[IRCA] ABC To End Shortwave Transmissions!

["Paul B. Walker, Jr." <walkerbroadcasting@xxxxxxxxx>]

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with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings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.â



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

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

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

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

         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 at abc.net.au/shortwave, or via ABC Local Radio (Darwin
<http://www.abc.net.au/darwin/> and Alice Springs
<http://www.abc.net.au/alicesprings/>).





-ENDS-

___________________________________________________________________

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)
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