You may recall from the June 13 post, we had news of big changes planned for the Latvian shortwave relay scene. Since 2002, various independent stations relayed programming via the shortwave facilities via Ulbroka, Latvia, provided by KREBS TV. With price hikes for the 100 kW transmitter air time, rates were no longer affordable for customers using the relay service, and many were forced to cease programming.
Yesterday's announcement confirmed that effective June 21, 2006, KREBS TV no longer holds a shortwave broadcasting license in Latvia. In late 2005, the Latvian Broadcasting Council invited tenders for the establishment of a full commercial shortwave station. In January 2006, LBC announced that RNI-All Europe Radio had been granted the commercial shortwave broadcasting license. RNI is now the only officially sanctioned shortwave broadcast radio station in the country, according to their website www.rni.fm/ RNI will commence daily shortwave broadcasts from Latvia on 9290 kHz when installation of all necessary technical equipment is completed. Until their activation, you can listen to real audio at their website.
