RTÉ HAS BOWED to pressure and agreed to slow the pace of its longwave shutdown. The ’252′ service will stay on air until 2017 at least.
The shutdown had already been delayed until 19 January next — after an outcry when the broadcaster announced its initial decision to axe it.
“RTÉ has considered contact from listeners and submissions from a range of groups; all of which highlighted that more time was needed to understand and enable migration to digital platforms for all listeners,” a statement from Montrose said.
Despite this reprieve, however, it looks like the service’s days are still well-and-truly numbered… The statement says 252 is based on “an outdated and costly technology, representing poor value for money”.
The frequency was originally allocated to pop station Atlantic 252 in the late 1980s — a joint venture between RTÉ and Radio Luxembourg. A version of Radio 1 has been broadcast on it since 2002.
A petition set up by longwave listeners in Britain has racked up almost 2,000 signatures in recent months. ”Older people are likely to be hardest hit by the shutdown,” the petition contends. “Many of them will lose this powerful link with Ireland forever.”
RTÉ’s statement says the extension is intended “to allow affected listeners longer to adapt and to give RTÉ the opportunity to learn more about their circumstances, access to and use of newer technologies”.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is to carry out research among emigrant groups next year, in co-operation with the State broadcaster.
“We’ve listened particularly to the concerns raised by and on behalf of the elderly Irish in the UK,” head of Radio 1 Tom McGuire said.
“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.
A full longwave service will be operated next year, with reduced hours to follow in 2016 — working towards the full shutdown.
“Operation of this service beyond this time is not tenable since significant capital costs for replacement of infrastructure will arise,” RTÉ said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has welcomed the decision, saying the announcement will be welcomed by listeners in Britain and others who have campaigned to keep the service.
Minister of State for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan said he was “delighted”, adding….
“I know that many people in Britain listen to Radio 1 for news and updates from home. But in my visits to Britain, I have learned that many more listen to it as a familiar soundtrack to their daily lives.
While we may have preferred to see the decision reversed, this is an operational matter for RTÉ and the significant deferral of the closure will give time for people to prepare.
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