Remote NT broadcast 'hero' raises concerns about gaps in radio coverage
Broadcaster Percy Bishop was treated as a hero by his community and political leaders after his radio marathon during Cyclone Narelle in March. But it's left him with concerns about connectivity in remote NT.
Percy Bishop, a community radio broadcaster on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory, has expressed concerns over the lack of emergency radio coverage for six satellite communities on the island. Despite being praised for his efforts during Tropical Cyclone Narelle, Bishop believes that the island's vulnerable communities are still not connected, putting them at risk during cyclone-prone weather.
The 32-hour-long live broadcast he conducted during the cyclone was seen as his job, but Bishop argues that it is a matter of human rights to be informed during dangerous situations, as they occur almost yearly on the island. Currently, the radio station primarily serves two major communities, Angurugu and Umbakumba, but not the six disadvantaged language-speaking communities scattered throughout Groote Eylandt.
Only when the radio reaches them can the island's residents know they are in trouble. The community supports Bishop's calls for wider radio coverage, with a 16-year-old resident stating that lack of connectivity is a problem, especially for the more remote parts of the island. The Anindilyakwa Land Council, which funds the radio station, has acknowledged the need for more resources, with the organization's CEO supporting the bid.
The NT government has also expressed support for extending radio coverage to additional homelands, but the funding for the requested upgrades remains uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
