Re: [Swprograms] FW: World Service Feedback

[jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

FWIW, (and it's not worth much <g>) I think you've received about the best answer (both in terms of accuracy and sensitivity) I've seen the BBC give on this subject.  While we can debate (as with baseball) over the decisions made by directors and managers, it is most certainly a cost issue and one does recognize that there is a line which when crossed makes the "bang for a buck" too little of a bang for too much of a buck.

As for Sportsworld, my best frequencies at this point are 17640 early, then 21470.  Depending on location, an outdoor antenna (or an exceedingly sensitive portable) has become more of a necessity; but these frequencies are quite reliable thus far this season, at least here in upstate NY where I live.

John Figliozzi

----- Original Message -----
From: Sandy Finlayson <SFinlayson@xxxxxxx>
Date: Monday, April 11, 2005 12:12 pm
Subject: [Swprograms] FW:  World Service Feedback

> This just in from the BBC World Service.
> 
> Sandy                                                              
>                                   
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Letters Worldservice [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 
> continueon 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 
> newsand 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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