[Swprograms] Re: More on BBC Shortwave Cuts

[Ricky Leong <rleong@xxxxxxx>]

Sandy Finlayson wrote:

> Looking at the frequency pages there are a lot more cuts coming the BBC on Shortwave.

In fact, shortwave is being played down if you look for schedules/frequencies in 
the left-hand-side menu. In most cases, the default mode of delivery is the 
nearest FM or MW radio station.
In some instances, the information is downright misleading. I looked for what is 
listed for the Montreal area. It shows shortwave broadcasts are available -- but 
all the frequencies listed are DRM transmissions from Sackville. Explain to a 
novice shortwave radio listener why they only hear noise on those frequencies.
Nary a mention of conventional shortwave broadcasts aimed at the Caribbean that 
are tunable from my location.
Then there is this curious page:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/schedules/031001_nofreqs.shtml
"We usually aim to provide frequencies to cover peak listening hours in the 
morning and evening, local time," it says.
But it doesn't bother them to provide round-the-clock programming over satellite 
and the Internet, even though no one might be listening.
I'm shocked (to a degree) they're willing to waste millions of dollars/pounds on 
forms of delivery (Internet and satellite) that are costly for the user AND the 
broadcaster. Particularly for Internet: streaming isn't easily scalable (more 
listeners means more bandwidth, more processing power, more "modules" on the 
server side).
Worst yet, we know about these changes because we have access to the Internet. 
What about the thousands of listeners whose BBC On-Air magazine was cancelled 
recently and who don't have access to the Internet? They'll tune their radio and 
will hear nothing but static, not having known of impending shortwave service 
cuts. If their aim is to whittle their shortwave audience to nothing, I'll give 
them five stars for their efforts.

Ricky Leong
Montreal

-- 
The whistle shrill still lingers on
In the hearts of everyone
Every day from dusk till dawn
- Orangedale Whistle, Jimmy Rankin/Rankin Family
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