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The move is in line with the national broadcaster’s commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international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.

ABC International’s shortwave services currently broadcast to PNG and the Pacific. Savings realised through decommissioning this service will be reinvested in a more robust FM transmitter network and an expanded content offering for the region that will include English and in-language audio content.

Michael Mason, ABC’s Director of Radio said, “While shortwave technology has served audiences well for many decades, it is now nearly a century old and serves a very limited audience. The ABC is seeking efficiencies and will instead service this audience through modern technology”.

The ABC, working alongside SBS, is planning to extend its digital radio services in Darwin and Hobart, and to make permanent its current digital radio trial in Canberra. Extending DAB+ into the nation’s eight capital cities will ensure ABC digital radio services can reach an additional 700,000 people, increasing the overall reach of ABC digital radio to 60% of the Australian population.

ABC Radio is also investigating transmission improvements to address reception gaps in the existing five DAB+ markets. It aims to ensure a resilient DAB+ service in every capital city, with enhanced bitrates and infill where necessary.

“Extending our DAB+ offer will allow audiences in every capital city in Australia equal access to our digital radio offering, as well as representing an ongoing broadcast cost saving owing to lower transmission costs,” added Michael Mason.

ABC International’s Chief Executive Officer Lynley Marshall said the reinvestment from closing international shortwave services would maximise the ABC’s broadcast capabilities in the region.

“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.”

Once international shortwave ceases transmission, international listeners can continue to access ABC International services via:

a web stream at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/listen

in-country FM transmitters, see Radio Australia’s ‘Ways to Listen’ at: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/waystolisten/fiji

the Australia Plus expats app (available in both iOS and Android)

partner websites and apps such as www.tunein.com and www.vtuner.com .

Audiences can access further information via the reception advice line 1300 139 994 or via ABC Local Radio ( Darwin & Alice Springs ).

Related statements

31 January – ABC ceases shortwave transmission service

30 January – ABC shortwave closure transitional measures

8 December – ABC responds to Newscorp commentary about shortwave broadcasting

For more information

FAQs

Domestic and International

What is shortwave broadcasting? Shortwave radio (or high-frequency AM) uses broadcast frequencies from 1.6-30 MHz Shortwave radio is used for long distance communication by means of sky-wave or skip propagation, in which the radio waves are reflected or refracted back to Earth from the ionosphere, allowing communication around the curve of the Earth. Shortwave radio is used for broadcasting of voice and music to shortwave listeners, and long-distance communication to ships and aircraft, or to remote areas out of reach of wired communication or other radio services. Additionally, it is used for two-way international communication by amateur radio enthusiasts for hobby, educational and emergency purposes. For how many years has the ABC provided a shortwave radio service? The ABC operates three domestic short-wave radio services providing wide area coverage across the NT. Each broadcasts the proximate local radio service. The services have been on air since 1985, and were last upgraded in 2005 (11 years ago). The ABC’s international shortwave service has been in operation since the 1930s. Why is the ABC getting out of shortwave radio? While this technology has served audiences well for many decades, it is nearly a century old. The ABC’s audiences are increasingly using digital devices as access to shortwave sets is difficult due to prohibitive cost. In addition, using the technology is complicated, for example, frequencies change from day to night. Following the end of the Australia Network contract in 2014, and the ABC’s new international strategy, the ABC believes that funds applied to this legacy technology can be better invested in new content and FM transmission services. The ABC believes that technological advancement has improved accessibility of FM services, particularly via mobile phone, negating the impact of no longer offering shortwave. When will this decision take effect? The ABC will cease transmission of shortwave radio domestically 31 January, 2017. International shortwave radio transmission will also cease on 31 January 2017. A transition to a more robust FM network in the Pacific Islands region will follow. What consultation was undertaken by the ABC prior to closure of this service? The ABC consulted with relevant broadcast partners including Commercial Radio Australia, governments (foreign) and Australian government (DFAT). How many listeners are affected by this decision? Due to the nature of the technology and the remote locations of shortwave users, it is very difficult to ascertain with any precision the number of listeners who use the service. Expert opinion and observation estimates the number of users of the NT shortwave showers to be minimal compared to other broadcast services. The majority of the population within NT are able to receive other ABC radio transmissions on AM and FM. All ABC radio and digital radio services are also available on the VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television) satellite service. There is no available data on audience numbers for the regions affected by the closure of ABC International services. The ABC believes that technological advancement has improved accessibility of FM and online services and will negate the impact of no longer offering shortwave services. What is VAST? The Australian Government funds a free-to-air satellite service – Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) . VAST provides digital television to viewers in remote areas of Australia who are unable to receive digital TV through their normal TV antenna due to local interference, terrain or distance from the transmitter in their area. VAST also transmits ABC Radio channels. To access VAST you will need to buy a VAST certified satellite set top box and a satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter. Contact your satellite dish installer to determine the best dish size for your specific location. Access to VAST is controlled by the smart card supplied with your satellite set top box. To access VAST you will need to register your details including your address, reception location and smart card number. How much money will the ABC save through ending shortwave services? This decision is about maximising finite resources and better focussing them on audiences. The closure of shortwave radio transmission services will potentially allow for $1.9 million to be reinvested in expanded content and services. Part of this reinvestment includes improved FM broadcasting capabilities to some of the regions currently relying on shortwave. Domestically, the costs of transmission via shortwave radio will be reinvested in extending digital radio services into all eight capital cities. What will the ABC reinvest this money in? Domestically, the ABC, working alongside SBS, is currently planning to extend digital radio services in Darwin and Hobart, and to make permanent its current trial in Canberra. Extending DAB+ into all eight capital cities would represent an additional reach of 700,000 people, increasing the overall reach to 60% of the Australian population. ABC Radio is also investigating transmission improvements to address reception gaps in the existing five DAB+ markets. It aims to ensure a resilient DAB+ service in every capital city, with enhanced bitrates and infill where necessary. Internationally, part of this reinvestment includes improved FM broadcasting capabilities to some of the regions currently relying on shortwave. Will any jobs be lost as a result of this decision? No. Following the cessation of shortwave, what ABC services will be available to these audiences? Most audiences in the NT access ABC services through other means of broadcasting. All ABC services will continue to be available via the other means of broadcasting. AM and FM – ABC Local Radio content is available on AM and FM frequencies across the Northern Territory. The top five population centres in the Northern Territory comprise 166,626 people and are served by ABC AM and FM radio. Total population coverage for the Northern Territory is estimated at 177,224 for Local Radio, approximately 84% of the entire Northern Territory population. Online – Darwin and Alice Springs Local Radio programs are available live online via the ABC App and across a range of online platforms. VAST – The VAST platform is available throughout the whole of the Northern Territory with television and provides both Darwin and Alice Springs Local Radio as well as the national radio services Radio National, NewsRadio, triple j and Classic FM. Also on VAST are the ABC digital radio services Double J, ABC Jazz, ABC Extra, triple j Unearthed, ABC Grandstand and ABC Country. ABC International currently offers FM Radio broadcasts, television, digital and social media services to the Pacific region and funding from the cessation of shortwave will be reinvested in these areas. However, access to mobile internet and FM Radio via mobile in particular is on the rise and ABC International considers a broader range of bespoke content would be a more effective means for connecting with audiences in the Pacific than maintaining shortwave broadcasting. Will there be any impact on emergency broadcasting? The ABC will work hard to ensure that its services remain available online, through a range of FM broadcasts and re- broadcast arrangements in the region. During fire and flood activity, audiences could access the ABC’s emergency broadcast through AM, as well as content from the relevant emergency body. Cyclone activity is usually coastal in nature, in which case audiences are covered by FM, Maritime distress frequencies, and the ABC’s close working relationship with northern Indigenous broadcasters – particularly in times of emergency broadcasting. Many 4WD and long distance truck drivers are equipped with comprehensive long-range radio and/or satellite phones – both of which are two-way in nature and therefore more useful in an emergency than SW’s one-way path. To prepare for emergency situations, audiences are encouraged to establish Safety Satellite phones and tracking devices. Impacted truck drivers and travel enthusiasts (for RVs and campervans) are encouraged to access Local Radio via VAST 6 month licenses. Are Bureau of Meteorology shortwave broadcasts for marine forecasts/info only? The only weather information broadcast on HF(shortwave) in Australia is from the BoM, which is mainly for maritime use. This is except in emergency situations, where BoM provides detailed reports on cyclones and other storm emergencies. BoM HF reports are specific to maritime weather, more specifically cyclones which are predominantly the major cause of mass emergency in the NT. BoM is the best place for advice, and is the same source of information for the ABC. BoM services scale to the conditions. i.e. while day to day services have a maritime focus, during periods of forecast cyclone activity the Bureau provides appropriate information (supplemented with their online services). There are no full time HF (shortwave) broadcasts of emergency information in Australia, except for the BoM maritime reports at the top of each hour for approximately 10 minutes. They cover the coastal areas and areas where cyclones occur. How do I prepare for an emergency in the NT? The NT Emergency Services recommend developing an emergency preparation plan for any remote residents or travellers in the NT which includes keeping abreast of information as it is released by BoM, Police, Fire and Emergency Services. More information on emergency planning can be found here. From a safety of life perspective, shortwave radio broadcasting is unreliable. The NT Government suggest the use of emergency locator beacons and satellite telephones for emergency situations. These can be rented from a number of businesses in the NT. More information can be obtained from the NT Government on their website here. The most reliable and effective method of communication in remote Australia in time of emergency is a satellite telephone. Coverage map of satellite telephones can be found here. This is one product that offers direct emergency services. Most emergencies in the NT are cyclonic in nature, and will impact coastal areas. The three NT Shortwave services which were designed for inland transmissions, are rarely used for emergency broadcasts. Should there be a risk of local flooding or fire then other HF radio networks or satellite telephones provide better quality information than the ABC Shortwave services. The NT Government’s advice that no one should travel remotely in Australia without an emergency locator beacon or EPIRB. See here for recommendations of suppliers in the NT. In an emergency, travellers can use shortwave two-way radio to make contact with the RFDS. The RFDS does not broadcast weather or emergency reports. There are several 4WD radio clubs that offer HF networks and often broadcast safety bulletins when necessary What is the shortwave service area in the NT? The current shortwave system was designed as a “vertical incident transmission system”, with reliability designed for a 200km radius from the transmission tower. While the service can be received beyond this (on occasion, due to atmospheric conditions, across the other side of the globe), it is in no way assured. For reliable day/night coverage frequency changes are recommended and are common place. The single frequency at Rowe Creek (due to equipment reliability issues) has caused interference problems with other broadcasters for some time, leading to coverage issues. Further to this, QLD, SA, WA and NSW do not have an ABC shortwave service, nor has there been an expressed need for this – these States also having vast remote areas. The RFDS does not provide weather details and emergency information. ABC advice has been updated to reflect that the RFDS does not provide the weather and emergency information. What is the substitute for shortwave radio in remote areas in the NT? Online ABC radio, digital radio, FM, AM, ABC Radio App is inaccessible due to lack of internet coverage. VAST is available to 100% of Australia’s land mass including the islands. It was widely published by the Commonwealth Government as part of the Digital Switch Over in 2012 – 13. The system is subscription free and has over 300,000 users in regional and remote Australia since it commenced 2012. See here for more information. ACMA has released information about the VAST service here. In the NT, options for commercial requirements include VSAT with more information here, and commercial operators Central Comms, contactable here. In addition to direct reception, the VAST service is “landed” in an estimated 75-100 locations in the NT, where one of the channels is re-broadcast on a self-help FM transmitter. These are not ABC services, but were funded by the government, with each able to be tuned to ABC local radio servicing the community of location. In addition, the NBN SkyMuster satellite service provides broadband connectivity to regional and remote Australia (mainland Australia and Tasmania, and remote islands such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Lord Howe Island and Cocos/Keeling Islands). Note: The Interim Satellite Service (ISS) will be shut down on 28th February 2017 with SkyMuster being the main replacement. This broadband is another way for people to access all online ABC radio services – including ABC Local Radio Darwin and ABC Local Radio Alice Springs. How does this decision affect Indigenous communities?. The ABC works closely with Indigenous broadcasters and freely provides any and all of our emergency broadcasting content (along with some training around emergency broadcasting). According to the ‘Community Media Matters’ report published by CBAA, audience responses indicate that in many remote regions, communication through Indigenous media such as RIBS (Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service), formerly known as BRACS (Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme), have taken the place of regular community meetings and mainstream broadcasting. People in areas like the Torres Strait use the radio network through BRACS to raise and discuss issues such as erosion, disease threat and local politics. Talkback is a popular format for doing this and is considered to fulfil the role of ‘a regional public meeting’. Source The 2016 Remote Audience Survey commissioned by Indigenous Remote Communications Association and conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research shows that: 80% of remote Indigenous communities regularly (in the last week) listen to their local RIMO station (Remote Indigenous Media Organisation)

100% of respondents identified their RIMO as their main or primary Radio station.

The top 3 preferred news sources in Indigenous communities were: Local Indigenous Radio CAAMA News Seven News

Source: http://www.irca.net.au/highest-rating-radio The popularity of the local RIMOs is the key reason we give a feed of our emergency coverage to Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association (TEABBA). TEABBA is head-of-network for a group of RIMOs and when required retransmit our emergency coverage to 30 Top End transmitters. See below. Is it against the law for the public to have a scanner, for access to emergency/Police broadcasts? Radio scanners are legal to own and use in Australia, they can be purchased at a range of electronic stockists. See here for more information.

International only