About The Department

The Department of Information aims to provide the public with comprehensive and valuable information regarding Government policies, services, and activities, as well as matters of public interest, and to promote the Public Service and the country.

Historical Information

The Department of Information was first established by the British Government in 1939. Following various stages of development, by 1957 its role had expanded to such an extent that tourism services were hived off into a separate unit, thereby creating the opportunity for the DOI to fulfill its current role.

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Functions of the Department of Information

The primary function of the Department of Information is to provide a link between the Government and the public. The Department provides the following services:

Electronic Services

The Department manages the content on the Official Government Portal (www.gov.mt), the Public Service Intranet, and the department’s official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Sales Office and Information Point

Publications sold by the DOI include: Official Government publications, the Malta Government Gazette, Budget speeches, Financial Estimates and Economic Surveys, Bills presented in Parliament, Acts of Parliament, Legal Notices, statistical reports, and various other publications. Photographs covering a wide range of subjects—such as international meetings and conferences held in Malta, State and official visits, national celebrations, national heritage, and aerial views of Malta—as well as DVDs produced by the Department, are also available for sale to the public. Enquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance regarding various matters of public interest may be directed to info.doi@gov.mt or made by telephone on 22001704/96.

Photographic Archives

The archives contain a vast collection of both contemporary and historical photographic material, dating back to the time when the DOI was practically the only organization gathering information in Malta. The public can view a selection of archived photos in the DOI Photo Gallery. For further information on photo availability and to place an order, please contact photo.library@gov.mt.

Library Research

The Department offers facilities for conducting research into past editions of the Government Gazette (dating back to the 19th century) or into press releases and other publications issued by the Department of Information. For further information and to schedule a research appointment, please contact info.doi@gov.mt or call 2200 1777.

Video Production

The Department produces documentaries of national interest, such as those concerning the Maltese National Poet Dun Karm Psaila, the Malta Railway, and the awarding of the George Cross. The Department also provides audiovisual material covering various occasions, including official visits to Malta and state events, among others. The restoration, digitization, and archiving of historical film footage (16mm) is also an ongoing process carried out by the Department.

Media Monitoring Unit

This section monitors the latest issues in the political, economic, and social spheres as reported in the local print media, and a summary is sent to internal clients. The media currently monitored consists of daily and weekly newspapers.

Media Relations

Media organizations receive official statements, invitations to government events, notices, photographic material, and other information via email on a daily basis. Local and foreign media members are provided with accreditation facilities, media arrangements for government events, and guidance and assistance. Arrangements are also made for local media representatives accompanying the President and the Prime Minister of Malta on official visits abroad.

The Department also coordinates media facilities for state functions, national events, general and local council elections, and other events.

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Photography Services

The Department provides extensive photographic coverage of Government activities and national events. The section ensures that digital photographic material reaches the media as quickly as possible.

Government Information Service

The Government Information Service provides members of the public with information and material regarding Government services and activities. The Government Information Service is accessible via email at info.doi@gov.mt. It also welcomes members of the public to visit the Customer Care office at 3, Castille Place, Valletta, to obtain information and to collect literature and other published documents concerning Government services and activities.

Press Register

Since 1988, the Department of Information has been responsible for the Press Register, where newspapers and radio and television stations are registered and records updated in accordance with the provisions of the Media and Defamation Act. Applications for registration are submitted to the Press Register by editors and publishers of newspapers and magazines, as well as by editors of radio and television stations; certificates signed by the Press Registrar—confirming editor status—are prepared and issued for submission as evidence in libel cases brought before the courts.

Publications

The Department is responsible for the compilation and publication of the Malta Government Gazette, in both printed and electronic formats. This Section also produces other printed and electronic material regarding Government services and matters of public interest.