Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following item from Radio Prague:
Radio Prague International has launched a year-long celebration of its 90th anniversary with an exhibition showcasing its rich history, even as concerns grow over its potential closure. The station, which began broadcasting in 1936, faces an uncertain future after the Czech Foreign Ministry proposed cutting its budget by nearly 25% and signaled intentions to discontinue the service by 2027. Despite the milestone birthday, staff and supporters worry this could mark the end of a vital cultural and informational link to the world.
Unfortunately, the cost of operating shortwave transmitters has become prohibitively expensive. Add to that a diminished audience and it is not surprising that many facilities have gone off the air. An additional problem often not addressed are the lack of people on the engineering side. Few (if any) are learning the trade. Most SW transmitter engineers have retired with no one to replace them..