Radio Slovakia International (RSI) closed down its shortwave service today. On the final edition of the English-language programme Slovakia Today, presenter Pete Miller, said: “The sad news is that this is the last broadcast from Radio Slovakia International on shortwave from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and right in the heart of Europe. We will of course continue via satellite on the World Radio Network, and we’ll also be available on the Internet.” He continues:
“Well, in spite of all the hard work put in by many, this is our last broadcast on shortwave. I realise that some broadcasters have realised the folly of this policy, and have gone back to shortwave. I just hope that the light will dawn on the movers and shakers here in Slovakia. Today, therefore, is a special programme. For, as well as leaving shortwave, a number of our presenters are also leaving for pastures new. There has been, to use the common jargon, a measure of downsizing as far as the staff here are concerned.”
Miller explains that in future, there will be just two full-time staff for the English section, assisted by two part-timers. After explaining the schedule of RSI via the World Radio Network, the rest of the programme features the departing presenters talking a little about themselves and saying goodbye to the listeners.
The MP3 file of the broadcast (dated 30 June) can be downloaded or streamed from the links on this page www.slovakradio.sk/inetportal/rsi/core.php?lang=2.
(Source: Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
