Two Federal Labor MPs have hit out at national broadcaster the ABC for its decision to switch off its radio shortwave service in the Northern Territory.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy and Member for Lingiari Warren Snowdon say the decision is “extremely disappointing” and shortwave radio can be the difference between life and death.
The ABC announced this month it would be ending the shortwave transmission service at the end of January 2017, in line with its commitment to remove outdated technology.
Senator McCarthy and Minister Snowdon have called on the ABC to defer the decision and to consult with the people who will be affected by the closure.
The ABC will continue to broadcast via FM and AM frequencies, the view access satellite television service and online.
The Thamarrur rangers from the remote community of Wadeye say they have often relied on the ABC’s shortwave radio for weather reports and emergency information while away for up to weeks at a time.
Image: Flickr via Adam Levine
