[HCDX] Radio NZ International - The Shortwave Future

[info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Radio NZ International
The Shortwave Future
___________________________

Long time listeners to Radio New Zealand International may remember a
number
of times when the 'quiet voice of the Pacific' was silenced through
funding
cutbacks and bureaucratic and political ignorance and indifference.

Since 1990, when a new 100kW AM transmitter was inaugurated from a new
transmission site in the central North Island, RNZI has steadily
regained
listeners in its main Pacific target areas, and beyond.

The introduction of a second 100kW [DRM] transmitter in 2006 has
further improved RNZI's capability to deliver core services such as
'Dateline Pacific' to local rebroadcasters across the region.

Recent arrangements for Radio Australia and the BBC to carry key
programs
have broadened the reach of RNZI even further, both stations operating
networks of local FM relay stations that now carry RNZI content.

RNZI's use of DRM [digital radio] is unusual, being designed to
deliver
point to point FM quality signals directly to designated local radio
stations at specific times of the day.

The signal starts the day beamed at French Polynesia, and moves
westwards
across the Pacific as dawn breaks, thus allowing local stations to
carry
RNZI programs during peak morning listening times.

The installation of DRM capable receivers at a growing number of radio
stations across the Pacific allows FM quality reception at key local
listening times, and has built the local RNZI audience into the
largest of
any broadcaster in the region.

Expansion continues with facilities to house two more shortwave
transmitters planned for the existing transmission site. A second
antenna system will allow greater flexibility for directional
delivery of
programs and the use of additional frequencies.

Now that the technical delivery of programs to local stations is
assured,
more stations can be added to the DRM receiving network.

At the same time, local broadcast hours of RNZI sourced content are
expected
to increase across many stations.

As DRM capable radios gradually become available at an affordable
price, more local listeners will also be able to listen direct to RNZI
services with FM quality signals.

The AM transmitter provides a complementary service across the wider
region,
filling in the DRM drop out signal spots, cyclone season emergency
broadcasts, and also entertaining listeners beyond the Pacific target
zone.

Increasingly, RNZI reflects an emerging Polynesian society and
culture from
within New Zealand itself, and these common links in turn make both
domestic
and RNZI programs more relevant to local listeners in the islands.

Radio New Zealand's latest annual report highlights RNZI services
specifically via shortwave as being of strategic importance to its
ability
to meet its core public broadcaster charter obligations.

In a region of increased political, social and economic instability
and
tension, the 'quiet voice of New Zealand' is now being heard far more
strongly. Perhaps finally achieving what was originally intended when
it
first began weak test transmissions on shortwave 60 years ago in 1947.

RNZI listeners from Papeete in the eastern Pacific to Dili in the
western
Pacific and northwards into the former US Trust Territories south of
Japan
increasingly have a new FM quality source of Pacific oriented
programs
on their local radio dials.

And RNZI listeners further afield in Asia, the Americas and Europe,
are able
to continue to enjoy the AM broadcasts as reception conditions
permit, and
'eavesdrop' on what's happening in New Zealand's Pacific backyard.

Recent Christmas season messages to listeners in French, Spanish,
Portuguese
and Italian languages also acknowledged the growing popularity of
RNZI well
beyond the Pacific.

At a time when major European shortwave broadcasters are reducing or
ending
decades of broadcasts in favor of internet or satellite only
broadcasts,
it's refreshing to know that the 'new world' of the Pacific-Asian
region
continues to see a place for the innovative use of shortwave radio in
a
world of contemporary entertainment and information.

The Radio Heritage Foundation produces regular radio heritage
documentaries
about Pacific broadcasting issues for RNZI's 'Mailbox' program.  It
has also been commissioned to produce material for the 60th
anniversary of shortwave broadcasts from Radio New Zealand in
September 2008.

For a full description of the original shortwave broadcasting
objectives of Radio New Zealand [as it was known in 1947], visit
www.radioheritage.net and read the story 'Radio NZ Signs On' that can
be found under 'other stories' or a simple site search.

Looking back almost 60 years, it's interesting to see how little has
really changed. The 'Mailbox' program must now be one of the longest
running listener programs on shortwave radio. 

Australian listeners commented back then 'It comes in just like a
local station', and with DRM signals in 2007, Australian listeners
will probably continue to offer the same view.

Listeners worldwide can also hear RNZI streaming at www.rnzi.com as
well as find more information about programs, shortwave frequencies
and more news about the 'quiet voice of the Pacific'.

___________________________________
Radio Heritage Foundation
A registered non-profit organization
Web: www.radioheritage.net
Email: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January 2 2007
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