Re: [Swprograms] [dxld] From the ABC concerning Radio Australia

[John Figliozzi <jfiglio1@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Wellâ. one thing that would help is if RA could manage to keep its internet audio links working.  The station has a history of breakdowns in this regard, so much so that Frontier Siliconâs station aggregator site for the Internet âwifiâ radios it supports labels their links ânot reliableâ.  Right now, the only audio links working are the two that require you to use their proprietary audio player to access them.  Thatâs hardly a user friendly approach, nor does it bespeak a desire to be heard.  One gets that shortwave may no longer be cost-effective.  But one would think that if the ABC is interested in maintaining some sort of presence in the media landscape, it would take even minimal pains to make sure it can be heard via the remaining portals.

John Figliozzi

> On Dec 5, 2016, at 8:36 PM, madcute29@xxxxxxxxx [dxld] <dxld@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> RADIO AUSTRALIA TO CLOSE
> FROM JANUARY 31, 2017
> 
> 
> It has just become official. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has just provided a media release today December 6 regarding the future of both Radio Australia and the Northern Territory Shortwave Services. Put bluntly, there is no future. It all closes from January 31, 2017.
> 
> Here's the media release in full:
> 
> 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 The move is in line with the national broadcasterâs commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international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.â 
> 
> Once international shortwave ceases transmission, international listeners can continue to access  ABC International services via:
> â the web stream at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/listen  
> â in-country FM transmitters: see Radio Australiaâs âWays to Listenâ at:http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/waystolisten/fiji 
> â the Australia Plus expats app (available in both iOS and Android)
> â partner websites and apps such as www.tunein.com  and www.vtuner.com.
> 
> Audiences can access further information via the reception advice line 1300 139 994, online atabc.net.au/shortwave, or via ABC Local Radio (Darwin and Alice Springs). 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> Posted by: madcute29@xxxxxxxxx
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