[Swprograms] Tributes to RCI pour in from around the world

[Mike Terry <miketerry73@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The Montreal Gazette
April 11, 2012 

“Such a sad time for our family. My father was a Technician at RCI Transmitter Plant in Sackville, N.B., for 36 years. I use to work there during the summer months as a tour guide during the 1980s. Glad that my late father is no longer with us to witness the closing of the plant."
Melinda Blakney, Florenceville-Bristol, Canada

“This is absolutely dreadful. RCI has been one of the best shortwave radio stations and a much-needed voice of solid, objective reporting. I’ve been a loyal listener from the mid-1990s and I am really saddened by this news. I understand that the times are difficult and that cuts need to be made, but this is an incredibly short-sighted decision. The staff and RCI’s international listeners deserve better. Surely a plan can be devised that would keep RCI going.”
Nenad Knezevic, Belgrade, Serbia

“I’m at a loss for words. I’ve been listening to RCI on shortwave since the glory days of the 1970s. This is the loss of a great friend to me. I’ve enjoyed countless English broadcasts of RCI. I feel a huge emptiness upon losing Radio Canada International on shortwave!"
Charles Ermatinger, St. Louis

“What upsetting news! I listen to the Link at night — so insightful and enlightening! Why couldn’t the CBC have made cuts to the television instead? The Internet has usurped the role of the television, but radio is radio!!! I love the immediacy of radio! I will miss your voice most of all, Marc!"
elise db, Ottawa

“Shocking news, I didn’t really expect that the only reliable source of information about this beautiful country is going to be shut down. ... Hope you’ll change your decision and continue to broadcast, even only in English."
Georgi Bancov, Troyan, Bulgaria

“I’m sad to hear that the short wave service is being discontinued. Fifteen years ago, I moved to North Carolina to work for a few years. Of course, these were the days before Internet streaming radio and podcasts, so being able to hear Canadian content, news and accents made the transition a lot easier. So to those who worked at making those transmissions of home possible I raise a pint and say thank you it’s was really appreciated! Cheers!”
mgcamp

“There are places on Earth that just do not have Internet access yet. Many remote locations, in poorer countries. SW radio is their only means to get by. I guess we’re just abandoning them, to stay current with costs and technology. Very sad. BTW, the broadcast from (the Sackville) towers can be heard everywhere on Earth.”
DM, New Brunswick.

“It seems very short-sighted to cease Canadian broadcasting to the world. The astronomical expense of the Olympics are always sold to host countries’ citizens as providing many intangible benefits ... well surely the international broadcasts which promote and explain Canada, its systems, policies, culture, innovations and Canadian analysis of international events etc. is valuable to the government and the country. From what I’ve seen on radio discussions boards there will be no more broadcasts and most people laid off for the sake of $10 million ... peanuts, methinks.”
BigC-Canuck

“Contrary to what many Canadians may believe, there are Americans who don’t believe that Canada is a northern version of the USA, and shortwave radio is an excellent way to get that message across.” 
Dan Malloy, Everett, Mass.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Tributes+pour+from+around+world/6444036/story.html

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