I think this is a brilliant decision! I have been a regular listener to RCI throughout the late 1970's, 1980's and also sometimes 1990's. But I don't recall to ever have listened to RCI anymore after the year 2000. I guess that if RCI would put a shortwave-transmitter on the air asking for comments on their axing of shortwave, they may get a couple of hundreds of responses. But these will be the very same people as who have also complained to Radio Sweden and Radio Bulgaria for axing their respective shortwave services. Also, here in Amsterdam (where I live), unlike the 70's,80's,90's, it has virtually become impossible to listen to shortwave in the first place. Powersupplies for laptops, computers, TV-sets, routers and many other devices interfere with shortwave-signals. In fact, these days it's only possible to hear the strongest sounds on shortwave, and even those ones have their share of interference. Furthermore, if I'd wanna listen to radio from Canada, it's now easy to s

Yes, it's too bad Government cuts are putting an end to this service. It may still be available (in some form or another) via the internet but not everyone, especially in poor parts of the world, has access to a computer let alone the internet. And what happens if the internet doesn't work (as could be the case in a war)? The Government spends more money for other less important things then what they will save on the cuts to the CBC and RCI. So i say, CUT THE CUTS!

This week, I wrote an Op Ed piece for the Toronto Star regarding the cuts to Radio Canada International.: http://thenetwork.thestar.com/expert-opinion/the-terrible-cost-of-cutting-international-radio/20120501/ Please check it out. I'm deeply concerned about this current wave of cuts to international broadcasting, as they have such a profoundly negative impact on those who still rely on radio for basic information. The issue needs prompt attention. Best, Thomas