On numerous occasions we’ve been asked “How does one get the signal for Local Television?” or “How come we’ve lost the signal we used to receive?” As we know, Dan Joe Kelleher of Carriganima has been an amazing pioneer in the world of providing local television for almost thirty years. In fact, so impressed was RTÉ radio producer, Ronan Kelly, with what Dan Joe had achieved that he made an excellent Radio Documentary in 2006 entitled “Dan Joe’s TV Station” – This can be accessed on the “Doc On One” section of the RTÉ website:
http://www.rte.ie/radio1/doconone/documentary-podcast-pirate-tv-macroom-cork-dan-joe.html
Dan Joe would wish as many as possible to receive the Local Television signal as possible. I accompanied him this evening as we tested where the signal can be obtained. Brendan Murphy and Dan Joe recently travelled even much further to determine the strength of the signal mainly in the Duhallow area.
Here are our findings: Presently it is possible to receive the Local Channel which is currently streaming the EWTN Channel on analogue Channel 30 UHF. Before one considers putting in place a Group A UHF aerial one should find out how good the strength of the signal is in their area. That same aerial further perfects the Saorview signal.
Areas we noted demonstrating strong signals included much of Millstreet Town, Cullen, Boherbue and much of the area between Millstreet and beyond Macroom.
For tuning purposes Dan Joe transmits EWTN Sky Channel on C30 UHF. Please note that this is a new channel number. The local channel had previously used Channels 50 and 48 – It now uses Channel 30 to especially suit Saorview. Those interested in receiving the Local Channel programmes on their televisions later in the year should find this information useful. LTV1 and LTV2 provide the programmes only. Responsibility for signal provision to each household remains with the individual households. It is suggested to make contact with official television installation people for further guidance. It is likely that our future LTV programmes will also be available online especially catering for those abroad and those for whom computers are part of their daily means of accessing news and information. (S.R.)
A British tv guide TV Times carried an article in the late 70s about reception of BBC South West and West Country ITV in Carriganimma by a resident living in high ground facing south towards Devon transmitter.It possibly was Dan Joe who was referred to.
Thank you, Richard for such interesting information. It would be great if we could get to read that report which quite likely would have referred to the early days of local television from the Carriganima setting.
Sean as far as I can remember the article appeared in an edition sometime in August 1979.The late Kevin Marron referred to the article in his tv page in The Sunday world a week after.I took an interest as I worked at installing tv aerials also a hobby.Instead of aerials i have a few satellite dishes to pass the time.I hope this helps.
Renewed thanks, Richard. A copy of the article may emerge in time. Best wishes.