[Swprograms] ABC To End Shortwave Transmissions!

And it appears to be for real this time. I can't say I blame them... continue with somewhat inferior "AM" Signals or build out more FM transmitters?

ABC Exits Shortwave Radio Transmission

06 December 2016

The ABC will end its shortwave transmission service in the Northern Territory and to international audiences from 31 January 2017.

The move is in line with the national broadcasterâs commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international audiences.

The majority of ABC audiences in the Northern Territory currently access ABC services via AM and FM and all ABC radio and digital radio services are available on the VAST satellite service.

ABC Internationalâs shortwave services currently broadcast to PNG and the Pacific. Savings realised through decommissioning this service will be reinvested in a more robust FM transmitter network and an expanded content offering for the region that will include English and in-language audio content.

Michael Mason, ABCâs Director of Radio said, âWhile shortwave technology has served audiences well for many decades, it is now nearly a century old and serves a very limited audience. The ABC is seeking efficiencies and will instead service this audience through modern technologyâ.

The ABC, working alongside SBS, is planning to extend its digital radio services in Darwin and Hobart, and to make permanent its current digital radio trial in Canberra. Extending DAB+ into the nationâs eight capital cities will ensure ABC digital radio services can reach an additional 700,000 people, increasing the overall reach of ABC digital radio to 60% of the Australian population.

ABC Radio is also investigating transmission improvements to address reception gaps in the existing five DAB+ markets. It aims to ensure a resilient DAB+ service in every capital city, with enhanced bitrates and infill where necessary.

âExtending our DAB+ offer will allow audiences in every capital city in Australia equal access to our digital radio offering, as well as representing an ongoing broadcast cost saving owing to lower transmission costs,â added Michael Mason.

ABC Internationalâs Chief Executive Officer Lynley Marshall said the reinvestment from closing international shortwave services would maximise the ABCâs broadcast capabilities in the region.

âIn considering how best to serve our Pacific regional audiences into the future we will move away from the legacy of shortwave radio distribution,â Ms Marshall said. âAn ever-growing number of people in the region now have access to mobile phones with FM receivers and the ABC will redirect funds towards an extended content offering and a robust FM distribution network to better serve audiences into the future.âÂ

Once international shortwave ceases transmission, international listeners can continue to access ÂABC International services via:

ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ the web stream at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/listenÂ

ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ in-country FM transmitters: see Radio Australiaâs âWays to Listenâ at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/waystolisten/fiji

ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ the Australia Plus expats app (available in both iOS and Android)

ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ partner websites and apps such as www.tunein.com Âand www.vtuner.com.

Audiences can access further information via the reception advice line 1300 139 994, online at abc.net.au/shortwave, or via ABC Local Radio (Darwin and Alice Springs).

-ENDS-

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For further information contact:

Louise Alley (alley.louise@xxxxxxxxxx) on (02) 8333 2621 or 0422 348 652 (ABC Radio queries)

Nick Leys (leys.nick@xxxxxxxxxx) on 0413 621 484 (ABC International queries)