ABC DEFENDS CLOSURE OF NT SW SERVICE

ABC DEFENDS CLOSURE OF NT SW SERVICE

In the latest on the ABC closure saga, the national broadcaster has just released a news item entitled ABC defends decision to axe NT's shortwave radio service amid emergency update concerns. Written by Emilia Terzon, the author reports that the broadcaster met with the two Federal Government politicians McCarthy and Snowden who wrote to the Executive about their concerns at the closure.

On reading the article, it seems pretty clear that the ABC administration has no idea just how many people rely on the Northern Territory Shortwave Service. The article also points out that some of the proposed alternatives such as the VAST service "did not work during cloudy weather, especially during monsoons and cyclones." Another man is quoted as saying "he was only able to access ABC Local Radio via satellite on his homestead while standing in his kitchen."

Spokesman for the ABC, Richard Mannix is reported to have said it costs $1.2 million to run the shortwave service, which Mr Mannix indicated would now be reinvested in the ABC's expansion of its digital radio services in Darwin and Hobart.

Listeners to the FM station 105.7 ABC Darwin said Mr Mannix underestimated the remote realities of the Territory, a place six times the size of Britain with a population of 240,000.

One wonders how putting digital radio into Darwin and Hobart (in Tasmania...for God's sake!!) is going to help listeners in the remote regions of the outback. And remember, these listeners are also taxpayers and deserve a working ABC radio service, which is an important part of the ABC's charter of operations.

The article is well worth reading. You will find it at:

ABC defends decision to axe NT's shortwave radio service amid emergency update concerns

73 and good DX to you all,

Rob Wagner VK3BVW

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