[Swprograms] FW: World Service Feedback

["Sandy Finlayson" <SFinlayson@xxxxxxx>]

This just in from the BBC World Service.

Sandy                                                                                                 

-----Original Message-----
From: Letters Worldservice [mailto:worldservice.letters@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2005 10:49 AM
To: Sandy Finlayson
Subject: RE: 


Dear Mr Finlayson
Thank you for your email regarding the reduction of BBC World Service
short-wave coverage for the Caribbean and Central America region.

The BBC World Service, like other international broadcasters, has been
adjusting its short-wave provision around the world over the past few
years in line with changes in global demand.  In some regions, this
means a reduction in the range of frequencies available and the times at
which they are transmitted.  This reduction is largely a result of
consumers turning less and less to short wave and more to alternate
methods of listening such as FM, the internet and cable or satellite.
At the beginning of the 1990s almost all our audience were listening to
BBC World Service through short wave, but now around 50 million
listeners each week (around a third) are listening through alternate
means. 

While the short-wave method of delivery does have certain advantages,
the main disadvantage for the broadcaster is its high cost relative to
other forms of delivery.  As short-wave audiences reduce in number,
there inevitably comes a point when it no longer makes sense to continue
on value for money grounds, especially when alternatives exist and the
same money could be used to greater effect elsewhere.  The BBC World
Service is committed to making the most efficient use of the money it
receives from the British government (our sole source of funding) and it
is especially important to get the balance right between the amount of
money we spend on programme production relative to the amount we spend
on distributing programmes.  We are investing more in other forms of
distribution - FM relays, satellite, partnerships with local FM
stations, digital radio, and the internet.  The way people consume news
and information is changing rapidly and we want our distribution
channels to reflect those changes.

We recognise that not all the alternative options for listening are
suitable, or indeed possible, for all individuals, and the decision to
reduce short-wave coverage for your area was thus a difficult one to
make.  We regret the disruption to your listening which has resulted but
we hope, at least, that you will continue tune in to the World Service
at the times when short-wave frequencies remain available if it is not
possible for you to listen by other means.  

With regard to 'Sportsworld', as you are aware we cannot make this
programme available online because of rights restrictions.  However, it
is still possible to listen in the US via XM Digital Satellite Radio.
XM Radio offers a 24-hour BBC World Service stream as part of their
subscription service, which includes 'Sportsworld'.  For information
about XM Radio, visit www.xmradio.com

With best regards,
Audience Relations - CMS
BBC World Service

[NB: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet
sites]




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