RTÉ postpones closure of long wave radio service

RTÉ is postponing the closure of its long wave radio transmitter, the Managing Director of RTÉ Radio has told the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications.
Jim Jennings said what was evident was that more time was needed to engage with groups affected. The closure has been postponed to 19 January 2015.
RTÉ had previously announced that it would be ceasing its service from the Clarkstown long wave transmitter on 27 October and migrating its Radio One service to digital platforms.

Mr Jennings said the decision to cease any RTÉ public service is not something that RTÉ takes lightly or without serious consideration.
He 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.”

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.
He said RTÉ is doing all it can to engage with community groups.
RTÉ accepts that the window given for closure was too short and a longer window was needed, he added.

Source: RTÉ News