The Radio Netherlands relay station in Bonaire, is planning to replace their 40 year old transmitters.
The Board of Governor's of Radio Netherlands recently approved an investment of some four million Euros to the station, which delivers shortwave broadcast to the Americas, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. At the end of April, the Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands Antilles, Burney El Hage, laid the first stone for the rebuilding project, scheduled for completion in about 18 months.
The refurbishing includes the replacement of the old Phillips transmitter with two new AM/DRM senders. The new transmitters will be ready for the age of digital shortwave, and more energy-efficient when used in the analogue mode. The identity of the company for the project will be released as the project proceeds.
In recent years, budget cuts have reduced the amount of shortwave airtime needed by Radio Netherlands, however this has made it possible for other international broadcasters the opportunity to transmit their programming into the Americas from Adventist World Radio, China Radio International, Deutsche Welle and Radio Japan.
As some broadcasters reduce their shortwave airtime, Radio Netherlands Bonaire relay station will once again become a state-of-the-art international shortwave broadcasting facility.
(DX Window 5/31)