RTE Radio 1 on 252!

Longwave Listener

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

Of course you are correct when you say that there are other means that already exist at listening to RTÉ Radio 1. I've never suggested otherwise however; some of those in favour of maintaining the LW252 link do so knowing that many of the listeners to the existing longwave service are in the senior citizen age group category and many of these are not in the Internet Radio/Satellite TV/Mobile App zone, to be fair. They also got 4 weeks notice initially which RTÉ eventually had to roll back because they originally had little or no clue about the needs of this particular audience tuning in via LW252. I can only imagine the extent of the research they carried out beforehand.

If you think that it is a straight-forward switch over to digital for most in this age group then you are extremely naive as maybe the odd senior citizen will manage to make the change but most will find it quite challenging and rather expensive if they are surviving on just a state pension.

In the 1980s/1990s I recall my father used constantly re-tune our radio set to RTÉ Radio 1 via Medium Wave on 729KHz especially if I had been previously listening to the then RTÉ Radio 2FM on 91.4FM - He could never understand that RTÉ Radio 1 had much better reception on 89.2 FM but would still switch back from FM to MW as he always knew that RTÉ was to be found on MW at 729KHz (or 567KHz if RTÉ Cork Local Radio was broadcasting in our local area). I guess my point is that I'm not an anorak - I know the merits about cost saving and better standards on digital platforms but unless those older listeners have younger folk who can be there to assist them, it is a very big deal for them as they cannot change their ways as fast as some of us can. RTÉ were forced to revisit the deadline because they did not anticipate such a backlash I suspect.

They found 252 longwave though didn't they ? The same people behind the current campaign were saying 6 years ago that moving to longwave would be more or less impossible for senior citizens.

Banjoxed

Longwave Listener wrote: »

They found 252 longwave though didn't they ? The same people behind the current campaign were saying 6 years ago that moving to longwave would be more or less impossible for senior citizens.

There was one advantage though; they didn't have to buy new radios for the most part.

In any case it isn't us being deprived of RTE Radio 1; it's a generation who were mostly at the bottom of the heap in this country before they left. It's funny how some of the well-heeled in this State still have contempt for them, even now.

AwaitYourReply

Longwave Listener wrote: »

They found 252 longwave though didn't they ? The same people behind the current campaign were saying 6 years ago that moving to longwave would be more or less impossible for senior citizens.

Well I cannot speak for others involved in the previous campaign you referenced and I never took part directly or indirectly for the retention of MW as I felt the option for LW did not involve such a massive leap for listeners including those in the older age category when compared to the changes they are asking the same audience to make as a result of this decision.

I also think the complete switch off of LW252 in favour of digital only platforms for those who rely on the LW service needed a much longer lead-in time. They could have been a lot more pro-active in assisting those on how they could make the change over a 12 month period.

Given that many of these people are not internet/satellite/mobile app savy they could have had a campaign inviting listeners to send in a stamp self-addressed envelope by post to RTÉ if they wanted easy to understand step by step details on how exactly they can make the change prior to the closure.

This is not rocket science - it is knowing your audience and their requirements keeping in mind their age profile and spending power and so on and so forth. This data should be available as advertisers require it before choosing where to purchase airtime.

munchkin_utd

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

<snip>Given that many of these people are not internet/satellite/mobile app savy they could have had a campaign inviting listeners to send in a stamp self-addressed envelope by post to RTÉ if they wanted easy to understand step by step details on how exactly they can make the change prior to the closure.

This is not rocket science - it is knowing your audience and their requirements keeping in mind their age profile and spending power and so on and so forth. This data should be available as advertisers require it before choosing where to purchase airtime.

a flyer campaign in association with churches, GAA and social centres in Britain would be possibly more effective.
Once they know the thing is going and have a hint as to where to get a solution then they can get someone of a younger generation to help out.

Its funny. I see with my young kids (<5) and 75+year old parents that tablets/ smartphones are intuitive but laptops very much a frustrating puzzlement.

If they can figure it out then a 75year old in England can too

end of the road

munchkin_utd wrote: »

a flyer campaign in association with churches, GAA and social centres in Britain would be possibly more effective.
Once they know the thing is going and have a hint as to where to get a solution then they can get someone of a younger generation to help out.

Its funny. I see with my young kids (<5) and 75+year old parents that tablets/ smartphones are intuitive but laptops very much a frustrating puzzlement.

If they can figure it out then a 75year old in England can too

untrue. kids easily adapt to new technologies. just because they can work them doesn't mean a 75 year old will. a few might, many may not.

munchkin_utd

end of the road wrote: »

untrue. kids easily adapt to new technologies. just because they can work them doesn't mean a 75 year old will. a few might, many may not.

my 75 year old dad has no problems with using an ipad.
The mother a couple of years younger also no problem.
The laptop was the most confusing thing they ever owned, which is WHY they now have an ipad! Its permanently connected to the web. Permanently on. All they need to do is keep it charged and press a few buttons.

Regarding the irish in britain, during the 60s and 70s, many of the people who are now pensioners were involved in very complicated building projects for motorways and tube tunnels.
(nice documentary here on the digging of the victoria line, http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00sc29t/how-they-dug-the-victoria-line which specifically mentions that virtually all workers were irish)
Now, these smart folks surely can use an ipad too, just like my bus pass wielding parents can.

end of the road

munchkin_utd wrote: »

my 75 year old dad has no problems with using an ipad.
The mother a couple of years younger also no problem.
The laptop was the most confusing thing they ever owned, which is WHY they now have an ipad! Its permanently connected to the web. Permanently on. All they need to do is keep it charged and press a few buttons.

Regarding the irish in britain, during the 60s and 70s, many of the people who are now pensioners were involved in very complicated building projects for motorways and tube tunnels.
(nice documentary here on the digging of the victoria line, http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00sc29t/how-they-dug-the-victoria-line which specifically mentions that virtually all workers were irish)
Now, these smart folks surely can use an ipad too, just like my bus pass wielding parents can.

the fact they were involved in construction means nothing and is irrelevant in terms of this discussion, as it doesn't mean they will be able to work modern day technology. just because your parents can work it doesn't mean all around that age can. the world doesn't work like that

Ross_95

How much would it cost rte to put radio one on freeview in the uk ? That way everyone with a television would be able to listen to them.

AwaitYourReply

munchkin_utd wrote: »

a flyer campaign in association with churches, GAA and social centres in Britain would be possibly more effective.
Once they know the thing is going and have a hint as to where to get a solution then they can get someone of a younger generation to help out.

Its funny. I see with my young kids (<5) and 75+year old parents that tablets/ smartphones are intuitive but laptops very much a frustrating puzzlement.

If they can figure it out then a 75year old in England can too

In theory it seems a simple constructive approach, however this analogy is rather naive to put it mildly and lacks serious credibility for many in the senior citizens category. Many do not have a mobile phone and those who do possess one, can often just about take/receive calls. Yeah you will occasionally get someone more advanced who can even send a text message but I think if you expect the typical 75 year olds in England to get their heads around tablets/smartphones you really need to meet more elderly folk because I do not think they are any more advanced than 75 year olds in this country.

That said, I would concur that younger children can often learn a lot if encouraged to do so from an early age. People often say that kids brains are "like sponges" when it comes to learning and knowledge. In fact, my nephew aged 3½ can do a lot and even show his older sisters (aged 8½ & 5½) how to do certain things on his mother's smartphone which astonishes his parents as his sisters cannot work it out. She used give him her phone to play a game and he can often show her how some things work on her own phone.

As for the flyer campaign - it is a positive thing to do and RTÉ should not abdicate in their responsibility to listeners of their services if they choose to make changes going forward. It could be done in partnership with bodies involved in promoting Irish traditions and culture.

AwaitYourReply

Ross_95 wrote: »

How much would it cost rte to put radio one on freeview in the uk ? That way everyone with a television would be able to listen to them.

As far as I'm aware the "FREEVIEW" system is not universally available to all UK television licence holders as it depends on local transmitters.
Of these two digital tv platforms "FREESAT" is probably the better option. Those who already have a Sky Digital subscription or Freesat from Sky system can receive RTÉ Radio 1 on EPG Channel No. 0160

Fuzzy Clam

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

In theory it seems a simple constructive approach, however this analogy is rather naive to put it mildly and lacks serious credibility for many in the senior citizens category. Many do not have a mobile phone and those who do possess one, can often just about take/receive calls. Yeah you will occasionally get someone more advanced who can even send a text message but I think if you expect the typical 75 year olds in England to get their heads around tablets/smartphones you really need to meet more elderly folk because I do not think they are any more advanced than 75 year olds in this country.

That said, I would concur that younger children can often learn a lot if encouraged to do so from an early age. People often say that kids brains are "like sponges" when it comes to learning and knowledge. In fact, my nephew aged 3½ can do a lot and even show his older sisters (aged 8½ & 5½) how to do certain things on his mother's smartphone which astonishes his parents as his sisters cannot work it out. She used give him her phone to play a game and he can often show her how some things work on her own phone.

As for the flyer campaign - it is a positive thing to do and RTÉ should not abdicate in their responsibility to listeners of their services if they choose to make changes going forward. It could be done in partnership with bodies involved in promoting Irish traditions and culture.

I'm sure youre a well meaning person but boy I'm so glad you're im not a senior citizen with you fighting my corner. You would have me boxed up and burried in no time.
I'm frankly shocked at your attitude towards what the elderly can and cannot do. I know enough elderly people to know, that with a little assistance, they are capable of learning enough about new technologies to get by.

I say I'm shocked but I shouldn't be. The whole campaign is based on negitivity.
Every solution is knocked back.
The LW *is* going off and at some stage you lot are going to have to get into the real world.
Stop putting down the abilities of those you are supposed to be defending. Channel some of your negativity into helping the people instead of constantly thinking of reasons why it won't work.

I know it's not your intention but your doing nobody any favours.

Fuzzy Clam

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

As far as I'm aware the "FREEVIEW" system is not universally available to all UK television licence holders as it depends on local transmitters.
Of these two digital tv platforms "FREESAT" is probably the better option. Those who already have a Sky Digital subscription or Freesat from Sky system can receive RTÉ Radio 1 on EPG Channel No. 0160

Freeview is more widely available than 252 LW in Britain.

end of the road

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

I'm sure youre a well meaning person but boy I'm so glad you're im not a senior citizen with you fighting my corner. You would have me boxed up and burried in no time.
I'm frankly shocked at your attitude towards what the elderly can and cannot do. I know enough elderly people to know, that with a little assistance, they are capable of learning enough about new technologies to get by.

I say I'm shocked but I shouldn't be. The whole campaign is based on negitivity.
Every solution is knocked back.
The LW *is* going off and at some stage you lot are going to have to get into the real world.
Stop putting down the abilities of those you are supposed to be defending. Channel some of your negativity into helping the people instead of constantly thinking of reasons why it won't work.

I know it's not your intention but your doing nobody any favours.

what a load of rubbish, the fact is, they're are many elderly people who will struggle with new technologies, thats nobodies fault and its not putting people down, its fact. i'm shocked at the fact people refuse to grasp this in their attempt to either show contempt for, or support the taking of this vital link to home from our elderly boys and girls in britain. they're is no "real world" to get in to, the campain might succeed and then again it might not, but anyone who tries to make sure this vital service isn't taken from the elderly irish in britain gets my praise and anything should be used to try make it succeed. the sollutions are being knocked back and classed as unworkable for the simple reason they are expensive to those surviving on a state pension in the UK. if they were workable, they wouldn't be knocked back. end of

Ross_95

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

As far as I'm aware the "FREEVIEW" system is not universally available to all UK television licence holders as it depends on local transmitters.
Of these two digital tv platforms "FREESAT" is probably the better option. Those who already have a Sky Digital subscription or Freesat from Sky system can receive RTÉ Radio 1 on EPG Channel No. 0160

Rte radio one is already on freesat. sky and cable tv in the uk, my point was i presume most of the elderly people being referred to would be freeview users ?

Fuzzy Clam

end of the road wrote: »

what a load of rubbish, the fact is, they're are many elderly people who will struggle with new technologies, thats nobodies fault and its not putting people down, its fact. i'm shocked at the fact people refuse to grasp this in their attempt to either show contempt for, or support the taking of this vital link to home from our elderly boys and girls in britain. they're is no "real world" to get in to, the campain might succeed and then again it might not, but anyone who tries to make sure this vital service isn't taken from the elderly irish in britain gets my praise and anything should be used to try make it succeed. the sollutions are being knocked back and classed as unworkable for the simple reason they are expensive to those surviving on a state pension in the UK. if they were workable, they wouldn't be knocked back. end of

You couldn't make up half of what you lot come out with.
"surviving on a state pension", "struggling with new technologies".
"vital link"

Not a single shred of evidence that anybody in Britain will be unable to listen to Rte has been offered up. Not one bit.

This campaign has nothing to do with the interests of those living in Britain. As you have proved, your more interested in finding reasons, all unfounded and not based on any "facts", as to why this people won't be able to listen to Rte once the LW is shut down.

Banjoxed

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

You couldn't make up half of what you lot come out with.
"surviving on a state pension", "struggling with new technologies".
"vital link"

Not a single shred of evidence that anybody in Britain will be unable to listen to Rte has been offered up. Not one bit.

This campaign has nothing to do with the interests of those living in Britain. As you have proved, your more interested in finding reasons, all unfounded and not based on any "facts", as to why this people won't be able to listen to Rte once the LW is shut down.

These options you speak of are cost free, or will be provided by RTE due to the savings in shutting 252, yes?

bbability

Over 600,000 homes now have Saorview in Ireland. In fact more and more people are using this service to listen to RTE Radio Services. It's all about moving forward and educating people about new ways to listen. The older generation are most definitely clued in to new radio. Take for example the recent move of Ireland's Biggest Jukebox from RTE 2FM to RTE Gold. It's spreading like wildfire. People are retuning to RTE Gold every Sunday all over the country and all over the world. It's the likes of these shows that attract an older audience that will help spread the word that there are other alternatives to listen to radio in proper audio format. Although I do believe 252 should offer more variety of radio from across the RTE Radio Network not just RTE Radio 1

end of the road

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

You couldn't make up half of what you lot come out with.

exactly. you couldn't make any of it up because its not made up, its true.

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

"surviving on a state pension", "struggling with new technologies".
"vital link"

yes. all true. many elderly people may struggle with new technologies and its unreasonable to effectively bully them into doing so, and to fork out the cost when they are surviving on a state pension. also 252 is a strategically and vitally important link to home for our elderly men and women in the UK who sadly had to leave home to better themselves and their children all those years ago.

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

Not a single shred of evidence that anybody in Britain will be unable to listen to Rte has been offered up. Not one bit.

a hell of a lot of evidence, that people in the UK won't be able to listen to RTE, a vital link to the homeland, has been offered up

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

This campaign has nothing to do with the interests of those living in Britain.

it has everything to do with the interests of our elderly men and women living in the UK who left their homeland all those years ago to better the lives of themselves and their children.

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

As you have proved, your more interested in finding reasons, all unfounded and not based on any "facts", as to why this people won't be able to listen to Rte once the LW is shut down.

As we have proved, were more interested in telling the reasons, all proven and based on facts, as to why these people won't be able to listen to Rte once the LW is shut down

Fuzzy Clam

Banjoxed wrote: »

These options you speak of are cost free, or will be provided by RTE due to the savings in shutting 252, yes?

Nothing is free. Unfortunately the number of people availing of the service, while also able to listen via other means, makes it no longer viable. Its all about numbers. Such is life.

Fuzzy Clam

end of the road wrote: »

exactly. you couldn't make any of it up because its not made up, its true.



yes. all true. many elderly people may struggle with new technologies and its unreasonable to effectively bully them into doing so, and to fork out the cost when they are surviving on a state pension. also 252 is a strategically and vitally important link to home for our elderly men and women in the UK who sadly had to leave home to better themselves and their children all those years ago.



a hell of a lot of evidence, that people in the UK won't be able to listen to RTE, a vital link to the homeland, has been offered up



it has everything to do with the interests of our elderly men and women living in the UK who left their homeland all those years ago to better the lives of themselves and their children.



As we have proved, were more interested in telling the reasons, all proven and based on facts, as to why these people won't be able to listen to Rte once the LW is shut down

You've proved nothing of the sort.

end of the road

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

You've proved nothing of the sort.

yes they have. pages and pages of it

Fuzzy Clam

end of the road wrote: »

yes they have. pages and pages of it

Oh well. That answers that;)

Banjoxed

From the Irish Post.

http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/rte-radio-1s-longwave-service-priceless-link-ireland-irish-abroad

Fuzzy Clam

Banjoxed wrote: »

From the Irish Post.

http://www.irishpost.co.uk/news/rte-radio-1s-longwave-service-priceless-link-ireland-irish-abroad

I can't get the link to the said article to work on either my phone or the PC.
Could you paste the relevant text please.

Fuzzy Clam

end of the road wrote: »

yes they have. pages and pages of it

Have you a link to the proof?

end of the road

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

Have you a link to the proof?

i have yes. its this exact thread.

Antenna

Another letter in the Irish Examiner yesterday:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/yourview/rte-cannot-ignore-their-older-overseas-listeners-with-lw-closure-297182.html

and mentioning the issue of car listening (obviously in Britain and Northern Ireland beyond FM coverage) - in cars is where many people do most of their radio listening. Though the cause of RTE on 252 hasn't been helped by major car manufacturers - VW (for several years) and more recently Toyota, Opel leaving out LW coverage in their car radios sold here and in the UK

In the USA, broadcasters have recently complained to BMW about MW being left out on certain vehicles:

http://www.c2meworld.com/commerce/nab-asks-bmw-to-rethink-leaving-out-am-for-i3/

In contrast I seriously doubt that RTE has ever expressed concern to Volkswagen etc about no coverage of LW on car radios sold here and in the UK, so 252 must not have been seen as being something there for the long haul.

Fuzzy Clam

end of the road wrote: »

i have yes. its this exact thread.

I admit, I didn't see that that coming :0

L1011

end of the road wrote: »

i have yes. its this exact thread.

You have a very odd definition of "proof" (to go along with "entitled")

former legend

Antenna wrote: »

In contrast I seriously doubt that RTE has ever expressed concern to Volkswagen etc about no coverage of LW on car radios sold here and in the UK, so 252 must not have been seen as being something there for the long haul.

I wouldn't read too much into that, seriously doubt any car manufacturer would care what RTE think anyway so they'd be wasting everyone's time.

AwaitYourReply

former legend wrote: »

I wouldn't read too much into that, seriously doubt any car manufacturer would care what RTE think anyway so they'd be wasting everyone's time.

Perhaps although; maybe not... If you think about car manufacturers having to adhere to the requirements in relation to Right-Hand-Drive vehicles for just the UK and Ireland unlike the rest of Europe even though we are all in the European Union for many years. Special exceptions are made all the time for various reasons particularly in major purchases, probably mainly for marketing purposes as a sales tool that is likely to be valued and welcomed in certain regions. These things do not always follow straight forward patterns. Then if you look at a specific car manufacturer which has different branding for certain countries such as General Motors in USA/Australia, Opel in most of Europe and Vauxhall in the UK only.

Then consider that one of the world's major broadcasters still has an important presence in the form of BBC Radio 4 on LW 198KHz longwave, maybe RTÉ should have reminded the manufacturers of the merits of including the LW band in car stereo sets for the foreseeable future as these are effectively the main national public service broadcasting radio stations across the whole of the UK and Ireland. DAB has not reached sufficient population and FM can still be a problem in some rural areas.

former legend

AwaitYourReply wrote: »

Perhaps although; maybe not... If you think about car manufacturers having to adhere to the requirements in relation to Right-Hand-Drive vehicles for just the UK and Ireland unlike the rest of Europe even though we are all in the European Union for many years. Special exceptions are made all the time for various reasons particularly in major purchases, probably mainly for marketing purposes as a sales tool that is likely to be valued and welcomed in certain regions. These things do not always follow straight forward patterns. Then if you look at a specific car manufacturer which has different branding for certain countries such as General Motors in USA/Australia, Opel in most of Europe and Vauxhall in the UK only.

Then consider that one of the world's major broadcasters still has an important presence in the form of BBC Radio 4 on LW 198KHz longwave, maybe RTÉ should have reminded the manufacturers of the merits of including the LW band in car stereo sets for the foreseeable future as these are effectively the main national public service broadcasting radio stations across the whole of the UK and Ireland. DAB has not reached sufficient population and FM can still be a problem in some rural areas.

That's all wonderful digression.

The reality is, if the national broadcaster in one of the smallest countries in Europe asked a car manufacturer to change their designs to accommodate a tiny minority of that broadcaster's audience, they'd be laughed out of the building.

And of course, bbc radio 4 on lw is on borrowed time too.

munchkin_utd

former legend wrote: »

That's all wonderful digression.

The reality is, if the national broadcaster in one of the smallest countries in Europe asked a car manufacturer to change their designs to accommodate a tiny minority of that broadcaster's audience, they'd be laughed out of the building.

And of course, bbc radio 4 on lw is on borrowed time too.

its not a car design, its a radio configuration/ specification

and, if they specified that all cars must have DAB (or LW) then the car manufacturers (more specifically, the entertainment equiment suppliers) would just get on with it and do it

bbability

No disrespect but BBC R4 and RTE R1 are in two different leagues. BBC R4. I'm not worried about my car having LW to pick up either. There are other ways to listen, more modern ways.

former legend

munchkin_utd wrote: »

its not a car design, its a radio configuration/ specification

and, if they specified that all cars must have DAB (or LW) then the car manufacturers (more specifically, the entertainment equiment suppliers) would just get on with it and do it

Who are "they"? RTE? The government?

The point is still valid, the car manufacturers would look at the numbers and say, "no-one wants LW in their car, it's dead technology, we're not doing it for the sake of a tiny number of people in one very small market" and that would be that.

It's just not a realistic suggestion, that's all.

end of the road

bbability wrote: »

No disrespect but BBC R4 and RTE R1 are in two different leagues. BBC R4. I'm not worried about my car having LW to pick up either. There are other ways to listen, more modern ways.

which are not accessable to everyone

end of the road

former legend wrote: »

Who are "they"? RTE? The government?

The point is still valid, the car manufacturers would look at the numbers and say, "no-one wants LW in their car, it's dead technology, we're not doing it for the sake of a tiny number of people in one very small market" and that would be that.

It's just not a realistic suggestion, that's all.

they will do as they are told. it costs them nothing to implement LW.

former legend

end of the road wrote: »

they will do as they are told. it costs them nothing to implement LW.

Told by whom??

This is getting stranger by the minute.

L1011

end of the road wrote: »

they will do as they are told. it costs them nothing to implement LW.

What control do you think RTE has over car makers exactly?

twinklerunner

bbability wrote: »

No disrespect but BBC R4 and RTE R1 are in two different leagues. BBC R4. I'm not worried about my car having LW to pick up either. There are other ways to listen, more modern ways.

I was listening to Today on BBC R4 in the car .. in Dublin city centre this morning - coming in loud and clear on 720 AM

Longwave Listener

When you consider all the am transmitters that are dropping like flies across europe you can't really blame RTE for deciding to close lw 252 on costs ground. afaik 4 longwave transmitters are due to shut next month, 3 in Germany and one in Denmark. I do think though that other aspects of RTE Radio also badly need to be reviewed. 2fm is simply no longer tenable if it still needs licence fee money.

Mr. Rabbit

twinklerunner wrote: »

I was listening to Today on BBC R4 in the car .. in Dublin city centre this morning - coming in loud and clear on 720 AM

RTE Radio Two put in a strong signal up here when it was on 1278

Mr. Rabbit

Longwave Listener wrote: »

When you consider all the am transmitters that are dropping like flies across europe you can't really blame RTE for deciding to close lw 252 on costs ground. afaik 4 longwave transmitters are due to shut next month, 3 in Germany and one in Denmark. I do think though that other aspects of RTE Radio also badly need to be reviewed. 2fm is simply no longer tenable if it still needs licence fee money.

They really need to roll out DAB throughout the country along with the second commercial multiplex.

If that happened, listeners probably wouldn't mind too much.

It's strange why the powers that be in the ROI aren't pushing DAB

Longwave Listener

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

They really need to roll out DAB throughout the country along with the second commercial multiplex.

If that happened, listeners probably wouldn't mind too much.

It's strange why the powers that be in the ROI aren't pushing DAB

Nothing to do with the lack of dab, The only complaints really seem to be about irish oaps in the uk losing the service.

Hotblack Desiato

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

It's strange why the powers that be in the ROI aren't pushing DAB

What's strange is why they rolled it out at all.

Mycroft H

Talking to a mate of mine; 252 coming in strong in Antwerp right now

Harry Palmr

252 is broadcasting Sunday Spirit which is on RTE 1 Xtra/Extra

AwaitYourReply

former legend wrote: »

That's all wonderful digression.

The reality is, if the national broadcaster in one of the smallest countries in Europe asked a car manufacturer to change their designs to accommodate a tiny minority of that broadcaster's audience, they'd be laughed out of the building.

And of course, bbc radio 4 on lw is on borrowed time too.

I can't argue about the size of our country in Europe and you are probably right that many would laugh at the picture you painted - I am aware that it is indeed a very challenging task to overcome. However; this small country in Europe and the world has often punched well above it's weight on so many issues. I'm sure there were many other doubting thomas's around before the below achievements occurred too.

We do it in so many ways such as:
Our huge share of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) especially from US firms and the envy of many larger countries in Europe,
Our significant influence on Agriculture & Food policies in the EU through the decades despite our small size and population,
Our shining examples in fighting Starvation & Poverty throughout the world, Irish men run two of the world's major airlines(i.e.) British Airways & Qantas
Shannon Airport saw the 1st Duty Free Shopping anywhere in the world
Ireland has won the Eurovision Song Contest on a record seven occasions

I recall a journalist from the UK laughed at the idea that Ireland were attempting to stage the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest from a cow shed in Millstreet in Co. Cork. Afterwards, it was regarded a major success at the time and he underestimated the technical ability of RTÉ & it's partners at the time.

I suppose there are lots of examples of people laughing at various proposals because they may not always appear as financially viable or relevant at first but upon further research and study they may in fact make sense in other important ways.

AwaitYourReply

Mr. Rabbit wrote: »

They really need to roll out DAB throughout the country along with the second commercial multiplex.

If that happened, listeners probably wouldn't mind too much.

It's strange why the powers that be in the ROI aren't pushing DAB

As far as I am aware DAB has not been deemed a major success in the UK which had developed it further than is the current situation here in Republic of Ireland. Perhaps the relevant authorities are re-thinking the whole strategy on DAB in Ireland given the experience in the UK?

AwaitYourReply

Longwave Listener wrote: »

Nothing to do with the lack of dab, The only complaints really seem to be about irish oaps in the uk losing the service.

I suspect that Irish Senior Citizens who currently reside in the UK are a loud campaign alright because it matters a lot to their daily lives. That said, there are many other interest groups too who would be unhappy if it switches off on January 19th

Farmers
Shipping / Fishermen at sea
Commercial Drivers or Commuters in certain parts of rural Ireland where their FM signals are either unreliable or unavailable
Senior Citizens / OAPs especially outside the Republic of Ireland.

At the end of the day, I would imagine that if RTÉ was to give it a further reprieve it may be partly due to incorrect or inaccurate research data used previously to justify the original decision to close down LW252. I also suspect that any future reprieve would be as a result of several interest groups not satisfied with the decision rather than just one alone.