More for anyone interested: ----------- Radio NZ International The Shortwave Future ___________________________
Long time listeners to Radio New Zealand International may remember a number of times when the 'quiet voice of the Pacific' was silenced through funding cutbacks and bureaucratic and political ignorance and indifference. Since 1990, when a new 100kW AM transmitter was inaugurated from a new transmission site in the central North Island, RNZI has steadily regained listeners in its main Pacific target areas, and beyond. The introduction of a second 100kW [DRM] transmitter in 2006 has further improved RNZI's capability to deliver core services such as 'Dateline Pacific' to local rebroadcasters across the region. Recent arrangements for Radio Australia and the BBC to carry key programs have broadened the reach of RNZI even further, both stations operating networks of local FM relay stations that now carry RNZI content. RNZI's use of DRM [digital radio] is unusual, being designed to deliver point to point FM quality signals directly to designated local radio stations at specific times of the day. The signal starts the day beamed at French Polynesia, and moves westwards across the Pacific as dawn breaks, thus allowing local stations to carry RNZI programs during peak morning listening times. The installation of DRM capable receivers at a growing number of radio stations across the Pacific allows FM quality reception at key local listening times, and has built the local RNZI audience into the largest of any broadcaster in the region. Expansion continues with facilities to house two more shortwave transmitters planned for the existing transmission site. A second antenna system will allow greater flexibility for directional delivery of programs and the use of additional frequencies. Now that the technical delivery of programs to local stations is assured, more stations can be added to the DRM receiving network. At the same time, local broadcast hours of RNZI sourced content are expected to increase across many stations. As DRM capable radios gradually become available at an affordable price, more local listeners will also be able to listen direct to RNZI services with FM quality signals. The AM transmitter provides a complementary service across the wider region, filling in the DRM drop out signal spots, cyclone season emergency broadcasts, and also entertaining listeners beyond the Pacific target zone. Increasingly, RNZI reflects an emerging Polynesian society and culture from within New Zealand itself, and these common links in turn make both domestic and RNZI programs more relevant to local listeners in the islands. Radio New Zealand's latest annual report highlights RNZI services specifically via shortwave as being of strategic importance to its ability to meet its core public broadcaster charter obligations. In a region of increased political, social and economic instability and tension, the 'quiet voice of New Zealand' is now being heard far more strongly. Perhaps finally achieving what was originally intended when it first began weak test transmissions on shortwave 60 years ago in 1947. RNZI listeners from Papeete in the eastern Pacific to Dili in the western Pacific and northwards into the former US Trust Territories south of Japan increasingly have a new FM quality source of Pacific oriented programs on their local radio dials. And RNZI listeners further afield in Asia, the Americas and Europe, are able to continue to enjoy the AM broadcasts as reception conditions permit, and 'eavesdrop' on what's happening in New Zealand's Pacific backyard. Recent Christmas season messages to listeners in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian languages also acknowledged the growing popularity of RNZI well beyond the Pacific. At a time when major European shortwave broadcasters are reducing or ending decades of broadcasts in favor of internet or satellite only broadcasts, it's refreshing to know that the 'new world' of the Pacific-Asian region continues to see a place for the innovative use of shortwave radio in a world of contemporary entertainment and information. The Radio Heritage Foundation produces regular radio heritage documentaries about Pacific broadcasting issues for RNZI's 'Mailbox' program. It has also been commissioned to produce material for the 60th anniversary of shortwave broadcasts from Radio New Zealand in September 2008. For a full description of the original shortwave broadcasting objectives of Radio New Zealand [as it was known in 1947], visit www.radioheritage.net and read the story 'Radio NZ Signs On' that can be found under 'other stories' or a simple site search. Looking back almost 60 years, it's interesting to see how little has really changed. The 'Mailbox' program must now be one of the longest running listener programs on shortwave radio. Australian listeners commented back then 'It comes in just like a local station', and with DRM signals in 2007, Australian listeners will probably continue to offer the same view. Listeners worldwide can also hear RNZI streaming at www.rnzi.com as well as find more information about programs, shortwave frequencies and more news about the 'quiet voice of the Pacific'. -------------------- Lynn. Lafayette, LA Check out the IRCA web site at http://www.ircaonline.org __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! 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