Advocates for the restoration of the ABC's shortwave service to the Pacific say the Labor Party's proposal to restore the service to the Northern Territory could bode well for the region.
Many remote communities in Pacific island countries rely on shortwave radio. Photo: RNZI
The party announced this week that if elected it will provide the ABC with about $US1.5 million to help it re-establish shortwave services, which it turned off in January last year.
The co-convener of the group Supporters of Australian Broadcasting in Asia and the Pacific, Jemima Garrett, said the announcement lends weight to the argument that shortwave was still crucial for keeping remote communities informed.
Proposed restoration of ABC shortwave for NT welcome news
"I think the big thing about it is that it has put the lie to the fact that shortwave technology has had its day," she said.
"So in that way it is very significant, it is particularly significant for the Pacific.
"Because it bodes well for the potential to re-establish ABC broadcasting across the Pacific Islands."