RTÉ is having a re-think about closing its 252 longwave frequency, currently used to distribute Radio 1 to an international audience.
Jim Jennings, Managing Director of RTÉ Radio has told the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications that more time is needed to engage with groups affected.
The closure has been postponed to 19 January 2015 from an original closing date of October 27th 2014.
Jim Jennings said “We know that such decisions affect audiences who enjoy and rely on RTÉ’s services. However, we also know that the public expect us to manage our operations and services efficiently and evolve our services as technology changes and audiences adapt. In balancing these broad considerations we have come to the decision that now is the right time to cease our long wave Radio One service after ten years on air.”
He also said the move was in line with a European trend towards shutting down longwave and would save about €250,000 annually.
A statement to RadioToday.ie confirms the news: “Jim Jennings, MD RTÉ Radio, has confirmed that RTÉ is to defer the closure of the RTÉ Radio 1 Longwave signal until Monday 19th January 2015. This decision has been taken in order to ensure that listeners, particularly in the UK, have sufficient time to understand and avail of alternatives to listen.”
Mr Jennings said an RTÉ delegation will travel to the UK next week to meet organisations and see if there is a better solution to the long wave issue.
/Via RTÉ
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