To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org
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Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 21:25:31 +0100
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From: "Roelof Bakker" <roelof@ndb.demon.nl>
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Subject: Re: div. LW BC qrt / was RE: LF: DLF 153 kHz QRT
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Hello,

Talking about RTE on 252 kHz, I just saw this message on the NDB list sent  
by Alan Gale.
He won't object if I re-sent it here:

(We will have to wait a bit longer for this one!)

The RTÉ longwave service is to be extended until at least 2017.

RTÉ Radio 1 LW will operate a full service in 2015, with reduced
hours in 2016 before working towards a full shutdown in 2017.

The service was due to end early next year after RTÉ postponed a
decision to close the transmitter until 19 January.

RTÉ had previously announced that it would be ceasing its Longwave
252 service from the Clarkstown longwave transmitter on 27 October
and migrating its Radio One service to digital platforms.

RTÉ said that in slowing the pace of the longwave shutdown, it has
considered contact from listeners and submissions from a range of
groups, who highlighted that more time was needed to "understand
and enable the migration to digital platforms for all listeners".

Head of RTE Radio 1 Tom McGuire said: "We've listened particularly
to the concerns raised by and on behalf of the elderly Irish in
the UK.

"Cost-reduction remains a key priority for RTÉ and we remain
convinced that, in the longer term, longwave has had its day.

"Nonetheless and despite the mid-term cost impact, RTÉ believes
it is necessary to take a collaborative approach and slow this
transition."

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is prepared
to work with RTÉ to commission specific research to better
understand the community in the UK who listen to the longwave
service.

The research will be conducted next year, will be funded by the
department and will include perspectives from community groups
representing the Irish elderly in the UK.

Chair of the Oireachtas Transport and Communications Committee
John O'Mahoney said he was delighted at the decision of the
RTÉ board to retain the service.

Minister for Communications Alex White has also welcomed the
announcement.

He said: "I recently met representatives of the Irish community
living in Britain, who stressed the value they place on RTÉ's
longwave service.

"I welcome the decision to extend the life of the service by
two years, which will give the broadcaster space to engage
with its listeners about other ways of accessing RTÉ radio
in the UK."

73,
Roelof, PA0RDT