IRONDALE, Alabama — Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) will end its WEWN shortwave radio service October 31, closing a distribution outlet launched in 1992.
The network announced the board-approved decision October 30. It cited declining shortwave listening, aging transmission infrastructure and high operating and maintenance costs. Those are the network’s stated reasons; it did not provide audience or cost figures.
EWTN said its recent English-language shortwave broadcasts primarily served Africa and the Middle East, while Spanish-language transmissions targeted Latin America. It stopped shortwave broadcasts aimed specifically at North America in 2008.
The shutdown does not end EWTN Radio. The network says programming will continue through local affiliates, satellite, online streams, mobile applications and podcasts. Listeners can find options through EWTN’s radio service.
The announcement did not specify a final sign-off time, staffing effects or plans for the transmission equipment.