MUMBAI: The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) shortwave broadcasters' meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 2 Febuary, has renewed its support for the creation of a monitoring network to assess the reach and quality of their broadcasts.

The backing came at a meeting of the Steering Committee of the ABU Shortwave Coordination Group, ABU-HFC.

Over the past few years the committee has been looking into the development of a monitoring unit. Audio monitoring within the ABU-HFC would be a bilateral process, with ABU providing its support at no extra cost.

Participants in the meeting also said that the proposed network for ABU members could be extended to other shortwave broadcasters if required. Ways to achieve an increase in the audience for shortwave radio was one of the several issues addressed. It was noted by the members that other, modern delivery media were overtaking shortwave with new, high quality programming.

Participants also said that there was a need to concentrate not only on technical issues but also on good quality content. The committee also agreed to provide training content on new techniques used in coordination as well as on updated software tools on the ABU's online Media Learning Centre.