Blog Logs

Today's shortwave BLOG LOGS, represent a portion of those recently cut from my SWBC Logs column in Monitoring Times magazine, due to space constraints. Contributions are always welcome for the magazine or blog, and may be directed to my above email address. Thanks very much to the contributors for your kind words and support.
Gayle VH

All times UTC, frequencies in kHz, English unless otherwise indicated // parallel frequencies.
* sign-on - sign-off *

English unless otherwise indicated

Ascension Island
BBC World Service relay. 17830, 1928. Station identification to world news. Noted on // 15400 via Ascension Island. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Australia
Radio Australia. 12080, 2015. Piano jazz music program, mixing with Voice of America via Botswana relay. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Bangladesh
Bangalesh Betar. 7250, 1227. Big S-10 signal. Station interval signal plainly recognized at 1228 even though modulation was very weak. Male announcer at 1230 but coundn't copy. (D Valko, PA/HCDX).

Belarus
Radio Station Belarus. 7360, 2245-2300. English programming with local pop music and brief one minute news item at 2259. Fair signal, but much weaker on // 7390. No other parallel freqs noted. (B Alexander, PA).

Bonaire
Radio Netherlands relay. 17810, 1931. Press Freedom segment with SIO 444 // Bonaire relays 15314 (SIO 444) // 15525 (SIO 444). (S MacKenzie, CA).

Botswana
Voice of America relay. 13710, 2005. VOA programming and comments to Afro pop music program. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Canada
CFVP. 6030, 1249-1256. Country and western music to 1251, followed by Secret Sound contest promo. Station ID as "Classic Country AM 1060." Back to music at 1252 for good signal, and much better than usual. (J Wilkins, CO).

China
China Radio International. 13640, 2306. Japanese service with two lady announcers text and conversation. Additional CRI noted; 11820, 0019 Chinese; 11900, 0025 Chinese; 11990, 0043 Cambodian. (S MacKenzie, CA)

CPBS. 12045, 0047. Chinese service of music and text. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Gannan PBS (presumed). 3990, 1212. Talk by lady announcer in Chinese (or Chinese dialect) under amateur radio operators. Signal too weak. Xinjiang is supposed to be here as well but isn't schedule to sign-on until alittle later. (D Valko, PA/HCDX).

Clandestine
Echo of Hope. 3985, 1214. Obviously a station here as it was beibng jammed. Talk via male/female host in Asian language. Voice of the People 3912 also noted at the same time and also being jammed with buzzing jammer. (D Valko, PA/HCDX).

Echo of Hope. (presumed) 6003.01, 1125-1135. Local musical ballads to talk in unknown language. Fair signal but occasional adjacent channel splatter. (B Alexander, PA).

Shiokaze 5985, *1400-1430.* Heard in Korean today and noted "Inmira Shiokaze..." Good signal. (J Wilkins, CO).

Colombia
HJDH Marfil Estereo. 5910, 0019-0025. Easy-listening vocals to male/female announcers Spanish text. SIO 333, using LSB for better quality. (H Frodge, MI).

Costa Rica
Radio Exterior de Espana relay. 3350, 0228. SIO 333. Annoincer's programming notes to religious vocal music. (S. MacKenzie, CA)

Cuba
Radio Nacional Venezuela relay. 15290, 1955. Spanish service of music, ID and programming notes. SIO 444. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Djibouti
Radio Djibouti. 4780, *0300-0315. Sign-on with national anthem following opening station announcements. Qu'ran recitaitons at 0303 to Arabic talk. Fair signal quality. (B Alexander, PA).
Ecuador
Radio Chaskis via Otavalo. (presumed) 4909.21, 1050-1100. Spanish programming including Ecuadorian music. Poor to fair signal quality. (B. Alexander, PA).

Egypt
Radio Cairo (presumed). 6290, 2335-2350. Arabic commentary to station fanfare at 2344. SIO 343. Brief utility QRM at 2339 with echo effect feedback imparing copy. (H Frodge, MI).

Equatorial Guinea
Radio Nacional Malabo. 6250, 0601-0612. Spanish. Local pop music with brief announcements and presumed newscast including mentions of "Malabo." and "Bata." Correspondents reports amid moderate signal and SINPO 34333 until abrupt disapperance in mid-sentence at 0612. (J Evans, TN).

Germany
Croatian Radio. 7285, 2324-2330. Croatia Today with feature on Nichola Tesla. Extensive station ID and schedule spot at 2328 after headlines. SIO 343. (H Frodge, MI).

Croatian Radio. 3984.84, 2315-2329. Croatia Today program of English news topics to weather forecast. Much better on // 7285 via Germany. (B Alexander, PA).

Guam
Trans World Radio. 13630, 2303. Chinese text and features presented by female announcer. SIO 333. (S. MacKenzie, CA)

Guatemala
Radio Verdad. 4052, 0354. Spanish programming of inspirational music by a chorus and religious talk between selections. Fair signal quality. (J Wood, TN).

Honduras
HRMI. 3340, 0340-0347. Spanish station identification as "Radio Misiones Internacional." Male's religious text with Spanish and English translations. Fair signal. (J Wood, TN).

Radio Luz y Vida. 3250.07, 1151-1215. Quiet religious music to long commerical string at 1201. Extended schedule of influenza vaccinations avaible in various hamlets, into music at 1215. (J Wilkins, CO).

Radio Luz y Vida 3249, 0331-0337. Spanish religious programming giving a USA address. Fair signal quality. (J Wood, TN).

India
All India Radio-Kurseong (presumed). Period of Hindi vocal music. Appeared to be parallel with other AIR stations carrying the news when checked 121-1235. Seemed strong enough but audio level is too low. (D Valko, PA).

Indonesia
RRI-Palangkaraya. 3325, 1317-1355. The much loved (by me) primitve music now ghoes past 1330-to at least 1355 tune-out. (J Wilkins, CO).

Japan
Radio Japan/NHK. 13650, 2307. Japanese service mixing with China Radio International via Cuba. SIO 444. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Latvia
Radio Waves relay. 9290, 2304-2320. Pop music program to announcer's text. Poor signal with some signal noise, fading down to only carrier at 2320. No ID noted. (J Evans, TN).

Malaysia
Asyik FM via Kajang. Announcer chat from male/female duo. Vocal music and phone calls. No top-of-the hour break. Good signal and improving. (J Wilkins, CO).

Mali
China Radio Internaitonal relay. 11975, 2255. Chinese service of male/female announcers with comments and program text. SIO 433. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Mauritania
Radio Mauritania. 4845, 2235-2245. Upbeat African music featuring stringed instruments. Great signal for SINPO 43333. (J Evans, TN).

Mexico
XEOI/Radio Mil (presumed). 6010, 0009-0019. Spanish talk and phone-in calls with mentions of "Campeche." Using USB helps signal due to Cuba Hash from 6000 in Spanish. (H Frodge,MI).

Myanmar
Radio Myanmar. 5985.8, 1338-1359. Long talk in presumed Burmese. QRM-free to 1359 when Shiokaze turned on their carrier on 5985 kHz. (J Wilkins, CO).

Nepal
Radio Nepal. 5005, 1131-1200. Basically only a carrier noted, but bits of audio around 1137 and 1210. (D Valko, PA/HCDX).

Nigeria
Radio Nigeria via Kaduna. 4769.94, 0534-0541. Male announcer "RNK" identificaiton spot at 0538. SIO 333. Using LSB helps with utility QRM. (H Frodge, MI).

Papua New Guinea
Radio New Ireland. 3905, 1245. Best PNG noted at 1245 with reggae music. Announcers time check and song announcement, followed by island music. Two Top 40 pop songs, lucky to hear brief sign-off identification. Instrumental national anthem at 1301-1302.* Carrier stayed on to at least 1307. (D Valko, PA/HCDX).

Peru
Radio Cultural 4955, 2305-2315. Spanish announcements from female sufferinf from CODAR interference. SINPO 22222. (J Evans, TN).

Philippines
Voice of America relay. 15150, 2315. Questions for You program in Special English. SIO 433. 11805, 0008 Indonesian. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Radio Veritas Asia. 11935, 0028. Karen service with text and music to Tamil service at 0030. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Saipan
KFBS. 12090, 2359. "KFBS" identification, program and station info to sign-off. (S MacKenzie, CA).

South Korea
KBS World. 11810, 0015. Korean service. Program news and segments. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Taiwan
Radio Taiwan International. 11885, 2245. Chinese service of text and Asian music, despite Chinese jammer interference. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Thailand
Radio Thailand. 9810, 1230-1300. Opening in English with comments and news at 1232. Station editorial with fair signal quality. (B Alexander, PA)

Turkey
Voice of Turkey. 7240, 0450-0456.* Closing bits of news to sign-on announcement and station ID. First English log of VOT in quite a while. Good signal quality. (J Wood, TN).

United Kingdom
Radio Japan relay. 5975, 0506-0510. News of Japan segment to program What's Up Japan at 0510. Station ID as "NHK Tokyo." SIO 444. (H Frodge, MI)

USA
WHRI. 5835, 0514. Religious programming with SIO 544. (H Frodge, MI).

WINB. 13570, 2010. Religious sermon featuring Israel. SIO 433. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Zambia
The Voice Africa. 4965, 2223-2303. Programming of alternating religious text and talk amid religious music. Poor signal quality with heavy CODAR interference. SINPO 22222. (J Evans, TN).

ZNBC (Program 1), 5915, *0240-0255. Sign-on with Fish Eagle interval signal and choral national anthem at 0251. Local tribal music to vernacular talk. Fair signal quality. (B Alexander, PA).

(Contributors: Stewart MacKenzie, CA; Jim Evans, TN; Harold Frodge, MI; Dave Valko, PA/Cumbre DX; John Wilkins, CO; Joe Wood, TN: Brian Alexander, PA)

Weekly Radio Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 Jan 29 1853 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
21 - 27 January 2008

Solar activity was very low. No flares were detected. The visible disk was spotless.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during each day of the period.

The geomagnetic field was at mostly quiet levels during 21 - 24 January. Activity increased to active levels on 25 January. Activity decreased to mostly quiet levels for the balance of the period. ACE solar wind measurements indicated a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream (HSS) was in progress at the start of the period. Peak velocity during this stream was 606.7 km/sec at 21/0107 UTC followed by a gradual decrease through 22 January. A solar sector
boundary crossing (away (+) to toward (-)) occurred during 22 - 23 January associated with increased proton densities (peak 9.6 p/cc at 23/2038 UTC) and increased IMF Bt (peak 5.9 nT at 22/1839 UTC). Another solar sector boundary crossing (toward (-) to away (+)) was
detected on 24 January in advance of a coronal hole-related co-rotating interaction region (CIR) and HSS. The CIR began late on 24 January and was associated with an increase in proton densities (peak 17.9 p/cc at 24/1302 UTC) and IMF changes including increased Bt (peak 10.2 nT at 25/0216 UTC) and intermittent periods of southward Bz (minimum -7.2 nT at 25/0458 UTC). Velocities associated with the HSS increased during 25 January and reached a peak of 574.1 km/sec at 25/0731 UTC, then gradually decreased during the rest of the period.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
30 January - 25 February 2008

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 03 - 24 February.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet during 30 - 31 January. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels on 01 - 02 February due to the onset of a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 03 - 05 February as the high-speed stream gradually subsides. Quiet conditions are expected during 06 - 08 February. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels during 09 - 10 February due to another recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 11 - 13 February as coronal hole effects subside. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during the rest of the period.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 Jan 29 1853 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 Jan 29
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 Jan 30 80 5 2
2008 Jan 31 80 5 2
2008 Feb 01 80 15 4
2008 Feb 02 80 10 3
2008 Feb 03 80 10 3
2008 Feb 04 75 10 3
2008 Feb 05 75 8 3
2008 Feb 06 75 5 2
2008 Feb 07 75 5 2
2008 Feb 08 75 5 2
2008 Feb 09 75 15 4
2008 Feb 10 75 15 4
2008 Feb 11 75 10 3
2008 Feb 12 75 10 3
2008 Feb 13 75 8 3
2008 Feb 14 70 5 2
2008 Feb 15 70 5 2
2008 Feb 16 70 5 2
2008 Feb 17 70 5 2
2008 Feb 18 70 5 2
2008 Feb 19 70 5 2
2008 Feb 20 70 5 2
2008 Feb 21 70 5 2
2008 Feb 22 70 5 2
2008 Feb 23 70 5 2
2008 Feb 24 70 5 2
2008 Feb 25 75 5 2
(NOAA)

Days are numbered for stick antenna

Why the once-ubiquitous stick antenna is now an endangered species
Associated Press

Jan 26, 2008

DETROIT–An automotive appendage that often goes unnoticed on the road – unless it loses a battle with the automatic car wash – is disappearing as it succumbs to changing technology, tastes and economics.

The stalwart stick, pole or fixed-mast antenna, mounted on the fender of nearly every vehicle two decades ago, is now on about half of all new models and its ranks continue to dwindle. When trucks are removed from the equation, it's around 25 per cent.

Its vanishing act is notable on many new vehicles. The 2008 Ford Taurus, for example, has a hidden, in-glass antenna and optional small, roof-mounted satellite radio antenna.

"There's an industrywide push to move away from a metal mast antenna," said Alan Hall, a spokesperson for Ford Motor Co. "Within the next few years, all (Ford) cars and crossovers will have transitioned to the smaller antenna.''

The stick antenna faces interference on several fronts. Designers seek to erase anything that detracts from sleek lines, engineers want to eliminate drag that increases noise and decreases gas mileage, and consumers desire signals for their cellphones, satellite radios and global-positioning system devices.

And auto executives are trying to cut costs of commodities such as steel and reduce threats to quality – even before cars reach consumers. Stick antennas are removed when the carriers deliver the cars to dealers so they aren't damaged.

Toyota Motor Corp. is mostly free of the traditional long stick antenna, except on single-cab pickup trucks and convertibles, which aren't well-suited for in-glass antennas.

One Toyota executive said the change began in 2001. Quality, fuel economy and cost of operation, drive Toyota's decision-making, said Paul Williamsen, the national manager of Lexus College, a training school for U.S. dealers.

"Both are what come out of the customer's pocketbook. And an antenna is going to lose on both."

The change has challenged antenna suppliers. Some have gone out of business or been acquired by larger suppliers as auto makers have sought to squeeze costs.

"You have to provide what they want or else you lose their business," said Jan Boring, president of Global Products Inc. and sales representative for the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Harada Industry Co. Ltd., one of the world's major mobile antenna makers. "There's been a demand by the industry for increased technological improvements for hidden types of antennas.''

Boring said Harada still makes stick antennas, but has moved toward roof-mounted and in-glass models that accommodate GPS, cellular and other frequencies.

The old stick probably would have vanished by now – but for one nagging thing: It has provided better reception than its offspring.

"For really good reception for low and high frequency, boy, it's hard to beat a good stick on a large field of metal,'' Williamsen said.

He said auto makers have worked for 25 years on a "diversity antenna," a field of antennas that can be embedded in the side and rear glass of the vehicles to pull in signals. It's a way of achieving similar results from the stick.

General Motors Corp. tried putting antennas in windshields in the 1970s, but they didn't offer good reception. And the standard stick also was threatened in the 1980s and '90s by power mast antennas, electronically controlled by drivers. Problem was, the power antenna was even more likely to be damaged in car washes if it wasn't lowered.

Boring said the evolution of the antenna – and demise of the stick – is positive.

"You have abilities to have navigation systems in your vehicle, cellular phones and telematics, capability of having satellite radio and others," he said. "You have these conveniences without having extra antenna masts protruding from the vehicle.''
Toronto Star
http://www.wheels.ca/article/167028
(Fred Waterer via ODXA)

BBC strategies focus on website content

BBC strategies focus on online content, adviser tells Heritage committee
Last Updated: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:25 PM ET
CBC News

The importance of making content widely available online was the frequent refrain in Ottawa Tuesday morning as the BBC's chief public policy adviser spoke at a hearing of the Canadian Heritage Committee.

"The impact of digital technology cannot be underestimated," the BBC's Wilf White, who was joined by his deputy, Daniel Wilson, told the committee at a session exploring the role of a public broadcaster.

Newer technologies such as the BBC's iPlayer — which offers web audiences the opportunity to watch its television or listen to its radio programming from the past seven days — "is radically transforming our business," White said.

Despite also struggling with problems like market fragmentation, funding constraints and increased competition from new broadcasters and other platforms facing North American counterparts, White said the BBC considers it a very exciting time and is focused on looking for new opportunities.

He praised 1990s-era BBC director-general John Birt for his foresight about the internet as an emerging technology and vision that there would one day be little distinction between radio, television and online.

Because of decisions the former chief made, "there was always a strong link between our television and radio services and our online services," White said.

"As soon as [audiences] realized there was content there … they started wanting to explore."

For instance, he said, the BBC's online service has transformed the broadcaster's ability to seek public opinion on many issues.

In the past, when trying to get the public to comment, "you'd end up with perhaps half a dozen letters," White said.

"Now we have several thousand people regularly e-mailing us, offering opinions on message boards. We are never short of comments from he public now ... Sometimes we can create so much feedback that it can become overwhelming."
Partnering with other sites

White and Wilson also spoke of deals with partners such as video-sharing site Youtube and social networking sites to show BBC content, in a no-ads environment conducive to its role as a public broadcaster.

While the broadcaster, which on average features 80 per cent European or U.K.-produced content across its services, doesn't gain revenue from these sorts of deals, savings can sometimes be found in terms of distribution, Wilson said.

"They want our content and we want their audience," White said, though he admitted that newer technologies aside, he felt there would always be a demand for live programming.

As part of this drive, the BBC chose to "pay a little bit extra" and strike "platform-neutral" rights deals with independent producers and other stakeholders in order to be able to distribute their productions by these newer methods, Wilson said.

"It was a matter of demonstrating how usage has changed, how on demand was very much more important to audiences."

Pursuing further international co-productions for pricier projects, such as its deal with the CBC for the TV show Doctor Who, and boosting coverage of and productions from its various regions — such as Wales, Scotland and Ireland — are also part of the BBC's plan going forward.

Nevertheless, despite a shifting focus on newer technologies or updating certain practices, "some things don't change" for audiences, White said, citing "quality, originality, trust."

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/media/story/2008/01/29/hercommittee-online-bbc.html
(Source: Fred Waterer via ODXA)

One World...One Dream, China on Countdown

With the Summer Olympics from Beijing nearing, time to remind readers of China Radio's ongoing Olympic series QSL cards.
Beijing has declared "we are ready," and Olympic fans are counting the days to Summer Olympics Games 2008. To mark this occasion, China Radio International is offering QSL cards and postcards of ten Olympic sites. Send your reception reports to;
China Radio International
16A Shijingshan Street
Beijing 100040
People’s Republic of China
or via email crieng@cri.com.cn

(Source: Monitoring Times QSL Report)

China Radio International - English Service

Effective to 29 March 2008

All times UTC

Target Areas: af (Africa) as (Asia) eu (Europe) na (North America) pa (Pacific) va (various)

0000-0100 6020na 6075as 7130eu 7180as 9570na 11885as 13750as 15115as
0100-0157 7130eu
0100-0200 9535as 11870as 15115as 15785as
0200-0300 11770as 13640as
0300-0400 9690na 9790na 11770as 13750as 15110as 15120as 15785as
0400-0500 6020na 6080na 13750as 15120as 15785as 17725as 17855as
0500-0600 11710af 11880as 15350as 15465as 17505va 17540as 17725as 17855as
0600-0657 6115na
0600-0700 11870as 111880as 13660as 15140as 15350as 15465as 17505as 17540as
17710as
0700-0800 11785eu 11880as 13660as 15350as 15465as 17490eu 17540as 17710as
0800-0857 11785eu 17490eu
0800-0900 11620as 11880as 15350as 15465as 17549as
0900-0957 15270eu 17490eu 17570eu
0900-1000 11620as 15210pa 155350as 17690pa 17750as
1000-1100 5995as 6040na 11610as 11635as 11650as 11795as 13590as 13620as 13720as 15190as
15210pa 15350as 17490eu 17690pa
1100-1200 6040na 11750na 13665eu 17490eu
1200-1257 13665eu 13790eu 17490eu
1200-1300 5955as 9460as 9730as 9760pa 11650as 11660as 11690as 11760pa 11980as 13645as
1300-1357 13610eu 13790eu
1300-1400 5995as 9570na 9650na 9730as 9760pa 9765as 9870as 11660as 11760pa 11980as
13755as 15260na
1400-1457 9700eu 9795eu
1400-1500 5955as 9560as 9765as 9870as 11675as 11765as 11775as 13685af 13740na 17630af
1500-1557 9435eu 9525eu
1500-1600 5955as 6100af 7160as 7325as 9785as 9870as 11775as 13685af 13740na 17630af
1600-1657 7255eu 9435eu 9525eu
1600-1700 6100af 9570af 11800af
1700-1757 6100eu 7205eu 7255eu 7335eu
1700-1800 9570af 11900af
1800-1857 6100eu 7110eu
1900-2000 7295va 9435va 9440va
2000-2030 7160eu
2000-2057 7190eu 9600eu
2000-2100 5960eu 7285eu 7295af 9440af 11640af 13630af
2100-2130 11640af 13630af
2100-2157 5960eu 6135eu 7190eu 7285eu 9600eu
2200-2257 7170eu
2200-2300 9590as
2300-0000 5915as 5990va 6145na 7180as 11685as 11840na

(Source: Monitoring Times, SW Guide)

Scientists create sand grain-sized radio

CBC News, Technology & Science

January 28, 2008

As if electronics weren't already compact enough, they could get a whole lot tinier, according to researchers at the University of Illinois who have built a radio smaller than a grain of sand.

The researchers, along with electronics engineers at Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems in Linthicum, Md., said they used microscopic carbon nanotube technology to fashion a working radio that was able to receive a traffic report from a Baltimore radio station.

Nanotubes, or tiny strands of carbon atoms, were used to create the radio's antenna and amplifiers while headphones were plugged directly into the output of a nanotube transistor.

The research team said the purpose of the project was not necessarily to build an extraordinarily small radio but to show that nanotubes could be an alternative to accepted building materials in electronics ‹ such as silicon, which is popular in computer microprocessor.

"We were not trying to make the world¹s tiniest radios," said John Rogers, a founder professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois, in a statement. "The nanotube radios are a demonstration, an important milestone toward building the technology into a form that ultimately would be commercially competitive with entrenched approaches."

Practical nanotube devices and circuits are now possible, Rogers said, because of a new technique developed by the team. The procedure produces horizontally aligned arrays of hundreds of thousands of nanotubes that together act as semiconductor material.

Electric charges can move independently through each nanotube, which means the arrays can be deployed into electronic devices and circuits in much the same way that silicon-based microchips currently are.

The team's research appears in Monday's online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
(Source: CBC News, Technology & Science - January 28, 2008 www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/01/28/science-nanotubes.html via Harold Sellers,

Canada via ODXA)

WWVH, Hawaii Time Station revises antennas

Radio station WWVH in Hawaii, operated since 1948 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to broadcast time, frequency and other announcements, recently powered up innovative replacement antennas.

In a seven-year project to adopt a technology used on Navy ships, NIST has installed new antennas encased in fiberglass rather than traditional steel supports, to resist corrosion from the salty ocean air. The fiberglass design will reduce maintenance and repair costs. The new design also enables the flexible, lightweight antennas to be easily lowered to the ground for maintenance, reducing safety hazards to staff who previously had to climb the towers, which are up to 98 feet tall. The improved antennas should reduce signal downtime for WWVH users.

From its location on the island of Kauai, WWVH broadcasts on four different frequencies. Each frequency requires a different antenna; including backups, the station has a total of eight antennas, seven of which are made of fiberglass. NIST erected and powered up the last fiberglass replacement antenna in October 2007. NIST staff believe the project is the first demonstration of high-powered, high-frequency fiberglass antennas on land.
(Source: NIST/R Netherlands Media Network weblog)

More information on WWVH and NIST may be found at:
http://tf.nist.gov/timefreq/stations/wwvh.htm

Blog Logs

All times UTC
3945 All India Radio, Gorakhpur, India SINPO 45444 Urdu Talk on revolution of 1857 by male presenter. 1531 1/15/2008
3945 All India Radio, Gorakhpur India SINPO 33443 Nepali service with co-channel QRM. frm Iran's VOIRI in Urdu 0142 1/16/2008
3975 Pakistan B.C. , Rawalpindi, Pakistan SINPO 45444 Urdu 1520 Financial and sports news by male announcer, 1520 1/15/2008
3985 CNR 2, Geermu, China 45444 Chinese-Mandarin 1554 : Chinese music 1554 1/15/2008
3990 PBS Xinjiang (CNR8) Urumqui, China SINPO 44444 Chinese-Mandarin service and Asian music 1555 1/15/2008
4010 Kygyz Radio 1, Bishkek, Kyrgyzistan SINPO 35333 Kyrgyz Talk by announcer 1556 1/15/2008
4050 Radio Rossii (Radio XXI Century) Bishkek, Kyrgyzistan SINPO 35333 Russian text 1559 1/15/2008
4330 PBS Xinjiang Urumqui China SINPO 45444 Kazakh Items from announcer 1612 1/15/2008
4330 PBS Xinjiang Urumqui China SINPO 45444 Kazakh Music 1645 1/15/2008
4460 China Radio International Beijing China SINPO 35333 Chinese-Mandarin text by announcer, 1646 1/15/2008
4500 China Radio International Urumqui China SINPO 45544 Mongolian music 1647 1/15/2008
4635 Radio Tajikistan Dushanbe Tajikistan SINPO 35333 Tajik Talk by OM 1648 1/15/2008
4760 Trans World Radio Manzini Swaziland SINPO 44444 Ndebele Talk by OM 1649 1/15/2008
4775 All India Radio Imphal India SINPO 35433 Manipuri. Music frequency announcement to station ID at 1658 1/15/2008
4775 All India Radio, Imphal, India 35333 Vernacular discussion 0113 1/16/2008
4810 All India Radio Bhopal India SINPO 45544 Hindi Classical vocal music 1703 1/15/2008
4820 All India Radio Kolkata India SINPO 32432 Hindi Classical vocal music. Severe co-channel QRM CNR 1704 1/15/2008
4820 All India Radio Kolkata India SINPO 22532 Hindi Severe co-channel QRM PBS Xizang 100 kW,Lhasa, China 0117 1/16/2008
4820 PBS Xizang Lhasa China SINPO 45544 Chinese-Mandarin song followed by station ID at 1759 1/15/2008
4828 Voice of Zimbabwe Gweru Zimbabwe SINPO 35333 Vernacular music 1801 1/15/2008
4835 All India Radio Gangtok India SINPO 45444 Nepali. Announcer's talk in Nepali 0118 1/16/2008
4840 All India Radio Mumbai India SINPO 45544 Hindi Classical music at 1706 1/15/2008
4860 All India Radio Delhi (Kingsway) India SINPO 45444 Hindi programming 0119 1/16/2008
4880 All India Radio Lucknow India SINPO 23432 Hindi service with classical music, observing severe QRM from SW Radio Africa 1707 1/15/2008
4895 All India Radio Kurseong, India SINPO 45544 Nepali devotional text 0120 1/16/2008
4920 All India Radio Chennai Chennai (Madras) India SINPO 44544 Hindi news with co-channel QRM from PBS Xizang 50 Kw 1732 1/15/2008
4920 All India Radio Chennai (Madras) India SINPO 43543 Hindi. Announer's chat with co-channel QRM via PBS Xizang, Lhasa, China 100 kW 0122 1/16/2008
4930 Voice of America, Selebi-Phikwe Botswana SINPO 45444 English newscast at 1738 1/15/2008
4940 All India Radio Guwahati India SINPO 45544 Assamese public service announcement at 0124 Station ID by announcer at 0123 1/16/2008
4965 Christian Voice Lusaka Zambia SINPO 35333 English religious tunes at 1807 1/15/2008
4970 All India Radio Shillong India SINPO 45544 English vocal tunes at 0125 1/16/2008
4975 Voice of Russia Dushanbe-Yanivul Tajikistan SINPO 45444 English newscast at 1807 1/15/2008
5010 All India Radio Thiruvananthapuram India SINPO 45544 Newscast in Sanskrit. 1/16/2008
5015 All India Radio New Delhi (Kingsway) India SINPO 45544 Hindi classical music at 1809 1/15/2008
5040 All India Radio Jeypore India SINPO 55544 Sanskrit News - Newscast at 0127 1/16/2008
5920 Radio Japan (NHK) Skelton United Kingdom SINPO 45444 English conversations on tsunami at 0013 1/16/2008
5955 Dem. Voice of Burma, Wertachtal, Germany SINPO 45444 Burmese Talk by male/female announcers at 0014 1/16/2008
5965 Adventist World Radio, Moosbrunn, Austria SINPO 45544 Urdu. Devotional text by male announcer at 0218 1/16/2008
5990 All India Radio Aligarh India SINPO 45444 Hindhi tune at 0127 1/16/2008
6010 Radio Bahrain, Abu Hayan, Bahrain SINPO 35333 English pop songs 0016 1/16/2008
6045 IBC TAMIL Wertachtal, Germany SINPO 45544 Tamil 00129 ID & announcer talk at 0028 1/16/2008
6175 Voice of Vietnam, Sackville, Canada SINPO 45544 English newscast on India's Prime Minister's visit to China at 0109 1/16/2008
6260 CVC International Tashkent Uzbekistan SINPO 45544 Hindi service. Devotional program segment from lady announcer 1804 1/15/2008
6260 CVC International, Tashkent Uzbekistan SINPO 45544 Hindi service 0020 This months quiz 1/16/2008
6260 CVC International, Tashkent, Uzbekistan SINPO 45544 Hindi music at 0133 1/16/2008
6260 CVC International, Tashkent, Uzbekistan SINPO 45444 Hindi 0235 Punjabi vocal music at 0235 1/16/2008
7270 All India Radio, Abu Zaabal Egypt SINPO 35333 English conversations from announcers at 0222 1/16/2008
7440 Radio Ukraine International, Lviv, Ukraine SINPO 45444 Ukrainian service at 0032 1/16/2008
9440 Radio Slovakia International, Rimavska Sobota, Slovak Republic SINPO 35433 English newscast at 0106 1/16/2008
9480 CVC International, Tashkent Uzbekistan SINPO 45544 English newscast at 0102 1/16/2008
9510 Radio Veritas Asia, Palauig Philippines SINPO 25332 Bengali. Weak signal from lady announcer's programming at 0034 1/16/2008
9670 Radio Veritas Asia, Palauig, Philippines SINPO 25332 Weak Hindi programming at 0038 1/16/2008
9785 Radio Taiwan International, Issoudun, France SINPO 43533 Lady announcer's English newscast at 1600 1/15/2008
9850 Deutsche Welle relay Trincomale, Sri Lanka SINPO 45544 Urdu service at 0220 1/16/2008
9870 All India Radio, Bangalore, India SINPO 45544 Hindi service including programming announcements at 0021 1/16/2008
9875 Radio Vilnius, Sitkunai, Lithuania SINPO 35333 Weak siganl for announcer's text at 0031 1/16/2008
11550 Radio Taiwan International, Tainan, Taiwan SINPO 25333 English service including music program at 1643 1/15/2008
11820 Deutsche Welle relay Kranji, Singapore SINPO 45544 Bengali service including newscast at 0102 1/16/2008
11820 Deutsche Welle relay Kranji, Singapore SINPO 45544 Hindi report on Indian Prime Minister at 0138 1/16/2008
12025 Radio Pilipinas, Tinang, Philippines SINPO 45444 English Dateline Philippines - News report by YL 0226 1/16/2008
15285 Radio Pilipinas, Tinang, Philippines SINPO 45444 English newscast at 0224 1/16/2008
15575 Radio Korea International (KBS) Kimjae, Korea, South SINPO 35433 English service at 0230 1/16/2008
15620 Deutsche Welle relay Kranji, Singapore SINPO 45544 Urdu discussion at 0221 1/16/2008
17770 Radio Pilipinas, Tinang, Philippines SINPO 45544 English newscast at . 0222 1/16/2008
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

VOA to cover State of the Union address

VOA will provide extensive multi-media coverage in 45 languages of President Bush’s State of the Union address and the Democratic response Washington, D.C., January 28, 2008 – The Voice of America (VOA) will provide extensive multi-media coverage in 45 languages of President Bush’s State of the Union address and the Democratic response.


VOA’s in-depth coverage and analysis will include, (all UTC times are for January 29):

Live television broadcast with simultaneous interpretation in Persian in a special broadcast from 0030 to 0230 UTC (5:00 to 7:00 a.m. Tehran time). Setareh Derakhshesh and Vafa Mostaghim will co-anchor the program from VOA’s headquarters. VOA’s Persian News Network reporter Siamak Deghanpour will report live from Capitol Hill. Shayan Samii and Babak Yektafar, both PNN political contributors, will provide analysis.

A special radio/TV simulcast in English starting at 0200 UTC. VOA News Now’s Ira Mellman will host the program and be joined by VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone, VOA White House Correspondent Paula Wolfson and VOA Capitol Hill Correspondent Dan Robinson.

VOA Mandarin will provide live reports of President Bush’s address during its 0000 to 0300 radio broadcast and follow up with an in depth television report at 1400 UTC (9:00 p.m. Beijing time).

Seven VOA European services will broadcast television reports to stations in Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. Reports in Russian will be available via the Internet.

VOA Dari will carry the address live on radio with simultaneous interpretation.
www.VOANews.com, VOA’s Internet site, will provide live audio and video streams of the President’s address and the Democratic response as well as on-demand audio and video streams, an MP3 download, news coverage, and full transcripts.
(Source: Voice of America)
Multilingual schedules and additional Real Audio information may be found at:
http://www.voanews.com/english/portal.cfm

Two new stations from TDP

BELGIUM Two new station via Transmitter Documentation Project (TDP):

All times UTC

Hmong Lao Radio in Hmong:
0100-0200 on 15260 TAI 100 kW / 250 deg to Asia Thu/Sun

Hmong World Christian Radio in Hmong:
0100-0200 on 15260 TAI 100 kW / 250 deg to Asia Sat.
(DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

TDP brokers lease air times over shortwave transmitters, including various clandestine broadcasters.

The TDP website http://www.tdp.info/ provides information on the shortwave radio transmitters installed in each country of the world.

Reception reports for stations using TDP may be directed to:
Transmitter Documentation Project
c/o Ludo Maes
P.O. Box 1
B-2310 Rijkevorsel
Belgium
Website: Transmitter Documentation Project: http://www.tdp.info/
(Source: address via World QSL Book)

Clandestine logging observations

CLANDESTINE from ? to ETHIOPIA 9445 Andenet LeDemocracy has this announcement on their website: "We will stop our program for a short period after our Wed Jan 16, 2008 broadcast. We will notify when our broadcast commences and apologize for the interruption." The last audio file on their website is dated Jan 16. (Johnson Jan
25)

CLANDESTINE from TAIWAN? To LAOS 15260 Hmong Lao Radio's schedule for their Asian transmissions is now 0100-0200 on Thursdays and Sundays according to their website. They had been on a different time and frequency schedule via KWHR in Hawaii. The WRTH list the Moj Them broadcast on this same frequency and time at different days of the week and list the site as Taiwan. (Johnson Jan 25)

TAIWAN? 15260 Hmong World Christian Radio These transmissions had also been via KWHR, but are now scheduled at 0100-0200 Saturdays according to their website. (Johnson Jan 25)
(Source: Hans Johnson, FL via Cumbre DX)

HCJB Ecuador special DRM test

Effective January 26, 2008, HCJB Ecuador is conducting a special DRM test in Portuguese. Programming is being targeted to Brazil on 11795 kHz, QUI 004 kW/100 degrees from 2300-0000 UTC.
(Source: DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi)

Voice of Turkey - Multilingual B07 update

TURKEY Frequency changes for Voice of Turkey effective January 26, 2008

All times UTC - NF new frequency
1900-1927 NF 6050 CAK 250 kW / 313 deg,ex 6055* in Bosnian
1930-2027 NF 6050 EMR 500 kW / 310 deg,ex 6055* in English
*to avoid CRI in French via CER till 1957
(Source: DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

Radio Pakistan - Multilingual B07 update

Pakistan - Some changes of Radio Pakistan effective January 2008

Arabia
1815-1900 on 6280 ISL 100 kW / 282 deg >>> cancelled

Chinese
1200-1300 on 9380 ISL 250 kW / 070 deg, ex 1200-1230
1200-1300 on 11570 ISL 250 kW / 070 deg, ex 1200-1230

Dari
1430-1530 on 5050 ISL 100 kW / 270 deg, ex 1515-1545

English
0045-0115 on 7445 ISL 100 kW / 318 deg >>> cancelled
0730-0830 on 15100 ISL 250 kW / 313 deg >>> cancelled
0730-0830 on 17835 ISL 250 kW / 313 deg >>> cancelled

Hindi
1030-1130 on 7445 ISL 100 kW / non-dir, ex 1100-1145

Nepali
1245-1315 on 7445 ISL 100 kW / 118 deg >>> cancelled

Pashto
1300-1400 on 5050 ISL 100 kW / 270 deg, ex 0500-0545 on 6235

Persian
1700-1800 on 5050 ISL 100 kW / 260 deg, ex 1715-1800

Russian
1415-1445 on 9395 ISL 100 kW / 313 deg >>> cancelled

Sinhala
1015-1045 on 15620 ISL 100 kW / 147 deg >>> cancelled

Tamil
0315-0345 on 15620 ISL 100 kW / 147 deg >>> cancelled
0945-1015 on 15620 ISL 100 kW / 147 deg >>> cancelled

Turki
1330-1400 on 5050 ISL 100 kW / 270 deg >>> cancelled

Turkish
1630-1700 on 6240 ISL 100 kW / 282 deg >>> cancelled
(Source: DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

Radio Havana Cuba - Multilingual B07 update

CUBA B-07 schedule of Radio Havana Cuba effective Jan.20:

All times UTC

Arabic2030-2100 on 11800 11750

Creole
0100-0130 on 9550
2130-2200 on 9505 5965
2230-2300 on 9505 5965
2330-2400 on 5965

English
0100-0500 on 6180 6000
0500-0700 on 11760 9550 6180 6060 6000
2030-2130 on 11760 9505
2300-2400 on 9550 9505

Esperanto
Sunday
0700-0730 on 6000
1500-1530 on 11760
1930-2000 on 11760
2330-2400 on 9600 6140

Guarani
2230-2300 on 17705
2330-2400 on 17705

French
0000-0100 on 9550
0130-0200 on 9550
2000-2030 on 11760 9505
2130-2200 on 11760 9505
2200-2230 on 9505 5965
2300-2330 on 5965

Portuguese
2000-2030 on 11800 11750
2200-2230 on 17705
2300-2330 on 17705 13760
2330-2400 on 13760

Spanish
0000-0100 on 13760 11875 11760 9600 6140 6060 6000 5965
0100-0200 on 13760 11875 11760 9600 6140 6060 5965
0200-0500 on 13760 11875 11760 9600 9550 6140 6060 5965
1100-1300 on 13760 12000 11805 11760 9600 9550 6180 6000
1300-1400 on 15370 13760 13680 12000 11805 11760 9550 6000
1400-1500 on 15370 13760 13680 12000 11805 11760 9550
2100-2300 on 13760 11800 11750 9550

Quechua
0000-0030 on 17705

Alo Presidente Sun
1400-1830 on 17750 13750 13680 11875 11670

Mesa Redonda Mon-Fri
2300-0100 on 9820 6000
(DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

Radio New Zealand - B07 update

NEW ZEALAND - Updated B-07 of Radio New Zealand International, effective January 1m 2008

All times UTC

1059-1258 on 13840 RAN 050 kW / 325 deg AM NW Pac,Bougainville,PNG,Timor
1059-1258 on 9870 RAN 050 kW / 325 deg DRM NW Pac,Bougainville,PNG,Timor
1259-1650 on 5950 RAN 050 kW / 000 deg AM All Pacific (no DRM txion)
1651-1935 on 9890 RAN 050 kW / 035 deg DRM NE Pac,Fiji,Tonga,Samoa,Cook
1651-1950 on 9615 RAN 050 kW / 035 deg AM NE Pac,Fiji,Tonga,Samoa,Cook
1936-1950 on 11675 RAN 050 kW / 035 deg DRM NE Pac,Fiji,Tonga,Samoa,Cook
1951-2235 on 17675 RAN 050 kW / 325 deg AM NW Pac,Vanuatu,Solomon Isl
1951-2235 on 15720 RAN 050 kW / 325 deg DRM NW Pac,Vanuatu,Solomon Isl
2236-0658 on 15720 RAN 050 kW / 000 deg AM All Pacific
2236-0458 on 17675 RAN 050 kW / 000 deg DRM All Pacific
0459-1058 on 9870 RAN 050 kW / 000 deg DRM All Pacific
0659-1058 on 9765 RAN 050 kW / 000 deg AM All Pacific
(Source: DX Mix News # 505 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

Trans World Radio Multilingual B07 update

TWR INDIA B07

REVISED SW SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE 6TH JAN,2008

All times UTC




START END LANG FREQ DAYS SITE
--------------------------------------------------
0015 0030 BENGALI 7350,9455* MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
0030 0100 BHOJPURI 7350,9455* MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
0045 0100 DZONKA 7350,9455* SAT NOVOSIBIRSK
0045 0130 HINDI 7350,9455* SUN NOVOSIBIRSK
0100 0115 NEPALI 7350,9455* SAT NOVOSIBIRSK
0100 0130 NEPALI 7350,9455* MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
0115 0130 HINDI 7350,9455* SAT NOVOSIBIRSK
1230 1245 GUJARATI 7320 MON IRKUTSK
1230 1245 DHODIYA 7320 TUES/WED IRKUTSK
1230 1245 MAITHILI 7320 THU/FRI IRKUTSK
1230 1245 SANTHALI 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1230 1300 KOKBOROK 12065 FRI GUAM
1245 1300 KUI 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1245 1300 KOKBOROK 12065 SAT GUAM
1245 1315 URDU 7320 MON-FRI IRKUTSK
1300 1315 GARHWALI 5950 DAILY NOVOSIBIRSK
1300 1315 HO 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1300 1345 SANTHALI 11800 SUN GUAM
1315 1330 DOGRI 5950 MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1315 1330 MARWARI 7320 SUN IRKUTSK
1315 1330 MEWARI 7320 THU/FRI IRKUTSK
1315 1330 BENGALI 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1315 1345 M.BENGALI 7320 MON/TUES IRKUTSK
1315 1345 PUNJABI 7320 WED IRKUTSK
1315 1430 HINDI 5950 SAT/SUN NOVOSIBIRSK
1330 1345 HINDI 5950 MON NOVOSIBIRSK
1330 1345 BONDO 7320 SUN IRKUTSK
1330 1345 DZONKA 7320 THU-SAT IRKUTSK
1330 1400 HINDI 5950 TUES/WED NOVOSIBIRSK
1330 1400 ASSAMESE 11800 MON-FRI GUAM
1330 1415 HINDI 5950 THU/FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1345 1400 TIBETAN 5950 MON NOVOSIBIRSK
1345 1400 BUNDELI 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1345 1400 SANTHALI 12065 DAILY GUAM
1345 1415 BUNDELI 7320 SUN IRKUTSK
1345 1415 MAITHILI 7320 MON-FRI IRKUTSK
1400 1415 BRAJ BHASA 5950 MON/TUES NOVOSIBIRSK
1400 1415 KASHMIRI 5950 WED NOVOSIBIRSK
1400 1415 ORIYA 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1400 1415 BORO 12065 WED-SUN GUAM
1400 1415 M.BENGALI 12065 MON/TUES GUAM
1415 1430 BHOJPURI 5950 MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1415 1430 KUMAONI 7320 SUN IRKUTSK
1415 1430 MAGAHI 7320 MON IRKUTSK
1415 1430 MUNDARI 7320 TUES/WED IRKUTSK
1415 1430 KURUKH 7320 THU-SAT IRKUTSK
1415 1430 MANIPURI 12065 SAT/SUN GUAM
1430 1445 HINDI 5950 MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1430 1445 SADRI 7320 SAT/SUN IRKUTSK
1430 1500 PUNJABI 5950 SAT/SUN NOVOSIBIRSK
1430 1500 SINDHI 7320 MON-FRI IRKUTSK
1445 1500 CHODRI 7320 SAT/SUN IRKUTSK
1445 1515 PUNJABI 5950 MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1500 1515 MARWARI 5950 SAT/SUN NOVOSIBIRSK
1500 1515 BHILI 7320 SAT/SUN IRKUTSK
1500 1530 KUTCHI 7320 MON-FRI IRKUTSK
1515 1530 MOUCHA 7320 SAT/SUN IRKUTSK
1515 1545 HINDI 5950 MON-FRI NOVOSIBIRSK
1530 1545 AWADHI 7320 SAT/SUN IRKUTSK
1530 1545 GAMIT 7320 MON-WED IRKUTSK
1530 1545 VASAVI 7320 THU/FRI IRKUTSK
1545 1600 HARYANVI 7320 SUN IRKUTSK
1545 1600 URDU 7320 MON-FRI IRKUTSK
1545 1600 HINDI 7320 SAT IRKUTSK
1600 1615 PASHTO 7315 SAT/SUN SAMARA
1600 1630 PASHTO 7315 MON-FRI SAMARA
1630 1645 DARI 7315 MON SAMARA

* 7350 : to Feb. 2, 2008
9455 : WEF effective Feb. 3, 2008

Reports to :
Trans World Radio,
L-15,Green Park,
New Delhi 110016,India.
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

International deal for Somaliweyn Radio

News and features - Africa
By Samme Bogad
Sunday, 27 January 2008
Gundula Adolfsson and Yassin MahiSomaliweyn radio and TV has signed an historic international agreement with the English section of Swedish Radio International. The agreement will be mainly based on content collaboration over both news networks. Somaliweyn listeners will be able to follow the English programmes of Swedish Radio International live in Mogadishu, Somalia, and on the internet pages of the Somaliweyn's website.

Honorable Yassin Mahi, one of the top officials of radio and TV Somaliweyn, who is also the head of marketing and international relations at the news organisation, said the development followed lenthy discussions between the two broascasters. "This is an historic agreement for a local Somali radio to sign an agreement with an international radio, and this issue will have immense advantage for the Somali community," he said. As Gundula Adolfsson, head of Swedish Radio International's programmes, signed the agreement, Mr. Mahi spoke about the problems faced by journalists working in war ravaged."These independent journalist are working in a very awful circumstances such as constant fear and oppress." "These independent journalist are working in a very awful circumstances such as constant fear and oppress." Ingemar Lofgren a senior member of Swedish Radio International, praised Somaliweyn radio for the role it plays among the Somali society, and said this was a major step forward.The agreement comes as the director of Somaliweyn Abdurahman Hudeyfi, along with reporter Al-Bashir, are still being held at the headquarters of the national security department in Somalia.
http://www.mediahelpingmedia.org/content/view/300/1/
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi)

Best of the Best - Sunday DX programs on shortwave

The following programs have been selected by Shortwave Central and Btown Monitoring Post, as the Best of the Best for Sunday DX programs on shortwave radio.
Programs include receiver reviews, DX news, propagation information, media features, satellites, amateur radio, internet news and broadcasting trends.

Starting times may vary slightly and some programs may also be heard via Real
Audio links at the station website.

All times UTC
Listed as time, Program, Station, Frequency

Sunday
0015 DX Partyline WRMI 9955
0020 Radio Waves R.Ext. de España 6055
0030 Radio Weather WHRI 7315
0118 The Whole World on the R. Dial R.Ukraine 7530
0140 DXers Unlimited Radio Habana Cuba 6000,6180
0230 DXing With Cumbre WHRA 5850
0240 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio 9560
0245 Ask WWCR WWCR 5070
0300 Australian DX Report WWCR 5070
0315 DX Partyline WWCR 5070
0330 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
0335 DXers Unlimited R. Habana Cuba 6000,6180
0418 The Whole World on the R. Dial R.Ukraine 7530
0420 DX Corner Voice of Turkey 6020 bi-weekly
0500 DX Partyline WRMI 9955
0530 DXers Unlimited R.H.C. 6000,6060,6180,9550, 11760
0930 Wavescan WRMI 9955
0930 Radio Weather WHRI 5835
1030 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
1045 Ask WWCR WWCR 5070
1230 Radio Weather WHRA 13650
1330 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 11785
1530 Int'l Radio Report CKUT Montreal www.ckut.ca
1800 Ask WWCR WWCR 12160
2000 Radio Weather WHRI 17650
(Source: Media Programs, Ernest Riley, ODXA Listening In, January 2008)

Blog Logs

Thanks to Arnaldo Slaen, Joe Wood, Dave Valko, Jim Evans, and Ron Howard for todays edition of Blog Logs.
Gayle VH

All times UTC // parallel frequencies

Australia
2325 VL8T ABC, Tennant Creek, 0952+. January 21, English, report by male in // with VL8K ABC Radio, Katherine, SINPO 24332.(A. Slaen, Argentina/DX Camp)

2485 VL8K ABC, Katherine, Northern Territory Service, 1000+. January 20, English, reports, interview, short music, announcement, ID, 24432 (A. Slaen, Argentina/DX Camp)

Bulgaria
7400 Radio Bulgaria (Plovdiv). 0115-0120. 27 Jan 08. English. Female announcer with pop music and interviews of the artists. S9+10/VG. (J. Wood, TN).

Chad
4905 RD Nationale Tchadienne (Ndjamenne). 2256-2301*. 26 Jan 08. French. Hip hop in English and Afropop in French. Station promos at TOH. National Anthem and off at 2301S9/very good signal. (J Wood, TN)

Chile
6010 Radio Parinacota, Putre, 1000-1015, January 21, Spanish/Quechua. Station sign-on with identification as: "Se levanta una voz desde Chile para mostrar al mundo su...........". Some announcement in Quechua. Other ID as: "Radio Parinacota transmite desde la Comuna de Putre, Provincia de Parinacota....el Gerente Legal es el Sr...... quien es Alcalde de la Comuna de Putre...........", SINPO 32432 with QRM from Radio Inconfidencia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (A. Slaen, Argentina/DX Camp)

Clandestine
6275.5 Raido Arctica. 2112. Good signal peaking at S-9. First program. End of editorial at tune-in with web URL and e-mail address. Organ music. 2114 wind blowing SFX and woman with RS ID announcement, more instrumental music, then indigenous choral singing. 2119-2121 M in EG tlk abt the water/grass and walking in the Arctic mixed w/melancholy mx. 2121-2123 tlk by W in RS w/wind blowing SFX and ment of the Arctic and Arctica. 2123 more indigenous singing by woman with 2124-2126 wind blowing with male's ID in English giving station's mission and then editorial. Program ended with web address and email again. 2126-2127 tlk by woman in Russian followed by organ music. 2128 signal appeared to go off the air but was fading badly at this time. (D. valko, PA via HCDX 26 Jan.)

Czech Repblic
7345 Radio Prague (Litomysl). 0103-0113. 27 Jan 08. English. Staiton ID and talk of agricultural practices in the Czech Republic. S5/fair. (J. Wood,TN).

Djibouti
4780 Radio Djibouti (Djibouti), 0354-0415, 1/26/2008, Arabic. Horn of Africa music with short announcements by man. Talk by man at 0401 followed by more music at 0406 Strong signal with CODAR interference. SINPO 43333. Audio somewhat low. (J. Evans, TN)

Egypt
6290 Egyptian Radio. (Kafir Silim-Abis). 0039-0059. 26 Jan 08. Arabic. A very interesting show consisting of either an operetta or musical comedy. I can’t remember what the difference between the two is. Lots of catchy singing, joking and laughing. All with a Middle Eastern flair. S9+10/VG. (J.Wood, TN)

Eritrea
7100 Voice of the Broad Masses (Asmara), 0410-0425, 1/26/2008, Tigrinya. Horn of Africa music. Talk by woman at 0415. Music returned at 0420. Signal initially at noise level, improving to SINPO 24222 at tune out. (J. Evans, TN)

Guatemala
4780 Radio Coatan 1216. Times given by male at tune-in, continued music and more announcements. ID at 1221, time check and a few more brief announcements, into soft Spanish muic. Live time-check and canned ID "Este es R. Coatan" at 1230. Lively Latin American music at 1330. Long voice-over talk 1337-1340, then Ranchera music. Could just barely make out audio at 1400. Last time I was able to detect the carrier tone (tuned in SSB) was at 1438, 2:08 hours after our local sunrise!! (D. Valko, PA via HCDX 26 Jan.)

India
9445 Aall India Radio via Bangalore(presumed), 2110-2118, 1/25/2008, English. Talk by man and woman with occasional few seconds of subcontinent music. Very poor signal, deteriorating. No parallels noted. (J. Evans, TN)

Papua New Guinea
3315, Radio Manus, 1134-1218, Jan.27. Tok Pisin and English, program of C&W traditional ballads, plus Everly Brothers singing "Take A Message To Mary", Cindy Lauper with "Time After Time", 1200 choral Anthem followed by exotic bird calls, seemed to be relay of NBC, brief news in English with weather forecast ("showers"), DJ playing pop songs. IDs heard: "here on Radio Manus" and "NBC National Radio", mostly fair, best in USB (R. Howard, CA)

Peru
4886,4 Radio Virgen del Carmen, Huancavelica, 1116+, January 21, Spanish. Christian songs to religious short talk by male. SINPO 25432.(A. Slaen, Argentina)

5949,5 Radio Bethel (presumed), Arequipa, 1105+. January 21, Spanish. Long religious talk by male. SINPO 23432. (A. Slaen, Argentina/DX Camp)

Pirate
6925USB. Sycko Radio. 1806-1826*. 27 Jan 08. English. Music by Marilyn Manson, Green Day and others. IDs as both Kracker Radio and Sycko Radio. S2/Poor.(J. Wood, TN).

Zimbabwe
3396, Radio Zimbabwe, 0133-0315, Jan 27. Started out poor, quickly came up to fair and then went on to extremely good reception, 0133-0205 heard with alternate segments of African high-life music and OM talking in vernacular over the music, 0205 changed program to ballad/soul/rap songs, back to high-life, gospel and pop songs in vernacular and English (song "True Colors"), 0300 drums, IDs in English: "Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Zimbabwe, shortwave", drums again, repeat of same ID, long list of cities with their FM frequencies (Harare FM 96 MHz, etc.), list of SW frequencies and details of broadcasting times, back to high-life music and in vernacular. The whole time 4828 was also well heard, not parallel, with non-stop music (high-life, gospel songs in English, etc.) but with no announcements. Super enjoyable listening! (R. Howard, CA)

African logging observations

German member Stefan Schliphacke has been in Uganda and made a lot of DX-ing Jan 04-10 in his new house 20 km. SW of Kampala. Read the full and extraordinary story in the next SWN. Several items are found below and here are some of his observations about the general reception conditions particularly on MW:

"Local sun set in Uganda is at 1915 local / 1615 UTC respectively and fade in of stations starts around UTC 1430. Having electricity in place, it turned out however, that the power was at very low level in the whole area and voltage for my AOR was just not enough from around 1915 until 2315 local time due to local power consumption from neighbouring houses. Consequently I had to interrupt my listening activities and start again later. Generally the band looks less crowded compared to Europe. The main pest are the Arabs. Being in Uganda I realised what a huge amount of transmitters broadcast from these countries, most of them being on 24hours schedules nowadays unfortunately. While north-west Africans did not cause so many problems, stations from Sudan and Egypt are very strong even those having 5 or less kilowatts of power. Also Saudi-Arabia gets through very well and almost of these stations are being heard. After the sign off of the stations from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at 2100 / 2110 UTC, I started to go after West and South Africa but with limited results unfortunately. After 2300 only few Africans remain and stations from the Middle East show up on lots of frequencies.

I was surprised that Pakistan and India had not been heard but this might have resulted from conditions and the relatively short aerials. From late evening and through the night Europe was audible astonishingly good. I logged some of them only. Especially Spain and France showed up with most of there frequencies and had stable and strong signals. I mentioned a couple of these stations in the log section. I would wish the opposite way when in Europe would look the same, hihi. During the night lots of stations from South America showed up on about 30 channels, mostly weak, some quite strong, but I did not pay attention to it. Local sunrise takes place at 0615 / 0315 UTC respectively and propagation lasted until around 0830 / 0530 UTC."

Djibouti

Since the agreement made with the US government concerning the R Sawa braodcasts from this little country, the usage of 1170 MW was stopped – a good decision because 1170 is blocked from the Sawa station in Al-Dhabbiya / UAE all day long anyway nowadays. The broadcasts are aired in Arabic on 1116 MW in // to 4780. When signing on at 0300 there is Quran in // with 1539MW which afterwards has Afar programme. I cannot say anything in regard of the programme during the day, but in the afternoon both channels have Arabic until 1600 when 1539MW goes into Afar again and 1116MW remains with Arabic. I did not make out any trace of the French programme listed, but this might be on the air later on, because due to local power supply shortage, I was not able to listen at 1615-2100. (Schliephacke)

Eritrea

837 and 945 MW. These are both active. The schedule is slightly different however, because the morning sign off is at 0400 instead of the 0330 listed in EMWG and WRTH. This makes it even harder to catch these stations in Europe due to propagation. (Schliephacke)

Kenya

All frequencies checked when in Uganda. Programmes, times and usage of frequencies a listed in the WRTH and in EMWG. The one and only exception is the General Service in English from the city of Garissa on 639 kHz which is off the air at present. During the whole period of time by the beginning of January 2008 the programme format seemed not to be effected from the actual crisis in this country. It was only once on a Sunday morning when a discussion programme in English with youngster participants was aired for 60 minutes around midday talking about the political situation. (Schliephacke). Can I suppose that 4915 also was heard ? (Ed)

Mozambique

When I was in Uganda I could make record of three stations only: R Mocambique Manica, via Chimoio (1026 MW? Ed) presumed only (50kW), R Mocambique Zambezia, via Quelimane on 1179 MW (50 kW) and R Mocambique Niassa, via Lichinga on 1260 MW (50 kW). I never heard these stations ID-ing as “emissora provincial”, but “Radio Mocambique” + State / Department instead i.e. “Radio Mocambique Niassa”. I wondered why the other stations did not show up. The Niassa station just by the way radiates a very powerful signal and they were audible until 0430 UTC =0730 local time, what is perfect daylight in Uganda already. (Schliephacke)

Nigeria

Most of the time available by the beginning of January I invested to check the MW frequencies from Nigeria. I scanned the channels between 2115 (after sign off from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) until 2330 and again in the morning at their listed sign on time 0430. The result was very poor – only one station came through: Borno State Broadcasting on 756 MW at around 2245 until sign off at 2300, quality was fair. Afterwards the other station listed from Niger State (to sign off at 2330) was not there. The time to check frequencies when in Uganda was limited to one week, to short to have evidence, but I am still of the opinion, that a number of these stations are either silent or work on very much reduced powers and not on their nominals 25/50/100 kW. This might also explain, why a investment plan for re-organizing the MW usage along with a Japanese company was decided from the Nigerian government recently as reported in MWN. (Schliephacke)

Sudan

From my listening post next to Kampala, I checked the frequencies of the Sudanese Radio as well. Reception in Kampala is of course “local-like” and I did not pay to much attention to these stations. The EMWG is accurate, I found all stations active, sometimes being a bit “off channel”. Worth mentioning: R Peace in Arabic on 963 MW from Khartoum with a 100 kW, I checked if there is a English Programme as it was on SW (no longer active there) in the 1800-1900 time span, but only Arabic programmes aired. Southern Sudan R is a station from Juba. They broadcast in local African languages, not Arabic or Sudanese Arabic at least at the time I listened. They have English news along with messages to NGO people etc. aired 1430-1445, the English sounds a little bit “Pidgin”-like though. (Schliephacke)

Tanzania

The situation regarding the usage of the MW seems to be quite stable, transmitters from almost every site are active like listed in WRTH and EMWG. Only exception is the FS frequency 1035 MW which is not in use. I doubt that there is any FS any longer at all. The Radio One channels 1440 MW in English and 1323 MW in Swaheli are also there and both very powerful even just radiating 10 kW. (Schliephacke)

Uganda

Being in Kampala I checked the Ugandan MW frequencies of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation. While almost all of the neighbouring countries Kenya and Tanzania’s station are active, the situation in Uganda is totally different. From the listed transmitters only two are active which are as follows: Butebo 729 MW Blue network (listed as Red network 100 kW), but irregularly, and Kampala Red Network as listed (20kW) (909 MW ?. Ed) in // with 7195 (daylight) and 4976 (evening and mornings). This might explain that there is a investment plan existing with a Japanese company to reorganize the usage of the MW and invest in new transmitters as reported in MWN recently. (Schliephacke)

(Source: DX Window #342 via Anker Petersen DSWC Intl)

Blog Logs - pirate stations

The following logs represent a sampling of pirates logged from ther last few weeks. Thanks to Free Radio Weekly.

Gayle VH

All times UTC

Ann Hoffier Radio 6950USB 01/06 2132-2136* Ann singing live songs like "White Wedding Day" and others. Wished the pirate radiocommunity a "Happy New Year". An excellent sing. (Majewski CT)

Bi-Polar Radio 6925 USB 01/20/08 23:13- SIO 323 Sign on with CW & ID into mellow music such as Air Supply, wildest dreams, Listen to your heart. quiet signal in medium static (Ragnar-MI)

Captain Morgan 6925USB 12/29/07 2137-2210 SIO=343/222. Program of largely rock music withsome Outer Limits TV audio noises mixed in here and there. Modest level inlocal QRN. Mentioned the FRN, but otherwise gave no QSL addr that Iheard. (Zeller-OH)

Elvis Birthday Station 6925.1/USB, 2221-2222:25*, 8-Jan; Jail HouseRock & off after, Happy Birthday To Me. Weak. (Frodge-MI)ELVIS 6925 usb 01/08/08 21:23-36 SIO 233Elvis Birthday Broadcast, viva Las Vegas, Jail House Rock, (Ragnar-MI)

Grasscutters Radio 1925-2024*, 6925/AM; SIO 454 to open but varied greatly. Heard Grasscutter from 1925-1940 or so, then what sounded like Sunshine but she was severely QRMd off and on until 2020. Sunshine ID at 2015 followed by Neil Young song. Clear Sunshine ID at 2023. (Silvi, Ohio)

Mystery Radio 6220AM 01/05 2355-0352+ A nice long show until conditions changed.Signal was good to poor. Music played was techno, 80's disco and funk.(Majewski CT) 6220AM 01/06 2054-2132* Usual music show. When off at 2132.(Majewski CT)

Radio Jamba International 2150-2205, 6950 USB. Kinks's Destroyer, clips from Lumpy Gravy about Kracker being paranoid; off with SSTV (Ragnar-MI)

Undercover Radio 6925 USB 01/06/08 16:40-17:19 SIO 344 S5New Years show 2008. Dr. Benway talks about his various adventures & talks about broadcasting from way far out there. speech fromWilliam S Burroughs, Dr. Benway on live at the end thanking the posters on the FRN. repeated at 21:00 (Ragnar-MI)

Voice of the Bat 0033-0054, 6925/USB; SIO=141141+. Miserable signal, & what appeared to be an ID at 0035. 1940s pop and discussions by an OM ancr, but the level was so poor, copy was difficult. Copied no address. I haven't heard this one before. (Zeller-OH)

Voice of William Shatner 0000, 6925/USB; good/clear, rock song with choir, sed The Voice Of William Shatner several times. (Hassig-IL)1/14, 0001-0011, 6925/U; SIO 232 S3 Star Trek intro, VoWS ID, William Shatner "singing" Rocket man, (Ragnar-MI)

WBNY 6925 USB 01/05/08 21:28-21:50 SIO 444 S32008 New Years Show. T shirt ad, presidential election year of the rabbit, ontop of spaghetti, repeated on 6955 am 17:00 utc (Ragnar-MI)

WMPR 6925AM 01/01/08 1955-2014. English. First log of the New Year. Technomusic with interval signal at 2010. S5/F-G. (Wood, TN). 6925Am 01/01/08 2015, caught the WMPR ID fair signal (Majewski CT)

WTCR, Twentith Century Radio 6925USB 12/28/07 *1528-1604* SIO=242. Usual slogan of 20th Century Radio but this program was a mixture of old novelty rock and country Christmas tunes, somewhat out of their normal format. Belfast addr. (Zeller-OH) 6950 01/01/08 0422-0542* Female vocalists followed b Rolling Stones,Elvis Costello and others. Fair signal (Majewski CT)

(Source: FRW # 621, 622, 623, 624)

Shortwave Central QSLs

GERMANY
The following where received in 22 days, after sending a follow-up to "Brodowsky, Walter" E-mail verification statements for each of these stations.
9520 IBRA Radio via Julich Swahili BCB to East Africa
9845 IBRA Radio via Nauen Hausa BCB to east Africa
9470 IBRA Radio via Wertachtal Arabic BCB to ME
9520 IBB/VOA via Julich Persian BCB to Asia
13810 Overcomer Ministry via Nauen EG BCB to Europe
9850 Bible Study BCB via Pam American BCB via Julich
9485 Voice of Oromo Liberation via Nauen Amharic BCB to East Africa
5950 Trans World Radio via Julich Romanian BCB to Europe
7170 Trans World Radio via Wertachtal Russian BCB
6155 Voice of Russia via Wertachtal EG BCB to NA
(E. Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)

9800 Family Radio Gujarati BCB to Bangladesh via Nauen. Full data ( w/ site) 'Three Decades of Faithful Service' ( top half of series) with religious material, decals and schedule in 54 days, for a e-mail rpt to: intel@familyradio.com (E. Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)

Guam
11640 AWR Wavescan Special Program ( Interview with Graham Lucas, Head of DW South Asia) on Rose DW Listeners Club, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Nice glossy QSL Card, showing Nurun Nahar Sattar, Ashik Eqbal Tokon and Grahame Lucas on the front, with details on the reverse. This for a initial Postal Report too: GPO Box 56, Rajshahi 6000, Bangladesh, followed with a e-mail follow-up. E-mail reports can be sent to: rosedwlc@gmail.com Web site is http://www.rosedwlc.tk/ Also sent ( the enclosed envelope with nice ICC World Cup 2007 stamps) 2 Taka Bill. Total time of 8 months, 3 months after e-mail follow-up. v/s: Ashik Eqhal Tokon (E. Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)

Micronesia
4755, PMA, The Cross-Radio. Date/Time "The Cross" logo QSL card, w/ Bible verse, photo of a small island, on side. Reverse address, stamp, and mention of two fqys, 4755 SW (V6MP). and 88.5 FM (V6MA). Reply in 78 days for a MP3 CD report with return postage. V/S somewhat illegible, but looks much like Roland Weibel The next day got a letter (with nice Island stamps) enclosed where my three (3) PPC’s, all signed and stamped by Roland. (E. Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)

Russia
12060 Family Radio via Armavir-Russian Broadcasting Company ‘Radio Agency-M’ via FTVP. Full data (w/ site) ‘three decades of Faithful Service QSL Card’ (bottom of series) with religious material in 4 months, 40 days after sending a follow-up to intl@familyradio.com (E. Kusalik, Alberta, Canada)
(Source: Edward Kusalik VE6EFK, Canada)

Laser Hot Hits Press Release

It is with great sadness that we have to announce that Colin Dixon passed away early yesterday morning. Colin was a major part of Laser Hot Hits and kept the station going through thick and thin. He was always a friendly and helpful person who was greatly respected by all those involved with Laser. We all admired his “can do” attitude, never letting any excuse get in the way from carrying out the more difficult or unpleasant jobs to keep the station on the air. He also had an impressive engineering knowledge that he put to good use building high power valve transmitters for Laser. Many listeners probably know that Colin had a long history in free radio, being involved from the start with the long running SW station Radio Gemini which began back in 1972.

Laser Hot Hits then evolved from the last broadcasts of Radio Gemini in the early 1990’s. Colin’s sudden death has come as a big shock to all of us and he will be irreplaceable. However we shall try to continue for the time being as a tribute to the memory of a great man. Saturday we will remember him all day next weeks, 6275 khz in Europe, on Laser Hot Hits, Europe’s ongoing free radio history. On the Sounds page we have added the last show recorded by Colin less than a week ago. This includes an introduction by Martin Scott. RIP Colin. Info via Laser Hot Hits.

(Source: Laser Hot Hits website:

http://www.laserhothits.co.uk/

Blog Logs

On this cold and blustery Saturday, time to focus on what contributors Ron Howard, Hans Johnson, Joe Wood, John Wilkins, Dave Valko, Brian Alexander, and Chuck Bolland are hearing on shortwave radio. Thanks and best of DX you way!
Gayle VH

All times UTC // parallel frequencies

Angola
4950, Radio Nacional Angola. Luanda, 0113-0144, Jan 25. Pop songs, this is the best I have heard them here, as usually they are below threshold level. Thanks to Chuck Bolland for tip they were being heard so well! Heard again at 0248 with program of African high-life music and songs. Also heard from 0508-0531, Jan 26, clear ID "Rádio Nacional de Angola", several promos for music event on "Sábado", pop songs in English and Portuguese, African high-life music, mostly fair, but bothered by slight het. Live "Canal A" audio streaming not working at website: http://www.rna.ao/ (R. Howard, CA)

4950, Radio Nacional, 0050-0110. Steady local music until the hour when at that time, four ticks and a tone. On the hour, ID by male followed with news in Portuguese language. Another ID at 0106, "...Radio Nacional..." followed by promos. Signal was good. (C. Bolland, FL)

Argentina
15344.62v, RAE, 2227-2255*. Jan 24. Concert of ballads sung in Spanish, sounds of the audience clapping. Time tips at 2230, ID at 2254. Interval signal "RAE, Argentina" loop till off, fair (R. Howard,CA)

Bangladesh
7250 Bangladesh Betar (presumed) 1229 with loud buzz and weak signal. I thought I heard their interval signal played just once. There was then a man talking in English at 1230, it sounded like he mentioned 41 meters. Then a woman mentioned Bangladesh and talked, but she was just too weak to follow. I will have to try again. There was at least one other station on the channel, but it was as weak as presumed Bangladesh. (H. Johnson, FL via DX Tuner/Sweden)
Jan 26)


Bolivia
4699.34, Radio San Miguel, 1051-1100. Initially heard music which continued up to the hour. At 1059 a quick comment by a male and back to music. But at 1100 more live comments. Signal was poor. (C. Bolland, FL)

6134.80, Radio Santa Cruz, 1025-1035 At tune in, canned ID "Santa Cruz" and immediately into music. Conditions are very poor this morning with atmospheric (QRN) noise covering the weaker stations. At 1029 a male recites a poem over music. Signal is fair.(C. Bolland, FL)

Brazil
4905, Radio Nova Relogio. 0145-0200 At tune in, noted a female in Portuguese
comments prior to music. At 0155 canned ID as, "...Radio Relogio..." by a male. Signal was fair. (C. Bolland, FL)

China
6060, Sichuan PBS-2, Chengdu, 1050-1133, Jan 16. Chinese programming, Time pips at 1100, traditional Chinese music, // 7225, both fair. Noticed that at 1100 and 1130 the usual program IDs in English for "This is the Voice of Golden Bridge"(known as their "Life, Travel and City Service" program) were not given. Recently have not heard that ID at all. Possible change to their program schedule? For several years now I have found it hard to believe that this station is only the listed 15 kW. Admittedly I am less than an expert on such matters, but common sense tells me that such a distant station could not be heard by me with such a decent signal on a fairly regular basis, with only 15 kW (R. Howard, CA)

6115, Voice of Strait (presumed), 0946-1002, Jan 25. Program of indigenous singing , heard on // with 7280 till about 0958, when 7280 changes to a different program. Top-of-the-hour time pips, both about equal level, fair-poor. (R. Howard, CA)

4905, People's Broadcasting Station, Lhasa, Tibet, 1118-1130, I have a reference in my database that between 1100-1120, this station broadcasts in English. Although I tuned in when there was just a couple of minutes left for English, I couldn't tell if they were actually broadcasting in English due to the poor quality of the signal. Comments continued during the period in Tibetian probably? Music presented at 1125. Signal was poor. Checked a few parallels, (4920 and 5240) and found same type of ogram. (C. Bolland, FL)

4950, Voice of Pujiang, (tentative), 1127-1135. Tuned into music here followed by Chinese comments. Signal is very, very threshold and only fading in periodically. Pujiang isn't suppose to come on the air until 1200 UTC according to Eibi. (C. Bolland, FL)


Egypt
6290, Radio Cairo (presumed), 0257, Jan 25. Heard just before sign-off with reciting from the Qu'ran, very strong signal, which must be due to the unusual propagation conditions. (R. Howard, CA)


Guam
11690, KSDA, AWR-Voice of Hope, Agat, 1600-1615+, Jan 25. Tune-in to English noted as, "Adventist World Radio-Voice of Hope" IDs at 1600 and into Christian music. English religious talk. Weak but readable. Looking for Jordon but hear this instead. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Guatemala
4779.96 Radio Cultural Coatán 0130-0300* Jan 19. Ranchera-style religious vocals, M ancr speaking occasionally in Spanish and maybe Indian langs, as well; CST time checks; heard ID's both as Radio Coatán and Radio Cultural Coatán; church anmts from 0231-0242, then back to music. Closedown at 0300. Decent signal for 1 kW and this is probably my unID from the morning of January 17. (J Wilkins, CO)

Indonesia
1784.87v, Voice of Indonesia, 0839-0847, Jan 25. Easy-listening and ballads. Weak, clearly // 9526.0v (good). Do not recall them being regularly heard in parallel, isn't it normally one or the other? (R. Howard, CA)

9680, RRI Jakarta, 1000-1020, Jan 16. Kang Guru Radio English program #5807, talking about growing and the uses for cloves, interview with famous Indonesian motorbike racer who is only 17, several pop songs, their usual segment with song "That's What Friends Are For", fair, light QRM/WYFR. (R Howard, CA)

4869.94, RRI Wamena 1112-1130. Noted a male in the tailend of Indonesian comments. He is followed with bridge music and then a female in comments. At 1116 music is presented. Signal was fair. (C. Bolland, FL)

Malaysia
6049.68, Radio & Television Malaysia, 1013-1029. With a weak signal during the period, noted a male in comments, couldn't identify the language however; and noted music typical of the area. I thought I heard somekind of chanting around 1026, but could not be certain. At 1029, HCJB comes on the air blocking an already weak signal, which resulted in Malaysia's "wipeout".(C. Bolland, FL)

Mexico
4800, XERTA/Radio Transcontinental de America, 0317-0323, Jan 25. Assume preaching in Spanish, not the usual non-stop religious music, weak. Also 0539-0551, again with non-stop preaching, CODAR QRM. Also heard from 0939-1015, Jan 26, distinctive program of non-stop singing by children, in Spanish, clearly parallel to their live audio streaming http://www.xertaradio.com/transmision.htm (thanks to Mark Schiefelbein for noting this way for positively ID'ing them), still no ID heard, fair, decent strength, but some splatter from an unusually strong Brazil on 4805, CODAR QRM (R. Howard, CA)

9599.35v, Radio UNAM (presumed), Mexico City. 0535-0545, Jan 16. Conversation in Spanish, 0954 heard with classical music, weak. Frequency higher than usual (R. Howard, CA)

North Korea
6071.22, Voice of Korea, 1035-1049, Jan 16. Program in Japanese with Asian songs and music, best in USB, // 9650, both fair. This frequency is interesting in light of 6101.22 that I heard yesterday (R. Howard, CA)

Papua New Guinea
3290, Radio Central (tentative), 1007-1033, Jan 25. Indigenous music and singing, followed by series of conversations in vernacular, weak. Also heard 1059-1131 & 1155-1200*, news (seemed to be segment in vernacular and in English), 1105 DJ playing C&W songs (Islands In The Stream by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, etc.). Anthem before sign-off. Also from 1149-1159*, Jan 26, pop songs in English, Anthem at sign-off, CW QRM. Rare for me to hear them above threshold level. (R. Howard, CA)

3335, Radio East Sepik (tentative), 1201-1210, Jan 26. News in English (police report, etc.), weather (list of cities and they were all having "showers"), DJ playing pop songs, weak. (R. Howard, CA)

7325, Wantok Radio Light (tentative), 1030-1143, Jan 26. After the sign-off at 1030 of Radio France International, via Taiwan (their signal was much stronger than usual), heard signal at threshold level, could not make out the language of OM and YL's conversation, very slowly improving, so by 1058 could tell was religious programming in English (he seemed to have an accent) and segment of religious songs in English. (R. Howard, CA)

3345 Radio Northern 1117. Lively island and pop music. Including a remake of Abbas "I Have a Dream" Woman announcer program host after just about every song. 1256 end of Island song, then same woman announcer with station ID and closing announcement with frequency and morning sign-on time. Little top-of-the-hour tinkly melody at 1258. Still going at 1304. ( D. Valko, PA via HCDX 12 Jan.)

3290 Radio Central 1156 The Lady in Red by Chris DeBurgh. Woman announcer with very short closing announcement, including an ID, then instrumental national anthem from 1158-1159. Carrier still on at 1255 check. (D. Valko, PA via HCDX 12 Jan.)

3334.97 Radio East Sepik 1233. End of Rock-like song, then male announcer with talk 1234-1236, and possible live remote. 1238 back to music. Remote continued at 1239 with talk by child and male. 1245 studio male announcer after island song. 1247 Male announcer's phone caller, audio much stronger than announcers items. Reggae song at 1259. 1301-1302 studio announcer with possibly closing announcements and mentions of broadcast. 1302-1303, short instrumental national anthem, then NBC national news/ Program off at 1305:43*. Fair but a lot of CHU slop-over QRM. (D. Valko, PA via HCDX 12 Jan.)

Peru
4774.97, Radio Tarma, 1100-1115. Just tuning by and caught a live ID during comments as "Radio Tarma...". Then into Huaynos music. Usual CODAR interference on this frequency, but signal was still fair. (C. Bolland, FL)

Pirate
6925 Sunshine Radio. 2007-2021. 12 Jan 08. English. Soft rock and pop music presented by lady announcer. Signal S7/fair-good quality. (J Wood, TN)

6925 Grasscutter Radio. 1900-1932+. 12 Jan 08. Several IDs and music by artists Robin Trower, Rod Stewart, Billy Squire and others. First log of this station in quite a long time. Nice show! Fair-Good. (J. Wood, TN)

Saudi Arabia
15250 Radio Jeddah(Cumbre DX follow up) It was a switching error I heard yesterday. They still had English after 1200 today. 1144 with program in called Network Journal produced and presented by Rabia Hersey (as heard). Rabia and a male announcer (I have heard him on other programs, they both have American accents.) were talking about which Bluetooth device is best. At 1148 there was a new program, but I could not understand the title. It consisted of an interview with a man living in Saudi Arabia who had converted to Islam. This program ended at 1159. 5+1 time pips and then there was an ID for Radio Jeddah and news in English read by a woman. (H. Johnson, FL via DX Tuner/Sweden Jan 26)

Zanzibar
11735, Radio Tanzania-Zanzibar, 1757-1812, Jan 24. Non-stop African music and singing, yet again no Spice FM news today (R. Howard, CA)

Radio Gloria set for Sunday broadcast

Radio Gloria Internation this Sunday

Date 27th of January 2008,
Time 1300 to 1400 UTC
Channel 6140 KHz

The transmissions of Radio Gloria will be broadcast over the transmitting station Wertachtal in Germany. The transmitter power will be 100 000 Watts, and we will be using a non-directional antenna system (Quadrant antenna).
Good listening
(Source: Tom Taylor)

VOA Urdu Service drops all shortwave channels

VOA Urdu (Aap Ki Duniya) Service drops all SW channels
Sat, 26 Jan 2008
With effect from 28 January 2008 VOA Urdu Service (Aap Ki Duniya) is to discontinue all shortwave channels. The SW schedule was 0100-0200 7145 9740 kHz and in the evening 1400-1800 7495 9370 kHz 1800-1900 7425 7495 kHz. Most of the channels carrying Urdu service is moving to VOA DEEWA service specially the evening 7495 and 9370 kHz. From 28 January VOA Urdu service is available only on 972 and 1539 kHz MW. If you've any comments on this please write to urdu@voanews.com

(Source: DXAsia)

ABC-Australia and BBC sign deal with MySpace

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and its British counterpart, the BBC, have signed an agreement with MySpace allowing the use of their video content on the social networking website.

“The ABC and BBC deals ensure MySpace users are now able to add new clips from the best in local and international TV programmes to their profiles and continues the growing momentum of MySpaceTV,” MySpace.com Australia & New Zealand vice president, Rebekah Horne, said.

Ms Horne admitted one of the reasons behind the creation of the MySpaceTV network in 2007 was to provide users with a legal way of adding copyrighted material to their pages. “What we found was that there was a lot of interest in embedding video in their profile,” Ms Horne said. “So we’re out there sourcing content as an addition to what was being generated by users.”

Other content providers to have already signed with MySpace include National Geographic and sports company Rip Curl.
(Source: Australian IT/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

FCC approves Clear Channel buy out

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the buyout of US radio operator Clear Channel Communications by two private equity firms. The FCC, made up of three Republicans and two Democrats, voted to permit the acquisition of San Antonio, Texas-based Clear Channel by private equity firms Bain Capital Partners and Thomas H. Lee Partners for about $20 billion.

Commissioner Michael Copps said Clear Channel would divest 42 radio stations in the top 100 US markets under the agreement approved by the FCC.

But even though they voted for approval, Copps and his fellow Democrat on the FCC, Jonathan Adelstein, also expressed concerns about the deal. Copps said the agency should scrutinize the ownership of media outlets by private equity firms and how it could affect “our ability to ensure that broadcast licensees protect, serve and sustain the public interest.”

“If I had the ability to launch an FCC inquiry by dissenting to this transaction, I would,” Copps said.

Clear Channel said in December the pending buyout would close later than expected - in the first quarter of 2008, rather than before the end of 2007 as previously targeted - as it awaited regulatory clearance.

A spokeswoman for Clear Channel said on January 14 that the company had made a pre-merger notification filing with US antitrust authorities. Such filings are required by law to allow US antitrust enforcers to determine if deals violate anti-monopoly laws.
(Source: Reuters)

Australian DX Report # 82 available for download

A new episode, No. 82, January 25, 2008, of the AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT (ADXR)
shortwave news audio magazine is now available for downloading.


Produced by Bob Padula for the Electronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Association, this weekly internet news magazine is at the ADXR Website

http://livehouse.com.au/adxr

It runs to 14 mins, containing lots of professionally researched and sourced shortwave updated schedules, news, and monitoring data, unavailable in the public domain. It includes a special Spectrum Occupancy and Propagation Report, and some nice music.

Free E-mailed Subscriptions to the ADXR are available at the ADXR Website, or direct from:
http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=341027

By subscribing, you will receive E-mailed notifications to each new edition immediately they are released!

There is also a Podcast feed - details are at the site.
Regards from Melbourne, Australia!
Bob Padula

Weekend relays on 9290 kHz

Rob Leighton tribute program relay schedule via 9290KHz 100kw from Latvia and Baltics via 945KHz Riga and internet http://www.radionord.lv/

January 26th
9290KHz(100kw) 14.00 - 15.00UTC paralel on 945KHz Riga and http://www.radionord.lv/
Repeat 21.00 -22.00UTC only 945KHz Riga and internet http://www.radionord.lv/ 1 hour Rob made a programme for Radio Caroline test in 2003 via 9290.

January 27th
Latvia Today 14.00 -15.00UTC (via Radio SWH)
(Source: Tom Taylor)

Radio Netherlands Worldwide - Weekly Program Preview Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide's English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.

SATURDAY 26 JANUARY
*** The State We're In ***
This week on The State We're In a storm is brewing as a Dutch populist politician prepares to release a film anticipated to be provocatively anti-Islam. We gauge the anticipated reaction of Dutch Muslims and our listenership from both within and without the Netherlands.

In our focus on the right to privacy, human rights and data protection expert Professor D. Korff guides us through issues of, well, privacy, including a report on the return of communal public toilets in China. An Ethiopian woman shares her harrowing experience with a stalker.
And a study in which Dutch students pry very personal information from total strangers.

Plus we have a surprising report on how Chinese journalists manage to do real journalism despite - or even because of - government control.

And a Kenyan man caught up in the ethnic fighting there tells of his narrow escape from the mob.

And that's the State We're in.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1004 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1204 (Eastern N America 11675)
1804 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2004 (West Africa 11655)

Note that on Saturday we also run repeats of:

Reloaded on SW: 1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Curious Orange: 1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Earthbeat and Stories of the Twentieth Century: 1900 and 1930 respectively (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

SUNDAY 27 JANUARY
*** Stories of the Twentieth Century ***
War lords and communism, revolution, occupation, civil war and liberation, famine and a cultural revolution: the 20th century was especially turbulent for China.

In this week's edition of Stories of the 20th century, the family saga 'Wild Swans' describes China through the lives of author Yung Chan, her mother and her grandmother. Harvard historian Ross Terrill puts their stories in context.

*** Reloaded ***

Here's your chance to catch up with some of the highlights from recent programmes; the best, the most interesting or newsworthy, or sometimes the funniest, chosen by our producers and presented by Mindy Ran.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated: Saturday 1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

MONDAY 28 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Curious Orange ***
This week on Curious Orange:

Dutch Design is becoming more and more popular - so we'll find out what exactly it is and why it's so hip.

In politics, John Tyler will be in to give us the latest gossip from The Hague - apparently hackers are riding the rails for free and it might soon cost one parliamentarian her job.

Of course, Perro de Jong will be in - this week he turns his critical eye to coffee - and we'll dig back in the music archives for our featured artist: Herman Brood and His Wild Romance.

That's this week on Curious Orange.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1830 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated:
Wednesday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***
This week on The State We're In - Midweek Edition a storm is brewing as a Dutch populist politician prepares to release a film anticipated to be provocatively anti-Islam. We gauge the anticipated reaction of Dutch Muslims and our listenership from both within and without the Netherlands.

In our focus on the right to privacy, human rights and data protection expert Professor D. Korff guides us through issues of, well, privacy, including a report on the return of communal public toilets in China. An Ethiopian woman shares her harrowing experience with a stalker.
And a study in which Dutch students pry very personal information from total strangers.

That's what's in this week's The State We're In - Midweek Edition.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Radio Books ***

Saskia de Coster - 'Pulling a Crocodile by the Tongue'

The 31-year-old Flemish writer Saskia de Coster is already the author of three novels and is considered one of the big, rising talents in Belgium.
Her contribution to Radio Books has the rather enigmatic title 'Pulling a Crocodile by the Tongue'.

It's about a young woman, Emily, who's just moved to a new house with her two dogs. She's clearly having problems adapting to her new surroundings - even emptying her boxes is too much for her. So does her weird, meandering telephone conversation with a stranger calm her down or exacerbate her melancholy and her despair?

'Pulling a crocodile by the tongue' is read by Ginger Da Silva.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Friday 1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

THURSDAY 31 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Earthbeat ***
This week on Earthbeat, we hear of the land grabs in China and how they're affecting ordinary citizens - the country's spectacular growth has meant that cities are swallowing surrounding rural land at an unprecedented rate. But how is that land being appropriated? Sigrid Deters went to the city of Jingdao to talk to people who are watching the bulldozers coming towards their houses they don't want to leave - they still have the keys to their homes, but not much else.

And in Zanzibar, parents are turning to madrassa nursery schools - not to indoctrinate their toddlers, but because they're offering the best pre school education around.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Network Europe ***

A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their unique take on the events shaping the week.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
(R Netherlands)

BE Snags Audio Vault Order as India Radio Grows

A private broadcaster in India will use Broadcast Electronics’ AudioVault system for its 45 FM radio stations.

“The studio automation systems are part of a larger acquisition of end-to-end BE studio and transmitter products supplied to Sun TV in the past year due to the expansion of FM privatization in India,” BE said.

Sun TV is the parent company of Kal Radio Ltd., South-Asia FM Ltd., and Udaya FM Ltd. The AudioVault will be integrated with MusicMaster music scheduling software for on-air and production operations.
Technomedia Solutions represents BE in India
(Source: RW Online)

BBC staff member under fire for stunt

By James Macintyre
Friday, 25 January 2008


The BBC fell into further introspection and controversy last night after an internal report revealed a member of staff posed as a competition winner and another entrant's name was invented on radio shows presented by Russell Brand and Jo Whiley.


The report's findings, handed over to the BBC Trust yesterday, came as part of a "trawl" for breaches of "editorial standards" after BBC programmes from Comic Relief to Blue Peter were caught up in last year's "annus horribilis" across the broadcasting industry.
Tead more from the Independent Media at:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/bbc-under-fire-after-staff-member-posed-as-radio-competition-winner-773955.html

Hobart Radio's DX Extra program ready for download

Dear SW Listener,

It's time again for the DX Extra shortwave news show, which is released early. Of course you can download or stream this podcast!

In this show: (Jan 28th - Feb 10th)

* New sun spot cycle
* Chinese OTHR Jammers
* AFN caught up in crossfire
* Bulgaria after your views
* And new NIST station to East Coast, USA.

To listen at 192kbps MP3: http://www.hriradio.org/DXExtra2.mp3

Also go to the DX Extra webpage: http://www.hriradio.org/dx.htm there is last fortnight's podcast, as well as a lovely picture of an Australian Defence Force OTHR Radar from Western Australia.

Does anyone need a dial up low bit stream?
Cheers,
Robb Wise,
Manager.

Hobart Radio International
http://www.hriradio.org

2007 Clandestine Shortwave Broadcasting Activity Survey

News release from Mathias Kropf

During the year 2007 the activity of political clandestine stations broadcasting on shortwave has increased by 4.8 % to 1321 Weekly Broadcasting Hours (WBHs). This is way below the record 2384 WBHs measured in 1990, but still up from the all-time low of 1116 WBHs in 1999.

Activity of clandestine stations broadcasting to target areas on the Asian continent has increased by 7.9 % to 939 WBHs and activity to target areas on the American continent has also increased by 11.4 % to 215 WBHs. On the other hand, activity to target areas on the African continent has dropped by 15.2 % to now 167 WBHs.

The three most active target areas worldwide are China with 240 WBHs (+40 when compared with last year), Cuba with 215 WBHs (+22) and North Korea with 196 WBHs (+14).

The number of different target areas active worldwide has dropped sharply from 24 in the previous year to only 18 at the end of 2007. While no new target areas have emerged during the past 12 months, the following target areas that were still active one year ago are now thought to be inactive: Maldives, Libya, Sudan, Uganda, Gambia and Cameroon.

Mathias Kropf has compiled this list annually for many years. He can be contacted by e-mail at 100144.232@compuserve.com .
Source: NASB Jan. 2008)

Blog Logs

Thanks to Ron Howard , Hans Johnson and Chuck Bolland for the following shortwave loggings.

Gayle VH

All times UTC

Algeria
6025, Radio Algerienne (presumed) via Woofferton,UK 0522-0600*, Jan 24, must be the RTA Algeria Qur`an Service in Arabic, Islamic programming (Islamic music, reciting from the Qur'an, talking about Islam), started out fair and slowly went downhill. First time I have noted them here (R. Howard, CA)

China
9750, PBS Nei Menggu, 0743-0802, Jan 24, // 7270 (fair), in assume Mongolian, played variety of music (traditional Asian music, modern Western orchestra music, indigenous chanting and singing, etc., unusually good reception till strong *0755 of NHK. Under 7270 heard a station sign on at about 0800, in French (Radio Gabon?), but Nei Menggu dominated. (R. Howard, CA)

Indonesia
4750, RRI-Makassar (presumed), 1008-1042, Jan 24, in BI, pop songs, segments of reciting from the Qur'an, holding up well against CNR-1, has been a while since I last hear this above threshold level. (R. Howard, CA)

9526.0v, Voice of Indonesia, 0803-0846, Jan 24, in English, 15 minutes of news, talking about languages, segment on technology, into "Music Corner", started out poor, with continually improving signal, ended up with good reception. From 0943-0955 heard clearly parallel with 11784.87, which was weak but in the clear, program of Asian music. (R. Howard, CA)

Malaysia
6049.64, Asyik FM via RTM, 1043-1132, Jan 24, in vernacular, program of indigenous chanting/singing, "Asyik FM" singing jingle, after ToH DJ playing pop songs, mostly fair, usual light het, best in LSB. (R. Howard, CA)

Mexico
4800, XERTA (presumed), 0340-0502, Jan 23, non-stop slow tempo, soft religious music & choir singing, signal improving after 0415 to almost fair, at 0435 brief announcements in Spanish by OM and YL, did not seem like an ID, then back to music, usual CODAR QRM. The best I have heard them in many years, but then the overall reception conditions were well above normal. Conditions not as good on Jan 24 and this was not heard at all. (R. Howard, CA)

Peru
5486.70, La Reina De La Selva,(presumed) 1048-1100 The noise is terrible this morning. But with a very weak signal, I noted a program of music and a male in Spanish comments here. At my local area, we are fogged in, creating a lot of moisture on and around my antennas. I am wondering if this might be causing all of the local noise? Anyway, the entire shortwave spectrum from 4 MHz to 6 MHz, sounds the same with hardly any signals. I have compared the signal between four different antennas with the same results. Selva still remains audible during the period, albeit very poor. (C. Bolland, FL)

Russia
5960 and 7330, Radio Tikhiy Okean, Vladivostok, Jan 24, continues to be off the air from *0935-1000* (R. Howard, CA)

South Africa
15675 Southern Sudan Interactive Radio Instruction Thanks tips, tuned in via DX Tuner Netherlands. 1405 tune in, I heard a teaching programming in English. Doorbell chime "Teacher, ask the learners to say ..." There would be a pause and the next instruction would be given with the same chime as an alert. I could not hear anything on the listed // of 15390. I also tried 15445, which is used for other transmissions, but I could not hear anything there, either. A video showing the children learning through what I believe is this radio program is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1imvMVmOeE. Closing announcements said that lessons are given on M/W/F morning and repeated on Tu/Th/Sa afternoons. ID as above and off at 1430. (H. Johnson, FL Jan 22)

Zimbabwe
4828, Voice of Zimbabwe (presumed), 0238-0325, Jan 24, non-stop soul/gospel type singing in English, seemed to be the same singer for all the songs, not the usual African high-life music, mostly fair, CODAR QRM, no announcements of any kind (R. Howard, CA)

HD Radio - 'Slowly But Surely'

Leslie Stimson is the News Editor and Washington Bureau Chief for Radio World.

It’s good to see more receiver makers debuting their first HD Radio products; and I was heartened to learn about the 50 or so HD-R-related products on the show floor, compared to around 20 new items last year.

Broadcast engineers tell me they see steady progress; I heard the phrase “slowly but surely,” more than once.

But it’s hard to gauge how far receiver makers will take the technology. Some are excited; but others feel the rollout is slower than expected. It’s notable that one, Boston Acoustics, doesn’t have a follow-on to its Recepter HD, the first IBOC tabletop.

We’ll have to see what other big automakers do now that Ford has committed to upgrading its HD-R support, from a dealer-installed option to standard (or a factory-installed option in some cases) in calendar 2009.
(Source: RWOnline)

Post nuclear broadcasting from BBC Radio 4

For much of the last half of the twentieth century Britain, along with many parts of the world, faced possible annihilation by nuclear weapons.

While the population at large were being advised to hide under the tables and cover their windows with sheets, the BBC was preparing for post-Armageddon.

A string of secret bunkers across the country, many of them used during war time days, were converted into subterranean studios.

Play lists were drawn up, presenters given scripted announcements and producers issued with sets of keys.

If anyone was still alive to listen ‘Auntie’ would be there to entertain and inform them.

Mike Thomson goes in search of the hidden bunkers, the people told to staff them and a secret safe said to contain the unreleased running orders for what was to be called ‘Radio 10’.
Listen to the latest edition at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/document/document_20080204.shtml

Update on Slovak medium wave

SLOVAKIA
ince January 20 2008 there are only three active MW transmitters in Slovakia:
702 kHz - Presov 100kW
1017 kHz - Rimavska Sobota 50kW
1098 kHz - Nitra 50kW (F.Pl. 100kW)
Schedule (UTC):Mon-Fri 0700-1700, Sat 0600-1800, Sun 0600-1900
Program: Patria (for national minorities)
A swift decision made by the Slovak government in January, ceased operation of the following transmitters:
567 kHz Rimavská Sobota
567 kHz Zilina
621 kHz Horná Lehota (Orava)
864 kHz Cadca
864 kHz Snina
900 kHz Velky Slavkov (Tatry)
927 kHz Cizatice
1017 kHz Bratislava
1035 kHz Banská Bystrica
(Source: Karel Honzik, via HCDX)

Somoan Public Radio Sale

Media Release
Radio Heritage Foundation
http://www.radioheritage.net/

Samoan Public Radio Sale

The script of our recent [RNZI Mailbox, January 21, 2008] radio documentary on the future of public radio in Samoa and reflections on past experience of privatization in the Cook Islands and American Samoa is now online at www.radioheritage.net.

Plans to sell the SBC's AM, FM and TV stations have been heralded for some 20 years, and, finally, in the station's 60th anniversary year, privatization seems likely.

"Samoan Radio Sale" considers the state of SBC, its competition on the Apia airwaves, and similarities with the contemporary radio dials in Pago Pago and Avarua. It also looks at the importance of maintaining the expensive but vital AM transmitters for cyclone and
other natural disasters.

With the arrival of bright and breezy public radio from Radio Australia on the FM dial in both Apia and Avarua in recent months, perhaps local public radio in Samoa and other islands is now being replaced by free radio services coming from outside the region.

The Pacific Plan suggests that new radio services are needed across the region as part of a digital future. The BBC, Radio France International, China Radio International and Radio Australia all
provide free public radio via local FM outlets in more and more islands as discussed in the article at http://www.radioheritage.net/.

Radio broadcasting across the entire region is fragile in many ways, and whether the sale of Samoa's SBC to private commercial operators will highlight this fragility even more in the coming months remains to be seen.

Public, commercial and community broadcasters together face major technology, content, economic viability, media freedom and audience challenges, similar to those facing stations in Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.

"Samoan Radio Sale" is one of a series of articles about contemporary radio issues across the region being released by the Radio Heritage Foundation during the coming months.

A Pacific Radio Conference organized by the Radio Heritage Foundation to consider the challenges ahead is in preliminary planning. This will be held in Wellington, New Zealand on September 28-30 2008.

You can listen to a podcast of the documentary by visiting Radio New Zealand International www.rnzi.com, and click on the audio for the Mailbox program for January 21 2008.

[The Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit organization operated entirely by volunteers. It carries out research and publishing into connected aspects of radio heritage and popular culture across the entire Pacific region. Contact details are at http://www.radioheritage.net/. Media contact: David Ricquish, Chairman. Email: info@radioheritage.net . Requests for permission to reprint the article are welcomed.]

(Source: Radio Heritage Foundation)

Best of the Best - DX newsletters

Today's focus on Best of the Best, features what is considered by Shortwave Central, as the best newsletter available to DXers. The newsletter includes the latest news and observations, plus logs, frequency updates, QSLing and information on publications available. Shortwave Central wishes continued success to DX Window and the fine folks from the Danish Shortwave Club International. To update our readers and newcomers the following includes the DX Window policy.
Gayle Van Horn


The DX-Window is a bi-weekly electronic newsletter made for members of the Danish Shortwave Club International. Its content is mainly based upon loggings and other information from our own members, but in a few cases extraordinary news from other DX-ers are included. Thus we depend on YOUR contributions which should be sent to the editor. Please use our format and add your last name in brackets after each item. All times are UTC and frequencies in kilohertz.

The DX-Window primarily deals with news and loggings of rare shortwave broadcasting stations, particularly domestic services. It must be news compared to our latest Domestic Broadcasting Survey. The editor is free to ”cut hard” and bring only the hottest items, he receives. Ordinary loggings mentioned in the latest edition of the DX-Window will normally not be mentioned next time. Because of that, please use the latest two editions when you are DX-ing!

Reproduction of single items from the DX-Window is allowed, provided that due credit is given to the contributor and to the DX-Window.

The DX-Window is distributed in three versions:

A) By e-mail as an attachment in .doc-format with all original graphics, or
B) as a large e-mail in .txt-format where the graphics may be missing, but with no attachment.
C) Can be downloaded from our website http://www.dswci.org/members/index.html .
You can get your copy changed to another version at any time, or unsubscribe, just by telling the distributor.

Loggings or schedules of regularly heard stations should NOT be sent to the DX Window. Such loggings can be sent to our SW tips editor Klaus-Dieter Scholz at logs@directbox.com Schedules are welcomed by the editor of World News, Noel R. Green at http://www.dswci.org/members/contact/contact_noel.html

Danish Shortwave Club International website:

http://www.dswci.org/

Ethiopian government denies intentional jamming

There are reports that Ethiopian authorities are jamming some international radio broadcasts, a charge the Ethiopian government denies. The stations allegedly affected are the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) and the Voice of America (VOA). The chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, Hassan Shire Shiek, says the Ethiopian government has created stations to deliberately disrupt the signals of DW and VOA's Amharic and Oromifa programs. Shiek, who is currently in Toronto, Canada, told VOA reporter Douglas Mpuga that the Ethiopian authorities are denying the people what he called their basic right to know what is going on in their country. He says the situation centers on the coverage of the controversial May 2005 elections, the Ogaden crisis and the Ethiopian government's involvement in Somalia.

"The government has been cracking down on democratic forces, including legitimate voices of the Ethiopian people, such as civil society, political leaders and media houses," he said. He added, "To deny the Ethiopian people the right to information, they (the Ethiopian government) have started targeting international broadcasters -- the only source of independent information." Shiek said, "Ethiopian involvement in Somalia is increasingly being questioned following the displacement of close to a million people and the highlight of grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Mogadishu. So the (Ethiopian) government has become jittery."
But the Ethiopian government spokesperson, Zemedkun Tekle, described the allegations as baseless. Zemedkun told VOA that jamming international radio broadcasts is against [Ethiopian] government policy. "Maybe it is technical
problems, but we are not aware that any broadcasts are being jammed. Those are utterly baseless allegations."

Together, VOA's and DW's Amharic language broadcasts reach some 20 million listeners in Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea and hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians in the United States, Europe and other parts of Africa. VOA also
broadcasts to Ethiopia in the Orofima and Tigirinyi languages. (Douglas Mpuga, Washington, DC, Jan 16 at http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2008-01-16-voa42.cfm via Gupta)
(Source: DX Window #342 via Anker Petersen,DSWC Int'l)

Blogs Logs

The following logs are a sampling of those from the latest DX Window. Thanks to Anker Petersen.

Gayle VH

Argentina

Radio Baluarte and Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel are off air. I chekeed these stations a few days in the past weeks with bad results. (Slaen, Jan 15)

Bolivia

4545.396, Radio Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza, Potosi, 1030-1040, Jan 15, weak audio. (Wilkner). Also heard 2322-2325, Jan 14, Spanish talk, 14321. (Méndez)

4865, Radio Logos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 2254-2308, Jan 14, hymns, 2300 ID: "Usted sintoniza en 4865 kilociclos Radio Logos, desde Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia", 34333 - 24322. (Méndez)

Brazil

5955, Radio Gazeta, São Paulo, SP, 0515-0525, Jan 19, Portuguese ID: “Rádio Gazeta”, Brazilian pop selections all sung in Portuguese. It seems that the station was off since Dec 2007, 43333. Off again at 0135 on Jan 20. (Bobrowiec)

6010, Radio Inconfidencia, Belo Horizonte, MG, 0757-0815, Jan 15, Portuguese talk about São Paulo, ID: "Inconfidencia". Interference from La Voz de tu Conciencia and Radio Mil, 12221. (Méndez)

11785, Radio Guaíba, Porto Alegre, RS, 2118-2120, Jan 14, Portuguese football reports, 34333. (Méndez)

11815, Radio Brasil Central, Goiânia, GO, 2110-2115, Jan 18, news bulletin, comments, “..programa ..en los estudios..”, music and ID: “Aquí..Brasil Central..”, 34433. (Romero)

Canada

6160, CKZU, Vancouver, received this e-mail Jan 09: The future of CKZU is currently being evaluated. There is a distinct possibility that the operation could close. However a final decision has yet to be made, and will depend in part on whether the FM application is approved and the new service is implemented. At this point a "wait and see" approach is best. Thank you again. Kim Belle, CBC Audience Relations, cbcinput@toronto.cbc.ca . (Howard)

China

6060, Sichuan PBS-2, Chengdu, 1050-1133, Jan 16, Chinese programming, 1100 pips, traditional Chinese music // 7225, both fair. Noticed that at 1100 and 1130 the usual program IDs in English for "This is the Voice of Golden Bridge" were not given. Recently have not heard that ID at all. Possible change to their program schedule? Regarding Roland Schulze's question in DX-Window no. 339: "More than 15 kW ?": For several years now I have found it hard to believe that this station is only the listed 15 kW. Admittedly I am less than an expert on such matters, but common sense tells me that such a distant station could not be heard by me with such a decent signal on a fairly regular basis with only 15 kW. (Howard). WRTH 2008 only lists 10 kW, but who knows ? (Ed)

Croatia

Winter B-07 schedule of HRT HS-1 in Croatian via Deanovec(100 kW, non dir.) to Western Europe and North Africa:0557-0856 on 6165, ex 0457-0856; 0857-1356 on 9830, no change; 1357-2156 on 6165, ex 1357-2356; 2157-0556 on 3985v only 010 kW, ex 2357-0456. (Ivanov, via BC-DX and Gupta, Jan 09)

Indonesia

Sunrise time in Indonesia Timurat around o6oo local time results in good reception in the late evening hours in Uganda i.e. on 4790 RRI Fak-Fak, Jan 07, with “Radio Indonesia Timur, Fak-Fak” with local news at 2130 with 45544 (1kW transmitter). At the same time the signal strength of the RRI Wamena station on 4869.9 was a bit weaker with 35533 (0,5 kW). I thought the medium wave stations also would radiate after the sign off of the powerful East African stations from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda at 2100/ 2110, but they did not come through. I am quite sure though, that reception must be possible on good days anyway, time will show when I am back there… (Schliephacke)

9680, RRI Jakarta, 1000-1020, We Jan 16, Kang Guru Radio English program #5807, talking about growing and the uses for cloves, interview with famous Indonesian motorbike racer who is only 17, several pop songs, their usual segment with song "That is what Friends are for", fair, light QRM/WYFR. (Howard)

Mali

9635, Radio Mali, Kati, Bamako, 0814-1320, Jan 13 and 15, reactivated after a few years' time, Vernacular talks, Malian songs, news, obituary (t) in progress at 1230, French at 1300 for newscast, 55544; silent on 7285v and 11960. (Bueschel and Gonçalves)

Mexico

9599.3, XEYU, Radio UNAM, 2250-2310, 0535-0545, 0838-1039 and 1330, Jan 10, 14, 15 and 16, classical music, ID: "El favor de su atención, Usted escucha Radio UNAM, 860 Khz. Amplitud modulada.", 1330 RFI news relay, 45444-35433. (Howard, Korinek and Méndez)

Taiwan

9745, Voice of Han Broadcasting Network, Kuanyin, 1322, Jan 07, talks in Chinese, nice pop songs, co-channel QRM Bahrain, on better USB. (Liangas)

Vietnam

6165, Voice of Vietnam-4, Hanoi (p), 1035-1100, Jan 09, noisy talks and music in UNID language. (Bolland)

(Source: DX Window #342 via Anker Petersen,DSWC Int'l)

All India Radio special programming for Republic Day Celebration

All India Radio will broadcast following special programmes in connection with the Republic Day Celebrations.

25 Jan 2008 (Fri) - 1900 IST (1330 UTC) onwards : President's Address to the Nation. 9835, 9575, 5015, 6030, 6085

26 Jan 2008 (Sat) - 0920 IST (0350 UTC) onwards : Running commentary on the Republic Day Parade and Cultural Pageant from Rajpath
Hindi Commentary : 9595, 11620, 15020
English Commentary :6085, 9950, 11585,15050

29 Jan 2008 (Tues) - 2200-2230 IST (1630-1700 UTC) Radio Report on 'Beating Retreat' ceremony. 7140, 9835, 9575, 6085

Note : 9950 via Aligarh, 15050 via B'lore, all other freq's via Delhi.

Consequent to the above special broadcasts there will be changes/cancellation in the schedule of National bulletins in Regional languages, Hindi/English News & Current Affairas programmes.

All stations of All Indi Radio will relay at least one of these programs.
Reception reports to: spectrum-manager@air.org.in
Or can be submitted online at :
http://www.allindiaradio.gov.in/recepfdk.html
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India)

All India Radio - English service

Effective to 30 March 2008

Broadcast daily unless otherwise indicated
All times UTC

Target Areas: af (Africa) as (Asia) eu (Europe) pa (Pacific)

0000-0045 9705.0as 9950.0as 11645.0as 13605.0as 11620.0as
1000-1100 7270.0as 13710.0pa 15020.0as 15235.0as 15260.0as 17510.0pa 17800.0as 17895.0pa
1330-1400 9690.0as 11620.0as 13710.0as
1400-1500 9690.0as 11620.0as 13710.0as
1530-1545 7255.0af 9820.0af 9910.0af
1745-1800 7410.0eu 9445.0af 9950.0eu 11620.0eu 11935.0af 13605.0af 15075.0af 15155.0af 17670.0af
1800-1900 7410.0eu 9445.0af 9950.0eu 11620.0 eu 11935.0af 13605.0af 15075.0af 15155.0af 17670.0af
1900-1945 7410.0eu 9445.0af 9950.0eu 11620.0eu 11935.0af 13605.0af 15075.0af 15155.0af 17670.0af
2045-2100 7410.0eu 9445.0eu 9910.0pa 9950.0eu 11620.0eu 11715.0pa
2100-2200 7410.0eu 9445.0eu 9910.0pa 9950.0eu 11620.0eu 11715.0pa
2200-2230 7410.0eu 9445.0eu 9910.0pa 9950.0eu 11620.0eu 1715.0pa
2245-2300 9705.0eu 9950.0as 11620.0as 11645.0as 13605.0as
(Source: Gayle Van Horn-Teak Publishing/Monitoring Times-SW Guide via Jose Jacob DX India DX Group & Daniel Sampson/PTSW)

Decision Extends Radio Station HCJB's Shortwave Broadcasts

HCJB Global Voice in Ecuador has been granted an extension to continue using its shortwave radio antennas that are scheduled for dismantling and removal from the mission's international transmission site near Pifo, a town 18 miles east of Quito.

The extension postpones, for at least six months, removals that the station agreed to two years earlier with the Quito Airport Corporation (CORPAQ) to make way for a new international airport. Once the new facility is completed, some of the shortwave station's antenna towers could obstruct the approach of landing planes. "Specifically, this means that we can continue broadcasting on two shortwave frequenc es to Brazil," said Doug Weber, radio director for the Latin America Region. "Two frequencies allows us to better cover Brazil. With two, we can cover both north and south Brazil. This allows us to continue to cover Brazil well." The mission agreed that 30 towers would be removed by December 2007. The first phase of dismantling, initiated in early 2006, saw 18 towers lowered.

HCJB Global's engineering staff was poised to remove 12 more towers in the second phase. But Weber was informed that CORPAQ granted the mission's request for continued use of those 12 towers, along with 18 others that will not impede approaching aircraft.

"It also means we can continue with test transmissions of digital shortwave signals to Europe and other countries while opening the way to digital shortwave broadcasting to Brazil," Weber said, adding that while European listener replies to the digital broadcasts are few, the listeners report a strong signal. "We're very thankful to the Lord for letting us continue with these ministries," he said. HCJB Global Voice is conducting German-language digital shortwave broadcasts as a member of Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a global consortium of broadcasters, broadcasting associations, network operators, manufacturers, research institutions, regulatory bodies and others. In addition, on Saturday, Jan. 26, the pioneer missionary broadcaster will inaugurate a daily, one-hour DRM program stream in Portuguese created especially for the digital shortwave format. Weber said the programs will be recorded by staff members at the HCJB Global-Brazil office in Curitiba.
(Source: HCJB Global via Alokesh Gupta, India)

Weekly Radio Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 Jan 22 1923 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
14 - 20 January 2008

Solar activity was very low. No flares were detected. The visible disk was spotless.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during each day of the period.

The geomagnetic field was unsettled to active on 14 January with minor to major storm periods detected at high latitudes. Activity decreased to quiet to unsettled levels at mid latitudes during the remainder of the period. However, active to minor storm periods were detected at high latitudes during 15 - 19 January. A brief major storm period was also detected at high latitudes on 19 January. ACE solar wind observations indicated a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream was in progress during the period. Solar wind velocities were variable throughout the period with a range of 533 - 763 km/sec. IMF Bz was also variable throughout the period in the + 6 nT range. IMF Bt readings were elevated during the period with a peak of 8.0 nT observed at 14/0406 UTC.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
23 January - 18 February 2008

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 23 - 27 January and 03 - 18 February.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be quiet during 23 - 31 January. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels on 01 - 02 February due to the onset of a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 03 - 04 February as the high-speed stream gradually subsides. Quiet conditions are expected during 05 - 08 February. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels during 09 - 10 conditions are expected during 11 - 13 February as coronal hole effects subside. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during the rest of the period.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 Jan 22 1923 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html


# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 Jan 22
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 Jan 23 70 5 2
2008 Jan 24 70 5 2
2008 Jan 25 75 5 2
2008 Jan 26 75 5 2
2008 Jan 27 75 5 2
2008 Jan 28 80 5 2
2008 Jan 29 80 5 2
2008 Jan 30 80 5 2
2008 Jan 31 80 5 2
2008 Feb 01 80 15 4
2008 Feb 02 80 12 4
2008 Feb 03 80 10 3
2008 Feb 04 75 10 3
2008 Feb 05 75 5 2
2008 Feb 06 75 5 2
2008 Feb 07 75 5 2
2008 Feb 08 75 5 2
2008 Feb 09 75 15 4
2008 Feb 10 75 15 4
2008 Feb 11 75 10 3
2008 Feb 12 75 10 3
2008 Feb 13 75 8 3
2008 Feb 14 70 5 2
2008 Feb 15 70 5 2
2008 Feb 16 70 5 2
2008 Feb 17 70 5 2
2008 Feb 18 70 5 2
(NOAA)

Blog Logs - Papua New Guinea

3235, Radio West New Britain, Kimbe, 1245-1304, Jan 14, DJ with island-type songs, a longer talk at 1304 that seemed like it may have included an ID. Poor, not much above the noise floor. (Schiefelbein, via NASWA)

3290, Radio Central, Boroko, 1106-1159*, Jan 12 and 16, Island pops, "The Lady in Red" by Chris DeBurgh, closing ann including an ID, then instrumental National Anthem 1158. Carrier still on at 1255 check. (D. Valko, PA/Cumbre DX)

3315, Radio Manus, Lorengau, 1240-1400, Jan 20, pop ballads, then "You are my Inspiration" by Chicago, 1244 mention of Papua New Guinea, 1300 Time check, mention of NBC and Papua New Guinea. Usual bird call then native music signature, and into NBC English news to 1303, then immediately back to oldies, maybe relaying NBC. (D. Valko, PA/Cumbre DX)

3334.97, Radio East Sepik, Wewak, 1233-1305*, Jan 12, Rock-like song and talks, island song, phone call, Reggae, 1300 closing ann, short instrumental National Anthem, then NBC national news. Fair but a lot of CHU QRM. (D.Valko, PA/Cumbre DX)

3345, Radio Northern, Popondetta, 1117-1305*, Jan 12, lively Island and Pop music, including a remake of Abbas "I Have a Dream", ann, ID and closing ann with frequency and morning s/on time. Little tinkly melody at 1258. (D.Valko, PA/Cumbre DX)

3345, Radio Northern, 1206-1213+, Jan 22, English/vernacular. Pop mx by Blondie, ballad by Bette Midler w/ ancr in lang b/w selections. Poor, still audible on subsequent re-checks. (S. Barbour-NH)

3905, Radio New Ireland, 1215-1233, Jan 22, tentative English. Continuos lite pop mx w/ ancr b/w selections. Tentative "You are listening to..." announcement at 1217. F/out after BoH Poor w/ mild USB chatter. (S.Barbour-NH)

3905, Radio New Ireland, Kavieng, 0818-0824, Jan 20, local pop music, talks, 24322. (Bobrowiec)

3289.98, Radio Central, 1143-1200*, Jan 22 English. Island mx at t/in w/ ancr b/w selections. "Lady in Red" followed by "You are listening to National BC Corporation..." ID at 1156. Brief mx and ancr into NA at 1159. Poor. (S. Barbour-NH)
(DX Window #342 via Anker Petersen DSWC & Cumbre DX)

Radio St Helena 40th Anniversary Specials

SAINT HELENA
Radio St. Helena has a "limited amount“ of RSH 40th Anniversary Memorabilia available. Products and prices are as follows in Sterling:
Tee-shirt (in sizes S,M,L,XL,XXL) £4.00
Magnet £1.50
Key ring £1.50
Bottle opener style key ring £3.00
Coaster £3.00
Postage is £2 for one T-shirt to post airmail. The other smaller items would cost £1 postage (for one item). If you order more than one of the small items (like key rings), it would cost £1 for the first small item plus an additional 20pence per 20grams for the other small items ordered.

Shortwave listeners MUST e-mail Laura Lawrence, RSH Station Manager at Station.Manager@helanta.sh , saying when and how they have sent the money, then RSH can confirm this with the Bank, and then RSH will post the items.

Note: The Buyer MUST be certain to pay all charges involved. Possible charges may include charges for:
-- conversion of his money to Pounds Sterling and
-- transferring the money to the United Kingdom.
----------------------------------------------------
If sending money from INSIDE the United Kingdom:
----------------------------------------------------
Receiving Bank: Lloyds TSB Bank, 39 Threadneedle Street, LONDON, EC2R 8AU, UK
UK Sort-Code: 30-00-09. Beneficiary Account Name: Bank of St. Helena. Beneficiary Account Number: 02936318 .
Reference: SHNMS, A/C No: 20619002 with your Name. Note: This reference MUST be included; otherwise payment will not be made. Be sure to include your name.

----------------------------------------------
If sending from OUTSIDE the UK please include:
-----------------------------------------------
BIC Code: LOYD GB 21013. IBAN Code: GB29 LOYD 300009 02936318. Note: It is advisable not to mention that the funds are for onward transmission to St. Helena, as this may cause confusion at your sending bank. (Laura Lawrence via Kipp, Jan 09 and 19)
(DX Window #342 via Anker Petersen DSWC)

RFI relay station in Gambia off the air

The FM relay station of Radio France International in Banjul, Gambia, on 89.0 MHz has been off the air since 15 January, reports The Point. According to WRTH 2008, this FM transmitter is shared with the BBC. It isn’t clear whether BBC transmissions are also affected.
(Source: The Point/R Netherlands Media Network)

KREX TV Fire Coverage

The historic building housing the studios and offices for KREX-TV inGrand Junction Colorado, was destroyed by fire today. The fire broke out around8:30 AM and was still burning at 5:00 PM. KREX is a CBS affiliate. Thebuilding apparently also housed the local Fox TV affiliate. The buildingwas reportedly built in 1951. Here is a link to some photos of the fire:http://www.9news.com/9slideshows/KREX-TV%20Fire%20-%20Jan.%2020,%202008/

(Source: Patrick Griffith, Westminster CO)

ELCOR Radio Reference List

Finnish DXer, Jari Savolainen has posted the following information on the ELCOR Reference Lists for Radio Broadcast Transmitters website.

http://www.elcor.org/references.html
Listing the AM/SW/FM transmitters delivered by Elcor, Costa Rica. Unfortunately only in country-order, no years specified. On shortwave page, one 50kW marked Ideas, Kenya is most
probably the one installed at New Site in southern Sudan, which made some low power tests couple of years ago (Voice of New Sudan). Transported to Sudan via Kenya.
(Source: Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland via Cumbre DX)

Radio Havana testing on 11750 kHz

This just in from Arnie Coro of Radio Havana Cuba. Tanks very much.
Gayle VH

Radio Havana Cuba is testing to Europe from Havana with 100 kW
11750 kHz
From 2000 to 2300 hours UTC
2100 to 2300 UTC in Spanish

Please send reports to:
inforhc@enet.cu

73 and DX
Arnie Coro
Host of Dxers Unlimited

Radio Verdad 8th Anniversary Special QSL

The evangelical shortwave station Radio Verdad (Radio Truth) from Guatemala, 4.0525 MHz, will celebrate its 8th Anniversary in February, with a new commemorative QSL card. For more information visit the station's web page at: http://www.radioverdad.org/
Regards and very good dx!!!
Please communicate this to all DXers!!!
(Source: Risto Kotalampi via HCDX/edited by Gayle Van Horn)

Thanks to Joe Wood for reminding us that Radio Verdad has a very good record when it come to verifying reception reports, as well as enclosing pennants and other station goodies.

English or Spanish reports with mint stamps or currency may be directed to:

4 Ave 2-24
zona 1
Apartado Postal N° 5
20901 Chiquimula
Guatemala

Website: http://www.radioverdad.org/
Email: verdad@intelnett.com

(address via World QSL Book)

Blog Logs

Thanks to Hans Johnson, Arnaldo Slaen, Harold Frodge, and Chuck Bolland for the following shortwave loggings
Gayle VH

All times UTC - // parallel frequencies

Australia
9500, 1035-1105 Noted a religous station here during period. Not sure of the language being broadcast? At about 1051, a seaonal song heard. At 1056 other music heard. This time it's Hindu type music making me think I am listening to CVC out of Australia. However my current list from Eibi says CVC comes up at 1100 not 1000. Female talks in Hindi after and during the music. Station is taking over the frequency as it's signal improves. Heard "CVC" in comments on the hour by female. Heard "Bollywood" mentioned during music. So this must be that via Australia. (C. Bolland, January 4, 2008)

Bahrain
9744.6 Radio Bahrain (via DX Tuner Sweden) Heard at 2000 with news in Arabic. ID by man during actuality on Pakistan. Pretty decent signal but had to tune in LSB as there was a station on 9745. (H. Johnson, FL Jan 5)


Bolivia
6079,94 Radio San Gabriel, La Paz, 0245-0300, January 01, Spanish/Aymara. Special transmission for New Year. Andean songs and local advertisements by male/female announcers in Aymara and Spanish. Greetings noted as: "......felicidades y saludos para....", SINPO 22432 (A. Slaen, Argentina)

Botswana
12080 La Voix du Amerique.(Voice of America relay) 2014, 4-Jan. Male announcer in French with commentary and playing Cuban music tunes. SIO=4+43+ noted with utility signal burst. (H. Frodge, MI)

Brazil
4935 Radio Capixaba, Vitoria, ES, 0007+, January 01. Portuguese religious programm conducted by male to brief Christian vocals and talk. SINPO 24332. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

Chad
4905 Radio Nationale/Radiodifusion Tchadienne/Radio Chad. 2150-2222+. 3-Jan. Top-of-the-hour station I as "RN" without Tchadienne. Male announcer mentioned Rdf Tchadienne at 2211 as part of a commentary and mentioned Sudan. "Radio Chad" noted at 2217. Male/female announcers discussion to 2153, followed by native vocals to 2200Full station identification, news and commentary until 2220 then more native music. Additional news and commentary to close at 2220 with mention of "internationale" several times. SIO 4+43+. USB minimizes swiper QRM. (H Frodge,MI)

China
9500, China National Radio One, (presumed)1035-1103 Noted a female and male in Chinese comments during the period. A second station is on the frequency causing QRM. It seems to be a religious station in unknown language. CPBS has a poor signal. Still audible at 1103, but barely with CVC covering now. (C. Bolland, FL January 4, 2008)

Clandestine
from site to Cuba 5955 Radio Republica (tentative) I tuned in at 2310 and heard nothing but Spanish and English pop and rock music until 0000. Best tune I heard was one from Rush at 2327. I could not hear any jamming on this frequency tonight. I just heard an open carrier after 0000, I can't tell you if they perhaps signed off sometime after this point as the station was fading. Just a weak carrier when I tuned out at 0019. (H.Johnson, FL FL Jan 10-11)

Kazakhstan
7460 Voice of Orthodoxy 1640 (via DX Tuner Sweden) Much better today with the audio steady. A bit of hum was all I heard but the signal was good. Man and woman talking in Russian. 1658 chorus signing. ID in Russian was partially cut off by gongs/bells sound effect. 1659 dead air and off. (H. Johnson.FL Jan 4)

Kuwait
11990 Radio Kuwait 1802 (via DX Tuner Sweden)tuned here after checking RTZ. Caught male announcer mentioning that 11990 was for Europe and North America. Religious programming today as I heard the program, "The Spread of Islam." Pop music before five minutes of English news at 1830, then more pop music.(H. Johnson, FL Jan 4)



Madagascar
11655 Radio Netherlands Worldwide relay. 2020-2030+, 4-Jan. Network Europe program with English features from Radio Polonia, Raido Sweden & one from RNW about the Amsterdam mayor's plan to shut down the red light district. Program closed with French vocals. English news at 1830. SIO 4+54. (H Frodge, MI)

North Korea
6285, Voice of Korea, 1127-1135,In here with music until 1130 when a female interrupts with ID and comments. Language being used sounds like English, but the signal is so distorted, it is impossible to recognize for sure. At 1134 a male comments. Signal was good in strenght but had a terrible distortion as mentioned earlier. (C. Bolland, FL January 6, 2008)

Peru
9720, Radio Victoria, 1020-1030 I tried 6020 for Victoria and although I could hear
them there, it was almost impossible. Here on 9720, their signal is loud and clear at this time with a female in Spanish comments to a male. This possibly a testimonial of the female. At 1029 canned promos and ID's. Signal collapses into the splatter by 1031 resulting in a fair signal becoming a poor to threshold signal. (C. Bolland, FL January 4, 2008)

5939,29 Radio Melodia, Arequipa, 0232+, January 01. Spanish. Announcers station ID as, "....en Radio Melodia........con un cordial saludo para don....". SINPO 24332
(A. Slaen, Argentina)

6173,86 Radio Tawantinsuyo, Cusco, 0236+, January 01, Spanish. Peruvian huaynos music to announcers time check and station ID as; "...las 9 de la noche con 42 minutos ....Radio Tawantinsuyo...". SINPO 33422. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

6173.81, Radio Tawantinsuyo, 1103-1115 Noted a very weak signal here this morning with a female in Spanish comments between musical selections. Not much music heard beyond 1108 however just steady comments from the female. I think she was joined by a male around 1112, but can't be sure. The signal was threshold with loads of splatter on the frequency. (C. Bolland, FL January 6, 2008)

Tanzania
11735 Radio Tanzania Zanzibar 1758 (via DX Tuner Sweden)In reviewing the various logs of this one, it seems that they are back now after being off in late December and that the relay of Spice FM is now heard everyday. It had been irregular in late November and early December. (H.Johnson, FL Jan 4)

Thailand
8743USB Bangkok Meteorology Radio, Bangkok, 0954-0958. January 12, English. Station Interval signal and report by male announcer. SINPO 25432.// 6765 kHz in USB with SINPO 14431. (A Slean, Argentina)


USA
5050 Scriptures for America (via WWRB) I first noticed this during the 0000 hour on Jan 15, but didn't have time to stay with it. I checked again tonight at 2353, but they were not on yet. Checked back at 2358 and they were on with above program. WWRB ID at 0000, but the program was from 2005 with Pete Peters talking about how this was a new broadcast via WWCR 4. I don't recall Pete Peters of Scriptures for America being on WWRB before. I couldn't find any information on these broadcasts on either his site or WWRB's. (H. Johnson, FL Jan 15-18)

Venezuela
4939,96 Radio Amazonas (p), Puerto Ayacucho, 0215+, January 01. ¿language?. Romantic and Latin vocals in Spanish. SINPO 24332. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

Russia's Radio Tikhiy Okean off the air ?

Thanks to Ron Howard for sending in the following observations on Radio Tikhiy Okean and the QSL card graphic. Ron also included a Real Audio clip which has been placed in our Audio Archive.

Gayle VH

RUSSIA 5960, Radio Tikhiy Okean/Radio Pacific Ocean, Vladivostok. Not heard during their normal broadcast time (*0935-1000*), nor on 7330, forboth Jan 19 and 20. Checked on this as a result of Chuck Bolland reporting to me that he had not heard them since last week. On Jan 5, he had reported a major change in their usual program format.

Have they changed frequencies or more likely, are they off the air? Their website: http://www.ptr-vlad.ru/tv&radio/listen/, which in the past was fairly current, now has audio files that are out-of-date, October21 being the most recent date listed (and working), but the live audio streaming for AM 810 is not available. Sent an e-mail to their technical department engineer (Alexey Giryuk) asking what is the situation there. Thanks to Chuck for the tip! (Ron Howard - CA)

Followup on the Africa Cup of Nations

Thanks to Ron Howard for the followup from my previous post on Africa Cup of Nations.
Gayle VH

The following is a brief excerpt from The Guardian (Nigeria). Full story at:
http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/media/article01//indexn2_html?pdate=140108&ptitle=Our%20position%20on%20the%20prohibitive%20broadcast%20rights%20fee%20on%20African%20Cup%20of%20Nations

Our position on the prohibitive broadcast rights fee on African Cup of Nations
By Abubakar B. Jijiwa
Monday, January 14, 2008

WE are once again at the threshold of another important continental fiesta, the African Cup of Nations, which holds every two years and is now been acclaimed as Africa's highest and biggest event.

As media practitioners, our commitment to its success goes beyond that of cheering spectators or fans of competing national teams whose interests are limited to their teams winning the tournament.

0For us in the media, we must provide the platform through which the public can read, listen and view the signals of the 32 football matches that will hold in Ghana between January 20 to February 10, 2008.

Consequently, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), being the umbrella association of all public and commercial radio and television stations in the country, wishes to use this opportunity to state our position on the current impasse that could inhibit the transmission of the forthcoming MTN African Cup of Nations holding in Ghana by radio and television stations in Nigeria.

Africa Cup of Nations on the BBC

BBC World Service will be in the heart of Ghana to bring what promises to be most extensive coverage yet of the Africa Cup of Nations to millions of football fans across Africa and the world.


Our three-week coverage from the biggest sporting event on the continent began Friday 18 January and the highlight of the day was the much anticipated announcement of Emmanuel Adebayor as the BBC's African Footballer of the Year 2007 on the BBC's English for Africa sports programme, Fast Track.

The BBC's 60 million weekly listeners in Africa will hear match commentary on the radio and special reports capturing the vibe and excitement of Ghana 2008 in a range of programmes while globally, special programming includes the dedicated 10-minute morning programme Africa Cup of Nations Daily, at 04.20 and 07.20 GMT, and two special editions of the interactive programme World Have Your Say Wednesday 30 January and Friday 1 February at 18.00 GMT.
Please note, that due to rights restrictions the BBC World Service cannot carry any commentary from the tournament online.
Read more on this story at BBC Radio World Service at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/080116_african_football_coverage.shtml

DXers Unlimited weekend edition January 19-20

Radio Havana Cuba
Dxers Unlimited - weekend edition for 19-20 January 2008
By Arnie Coro, CO2KK

Welcome to the weekend edition of your favorite radio hobby program, coming to you via short wave and also from our streaming audio source at www.radiohc.cu... We are also offering the opportunity of reading scripts of the program at several Internet short wave listeners, amateur radio and antennas topics e-mail distribution lists and also at our website too... go to www.rhc.cu click on English and then go to Dxers...

Here is Item One: The forecast about solar activity you heard during the mid week edition is holding up pretty well, and solar activity continues to be very low, with the ionospheric absorption index reaching also rather low values... Solar flux is hovering around … 70 to 75 units. , and the sunspot count has stayed at extremely low levels, actually at ZERO , no sunspots for the past 7 days in a row!

Item Two: Those Dxers Unlimited's listeners that have built different versions of the Micro Vert ultra compact HF antenna have sent e-mail messages telling me that the antenna is providing good reception of the adjacent international short wave broadcast bands, next to the amateur band for which the Micro Vert was actually designed and built r... For example, the 20 meters band Micro Vert, a controversial antenna design by any standards, is providing good reception of both the 19 and the 22 meter shortwave broadcastdo bands, while at the same time letting the owner both monitor and also transmit on 20 meters...although all users report that signals transmitted using the MicroVert are from minus 6 to minus 10 dB below a standard half wave reference dipole.

The 30 meters band Micro Vert is providing, again according to reports received here from listeners that have built them, good reception on the 31 and 25 meters international short wave broadcast bands...And that's something nice to know, because many of those who have built these antennas tell me that the Micro Vert was the easiest to build and lowest cost solution to the challenge of installing a short wave antenna at a location with very restricted space space available for a short wave antenna... This is a very small antenna, that can be installed almost anywhere…

Item Three: Changing his radio’s power source from a wall wart plug power supply to a very well built, fully filtered and regulated DC supply changed the way a Dxers Unlimited's listener receiver worked.

And now here is our technical topics section for today... How to choose the right type of coaxial cable for your antenna system... so that you won't waste money buying expensive cables when you really don't need them... For example, TV cable companies use several types of 75 ohm coaxial cables that are ideal for amateur radio and short wave listening use, as well as for VHF band scanning... Because the world's production of TV type 75 ohm coaxial cable is so huge as compared with the production of 50 ohm impedance cable, 75 ohm coax is much cheaper while providing the same or even higher quality on a per unit length cost basis. That's why I use 75 ohm cables at my amateur radio station for practically all applications... and I can assure you that receivers won't see any difference at all, and in the case of transmitters , a very simple impedance adapter is needed only with solid state outpur transceivers or transmitters, it is the only additional thing needed...

My old vacuum tube transceiver, a Kenwood TS820, doesn't even need the impedence converter , as it happily runs with 75 ohm coaxial cables easily matched by the rig’s output stage PI network. Si amigos,yes my friends, oui mes amis... whenever you have a chance of obtaining 75 ohm coaxial cable,just grab it !!! It works quite well, and for all practical purposes, it will do the job.. There are even some large diameter low loss 75 ohm cables used by the TV cable industry that will make ideal transmission lines for your VHF , UHF and low band microwave antennas, and typically the TV cable company technicians will gladly provide radio amateurs with the short ends of the big drums of cable !!!

I am very happy to say that we are operating our 100kW shortwave transmitters during our nightly broadcasts on the following frequencies, 11760, 9600 and 9550, 6060 and 5965 kiloHertz ... of those five frequencies only 6060 is in English beaming to the East Coast of North America,, and the other four are broadcasting our Spanish language program to Latin America, so if you want to polish your Spanish, pick them up and enjoy our nightly magazine show to Latin America and the Caribbean.

You can send your signal reports to me and I will relay them to our Chief Engineer ,and to our transmitting station staff for them to enjoy... Send your signal reports and comments about the audio quality too to arnie@rhc.cu, again arnie@rhc.cu , or VIA AIR MAIL to Arnie Coro, Radio Havana Cuba, Havana, Cuba...

And now amigas and amigos, just before going QRT here is our exclusive and not copyrighted HF plus low band VHF propagation forecast...Solar activity is very low, and will almost surely continue at a very low level for the next several days... Solar flux number to be used for short term HF forecasting using propagation analysis software is around 75 units... Expect very good DX conditions on the AM broadcast band, the Tropical Bands on 120, 90 and 60meters and the international short wave broadcast band on 49 meters. Radio amateur operators will enjoy nice DX on 160, 80 and 40 meters during the local evening hours... VHF openings via sporadic E if any , will be almost non existent, and if they happen they will be very short lasting... See you all at the mid week edition of Dxers Unlimited, next Tuesday and Wednesday UTC days, and don't forget to send your signal reports and comments about the program to arnie@rhc.cu via E-Mail, or VIA AIR MAIL to Arnie Coro, Radio Havana Cuba.

NIST Eyes East Coast Version on WWVB

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is considering setting up a U.S. East Coast low-frequency radio station broadcasting NIST time in binary code format to complement the present NIST 60 kHz, WWVB broadcast.

“The proposed new East Coast broadcast will operate with the same time code format as the present WWVB signal, however at a different carrier frequency, potentially at 40 kHz,” John Lowe, the WWVB station manager, told RW.

Eight years ago, the power of the WWVB broadcast out of Colorado was increased from 13 kW to 50 kW and has since been increased to 70 kW, he said; but “even at this power level there are locations on the East Coast that have difficulty consistently receiving the time code.”

Some advocates say an East Coast broadcast would make the time code easier to receive, increase sales of radio-controlled clocks and spur development of radio-controlled timing devices in appliances and other consumer products. Lowe is seeking comments about the possibility and asks that readers write to him. His e-mail address is lowe@boulder.nist.gov .

(Source: RWOnline/WWVB)

European Music Radio relays

EMR Relay + internet service

All times UTC

Date 20th of January
Time 13.00 to 13.30
Channel 6140 kHz


Our January 2008 programme will be available at the following times on http://www.emr.org.uk/

Sunday 20th January 2008
13:00 - 13:30
15:00 - 15:30
18:00 - 18:30
21:00 - 21:30

Monday 21st January 2008
13:00 - 13:30
15:00 - 15:30
18:00 - 18:30
21:00 - 21:30
(Source: Tom Taylor)

CBS on the Air Shortwave From Philadelphia

by Adrian Petersen

During the radio era before World War 2, there was quite a movement here in the United States, and in other countries throughout the world also, to establish shortwave relay stations in an endeavor to give wider broadcast coverage. At the time, television was a concept and not a reality, and FM radio was still a distant dream. The mediumwave band was not overcrowded though the mediumwave signal generally gave only local coverage. However, shortwave transmissions could give wide area coverage within the country, and even international coverage on a much wider scale.

Many mediumwave stations in the United States established shortwave relay transmitters during the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s to carry their programming to distant listeners. In fact, it is estimated that there have been somewhere around one hundred shortwave stations on the air in the United States during the past eighty years, and probably more than half of these were active during the pre-war era.
Read more on this story from Radio Heritage Foundation at:
http://www.radioheritage.net/Column9.asp

Polish Radio Euro to launch in May

January 17th, 2008

Polish Radio is opening a new multi-media channel, Polish Radio Euro, especially for the occasion of the European Football Championships organized jointly by Poland and Ukraine in 2012. The channel will focus predominantly on sport and education and it will replace Polish Radio Bis, or Channel Four.

The new radio is scheduled to be launched in mid-May and its first major broadcasts will be the coverage of European Football Championships this year in Switzerland and Austria.
(Source: Poland.pl via Media Network Blogs via Md. Azizul Alam Al-Amin, Bangladesh)

Changes at Radio Pakistan

4835 Radio Pakistan, Islamabad, at 1715-1805* UTC on Dec 17, Urdu talks with music bridges, 1800 Time annmt, three short time pips, news before close, 35232.
(Roland Schulze-D, dswci DXW Jan 9)

Here are details I've received of the changes at Radio Pakistan. All other World Services not mentioned continue as before, as I assume does English News & Commentary at 1600-1615 UT. The World Service to West Europe now starts at 0830-1100 UT followed by four mins of English as usual on the same 15100 & 17835 kHz as monitored.

All times UTC

The following External Service will be discontinued w.e.f. 5th Jan, 2008.
S.No. Service Transmitter.
1. Assami API-3 UTC 0045-0115 7445
2. Arabic API-3 1815-1900 6280
3. Tamil I & II API-3 0315-0345 & 0945-1015 both 15620
4. Turki API-3 1330-1400 5050
5. English for WeEurope API-5 & 6 0730-0830 15100 & 17835
(Urdu opens 0830 UT)
6. Nepali API-3 1245-1315 7445
7. Sinhali API-3 1015-1045 15620
8. Turkish API-3 1630-1700 6240
9. Russian API-3 1415-1445 9395

The following services will continue with some changes in the timings and the
duration. The detail is as under:

S.No. Service Existing Timing New Timing T/R Frequency
old(PST) new(PST) (kHz)
1. Hindi-I 0715-0800 0715-0800 API-3 7445
0215-0300 no change 7445
Hindi-II 1600-1645 1530-1630 API-3 7445
1030-1130 (x1100-1145) 7445
2. Bangla-I 0615-0700 0615-0700 API-3 7445
0115-0200 no change 7445
Bangla-II 1700-1745 1700-1745 API-3 7445
1200-1245 no change 7445
3. Pushto 1000-1045 1800-1900 API-3 5050
1300-1400 (x0500-0545) 5050 (x6235)
4. Dari 2015-2045 1930-2030 API-3 5050
1430-1530 (x1515-1545) 5050
5. Irani 2215-2300 2200-2300 API-3 5050
1700-1800 (x1715-1800) 5050
6. Gujrati 0900-0930 0900-0930 API-3 9350
0400-0430 no change 9350
7. Chinese 1700-1730 1700-1800 API-5&6 9380 & 11570
1200-1300 (x1200-1230) 9380 & 11570
(Noel R. Green-UK, wwdxc BC-DX Jan 12)

The press reports appear to contain nothing concrete about installing new shortwave transmitters, so the reorganization of the language services seems to be another waste of effort (or a hit into the air, as we say in Swedish). (Olle Alm-SWE, wwdxc BC-DX Jan 13)

The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has decided to retain and reinforce its external service broadcasts in Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Pushto, Dari, Persian and Chinese languages.

A meeting chaired by Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and attended by Director General PBC Javed Akhtar and senior officials discussed the contents of the services to be continued with improved content, quality and strong transmission signals, a press release issued said.

The contents of the program of these services will be improved in line with the international broadcast partners with more emphasis on news and current affairs along with entertainment, it added.

Simultaneously there would be readjustment of broadcast transmitters and the services would be relayed through powerful transmitters to improve the signals of the broadcasts.

A decision to revamp the external services of Radio Pakistan was taken last year. It was decided that there should be a thorough review of the external services broadcasts and wherever needed these services must be strengthened and in other cases they should be discontinued.

The decision to revamp the external services will improve the quality of broadcasts of the essential services and convey the message from Pakistan to overseas listeners.

The secretary assured that the staff which has become surplus due to revamping would be absorbed in other services of Radio Pakistan and no one would be made jobless.
(AP PAK, Jan 10; via NWDXC)
(Source: WWDXC Top News, BC-DX #843 via wb, Germany)

A closer look at Voice of Kurdistan

Clandestine
Radio "VOK" is the first free radio for the Kurds. It was established in Sep 28, 1963 during the September revolution of the Kurdistan. The radio station was formed with the order of the KDP president Mustafa Barzani, the leader of September revolution. At the beginning, the equipment's used were a number of old military wireless sets joint together to form a short wave sender. The center of broadcasting was a cave deep in a Kurdistan mountain Salah-Addin north of Erbil. The radio station was a target of Iraqi air force for many years. A number of technician, editors and guards were killed by these air attacks. The radio was and is still running by the KDP. The Program of "VOK" consists of News, opinion of KDP, Kurdish culture and music.
With best regards, Alex Atroushi
KDP - Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iraq. KDP Information Office
Website: http://kdp.se/ http://kdp.nu/
(Rudolf Sonntag-D, A-DX Jan 13)

6335 Voice of Kurdistan in English. 13 Jan 2008 at 1607 UT noted a station in English under very heavy digital noise on 6335 kHz. Seems like end of news with ID "Voice of ...". Into non stop easy English pop songs. Some brief announcements but mainly music. At 1630 UT "News in brief". Only couple of items, mostly mentioning Baghdad and Iraq. Back to music. Ending English around 1657 UT with two ID's, which sounded like "Voice of Kurdistan". After that into possibly Kurdish with ID "Dengi Kurdistan". Still continues at 1725 UT as writing this. A new name for VO Iraqi Kurdistan or maybe a "Foreign Service" using VO Kurdistan name?
(Jari Savolainen-FIN, DXplorer Jan 13)

6335 Voice of Kurdistan in English. Jari, When I verified Voice of Iraqi Kurdistan last year through the Kurdistan Democratic Party-Iraq Washington, DC office, they referred to the station as "Radio station VOK (Voice of Kurdistan)." When I wrote back asking about the name, I did not receive a reply. Alex Atroushi mentioned: "The radio was and is still running by the KDP. The Program of "VOK" consists of News, opinion of KDP, Kurdish culture and music."
Perhaps they have been using the name Voice of Kurdistan for a long time?
(Rich D'Angelo-PA-USA, DXplorer Jan 14)
(Source: WWDXC Top news, BCDX #843 via wb, Germany)

Correspondence may be directed to:
Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran
Storgården 50
SE-58644 Linköping
Sweden
(Source: World QSL Book/Teak Publishing)

Blog Logs - Brazil

All times UTC // parallel frequencies

4805 Radio Diffusion Amazonia 2320 ID in Portuguese followed by music, SIO: 333 (Dec 15 2007)

4865 Radio Verdes Florestas. Often the strongest from Brazil these days. Between 0030 and 0130 with church service in Portuguese. At 0131 ID by man. SIO: 344 (Jan 6)

4925 Radio Educacao Rural, Tefe-Am, at 1030 with short newscast by man and sports. Then ID as: "Radio Rural". The modulation contained a bit of echo. SIO: 434 (Jan 5)

4965 Radio Alvorada 2305 Portuguese, station ID, talk SIO: 322 (Dec 18 2007)

5035 Radio Educacao Rural Coari 1031. Brazilian music followed by ID by female. Into more music. SIO: 434 (Jan 5). (Zeljko Crncic-D touring in Quito-Ecuador, wwdxc BC-DX Jan 11)

4805 Radio Difa do Amazonas, Manaus AM, 2201-2219, 12 Jan. Football match report. Botafogo vs Atletico. Bad audio. SINPO 44433 with CODAR QRM.

4885 Radio Club do Para, Belem PA, 1917-2020, 12 Jan, Football news and program advertisements. Match reports. SINPO 25332 but rated 45433 at 2000.

4915 Radio Difa, Macapa AP, 2020-..., 12 Jan. Newscast. SINPO 34432.

4925 Radio Educacao Rural, Tefe AM, 2316-2328. Advertisements, talks and station , IDs. SINPO 24342, CODAR QRM.

4985 Radio Brasil Central, Goiania GO, 2327-2345, 12 Ja. Program Os Idolos de Todos os Tempos to advertisements. SINPO 54434, \\ to 11815.

5045 Guaruja FM, Presidente Prudente SP, 2336-2344, 12 Jan. Program chat to music. Advertisements and SINPO 34332.

9505 Radio Record, Sao Paulo SP, 2229-2250, 12 Jan. Interview about theatre and performers and plays. SINPO 34433.

9565 Radio Tupi, Curitiba PR, 2234-2244, 12 Jan. Live religious program featuring miraculous healings hosted by a certain David Mirand. SINPO 45433.

9615 Radio Cultura, Sao Paulo SP, 2237-2253, 12 Jan, Brazilian songs and references to "RADAR Cultura", a feature in Radio Cultura webpag. SINPO 35433.

9675 Radio Cancao Nova, Cachoeira Paulista SP, 2241-2253, 12 Jan, religious program with religious oriented folk style songs and religious quiz. SINPO 55444. Also observed 1152-1330, 13 Jan. Sermon, songs and talks. SINPO 45433. Ajacent QRM from 1300 onwards.

9695 Radio Rio Mar, Manaus AM, 1156-1335, 13 Ja. Religious sermon and talks. Songs and SINPO 25431, weakish audio.

11735 Radio Transmundial, Sta Ma RS, 1158-. 13 Jan. Advertisements for religious books. Full station ID and frequency announcement. News program Actualidades. SINPO 34433.

11784.6 Radio Guaiba, Pto Alegre RS, 2220-2232, 12 Jan. Talks about football prior to the match. SINPO 34422. Ajacent QRM from Radio Nacional da Amazonia 11780.

11815 Radio Brasil Central, Goiania GO, 1238-1359, 12 Jan. Football news and info. SINPO 35443. Also 2217-2235, same day.

11925 Radio Bandeirantes, Sao Paulo SP, 2208-2225, 12 Jan. Football match results, news, advertisements. SINPO 35433. Also noted at midday but very weak and always getting QRM.
(all 15 de Carlos Goncalves-POR, wwdxc BC-DX Jan 15)
(Source: WWDXC Top News-BC DX #843, via wb, Germany)

New 100kW AM transmitter planned for Marathon, Florida

The Broadcasting Board of Governors - Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) has issued a tender for the supply of turnkey services to upgrade the power distribution system at its Marathon Transmitter Station in the Florida Keys. Work involves upgrading one of two existing electrical power services provided by the public utility service to better accommodate the planned installation of a new 100kW mediumwave transmitter system.
(Source: FedBizOpps/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

New QSL Cards of Japan SW Club

We are starting to issue new QSL card symbolizing the Year of the Mouse in the
12 zodiac signs. For the first 20 reports we will issue hand-painted cards, instead of normal printed ones. So please hurry in sending in your reports, directly to me.
Toshimichi Ohtake, 5-31-6- Tamanawa, Kamakura 247-0071, Japan.

JSWC DX reports are heard in Wavescan program of AWR on the first Sunday (next time Feb 03. Ed) and DX Partyline of HCJB on the 4th Saturday. These program are also heard through WWCR and WRMI. (Toshimichi Ohtake, Kamakura-JPN, JSWC / dswci DXW Jan 9)
(Source: WWDXC Top News, BCDX #843 via wb, germany)

SOS Radio Week continues

SOS Radio Week started on 19 January. This is an opportunity for amateur radio operators from the UK and Ireland to recognise the invaluable work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and to raise money to assist with the Institution's running costs.

The event is organised by members of the Southport and District Amateur Radio Club. It concludes on the RNLI's own fund raising day, SOS Day, on 25 January.

Several operators and groups are registered as taking part in this event, so if you hear any stations calling 'CQ SOS Radio Week', please go back to them as they will be sponsored for every contact they make.

It is not too late to take part yourself. Simply download a sponsorship form and some log sheets from www.sadarc.org.uk, get sponsored and operate for just one day or for the remainder of the event. Every penny really does count. Alternatively, you can make a donation to the event from the site using any debit card.

Further details can be obtained from Derek Hughes, G7LFC, telephone 01695 573870, or by email to derek@g7lfc.co.uk .
(Source: RSGB)

Lunar Echo Experiment looking for participants

Posted on the Free Radio Net. Listen and report to MARE!

ChrisSmolinski
posted January 17, 2008 19:39

Lunar Echo Experiment looking for Amateur Radio Participants (Jan 17, 2008)

-- The HF Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska and the Long Wavelength Array (LWA) in New Mexico are planning an additional lunar echo experiment for January 18-19. Interested radio amateurs are invited to participate in this experiment by listening for the lunar echoes and submitting reports. On January 19, listen on 6.7925 MHz from 0500-0600 UTC, and on 7.4075 MHz from 0600-0700 UTC. On January 20, listen on 6.7925 MHz from 0630-0730 UTC, and on 7.4075 MHz from 0730-0830 UTC (depending on frequency occupancy at the time of operation, it may be necessary to adjust the frequency slightly). Based on previous experiments, investigators believe it should be possible to hear the lunar echoes with a standard communications receiver and a simple 40 meter dipole antenna. The format for the transmissions will follow a five second cycle beginning on the hour and repeating
continuously.

The HAARP transmitter will transmit for the first two seconds. The next three seconds will be quiet to listen for the lunar echo. Then HAARP will transmit again for two seconds, repeating the cycle for one hour. In the second hour, this five second repetitive cycle will be repeated at a different frequency. All transmissions from HAARP will be CW (no modulation). Depending on ionospheric conditions, it may or may not be possible to hear the HAARP transmission directly
via skywave propagation. Since HAARP will not be using any modulation, set your receiver on to CW mode to hear HAARP and the lunar echo.

Investigators are interested in receiving signal reports from radio amateurs who may be able to detect -- or not detect-- the lunar echo or the transmitted skywave pulse from HAARP. Submit reports via e-mail, and list your call sign and the type an location of your receiving equipment and antennas.
http://www.arrl.org/?artid=7958

(Source: Harold Frodge)

Worldwide Family Radio relays Part 2 of 2

USA [non] Winter B-07 Schedule of YFR Family Radio Relays.
[ARMENIA/ASCENSION ISL/GERMANY/HUW Huwei-TWN/MADAGASCAR/MOLDOVA/RUSSIA/
SOUTH AFRICA/THS Tanshui-TWN/TAJIKISTAN/UAE/U.K.]

Part 2 of 2

All times UTC

South Asia
0000-0100 on 15195 TSH 300 kW in Taiwan Hindi
0100-0200 on 15195 TSH 300 kW in Taiwan English
1200-1300 on 5900 IRK 250 kW 152 deg English
1230-1330 on 12010 DHA 250 kW 085 deg Bengali
1300-1400 NF 11930 WER 500 kW 090 deg English from Jan.15,x13700
1300-1400 on 15770 WER 500 kW 090 deg Marathi
1300-1500 on 13820 WER 500 kW 075 deg Bengali
1400-1500 on 5900 SAM 250 kW 117 deg Gujarati
1400-1500 on 5970 SAM 250 kW 140 deg Kannada
1400-1500 on 6020 SAM 250 kW 140 deg Telugu
1400-1500 on 7340 IRK 250 kW 224 deg Nepali
1400-1500 on 7475 DB 100 kW 137 deg Tamil
1400-1500 on 9355 KCH 300 kW 110 deg Gujarati
1400-1500 on 9855 DHA 250 kW 105 deg Marathi
1400-1500 on 11830 WER 500 kW 090 deg Kannada
1400-1500 on 13840 WER 500 kW 105 deg Pashto
1400-1500 on 15115 WER 500 kW 090 deg Telugu
1400-1500 on 15520 DHA 250 kW 090 deg Hindi
1400-1600 on 5920 TCH 250 kW 240 deg English
1400-1600 on 7175 ARM 300 kW 110 deg Urdu
1400-1600 NF 11930 WER 500 kW 090 deg Hindi from Jan.15,x13700
1400-1700 on 5865 DB 100 kW 135 deg Hindi
1500-1600 on 5900 SAM 250 kW 117 deg Punjabi
1500-1600 on 6280 TSH 300 kW in Taiwan English
1500-1600 on 7340 IRK 250 kW 224 deg Marathi
1500-1600 on 9665 WER 500 kW 075 deg Punjabi
1500-1600 on 9800 WER 500 kW 085 deg Gujarati
1500-1600 on 11560 HUW 300 kW in Taiwan Hindi
1500-1600 on 11830 WER 500 kW 075 deg Urdu
1500-1600 on 12015 DHA 250 kW 090 deg English
1500-1600 on 15115 WER 500 kW 090 deg Tamil
1600-1700 on 6070 ARM 300 kW 110 deg Punjabi
1600-1700 on 6280 TSH 300 kW in Taiwan Hindi
1600-1700 on 7295 NVS 250 kW 195 deg Urdu
1600-1700 on 9405 WER 500 kW 090 deg Hindi
1600-1700 NF 9485*WER 500 kW 075 deg Urdu fr Jan.15, x11830
1600-1800 on 11815 WER 500 kW 075 deg Punjabi
1700-1800 on 9405 WER 500 kW 090 deg Nepali
1700-1800 NF 9705 WER 500 kW 075 deg Urdu, x11830
* strong co-ch Radio Liberty in Avari/Chechen/Cherkassi

North Africa
1700-1800 on 11685 JUL 100 kW 175 deg Arabic
1800-1900 on 9845 NAU 500 kW 160 deg Arabic
1900-2000 on 9500 WER 500 kW 150 deg Arabic
1900-2000 on 9685 DHA 250 kW 285 deg French
2000-2100 on 9465 WER 500 kW 150 deg Arabic
2100-2200 on 5970 WER 500 kW 150 deg Arabic

North West Africa
2000-2100 on 9670 WER 125 kW 195 deg French
2200-2300 on 6010 WER 500 kW 195 deg French

West Africa
1900-2000 on 9695 WER 500 kW 210 deg French
2000-2200 on 9610 WER 500 kW 210 deg Arabic
2000-2200 on 15195 ASC 250 kW 065 deg English
2030-2130 on 5965 RMP 500 kW 180 deg French
2200-2300 on 5960 WER 500 kW 210 deg Arabic

West Central Africa
1900-2000 on 9770 WER 500 kW 180 deg French
1900-2200 on 9480 NAU 500 kW 180 deg English
2000-2100 on 9595 WER 500 kW 180 deg French
2100-2200 on 7305 WER 500 kW 180 deg French
2200-2300 on 7305 WER 500 kW 180 deg English

Central Africa
1600-1700 on 15260 MEY 250 kW 330 deg Portuguese
1600-1700 on 15325 WER 500 kW 165 deg English
1800-1900 on 11665 NAU 500 kW 165 deg English
1830-1930 on 17660 ASC 250 kW 085 deg French
2115-2315 on 11875 ASC 250 kW 065 deg English

East Africa
1500-1600 on 13660 WER 500 kW 150 deg English
1600-1700 on 9590 MDC 250 kW 320 deg Swahili
1600-1700 on 11845 WER 500 kW 135 deg English
1600-1700 on 11635 WER 500 kW 150 deg Amharic
1600-1900 on 9885 WER 500 kW 135 deg English
1700-1800 on 6045 DHA 250 kW 225 deg Amharic
1700-1800 on 11635 WER 500 kW 150 deg Swahili
1800-1900 on 9770 WER 500 kW 135 deg Amharic
1800-1900 on 11805 MDC 050 kW 320 deg Swahili
1800-1900 on 9435 WER 500 kW 150 deg English
1800-2000 on 7395 MDC 250 kW 320 deg English
1900-2000 on 9660 MEY 250 kW 019 deg Swahili
1900-2100 on 6020 MDC 050 kW 255 deg English

South Africa
0500-0600 on 9845 MDC 050 kW 280 deg Portuguese
1600-1700 on 6000 MEY 100 kW 076 deg Portuguese
1700-1800 on 21680 ASC 250 kW 085 deg English
1900-2100 on 3230 MEY 100 kW 005 deg English
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX Jan 17)
(Source: DX Mix #504 via wb, Germany)

First Lady Talks to VOA About Afghanistan's Future

PRESS RELEASE - Washington, D.C., January 17, 2008 - In an exclusive interview with the Voice of America (VOA) at Georgetown University, First Lady Laura Bush talked about her hopes for Afghanistan, the assassination of Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto, and her own plans after leaving the White House.

Mrs. Bush, a teacher and librarian herself, told VOA, "I think education is the single most important function that the government can provide…because it will make all the difference for the next generations of Afghanis." She added that that "there is a huge need for basic infrastructure: for roads, so that remote areas of Afghanistan can be joined to the rest of the country, clean water, food, shelter...all of those are basic necessities that the international community can help and has helped."

Speaking about Pakistanis who had supported Benazir Bhutto, Mrs. Bush said, "I stand behind people reaching out for democracy, and also I grieve for the life of Bhutto and I send my condolences to the people of Pakistan."

After leaving the White House, Mrs. Bush said that she plans to devote her time to the Bush Library and that she hopes to continue her commitment to helping Afghanistan "for the rest of my life."

The interview was with VOA's Afghan Service that broadcasts TV Ashna in Dari and Pashto to Afghanistan from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Saturday through Thursday on National Afghan TV. Broadcasts are also available by satellite on Asiasat 2 and for Europe on IOR Channel 409. In addition, VOA broadcasts 12 hours combined of Dari and Pashto programming daily on radio.

The VOA interview with Mrs. Bush will be available on VOANews.com and will be broadcast today and tomorrow in English and other languages.

The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 115 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages
(Source: Voice of America)

WRN networks go spodtronic

WRN’s international radio networks go mobile with spodtronic:
(January 18th, 2008)

WRN, the international television and radio transmission company, has made two of its 24/7 international news and current affairs radio networks available to mobile phone users via the spodtronic content hub.

WRN’s two channels, one English and the other German, provide listeners with some of the best international news and current affairs programming from public broadcasters around the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

spodtronic is the first worldwide radio and podcast content Hub delivering the total Radio Experience to mobile broadband users. The application enables the delivery of audio content (radio broadcasts, podcasts and also with Musicovery, a personalised radio service) synchronised with relevant visual content. Users can access more than 600 live radio stations (from both FM and Internet radio stations) from all over the world.

Marina Lois, WRN’s Product Development and Distribution Manager, says “WRN’s distribution strategy for its various international radio networks has mobile platforms at its centre because they offer our programme partners a new way of reaching listeners and offer listeners a convenient platform on which to access high quality international content. Through their content hub, spodtronic provides WRN and its radio networks with access to listeners via their Nokia handsets and we are delighted to offer listeners a unique and comprehensive range of news and speech content.”

Mikko Linnamäki, CEO of spodtronic’s Liquid Air Lab, adds: “WRN is a very strong international partner and features interesting and important content in different languages. Our Users will derive huge benefit from this cooperation. They can now receive comprehensive global news delivered by WRN, wherever and whenever they want. This makes our spodtronic application with its more than 600 radio stations from all over the world even more valuable to our Users.”
(Source: WRN via Media Network Blog via Md. Azuzul Al-Amin, Bangladesh)

Radio New Zealand Int'l Mailbox Documentary

Pacific Island Public Radio
RNZI Mailbox documentary January 21

The latest Radio Heritage Foundation documentary on Radio New Zealand International [RNZI] looks at the impending sale of government owned SBC Samoa and considers its impact on local public radio in Samoa.

Previous privatization examples include Radio Cook Islands and WVUV American Samoa. How have these stations fared since? What are the FM radio options that listeners in Apia, Pago Pago and Avarua currently enjoy.

Other broadcasters from outside the region, such as Radio China International and Radio Australia, are now opening commercial free FM relay stations across the region. Are the days of locally funded and operated public radio stations in the islands numbered?

Currently, the 540 AM signal of SBC1 provides cyclone warnings for a wide arc of islands including the two Samoas, Niue and Tokelau. With the station being sold, will this vital emergency service continue or be closed down to save costs?

Listen to Mailbox on RNZI on Monday January 21 as David Ricquish of the Radio Heritage Foundation explores some of the issues. Visit http://www.rnzi.com/ for shortwave frequencies and times, and to download an audio on demand version of the program that will be available online
for four weeks from January 21.

For more information about broadcasting in the two Samoas, Cook Islands and Tokelau, visit www.radioheritage.net. An online version of the program script along with exclusive images of Samoan radio will also be available from later in January at www.radioheritage.net.

Updated versions of the full Pacific Asian Log Radio Guides for Mediumwave and Shortwave stations across the region are also available, and a new series of Pacific Radio Guides including all FM stations in the region will be available shortly at http://www.radioheritage.net/.

The Radio Heritage Foundation
"Sharing the Stories of Pacific Radio" http://www.radioheritage.net/

Radio New Zealand International website: http://www.rnzi.com/
(Source:David Ricquish/Radio Heritage Foundation)

Radio Bulgaria listener survey

Radio Bulgaria Survey:

Happy New Year!

Since day and age, the coming of a new year has been a moment of introspection and reflection for many people around the world. Radio Bulgaria is no different and we would like your help with this. We want to find out what we can do to serve you better in the new year and years to come.

Please take a minute to send in your answers to the questions below. From the survey’s respondents we’ll make a selection who will receive a few follow-up questions so that we can get more in-depth feedback.

All email addresses will be kept private and all responses will be treated strictly confidentially.

1) Why are you listening to Radio Bulgaria and/or visiting our website?
2) How did you find out about Radio Bulgaria?
3) For how long have you been listening to Radio Bulgaria and/or visiting our website?
4) How often do you listen to Radio Bulgaria and/or visit the website?

Please email your answers to poll@bnr.bg

Those who have sent in the most detailed answers will receive CDs with Radio Bulgaria’s programmes.

Thanks for your participation!
http://www.bnr.bg/RadioBulgaria/Emission_English/Theme_Survey/Material/haveyoursay.htm (S (Source: Md. Azizul Alam Al Amin, Bangladesh)

Radio Netherlands - Program Preview January 19-25

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide's English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.

SATURDAY 19 JANUARY
*** The State We're In ***
This week's The State We're In has a distinct taste of corruption as we report on how officials on the take are making the lives of Zimbabwean refugees miserable.

The managing director of Transparency International is our studio guest as we get his take of Kenyans griping about police on the take, as well as the cautionary tale of the Dutch whistleblower who has suffered since he blew the lid off a multimillion Euro construction fraud scandal.

Eric Beachemin returns with the story of how Buddhist monks are helping to stop the spread of HIV in Thailand.

And we meet the Dutch/Polish photographer who is snapping the people who consider themselves to be the world's most beautiful.

These stories and many more in this week's The State We're In.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1004 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1204 (Eastern N America 11675)
1804 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2004 (West Africa 11655)

Note that on Saturday we also run repeats of:

Reloaded on SW: 1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Curious Orange: 1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Earthbeat and Stories of the Twentieth Century: 1900 and 1930 respectively (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

SUNDAY 20 JANUARY
*** Stories of the Twentieth Century ***
'The Diary of Anne Frank' is for many children around the world the first story they read about World War II. The diary, started by a young Jewish girl just as her family goes into hiding in Amsterdam, is a personal account of the Nazi regime and its murderous policy towards Jews. In Stories from the 20th Century, we hear excerpts from Anne's diary, while two historians place her observations in the larger context of the Netherlands during the war.

*** Reloaded ***

Here's your chance to catch up with some of the highlights from recent programmes; the best, the most interesting or newsworthy, or sometimes the funniest, chosen by our producers and presented by Mindy Ran.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated: Saturday 1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

MONDAY 21 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Curious Orange ***
This week on Curious Orange:

It's winter here in Holland and we'll find out what that means to the Dutch. From the winter blues to skating on the canals, we'll give you a glimpse of the grey days of winter in the Netherlands. To raise our spirits a little, this week we'll feature music from the Dutch band Moke.

That's this week on Curious Orange.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1830 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated:
Wednesday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)

TUESDAY 22 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***
This week's The State We're - Midweek Edition has a distinct taste of corruption as we report on how officials on the take are making the lives of Zimbabwean refugees miserable.

The managing director of Transparency International is our studio guest as we get his take of Kenyans griping about police on the take, as well as the cautionary tale of the Dutch whistleblower who has suffered since he blew the lid off a multimillion Euro construction fraud scandal.

That's what's in this week's The State We're In - Midweek Edition.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

WEDNESDAY 23 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Radio Books ***

Kader Abdolah - 'Forgotten Songs'

This week's Radio Book is a little different. Rather than one short story the Dutch/Iranian writer Kader Abdolah recites some Persian poetry and songs. They are, in most cases, songs that have been handed down through generations but which, he says, are being slowly lost.

His 'Forgotten Songs' give a beautiful and clear sense of the beauty of the Persian language and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Friday 1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Earthbeat ***
Earthbeat is the programme from Radio Netherlands Worldwide that looks at the issues most on the world's agenda these days: what footprint are we leaving on our planet.

Hosted by Dheera Sujan, the programme will talk to all the people who make our world go round: scientists, artists, filmmakers, farmers and consumers. Earthbeat - about the matters that concern us all.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

FRIDAY 25 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Network Europe ***

A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their unique take on the events shaping the week.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
(R Netherlands)

Blog Logs

Today's shortwave BLOG LOGS, represent a portion of those recently cut from my SWBC Logs column, due to space constraints. Contributions are always welcome for the magazine or blog, and may be directed to my above email address. Thanks very much to the contributors for your kind words and support.
Gayle VH

All times UTC, frequencies in kHz, English unless otherwise indicated // parallel frequencies.
* sign-on - sign-off *

Anguilla
World University Network. 6090, 0511. Mrs. Scott on fund raising. SIO 544 // 5935 via WWCR, SIO 544 with transmitter hum. (H Frodge, MI)

Argentina
RAE, 15345, 2150. German programming from female announcer's noted European service. Long string of frequency announcements to newscast. Poor quality on signal. (J Wood, TN)..

Ascension Island
Star Radio/Cotton News. 9525, 0703-0800.* English news about Liberia. Star Radio Ids. Star Weekly Reviews news program. ID as " CTN News" at 0735 with English news. ID as "CTN." News in local languages at 0737-0800. Very good signal. (B Alexander, PA)

Australia
Radio Australia. 11880, 1916. Discussion on corruption within the Indonesian government. SIO 433. (S MacKenzie, CA).

Canada
CFVP Calgary. 6030, 1419-1425. Music of folk and country&western. Station promo at 1422, heard "60" (CKMK is 1060). SIO 2+52. (H Frodge, MI)

China
China Radio International. 9645, 1847. French service of news and announcer comments. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA)

CPBS (Geermu). 3800, 2354-0000. Chinese programming from male/female announcers. Time pips on the hour. Good signal with heavy CODAR interference. SINPO 32333. (J Evans, TN)

Xinjiang PBS (Urumqi). 4980, 2355-0000. Uighur. Lady announcer talking, followed by a brief selection on Oriental style music and more talk. Poor signal. SINPO 22222. (J Evans, TN).

Clandestine
(North Korea) Fursato No Kase (presumed) 9779.98, *1600-1630.* Signal tone to 1600, followed by opening announcement and announcers talk in Japanese. Closing announcements at 1629, signal tone to 1630:25 and off. Fair signal quality. (J Wilkins, CO)

Costa Rica
World University Network. 9725, 1243. Mrs. Scott with story on late Dr. Scott tried to dissuade her from buying a certain automobile. (J Wood, TN).

Cuba
Radio Havana, 9600, 1237. Announcer's station ID and items of news interest covering Central and South America. (J Wood, TN)

Radio Havana. 6300, 0503. News in Spanish. SIO 232 // 6000, SIO 534 // 6060, SIO 534. (H Frodge, MI)

Czech Republic
Radio Prague. 13580, 1843. Extensive French comments between selections of Europeanmusic program. Fair signal quality. (J Wood, TN).

Gabon
radio Gabon. 4777, *0559-0535. Sign-on with local African music. Opening station identification at 0600 and French conversations. Brief break of African music. (B Alexander, PA).

Germany
Deutsche Welle. 9715, 1852. Russian. On-going interview at tune-in. SIO 333. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Iran
VOIRI. 15085, 1818. Female announcer's German programming announcements and mentions of Iran several times. Signal barely audible. (J Wood, TN).

Israel
Galei Zahal. 6973, 2100-2110. Hebrew service including chat and rock music program. Noted on // 15785.14. (B Alexander, PA).

Japan
NHK/Radio Japan. Japanese vocal music to announcer comments and "NHK" identification. Time pips to station sign-off // 15355 (via Gabon relay). (S mackenzie, CA).

Liberia
Radio Veritas. 5469.96, 2103-2110.* Discussion on local politics into regional African music. Signal abruptly off amid poor signal quality. (B Alexander, PA).

Libya
Voice of Africa. 17725, 1400-1515.+ Usual English programs with Ids, local music, news, and commentary. Noted on // 21695-both frequencies with fair reception.

Malaysia
Asyik FM via Kajang, 6049.64, 1237-1255. Noted station was off the air the previous day, back on today with announcer's phone chat to 1245, sub-continental vocal music, audible to 1255 tuneout. Fair signal. (J Wilkins, CO).

Micronesia
PMA, 4755.25, 1138-1400. Religious sermon to about 1150, then mostly music afterwards. Occasional ID as "Cross Radio," and periods of dead air. Usually poor signal quality with brief fair signal peaks. (J. Wilkins, CO).

Nigeria
Voice of Nigeria. 15120, 1807-1817. Female announcer's music mix of American and local Afro pop tunes from Angola and South Africa. (J Wood, TN).

Radio Nigeria. 7274.88, 0610-0630. Tune-in to English news covering regional politics. Station identification noted during fair-good signal quality. Slightly off frequency. (B Alexander, PA).

North Korea
Voice of Korea, 12015, *1857-1901. Station interval signal to French sign-on announcements, followed by newscast. Poor signal quality. (J Wood, TN).

Peru
Radio Melodia. 5939.28, 0955-1015. Spanish programming of ads and promotionals. Mentions of city "Arequipa." Signal poor-fair. (B Alexander, PA)

Pirate
(USA) The Crystal Ship. 68991.1, 2210-2230. Pop music including Michael Jackson's Thriller tune. Very good signal including station Ids. (B Alexander, PA).

Russia
Voice of Russia via Moldova. 7125, 0330. Russian programming including Russian folk music program. SIO 433. (S MacKenzie, CA)

Rwanda
Deutsche Welle relay via Kigali. 11725, 1907. German service with segment on the WW II. SIO 433. (S Mackenzie, CA)

Saudi Arabia
BSKSA. 21670, 0935. Mailbag program segment in Indonesian until 1000 newscast. Reception very clear, SIO 454. (P Ng, Malaysia)

Sri Lanka
Deutsche Welle relay via Sri Lanka. 9785, 0305. English programming that included Newslink segment. Good reception SIO 353. (P Ng, Malaysia)

Sudan
Miyaya Radio. 9825, 1458-1505. Tune-in to Afro pop music/ "101 Miraya FM" identification. Time pips and English news on Sudan heard past 1505. Poor to fair signal quality and covered by DRM signal at 1505. (B alexander, PA)

Thailand
Radio Thailand 7260, 1114-1129.* Signal chimes to 1115, followed by English ID as, "this is Radio Thailand World Service broadcasting from Bangkok...transmitters....in northeast Thailand." Program shift into presumed Khmer service. Program off at 1129:30. Good signal quality. (J Wilkins, CO).

Radio Thailand/ 9835, *1230-1259.* Sign-on with gongs and opening English identification. Newscast at 1231 for poor-fair signal quality. (B Alexander, PA).

USA
WEWN. Spanish programming with lots of responsive readings and religious pipe organ music. (J Wood, TN)

Zimbabwe
(via Madagascar) Radio Voice of the People. Sign-on with local music and multi-lingual ID announcements. Talk n vernacular language at 0401. Covered by strong music loop jammer at 0403 making reception pretty much impossible, but able to hear some English later n the broadcast. (B Alexander, PA)

ZBC. 4828, 0318-0330. Local pop music with very poor signal quality. Definitely there but no ID heard. (J Evans, TN)
(Contributors: Joe Wood, TN; Jim Evans, TN; John Wilkins, CO; Brian Alexander, PA; Peter Ng, Malaysia; Harold Frodge, MI; Stewart MacKenzie, CA)

Korea to launch more English-language radio stations

The Korean government will launch English-language radio services in five metropolitan areas as early as this year, the Ministry of Information and Communication said on Tuesday. The new service will provide general information on Korea such as news, weather and traffic, as well as music, ministry officials said.

The ministry unveiled its plans for the service in a policy review session with President-elect Lee Myung-bak’s transition team. There are currently two English-language radio stations - American Forces Network Radio and the government-funded Arirang Radio.

The service will initially be rolled out in the Seoul metropolitan area, covering Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province; Busan, the country’s second-largest city; and Yeosu, which is to host the World Exposition in 2012.

“The new English-language radio service will offer diverse channel choices to both Koreans and foreigners. The service will also help Seoul and other Korean cities enhance their standings as international cities as they are trying to attract foreign investments.” a ministry official said. The new stations will also help Koreans learn English, he said.

The ministry will encourage a private company to operate the stations. If no viable candidates emerge, the ministry plans to set up a government-funded corporation to run the stations. Annual operating costs per station are initially estimated at 2 billion won ($2.2 million) to 3 billion won.
(Source: Korean Herald/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

TWR-Benin set for February 1 launch on medium wave

Trans World Radio’s new transmitting station in Benin will broadcast for the first time on 1 February 1. TWR hopes the station will be automated within three months. They will be broadcasting programs from local churches and ministries.

With at least 15 languages reaching into 9 countries, they will be able to reach areas that are difficult to reach, such as northern Nigeria. The potential listening audience is 63 million.

Though the date is approaching for the first broadcast, there are still needs. “We are looking for at least one more staff member. We’ve got a builder there and an engineer there right now. We really need some support there for them. It’s a tough place to be. We are a pioneering missionary there,” said Alary. They are 35 miles out of town, and the nearest town has no electricity.”

The station, at Parakou, will broadcast on mediumwave 1566 kHz with a power of 100 kW.
(Source: Mission Network News/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

State-owned radio suspends broadcast in western Kenya

Text of report by Kenyan newspaper The Standard on 18 January

Kisumu-based Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) radio has been off air since ECK [Electoral Commission of Kenya] chairman Mr Samuel Kivuitu, declared President Kibaki winner of the 27 December [elections].

The western Kenya regional station, which broadcasts in eight vernacular languages, went off air on 30 December, moments after a gang raided the facility to protest the outcome of the presidential election.

Yesterday, the area regional controller of programmes, Mr Ntenga Arori, said that the station had suffered acts of arson, looting and damage to its equipment, forcing them to switch off radio broadcasting. Consequently, communities in western Kenya have been denied medium wave radio programmes in Gusii, Luo, Kalenjin, Luhya, Teso, Kuria, Suba and Pokot languages.

The gang burnt two KBC vehicles and three cars belonging to the staff, before damaging three others within the premises, located in Kisumu’s Milimani area. The mob tried to set ablaze the building that houses the studios, but ran out of fuel after torching the vehicles and furniture. They made away with a mixer, smashed a computer, damaged doors, windows and air conditioners, before burning the compound.

A senior officer in the technical department estimated the loss incurred to be 3.5m shillings, excluding cost of revenue from advertising. He revealed that some repairs had been done but radio transmission could not resume due to insecurity.

When the Standard visited the compound, there was an unarmed security guard and the damaged metal gate could not close despite bonfires being lit along Ring Road, 200 metres away. The few employees who milled around said some of their colleagues who hailed from other parts of the country fled.

By yesterday, at least three technicians who fled had not reported on duty for fear of being harmed. They said the demonstrators had vowed to cause mayhem should the station go on air without resolution of the current political crisis.

“Part of the reason for not going on air is because of insecurity, threats to burn down the broadcasting station and Kapsimotwa Transmitting Station in Nandi Hills,” the employees revealed, adding that despite promises, police had failed to provide permanent security at the facility.

(Source: The Standard, Nairobi, in English 18 Jan 08 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio New Zealand to broadcast state funeral for Sir Edmund Hillard

Radio New Zealand will provide extensive coverage of the state funeral for Sir Edmund Hillary from St Mary’s Church in Auckland on Tuesday 22nd January NZ time. As the official radio broadcaster Radio New Zealand will ensure New Zealanders all over the world have the opportunity to be part of a very significant time of national reflection and commemoration.

Radio New Zealand will broadcast the entire service live and will live-stream via the Radio New Zealand website for international audiences, allowing New Zealanders living or holidaying overseas to share this important occasion with their friends and families back home.

People in the Pacific and parts of South East Asia listening on shortwave will be able to tune in to Radio New Zealand International on the frequencies of 15720 kHz for the analogue service, and 17675 kHz for DRM.

For those unable to listen to Radio New Zealand’s live coverage, a recording of the service will be available on the website to be replayed as audio-on-demand and as a podcast.

Radio New Zealand coverage will begin from 1800 UTC on 21st January. Morning Report and Nine to Noon will use respected senior broadcasters including Geoff Robinson and Jack Perkins and a team of news reporters in the lead up to live coverage of the funeral service which will commence at 2230 UTC.

The Radio New Zealand website is featuring several audio on demand programmes covering the life and times of Sir Edmund Hillary, including an obituary by Morning Report’s Geoff Robinson and two special documentaries produced by Jack Perkins for Radio New Zealand National.

Everest And Beyond, a tribute to the extraordinary life and achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary was first broadcast on Friday 11th January and It’s One Thing To Climb A Mountain is a special three-part series tracing the late Sir Edmund Hillary’s extraordinary life from the conquest of Everest onwards. The programmes highlight the largely untold stories of those who were shoulder-to-shoulder with Sir Ed on his expeditions to remote corners of the world and during his humanitarian activities with Nepal’s Sherpa people.
(Source: Radio New Zealand wesite & R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio New Zealand - B07 update

Radio New Zealand International


Effective 01 January to 30 March 2008
Programming targeted to Pacific regions




English
All times UTC
0000-0100 15720
0100-0200 15720
0200-0300 15720
0300-0400 15720
0400-0458 15720

0459-0500 15720
0500-0600 15720
0600-0658 15720

0659-0700 9765
0700-0800 9765
0800-0900 9765
0900-1000 9765
1000-1058 9765

1059-1100 13840
1100-1200 13840
1200-1258 13840

1259-1300 5950
1300-1400 5950
1400-1500 5950
1500-1600 5950
1600-1650 5950

1651-1700 9615
1700-1800 9615
1800-1900 9615
1900-1935 9615

1936-1950 9615
1951-2000 17675
2000-2100 17675
2100-2200 17675
2200-2235 17675

2236-2300 15720
2300-0000 15720

DRM
0000-0100 17675
0100-0200 17675
0200-0300 17675
0300-0400 17675
0400-0458 17675

0459-0500 9870
0500-0600 9870
0600-0658 9870

0659-0700 9870
0700-0800 9870
0800-0900 9870
0900-1000 9870
1000-1058 9870

1059-1100 9870
1100-1200 9870
1200-1258 9870

1651-1700 9890
1700-1800 9890
1800-1900 9890
1900-1935 9890

1936-1950 11675

1951-2000 15720
2000-2100 15720
2100-2200 15720
2200-2235 15720

2236-2300 17675
2300-0000 17675
(Source: Gayle Van Horn, Monitoring Times SW Guide)

Australian DX Report # 81 available for download

A new edition, No. 81, January 16, 2008, of the AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT (ADXR)
shortwave news audio magazine is now available for downloading or as a Podcast.


Produced by Bob Padula for the Electronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Association, this weekly internet news magazine is at
http://livehouse.com.au/adxr

It runs to 15 mins, containing lots of professionally researched and sourced shortwave updated schedules, news, and monitoring data, unavailable in the public domain. It includes a special Spectrum Occupancy and Propagation Report, and some nice music.

Free E-mailed Subscriptions to the ADXR are available at the ADXR Website,
or direct from:

http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?Sub=341027

By subscribing, you will receive E-mailed links to each new edition immediately!

Regards from Melbourne, Australia!

Bob Padula

WEWN English schedule

USA, WEWN, Birmingham, Alabama - B07
Effective to 28 March 2008

Daily unless otherwise indicated
Target Areas: af (Africa) am (North & Central America), eu (Europe) va (Various areas)
All times UTC



0000-0100 5810am
0100-0200 5810am
0200-0300 5810am
0300-0400 5810am
0400-0500 5810am
0500-0600 5810eu 5850va
0600-0700 5810eu 5850va
0700-0800 5810eu 5850va
0800-0900 5850am
0900-1000 5850am
1000-1100 5850am
1100-1200 5850am
1200-1300 5850am
1300-1400 5850am
1400-1500 5850am
1500-1600 11530am
1600-1700 11530am 15785eu
1700-1800 11530am 15785eu
1800-1900 11530am 15785eu
1900-2000 11530am 15785eu
2000-2100 11530am 17595af
2100-2200 11530am 17595af
2200-2300 7560eu 9975am
2300-0000 7560eu 9975am
(Source: Gayle Van Horn, Monitoring Times SW Guide)

Weekly Radio Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 Jan 15 1953 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html




# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
07 - 13 January 2008

Solar activity was very low to low. Activity was low on the first day of the period due to a C1/Sf flare at 07/1527 UTC from Region 980 (S07, L = 232, class/area Cso/030 on 02 January). Activity dropped to very low levels during the remainder of the period with no flares
detected.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during 07 - 12 January.

The geomagnetic field was quiet to active on 07 January with localized minor to major storming detected at high latitudes. Quiet to active levels persisted on 08 January. Activity decreased to mostly quiet levels during 09 - 11 January. Activity increased to quiet to active levels on 12 January, then decreased to quiet to unsettled levels on the last day of the period. ACE solar wind measurements indicated a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream was in progress on 07 January. Peak velocity was 763 km/sec at 07/1320 UTC, followed by a gradual decrease in velocities through 12 January. Interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) variations during the high-speed stream included a peak Bt reading of 5.4 nT at 07/0056 UTC and Bz readings in the + 5 to - 5 nT range. Protons densities ranged from 1 - 2 p/cc during the high-speed stream. The activity increase on 12 January was associated with a solar sector boundary crossing (SSBC) in advance of a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. IMF changes associated with the SSBC included a peak Bt reading of 10.4 nT at 13/1603 UTC and a minimum Bz reading of -8.0 nT at 12/1504 UTC. The proton density increase associated with the SSBC reached a peak of 11.4 p/cc at 12/1153 UTC. Solar wind velocities showed an unsteady increase following the SSBC with a peak of 586.3 km/sec observed at 12/2311 UTC.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
16 January - 11 February 2008

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 16 - 27 January and 03 - 11 February.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to unsettled levels during 16 - 17 January. Quiet conditions are forecast for 18 - 31 January. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels on 01 February due to the onset of a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 02 - 04 February as the high-speed stream gradually subsides. Quiet conditions are expected during 05 - 08 February. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels during 09 - 10 February due to another recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected on 11 February as coronal hole effects subside.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 Jan 15 1953 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 Jan 15
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 Jan 16 75 10 3
2008 Jan 17 70 8 3
2008 Jan 18 70 5 2
2008 Jan 19 70 5 2
2008 Jan 20 70 5 2
2008 Jan 21 70 5 2
2008 Jan 22 70 5 2
2008 Jan 23 70 5 2
2008 Jan 24 70 5 2
2008 Jan 25 70 5 2
2008 Jan 26 75 5 2
2008 Jan 27 75 5 2
2008 Jan 28 80 5 2
2008 Jan 29 80 5 2
2008 Jan 30 80 5 2
2008 Jan 31 80 5 2
2008 Feb 01 80 15 4
2008 Feb 02 80 12 3
2008 Feb 03 80 10 3
2008 Feb 04 75 10 3
2008 Feb 05 75 5 2
2008 Feb 06 75 5 2
2008 Feb 07 75 5 2
2008 Feb 08 75 5 2
2008 Feb 09 75 15 4
2008 Feb 10 75 15 4
2008 Feb 11 75 10 3
(NOAA)

SIDC Weekly Bulletin
Solar Influence Data Analysis Center
15 January 2008

Solar Activity
Solar activity was low during the entire week. The week started with the decay of the first high-latitude sunspot group of the upcoming solar cycle 24 (AR 981). During the entire week AR 980 remained visible, sometimes showing a few sunspots, but no significant flaring was observed. A large recurring coronal hole dominated the solar equator during the entire week, crossing the central meridian on Jan 11.

Geomagnetic Activity
Geomagnetic conditions ranged from quiet to active conditions (NOAAs estimated Kp <= 4). The week started with still unsettled conditions (Kp <= 3), due to the already declining influence of a recurrent coronal hole. Solar wind speeds decreased during the middle of the week (Jan 10-12), allowing quiet conditions (Kp <= 2), only to increase again due increased solar wind speeds from another recurrent coronal hole, which passed the central meridian on Jan 11, causing unsettled to active conditions (Kp <= 4). (SIDC)

VOA launches VOA News Blog

This month the Voice of America (VOA) enters into a dialogue with its Internet audience about its journalistic standards and editorial decisions through the just-launched VOA News Blog
Washington, D.C., January 15, 2008 - This month the Voice of America (VOA) enters into a dialogue with its Internet audience about its journalistic standards and editorial decisions through the just-launched VOA News Blog.

"We want to shed more light on the journalistic standards that guide VOA," said Alex Belida, Senior Advisor for News and the chief writer of the VOA News Blog. "This is a valuable avenue for engaging our audience, taking them behind the scenes and explaining how we cover the news."

The first installments are now online at http://voanewsblog.blogspot.com/ /. One talks about the new VOA handbook and the principles of credibility, independence, and respect that every VOA journalist must uphold.

Another VOA News Blog posting focuses on how VOA decides to use the term "rebel" instead of "terrorist." Future postings will look at core editorial guidelines such as the VOA Charter, which requires programming to be accurate, objective, comprehensive, and balanced. As the dialogue expands, VOA will draw on the knowledge and expertise of editors and writers from throughout its newsroom and 45 languages services.

Alex Belida has been VOA's Senior Advisor for News since March 2007. From 2004 to 2007, he was VOA's Managing Editor for News. He has served at VOA's Senior White House Correspondent and Pentagon Correspondent, and he has also done stints as a correspondent in Africa and Europe. In 2006, he received the prestigious Alumni Achievement Award in journalism from Columbia University.

Last week, VOA debuted an African music blog African Music Treasures and other specialized blogs will be available in the future.

The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 115 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages.
(Source: Voice of America, Public Affairs)

Observations on ORTM Mali

MALI 9635.00 ORTM Bamako in Arabic/Vernacular language - not French - noted again in 31meter band around from 0814 UTC, S=6 signal, but weakens more and more between 0830 and 0900 UTC... Tuesday Jan 15th.

The station uses only a single SW transmitter at present.
Tentative ORTM schedule like this:
5995 0600-0800(-0812...), 1800-2400 UTC
9635 0800(0812...)-1800 UTC

Checked previously used 11960 kHz around 0815-0900 UTC, but observed China Radio International Mali relay 1 program only, latter til 0900 UTC.

So the other RTM unit seems off at present, nothing observed on 4782v, 4835v, 7285v kHz recently.
(Source: wb, Germany)

Correspondence to Office de Radiodiffusion Television du Mali may be directed to:
Radiodiffusion Télévision du Mali
Boite Postal 171
Bamako
Mali

Website: http://www.ortm.net/
(Address via World QSL Book)

Family Radio relay schedule - Part 1 of 2

USA(non) Winter B-07 Schedule of YFR Family Radio Relays. Part 1 of 2
[ARMENIA/GERMANY/KAZAKHSTAN/MOLDOVA/RUSSIA/
TAIWAN/TAJIKISTAN/UKRAINE/U.A.E./U.K./UZBEKISTAN]

All times UTC

West Europe
0500-0600 on 3955 SKN 250 kW / 106 deg German
1700-1800 on 3955 SKN 250 kW / 106 deg English
1800-1900 on 3955 WER 100 kW / non-dir German
1800-1900 on 5820 TAC 200 kW / 311 deg Polish
1800-1900 on 7240 SKN 250 kW / 102 deg English
1800-1900 on 7490 ERV 300 kW / 305 deg German
1800-1900 on 9785 SKN 300 kW / 110 deg English
1900-2000 on 5820 SAM 250 kW / 284 deg German
1900-2000 on 7160 DHA 250 kW / 330 deg English
1900-2100 on 7300 ARM 250 kW / 290 deg French
2000-2200 on 6240 KCH 500 kW / 309 deg English

South Europe
1800-1900 on 6120 NAU 250 kW / 230 deg Spanish
1900-2000 on 6000 MSK 250 kW / 240 deg Italian
1900-2000 on 6120 NAU 250 kW / 230 deg Portuguese
1900-2000 on 7490 KCH 300 kW / 268 deg Spanish

East Europe
1500-1700 on 9955 TNN 250 kW in Taiwan Russian
1700-1800 on 9595 WER 500 kW / 060 deg Russian
1800-1900 on 5970 WER 500 kW / 060 deg Russian
1700-1900 on 7435 TAC 200 kW / 311 deg Russian
1800-1900 on 6050 JUL 100 kW / 100 deg Romanian

Middle East
1600-1700 on 9650 NAU 500 kW / 105 deg Persian
1600-1700 on 9830 NAU 500 kW / 130 deg Arabic
1600-1800 on 7485 SMF 250 kW / 131 deg Persian
1700-1800 on 6105 NAU 500 kW / 115 deg Persian
1700-1800 on 9435 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1700-1800 on 9530 RMP 500 kW / 105 deg Arabic
1700-1900 on 9925 WER 100 kW / 105 deg Turkish
1800-1900 on 7345 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg Arabic
1800-1900 on 9520 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1800-1900 on 9660 SKN 300 kW / 140 deg Arabic
1900-2000 on 5965 RMP 500 kW / 110 deg Arabic
1900-2000 on 6175 WER 500 kW / 120 deg Arabic
1900-2000 on 7345 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg English
2000-2100 on 5925 WER 100 kW / 120 deg Arabic

South East Asia
1100-1200 on 11510 A-A 200 kW / 132 deg Tagalog
1100-1200 on 11550 TNN 250 kW in Taiwan Indonesian
1100-1300 on 11520 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Tagalog
1100-1600 NF 6240 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Chinese, x7250
1100-1600 on 9280 HUW 300 kW in Taiwan Chinese
1200-1300 on 7175 IRK 250 kW / 180 deg Vietnamese
1200-1300 on 7445 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Vietnamese
1200-1300 on 7560 A-A 200 kW / 132 deg Vietnamese
1200-1300 on 9450 NVS 250 kW / 155 deg Indonesian
1200-1300 on 9485 IRK 500 kW / 180 deg Indonesian
1200-1300 on 11560 HUW 300 kW in Taiwan Burmese
1300-1400 on 7175 IRK 250 kW / 180 deg English
1300-1400 on 7560 A-A 200 kW / 132 deg English
1300-1400 on 9310 A-A 200 kW / 132 deg Burmese
1300-1400 on 9485 IRK 500 kW / 180 deg English
1300-1500 on 11520 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan English
1300-1500 on 11560 HUW 300 kW in Taiwan English
1400-1500 on 6225 DB 200 kW / 125 deg English
1400-1500 on 7560 A-A 500 kW / 121 deg English
1400-1500 on 9485 IRK 500 kW / 180 deg Vietnamese
1400-1500 on 15465 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Vietnamese
1400-1600 on 7505 TAC 200 kW / 131 deg Bengali
2100-2200 on 7435 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Chinese
2100-2400 on 9280 HUW 300 kW in Taiwan Chinese
2200-2400 NF 6230 PAO 100 kW in Taiwan Chinese, x7235

East Asia
0800-0900 on 11895 TAI 100 kW in Taiwan Korean
0900-1100 on 9460 IRK 250 kW / 110 deg English
1000-1100 on 7150 NVS 250 kW / 085 deg Japanese
1100-1200 on 9460 IRK 250 kW / 110 deg Korean
1100-1300 on 12150 A-A 500 kW / 094 deg Chinese
1100-1500 on 5995 P.K 250 kW / 244 deg Chinese
1100-1500 on 6115 IRK 100 kW / 110 deg Chinese
1100-1500 on 7165 P.K 250 kW / 263 deg Chinese
1200-1300 on 6005 K/A 250 kW / 213 deg Korean
1300-1500 on 7535 A-A 500 kW / 094 deg Chinese
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX Jan 14)
(Source: DX Mix News #503, via wb, Germany)

Blog Logs

Thank to Scott Barbour and Chuck Bolland for the following shortwave logs.

All times UTC // parallel frequency

China

4330, Xinjiang PBS-Urumqi, 0003-0019, Jan 3, listed Kazakh, Female announcer with talks and occasional musical bits. Poor w/ band noise and CW QRM. (S. Barbour-NH)

5050, Guangsxi PBS-Nanning, 1101-1115, Dec 31, Mandarin. Female announcer with talk thru tune out. Poor signal. as was // 9820. (S. Barbour-NH)

Gabon
4777, RTG, 0538-0603, Dec 31, French. Female announcer presents musical selections with talk and a few listener phone calls, passing mentions of Gabon. Announcement over durns/native music at 0600 with no discernible ID noted. Fair/good. (S. Barbour-NH)

Indonesia
9680, RRI Jakarta, 1040-1050 There's a number of signals on this freq at the present time (1040) and one is in Chinese. I am assuming that is China interferring. Jakarta is audible in music until 1045 when a male and female comment in Indonesian briefly. Jakarta's signal was poor. (C. Bolland, FL January 3, 2008)

11785, Voice of Indonesia, 1051-1100, Still trying to find a decent signal for Indonesia. At tune-in here, noted pop music. The usual type heard on Indonesia's shortwave outlets. There's also a Chinese station here. On the hour, time ticks followed with poss NA from Indonesian. The signal was poor to threshold. (C. Bolland, FL January 3, 2007)

North Korea
6250, KCBS-Pyongyang, 1130, Jan 1, Korean. Vocal ballads w/ announcer between selections. Fair. // 6398.8-poor/weak. (S. Barbour-NH)

Mexico
4800, presumed XERTA, 0107, Dec 31, Spanish. Wind instruments and Spanish choral music. Thanx D.Valko tip. Poor under CODAR. (S. Barbour-NH)

9599.4, Radio UNAM, 0926-0942, Jan 2, Spanish. Classical music w/ YL at 0931 w/ music titles. No ID noted. Fair/good. (Barbour-NH)

Oman
15140, Radio Sultanate of Oman, 1422-1437, Jan 2, English. Pop music w/ announcer bwtween selections. ID followed by news w/ mentions of Palestine. Poor/weak. (S.Barbour-NH)

Peru
4834.91, Radio Maranon, 1015-1030 Steady Huaynos and Folklorica type music until 1020 when canned promos and ID's. Then back to music. Without the QRM from CODAR, Maranon might be at a fair level, but the best it is with CODAR is poor. Of course the CODAR signal distroys any satisfaction one gets from picking up a disired signal from a distant location. The constant pinging reminds me of "Chinese Water Torture" and it's constant dripping down - ping ping ping. Maranon begins to fade into the noise by 1025.(C. Bolland, FL January 3, 2008)

Tajikistan
4635, Tajik Radio, 2356-0022, Jan 1, vernacular. Familiar format of male/female announcers between Pashto/Dari-like musical selections. Poor/weak.(S. Barbour-NH)

United Arab Emirates
12045, FEBA Radio-Dhabbya, 1403-1419, Jan 2, listed Malayalam. Announcer until music at 1410. Various anncrs and music bits from 1413 w/ presumed contact info. Two male announcers w/ talk at 1417. Poor but improving. (Barbour-NH)

Uganda
4976, UBC, 2100-2108*, Jan 2, vernacular. Native music with announcers talk over until pulled the plug mid-sentence. Poor w/ CODAR. (Barbour-NH)

Zimbabwe
4828, ZBC, 0047-0105, Dec 31, vernacular. Continuos Hilife music thru t/out. Fair. (Barbour-NH)

All India Radio to resume Cricket Test

All India Radio will broadcast live commentary off-tube from the studios of AIR Delhi alternately in Hindi and English of the forthcoming India - Australia Cricket Test Series 2007-08 as per following schedule :
Live Commentary on Medium Wave, FM-Gold & Shortwave Channels:

Jan 16 - 20, 2008 0215-0930 3rd Cricket Test at Perth
Jan 24 - 28, 2008 2345-0700 4th Cricket Test at Adelaide, Oval.
There will be hourly updates on FM-Rainbow Channels. (Gupta)

At 0300 the following SW channels were noted carrying running commentary:
4880 - AIR Lucknow
4910 - AIR Jaipur
5040 - AIR Jeypore
7290 - AIR Thiruvananthapuram
7360 - AIR Chennai. (Gupta)
(Source: DX Window #341 via Anker Petersen)

Pirate logs from Free Radio Weekly

Another round of pirate logs have come in this week, and here's a sampling from the FRN newsletter.

Ann Hoffier Radio
6950U 01/06 2132-2136* Ann singing live songs like "White Wedding Day" and others. Wished the pirate radio community a "Happy New Year". An excellent sing. (Majewski CT)

MAC

6850 01/05/08 16:15-17:40 SIO 323 S7 Quick talk about health care, MAC sounding ID, Not your stepping stone. Paul Starr rant, Along comes Mary, Life Would be a Dream, Pictures of
Lily, Paul Harvey talk about global warming, Ultra Man, signal up to S9 with quick fades by 16:55 when Paul signed off & UltraMan came on the mic for MAC. Jump'n Jack Flash, smoke on the water, Highway Star, (Ragnar-MI)

Undercover Radio

6925 usb 01/06/08 16:40-17:19 SIO 344 S5 New Years show 2008. Dr. Benway talks about his various adventures & talks about broadcasting from way far out there. speech from
William S Burroughs, Dr. Benway on live at the end thanking the posters on the FRN. repeated at 21:00 (Ragnar-MI)

Pirate QSLs
WTCR

6925 kHz Full data UFO card in 42 days from Dr.Morbius, for $2 U.S. (Pimblett-AB)

Undercover Radio

6925 kHz Full data QSL card and CD of show in 31 days from Dr.Benway for an e-mailed report. (Pimblett-AB)

Maple Leaf Radio

Emailveri in 14 hr, 10 min. from Johnny Canuck for e-mail to radio.mapleleaf@gmail.com ; R code beacon on 6923.5 (Frodge-MI)
(Source: Free Radio Weekly # 622 via Bill Finn)

Hobart Radio releases first shortwave podcast

Dear Listener,

Hobart Radio International has released the first podcast shortwave radio news programme for you. It is called "DX Extra" and will be released each fortnight. It is similar but different to other programmes which you're familiar with such as DXing With Cumbre.

To listen go to: http://www.hriradio.org/dx.htm

And for links and audio clips of shortwave stations go to http://www.hriradio.org/shortwave.htm

Next fortnight we welcome news for pirate radio and number station enthusiasts as well!
Good listening.

Cheers,
Robb Wise, Manager
Hobart Radio International
http://www.hriradio.org/
(HCDX)

TWR Benin update

Progress continues on Trans World Radio’s new broadcasting facility in Benin, West Africa. TWR received the title deed for the land, and a commissioning service of the Nautel transmitter is scheduled this month. TWR missionaries and other workers have been working to prepare for initial transmissions, which are scheduled to begin early this year.

Despite many challenges along the way, including health concerns for missionaries and delays in receiving needed equipment, much has been accomplished to ready the site for broadcasting. Recent updates included installing the air conditioning, changing out guy-wires and installing two generators, among many other duties. Still needed is preparing the system to transfer radio programmes, which is being worked on in the coming weeks.
(Source: Mission Network News/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Best of the Best Weekend DX programs on shortwave

The following programs have been selected by Shortwave Central and Milcom Monitoring, as the Best of the Best for weekend DX programs on shortwave radio. Programs include receiver reviews, DX news, propagation information, media features, satellites, amateur radio, internet news and broadcasting trends.

Starting times may vary slightly and some programs may also be heard via Real Audio links at the station website.

All times UTC
Listed as time, Program, Station, frequency

Saturday
0035 DX Programme Radio Bulgaria 7400,9400
0100 Allan Weiner Worldwide WBCQ 7415
0245 DXers Special Supplement R.A.E. 11710
0335 DX Programme Radio Bulgaria 7400,9400
0730 DX Partyline HCJB 11750
1000 Radio Weather WHRI 5835
1030 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 5835
1130 DX Partyline WRMI 9955
1210 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio 9650
1230 Radio Weather WHRA 13650
1300 DX Partyline HCJB 15540
1330 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 7520
1350 DX Corner Voice of Turkey 12035 bi-weekly
1630 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
1930 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 17640
2100 This Week in Amateur Radio Int'l WBCQ 7415
2105 DXers Unlimited R. Habana Cuba 9505,11760
2130 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
2220 Radio Waves R.Ext. de España 6125
2320 DX Corner Voice of Turkey 5960 bi-weekly
2330 DXers Unlimited R. Habana Cuba 9550
2330 Radio Weather WHRA 5850

S unday
0015 DX Partyline WRMI 9955
0020 Radio Waves R.Ext. de España 6055
0030 Radio Weather WHRI 7315
0118 The Whole World on the R. Dial R.Ukraine 7530
0140 DXers Unlimited Radio Habana Cuba 6000,6180
0230 DXing With Cumbre WHRA 5850
0240 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio 9560
0245 Ask WWCR WWCR 5070
0300 Australian DX Report WWCR 5070
0315 DX Partyline WWCR 5070
0330 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
0335 DXers Unlimited R. Habana Cuba 6000,6180
0418 The Whole World on the R. Dial R.Ukraine 7530
0420 DX Corner Voice of Turkey 6020 bi-weekly
0500 DX Partyline WRMI 9955
0530 DXers Unlimited R.H.C. 6000,6060,6180,9550, 11760
0930 Wavescan WRMI 9955
0930 Radio Weather WHRI 5835
1030 World Wide Friendship KBS World Radio WRN
1045 Ask WWCR WWCR 5070
1230 Radio Weather WHRA 13650
1330 DXing With Cumbre WHRI 11785
1530 Int'l Radio Report CKUT Montreal www.ckut.ca
1800 Ask WWCR WWCR 12160
2000 Radio Weather WHRI 17650
(Source: Media Programs, ODXA Listening In, January 2008)

Sir Edmund Hillary tunes in Radio Ceylon after historic climb

By Philip Fernando in Los Angeles

Edmund Hillary will be remembered for his feat in climbing Mount Everest along with his Sherpa guide Tensing Norgay: first two human beings to reach Earth's highest point in the Himalayas, on 29 May 1953. Soon after climbing Everest he was reported to have listened to the overseas channel of Radio Ceylon broadcast, perhaps the only English broadcast reaching that altitude. Hillary was knighted for climbing Everest and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark called him the “best known New Zealander to ever live.” New Zealand's five pound note carries the face of Sir Hillary.

Sir Edmund also lead expeditions to the South Pole and to the source of the Yangtze River. He was well known for his humanitarian work among the Sherpas through his charity, the Himalayan Trust. Hillary died of heart failure last week, and had been in poor health since suffering a fall while visiting Nepal in April of 2007. He published his Everest memoir High Adventure (1955) and Nothing Venture, Nothing Win (1975, his autobiography.
(Read more from the Asian Tribune at:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/9087

Sir Edmund Hillary, first man to climb Mount Everest, dies age 88

Sir Edmund Hillary, the man who conquered Mount Everest, has died, the New Zealand government said.
The 88-year-old shot to fame when he scaled the world's highest mountain along with Tenzing Norgay in 1953, just days before the coronation of Elizabeth II.
After returning from the summit, the famously matter-of-fact climber greeted a fellow expedition member with the words: "Well, George, we've knocked the bastard off."

Read more from the Daily Mail at:

www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/...

Monitoring observation on Myanmar

MYANMAR 5986 It seems that a new service of Myanma Radio is relayed on 5986v in the local early morning. I've traced the new service on 5986v kHz from around 0000-0130 UTC daily, but it probably operates for longer than that. I haven't yet found any other shortwave frequencies for the new service apart from 5986v kHz in the local morning.

I don't know the official name for the new service, but it sounds like it's aimed at young adults. It carries a lot of pop music, especially covers of Western and Chinese pop songs sung with Burmese lyrics, interspersed with short announcements and occasional drama sketches all in Burmese. (Alan Davies-INS touring; the above mostly based on listening in Penang Isl MLA, 3-6 Jan 2008 via Bueschel, BCDX)

I think the station Alan is referring to is probably this one:

Xinhua General News Service: New radio station on air in Myanmar
Tue 30 Oct 2007
Filed under: News, Inside Burma

A new radio station has been on the air very recently in Myanmar mainly broadcasting music with brief domestic and international news intercepting its program, according to Yangon audiences who came to notice Tuesday.

The two-and-a-half-hour morning program of the "Padauk Myay" Radio Station, broadcast in local language from an unidentified location since last week and is believed to be from inside the country, is received from 5:30 a.m. (local time) to 8 p.m. on such frequency waves as FM (frequency modulation), MW (medium wave) and SW (short wave), the audiences said. (via Johnson Jan 12)
(Hans Johnson/Cumbre DX)

Sunspot is Harbinger of Solar Cycle, Increasing Risk for Electrical Systems

A new 11-year cycle of heightened solar activity, bringing with it increased risks for power grids, critical military, civilian and airline communications, GPS signals and even cell phones and ATM transactions, showed signs it was on its way late yesterday when the cycle’s first sunspot appeared in the sun’s Northern Hemisphere, NOAA scientists said.

“This sunspot is like the first robin of spring,” said solar physicist Douglas Biesecker of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. “In this case, it’s an early omen of solar storms that will gradually increase over the next few years.”

A sunspot is an area of highly organized magnetic activity on the surface of the sun. The new 11-year cycle, called Solar Cycle 24, is expected to build gradually, with the number of sunspots and solar storms reaching a maximum by 2011 or 2012, though devastating storms can occur at any time.

During a solar storm, highly charged material ejected from the sun may head toward Earth, where it can bring down power grids, disrupt critical communications, and threaten astronauts with harmful radiation. Storms can also knock out commercial communications satellites and swamp Global Positioning System signals. Routine activities such as talking on a cell phone or getting money from an ATM machine could suddenly halt over a large part of the globe.

“Our growing dependence on highly sophisticated, space-based technologies means we are far more vulnerable to space weather today than in the past,” said Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “NOAA’s space weather monitoring and forecasts are critical for the nation’s ability to function smoothly during solar disturbances.”

Last April, in coordination with an international panel of solar experts, NOAA issued a forecast that Solar Cycle 24 would start in March 2008, plus or minus six months. The panel was evenly split between those predicting a strong or weak cycle. Both camps agree that the sooner the new cycle takes over the waning previous cycle, the more likely that it will be a strong season with many sunspots and major storms, said Biesecker. Many more sunspots with Solar Cycle 24 traits must emerge before scientists consider the new cycle dominant, with the potential for more frequent storms.

The new sunspot, identified as #10,981, is the latest visible spot to appear since NOAA began numbering them on January 5, 1972. Its high-latitude location at 27 degrees North, and its negative polarity leading to the right in the Northern Hemisphere are clear-cut signs of a new solar cycle, according to NOAA experts. The first active regions and sunspots of a new solar cycle can emerge at high latitudes while those from the previous cycle continue to form closer to the equator.

SWPC is the nation’s first alert for solar activity and its effects on Earth. The center’s space weather forecasters issue outlooks for the next 11-year solar “season” and warn of individual storms occurring on the sun that could impact Earth. SWPC is one of NOAA’s nine National Centers for Environmental Prediction and is also the warning agency of the International Space Environment Service (ISES), a consortium of 11 member nations.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.
(NOAA via Loyd Van Horn)

Radio Netherlands Worldwide program preview January 12 - 18

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands Worldwide's English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands Worldwide this week, beginning on Saturday.

SATURDAY 12 JANUARY
*** The State We're In ***
This week in The State We're In we ask why Kenya, which was once a stable country, became the scene of unrest following the disputed presidential elections. A young Kenyan tells us the harrowing tale of how he barely got his family to safety.

We have three stories of business ethics as we ask the International Charity Organisation what it did when it found out that its bank was investing in cluster munitions.

We investigate if free trade coffee in Ethiopia is as free as it claims.
And a professor in France gives us her version of how it feels to teach a business ethics class in 21st-century Europe.

And we report on Adopt-a-Minefield Demining, the organisation that gets ordinary people involved in efforts to clear the unexploded ordinance that litters 70 countries around the globe.

These stories and many more in this week's The State We're In.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1004 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1204 (Eastern N America 11675)
1804 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2004 (West Africa 11655)

Note that on Saturday we also run repeats of:

Reloaded on SW: 1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Curious Orange: 1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
Earthbeat and Stories of the Twentieth Century: 1900 and 1930 respectively (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

SUNDAY 13 JANUARY
*** Stories of the Twentieth Century ***
In this week's programme 'The Cairo Trilogy' by Naguib Mahfouz. These three novels chronicle the fortunes of an Egyptian family from the end of World War I and the colonial period to the rise of Moslem fundamentalism.

Our guest speaker is Fouad Ajami, author of 'The Dream palace of the Arabs' and Director of Middle Eastern Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Washington D.C.

*** Reloaded ***

Here's your chance to catch up with some of the highlights from recent programmes; the best, the most interesting or newsworthy, or sometimes the funniest, chosen by our producers and presented by Mindy Ran.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated: Saturday 1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)

MONDAY 14 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Curious Orange ***
This week on Curious Orange: sex... abstinence... and civil disobedience in Holland. We'll talk to a prostitute and a prostitute's advocate about closures in Amsterdam's red light district. We'll hear from a religious TV host promoting 40 days of celibacy among teenagers. And we'll find out how the Dutch deal with rules and regulations - by breaking them.

That's this week on Curious Orange.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1830 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120, Eastern N America 15525, Central N America 15315)
2000 (West Africa 11655)

Repeated:
Wednesday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)

TUESDAY 15 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***
This week in The State We're In - Midweek Edition we ask why Kenya, which was once a stable country, became the scene of unrest following the disputed presidential elections. A young Kenyan tells us the harrowing tale of how he barely got his family to safety.

We have three stories of business ethics as we ask the International Charity Organisation what it did when it found out that its bank was investing in cluster munitions.

We investigate if free trade coffee in Ethiopia is as free as it claims.

And a professor in France gives us her version of how it feels to teach a business ethics class in 21st-century Europe.

That's what's in this week's The State We're In - Midweek Edition.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

WEDNESDAY 16 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Radio Books ***

Oscar van den Boogaard - 'We are all Astronauts'

Much of Oscar van den Boogaard's writing is about the search for identity, happiness and meaning in life. His short story 'We are all Astronauts' is no exception. A middle-aged man travels on a plane from Montreal to Paris and uses the flight to think about his life and the people around him. It is poetic, philosophical and a reflection on the state of the human condition.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Friday 1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

THURSDAY 17 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Earthbeat ***

This week in Earthbeat, the programme that looks at what we do and how that effects our planet, we focus on animals - well at least in the first half of the show.

It was Dutch seventeenth-century philosopher Spinoza who said the way a society treats animals is a good barometer of a society's morality as a whole. With that weighty thought in mind, we take a look at chickens in Holland, animal welfare investigators in New Zealand and a sea turtle rescue centre in Florida.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

FRIDAY 18 JANUARY
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0500 (Western N America 6165)
1000 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1200 (Eastern N America 11675)
1400 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1530 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1800 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
1930 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
2030 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 11655, 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
0000 (Eastern N America 6165)
0100 (Central N America 6165)

*** Network Europe ***

A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their unique take on the events shaping the week.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
0030 (Eastern N America 6165)
0130 (Central N America 6165)
0530 (Western N America 6165)
1030 (East/Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia 9795, Far East 6040)
1230 (Eastern N America 11675)
1430 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1830 (Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 12050)
2000 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)

Repeated:
Monday
1500 (South Asia 9345, 12080, 15595)
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
Saturday
1900 (East Africa 11805, 12050, West Africa 17810, Central/Southern Africa 7120)
(R Netherlands)

Blog Logs

All times UTC

Australia
9580 kHz, Radio Australia noted as completely absent at 1115 UTC, quite good on 6020 kHz. Sometimes this happens from roughly 1000-1200 with low MUFs, though usually at least weakly heard, but usually back to good levels by 1200 or shortly after.
January 5. (R Chambers, NY/Cumbre DX)

Bahrain
9744.6 Radio Bahrain. Following up on Zacharias' tip. Heard via DX Tuner Sweden. Arabic music at 1545 tune in. Lots of splatter, but best in LSB. World news in Arabic at 1600-1604. Lots for program promos after the news, but the splatter made it hard to catch an ID, I finally got one at 1608. (Hans Johnson/Cumbre DX Jan 9)

Brazil
4885 kHz, Radio Clube do Para, Belem, 0404 UTC, SINPO 32222 and slightly better at times with CODAR, bassy folk music, pop music, Portuguese between songs, ID at 0424. January 6. (R Chambers, NY/ODXA)

4915 kHz, Radio Nacional, Macapa (most likely, listed as on to 0700), vs. Radio Anhanguera, Goiania, (normally off after 0200). From 0424 UTC, with light music, ballads, Portuguese announcer, into pop / jazz at 0432 UTC. No definitive ID heard. SINPO 32222 with CODAR QRN. January 6.(R Chambers, NY/ODXA)

Clandestine
from unknown to Ethiopia 11900 Tensae Ethiopia Voice of Unity I believe this one is off the air, or at least not on 11900 any longer. I checked for them this morning at 1543 via DX Tuner Sweden and heard nothing. I then took a look at their website and noticed that the last audio file was from November. I then checked the audio files on the RMS system and found that I couldn't hear either the program or any jamming. (Hans Johnson/Cumbre DX Jan 9)

Clandestine
Sites to South Africa 7125 SW Radio Africa 1704 Heard via DX Tuner Sweden with English announcement giving their email address. Co-channel interference with SW Radio Africa often in the background, but I could not hear any jamming. (Hans Johnson/Cumbre DX Jan 9)

Egypt
9250 Nile Valley Radio 1653 Heard via DX Tuner Sweden. I hoped to catch their 1700 sign on to see what schedule information they would give. Checked at 1658 to hear music, but the only frequency they announced at 1700 was an AM channel. ID's and then into Quran. (Hans Johnson/Cumbre DX Jan 9)

Ethiopia
6110 Radio Fana (Addis Ababa) (presumed), 0450-0500, 1/6/2008, Oromo (per schedule). Non stop horn of Africa music heard under BBC Rampisham's Arabic broadcast. No parallel noted. SINPO 22222. (Jim Evans, TN)

6110 Radio Fana (Addis Ababa) (presumed), 0450-0500, 1/6/2008, Oromo (per chedule). Non stop horn of Africa music heard under BBC Rampisham's Arabic broadcast. No parallel noted. SINPO 22222. (Jim Evans, TN)

India
5040 AIR Jeypore hrd 12/28 from 0055 tune to 0115 fade with live broadcast of Cricket
Test Match (presumed) by a man ann, occasional short coml. Beginning fast fade after 0110, typical of Indian regionals via long path here. SINPO 25532. This station is usually only good for 20-25 min of audibility during morning bcst via long path. Other regional sites have even shorter windows, e.g. Gangtok on 4.835 can be hrd w/ sign-on at 0058 but is essentially gone by 0105. Indian regional long path reception this year does not seem as reliable as previous Decembers, w/ weaker sigs and shorter windows of audibility. In researching some background data on Jeypore (looking for a good city photo), I discovered that in some references, Jaipur (capital of Rajasthani state) is sometimes referred to as Jeypore, while the “real” Jeypore is a smaller town in Orissa state. AIR Jaipur is on 4.910. (B Churchill, Cumbre DX)

Indonesia
11784.95 (x9526) VoINS Jakarta noted tonight back on 25 mb. Wonderful smoot music songs played after 1830 UT, and a new? voiceful male announcer on German service could be heard with "Hier ist Jakarta, Sie hoeren die Stimme Indonesiens". (wb, Germany/HCDX)

Iran
7160 kHz, Voice of Justice, 0155 UTC with news by female, slightly readable at times, SINPO 33222, occasionally 33433; male ID with jingle, then an interview (name unintelligible) on the FBI as a “federal” institution, “This is the Voice of Justicecoming to you live from Tehren,” woman with views of US public on war in Iraq, mention of a Bloomberg web site, program on “the Other War” and “Iraq as your Witness.” Low audio by 0205 with SINPO 23222. January 4th.(R Chambers, NY/ODXA)

Singapore
7235, Radio Singapore International, 1101-1110, Initially noted a female in Malay Language comments. At 1105, news is finished and music commences. Signal was fair. (Chuck Bolland,FL January 9, 2008)

Slovakia
SLOVAKIA. 9825, Miraya FM, via IRRS, 1500-1505, Jan 4, English news. Mentioned MirayaFM.com website. Poor, difficult copy with unidentified co-channel station at equal level. Wiped out by DRM noise at 1505. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Sweden
6065 kHz, Radio Sweden (is this still Horby as in PPWBR 2006), 2235 UTC, SINPO 32333, dominant to unidentified piano, then Mideast music underneath, talk, English ID. January 3.(R Chambers, NY/ODXA)

Turkey
5960 kHz, Voice of Turkey at 2305 UTC, with end of news, and into “Outlook,”
an interesting analysis of Pakistan’s situation and parallels with Turkey in fight against terrorism. Mention that Turkey has lost “tens of thousands” to terrorism in their war against the PKK (Kurdish nationalists / separatists). Theme song for this editorial (before and after) was Fanfare for the Common Man by Copeland. Very good signal, SINPO 44444, but somewhat worse, fair, by 2330. January 5. (R Chambers, NY/ODXA)

Vietnam
6165, Voice of Vietnam-4, (pres),1035-1100 With at least three persons commenting
together, a female and to gents, it was very difficult to hear details in the noise. Heard some music but it wasn't descriptive. Mainly the period was covered with unidentified language comments. Signal was poor and at around 1055 the band started to collapse while Radio Nederland sticks their carrier on the air for the 1100 Spanish sked. VOVI is covered completely at this time. (Chuck Bolland, FL January 9, 2008)

Zanzibar
11735, Radio Tanzania-Zanzibar, 1800-1820, Jan 4, English news at 1800-1809. "Spice FM" ID. Swahili talk at 1809. Poor in noisy conditions. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Canada's CBC podcasts now available

Canada's domextic service has done a particularly good job of using podcasts to make archival content available - CBC podcats offer weekly installments of programming that won awards in years past, as well as programming that listeners have asked to hear again. For addition information, consult: http://cbc.ca/ podcasting for examples.

Ireland's RTE Radio 1, also offers archived programming via a podcast. The BBC's various radio services, including domestic Radio 4 and BBC World Service, have increased the number of programs offered via podcast in 2007.
(Source: Easy Listening, R. Cuff/ NASWA Journal Jan. 2008)

Israeli military "jams Palestinian radio with propaganda"

The International Middle East News Center, quoting local sources, says that several Palestinian radio stations on FM in the Gaza Strip have been jammed by Israeli military propaganda. The stations, which were affiliated with the Islamic Jihad and Hamas, have been replaced by recorded messages in Arabic broadcast from the nearby Israeli military bases.

Some of the messages broadcast on the jammed signals include, “The army warns you of the consequences of cooperation with the “ravagers”, and those who do so will be reached and punished. Hamas brings you only suffering. We promise that your suffering will come to an end, and you will feel soon that the Israeli army will deal with you better than Hamas did. You will soon see the strength of the Israeli army.”

This development took place on the heels of an Israeli attack that resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians earlier on Wednesday. In addition, according to the report, the Israeli military broadcast encouraged the Palestinian population of Gaza to rise up and overthrow the democratically-elected government led by the Hamas party.
(Source: International Middle East News Center/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Photo: Israeli Defence Forces

Rhein-Mein Radio Club QSL Calendar 2008 now available

RMRC Frankfurt has published it's third edition of the decorative QSL Calendar 2008, a wall calendar with some of the best and rarest QSL cards of the last 30 years.

The 2008 beautiful calendar is targeted for shortwave listeners from around the world. The cost of the 2008 calendar from RMRC Frankfurt is 15 Euros or $ 20.00 US. For additional ordering information and address, please consult the German/English website at:
http://www.rmrc.de/content/index_fset.html
(Source: NASWA Notes, Rich D'Angelo/ NASWA Journal Jan. 2008)

Pacific Asian Log available online

The latest database and PDF editions of Bruce portzer's shortwave Pacific Asian Log are now online at: http://www.radioheritage.net/ . All the latest changes, new stations, new format and much more. Thousands of shortwave radio stations covering the entire Asian Pacific region. Access remains complimnetary 24/7 for worldwide users.

This is the most comprehensive listing freely available anywhere online, it contains over 23, 000 entires.
(Source: NASWA Notes, Rich D'Angelo/NASWA Journal Jan. 2008)

Radio Free Asia releases 20th QSL card for 2008

A.J. Janitscheck, Production Support at Radio Free Asia, informs us that Radio Free Asia is introducing its 20th QSL card commemorating 2008 as the Year of the Rat. The rat is one of the twelve animals used in the Chinese zodiac. Those born in the year of the rat are considered socialable, industrious, meticulous, and ambitious.
This new card will be issued for all valid RFA reception reports for January 1st through March 31, 2008. Reception reports may be directed to RFA by email: qsl@rfa.org or to their website: http://www.techweb.rfa.org/ .

Postal address:
Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M Street - Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036 USA

Radio Netherlands adjust DRM schedules

Starting January 9, we have a change on our 5955 kHz DRM transmissions. This will be the new schedule on weekdays only:

1159-1257 UTC
Site: Wertachtal
Antenna: W314 - Omni
Power: 40 kW
Mode B; MSC=64QAM; SDC=16QAM; Long Interleaver
Parametric Stereo
17 kbps AAC+SBR
Service ID: E38300
RNW English

1259-1357 UTC
Site: Nauen
Antenna: N501 (2/4/0.5)
Azimuth = 240 degrees
Power: 40 kW
Mode B; MSC=64QAM; SDC=16QAM; Long Interleaver
Mono
17 kbps AAC+SBR
Service ID: E38400
RNW Dutch

1359-1457 UTC
Site: Wertachtal
Antenna: W314 - Omni
Power: 40 kW
Mode B; MSC=64QAM; SDC=16QAM; Long Interleaver
Parametric Stereo
17 kbps AAC+SBR
Service ID: E38300
RNW English

1459-1557 UTC
Site: Nauen
Antenna: N501 (2/4/0.5)
Azimuth = 240 degrees
Power: 40 kW
Mode B; MSC=64QAM; SDC=16QAM; Long Interleaver
Parametric Stereo
17 kbps AAC+SBR
Service ID: E38400
RNW Dutch - Uruzgan FM
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Weekly Radio Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 Jan 08 2024 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
31 December 2007 - 06 January 2008

Solar activity was very low to low. The period began at low levels due to a C8.3 flare observed at 31/0110 UTC off the east limb from Region 980 (S08, L=236, class/area, Cso/030 on 02 January). Accompanying this flare were Type II and Type IV radio sweeps (estimated shock velocity of 682 km/s). An associated CME was observed on the east limb near S09. At 02/1000 UTC, Region 980 produced a long duration C1.2 flare with an associated CME observed on LASCO C3 imagery at 02/1006 UTC. The region slowly decayed to spotless plage by 05 January. The first sunspot region with Solar Cycle 24 polarity was numbered as Region 981 (N30, L=246, class/area, Cso/020 on 04 January). Since emerging on the disk on 04 January, this region has been quiet and stable.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels 31 December, 02 January, and 06 January.

The geomagnetic field was at quiet levels through 04 January. For the remainder of the summary period (05 - 06 January), quiet to active levels were observed at middle latitudes, while high latitudes experienced unsettled to minor storm levels with an isolated major storm period. ACE solar wind measurements indicated a recurrent co-rotating interaction region (CIR) late on 04 January followed by the onset of a recurrent high speed stream. The CIR was
associated with increased densities, velocities, and interplanetary magnetic field. Densities increased to a peak of 31 p/cc at 05/0610 UTC. CIR-associated IMF changes included increased Bt (peak 18 nT at 05/0645 UTC) and intermittent periods of increased southward Bz
(minimum -14 nT at 05/0712 UTC). Velocities increased during 05 - 06 January. and reached a peak of 705 km/sec at 06/0007 UTC.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
09 January - 04 February 2008

Solar activity is expected to be very low.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 09 - 11 January, 14 - 27 January, and 02 - 04 February.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet levels during 09 - 12 January. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels during 13 - 18 January due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Activity is expected to decrease to mostly quiet levels during 19 January - 01 February. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels during 02 - 04 February due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 Jan 08 2024 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html

# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 Jan 08
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 Jan 09 80 5 2
2008 Jan 10 75 5 2
2008 Jan 11 75 5 2
2008 Jan 12 70 5 2
2008 Jan 13 70 15 4
2008 Jan 14 70 15 4
2008 Jan 15 70 10 3
2008 Jan 16 70 10 3
2008 Jan 17 70 10 3
2008 Jan 18 70 10 3
2008 Jan 19 70 8 3
2008 Jan 20 70 5 2
2008 Jan 21 70 5 2
2008 Jan 22 70 5 2
2008 Jan 23 70 5 2
2008 Jan 24 70 5 2
2008 Jan 25 70 5 2
2008 Jan 26 75 5 2
2008 Jan 27 75 5 2
2008 Jan 28 80 5 2
2008 Jan 29 80 5 2
2008 Jan 30 80 5 2
2008 Jan 31 80 5 2
2008 Feb 01 80 5 2
2008 Feb 02 80 10 4
2008 Feb 03 80 10 3
2008 Feb 04 80 10 3
(NOAA)

Blog Logs

The following logs represent a sampling of those from the current DX Window newsletter.
Gayle VH

All times UTC

Bhutan
6035, Bhutan Broadcasting Service, Sangaygang, checked them from 2355 ..no signal till 0055 when heard weak tone and carrier. Then suddenly at 0100 started music. I feel since the SW would not propagate at 0000, they bring up the transmitter on SW at 0100 straight into the programme. On Jan 06 at 0033 I was hearing them weak, a bit stronger at 0050 but bad splatter from 6030 Bible Voice to India from Wertachtal (500 kW). (Goonetilleke). It seems they have a new s/on time around 0100. I heard them at *0050, Jan 04; *0100-0140, Jan 05; on Jan 07 it was very weak and only audible at 0140-0155; *0100 on Jan 08, instrumental music, native songs, talks in Dzongkha, 34333. (Petersen)

Bolivia
4409.8, Radio Eco, Reyes, Beni, 2358-0015, Dec 24, lovely programme of LA-songs, greetings: “Mensaje para nuestra oyente...”, “Atención, mensaje para Javier Cuellar”, “Radio Eco”, 25322. (Méndez)

4781, Radio Tacana, Tumupasa, 2325-2348, Dec 27, local music (sounds like bolero), talks in Spanish "La Paz, Republica de Bolivia", advs "motosierra", some Happy New Year messages "para todos", "este ano vindoro", ID's: "Radio Tacana ...una tradicion ...la sintonia del momento", nearly recent english pop music "new love
generation", 22432. (Bobrowiec)

6079.94, Radio San Gabriel, La Paz, 0245-0300, Jan 01, special transmission for New Year, Andean songs, local advs by male and female in Aymara and Spanish, greetings: "......felicidades y saludos para....", 22432. (Slaen). Also heard at 1020-1035, Jan 07, local type music, Spanish ann, canned promos or advs presented, Station ID: "... Radio San Gabriel ...". Signal was fair at times, but overall poor. Without a very narrow filter, it would be almost impossible to hear this station due to the crowded frequency - using 180 Hertz. (Bolland)

Brazil
4805, Radio Difusora do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 0020, Jan 02, sung jingle "Difusora", Portuguese ID: "Difusora AM 1180, quem tá no rádio, tá ligado". Advs with reference to Amazonas, complete ID: "ZYH280 1180 kHz, Radio Difusora AM, ZYF273 4805 kHz, faixa de 62,4 metros, ondas tropicais, Rádio Difusora, a Voz do Brasil, ergulhosamente amazonense", 35333.
(Grimm in Jarinu)

4865, Radio Alvorada, Londrina, 0642-0653, Dec 25, religious programme in Portuguese, Rosario, 24322. (Méndez)

9695, Radio Rio Mar, Manaus, AM, 1742, Jan 02, Portuguese talk, "Manaus", sports news, 1755 newsbulletin (QRM 9685 Radio Gazeta SP), 33433. (Grimm in Jarinu). Also heard at 0956-1007, Dec 30, Brazilian songs, talk, advs, ID: "Radio Rio Mar, Onda Media, 1290 kHz, ondas curtas, 49 metros, 6160 kHz, 31 metros, 9695 kHz, Radio Rio Mar, Manos, Amanzonas, Brasil", 34333. (Méndez)

Colombia
6009.6, La Voz de tu Conciencia, Lomalinda, 0719-1101, Dec 30 and 31, Jan 01, Sr. Martin Stendal with religious programmes, slogan: "Colombia para Cristo", "This is the Voice of Your Conscience", light vocals and instrumentals, quick English ID,1058 played Colombian National Anthem in mid-program followed by ID, 35333. (Berg and Méndez)

Ecuador
3220, HCJB Global Voice, Quito, 0847, Jan 02, Christian hymns accompanied by flutes and string instruments, Quechua talk, 35443. (Grimm in Jarinu)

Germany
6140, MV Baltic Radio via Wertachtal, 1325-1400*, Su Jan 06, ann of new frequency (ex 5965) in G and E, ID's, oldies, adv for MV Baltic Radio Coffee Cup", 55545. (Petersen). On 6140 since Jan 06 1300-1400 using a non-directional antenna
system (Quadrant antenna). (Taylor, Jan 03)

Latvia
9290, Radio Joystick, via Ulbroka, *0900-0958*, Sa Jan 05, German ann, Techno music, 45332, strong signal, but weak modulation. (Henderson in DXplorer and Petersen)

Liberia
4759.97, ELWA, Monrovia, 0618-0802, Dec 30 and Jan 05, religious vocals and instrumentals. New transmitter put in a pretty good signal for this hour, but voice audio is still muddy.QRN and CODAR, 24432. (Berg, Churchill and Howard)

Mexico
6184.96, Radio Educacion, México DF, 0859-1105, Dec 25 and Jan 06, semi-classical music, ID: “Radio Educación, 1060 Amplitud Modulada, transmitiendo desde ... Colonia del Valle”. “Entrecruzamiento, todos lo martes y jueves a las 20 horas”. “Todos los días, de lunes a viernes, escuche nuestro noticiero, a las 8 de la mañana, 2 y media de la tarde y 8 de la noche”. Havana came on 6180 at 1100. Educacion went through with no ann and played the Mexican National Anthem at 1102-1105. I expected them to s/off, but they then continued on with a short ann and more music, 44444. (Berg and Méndez)

Peru
4523.5, Radio Superior, 2330-0230, Sa Dec 29 and Su Dec 20, new station heard through much noise with New Year's greetings in a program called "Superfiesta". Station ID: "...escucha a Radio Superior en banda de onda corta, banda que llega a todo el Perú, Radio Superior 4523 Kilocilos..."Location was difficult to catch, but ends with " - - - bamarca...". In earlier years there was a R Superior on 5300 in Distrito de Bolivar and in Naranjos on 6237v. (Rodriguez). It was also heard at 2300-2400, Jan 05, and the location is Bambamarca, Cajamarca. (Dioses in HCDX)

6173.79, Radio Tawantinsuyo, Cusco, 0021-0236, Dec 25, 29 and Jan 01, Spanish national and regional news, huaynos, ID: "...en Radio Tawantinsuyo...", TC and ID: "...las 9 de la noche con 42 minutos ....Radio Tawantinsuyo...", 23432. (Méndez and Slaen).
Also 1038-1115, Jan 06 and 07, Spanish comments between musical selections, poor. (Bolland)

Uganda
4976, Radio Uganda, Kampala, *0205-0225, Dec 27, Vernacular, New s/on time, Afropop, 34333. (Petersen). Also heard 0357-0415, Jan 04, high-life music, 0400 Anthem, news in English (items about Nairobi, Uganda [the recent changes in prices] and sports news), ID: "You are listening to the news on Radio UBC, Kampala", news ended with "main points again" and Anthem, poor to fair. A rare treat for me to hear this. (Howard)

Zimbabwe
4828, Voice of Zimbabwe, Guineafowl, Gweru (presumed), 0357-0420, Dec 26, fair with non-stop high-life music and songs. (Howard). Also heard 2000-2010, music, 44444. (Wernli)
(Source: DX Window #341 via Anker Petersen)

Website updates IRC/Currency chart

Radio hobbyist, amateur radio operators and QSL Managers will find the following link
http://www.qsl.net/w9ol/IRC_Chart.htm of interest when determining green stamps (currency rounded up to the next dollar) or the number of International Reply Coupons to enclose with their outgoing overseas mail. This handy chart will keep you up to date and cuts out the guess work.
Gayle VH
(Source: Larry Van Horn)

Canada to increase postal rates

For our Canadian DXers, the following postal rate increase will effect your DX mail.

Stamp Increase Jan 14, 2008: http://www.canadapost.ca/rates/coming-e.asp
Jan 14 2008 From Canada to Canada 0-30 g... $0.52 30-50 g... $0.96
Jan 14 2008 From Canada to USA 0-30 g... $0.96 30-50 g... $1.15
Jan 14 2008 From Canada to DX 0-30 g... $1.60 30-50 g... $2.30

before Jan 14, 2008
http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/default-e.asp click rates and prices

From Canada to Canada 0-30 g... $0.52 30-50 g... $0.93
From Canada to USA 0-30 g... $0.93 30-50 g... $1.10 Minimum:
140mm x 90mm x .18mm Maximum: 245mm x 150mm x 5mm
From Canada to DX 0-30 g... $1.55 30-50 g... $2.20 Minimum:
140 x 90 x .18mm Maximum: Length+Width+Depth cannot exceed 90 cm (+ taxes if applicable)

no increase for Canada to Canada

73 de Pierre VE2PIJ
ve2pij@hotmail.com
http://www.geocities.com/vhfdx2

via Larry Van Horn

Blog Logs - Clandestine activity

4880, SW Radio Africa, via Meyerton, 1717, Jan 04, hilife songs, nearly clear all the time except some QRM from Mossad in USB; heard // 7125 which all the time was covered by possibly R Vatican in Turkish. (Liangas)

5815, Radio Racja, Sitkunai, Lituania, 1705-1729*, Dec 30, Belarusian ann, Rap music, 45444. (Petersen)

5965, Shiokaze, via Yamata, 2244, Jan 04, Japanese talks, signal S4 better in LSB to avoid utility QRM. (Liangas)

6185, Radio República, via Sackville (?), heard on reactivated 6185 at *0200-0240, Dec 27, 28 and Jan 07, Spanish talk about Cuba with Cuban jamming. Must be a fairly recent change, and we can say goodbye to any chance of hearing R Educación, México, during this bihour. R Republica started B-07 on 6100 at *0200-0400*, and was there the last time I (Hauser) checked, having forced Vatican via Canada to move to 6040, 35444. Bernardini, Petersen)

6300, RASD, Rabouni, 1855-2200, Dec 24 and Jan 04, Arabic, local berber-like music, ann, ID, political talks, heard all evening, 34444. (Bernardini and Vestesen)

9780, Furusato No Kaze, via Taiwan, 1605-1630*, Jan 05, Japanese with some local songs and lengthy talks. Strong and clear signal. (Korinek in DXplorer)

9795, CMI /Voice of Wilderness, via Taiwan, 2009, Jan 04, Korean religious talk, marginal signal. (Liangas)

9820, Nippon no Kaze, via Taipei, 1711, Jan 04, Korean talks, marginal signal, just above the noise floor. (Liangas)

9825, Miraya FM, via Rimavska Sobota, Slovakia (IRRS), *1500-1800*, Dec 29, Jan 04, 05 and 06, talks in Arabic and another language, hymns, ID: "Radio Miraya", 33423. Very good signal in South Africa until 1800 when AWR s/on on the same channel with a broadcast also to Sudan. (D'Angelo, Korinek in DXplorer, Liangas and Wilkins in DXplorer)

9840, Sudan Radio Service, via Moscow (VT Communications), *1459-1703, Jan 04 and 06, English, s/on with IDs, address ann and the programme "Let's Talk", later Vernacular talks and songs. QRM on the same frequency from World Harvest R, USA. 32332. (Liangas and Vestesen)

11975, West Africa Democracy Radio, 0720-0730, Jan 05, English talk about Liberia and Monrovia, several IDs - also as "W.A.D.R.", 34444. (Vestesen)

15665, Voice of Biafra International, via WHRI, 2002-2058*, Dec 28, frequent IDs in English ("You are tuned to the Voice of Biafra International broadcasting to you from Washington, DC transmitting on 15.67 megahertz frequency in the 19 meter band bringing you matters of interest to Biafra.") with music and features about Biafra. Almost everything was in English except for one three minute segment which was in a local language. After program ended WHRI gave its ID and ended broadcasting on this frequency. Fair. (D'Angelo)
(Source: DX Window #341 via Anker Petersen)

WEWN English/Spanish schedule update

USA Winter B-07 of WEWN:
All times UTC

English
0000-0500 on 5810 EWN 500 kW / 020 deg to NoAm
0000-0500 on 5810 EWN 500 kW / 285 deg to CeAm
0500-0800 on 5810 EWN 500 kW / 040 deg to WeEu
0500-1500 on 5850 EWN 500 kW / 020 deg to NoAm
0500-1500 on 5850 EWN 500 kW / 285 deg to CeAm
1500-2200 on 11530 EWN 500 kW / 020 deg to NoAm
1500-2200 on 11530 EWN 500 kW / 285 deg to CeAm
1600-2000 on 15785 EWN 500 kW / 040 deg to WeEu
2000-2200 on 17595 EWN 500 kW / 085 deg to WeAf
2200-2400 on 7560 EWN 500 kW / 040 deg to WeEu
2200-2400 on 9975 EWN 500 kW / 020 deg to NoAm
2200-2400 on 9975 EWN 500 kW / 285 deg to CeAm

Spanish
0000-1100 on 7540 EWN 500 kW / 220 deg to SoAm
0000-1100 on 11870 EWN 500 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
1100-1500 on 7540 EWN 500 kW / 220 deg to SoAm
1100-1500 on 11875 EWN 500 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
1500-2000 on 11550 EWN 500 kW / 220 deg to SoAm
1500-2000 on 17510 EWN 500 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
2000-2400 on 11550 EWN 500 kW / 220 deg to SoAm
2000-2400 on 15745 EWN 500 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
(Source: DX Mix News #502 via Alokesh Gupta)

Pakistan to retain and reinforce external service

Text of report by official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
Islamabad, 8 January:
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has decided to retain and reinforce its external service broadcasts in Hindi, Gujarati, Bangla, Pushto, Dari, Persian and Chinese languages.
A meeting chaired by Secretary Information Syed Anwar Mahmood and attended by Director General PBC Javed Akhtar and senior officials discussed the contents of the services to be continued with improved content, quality and strong transmission signals, a press release issued here Saturday said.
The contents of the programmes of these services will be improved in line with the international broadcast partners with more emphasis on news and current affairs along with entertainment, it added.
Simultaneously there would be readjustment of broadcast transmitters and the services would be relayed through powerful transmitters to improve the signals of the broadcasts.
A decision to revamp the external services of Radio Pakistan was taken last year. It was decided that there should be a thorough review of the external services broadcasts and wherever needed these services must be strengthened and in other cases they should be discontinued.
The decision to revamp the external services will improve the quality of broadcasts of the essential services and convey the message from Pakistan to overseas listeners.
The secretary assured that the staff which has become surplus due to revamping would be absorbed in other services of Radio Pakistan and no one would be made jobless.
(Source: Associated Press of Pakistan news agency, Islamabad, in English 0941gmt 08 Jan 08 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

USA stations frequency updates

All times UTC NF new frequency

USA(non) Frequency changes for Voice of America:
0300-0330 on 7380 and 9440, new additional txion in Swahili Mon-Fri
1500-1530 NF 7145 LAM 100 kW / 080 deg, ex 11630 in Uzbek
1500-1530 NF 11550 KWT 250 kW / 046 deg, ex 15390 in Uzbek
1600-1700 NF 7430 UDO 250 kW / 300 deg, ex 5840 in Hindi

USA(non) Frequency changes of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
0900-1100 NF 7220 PHT 250 kW / 021 deg, ex 9355 in Russian

USA(non) Some WYFR Family Radio changes:
1400-1500 on 13840 NAU 500 kW / 105 deg to SoAs in Pashto, new from Jan.2
1800-1900 on 7490 ERV 300 kW / 305 deg to WeEu in German, ex A-A 200/312
1900-2000 NF 5820 SAM 250 kW / 284 deg to WeEu in German, ex 7240
(Source: DX Mix News #502 via Alokesh Gupta)

VT Communications schedule updates

U.K.(non) VT Communications schedule changes:
All times UTC

Radio Prague, all cancelled from Jan.2
0100-0127 on 11665 ASC 250 kW / 245 deg to SoAm Spanish
0200-0227 on 5995 SAC 250 kW / 268 deg to NoAm English
1100-1127 on 17515 ASC 250 kW / 065 deg to WeAf French

Radio Mustaqbal, all cancelled from Jan.2
0545-0615 on 15400 MEY 250 kW / 019 deg to EaAf Somali Mon-Wed/Sat
0620-0650 on 15400 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Somali Mon/Tue/Sat
0730-0800 on 15530 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Somali Mon-Wed/Sat
0805-0835 on 15530 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Somali Mon/Tue/Sat
1130-1200 on 15340 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg to EaAf Somali Mon-Wed/Sat
1205-1235 on 17660 MEY 250 kW / 019 deg to EaAf Somali Mon/Tue/Sat

CVC International, cancelled from Jan.7
1000-1100 on 11815 MOS 035 kW / 295 deg to WeEu English DRM

Trans World Radio Africa from Jan.2
0830-0900 on 11985 ASC 250 kW / 027 deg to WeAf French, ex 0830-0915

North Korea Reform Radio, new station from Dec.24
1200-1230 on 9630 TAI 100 kW / 002 deg to KRE Korean
(Source: DX Mix #502 via Alokesh Gupta)

Radio Ukraine International schedule update

UKRAINE Radio Ukraine International reactivated transmissions to North America from Jan.1
All times UTC

0000-0100 on 7440 LVV 600 kW / 303 deg in Ukrainian
0100-0200 on 7440 LVV 600 kW / 303 deg in English
0200-0400 on 7440 LVV 600 kW / 303 deg in Ukrainian
0400-0500 on 7440 LVV 600 kW / 303 deg in English
(Source: DX Mix #502 via Alokesh Gupta)

KBC schedule update

LITHUANIA(non) Updated winter B-07 of KBC Radio in English via Sitkunai:
All times UTC - NF new frequency

2200-2258 NF 6265 SIT 100 kW / 259 deg to WeEu Daily, ex 6235 Fri/Sat
0100-0158 NF 6265 SIT 100 kW / 310 deg to NoAm Daily, ex 6235 Sun
(Source: DX Mix #502 via Alokesh Gupta)

Internet radio Pandora to end broadcast to United Kingdom

Internet radio station Pandora will stop broadcasting to the UK next week after failing to reach a deal with music rights holders. The UK was the only territory outside of the US to which Pandora still broadcast, but that will stop on 15th January.
Pandora founder Tim Westergren has written to all users with UK IP addresses to inform them of the move, saying it was an email he "hoped [he] would never have to send". He said he may call on users to engage in political lobbying on the issue.
"In July of 2007 we had to block usage of Pandora outside the US because of the lack of a viable license structure for internet radio streaming in other countries," he said. "We did however hold out some hope that a solution might exist for the UK, so we left it unblocked as we worked diligently with the rights organizations to negotiate an economically workable license fee."
For more information consult Out-Law.com:
http://www.out-law.com/page-8781

Kol Israel schedule update