We've just heard that New Zealand shortwave station, ZLXA of the Radio Reading Service, is about to permanently sign off the air.
In fact, it has already been silent since December 1 2008 and, as the following message from Kelvin Brayshaw [QSL Manager] says, the chances of it returning, except for a last special broadcast for DXers, are very unlikely.
and a follow up on same;
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:44:53 +1300
From: Kelvin Brayshaw
I'm sorry to have to tell you that, in all probability, the shortwave service of the Radio Reading Service will soon be discontinued. ZLXA, 3935kHz, has been in abeyance since 1st December 2008 pending the result of a listener survey and the consideration of cost-effectiveness.
The final outcome is expected to be advised following deliberations by management at the first board meeting of the year - probably in February.
I feel there will be members of SWL groups who might appreciate an opportunity to log this transmitter one last time during the northern winter, and I'm sure that if you were to make a special request on behalf of shortwave listeners, RRS management would, in a continuing spirit of goodwill, consider marking an event of such significance to the worldwide DX community by resuming transmission for a brief
period.
In the meantime Radio Reading Service programmes are streaming on the
Internet.
73 & Best DX
Kelvin Brayshaw
QSL Manager
(Dario Monferini/playdx2003)