Pledge to bring shortwave back to NT

28 November 2018

THE ALP has pledged to re-establish shortwave radio services across the NT.

Labor MPs Stephen Jones, Malarndirri McCarthy and Warren Snowdon last week said a Labor Government would provide the ABC with $2 million in funding to help re-establish shortwave radio services.

Katherine's shortwave transmitter, opposite the Stuart Highway just north of the town, was switched off back in January last year.

At the time, critics slammed the move saying it would risk lives in the outback.

ABC said the decision only impacted a small number of people.

ABC management said the majority of people affected by the loss of shortwave radio, such as those living in remote Indigenous communities and on homesteads, would be able to access "the full amount of ABC services" through satellite links.

Long-haul truckers, fisherfolk, station owners, tourists and workers said they were worried and still need the shortwave services for communication, particularly at times of emergency in the outback.

Source Katherine Times 19 November 2018