The US will only continue shortwave services for Voice of America and Radio Free Asia in markets where there is a critical need for it, according to a new paper.

The Shortwave Committee report written for The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has identified just a few countries where substantial audiences still listen on shortwave.

In Asia, they are Myanmar (also known as Burma), Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries and North Korea.

The report studied the efficacy of shortwave broadcasting in 2014 and found – perhaps not surprisingly – that overall usage continues to decline as audience get more access to news on other platforms like FM, television and internet on mobile phones.

It found no evidence that shortwave usage increases during crises, as audience use other platforms for information.

Shortwave was found to be a relatively expensive platform to operate and maintain and the committee recommended continuing to reduce or eliminate broadcasts where there is minimal audience reach.

In Myanmar, where its service continues, BBG has the second highest number of shortwave audience with 6.2 million listeners.

BBG, which controls US-funded international media, appears to have ruled out investing in Digital Radio Mundiale (DRM) technology for shortwave.

The report said DRM is not likely to become an effective mass media in BBG’s target markets to justify the infrastructure cost.

While India has invested in DRM for domestic as well as international use, BBG has decided to end its investment in this technology.