Another one bites the dust.
This isn't utility, but if you grew up with RA's slushy music ruling the Pacific, it feels like it ought to be. You know, like part of the infrastructure.
I'm glad I'm not a broadcast columnist. We'll be down to Brother Stair soon.
ABC press release (via SWLing Post):
The ABC will end its shortwave transmission service in the Northern Territory and to international audiences from 31 January 2017.
The move is in line with the national broadcaster’s commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international audiences.
The majority of ABC audiences in the Northern Territory currently access ABC services via AM and FM and all ABC radio and digital radio services are available on the VAST satellite service.
...
“In considering how best to serve our Pacific regional audiences into the future we will move away from the legacy of shortwave radio distribution,” Ms Marshall said. “An ever-growing number of people in the region now have access to mobile phones with FM receivers and the ABC will redirect funds towards an extended content offering and a robust FM distribution network to better serve audiences into the future.”
Yeah, right. Let's see them hit every cell phone on every isolated island in the Pacific with "a robust FM distribution network" or satellite receivers. Silly.