POOR ABC Radio reception in the Wynyard-Somerset district has slipped from the national public broadcaster’s radar, a disappointed Tasmanian Liberal Senator Stephen Parry said today.
“A senior ABC executive replied that he was not aware of any complaints when I pursued the issue in a Senate Estimates hearing this morning,’’ Senator Parry said.
“Only last week, however, a gentleman from Wynyard had an email complaining about ABC Radio reception read out on Tim Cox’s Morning show.
“Over a long period of time, my office has spoken to many residents of Wynyard, Somerset and surrounding areas concerned about the quality of their ABC Radio reception.
“There is some suggestion that the problem is being caused by interference from a commercial antenna on Table Cape, which apparently could be remedied by moving the ABC antenna or by installing a new local `fill in’ transmitter.
“We were told this morning the ABC broadcasts into 40-odd countries beside our own, but the listeners of Wynyard and Somerset forced to put up with an often substandard reception are unlikely to be impressed.
“Not only is the ABC our national broadcaster, but it is also the channel people turn to in times of emergency for advise and information,’’ Senator Parry said.
“The ABC and Labor have dropped the ball on radio reception.
“I have asked that the issue be investigated and a solution found for the people of Wynyard and Somerset.’’
Senator Stephen Parry
