On Sat, 19 Mar 2005 06:47:27 +0000 (UTC), "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


1) When push comes to shove, shortwave frequently goes where the new
methods can't.

For example, the King of Nepal shut off 'net connections and FM local
relays of the Beeb but it is far harder to shut down shortwave.

Also, I have never heard of a shortwave transmitter which could not
take on further listeners because of network overloads.

2) Once you go on the internet, you don't need BBCWS anymore - you
might as well listen to Beeb domestic. For example, I rarely listen to
BBCWS on the internet but I am a frequent listener to the satellite
network BBC7 (with old comedy and drama) and Radio 4, each of which is
streamed.