Neil Sanderson

Getting a signal from the studio to the transmitter is a growing challenge for radio engineers in the Pacific islands.

Until a few years ago, most stations used landlines to feed programming to their medium-wave or short-wave AM transmitters. In an attempt to cut operating costs while improving audio quality, many stations now broadcast on networks of low power FM transmitters.  These transmitters may be on remote mountains or islands, hundreds of kilometers from the studio.

Telephone company landlines often do not extend to remote transmitters. Even if they do, the cost may be more than a broadcaster can afford.

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Just when it appeared automation would rule the airwaves, live radio is enjoying a minor resurgence in Australia, thanks in part to syndicated programming. The general manager of Sky Radio Network, Brendan Sheedy, said his company supplies at least some syndicated service to virtually all of Australia’s 160 commercial radio stations, and most of it is live. 

“We’re probably the biggest syndicator in Australia, and the only major player in the live format business,” said Sheedy. 

That’s impressive growth for the Sydney-based network that began just seven years ago.

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