[Swprograms] Funding Boost for Radio New Zealand International

[John Figliozzi <jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From a press release published at www.rnzi.com

18 May, 2004  03:16 UTC

New Zealand’s Minister for Broadcasting has today announced a funding 
boost for Radio New Zealand International, New Zealand’s highly 
regarded international short-wave broadcaster servicing listeners in 
the Pacific.

The Government is to provide $2.64 million dollars capital in 2005 – 
2006 for a new digital capable (DRM) short-wave transmitter. An 
additional $421,000 will be provided next year and in subsequent years 
to cover operating costs. Radio New Zealand International currently has 
just one analogue transmitter and it is nearing the end of its 
serviceable life.

Radio New Zealand International is the country’s only short-wave 
station, broadcasting 24 hours a day to audiences from Papua New Guinea 
in the west to French Polynesia in the east, covering all South Pacific 
countries in between.

While broadcasting mainly in English, Radio New Zealand International 
also carries news in seven Pacific languages, making it one of the most 
listened to stations in the South Pacific. News and information from 
the region flows back to this country through radio New Zealand’s 
domestic services – providing an invaluable link home for New Zealand’s 
growing Pacific Island community.

Commenting on the funding announcement, Radio New Zealand Chief 
Executive, Peter Cavanagh, emphasised the importance of the Radio New 
Zealand International service:

“ The new transmitter will secure the long term future of what has 
become a vitally important service to the people of the Pacific region. 
This very welcome funding recognises the significant part played by 
Radio New Zealand International in increasing understanding and 
awareness of New Zealand’s role in the Pacific. “

Radio New Zealand International played a critical role when Niue was 
devastated by cyclone Heta last year, providing the only means of 
communication with the outside world and Radio New Zealand 
International Manager, Linden Clark, says the Government announcement 
is a great boost for the broadcaster.

“Today’s funding announcement means that our Radio New Zealand 
International programming can be delivered to the Pacific via a high 
quality signal ... it’ll sound like FM. We’ve known for a long time 
that our Pacific content is the best there is – and now we’ll know that 
our delivery system can match it.”

“This is a great vote of confidence, it not only protects, but also 
strengthens the voice of New Zealand in the world’s most widespread 
region, a region where New Zealand really does make a difference. “

(For further information contact Linden Clark, Manager, Radio New 
Zealand International

Ph: + 64 4 474 1436, email lclark@xxxxxxxxxxxxx )

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