Following the ABC’s decision to cut shortwave radio transmission in the Pacific,
Radio New Zealand International has reassured listeners that it is committed to
its Pacific broadcasts.
“Radio New Zealand International (RNZI)
continues to serve people across the Pacific region, delivering essential day to
day news and information and providing a vital lifeline in times of natural
disaster,” it said in a press release.
RNZ CEO, Paul Thompson, has
confirmed that there will be no reduction in Radio New Zealand’s commitment to
its Pacific broadcast partners. His reassurance came as Radio Australia closed
its international shortwave transmission service to Papua New Guinea and the
Pacific.
Mr Thompson emphasised the importance of RNZI’s 25-year
relationship with New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours.
“Remote parts of
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who may be feeling the loss of the
ABC can rest assured RNZI will continue to provide independent, timely and
accurate news, information and weather warnings as well as entertainment to its
Pacific listeners,” he said.
RNZI has been broadcasting since 1990 to
the Pacific. It can be heard across the region and has proven to be a vital
lifeline during times of disaster. In 2007 RNZI was named international Radio
Station of the Year by the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB).
“RNZI broadcasts timely cyclone and tsunami warnings via shortwave and
can continue to be heard should local broadcasters go off-air due to a cyclone
or other disaster,” said the press release.
Mr Thompson said the
essential nature of Radio New Zealand’s role in the Pacific has been regularly
underlined by the positive feedback to RNZI following cyclone and tsunami
alerts.
“A Vanuatu villager has told our reporter Koroi Hawkins that he
knew to take shelter during Cyclone Pam just because of the warnings broadcast
on RNZI. At times like this we are the essential voice of the Pacific.”
RNZI’s coverage of the aftermath of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2015 won
RNZI’s Koroi Hawkins a silver medal at the prestigious New York Festival Radio
Awards in 2016.
RNZI broadcasts in digital and analogue short wave to
radio stations and individual listeners across the Pacific region.
Around 20 Pacific radio stations relay RNZI material daily, and
individual short-wave listeners and internet users across the world tune in
directly to RNZI content. (Pacific News)
