Updated 10.22pm
RTÉ HAS DECIDED to delay the closure of its Longwave 252 radio service, after a public outcry when the decision was announced.
Speaking to TDs and Senators this morning, the broadcaster’s managing director said RTÉ needed more time to engage with those who would be affected by the closure, which has now been postponed to 19 January 2015.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told TheJournal.ie this afternoon that the closure would still go ahead, but RTÉ would need time to explain the decision and make affected groups properly aware of the alternatives to the Longwave 252 service.
The Irish Bishops’ Conference has welcomed the postponement, saying it would give more time to prepare and plan for the consequences of the switchover.
In a statement, they said the closure of the Longwave 252 transmitter “will mean the end of broadcasting of worship programmes on this frequency.”
It would also particularly impact “rural, older, less well-off” audiences, as well as those living in Northern Ireland, and the elderly Irish in the UK.
RTÉ announced last month it would be ceasing to broadcast Radio 1 from the Clarkstown longwave transmitter, after 10 years in service, and switching over to digital platforms.
Although the broadcaster said 98% of listeners wouldn’t be impacted, the move was met with an outcry from some in remote rural areas, as well as parts of the Irish community in the UK.
The state broadcaster was accused of “ignoring the Diaspora“, and the Irish in Britain group launched an online petition to stop the closure of the service, which they called “a treasured link with home.”
A wide section of the Irish community listens to RTE Radio 1 on longwave in Britain – people of all ages listen in their cars, sports fans hear GAA matches, and for many older emigrants, it is a treasured link with home.
There are no adequate alternatives for many people.
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), which RTÉ suggests as a replacement for the longwave service, is not reliably available in all areas of the country.
Jim Jennings, RTÉ’s managing director, told the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communication that he would travel to the UK next week to speak with community groups there.
In a statement this evening, Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Brendan Smith supported calls for retention of the service, and questioned the Government’s commitment to the diaspora if this “vital service” was being closed.
“It is an extremely important resource for older people, which cannot be easily replaced,” he said.
“Despite numerous attempts to raise this issue in the Dáil, my requests have been disallowed,” Smith added.
Originally published 12.23pm. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say