On 31 May Radio Australia and Radio New Zealand International will join forces to bring the best of regional news and current affairs coverage to Pacific listeners. The joint initiative between the two regional broadcasters is part of a wider Pacific Radio Initiative under which several Pacific public radio broadcasters will soon exchange radio programmes via satellite. The planned programme exchange will enable Pacific listeners to hear debates and discussion programmes from around the region on their local stations.
Radio Australia will start broadcasting RNZIs flagship daily Pacific current affairs programme Dateline Pacific following its respected Pacific Beat programme every weekday morning. RNZIs Dateline Pacific will be broadcast on Radio Australias shortwave, satellite and FM services as part of its breakfast service to the Asia/Pacific region at 7.30 8.00 a.m. PNG Time (9.30-10.00 a.m. Suva) from Monday to Friday. The programme will be preceded by a RNZI Pacific regional news bulletin.
RA Head Jean-Gabriel Manguy says Radio Australia and Radio New Zealand International will bring together a unique service to Pacific audiences, drawing on their respective strengths in their independent coverage of regional affairs. RA and RNZI are opening the way to a new era of regional cooperation among public broadcasters to the benefit of Pacific audiences.” RNZI Manager Linden Clark says she is delighted to be able to work more closely with RA and looks forward to delivering Dateline Pacific to new audiences, through a greater range of outlets.