Re: [Swprograms] FW: World Service Feedback

["rmonty23" <rmonty23@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Sandy for the post of the beeb's note.  Interesitng how they decided 
to dump the shortwave listenership for the 1/3 that use alternative methods 
of reception.  So tough beans, get a computer and listen on line or get up 
at 3 a.m and check the local fm stations.

 I fully understand saving a buck by cutting back air time but total 
elimination seems a little drastic.

Bob Montgomery

> 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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