RTVE will buy 5 shortwave transmitters to ensure the future of Radio Exterior de España

The Board of Directors of RTVE unanimously approves the purchase, installation and commissioning of a new shortwave transmitter: the first of the five new transmitters that Radio Exterior de España (REE) needs “urgently” to guarantee the continuity of this public service.

The new transmitters will replace the current equipment, which has “far exceeded its useful life” and whose frequent breakdowns they put at risk the continuity of shortwave emissions. Specifically, they will be in charge of bringing the shortwave signal to West Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America.

The Corporation's bet occurs after years of uncertainty. In 2014, for a few months, the REE short wave close. It was in 2018 when it was possible to return to a broadcast eight hours a day on short wave. With this decision, RTVE emphasizes, the entity complies with its public service obligation contained in the Framework Mandate and in law 17/2006 of June 5, which establishes that the Corporation must "aim to serve the widest audience, ensuring maximum continuity and geographical and social coverage, with the commitment to offer quality, diversity, innovation and ethical demands."

La onda corta de REE lleva la voz y visión de España al mundo entero. Por ello, el director de la emisora, Luis Manuel Fernández Iglesias, ha abogado en su intervención ante el Consejo de Administración de RTVE por “involucrar a los Ministerios de Exteriores y Cultura de España en el futuro de Radio Exterior, tanto en el diseño de su programación como en la financiación de esta emisora pública de ámbito internacional, como es REE”.