18 May 2004

RNZI receives funding boost for new transmitter

3:42 pm on 18 May 2004

The New Zealand Government is to provide one and a half million US dollars for Radio New Zealand International to buy a new digital short-wave transmitter.

RNZI's current analogue transmitter is nearing the end of its serviceable life and last year the service was off the air for seven weeks in September and October.

The Broadcasting Minister, Steve Maharey, said the funding reinforces the government's commitment to broadcast to the Pacific region

"Short wave broadcasting remains the best possible way of reaching a large area with a reliable signal at a low cost. The new transmitter will provide a vastly improved high quality signal to the 14 Pacific radio stations that rebroadcast RNZI news and programmes every day."

Radio New Zealand International Manager, Linden Clark, said the announcement was a great vote of confidence.

She said it not only protected, but also strengthened the voice of New Zealand in the world's most widespread region,