At a Senate Estimates hearing yesterday, ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie was asked to present details of the research and consultation that took place before deciding to switch off shortwave radio services.
 
Guthrie did not table any research, but did speak about the low number of complaints that have been received since the switch off was announced. "Fewer than 15 people have contacted us since we made the announcement, so the number of people affected seems to be very small," said Guthrie.
 

 
What’s in a name?
 
Plenty according to Radio Adelaide and the ABC.
 
The ABC’s metro radio stations have all rebranded with their new look and name for 2017… except Adelaide.
 

The Australian Film Television and Radio School and ABC Radio have announced a new scholarship of $14,500 to be awarded each year for the next three years to develop Australian radio talent, with a focus on diversity.

The scholarship has been adapted from an existing, long-standing bequest to AFTRS from the late ABC broadcaster Selwyn Speight, who was the first executive producer of flagship Radio Current Affairs program AM.

ABC Radio will launch its summer programming lineup this month with a range of new voices, some festive programming, and a welcome return to some familiar presenters.

“There is a terrific array of new and familiar voices on ABC Radio this summer” said Linda Bracken, ABC Radio’s Head of Content & Digital. “It’s great to introduce new talent from around Australia, and to give more established presenters opportunities in new spaces and timeslots.” 

The ABC will end its shortwave transmission service in the Northern Territory and to international audiences from 31 January 2017.

The move is in line with the national broadcaster’s commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings including DAB+ digital radio, online and mobile services, together with FM services for international audiences.