Category: News; Radio Lincolnshire
Date: 27.07.2006
Printable version
A pocket computer phone is set to revolutionise newsrooms and newsgathering
across 91Èȱ¬ Local Radio.
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Earlier this year 91Èȱ¬ Radio Lincolnshire linked up with the Maastricht-based
Technica del Arte to transform a pocket PC phone, the XDA, into a professional
recording device capable of sending high quality sound down a mobile phone line
or from a wi-fi spot.
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After exhaustive testing by Radio Lincolnshire staff for the past six months the
pilot scheme has been judged so successful that it is to be rolled out to all
91Èȱ¬ radio stations across the UK.
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It has also been shortlisted for an
international IBC Innovation Award, to be judged at a ceremony in Amsterdam in
September.
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Andy Griffee, 91Èȱ¬ Controller of English Regions, said: "This new technology means
that journalists are totally self-contained.
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"They no longer need to waste time
travelling to and from base - they can prepare and broadcast quality radio direct
from the scene of the story without going anywhere near a studio, isdn line or
mobile transmitter.
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"This has revolutionised newsrooms and newsgathering in Lincolnshire, and will do
the same across the country."
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The phone can also send pictures for use on web sites and 'first break' video
footage for television.
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Charlie Partridge, Managing Editor, Radio Lincolnshire, said one of the
station's Senior Broadcast Journalists, Andy Roche, first noticed the possibilities of the phone and
worked with the company plus Station Engineer Adam Keen and Assistant Editor Andy
Farrant to put together the package and develop the software.
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Charlie said: "This means our journalists now spend less time in the office and
more time out in the field producing an average of 50% more audio than
using conventional recording devices.
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"It really has revolutionised newsgathering
at the station.
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"Another benefit is that everyone has a phone with them at all times - therefore
there is potentially much quicker/better response and coverage of any major
stories which break."
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Radio Lincolnshire has also provided selected members of the public with the
technology, enabling the community to get more involved with the station.
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And the technology has been tested by the world famous RAF aerobatic team - the
Red Arrows - who recorded and sent back more than 30 items for Radio
Lincolnshire from pre-season training in mainland Greece and Cyprus and early
season displays in the Middle East.
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AB2
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