« Belfast Telegraph says RTE should listen to North | Main | “World wide webs” diaspora book published by Australian think tank »

Irish Times: ‘growing unease’ over RTE move

By Noreen Bowden | February 18, 2008

The Irish Times is reporting that ‘growing unease’ among TDs and Senators over RTE’s decision to shut down its medium wave service on March 24. It says there will be a meeting between the Oireachtas Committee on Communications and RTE in the next few weeks over the issue.

The report quotes several politicians citing their concerns, including Senator Denis O’Donovan, a former TD for Cork South West. The report says:

“As somebody who lived abroad in the 1970s in London, working my way through college, I remember the importance of the service for emigrants,” he said.

“To listen to the broadcast of a GAA match was hugely important for emigrants.”

He said many of those who would be most affected were now silent because they were unaware it was going to happen.

Mr O’Donovan said while a young generation might be adept with modern technology, there was still a significant number of people who relied on the medium wave service. “These are people of modest means who who might also be living in remote areas. They have been using this service for years and years,” he said.

“I would call on RTÉ to reverse this decision. The closure of this service will not save a great deal of money, and if it can make people’s lives happier at home and abroad, why not continue with it?”

Read the entire article (subscription required).

Topics: Latest News, radio | Comments Off on Irish Times: ‘growing unease’ over RTE move

Comments are closed.