Well, there are signs that shortwave listening is on the decline if you
look at the number of new hf receiver models being offered and the
numker of companies making them. The frequencies listed in
publications like MT seems to be smaller than before too.
The BBC like so many other national radio stations are looking for ways
to cut costs when budgets are lean and still get their message out.
Going to the internet, cable tv, satellite radio and local rebroadcast
of downlinked signals are obvious ways to do that.
Wish the excitement for shortwave broadcasts was like it was from the
1930's through the 1950's. Back then broadcasts over shortwave were
the fastest way to find out what was happening around the world. Many
of those furniture grade wood cased radios had both MW and shortwave
bands. Today there are numerous alternatives to shortwave radio and
the major boradcasters are incresingly turning to those media.
Mike Terry wrote:
"Short wave listening around the world is declining.
The downward trend is accelerating: the global short wave audience
for BBC
World Service has dropped from 122 million in 1996 to 97 million in
2003.
Like other international broadcasters, BBC World Service has been
adjusting
its short wave provisions in line with global demand changes.
Alternative ways to listen
At the same time BBC World Service has been investing in new delivery
methods, all with the improved audibility now preferred by audiences,
such
as FM, cable, satellite and online.
BBC World Service is committed to making the best use of the money it
receives from the government and has had considerable success in
attracting
audiences to these new methods of delivery; more than 50 million are
using
these and the numbers are growing fast.
Separately, online usage has grown from three million page
impressions every
month in late 1998 to almost 300 million by 2004, which is equivalent
to 18
million unique users.
Alongside in-depth news and information, programmes are available
streamed
both live and on demand at the convenience of the listener.
There are now more ways to listen to BBC World Service broadcasts
than ever
before. To check for availability in your region please click here."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us...ort_wave.shtml