john handelaar said in January
Never fear, though – this alternative programming strand “is also available on RTÉ’s trial digital service, RTÉ Choice”. Whoop-fucking-ee.
I would like to draw your attention to this exchange (below) with Cathal Goan RTE on Wednesday, 27 February 2008
it was not known then (by the the public) or on March 24th 2008 when MW was shut down that 8 hours of split frequency weekend schedule called ‘second helpings‘ was being dropped. It is not broadcast on LW, Satellite or FM. RTE claim it is on RTE Choice trial DAB service but as the programming
1. is not titled (ie. Second Helpings)
2. has no continuity announcer (as it used to have)
3. is not a fixed schedule
4. is only on a trail service in 4 cities
it is hardly a replacement for second helpings. While 8 hrs of split frequency programming was dropped, RTE now broadcast the same programme of LW FM Satellite Astra2D (sky EPG 0160) & Satellite Eurobird. (Sky EPG 0142). This is a massive duplication of programming across services.
When in the exchange below Mr. Goan said “equivalent service” did he know that 8 hrs split service was to be decimated.? were we misled?
Deputy Liz McManus:
Are our guests stating that once access to medium wave is cut off, people on the Falls Road or living in the glens of Antrim will still be able to receive the split wave service to which they have access at present?
Mr. Cathal Goan: The split wavelength service is based on the ability to receive FM and medium wave.
Mr. Cathal Goan: If one only has access to medium wave at present, when one switches to long wave one will receive the equivalent service but with better reception.
Deputy Simon Coveney:
Yes, but RTE is planning to improve the FM service in the North and, in particular, to target the Belfast metropolitan area, which has a population of approximately 600,000.
Deputy Liz McManus:
What is the timeframe in this regard?
Mr. Cathal Goan: We hope to be in a position to announce that before the end of March.