RTÉ has announced that it will be ending its long wave 252 radio service next month, signaling the end of an era in Irish broadcasting. The radio station has been on the airwaves since 2002 and has become a cherished part of Irish broadcasting history. The move follows a review of RTÉ’s cost-savings measures and the impact of digital technology on the radio industry. The decision has drawn mixed reactions from listeners, many of whom have been tuning in to the service for decades.
RTÉ, the national broadcaster of Ireland, is set to end its long wave 252 service next month. The service has been running for over 80 years, but now RTÉ says the costs to maintain and operate the service are too high. The decision to end the long wave service has caused disappointment among listeners, as it has been a popular service in Ireland for many years.
RTÉ’s long wave 252 service has been a cultural icon in Ireland for over 80 years. The service was first introduced in 1936, and it was the only way for people in Ireland to listen to the broadcaster’s programming until FM radio was introduced in the 1970s. Since then, the service has remained popular, particularly in rural areas where FM signals are often weak.
However, the costs associated with maintaining the service have become too high, and RTÉ has made the difficult decision to end the long wave service. The broadcaster has said that the decision was not taken lightly and that it is a response to changing listening habits and technological advancements. RTÉ has also pointed out that the long wave service has become increasingly unreliable in recent years, with signal interruptions and other technical problems.
The decision to terminate the long wave service has been met with disappointment among listeners, particularly those in rural areas who rely on the service. Many have expressed their anger on social media and have accused RTÉ of neglecting its duties to serve all the people of Ireland. However, RTÉ has defended its decision, saying that it needs to focus its resources on other areas, such as its digital and online platforms.
RTÉ has also assured listeners that they will still be able to access the broadcaster’s content through other means, such as FM and digital radio, as well as online streaming and podcasts. The broadcaster has said that it will continue to invest in its digital services to ensure that they are accessible to all listeners, regardless of their location or access to traditional radio frequencies.
The termination of the long wave service is just one of many changes that RTÉ has undergone in recent years. The broadcaster has had to adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape, with the rise of online streaming services and the decline of traditional media consumption habits. RTÉ has responded to these changes by investing in its online platforms and by making its content available on a variety of devices, including smartphones and smart TVs.
Despite the challenges facing traditional media, RTÉ remains committed to providing high-quality content to its audience. The broadcaster’s decision to terminate the long wave service may be disappointing to some, but it is a necessary step in ensuring that RTÉ remains relevant and accessible in a rapidly changing media landscape.
In conclusion, the end of the long-wave 252 service on RTE is a significant change for its listeners. For many, this service has been an irreplaceable connection to Ireland, and the news of its ending may be difficult to accept. However, the move to digital platforms and the need to invest in more modern technology has necessitated this change. Though it may be hard to say goodbye to a familiar voice, it is important to remember that RTE will continue to deliver news, sports, and entertainment to listeners across Ireland and the world. While the long wave service may be coming to an end, the future is bright for RTE as it continues to innovate and adapt to changing times.
