Andrew Azzopardi's programme on RTK103 will be coming to an end on June 29th following a decision by Beacon Media Group, the host of the programme stated in a post on social media on Wednesday.

He referred to a decision made by the CEO of Beacon Media Group, as he commented that the CEO had cited the expiration of the current contract as "a strategic decision to shift towards a 'fresh' format with a stronger religious focus".

Azzopardi said that this decision is an unexpected and deeply surprising development, "especially in light of the audience, popularity, relevance, and reach of the programme over the past five years". He continued that the programme contributed to a wide range of news stories, and added that the interviews and soundbites of the programme were picked up regularly by outlets and online platforms.

Azzopardi spoke of how he would have daily encounters with people who were listeners of the programme, as he commented that such showcases of deep engagement were "the clearest proof of the programme's relevance and value". He said that the show had become a hub of national dialogue which featured academics, policy-makers, government officials, as well as other individuals who had lived and experienced issues first-hand.

"There was no topic I was unwilling to explore," he stated. "That openness and inclusiveness gave the programme its credibility and depth... Nonetheless, I want to take the opportunity to thank Beacon Media Group for the space it provided me to explore, question, and engage with the public on some of the most pressing socio-political national issues."

With that said, Azzopardi commented that he finds it hard to understand the "change in heart", particularly when those leading the organisation acknowledged the show's value and success, he added. Azzopardi said that the show also consistently performed strongly in Broadcasting Authority surveys and in detailed internal assessments which he submitted biannually, as he added that Beacon Media Group's Business Development Manager also recently referred to the show as the station's 'flagship programme'.

Azzopardi said that he has remained steadfastly aligned with the core values of RTK103 and Newsbook throughout, and continued that he vividly recalls when, "as Editor, the current CEO personally supported my decision to resist pressure from extreme far-right figures demanding airtime - a moment that reflected the very ethos on which the programme was built".

Azzopardi said that he nonetheless respects the company's right to move in a new direction, and added that he is "immensely proud" of what the show accomplished. He also thanked listeners, guests, and collaborators, who he remarked made the programme what it was. He made mention of Fr Joe Borg, Sylvana Debono, and Arthur Caruana, "who believed in this project and fired me up to become part of it".

"This chapter is closed. My passion for radio echoes loud and clear. This is no last dance," Azzopardi concluded.