and had a long 40-year career in journalism. The institute sent their condolences to his wife and children.