Mediumwave
transmitters shut in Belgium and Ireland
Several
mediumwave transmitters have signed off in Europe.
In Belgium, Flemish public broadcaster VRT closed
down its transmitters on 540 and 1512 kHz on March
30, and a day later also 1188 kHz, while only 927
kHz remains on the air. VRT wanted to shut down
old mediumwave transmitters because of soaring energy
expenses, and the proposal was approved by the Flemish
government on February 29. Another reason for closure
was said to be poor quality of reception when compared
to FM, internet, satellite radio and digital radio.
In
Ireland, public service broadcaster Raidió
Teilifís Eireann (RTÉ) closed its
mediumwave transmitters on 567 (500 kW in Tullamore)
and 729 kHz (10 kW in Cork) on March 31. Listeners
have been advised to switch to FM frequencies, and
RTÉ wants to point out that longwave service
on 252 kHz will continue, airing Radio 1 for areas
without adequate FM coverage. RTE research has found
out that roughly 10% of its audience has relied
on the AM service.
(DXing.info,
April 2, 2008)
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