Austin Deasy
Ceist:32 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he is aware of the poor radio reception from RTE in the London region; and if he will make an effort to rectify the present unsatisfactory position.
Written Answers. - RTE Radio Reception.
RTE has recently commenced broadcasts of Radio 1 and 2FM on the ASTRA satellite which can be received throughout most of western Europe. The service can be received via a satellite dish or cable system, provided cable operators are prepared to carry it. RTE is offering the service free of charge to cable operators in Europe and are hopeful that as awareness of the service spreads so will its availability on cable systems.
RTE operates its terrestrial broadcast transmitters under the terms of international radio frequency planning agreements and, while fringe area reception of its Radio 1 service in parts of the London area is possible, this is largely fortuitous. Such reception of distant radio transmissions is susceptible to interference from other radio services, manmade obstacles and natural phenomena. The concentration of broadcasting and other radio communications services in urban areas, particularly so in London, increases the likelihood of severe interference to reception and is a factor over which RTE has no control.