Broadcaster offers ‘comprehensive advice on how to best access emergency information, ABC news and entertainment’ after shutdown

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Just days before it switches off its shortwave radio broadcasts in the Northern Territory, the ABC has announced a package of “transitional measures” for those affected by the cancellation, but federal minister Nigel Scullion has said it is “too little too late”.

In December, the ABC announced it would cease transmitting radio broadcasts through shortwave radio in the Northern Territory and parts of the Pacific at the end of January.

The measures announced on Sunday come after weeks of sustained criticism from Coalition and Labor leaders, and remote workers and residents, who said the decision was made with no consultation or consideration of their needs. The announcement does not mention those affected in the Pacific region.

ABC local radio is simulcast on shortwave bands in the NT, where AM and FM frequencies do not reach. Papua New Guinea and parts of the Pacific currently receive Radio Australia broadcasts on shortwave, but those are also set to be scrapped. Guardian Australia understands the ABC needed to commit to a long-term contract with an infrastructure partner for the service to continue beyond this month.

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In a statement released on Sunday, the ABC said it acknowledged “a small audience living and working in the Northern Territory favour shortwave radio when accessing ABC services”.

“To assist this audience following the closure of shortwave services on 31 January, the ABC has offered comprehensive advice on how to best access emergency information, ABC news and entertainment. The ABC will expand this information awareness program after 31 January to ensure as many people as possible can continue to access our services.”

The ABC said it would expand its awareness program, which had included public notices and statements in local media and regular local radio broadcasts, as well as assistance on its social media pages and via the ABC reception line.

After its shortwave broadcasts end on Tuesday, listeners can register for information packs on broadcast and technological alternatives.

The ABC said it would provide “one-on-one phone briefings/tuition” via the reception advice line, including on how to access emergency services and use existing equipment such as emergency beacons.

“The ABC will also supply (donate) a Vast [Viewer Access Satellite Television] satellite system unit to all Royal Flying Doctor Service bases and 4WD radio club bases in the affected region, allowing them to rebroadcast emergency or warning messages as required,” the statement said.

“Many remote workers and travellers make use of the Vast satellite services when stationary, to access all ABC Radio and TV in digital quality.”

It said it would also create “how to” online videos to help people access podcasts and catch-up programming for when they are mobile or away from a stationary satellite service.

Jay Mohr-Bell, a cattle station manager outside of Katherine, dismissed the ABC’s announcement. “The ABC fails to understand that their audience who listens to local ABC via shortwave do not ‘favour’ this service, this is their only available service,” he told Guardian Australia.

“The ABC likes to be heard but fails to listen. Essentially the ABC is closing down the shortwave service and replacing it with nothing.”

As well as concerns about the loss of live emergency broadcasts, the complaints aired by people who live and work remotely in the NT have centred around the mental and emotional wellbeing effect of disconnection from live radio. The ABC measures announced on Sunday do not provide for a live radio replacement.

“While these measures are welcomed, they provide little comfort for the many residents of the territory who have relied on shortwave radio for emergency support and communication in remote areas,” Scullion said, calling on the ABC to reverse its decision.

“Government funding was locked in for the ABC for three years in last year’s budget and there was no need for the ABC to make this decision with no notice or community consultation.

“I also encourage the ABC to reconsider how it works with the territory community and ensure it has better consultation practices before any future changes to the services it is funded by the commonwealth to deliver.”

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Scullion has previously told Guardian Australia he had lobbied the ABC to reverse its decision. He called on Labor senators Malarndirri McCarthy and Warren Snowdon, who have been vocal in their opposition to the ABC’s decision, to work with the Coalition.

McCarthy said Sunday’s announcement showed the ABC was “finally admitting” the shortwave shutdown “will leave remote Territorians without access to emergency broadcasts”.

Last week the opposition leader, Bill Shorten, called on the prime minister to step in and save the service.

The communications minister, Mitch Fifield, said the cut had no relation to government funding, and called on the ABC to reassess its decision.