Two important events have had an influence on shortwave broadcasting

a) The end of the 'cold war'

b) The rapid growth of the Internet

Governments now seem intent on cutting back or completely removing
budgets for International broadcasting via shortwave. Some, like
Switzerland, have switched totally toward distribution of material
and programming via the web.

Euronet has realised that with the growth of local FM relays and the
cost effectiveness of web distribution, shortwave is somewhat limited
in its current ability to deliver viable audience levels at
reasonable cost.

Our position is now slanted very much toward webstreaming and
satellite distribution. That said, we still believe in the long term
there is still a place for broadcast services on shortwave.

The future for shortwave broadcasting rests with DRM. This offers a
ray of hope for all organisations wishing to reach wide areas with
quality signals by means other than satellite and the web.

It is essentially a race. If Europe gains satellite radio similar to
XM-Radio and Sirius, then DRM shortwave may never secure a viable
foothold. It will simply be overtaken by mobile satellite receivers
and all the strengths such a system has.

Euronet is constantly watching the media scene and monitoring
developments. Euronet's immediate future is with webstreaming,
followed closely by satellite distribution.

We are greatly encouraged by the DRM broadcasts of DW, BBC and RTL
etc., When (if ?) DRM receivers become widespread we certainly will
also adopt this means of signal distribution.

Andrew Yeates
Euronet Radio

euronet_radio