Radio Prague releases new shortwave schedule

Radio Prague has published its new shortwave schedule effective on Monday 1 February. It’s as follows (all times UTC):

All times UTC

Czech
0930–0957 11600 SW Europe
1030–1057 21745 W Africa
1200–1227 9880 N Europe
1330–1357 6055 C Europe
1630–1657 5930 W Europe
1830–1857 5930 W Europe
2030–2057 5930 W Europe
2200–2227 5930 SW Europe
0030–0057 5930 S America
0230–0257 7345 N America
0330–0357 7345 N America

German
0730–0757 5930 W Europe
1100–1127 7345 C Europe
1300–1327 6055 C Europe
1600–1627 5930 W Europe
1730–1757 7285* W Europe

English
0800–0827 7345 NW Europe
1000–1029 21745 W Africa
1130–1157 9880 N Europe
1400–1429 11600 S Asia
1700–1727 5930 NW Europe
1800–1827 5930 NW Europe
2100–2127 5930 NW Europe/N America
2230–2257 7355 C & W Africa
2330–2357 5930 N America
0100–0127 7355 N America
0200–0227 7355 N America
0400–0427 7345 N America
0430–0457 9855 E Africa/Middle East

Spanish
0900–0927 11600 SW Europe
1500–1527 11600 SW Europe
1900–1927 6200 SW Europe
2000–2027 5930 SW Europe
2130–2157 5930 SW Europe/S America
0000–0027 5930 S America
0000-0027 7420** S America
0130–0157 7355 C America
0300–0327 7345 S America

French
0700–0727 5930 W Europe
0830–0857 11600 SW Europe/W Africa
1430–1457 11600 SW Europe/W Africa
1730–1757 5930 W Europe
1930–1957 6200 W Europe
2300–2327 5930 N America

Russian
0500–0527 5980 E Europe
1230–1257 6055 E Europe
1530–1557 5930 E Europe

Transmitters at Litomysl, 100 kW except:
*) Relayed via Sines, 250 kW
**) Relayed via Ascension, 250 kW

Selected programmes of Radio Prague are also relayed by Radio Miami International from Miami, FL, USA on 9955kHz. The complete programme schedule of WRMI can be found here.
(Source: Radio Prague)

Related story: Radio Prague continues on shortwave with one transmitter
An article on Radio Prague’s website deals with the situation following the Czech government’s decision to reduce the station’s budget, especially with regard to shortwave, which the Director of Radio Prague, Miroslav Krupicka, says accounts for about half the station’s audience reach:

“Radio Prague’s budget for this year has been reduced by 15.0 percent. It is a little bit more than we expected but we have to come to terms with it. It still makes it possible for us to continue shortwave broadcasts. What we have to do is to close one of the two shortwave transmitters that we have in Litomyšl. We will be able to cover basically more or less the same territory we have been covering so far, which means the whole of Europe, North Africa, let’s say the Middle East and parts of North and South America. We won’t be reducing very much the area that we cover so far.”

Those economy measures almost halve the shortwave transmission bill to 7.0 million crowns (US$ 387,000) a year. Dutch-based consultant and former RNW Creative Director Jonathan Marks and the AIB’s Simon Spanswick explain to Radio Prague’s Chris Johnstone why some international broadcasters have dropped shortwave altogether.
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Shortwave Blog "Bytes"

All times UTC // parallel frequency *sign-on sign-off*

All India Rado monitoring
India, 4920, All India Radio, (Chennai), 0111-0120, Initially noted a male in Hindi with news until 0013 when canned promos presented. At 0115 a female takes over the mic with more comments. Heard "India" mentioned during these. Signal was fair which is better than usual. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

4800, All India Radio, (Hyderabad), 0146-0200, Male in Hindi with comments to musical bridge. Male continues to talk however. Signal was poor. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

4850, AIR Kohima, 1326-1334, Jan 28. Usual segment of indigenous singing/chanting during this time period; assume in vernacular; tuned away at 1334 and found off the air at 1337 check.
Victor A. Goonetilleke (Sri Lanka) also heard them today about 1300. Surprised to still hear them here after their special Republic Day broadcast (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA/Cumbred DX)

Czech Republic's Mailbox program
Once again, thank you - all of you who have written in in the last few months - so much for expressing your support. As we announced several times, our shortwave broadcasts are to continue according to the current schedule until the end of January. Radio Prague's management is now working on a new schedule starting on February 1st but the great news is Radio Prague will keep its shortwave broadcasts. There will be a certain reduction but it will not be substantial and the majority of our listeners should not be affected by it. Radio Prague will need to find other ways to save and make ends meet with the slimmer budget for 2010. This is the result of intensive negotiations between Czech Radio and the Foreign Ministry and we hope this is good news for you just as it is for us here at Radio Prague. The future of shortwave, and more information about Radio Prague's decision to retain it, was discussed in a Talking Point program on January 19. This feature can be found in the Radio Topics section of this months magazine. (Jonathan Murphy, Edwin Southwell/worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

China claims over 2 million letters
The Director-General of China Radio International (CRI) mentions in his New Year Speech that CRI received a new record high of over 2.9 million letters from overseas listeners and online users in the past year. He also said that "in 2009, we have 59 language services, including six new languages, turning CRI into the media agency with the largest number of languages broadcasting to the world. We also built another 14 overseas 24-hour radio stations, and our production capabilities of localized programming has also been enhanced dramatically." The whole speech is at http://tinyurl.com/ycxgbcd (Media Network) Reading this incredibly self-congratulatory speech I have to conclude that his definition of the truth is somewhat different to mine. (Mike Barraclough, Media Network blog (worlddxclub/Contact-Feb DX News)

Colombian harmonic observed
2980.00, Radio Vida Nueva, Barranquilla, 0620-0655, Jan 30, 2nd harmonic. 2 x 1490. A mix of Spanish religious music, slow ballads, and more lively Spanish music. Several Spanish
announcements. Threshold signal but occasional peaks up to a very weak level. IDed by comparing it to their web broadcast which was running parallel at www.radiovidanueva.net/ . I first heard this harmonic back on April 9, 2009 and IDed with the help of Henrik Klemetz at that time. (Brian Alexander, PA)

Eritrea's Radio Bana on new freq
Heard on 5060.0 from former 5100. Observed in vernaculars with Horn of Africa music. Talk at 0430, possible news and music. SINPO 35333, but at times interference from a voice utility station. (Anker Petersen, Denmark/playdx)

Ethiopia's Radio Oromiya logs
Heard on 6030 0407-0504. News in presumed Oromo language. Instrumental music at 0414 with talking over the music ending the news. Identification followed by Horn of Africa vocals. Mix of talks and local music until identification at 0500 followed by more talk. Fair to good at tune in but beginning to fade around 0450. This is becoming a Monday morning UTC regular after the Cuban jammer leaves the airwaves. (Rich D'Angelo, PA/worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

6030, Radio Oromiya, 1522-1529, Jan 29. Probably I just missed their *1520. Amazed to hear their distinctive, repetitive xylophone like IS at this time period; 1531-1539 indigenous music and singing. Interference mostly from CNR-1, but also some from Calgary; reception much stronger than I have heard at their *0320v. Very pleased to have caught this sign on!
(Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA/Cumbre DX)

Polish Radio
Polish Radio has started to combine the Multimedia and In Touch programmes in an effort to save on costs. Slawek announced the idea on Friday January 15 and is looking for feedback. The January 22 show had the first half devoted to Polish media matters and reception reports, with the remainder left to answer listeners' questions. The programme is tentatively being called Multitouch. (Jonathan Murphy/worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Propagation report
The NZ4O Daily LF/MF/HF/6M Frequency Radiowave Propagation Forecast #2010-05
has been published at 1400 UTC on Friday 01/29/2009, valid 0000 UTC Saturday
01/30/2010 through 2359 UTC Friday 02/05/2009 at http://www.solarcycle24.org
and http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o3.htm . (Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O/Lakeland, FL, nz4o@arrl.net )

Radio Slovakia International
Reported that representatives of the state-run Slovak Television and Slovak Radio signed framework agreements with the Culture Ministry on December 21. The deals are for a period of five years. Slovak Radio will receive 4 million Euros annually. Support for broadcasting in six foreign languages via Radio Slovakia International is also included in the subsidy. (Edwin Southwell/(worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Russia - Voice of Orthodoxy
In Russian now using 7430, ex 7435, for its Tuesday and Friday broadcasts 1530-1600 via Almaty. (DX Mix News/Cumbre DX/worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Saudi Arabia on 155435
Top record, BSKSA Riyadh on 15435 kHz heavy buzz signal super wide in 15108 to 15938 kHz range. Scheduled 15-18 UT. Nothing heard in Germany of WRN 6230 kHz Liverpool v Bolton English football live commentaries in Chinese via Tashkent Uzbekistan. Rather data signal of
G2D/G7D CODAR format interfers ?

ITU Monitoring List shows Quimper - Brest in France location, due of cross finding by monitorings in Klagenfurt Austria, El Casar in Spain, and Baldock in U.K.(wb, Germany/HCDX)

Sentec address update
South Africa verification letter shows new address of Sentech Ltd: PO Box 234. Meyerton 1960. Signer was Sikander Hoosen. (Ron Killick, New Zealand via Wolfgang Bueschel/(worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Voice of Nigeria 's general service update
The new Abuja station is ready to go in general service. All technical gear is ready. All four frequencies tested a lot on air, 7255 9690 11770 and 15120. 17800 may also be used. Some delays have occurred in civil works. Regular start will be in March 2010 when I will start local engineer training. The 7275 site is in very bad shape, both 100kw transmitters need to be overhauled. It is hoped to be in regular service by mid-year. (Bodo Fritsche via Wolfgang Bueschel/worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Shortwave Interval Signals
http://garlinger.com/QSL/montage.mp3
(wb, Germany)

Voice of Tartarstan audio clip
Voice of Tatarastan (Tatarstan Awazy) 11915 KHz 09.10

The audioclip is available here: http://blog.libero.it/radioascolto/8314461.html
(Francesco/playdx2003)

WWCR leaving 3240
Saw the below news item posted on WWCR's website:
Beginning 31 January, WWCR will cease to operate on 3.240 MHz. WWCR's Transmitter #1 will broadcast on 7.465 MHz from 2100-0200 UTC.
(J.D. Stephens, Hampton Cove, AL/Cumbre DX)

Blog Logs

Special thanks to contributor Ron Howard for the following shortwave logs

All times UTC

// parellel frequency *sign-on sign-off*

China
7245, CNR-2/China Business Radio, 1430-1500, Jan 28."English Evening" program. Pop songs and commentary on fashion, Beijing having cold weather, etc. Business news and small amount of Chinese used // 6065, 6090, 6155, 7315, 7335, 7370, 7375, 9775
and 9820 (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA)

Clandestine
5910, Shiokaze - Sea Breeze via Yamata, 1402, Jan 28. Surprised to hear them with English on a Thursday, scheduled *1400 to 1430.* Tuned in to the usual information about COMJAN. Personal data about Japanese abductees believe taken to North Korea, starting with a 1967 abduction; this format is usually carried on Wednesday. Heavy jamming, which was noted before 1400 and still going at 1454. So will Friday be a second day in a row of English? (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA)

India
5050, All India Radio-Aizawl, 1620-1630.* Jan 27. DJ in English to pop songs in English (The Troggs with "Love Is All Around", etc.); sign off announcements in English and Hindi.

9425, AIR Bengaluru, 1435-1502, Jan 27. Wednesday edition of "Vividha" in English (also on Mondays); interview with Dr. Renu Malaviya, Associate Professor, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, about autism. Reads poems about women, this is "Girl Child Week" in India; fair (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA)

4850, AIR Kohima, 1326-1334, Jan 28. Usual segment of indigenous singing and chanting during this time period. Assume in vernacular. Tuned away at 1334 and found off the air at 1337 check.Victor A. Goonetilleke (Sri Lanka) also heard them today about 1300.Surprised to still hear them here after their special Republic Day broadcast (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA)

Indonesia
3976.02, RRI Pontianak, 1510, Jan 27. Bahasa Indonesia. Concert of western classical music; mentioned names of "Conductor" and "Concertmaster"; held at "Jakarta Auditorium." Pop Indonesian songs, 1600 several "Radio Republik Indonesia Pontianak" IDs to list of frequencies, mostly FM. Poor signal to fair with amateur radio interference. Map of "Coverage Area" at www.rripontianak.com/, with list of frequencies, showing "3976.8 KHz" (Ron Howard, Asilomar,Beach, CA)

Malaysia
6049.6v, Salam FM via RTM, 1604-1616*, Jan 27. Vernacular. Reciting from the Qur'an, "Salam FM" jingles. Considerable variety as to when they go off the air (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach,CA)

Russia
4975, Voice of Russia via Dushanbe-Yangiyul, 1508, Jan 28. English with "News and Views"; the strongest I have heard them here (Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA)

Radio Australia and CVC relay

For the upcoming A10 season starting on March 28, Broadcast Australia, the
transmission provider for Radio Australia, plans to use this array of offshore relays:

Dhabbaya - Burmese and English
Kranji - Burmese and English
Palau - English, Mandarin, Indonesian, Burmese
Taiwan - English, Indonesian, Mandarin

This expanded relay usage is a consequence of the impending closure of the Darwin complex on Jan 31 by the owner, Christian Vision Communications.

From Feb 1, CVC SW transmissions are listed for Tashkent, Lusaka, and Santiago.

The Darwin facility will be mothballed - six transmitters, directional antennas, and associated infrastructure.

It is not known whether the facility will be sold to any other organization - to do so would require an extensive, protracted and complex process, which would need Federal Government approval.

Regards from Melbourne
(Bob Padula, Melbourne, Australia)

Live VOA Creole Call-in Show Links Haitians

Live VOA Creole Call-in Show Links Haitians With Medical Professionals

Haitians questioned medical professionals today in a live VOA Creole Service program that was anchored from outside the ruined presidential palace
Washington, D.C., January 27, 2010 – Haitians questioned medical professionals today in a live Voice of America (VOA) Creole Service program that was anchored from outside the ruined presidential palace in Port-au-Prince and heard by millions of people.

Jean Robert Philippe, a VOA broadcaster, was surrounded by Haitians in the capital city seeking to pose questions to the medical team after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. Callers from across Haiti dialed into the program from cell phones.

Mode Silver, a psychologist based in Miami, Fla., told callers the effects of the earthquake will be felt for generations of Haitians. Also participating was Dr. Marie-Josee Fransoi, a specialist in community and public health from Orlando, Florida.

“Our goal was to give listeners a chance to get answers directly from medical professionals,” said Ronald Cesar, chief of VOA’s Creole Service. “Living through the earthquake has left many of them both physically and emotionally scarred, and we want to try to ease their suffering any way that we can.”

VOA Creole-language broadcasts have expanded to 10.5 hours a day on weekdays, and 9.5 hours on weekends since the Jan. 12 earthquake. VOA’s Creole Service reaches more than 50 percent of adult Haitians on a weekly basis. Up-to-date information is also available around the clock on www.VOANews.com/creole .
(VOA)

Radio Bloopers UK available on You Tube

The 2009 Radio Bloopers UK has been posted to YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ . This edition's main theme is "It's important to teach your staff how to operate the equipment" and "Be aware of what you are reading before you say it out loud". This is the third annual collection, occasional bad language on all of the compilations which can be found by putting radiobloopersuk in the YouTube search engine.

There's also a website that regularly posts audio of various UK radio bloopers, that is frequently updated. The site is Radiofail: http://radiofail.wordpress.com/
(worldxclub/Contact Magazine via Alan Roe)

A nostalgic look at the wireless days

Listening to the wireless long ago -
by Arthur Ward
Armed forces on the European continent in 1944-45 had their own radio station (AEFP of the BBC) transmitted from Start Point, Devon, albeit, 50% American, 15% Canadian programming with the remaining 35% produced for British forces or taken from London. Of the news on the hour, each hour, three main slots were taken from the BBC followed by an appropriate
commentary usually recorded live.

For awhile on some occasional mid-evenings there was an half an hour with the Glenn Miller band playing at the Corn Exchange, Bedford after their quick exit from London during attacks by V1 missiles. The band crossed the county border on numerous occasions with concerts at one of the cluster of Northamptonshire US 8th Strategic Air force airfields, but it is doubtful if
any were ever recorded. With no female vocalist - one evening in the autumn of 1944,

Miller with a big American style build-up introduced Anne Shelton as a guest. Anne replied with thanks saying as she was under contract to Mr Ambrose she would be unable take up a vocalist role with the band. Furthermore, Mr Ambrose always set her vocals in E-flat (as I seem to
remember). Miller's response was 'you just sing honey and we'll get on just fine'. Anne sang and under Miller's discipline America's top musicians of those days drifted in with perfection supposedly without rehearsal.

The other appearance Anne made with an American, one that I never heard, was from the hotel balcony with Bing Crosby singing to a massed audience in the streets below during the victory celebrations on VE night. There were at least two other London female vocalists who I never heard who made guest appearances with Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF.

During the autumn when transmitting was moved from Start Point to Crowborough, Sussex, Miller learnt a little German whilst making a series of recordings for propaganda introduced by the mysterious Ilsa with Johnny Desmond singing lyrics in German. What listeners to the propaganda broadcasts (if there were any) made of "Is you Is or Is you ain't My Baby"
in German is anybody's guess.

By the end of 1944 with Miller gone the band was on the continent based in Paris and split into four groups seldom playing as a full unit. 'Strings with Wings' was the concert orchestra; Jerry Gray led the rest of the musicians with Johnny Desmond and the Crew Chiefs with the vocals; the small Up-Town Hall gang for a time opened with "My Guy Has Come Back"; while the
"Swing Shift" opened in song "This is Sergeant Ray McKinley saying "How do you do" and the fellows in the band say "Howdy too" with each musician being introduced with a musical description until "That's it. Fellows let's go" and straight into their first number.

They all recorded or played live until AEFP broadcasts ended in August 1945 being replaced by AFN and BFN but by that time the American Band of the AEF was on its way to Cherbourg and the States. I heard numerous broadcasts by these bands which were looked on as something not to miss but from thereon American music was on platters - V-discs. aw.
(worlddxclub/Contact Magazine via Alan Roe)

A closer look at Ascension Island's BBC Atlantic Relay Station

Ascension Island in the South Atlantic is about seven miles across and has a population of around 1800. The climate is quite equable and temperatures of 22 to 35 deg C and rainfall of around 300mm a year are normal. A constant sea breeze throughout the year keeps conditions cool. Most of the Island consists of volcanic ash or rock deposits. In the central high region there
is increased rainfall. The position of Ascension Island, 8 deg South and 14 deg West, makes it an ideal site for short save broadcasting to Africa and South America. Reversible antenna arrays allow coverage of Africa during the day and South America during the night.

Construction of the Atlantic Relay Station began in 1965 at English Bay and it became fully operational in late 1967. The Power Station was constructed to provide electricity for the transmitters as well for those on the Island. The Transmitting Station and Power Station provided employment for around twenty British and seventy St Helena staff with the BBC providing other essential services including the school, hospital and farm.

The transmitting station comprised of four Marconi BD272 250kW shortwave transmitters and twenty dual-band aerial arrays but was upgraded in 1989 by the installation of a further two Marconi BD272 transmitters and four new aerial arrays. The transmitters were designed in the early 1960's and required manual band changing and tuning round the clock by a staff of three
on each shift to carry out changes, tuning, routine maintenance and repairs. An automatic control system was installed to carry out all the transmitter program and aerial switching operations that were required by the daily transmission schedule. A 500 watt medium wave transmitter on 1485 kHz was added at the transmitting station and a 400 watt VHF transmitter on 93.2MHz was installed on Green Mountain.

Programming for the World Service originated from Bush House studios in London. These program feeds reached Ascension via the Intelsat 5 satellite via a Satellite Earth Station located close to the Transmitter Building which was installed in 1985. Prior to that a combination of pre-recorded tapes from London and shortwave radio links provided the necessary program
feeds. The Atlantic Relay Station at that time transmitted English to Africa, Central and South America; Somali and Swahili to Africa; as well as French, Hausa and Portuguese. A Receiving Station at Butt Crater three miles away equipped with six Racal dual-diversity receivers and two sets of rhombic aerials was automated in 1981 to allow full remote control from the
transmitter station. Later Butt Crater was used to provide emergency programme feeds in the event of a satellite link fault.

The original aerial field contained 20 aerial arrays supported by 10 masts which ranged between 46 and 99 metres high. Each of these arrays, many of which had automated groundwork switches, covered two adjacent shortwave bands and had a typical gain of 15 db. The masts were arranged to provide a range of forward bearings of 207 to 306 degrees and reverse bearings of 27 to 114 degrees. The four aerial arrays built in 1989 were supported by a
line of five self-supporting towers, the tallest being 126 metres high. Three of the aerials cover two SW bands and one covers three SW bands. Each of these newer aerials is reversible and can be slewed left and right giving a total of five possible forward bearings between 55 and 115 degrees and five possible reverse bearings between 235 and 295 degrees. The station
control system was capable of selecting any aerial to any sender as required by the transmission schedule. In practice each sender had a choice of ten different aerial arrays. The Atlantic Relay Station opening and closing announcements were inserted locally.

Article by Gordon M Darling (date unknown) edited and condensed January
2010.
(Worlddxclub/Contact Magazine via Alan Roe)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2010 Jan 26 2221 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
18 - 24 January 2010

Solar activity was at very low to moderate levels during the period. Region 1040 (N29, L=238, class/area Eki on 13 January) quietly rotated off the disk on 19 January. New Region 1041 (S25, L=052, class/area, 200/Eso on 22 January) rotated onto the disk on 19 January as a 10-spot, beta sunspot group. Prior to it rotating on the disk, the region produced an EUVI wave observed by STEREO-B at 17/0356 UTC. During this same period, SOHO C2 imagery indicated a
CME had lifted off the east limb. On 19 and 20 January, Region 1041 produced a total of six M-class x-ray events; the largest a M3.4/Sf at 20/1755 UTC. Activity decayed to mostly very low levels through the remainder of the period. New Region 1042 (N22, L=131, class/area, 190/Cao on 23 January) emerged on the disk on 22 January as a beta sunspot group. The region was quiet and stable.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal background levels during the period.

Geomagnetic field activity was predominately quiet during the period. The exceptions consisted of an interval of generally unsettled to active levels from 20/1500 UTC - 21/1200 UTC, and brief periods of unsettled to active levels at high latitudes from 0900 - 1500 UTC on 23 January and 0600 - 1500 UTC on 24 January.

Observations from
the ACE spacecraft indicated the onset of a co-rotating interaction region at 20/0900 UTC in advance of a coronal hole high speed stream. Solar wind velocity increased from 288 km/s at 20/0800 UTC to a maximum of 534 km/s at 20/2327 UTC, while density peaked at 19
p/cc at 20/1959 UTC. During this period, the southward component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) ranged between +15nT and -17nT. Thereafter, the magnetic field decayed, while solar wind velocity steadily decreased, ending the summary period near 380
km/s.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
27 January - 22 February 2010

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels for the forecast period. Isolated moderate activity is possible from 14 - 22 February with the return of Region 1041 (S25, L=052
No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels through the period.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels for the forecast period. A period of unsettled to active levels are expected 16 - 17 February as a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream is expected to become geoeffective. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels for the forecast period. A period of unsettled to active levels are expected 16 - 17 February as a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream is expected
to become geoeffective.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2010 Jan 26 2221 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 2010 Jan 26
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2010 Jan 27 80 5 2
2010 Jan 28 78 5 2
2010 Jan 29 78 5 2
2010 Jan 30 78 5 2
2010 Jan 31 78 5 2
2010 Feb 01 80 5 2
2010 Feb 02 80 5 2
2010 Feb 03 80 5 2
2010 Feb 04 80 5 2
2010 Feb 05 80 5 2
2010 Feb 06 82 5 2
2010 Feb 07 84 5 2
2010 Feb 08 86 5 2
2010 Feb 09 86 5 2
2010 Feb 10 86 5 2
2010 Feb 11 86 5 2
2010 Feb 12 84 5 2
2010 Feb 13 82 5 2
2010 Feb 14 80 5 2
2010 Feb 15 82 5 2
2010 Feb 16 84 10 3
2010 Feb 17 84 7 3
2010 Feb 18 84 5 2
2010 Feb 19 84 5 2
2010 Feb 20 84 5 2
2010 Feb 21 84 5 2
2010 Feb 22 84 5 2
(NOAA)

Free North Korea Radio gives airtime to North Koreans

A Seoul-based Internet radio station that broadcasts to North Korea said it will air actual voices of North Korean residents for the first time in a feature programme this week. Free North Korea Radio, run by North Korean defectors, began shortwave broadcasts across the border in 2004 and now transmits programmes for five hours a day.

The radio station plans to air accounts of North Korean complaints on the country’s economic policies in a seven-minute feature programme to be aired this Friday and Saturday. “There are four private stations in South Korea that broadcast to the North, but it will be the first time actual voices of North Koreans are being aired,” said Kim Seong-min, founder of the Free North Korea Radio. “We plan to air programs with live voices of North Koreans every week from now on.”

Stringers in the North recorded the voices of residents near the border with China using hidden cameras and mini recorders, Kim said, adding that he could not disclose the video images of the interviewees for safety reasons.

In a clip posted on the broadcaster’s website, six North Koreans complain about the recent currency denomination, market crackdown and mandatory manure production system. An elderly lady talks about how each household is required to produce eight tons of barnyard manure. Four men and women complain that they are no longer allowed to sell anything apart from agricultural products in the markets due to the government crackdown on the free market. An elderly woman also criticizes the government after authorities took away her goods in the market.
(Source: Korea Herald/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

UN radio service in Haiti begins "earthquake preparedness" broadcasts

The United Nations radio service in Haiti has begun “earthquake preparedness” broadcasts as fears mount about a possible second major quake, which many locals believe could be bigger than the first one that devastated Port-au-Prince. Minustah FM, the UN-run Haitian radio service which lost two journalists during the quake on 12 January, is also now transmitting on a special frequency to reach hundreds of thousands of slum-dwellers who are too scared to sleep in their houses and have set up camp on the streets.

The radio service is one of the only means of communicating with jittery city residents in the wake of one of the worst natural disasters in living memory. The UN this week warned of likely future large earthquakes in Haiti. So far about 50 aftershocks have rattled Port-au-Prince and several outlying towns, causing further damage and widespread panic.

Residents are now so nervous that Minustah FM is planning to broadcast psychological services, according to station producer Breuil Munganga. She said the high number of earthquake queries had also prompted special programmes on what to do before and during earthquakes.
(Source: www.timeslive.co.za/ R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Australian DX Report No. 187 available for download

Episode N broadcasting includes monitoring research and analysis made from field sites near Melbourne.

There are also other features, news and information about shortwave broadcasting, propagation, a solar activity report, monitoring notes, schedules for the new B09 season, extracts from schedules, and schedule updates.

It's 14 mins duration, and may be accessed from the Australian Internet
Radio Magazine site, at http://airm.edxp.org

You may download/listen to/save the episodes as an MP3 file on your laptop, desktop, notebook, netbook, set up a Podcast, or receive and save it on your mobile phone or
other portable internet-enabled digital device.

You may also subscribe via the site's RSS/Atom feed - full details are at the site.

The shows are very popular - in the four weeks to January 9, 2010, there have been 731 downloads by subscribers, 1927 site visitors, and 185 episode hits. There have been 23,871 channel visits in the past 12 months!

The episodes are also available on-air, over WWCR Nashville, 0300-0315 on Sundays, on 5070, and on Mondays 1245-1300 on 15825, and via WWCR's streaming audio (live) at http://wwcr.com

Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode No. 187, and enjoy the music!
(Bob Padula, Melbourne, Australia)

Radio Pakistan to launch new language services to Asia

Text of report by official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)

Radio Pakistan is launching Nepali, Sinhala and Tamil language programmes from its external services from 1 February. The new programmes of half an hour duration in each of these languages will comprise different segments covering news, commentaries, socio-economic development and cultural activities of the South Asian Region, said a press release here on Thursday 28 January.

Radio Pakistan’s external service is already broadcasting programs in seven languages including Bengal, Hindi, Chinese, Gujrat, Pushto, Dari and Farsi.

The external services programs mainly focus on projecting Pakistan policy objectives in the context of regional and international issues besides forging close relations with the world community.

The launching of new programmes will help promote mutual understanding and cooperation with Nepal and Sri Lanka.

(Source: Associated Press of Pakistan news agency, Islamabad, in English 28 Jan 10 via BBC Monitoring)
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Shortwave Blog "Bytes"

All times UTC // parallel frequency *sign-on sign-off*

Azerbaijan
(Nagorny Karabakh enclave) 9677.51 Aedaelaen Saesi Radiosu, Stepanakert, *0600-0625* UT on Jan 16, Azeri. Interval signal to station ID as, "...Stepanakert...", news and a report with lots of mentions of Azerbaijan, ID "Aedaelaen Saesi Radiosu" at s/off. Good signal, but bad audio quality, SINPO 35442. (Patrick Robic-AUT, dswci DXW Jan 20)

Aedaelaen Saesi Radiosu aus Stepanakert war heute am 16.1. um 0600 UT auf 9677.51 kHz mit tollem Signal aber einer Modulation vom Typ "Radio Kairo" zu hoeren. Mit einem breiten Filter war der Empfang zumindest teilweise verstaendlich - ECSS Empfang war vollkommen unmoeglich. s/off war heute um 0625 UTC.(Patrick Robic-AUT, A-DX Jan 16)
(BCDX 948/Top News via wb, Germany)

Bulgaria moves program time
DX program from previous Sunday, now to Sunday 5900 // 7400 at 9730 kHz. (Frank Hillton, Charleston, SC direct)

Colombian log
6035.00 La Voz del Guaviare, San Jose del Guaviare, at 2015- 2035 and 0000-0120 UT, Jan 06, 09, 13 and 19. Reactivated after several months off the air on shortwave, not heard since Mar 2009. Musical program, Spanish ID: "... desde Guaviare, La Voz del Guaviare 1180 AM HJFC emisora afiliada a RCN ...", " ...este es el programa numero uno de la radio en el Guaviare Fiesta RCN, RCN Voz del Guaviare, disfrute de los grandes exitos y las mejores orquestas, los ritmos que nos ponen a bailar y gozar, la verdadera fiesta de la radio esta en RCN Voz del Guaviare", talks and jingles, 24332, QRM from 6040 kHz and splashes from Radio Marti, Miami, 6030 kHz.(Bernardini-ITA, Anker Petersen-DEN and Rafael Rodriguez-CLM,
dswci DXW Jan 20) (BCDX 948/Top News via wb, Germany)

Ethiopia logs
6030.02 Radio Oromia, Geja Dera, *0321v-0430 and 1830 UT on Jan 07, 11, 13 and 14, Station interval signal (distinctive, repetitive xylophone-like music) through the jamming and Radio Marti, ID "Radio Oromia."News, SINPO 33433.

6889.97 Radio Fana, Addis Ababa, at 0936 and 1840-2059* UT, Jan 05, 10 and 14. Talks in Amharic, Horn of Africa vocals, SINPO 35444 - 45444. Stronger transmitter or ideal conditions? (Rich D'Angelo/FCDX, Liangas-GRC, Howard-USA and Johann Wiespointner-AUT,
dswci DXW Jan 20) (BCDX # 948/Top News vai wb, Germany)

Voice of Greece update
VOG ERA-5 and ERT-3 regional service heard on three channels again on Jan 22. Third transmitter at Avlis site was on repair since Dec 27, 2009.

In 6-10 UT slot only two frequencies in use. ERA-5, The Voice of Greece, ERT S.A., on Jan 22, at 0800 UT ERA-5 in Greek language on both 9420 and 12105 kHz (not 15630 kHz).

9420 kHz S=9+20dB, 12105 kHz S=9+40dB powerhouse signal here in southern Germany.

At 1150 UT noted three Greek language transmissions from Avlis.

ERA-5 on both 9420 kHz S=9+20dB and 15650 kHz S=9+10dB, and weakest signal from Avlis site on ERT-3 regional Thessaloniki relay 9935 kHz with S=9 pure.(wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Jan 22/BCDX # 948/Top News via wb, Germany)

Guinea logs
7125 Radio Conakry, Sonfonia, Conakry, at 1905-0005* UT on Jan 07, 09, 10, 11, 15 and 16, French announcement to lively Afropop, ID. News about the attack in Cabinda, phone calls from listeners, 2300 UT vernacular, no amateur radio interference. SINPO 35333. On Jan 07 sudden off the air at 2031* UT, on Jan 02 without fanfare at 2330* UT. (Michele D'Amico-ITA, Rich D'Angelo/FCDX, Max van Arnhem-HOL, Howard-USA, Wilkins-USA, Anker Petersen-DEN, and Johann Wiespointne-AUT, dswci DXW Jan 20)

7125 Radio Conakry also regular these days. For instance after 2200 UT the knight before with Westafrican MX and talk in French by man. Unusually strong at times. SIO: 322. (thanks Zeljko Crncic-D, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Jan 21)

Iran adds frequency to schedule
Voice of Islamic Rep of Iran in Arabic
1430-1727 9830 KAM 500 kW 178 deg to N/ME, co-ch CNR-1 in Chinese. (R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Jan 18) (BCDX #948/Top News via wb, Germany)

Radio Canada International special transmissions
various languages from Jan 16:
1200-2000 15260 SAC 250 kW 189 deg, maybe to Haiti
2000-2400 9510 SAC 250 kW 189 deg, maybe to Haiti
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Jan 18)

World Radio TV Handbook 2010 Review

The 2010 edition of World Radio TV Handbook, has recently released the 64th edition, for the worldwide listening and viewing audience. This years edition begins with WRTH Receiver Reviews 2010, an over view of table top receivers to very low-cost portables, and a a nostalgic look at Cold War Classics.

John Nelson returns to Bush House, the home of the BBC World Service and discovers the many changes since the early days and conducts two interviews discussing advances in technology and the future.

Digital Update continues with the regular round-up of what has been happening in the world of TV and digital radio during the past year. Is it possible the national digital radio is headed for a DMB-based future?
David Ricquish of the Radio Heritage Foundation, first wrote on the Samoan radio scene in 1995. Since then, Radio Polynesia has expanded to four modern FM stations, and listeners as far as Europe still log the elusive signals. Follow David, as he looks back at the radio landscape from Somoa.

George Jacob explains the effects of Cycle 24 in his HF Broadcast Reception Expected During 2010. This year he predicts an increasing number of stations returning to the 17 and 21 MHz bands.

The National Radio section covers the world’s domestic radio services. Listings are by-country and include all stations currently broadcasting on LW, medium wave, shortwave, FM with contact details.

International Radio, provides details of all country’s broadcasting internationally. Details include station name, personnel, postal addresses, broadcasting schedules and website information, as well as medium wave, FM, shortwave and terrestrial television. Clandestine and other Target Broadcast list stations targeting programming from Cameroon to Zimbabwe.

The Frequency List, contains international medium wave by-frequency listings, followed by Shortwave Station of the World, and a by-hour listing of Broadcast in English, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish, as well as DRM International Broadcasters and Terrestrial Television. As extensive Reference section provides the listener with reference aids, transmitting and more.
World Radio TV Handbook continues to set the radio hobby standards It remains the best, most authorative and comprehensive radio reference book in the world, one that should be in every hobbyist listening post or radio room. Quite simply, it is the ultimate and indispensable guide - one not to be missed.

WRTH 2010 (BOK-03-10) is available from Grove Enterprises www.grove-ent.com for
$ 29.95 plus S/H. To place an order by phone 1-800-438-8155, postal address: 7540 Hwy. 64 West, Brasstown, NC 28902.
Review by Gayle Van Horn
(Monitoring Times/Feb 2010)

Radio Australia schedule updates

Additional frequencies of Radio Australia via KHBN/T8WH Palau

All times UTC

2200-2400 on 12040 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAsia in English
0000-0030 on 15225 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs in Indonesian
0100-0130 on 15655 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs in Burmese
0400-0430 on 15780 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs in Indonesian, not 15785
0500-0530 on 15590 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs in Indonesian
1600-1630 on 9965 HBN 100 kW / 270 deg to SEAs in Burmese, not Chinese
1300-1430 on 9890*HBN 100 kW / 318 deg to EaAs in Chinese
* co-ch China National Radio in Mongolian and Kazakh

Additional frequencies of Radio Australia via Al-Dhabbaya, United Arab Emirates
2200-2330 on 5935#DHA 250 kW / 105 deg to SEAs in Indonesian
2300-2330 on 5955*DHA 250 kW / 090 deg to SEAs in Burmese
1100-1300 on 17880 DHA 250 kW / 090 deg to SEAs in English
# co-ch Voice of Russia/International Russian Radio in Russian from 2300
* co-ch China National Radio in Mongolian
(DX Mix News # 609 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

WEWN B09 schedule update

USA Winter B-09 of WEWN Global Catholic Radio:

All times UTC
target areas: af (Africa) as (Asia) eu (Europe) me (Middle East)






English
0000-0100 15610af
0100-0200 11520me
0200-0300 11520me
0300-0400 11520me
0400-0500 11520me
0500-0600 11520me
0600-0700 11520me
0700-0800 11520me
0800-0900 11520me
0900-1000 9390as
1000-1100 9390as
1100-1200 9390as
1200-1300 9390as
1300-1400 13835eu
1400-1500 13835eu
1500-1600 15610me
1600-1700 15610me
1700-1800 15610me
1800-1900 15610me
1900-2000 15610af
2000-2100 15610af
2100-2200 15610af
2200-2300 15610af
2300-0000 15610af

Via DX Mix News as;
English
0100-0900 on 11520 EWN 250 kW / 040 deg to N/ME
0900-1300 on 9390 EWN 250 kW / 335 deg to SEAs
1300-1500 on 13835 EWN 250 kW / 040 deg to WeEu
1500-1900 on 15610 EWN 250 kW / 040 deg to N/ME
1900-0100 on 15610 EWN 250 kW / 085 deg to WeAf

Spanish (targeted to Central and South America)
0000-0100 5810ca 11870sa
0100-0200 5810ca 11870sa
0200-0300 5810ca 11870sa
0300-0400 5810ca 11870sa
0400-0500 5810ca 11870sa
0500-0600 7555ca 11870sa
0600-0700 7555ca 11870sa
0700-0800 7555ca 11870sa
0800-0900 7555ca 11870sa
0900-1000 7555ca 11870sa
1000-1100 7555ca 12050sa
1100-1200 7555ca 12050sa
1200-1300 7555ca 12050sa
1300-1400 11550ca 12050sa
1400-1500 11550ca 12050sa
1500-1600 11550ca 12050sa
1600-1700 11550ca 12050sa
1700-1800 11550ca 13830sa
1800-1900 11550ca 13810sa
1900-2000 11550ca 13810sa
2000-2100 11550ca 13810sa
2100-2200 11550ca 13810sa
2200-2300 12050ca 13810sa
2300-0000 12050ca 13810sa
(Ivo Ivanov/DX Mix News # 609)

via DX Mix News as:
Spanish
0000-1000 on 11870 EWN 250 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
1000-1700 on 12050 EWN 250 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
1700-2400 on 13830 EWN 250 kW / 155 deg to SoAm
Spanish
0000-0500 on 5810 EWN 250 kW / 220 deg to CeAm
0500-1300 on 7555 EWN 250 kW / 220 deg to CeAm
1300-2200 on 11550 EWN 250 kW / 220 deg to CeAm
2200-2400 on 12050 EWN 250 kW / 220 deg to CeAm
(Ivo Ivanov/D Mix news # 609 via Alokesh Gupta & wb, Germany)

WYFR schedule adjustments

USA(non) Additional txions of WYFR Family Radio in English to WeEurope:
2000-2100 UTC on 6260 KCH 300 kW / 309 deg via TRW=TV Radio Waves
2000-2100 UTC on 7240 DHA 250 kW / 315 deg via VTC=VT Communications

USA(non) New language service of WYFR Family Radio in Pashto to WeAs:
1400-1500 on 9440 ARM 200 kW / 147 deg via TRW=TV Radio Waves
(DX Mix News 609 via Alokesh Gupta, India & wb, Germany)

Blog Logs - South America

wonder what DXers are hearing south of the border ? Enjoy this sampling of logs from the Danish Shortwave DX Club

All times UTC

Bolivia

Spanish
3310, Radio Mosoj Chaski, Cotapachi, 0955-1028, Jan 12 and 14. Drama in Spanish and talks in Quechua with some rustic vocals. Nice ID over flute music at 1021 as well as some other announcement. Signal poor to fair. (D’Angelo/FCDX and Bolland)

4409.83, Radio Eco, Reyes, 2300-0005, Jan 04, 05, 09 and 16. Bolero beat with Andean flute music and DJ in Spanish, 0000 Spanish announcement, then seems messages service from listeners. Stronger than usual, 25322-34332. (Otávio, Petersen and Wilkner)

4451.2, Radio Santa Ana, Santa Ana de Yacuma. Daily 2310 to sign off, Spanish mention of Santa Ana and the exchange rate for dollar/Boliviano. Station ID: "...en esta ondas de Radio Santa Ana...", presenting the usual program: El Mensajero de la Mosquitania. ID: "...RSA...". SINPO 34332. (Otávio, Rodriguez and Wilkner)

4716.70, Radio Yatun Ayllu Yura, Yura, 0225-0235, Jan 12. Spanish announcement and shouting, Bolivian songs. SINPO 23322. Utility interference in conversation. (Petersen)

4796.5, Radio Lipez, Uyuni, 2334-2345, Jan 09, mentioned activities of the Bolivian Federation. Sent greetings to listeners in Ecuador, Peru and even Colombia! Poor signal. (Rodriguez)

4865, Radio Logos, Santa Cruz (tentative), 0110-0220, Jan 10. Heavily disturbed by Brazilian Radio Alvorada and Verdes Florestas. But one positive ID. HCJB programming, but presented the programme “La Hora Adventista” and IDed this satellite channel. 0200 the program: “Gracia con nosotros”. (Rodriguez)

6134.8, Radio Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 2202-2218, Jan 10, "....no importa cuan lejos estes Radio Santa Cruz siempre te acompaña ..." initial ann of program: El Maestro en casa del IRFA. Message from the Bolivian Administration of Carreteras, "...contigo esta en cada momento Radio Santa Cruz, la mejor radio de esta tierra oriental....". Mentioned FM 92.3 and web at http://www.radiosantacruz.com.bo/ . (Rodriguez). Also heard at 0933-1100, Jan 10, Spanish conversation and music, signal is threshold and has a heterodyne covering it from a Brazilian station. (Bolland)

Brazil
Portuguese

3365, Radio Cultura, Araraquara, SP, 0003-0014, Jan 14, Portuguese (translated) "... Good night, here is the Culture Radio, this is only successful .. Radio Cultura 67 years, the Radio City .. a broadcast of the Integrated Radio Rober to Montoro, Araraquara, São Paulo...". SINPO 43343. (Azevedo)

4805.02, Radio Dif. do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, 2330-2340, Jan 16, Portuguese fast talk. It is long time, since I have heard this station. SINPO 24232, QRM Voice of China 4800. (Petersen)

4845.25, Radio Cultura Ondas Tropicais, Manaus, AM, 2235-0119, Jan 08 and 14, Portuguese announcement, Brazilian music and songs. SINPO 25222. Mauritania was off the air. (Bernardini and Petersen)

4865, Radio Alvorada, Londrina, PR, 2303-2307, Jan 14, Portuguese ID (translated) "... The Alvorada Radio, he joined the Network Militia SAT ...". SINPO 32232. (Azevedo)

4885, Radio Clube do Pará, Belém, PA, 0652-0715, Jan 17, Portuguese talk. Brazilian songs, SINPO 24322. (Méndez)

4894.9, Radio Novo Tempo, Campo Grande, MS (tentative), 0428-0536, Jan 10. Mainly soft musical programming with some Portuguese talks, no definitive ID heard, weak signal with deep fades. (D'Angelo)

4915, Radio Difusora, Macapa, AP, 0740-0850, Jan 07 and 15. Program of music and songs with Portuguese announcement, 0844 full and lengthy ID. SINPO 35433. (Cody and Méndez)

6060, Super Radio Deus é Amor, Curitiba, PR (presumed), 2350-0003, Jan 16. Long religious talk in Portuguese before a live audience. Radio Habana Cuba opened its carrier just before midnight, but audio did not commence until 0001 covering the Brazilian which was fair until then. (D'Angelo)

Colombia
Spanish

6035.00, La Voz del Guaviare, San José del Guaviare, 2015-2035 and 0000-0120, Jan 06, 09, 13 and 19, reactivated after several months off the air on SW, not heard since Mar 2009. Musical programme, Spanish ID: "...desde Guaviare, La Voz del Guaviare 1180 AM HJFC emisora afiliada a RCN...", "...este es el programa numero uno de la radio en el Guaviare
Fiesta RCN, RCN Voz del Guaviare, disfrute de los grandes exitos y las mejores orquestas, los ritmos que nos ponen a bailar y gozar, la verdadera fiesta de la radio esta en RCN Voz del Guaviare”, talks and jingles, 24332, QRM from 6040 and splashes from R Marti, Miami, 6030. (Bernardini, Petersen and Rodriguez)

Peru
Spanish

3329.47, Radio Ondas del Huallaga, Huánuco, 1030-1100, Jan 15 and most days, Spanish comments. Tuning the signal in required notching out CHU's carrier and tuning Huallaga's signal in precisely to the smallest possible spot. At 1053 the signal mproved slightly and a female was heard commenting. At 1054 canned promos presented. (Bolland and Wilkner)

4746.9, Radio Huanta 2000, Huanta, 2305-0102*, Jan 05, 10, 11 and 16. Peruvian songs with bilingual ann, ID: "...Transmite esde Huanta, bella esmeralda de los Andes; Radio Huanta 2000 OAZ5D 4755 KHz onda corta; OCX5O 1160 Khz onda media y OCC5A 92.9 Mhz FM estereo...", then peruvian national hymn. SINPO 35433. (D’Angelo/FCDX, Cody, Petersen and Rodriguez)

4955, Radio Cultural Amauta, Huanta, 2250-2351, Jan 06 and 16. Iimpassioned talk in Spanish - seemed to be political. Station ID and several announcements. Peruvian vocals and more talk, SINPO 34333. (D'Angelo and Cody).

5024.90, Radio Quillabamba, Quillabamba, 1046-1100, Jan 14, I cannot really hear Quillabamba well, but with a few adjustments on the notch and tuning, some talk in Spanish can be heard under Rebelde. At 1051, Huaynos music is heard while Spanish comments on Rebelde. The signal was threshold. (Bolland)

5039.22, Radio Libertad, Junin, 1100, Spanish program. (Wilkner)

5120.39, Radio Ondas del Sur Oriente, Quillabamba, 1050-1120, Jan 09 and 14. Spanish comments and music, it was threshold, to say the least. (Bolland and Wilkner)

5939.3, Radio Melodia, Arequipa, 0103-0125, Jan 09. Peruvian melodies, 0115 program “Melodia en los Deportes” with report from a local football match, strong QRM from BBC on 5940. (Rodriguez)

6173.91, Radio Tawantinsuyo, Cusco, 0050, Jan 09. Traditional songs in high pitch voice, male speakers in Spanish, many mentions of “pelota”, fair signal, but still no ID heard here. (Bell). Also heard at 1049-1100, Jan 12, sandwiched in between stations on 6170 and 6175, making for a difficult copy, noted Spanish comments. Still if Tawantinsuyo was not off frequency, I doubt, if I would be able to copy anything from it. At 1053 the signal suddenly disappears for a few
moments. Believe music is being broadcast at that time? Station had faded into the noise by the hour. (Bolland)

Uruguay
Spanish

5794,1; 5795,9; 5796,3; 5796,5; 5797,1 Emisora Chaná, Tacuarembó, 0115-0140, Jan 11. Various songs of romantic, tangos, zambas, many local ads in Spanish: “….Centro Estetico….”; “Semanario…..al servicio de Tacuarembó”; Provisión El Altillo, Herrería Cheché, Transporte Nahuel; Celulares 18; Taller Manzanito; Pilo Pelo, Taller 19, Diario El Avisador. Station identification as; “Emisora Chaná, Ciudad de Tacuarembó”. SINPO 35332. (Slaen). Cf. DX-Window No. 392. (Ed)

6045 USB, Radio Sarandi, Montevideo, 2323-2350, Jan 04. Predominant male and female in a eloquent Spanish talks, short music, seems advs, mentions of “Uruguay”. QRM, seems some distortion in audio, few words readable, 22432. Also heard at 0733-0743, Jan 16, male outside “movimento agrário”, mentions of “Montevideo, Uruguay” returning studio talks. QRM
resumed from KBS, some saturated audio, 32432. (Otávio). Also heard at 0210, Jan 10, pop songs, mainly Spanish, but including Bruce Springsteen “Glory Days” and Black Eyed Peas “I Gotta Feeling”; time checks and occasional canned IDs. Weak signal. QSL in 24 hours from Fernando Gopar saying the station was using 250 watts at the time (thanks to DX-Window and
Horacio Nigro for the info). Heard twice subsequently on 6045, no sign of Zimbabwe here recently. (Bell)
(DX Window # 394 via Anker Petersen)

Update on Guatemala's Radio Verdad

I just received this letter from Radio Verdad regarding their third attempt to repair their SW transmitter (translated to English):

“On Thursday 14 January 2010, we made a third attempt to repair the two transmitter modules of "Radio Verdad" which were destroyed by lightning the horrible September 22, 2008. We thought, we were to succeed this time, because the last time we corrected the large short circuit located in the spark of the antenna, and as we warmed only two transistors. The new items replacing it, and tested, but not enough. We changed all the transistors and integrated circuits, including 12 power units, but even so, we did not get on the air. This time, we entered to the last phase, high voltage, but it did not broadcast radio frequencies.

The case we consider extremely difficult, almost impossible. We worked all day on that, until eleven o'clock at night, without satisfactory results. In this situation, we had to give up. We saw no other solution to the problem than order two new modules to be build in the United States, or purchase a new transmitter, but this is extremely expensive, and we do not have the ability to finance this, for Radio Verdad is entirely nonprofit.

The 2 modules we need, belong to a transmitter Omnitronix 1000SW, and have code:
Omnitronix 1998
B313110 REV 1
799 WT Power Amp
Modules Older Side
The two cards built into each module, have this code: B313115.

Your understanding please! Meanwhile, tune in online at our Website: http://www.radioverdad.org/ or at our Blog:
http://radioverdadguatemala.blogspot.com/

(Dr. Édgar Amílcar Madrid, Director Radio Verdad.” (Méndez, Jan 17)
(DX Window # 394 via Anker Petersen)

Blog Logs - pirate radio

the latest from the bizarre world of pirate radio ...

All times UTC // parallel frequency *sign-on sign-off

Barnyard Radio
6930USB, 2219-2301.+ Elvis tribute program including appearance on the Louisiana Hayride at age 19 and his first television appearance (Jackie Gleason Show?). Station ID's every few minutes, 2233 inserted chicken and cow sounds---brought back memories of the old Radio Botswana interval signal. Station ID calling Dr. Benway and bingo . guessing this program is a few years old. SIO 354, dropped off some after 2230. (Frodge-MI/FRW #727)

Captain Morgan
6925 AM, 2243, SINPO 25323 Bluesy music, "Your in the Pirate Zone with Captain Morgan" identification into piano blues (Ragnar,(FRW #728)

MAC Shortwave
6926.2 AM, 1634-1646, 1714-1721.+ Paul Starr show with oldies. Annoncer said hello to FRN and the world. SIO 2+53. Signal problems on and off. (Frodge-MI/FRW # 728)

Outhouse Radio
6925USB, 0317. SIO 333 with deep fading. Salsa-flavored music. I think I heard an ID and a shoutout to me, but I did not make out the ID. Gone here as of 0334. Station identification per e-mail to operator. (Fansome/FRW # 728)
6925 USB, 1442-1448.+ Bugs Bunny/Elmer Fudd episode to station ID at 1447+. SIO 353+ (Frodge, MI/FRW # 728)

Radio Azteca
6925AM 0002. SINPO 34222. Gross but tasteful discussion of news stories and listener mail. Some Spanish amateur radio operators underneath signal(Ragnar/FRW # 727)

Radio GaGa
6925USB, 1518-1553, SIO 333. MLK's I Have a Dream speech. (Smith, OH)
6925USB, 1549-1553.*, 6925USB. Poor signal with fading. Played an Abba song, followed by talk on fear and Senator McCarthy. Ended with Radio GaGa ID.(Majewski CT/FRW # 728)

The Crystal Ship
5385AM, 2312-0019* Poor signal due to local noise. A show of classic tunes by the Guess Who, Cream, Doors, Jefferson Airplane and others. Signed off with the Ramones tune, We Want the Airwaves. (Majewski, CT/FRW # 727)

Voice of Next Thursday
6900AM, 2105, SINPO 25322. Relay via WBNY. TVONT A full five days ahead. Aussie accented operator playing odd tunes. I sit on you, talk about our Google overlords. (Ragnar/FRW # 728)

WBNY
6900AM, 2257-2315. Piratesweek Relay via WBNY. SINPO 35433. WBNY Relay service ID at end of show. Directly into a relay of Voice of Next Thursday. faded out by 2315 (Ragnar/FRW # 728)
6900AM, 2245-2300. ID to “Pirate Week” program. Mentioned WBNY T-shirt giveaway at the Kulpsville Winterfest. Fair signal. (Brian Alexander, PA)

WEAK Radio
6950USB, 0755-0805. Station identifications to 70's pop music. Weak signal. (Brian Alexander, PA)

WJVR/ John Valley Radio
6800.5AM, 2219-2226.+ Blue tunes to, "All John Valley all the time." Report to FRN. SIO 454, signal fades. (Frodge, MI/FRW # 728)

WMLK
6925AM, 1857, SINPO 44343. Audio clips of Martin Luther King speeches with interspersed disparaging audio clips. Slight hum, possibly from reported WMPR on frequency. (Ragnar/FRW # 728)

Radio GaGa QSL permission via Free Radio Weekly

BBC World Service to launch 'Lifeline' program on Saturday

Friday 22 January 2010

By Kevin Coy

BBC World Service will launch a special “lifeline” programme in the Haitian Creole language from Saturday 23 January.

This will be the first time the BBC has broadcast in the Haitian national language. This follows other special BBC programming for listeners affected by the Haitian disaster in the French, Spanish and English languages.

The new 20-minute daily program in Creole will contain the latest information about aid and rescue operations, plus messages from people trying to locate family members and other useful, practical information for the survivors of the earthquake.

The new program will be broadcast between 9.10 and 9.30 Haiti time (14.10 to 14.30 UTC). It will also be available on the Canal Satellite Antilles, Caribbean-wide radio and TV satellite network and on http://www.bbccaribbean.com/ .

The daily program will be rebroadcast on six FM relays on the island: Port-au-Prince 89.3 FM; Cap-Haïtien 105.5 FM; Gonaïves 90.5 FM; Las Cayes 106.9 FM; Jacmel 96.9 FM; and Jérémie 92.7 FM. It will also be available on shortwave.

BBC World Service Director, Peter Horrocks, says: “We believe our new service in the Creole language will be a vital source of trusted information to Haitians at this time of crisis, as well as to the rescue and aid teams who are working so hard on the ground.

“We have had lots of positive feedback that our broadcasts in English, French and Spanish have been appreciated on the ground.”

BBC World Service continues to offer special programs about the crisis in Spanish and English, between 12.00 and 13.00 UTC on shortwave on 11860 kHz (25 MB) and 9410 kHz (31 MB).

The BBC is expecting all the programs will also be available on the local FM network via the BBC’s partner station, Radio Lumiere, when it returns to air.

BBC Caribbean – the English-language service for the region - is also supporting audiences in Haiti and the wider region with crucial information. The service’s Twitter updates (@bbccaribbean), dedicated to Haiti as well as ongoing coverage of the wider Caribbean and Haitian diaspora reaction to the tragedy, run on the website, http://www.bbccaribbean.com/. Updates also continue in the regular program, Caribbean Report.
(Yimber Gaviria)

RNW and AIR enter new partnership

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) has entered into a new partnership with All India Radio (AIR) for co-production of a show - Earth Beat.

Both organisations will work together in the co production called Earth Beat India. The programme will be broadcast nationally by AIR in English and Hindi every two weeks.

RNW had partnered with the Gyaan Vani radio channels promoted by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in December 2009 for the same show.

The Earth Beat team sees monitoring the earth's heartbeat as our task. They look at our footprint on this world and run stories of the people trying to make that footprint lighter.

Earth Beat India is looking at what we create, develop, conserve and destroy; meeting and challenging the people who are making these changes. It is about questioning the way we live now and exploring the issues that will affect our common future.

RNW offers international stories with new opinions, green gadgets and green wash while AIR brings the Indian perspective. This co production seeks to bridge the approach of developed and developing countries on environmental issues. The presentation is in hands of Chhavi Sachdev and Poonam Girdhani.

Commenting on the partnership, RNW Director General Jan Hoek says, “As an international broadcaster we make daily productions in 10 languages and we work together worldwide with more than 3000 partner radio stations. With this new cooperation we embrace our 11th language Hindi and a major party in India.”

RNW works together in India with amongst others Private FM, IGNOU University Radio, various websites, cable TV service and now with State broadcasters.

Prasar Bharati CEO B S Lalli comments, “I am happy that All India Radio and Radio Netherlands Worldwide have joined hands in co-producing and broadcasting a series of radio programmes called 'Earth Beat' on their networks. The issues pertaining to environment and sustainability of growth are globally relevant. I hope these programmes will assist in promoting proper awareness and interest of our audiences. I am also hopeful that the two organizations will be able to expand the areas of mutual cooperation and assistance.”

AIR will broadcast the English episodes of Earth Beat India from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Panaji, Shillong and the National Channel of AIR, while the Hindi versions of Earth Beat India will be broadcast from Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur, Shimla, Ranchi, Raipur, Rohtak,Port Blair and Itanagar at the respective radio stations.
(www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/radio-netherlands-partners-air-co-production)
(Jaisakthivel, Tirunelveli, India)

Radio City relay on 9510 kHz

Dear Listeners,

This Saturday the 23rd of January 2010 Radio City will return to the airwaves via Nexus (ex. IRRS) with 150 kW on 9510 kHz.

The time slot is 09.00 - 10.00 UTC

Our contact address is still citymorecars@yahoo.ca

Best regards Radio City - the Station of the Cars
(Tom Taylor, UK)

Australian DX Report No. 186 available for download

Episode No. 186, of the Australian DX Report audio news magazine about shortwave broadcasting includes research and analysis of the "Eastern Australia Summer Daytime Propagation Mode".

There are also other features, news and information about shortwave broadcasting, propagation, a solar activity report, monitoring notes, schedules for the new B09 season, extracts from schedules, and schedule updates.

It's 15 mins duration, and may be accessed from the Australian Internet Radio Magazine site, at
http://airm.edxp.org/

You may download/listen to/save the episodes as an MP3 file on your laptop, desktop, notebook, netbook, set up a Podcast, or receive/save it on your mobile phone or other portable internet-enabled digital device.

You may also subscribe via the site's RSS/Atom feed - full details are at the site.

The shows are very popular - in the four weeks to January 9, 2010, there have been 731 downloads by subscribers, 1927 site visitors, and 185 episode hits. There have been 23,871 channel visits in the past 12 months!

The episodes are also available on-air, over WWCR Nashville, 0300-0315 on Sundays, on 5070, and on Mondays 1245-1300 on 15825, and via WWCR's streaming audio (live) at http://wwcr.com/

Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode No. 186, and enjoy the music!
(Bob Padula, Melborne, Australia)

Earth Quake Radio - New Zealand

At this stage, we are not aware of just what radio coverage has been obtained throughout Haiti
in the aftermath of their massive and destructive earthquake. However, we are aware that radio has been used on other occasions in the wake of a massive earthquake, and one of those occasions was in New Zealand way back in the year 1931. This is what happened.
It was at 10:47 am in the morning of Tuesday February 3, in the said year 1931, that a heavy earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale struck the small coastal town of Napier on the east coast of New Zealand’s north island. It was a very destructive earthquake, lasting only 2½ minutes, and to this day it is remembered as the worst natural disaster in the history of their country.
The entire small city was almost completely destroyed, and ten acres of the commercial area just simply collapsed. The tramlines running through the city and the suburban areas were all buckled by the force of the earthquake and the trams (street cars) were abandoned where ever they stood. Nearby rivers changed their course and an area of land sixty miles long and ten miles wide was raised up seven feet higher. A nearby lagoon was completely drained and it became the site for the local airport. Aftershocks numbering 525, some quite strong, continued for two weeks.
It so happened that the Royal Navy vessel, Veronica, arrived at the Napier wharf at 2:00 am on earthquake day and it was tied up at berth at the time when the destructive earthquake struck. When the ground level heaved and swayed, and rose up seven feet, the water drained out of the harbor and left the Veronica standing upright in deep mud. However, shortly afterwards, the seawater returned, and the navy vessel was only slightly damaged.
With electricity out, the normal communication facilities in Napier were no longer usable and so the Veronica took over and provided the initial communications from the disaster area. These communications were made with Naval headquarters at Devonport, Auckland and they were transmitted on radio in Morse Code.
Soon afterwards, additional communications were established when two cargo vessel that were anchored out in the bay volunteered their assistance. These commercial vessels, the Northumberland & Taranaki, were loading cargo at the time.
Next day, two additional Royal navy cruisers, Dunedin & Diomede, arrived offshore at Napier, and their crews, together with the crews from the other vessels in the area, aided the stricken population on shore.
An amateur radio operator drove in from a nearby town and also assisted in providing radio communication with the usage of his station, ZL2XP. He set up his equipment in his Chevy car for a couple of days, using a nearby flagpole to support the antenna system.
A few days later, technicians from the government P & T service were able to re-establish the government operated communication systems, and the temporary usage of the radio facilities aboard the naval vessels and cargo ships was no longer necessary.
However, while the Veronica was heading up all communications with the outside world, numerous news items for publication were flashed out in Morse Code from the ship’s radio. These messages were of course intended for publication in newspapers throughout New Zealand and they were also broadcast as news items for worldwide coverage from station ZLW, the 1 kW communication terminal in the national capital, Wellington.
Over in suburban Sydney in Australia, the well known AWA transmitter VK2ME broadcast the information to the world in news bulletins and commentaries, and these were picked up by shortwave W2XAF at Schenectady in New York and passed on to mediumwave WGY for network coverage throughout the United States.
(NWS48/Adrian Peterson/AWR)

Radio Netherlands Program Guide - Jan. 23-29

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 23 JANUARY
*** The State We're In ***

'Growing Up Right'

Socialite in the slums: Yvonne Bezerra de Mello lives in a wealthy district of Rio. But ever since police massacred eight street kids in 1993, she's devoted herself to educating the children of Rio's slums, or favelas. She's lost friendships over her work. But now her school attracts international attention for her success.

Child of a child murderer: Nick Castree grew up in a violent home with a volatile father. Yet he was still shocked when he learned of his father's conviction for murdering a child. He tells Jonathan about his journey out of the darkness he grew up with.

Children of paramilitaries: Sharon and John had fathers on opposing sides of the extremist fence in Northern Ireland. Both their fathers took part in sectarian violence and did prison time. They describe what growing up in the shadow of such violence means to them, and how they've put their lives back together.

Micro-finance - the promise and the pitfalls: When Muhammad Yunus won the Noble Prize in 2006, micro-finance was heralded as the cure-all solution for poverty. But Malcolm Harper has a sobering view of how micro-finance can actually make some lives worse.

It's the thought: Radio Netherlands Producer Dheera Sujan thought she was doing the right thing when she offered to finance the education of a young boy she met in Malawi. But the boy's family disowned him as a result of her gift, and she's still haunted over whether she did the right thing.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.00 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.00 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.00 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.00 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
00.30 Europe
05.00 North America
14.00 Europe
23.00 North America and CBC

*** Network Europe Week ***

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

* Taking Advantage - Is the US "occupying" disaster-hit Haiti?
* Sacrificial Lamb? - Bulgaria's Commission nominee steps down.
* Also on the program...Wilders in the dock - the controversial Dutch MP goes on trial for inciting racial hatred
* And Spy Games - could a Europe-wide intelligence agency ever work?

All that and plenty more on Network Europe Week - from the Euranet Partnership

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.30 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.00 Africa and Asia
13.00 North America
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia

SUNDAY 24 JANUARY
*** Network Europe Extra ***

Arts and Culture brought to you each Sunday from Europe's widest partnership of international broadcasters.

* Legendary Czech underground band Plastic People of the Universe is back with its first new album in a decade.
* The Sri Lankan handball team that couldn't play ball but knew how to get asylum...
* Spies, lies, and an assassination attempt on the Pope. No, not the latest Dan Brown novel, but a real-life thriller from Turkey.
* Warsaw's new hotspot OR: "Kiosk with vodka and culture"
* Bonjour India: France seeks to take its revamped image abroad.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
1800 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
1900 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):
0400 North America
0500 North America
1000 Africa and Asia
1200 North America
1430 Europe
1700 Europe
2200 Asia

*** Radio Books (primary program) ***

'What Kwaku Knows' - by Arthur Japin

Popular Dutch writer Arthur Japin won the 2008 Public's Prize for his novel set in 19th-century Texas. His Radio Books story is set in Ghana where young boys like Kwaku dream of being discovered by football scouts. On the day of his 13th birthday, he has high hopes. But the day doesn't go according to his fantasies.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.00 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.30 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
19.30 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
00.30 Europe
05.30 North America
10.30 Africa and Asia
14.40 Europe

MONDAY 25 JANUARY
*** Curious Orange (primary program) ***

Michel Walraven is your guide to modern-day Holland.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.30 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.30 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
00.30 Europe
13.00 North America
14.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** From Way Back When ***

A chance to hear some Radio Netherlands Worldwide programmes from the 1980s, from way back when...

This week, Neville Gray talks to Dutch jazz pianist Pia Beck, in a 1982 edition of the Saturday Show crammed with Pia's upbeat boogie music. Pia Beck died in 2009.

Broadcast times on WRN
05.20 North America

*** Classic Dox ***

'The House' (Originally broadcast December 2001)

An unusual story of a Czech émigré who unexpectedly hears that the old family home in the Bohemian mountains still exists. What he finds under the floorboards when he visits the house bring the painful family past back to life. Produced by Michele Ernsting.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720

Broadcast times on WRN
13.20 North America

*** European Jazz Stage/ World Music ***

You're invited to a tropical jazz round trip. You'll hear piano wizard Michel Camilo, composer Randal Corsen, pianist Jan Hartong with his trio, and Brazilian-born singer Lilian Vieira and her band.
All of that, on the European Jazz Stage with Daniel Frankl.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

The Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic is conducted by Kenneth Montgomery, with music by Claude Debussy, Antonin Dvorak and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Hans Haffmans is the programme's host.

TUESDAY 26 JANUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***

'Growing Up Right'

Socialite in the slums: Yvonne Bezerra de Mello lives in a wealthy district of Rio. But ever since police massacred eight street kids in 1993, she's devoted herself to educating the children of Rio's slums, or favelas. She's lost friendships over her work. But now her school attracts international attention for her success.

Child of a child murderer: Nick Castree grew up in a violent home with a volatile father. Yet he was still shocked when he learned of his father's conviction for murdering a child. He tells Jonathan about his journey out of the darkness he grew up with.

Children of paramilitaries: Sharon and John had fathers on opposing sides of the extremist fence in Northern Ireland. Both their fathers took part in sectarian violence and did prison time. They describe what growing up in the shadow of such violence means to them, and how they've put their lives back together.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.15 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.00 Africa and Asia
10.30 Africa and Asia
14.15 Europe

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

Zubin Mehta, renowned maestro, returns to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. With music by Igor Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements, Symphony of Psalms and The Rite of Spring.
Your host is Hans Haffmans.

*** Commonwealth Story ***

A selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2009 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

'Hiding in the Cracks' - by Judith Allnatt, UK: A bullied little boy finds a chrysalis.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.50 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720

Broadcast times on WRN
00.50 Europe
04.25 Africa and Asia
10.50 Africa and Asia
22.50 Asia
23.50 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

'The House of Orange: A Union of Nation and Family' (Originally broadcast December 2002)

A portrait of the House of Orange and the role it has played in the life of the Dutch nation. Historians and archive material tell the story of the Netherlands' Royal Family from 16th-century Stadhouder William the Silent to the three queens of the 20th century. Produced by Marijke van der Meer.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

WEDNESDAY 27 JANUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Reloaded (primary program) ***

Another selection of this week's programme highlights presented by Mindy Ran.
The tragedy in Haiti, the Davids commission shock report on Iraq, the death of a true Dutch heroine - Miep Gies, and storm over a minaret?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.15 Europe
22.10 Asia

*** Classic Dox ***

'The House of Orange: A Union of Nation and Family' (Originally broadcast December 2002)

A portrait of the House of Orange and the role it has played in the life of the Dutch nation. Historians and archive material tell the story of the Netherlands' Royal Family from 16th-century Stadhouder William the Silent to the three queens of the 20th century. Produced by Marijke van der Meer.

*** Newsline ***

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

THURSDAY 28 JANUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Earth Beat (primary program) ***

We look at barter cultures around the world, and find out whether this is just a giant swap shop, or if there are other reasons for going cashless. We also visit a school that's growing its own food, and meet a man who hates lawns. They take up time space and water and you can't even eat the grass. Maybe we should just put down carpet instead - that's what they do in Australia.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.35 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.00 Africa and Asia
05.10 North America
10.00 Africa and Asia
13.00 North America
14.00 Europe
17.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

Worlds Apart: Story of the Collard Family (Orig. broadcast Nov. 2001)

One family and two cultures. For decades Aboriginal children were taken away and fostered out or brought up in an orphanage - a parent's worst nightmare. The story of the Collard family puts a human face on Australia's stolen generation. Produced by Dheera Sujan.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
15.15 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

FRIDAY 29 JANUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Bridges with Africa (primary program) ***

We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and are linking up with stations in Africa. The show goes beyond the clichés of starving children and war-ridden countries and seeks to bring you genuine voices from a vibrant continent.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.10 North America
10.00 Africa and Asia
13.00 North America
17.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

The Music of Lutes and Harps (Originally broadcast May 2007)

Confucius described the harmony between husband, wife and children as the music of lutes and harps. The influence of Confucius on Chinese family life - particularly his teachings on filial piety and the relationship between stable family life and a stable state - is still felt today. A New York Festivals Finalist produced by Marijke van der Meer.

*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC
(R Netherlands)