Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands has informed Dutch news agency ANP that several parties have expressed interest in using the FM frequencies shortly to be vacated by Arrow Classic Rock. The parties include Radio 10 Gold, Kink FM and broadcaster Erik de Zwart who is currently the “station voice” of Radio Veronica. What Mr de Zwart plans to do with the frequencies hasn’t so far been disclosed.
So far, nobody has expressed an interest in the Arrow Jazz FM frequencies, which are “claused”, meaning they are reserved for certain categories of specialist programming. In any case, as the last hours tick away, Arrow boss Ad Ossendrijver is still hoping to salvage a last-minute deal to keep them on the air.
Even after Arrow Classic Rock leaves terrestrial FM at 2300 UTC this evening, the outstanding payment for that frequency package still has to be made, and the Agency is already pursuing it through the court.
(Source: ANP/RadioFreak.nl)
Related story:
* Arrow Classic Rock is already back on 828 kHz as of this afternoon. ‘Roadrunner’ presenter Maurice Verschuuren, apparently live, confirmed that today’s edition was “the last on FM”.
on Mar 10th, 2009 at 18:20
828 is on limited power.
So it is clear what is going to happen with the ACR FM network, switch off.
Still unknown how the situation is with Arrow Jazz FM, just the regular non-stop output, nothing is announced, certainly not - we are save and thank you for your contributions and support -.
Only 5 hours left before a possible close down…..
Bear in mind that the 828 license is linked with the Arrow Jazz company. When Jazz goes down, 828 is to follow.
on Mar 11th, 2009 at 00:37
Monitoreed and confirmed by many parties:
ALL ARROW FM’s ARE DOWN
At about 00.45 LT all Arrow FM frequencies were silent, of both Arrow Classic Rock AND Arrow Jazz FM.
As it seems Arrow failed to pay the amount they were behind with the government, almost 9 milion Euro’s.
Most striking to me was a female presenter (Mariska?) who ended her show on ACR at about 21.00 Hrs saying that she had no idea if she would have a job tomorrow.
Arrow’s owner Ad Ossendrijver is expected to make a statement by tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.
on Mar 11th, 2009 at 09:31
I listened at midnight to the Hilversum transmitter of Arrow Classic Rock, and noticed that they have changed the ID to refer to 828, cable and Internet. But the transmission was still going well beyond midnight, and I switched off. On re-checking about 0045, everything was silent. I believe Mr Ossendrijver has called a press conference for early this afternoon. Unfortunately I can’t go, but I am sure someone from ANP will be there.
on Mar 24th, 2009 at 18:54
Is Arrow still on 828 khz ? I heard it in the UK on 12 March but have had no trace when checked recently so am wondering if its either closed, or maybe reduced power.
on Mar 24th, 2009 at 19:36
It is still on 828 kHz - I just checked - but only running 5 kW day and night. The signal in the Hilversum area has noticeable co-channel interference after dark.