RT RADIO ANNOUNCES EXTENSION TO LONGWAVE TRANSITION

RT RADIO 1 ANNOUNCES EXTENSION TO LONGWAVE TRANSITION 19 December 2014: RT Radio 1 has today announced an extended term for transition from Longwave to alternative methods of listening.

Radio 1's Longwave 252 service was scheduled to close in January 2015; however RT is now targeting a revised shutdown date in 2017. In slowing the pace of Longwave shutdown, RT 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.

RT is targeting the Longwave service for shutdown on the basis that it is an outdated and costly technology, representing poor value for money. RT believes that transition to better quality, more sustainable digital alternatives is essential over the longer-term. However, following extensive consultations with listeners, a wide range of diaspora groups in the UK and relevant bodies in Ireland, the decision has been taken to slow the pace for transition from Longwave. The extended timeframe is intended to allow affected listeners longer to adapt and to give RT the opportunity to learn more about their circumstances, access to and use of newer technologies.

Tom McGuire, Head of RT Radio 1, says: We want to work with all those concerned to ensure that RT Radio 1, that voice from home, remains a voice that can be heard where it needs to be heard. All groups asked for more time. 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 RT and we remain convinced that, in the longer term, Longwave has had its day. Nonetheless and despite the mid-term cost impact, RT believes it is necessary to take a collaborative approach and slow this transition.

In a further development, The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has announced it is prepared to work with RT to commission specific research to understand the community in the UK who listen to the Longwave service; to learn in greater detail about listeners' circumstances and of the technologies they use. This research will be conducted next year, will be funded by the DFA and will include perspectives from community groups representing the Irish elderly in the UK. This research is expected to inform the options and information that will accompany the final closure of the service. Over the extended transitional period, RT Radio 1 will operate a full Longwave service in 2015, with reduced hours in 2016, working toward full shutdown in 2017. RT believes that operation of this service beyond this time is not tenable since significant capital costs for replacement of infrastructure will arise.

JP Coakley, Head of Operations, RT Radio, said: We've learned that the closure requires a greater degree of patience and nuance and we very much welcome the DFA's offer of help in this respect. We need to transition from Longwave, but we do understand that some alternatives still feel remote, especially to elderly audiences who cannot hear Radio 1 on FM. The next year or so will see growth in adoption of new technologies and alternatives will strengthen. The rise of smart-phone and tablet usage among older users, the growth of platforms like Freeview in the UK, our own Radioplayer and the imminent launch of the Irish Radio Player, all offer sustainable, practical solutions into the future.

RT Radio 1 will continue to broadcast on 88-90FM, Longwave 252, on DAB Digital Radio, online and on mobile.

LINK:	http://www.rte.ie/about/en/press-office/press-releases/2014/1219/66793...
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