Tuesday, September 28, 2010

BBC World Service expands language services on US mobile phones

BBC World Service has further expanded the availability of its live radio broadcasts via mobile phones in the United States. The extension of the BBC’s agreement with provider of mobile phone radio distribution in North America, AudioNow, means that now, in addition to BBC Arabic radio, BBC World Service’s broadcasts in English, Persian, Somali and Urdu are now available across the US via any mobile phone without downloads or data services, simply by calling a national access number.

Building on the success of the 24/7 availability of BBC Arabic radio on US phones, launched earlier this year, World Service has added further international radio news programming to the service. The development of partnership between World Service and AudioNow will expand the content for mobile listeners:

BBC World Service in English is now available live to listeners in the US 24 hours a day, every day, by calling 7124326580
on-demand news programming from BBC Persian can be accessed by calling 7124326583
on-demand news programming from BBC Urdu can be accessed by calling 7124326584
on-demand news programming from BBC Somali can be accessed by calling 7124326582
While the service is free to callers in the US, listeners should check their mobile phone contracts for any additional charges.

Simon Kendall, Head of Business Development, BBC Global News, says: “We are delighted that more BBC World Service multilingual programming is now available to audiences in the US - in English, Persian, Somali or Urdu - thanks to our agreement with AudioNow. While we already have significant English-speaking and diaspora audiences listening to the BBC via web-streaming on their PCs, this service takes our connectivity to a different level and provides a more flexible and convenient service for audiences. We have been impressed by the take-up of BBC Arabic via the AudioNow service, and this arrangement builds on that success.”

Elan Blutinger, Managing Director of AudioNow, says: “Listening to the BBC in the United States should be as simple as pressing a single speed dial button for the more than 80% of the market that do not access data services on their phones. BBC’s rich content will now be available to every mobile phone listener simply by calling a single number without downloads or the need to access data services.”

Commenting on the launch of on-demand Persian, Somali and Urdu broadcasts, AudioNow’s Chief Technology Officer, Marcel Barbulescu, says: “The service was developed in response to the growing demand by mobile listeners for instant access to regularly updated pre-recorded audio programming of sports, news, radio and online news content, without having to download audio files. Our broadcast radio partners can now expand distribution of their pre-recorded audio content including podcasts to any mobile phone, simply, and at virtually no cost.”

For details of programming, go to http://www.bbcworldservice.com/, http://www.bbcpersian.com/, http://www.bbcsomali.com/ or http://www.bbcurdu.com/.
(Source: BBC World Service Publicity/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Almost Forgotton - An Important AWR-WRMI Anniversary

In the hustle and bustle of the events of ordinary life, together with all that is involved in the intensive research and writing of scripts for our DX program, “Wavescan”, we have overlooked an important radio anniversary. It was 25 years ago, that the association between “Radio Monitors International”, the old DX program from Adventist World Radio, and Radio Earth, the early fore-runner of Radio Miami International WRMI began.

The first broadcast of the North American Edition of “Radio Monitors International”, known affectionately as RMI, took place on Sunday September 30, 1984 from Radio Clarin in the Dominican Republic. The 25th anniversary of this important DX event occurred, unnoticed and unheralded, in September 2009.
Here we are now, in September 2010, just one year later. However, let us pause in the onward progress of our scheduling in “Wavescan”, and give honor to the 25th anniversary linking “Wavescan” with Radio Miami International WRMI.

The story of shortwave station WRMI traces its earliest origins to the year 1983, when Jeff White, in collaboration with several others, formed the shortwave broadcasting entity, Radio Earth in suburban Chicago. In those days, the programming fostered by Radio Earth was on the air shortwave from Radio Clarin in the Dominican Republic and on several of the shortwave stations that were on the air in the United States at the time, as well as from Radio Milano International in Italy.

Radio Earth gave way to Radio Discovery at 1 kW in the Dominican Republic in 1986; and this scheduling was subsequently on the air, again from several of the American shortwave stations.
Then it was in 1989 that the commercial radio broadcasting organization, Radio Miami International, was formed. The 50 kW Wilkinson shortwave transmitter from Radio Clarin was procured and installed at a new facility on the northern edge of suburban Miami. The first test broadcasts from the re-furbished shortwave transmitter, WRMI, were noted on air in March 1992, and regular broadcasting began a little over two years later, at 0100 UTC on Tuesday June 14, 1994.
Now, we cross over to the story of DX programming from Adventist World Radio. During the past 38 years, AWR has been on the air with somewhere around a dozen different DX programs in four different languages; English, French, Italian & Spanish. The grand tally of all of these DX broadcasts is approaching 4,000 editions.
The longest running AWR DX program began as “Radio Monitors International” in 1975, and 20 years later it was re-named “Wavescan”. The original broadcasts of “Radio Monitors International” were on the air on shortwave, mediumwave and FM from the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Colombo Sri Lanka, and reception reports were received from more than 100 countries. The studio production of the old “Radio Monitors International” began in the SLBC studios in Torrington Square Colombo but a few months later, production was transferred to the Poona studios of Adventist World Radio in India.
In 1984, negotiations between AWR & Radio Earth began, and a modified version of the Asian program was prepared for broadcast in North America. The first broadcast of the new North American Edition of “Radio Monitors International” was heard from Radio Clarin in the Dominican Republic on the said date, September 30, 1984. For a while, this program was also on the air from shortwave station KCBI in Dallas Texas, and also in the European service of Radio Milano International in Italy.
During the short era of Radio Discovery, “Radio Monitors International” was also included in the regular scheduling from the American shortwave stations WRNO & WHRI, and perhaps from a few others as well.
A new revived edition of “Radio Monitors International” was introduced on New Years Day 1995 under the new title, “Wavescan”. Initially, this program was produced at several different locations, including WRMI in Miami, though production was soon afterwards centralized at the AWR studios located at Whitegates, opposite the senior Adventist college at Newbold, some 35 miles west of central London in England. In addition to the AWR network and station WRMI, this program was also heard in the South Pacific via the shortwave station ZLXA at Levin in New Zealand.
At the beginning of January 2006, production of “Wavescan” was transferred from England to the AWR studios on the island of Singapore out in Asia. Three years later again, production of “Wavescan” was transferred from the AWR studios in Singapore to the commercial studios of Radio Miami International WRMI in Miami Florida.
It should be noted also that a Spanish version of “Wavescan” was translated from the English version at WRMI and it was on the air as “La Onda Mundial” from WRMI, and also from the Adventist stations in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, as well as from station HRJA in Honduras. This Spanish version of “Wavescan” was on the air for a period of more than 1½ years beginning in early January 1997.
These days, the AWR DX program, “Wavescan”, is researched and written in Indianapolis, Indiana, its is produced in the suburban studios of Radio Miami International WRMI in Florida, it is uploaded to satellite for distribution, and it is broadcast by several stations in the AWR network, as well as by shortwave station WRMI in Florida.
And so, on this occasion, we remember with gratitude, the 26 years of mutual association between Radio Earth/Radio Discovery/WRMI and the AWR DX programs, “Radio Monitors International/Wavescan”. We can remember also, that numerous QSL cards, uncounted in their totality, have been issued by all of the radio organizations mentioned today in this, our special 25th anniversary feature today.
(AWR Wavescan NWS83/Adrian Peterson)
QSLs: Radio Earth via Santo Domingo
Radio Discovery via Santo Domingo 'The Voice of the Caribbean'
Teak Publishing Archives Collection

German broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk to end shortwave Oct 1

German public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavarian Radio) will end its shortwave broadcasts on 1 October 2010. From 1949-2005, Bayerischer Rundfunk broadcast in analogue mode on 6085 kHz (via DRM), and in 2005 this was changed to a DRM relay of the news channel B5 Aktuell. Bayerischer Rundfunk has now decided to cease shortwave broadcasting to save costs.

The decision was made taking to account that there is still a very small selection of DRM receivers, and the market has so far not developed satisfactorily. Reverting to analogue shortwave is not a practical alternative.

On 2 May 2005, Bayerischer Rundfunk started broadcasting in DRM mode on its shortwave transmitter at Ismaning near Munich by converting its existing analogue shortwave transmitter to digital. The small financial outlay would be recovered from lower ongoing operating costs. B5 was broadcast at 06.00 to 00.05 local time. But a new DRM radio was required to receive the service.

Bayerischer Rundfunk was an early adopter of DRM, in the hope of assisting in its development. A number of other broadcasters have also made DRM transmissions, but the selection of suitable receivers has been limited to a small number of expensive devices, and only a small number have been sold.
(Source: Bayerischer Rundfunk/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Bayerischer Rundfunk
80300 Munchen
Germany

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2010 Sep 28 1921 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
20 - 26 September 2010


Solar activity was at very low to low levels during the period. Low levels occurred during 20 - 21 September while very low activity was observed during the remainder of the period. New Region 1109 (N22, L=067, class/area, Ehi/280 on 25 September) rotated onto the disk on
20 September and was responsible for 4 C-class events, the largest a C2.1 x-ray event at 20/1945 UTC. The region grew steadily in area, spot count and magnetic complexity through the summary period. Since the 20th, only B-class activity was observed from Region 1109.
Region 1108 (S30, L=136, class/area, Fko/380 on 20 September) decayed to a large H-type spot on 22 September, and was stable during the summary period. New Region 1110 (N19, L=085, class/area, Axx/10 on 26 September) emerged late in the forecast period and produced only low level B-class activity.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels throughout the period. Geomagnetic field activity was at mostly quiet levels during 20 - 23
September. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels, with high latitude active levels, beginning early on 24 September and lasting to the end of the period. The increase in activity was associated with a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS).
Early on 23 September, density, temperature and velocity, as measured on the ACE spacecraft, all increased. These increases were associated with a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) in advance of a recurrent CH HSS. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bt intensity peaked at 13 nT at 23/1143 UTC, with periods of southward IMF Bz (maximum deflection of -8 nT at 24/0455 UTC) and increased velocities (from 285 km/s at 22/2150 UTC to 659 km/s at 25/0254 UTC). Activity decreased to predominantly quiet levels by midday on 25 September. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels on 26 September with isolated active periods observed at high latitudes.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
29 September - 25 October 2010

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels during the period. Low activity is expected during 29 September - 05 October with C-class flares likely from Region 1109. Activity is expected to decrease to very low levels during 05 - 25 October.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

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

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels on 27 September. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to unsettled levels on 28 - 29 September as a recurrent CH HSS affects the field. Activity is expected to decrease to mostly quiet levels on 30 September - 02 October. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to unsettled levels on 03 - 05 October as another recurrent CH HSS affects the field. Quiet levels are expected during 06 - 10 October. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled levels during 11 - 14 October due to recurrent solar sector boundary and CH HSS effects. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during 15
- 20 October. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to unsettled levels on 21 - 22 October as another recurrent CH HSS begins to disturb the field. Mostly quiet levels are expected for the
remainder of the forecast period.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2010 Sep 28 1923 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table

# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2010 Sep 29 84 8 3
2010 Sep 30 84 5 2
2010 Oct 01 83 5 2
2010 Oct 02 83 5 2
2010 Oct 03 82 7 2
2010 Oct 04 82 7 2
2010 Oct 05 80 7 2
2010 Oct 06 78 5 2
2010 Oct 07 76 5 2
2010 Oct 08 76 5 2
2010 Oct 09 76 5 2
2010 Oct 10 75 5 2
2010 Oct 11 75 8 3
2010 Oct 12 75 8 3
2010 Oct 13 76 8 3
2010 Oct 14 76 8 3
2010 Oct 15 76 5 2
2010 Oct 16 77 5 2
2010 Oct 17 77 5 2
2010 Oct 18 78 5 2
2010 Oct 19 80 5 2
2010 Oct 20 81 5 2
2010 Oct 21 82 8 3
2010 Oct 22 82 8 3
2010 Oct 23 82 5 2
2010 Oct 24 82 8 3
2010 Oct 25 82 8 3
(NOAA)

SW Radio Africa to halt news via SMS


SW Radio Africa, a UK-based exile Zimbabwean radio and multimedia operation, has announced that it is to halt its SMS news service. In a message sent to users on 27 September, SW Radio Africa said: “We regret that due to lack of funding the last SMS news will be Fri 01 Oct. Service will resume as soon as new funds are available. Keep safe. SWRA 4880kHz”
(Source: SW Radio Africa text message, London, in English 27 Sep 10 via BBC Monitoring)

Monday, September 27, 2010

VT Communications relay schedules, Part 2 of 3

Although recently acquired by a company called Babcock in the United Kingdom, VT Communications will use VTC through the B10 season, and will begin using the new BAB code as of the A11 season. (see Sept 9, 2010 post, VT Communications now called Babcock
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=28878961&postID=1292709966653544801 )

Relays via: Armenia, Ascension Island, Austria, Japan, Norway, Palau, South Africa, Taiwan, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.

Summer A10 schedule update - Part 2 of 3
Effective to: 30 October 2010

All times UTC

Polish Radio External Service
1030-1100 11790 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu Polish
1030-1100 15265 WOF 125 kW 082 deg to EaEu Polish
1100-1130 15265 WOF 125 kW 070 deg to EaEu Russian
1100-1130 15460 WOF 125 kW 075 deg to EaEu Russian
1130-1200 9435 WOF 125 kW 092 deg to WeEu German
1130-1200 9610 WOF 125 kW 082 deg to WeEu German
1200-1300 11675 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu English
1200-1300 11980 WOF 125 kW 045 deg to NoEu English
1300-1330 15480 WOF 125 kW 074 deg to EaEu Russian
1300-1330 17860 DHA 250 kW 020 deg to CeAs Russian
1330-1430 11955 RMP 250 kW 076 deg to EaEu Belorussian
1330-1430 15480 WOF 125 kW 074 deg to EaEu Belorussian
1430-1500 15500 WOF 125 kW 074 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1430-1500 11760 WOF 300 kW 066 deg to EaEu Russian
1500-1530 11615 WOF 125 kW 078 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1500-1530 15265 RMP 500 kW 085 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1530-1600 9495 RMP 250 kW 080 deg to WeEu German
1530-1630 11640 SKN 300 kW 070 deg to EaEu Polish
1630-1700 11760 SKN 300 kW 070 deg to EaEu Belorussian
1700-1800 7265 KVI 035 kW 220 deg to NoEu English DRM
1700-1800 9770 MOS 300 kW 300 deg to WeEu English
1800-1830 11730 WOF 125 kW 058 deg to EaEu Russian
1800-1830 11865 SKN 300 kW 110 deg to N/ME Hebrew
1830-1900 11730 RMP 500 kW 080 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1830-1900 15155 SKN 300 kW 090 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1900-1930 11730 WOF 125 kW 075 deg to EaEu Ukrainian
1900-1930 15155 SKN 300 kW 090 deg to EaEu Russian
1930-2000 6035 RMP 500 kW 095 deg to WeEu German
1930-2000 6135 WOF 100 kW 082 deg to WeEu German DRM
2100-2200 6155 SKN 250 kW 150 deg to WeEu Polish
2100-2200 7245 WOF 125 kW 078 deg to EaEu Polish

IBRA Radio
1100-1200 9945 HBN 100 kW 318 deg EaAs Chin via T8WH Angel 3
1700-1800 11655 RMP 250 kW 115 deg to N/ME Arabic
1730-1800 9615 MEY 100 kW 015 deg to EaAf Somali
1730-1800 11785 SKN 300 kW 140 deg to EaAf Swahili
1800-1945 12070 WOF 300 kW 137 deg to CeAf Arabic
1900-2030 11875 RMP 250 kW 169 deg to WeAf Fulfulde/Hausa
1945-2015 11725 WOF 300 kW 140 deg to CeAf Arabic

Free North Korea Radio (Clandestine)
1100-1200 12155 DB 100 kW 070 deg to KRE Korean
1300-1500 15645 DB 100 kW 070 deg to KRE Korean
1900-2100 7530 ERV 300 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

Radio Free Chosun (Clandestine)
1200-1300 11560 ERV 300 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean
1500-1600 11560 DB 100 kW 070 deg to KRE Korean
2000-2100 7505 TAC 200 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

CMI Voice of Wilderness (Clandestine)
1300-1400 12130 ERV 300 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

Nippon no Kaze (Clandestine)
1300-1330 9950 TAI 100 kW 002 deg to KRE Korean
1500-1530 9975 HBN 100 kW 345 deg to KRE Kor via T8WH Angel 4
1530-1600 9965 HBN 100 kW 345 deg to KRE Kor via T8WH Angel 4

JCI Furusato no Kaze (Clandestine)
1330-1400 9950 TAI 100 kW 002 deg to KRE Japanese
1430-1500 9960 HBN 100 kW 345 deg to KRE Jap via T8WH Angel 4
1600-1630 9780 TAI 250 kW 045 deg to KRE Japanese

Eglise du Christ
1400-1430 15245 WOF 300 kW 170 deg to NoAf French Thu

Shiokaze (Clandestine)
1400-1430 5910@YAM 100 kW 280 deg to KRE Various*
2030-2100 5965#YAM 100 kW 280 deg to KRE Various*
@ alternative frequencies: 5985, 6020, 6075, 6120, 6135
# alternative frequencies: 5910, 5915, 6045, 6075, 6110
* Jap Sun-Tue/Thu; En Fri; Korean Sat; Korean/Chinese/En Wed

Open Radio for North Korea (Clandestine)
1400-1500 11570 TAC 100 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean
2100-2200 7480 ERV 300 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

North Korea Reform Radio (Clandestine)
1500-1600 7590 TAC 100 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

Voice of Martyrs (Freedom) (Clandestine)
1600-1700 6240 TAC 100 kW 065 deg to KRE Korean

Southern Sudan Radio Service (Clandestine)
1600-1630 11770 MEY 100 kW non-dir to EaAf Arabic Sat-Thu
1600-1630 17700 ASC 250 kW 065 deg to EaAf Arabic Sat-Thu
1630-1700 11770 MEY 100 kW non-dir EaAf Fur/Masaalit/Zagawa Sat-Thu
1630-1700 17700 ASC 250 kW 065 deg EaAf Fur/Masaalit/Zagawa Sat-Thu

SW Radio Africa (Clandestine)
1700-1900 4880 MEY 100 kW 005 deg to SoAf English

Radio Huryaal (Clandestine)
1730-1800 9840 DHA 250 kW 215 deg to EaAf Somali Sat-Thu
1730-1800 9840 MEY 100 kW 030 deg to EaAf Somali Fri

Zimbabwe Community Radio/Radio Dialogue (Clandestine)
1755-1855 4895 MEY 100 kW 000 deg to ZWE Ndebele/English/Shona
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 25)
(wb, Germany)
photo/VT Comm

Friday, September 24, 2010

Radio Netherlands Program Guide, Sept. 25-Oct 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 25 SEPTEMBER
*** The State We're In ***

To whom we serve: Idris Tawfiq was once a Roman Catholic priest working in England. He's now a Muslim based in Cairo and travels the world talking to people about his faith. "I don't like the word proselytise," he says. "It's never been my way."

In God's name: Samir is Lebanese and a Southern Baptist. He's also a filmmaker and photographer travelling around the world not only taking beautiful pictures, but also using every opportunity he can find to spread the word of his Evangelical faith

In God we don't trust: Ariane Sherine was so bothered by a religious advertisement she saw on the side of a London bus, she wrote about it for a British newspaper and sparked public anti-religious advertisements all over the world.

Chrislam: Nigeria has seen a lot of bloody conflict between Christians and Muslims, especially recently. But in one community, the two faiths have melded together in what's called 'Chrislam'. We hear from Christians and Muslims who worship together, including a Christian pastor and his Muslim wife.

The philosophical burqa dilemma redux: Brandon Robshaw is a professor of philosophy at a British college. On the day he was giving a lesson on the meaning of tolerance, a student walked in shrouded from head to toe in a Burqa. Should he kick her out or let her stay? We asked Dr Robshaw what he decided to do.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
14.00 South Asia 11835, 15745
18.00 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
20.00 East and central Africa 11970, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
10.00 Africa and Asia
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Network Europe Week ***

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. If you missed any editions of Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.`

This week:
· Swedish intolerance? Has Sweden embraced the far-right?
· Here come the girls - the EU plans to get more women in top jobs.
· Le terreur - France is on red alert, but tourists ignore the warnings.
· The odd one out - trying to stay teetotal in Russia.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
*** Radio Books ***

'Brass and Us' - by Marc Reugebrink
Poet and novelist Marc Reugebrink won the top Flemish literary prize in 2008 for his novel The Big Delay. In his Radio Books story, a small-town brass band rehearses every Thursday night at the Star Café. But when the conductor puts out a call for new members, a boy with a trumpet has a startling impact on everyone within hearing distance.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
18.30 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.30 Africa, Asia and North America
10.30 Africa and Asia
12.30 North America
14.40 Europe

*** Network Europe Extra ***

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1530 South Asia 11835, 15745

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
*** Classic Dox ***`

'Little Fish in a Multiculti Pond'
A short tram ride from the centre of Amsterdam is a neighbourhood called the Baarsjes, or "little fish." One-and-a-half square kilometres house 35,000 residents - more than half of which are foreigners from 126 countries.

The largest immigrant communities are from Morocco and Turkey. Such multicultural diversity in such a small area has not been without serious problems. But residents believe they can make a difference by taking initiatives to bring this diverse community together.

This programme was part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2007.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
10.30 Africa and Asia
12.00 North America

*** 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):
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
17.00 Europe

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

A full hour of the Netherlands Metropole Orchestra. Its core is a full big band, augmented by a vast string section. The orchestra usually plays jazz-based material, and has worked with stars like Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. All of that, on the European Jazz Stage with your host Hans Mantel.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Collegium Vocale Ghent and La Chapelle Royale, conducted by Bernard Haitink, play music by Willem Pijper, Hector Berlioz and Maurice Ravel. Hosted by Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

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

To whom we serve: Idris Tawfiq was once a Roman Catholic priest working in England. He's now a Muslim based in Cairo and travels the world talking to people about his faith. "I don't like the word proselytise," he says. "It's never been my way."

Chrislam: Nigeria has seen a lot of bloody conflict between Christians and Muslims, especially recently. But in one community, the two faiths have melded together in what's called "Chrislam". We hear from Christians and Muslims who worship together, including a Christian pastor and his Muslim wife.

The philosophical burqa dilemma redux: Brandon Robshaw is a professor of philosophy at a British college. On the day he was giving a lesson on the meaning of tolerance, a student walked in shrouded from head to toe in a Burqa. Should he kick her out or let her stay? We asked Dr Robshaw what he decided to do.

*** Africa in Progress ***

'Communities with a voice'
Africa's local communities were given a large boost with the continent's media expansion in the 1990s. They were given a voice. Today, there are 1,000 radio stations in West Africa alone! In this edition, we look back at what triggered that explosion, with an important actor and witness of that period. Our guest is Mr Soulé Issiaka from Benin, a semi-retired Radio Netherlands Worldwide journalist who's done much for the development of Community Radio in Africa.

TUESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Commonwealth Story ***

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

'You Can't Miss It' - by Felicia Johnston from Australia.
Katie is drawn back to her childhood home.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065

Broadcast times on WRN
10.00 Africa and Asia
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

The Orchestra of the 18th Century under Frans Brüggen performs Beethoven's Symphonies No. 1 and No. 5. He also returns with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic in Brahms' Serenade No. 1. Hosted by Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

*** Classic Dox ***

'At the Edge in Soweto'
On the edge of Johannesburg, densely populated Soweto is where Freddy and Sibusiso, young men in their 20s, live and are looking for work.

Unemployment among young people there is higher than the national average and rising. Anza Dali is looking for a job too.

She explores how Freddy and Sibusiso cope with long-term unemployment and the constant temptation to make a 'fast buck' rather than an honest buck.

This SAFM programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Reloaded ***

Weekly highlights presented by Mindy Ran

*** Classic Dox ***

'Wedge Island'
North of Perth, Western Australia - on a rugged and secluded stretch of coastline - is a settlement time forgot. Its shacks are makeshift creations fashioned out of corrugated iron with no electricity or running water. It's a holiday in the finest Australian beach shack tradition.

But it could all be about to end. Officially, the residents of Wedge Island are squatters. Twenty years ago the government introduced its Squatter Removal Policy, slowly working its way down the coast demolishing more than 600 shacks. Wedge Island is next in line. But the shackies are shaping up for the fight of their lives.

This ABC programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Earth Beat - South Asia edition ***

A short version of RNW's environmental programme Earth Beat produced for broadcast in partnership with All India Radio.

We hear about engaging locals and children in ecological efforts. We start with an advertising campaign targeted at children and why it failed, we hear from RNW's Jan Huisman who found the zoo enthralling; and from All India Radio we have a story of a village that started rain water harvesting.

*** South Asia Wired ***

Afghan analyst Martine van Bijlert talks to Dheera Sujan about her insiders view of the complicated and multi-layered relationship Afghanistan has with the international community.

*** Classic Dox ***

'Living in Limbo'
No-one is more marginalized in the UK than asylum seekers who have not had their applications accepted, but not been asked to go - sometimes for as long as eight years. Collen thinks his four years of asylum claims and appeals may be at an end, but is too frightened to return to Zimbabwe.

Thomas, from Eritrea, doesn't know yet if he can stay in the UK after originally claiming asylum as a teenager seven years ago. Jenny Cuffe investigates the impact of this long wait on their lives.

This BBC programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

FRIDAY 1 OCTOBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Bridges with Africa ***

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):
14.00 South Asia 11835, 15745
18.00 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
20.00 East and central Africa 11970, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):
04.30 Africa, Asia and North America
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Earth Beat ***

We prick up our ears and listen to the sounds of the city. Did you know that the hum of the city can improve your work performance, like a audio shot of espresso? We investigate some surprising effects this noise has on our behaviour and health. We also track down individuals who think noise annoys and have gone to great lengths to avoid it. Is silence golden?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065

*** Classic Dox ***

'Feet First'
In August 2009, an arsonist started a fire that burned more than 160,000 acres in the mountains around Los Angeles County. The mountains have long been home to pockets of residents, but in recent decades neighbourhoods have boomed with large housing developments. Some residents in the fire zone knew and accepted the risks of living there, but many had no idea they were living so near to danger.

Many residents simply won't give up on their properties and the lifestyle they symbolise. Eve Troeh follows families who evacuate and still return, and the fight they have with public officials who want to shut the neighbourhood down.

This programme produced by Soundprint Media Center is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
(R Netherlands)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2010 Sep 21 2151 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




Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
13 - 19 September 2010


Solar activity was as at very low to low levels during the period. Activity was very low during 13 - 16 September with occasional B-class flares from Regions 1106 (S20, L=208, class/area Fao/110 on 14 September) and 1108 (S29, L=204, class/area Fho/420 on 19 September). Activity increased to low levels on 17 September by virtue of a C1/Sf flare at 17/0122 UTC from Region 1108. Activity decreased to very low levels for the rest of the period with isolated B-class flares from Regions 1106 and 1108.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to (briefly) moderate levels on 13 September. Normal flux levels were observed during the rest of the period.

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to active levels during the period. The field was quiet at all latitudes on 13 September. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels on 14 September. Activity increased to active levels early on 15 September, then decreased to quiet levels at all latitudes after 15/0300 UTC. Activity was at quiet to unsettled levels during 16 - 17 September with active periods detected at high latitudes. Activity decreased to quiet levels during 18 - 19 September. ACE solar wind data indicated the unsettled to active levels during 14 - 15 September were associated with a solar sector boundary crossing (toward (-) to away (+)). The unsettled to active levels during 16 - 17 September were associated with a coronal hole high-speed wind stream (CH HSS). Solar wind changes observed during the CH HSS included increased velocities (peak 518 km/s at 17/0820 UTC), increased IMF Bt (peak 11 nT at 16/1428 UTC), and intermittent periods of southward IMF Bz (peak deflection -10 nT at 16/1653 UTC).

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
22 September - 18 October 2010

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels during the period. Low activity is expected during 22 September - 04 October with C-class flares likely from Region 1109 (N19, L = 072, class/area Hrx/030 on 21 September). Activity is expected to decrease to very low levels during 05 - 18 October.

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 - 30 September. Normal to moderate flux levels are expected during the remainder of the period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels during 22 - 24 September due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS). Field activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during 25 - 26 September. Activity is expected to
increase to unsettled levels during 27 - 28 September due to CH HSS effects. Quiet levels are expected during 29 September - 02 October. Unsettled levels are expected during 03 - 05 October due to another round of CH HSS effects. Quiet levels are expected during 06 - 10
October. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled levels during 11 - 14 October due to recurrent solar sector boundary and CH HSS effects. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during 15 - 17 October. Activity is expected to increase to quiet to unsettled
levels on 18 October as another recurrent CH HSS begins to disturb the field.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2010 Sep 21 2151 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html


27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued: 2010 Sep 21
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2010 Sep 22 88 18 4
2010 Sep 23 88 18 4
2010 Sep 24 88 12 3
2010 Sep 25 88 5 2
2010 Sep 26 88 5 2
2010 Sep 27 88 8 3
2010 Sep 28 86 10 3
2010 Sep 29 84 5 2
2010 Sep 30 82 5 2
2010 Oct 01 82 5 2
2010 Oct 02 82 5 2
2010 Oct 03 80 8 3
2010 Oct 04 78 8 3
2010 Oct 05 76 10 3
2010 Oct 06 76 5 2
2010 Oct 07 76 5 2
2010 Oct 08 78 5 2
2010 Oct 09 78 5 2
2010 Oct 10 80 5 2
2010 Oct 11 80 8 3
2010 Oct 12 80 8 3
2010 Oct 13 82 8 3
2010 Oct 14 82 8 3
2010 Oct 15 82 5 2
2010 Oct 16 82 5 2
2010 Oct 17 84 5 2
2010 Oct 18 86 8 3
(NOAA)

Monday, September 20, 2010

VT Communications relay schedules, Part 1 of 3

Although recently acquired by a company called Babcock in the United Kingdom, VT Communications will use VTC through the B10 season, and will begin using the new BAB code as of the A11 season. (see Sept 9, 2010 post VT Communications now called Babcock
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=28878961&postID=1292709966653544801 )

Relays via: Armenia, Ascension Island, Austria, Canada, Chile, Moldova, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan

Summer A10 schedule update - Part 1 of 3

All times UTC

Radio Prague
0000-0027 7410 ASC 250 kW 235 deg to SoAm Spanish
1630-1657 11700 SIN 250 kW 040 deg to WeEu German,

Gospel for Asia
0000-0130 6145 DHA 250 kW 085 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs
1600-1615 9810 DHA 250 kW 100 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs
1615-1630 9810 DHA 250 kW 120 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs Sun-Wed
1615-1630 9810 DHA 250 kW 070 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs Thu-Sat
2330-2400 6040 DHA 250 kW 085 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs

Voice of Vietnam
0100-0125 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English
0130-0225 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm Vietnamese
0230-0325 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English/Spanish
0330-0425 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English/Spanish
0430-0525 6175 SAC 250 kW 240 deg to NoAm Vietnamese
1700-1725 9725 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu English
1730-1825 9725 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu Vietnamese
1830-1855 9725 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu French
1900-1925 9725 SKN 300 kW 070 deg to EaEu Russian
1930-2025 9430 SKN 300 kW 090 deg to WeEu German
2030-2125 11840 SKN 300 kW 110 deg to SEEu Vietnamese

Adventist World Radio
0100-0200 15445 TAI 100 kW 250 deg to Asia Vietnamese Sat

Radio Payem e-Doost
0230-0315 7460 KCH 500 kW 116 deg to WeAs Farsi
1800-1845 7480 KCH 500 kW 116 deg to WeAs Farsi

Sudan Radio Service
0400-0500 11805 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
0500-0600 13720 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic/English
1500-1530 17745 SIN 250 kW 144 deg to EaAf English
1530-1700 17745 SIN 250 kW 144 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Dinka Mon
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Zande Tue
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Moru Wed
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Bari Thu
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Shiluk Fri
1700-1730 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Juba Arabic Sat/Sun
1730-1800 9590 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf English

Radio Okapi
0400-0500 11690 MEY 100 kW 345 deg to Congo French/Lingala

Radio Japan NHK World
0500-0530 5975 RMP 500 kW 140 deg to WeEu English
1700-1900 13740 DHA 250 kW 285 deg to NoAf Japanese
0400-0430 5980 ERV 100 kW 222 deg to N/ME Arabic
1500-1700 12045 SNG 250 kW 315 deg to N/ME Japanese
0500-0530 15205 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAs English
1000-1030 11780 TAC 100 kW 163 deg to SoAs English
1300-1345 11965 TAC 100 kW 131 deg to SoAs Bengali
1345-1430 11825 TAC 100 kW 163 deg to SoAs Hindi
1430-1515 6200 TAC 100 kW 170 deg to SoAs Urdu
0200-0300 11780 SNG 250 kW 340 deg to SEAs Japanese
0800-1000 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Japanese
0945-1030 6140 SNG 250 kW 140 deg to SEAs Indonesian
1030-1100 11740 SNG 250 kW 330 deg to SEAs Burmese
1130-1200 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Thai
1230-1300 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Vietnamese
1300-1330 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Chinese
1430-1500 11740 SNG 250 kW 330 deg to SEAs Burmese
0230-0300 9485 SGO 100 kW 045 deg to BRA Portuguese
0930-1000 9485 SGO 100 kW 045 deg to BRA Portuguese

BBC/Deutsche Welle:
0500-0700 3995 SKN 100 kW 121 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
0700-0800 5790 WOF 100 kW 114 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
0900-1400 9545 MOS 040 kW 300 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1400-1700 5790 WOF 100 kW 114 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1700-1900 5790 SKN 100 kW 150 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1900-2100 3995 SKN 100 kW 121 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1900-2100 5875 MOS 040 kW 300 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
2100-2200 5790 SKN 100 kW 105 deg to WeEu English/German DRM

Clandestine - Bar-Kulan Radio / Meeting Place:
0500-0600 15750 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Somali
1600-1700 9930 MEY 250 kW 020 deg to EaAf Somali

Clandestine - Cotton Tree News
0730-0800 15220 RMP 500 kW 189 deg to CeAf English/Others

KBS World Radio
0700-0800 9870 SKN 300 kW 110 deg to WeEu Korean
1100-1130 9760 WOF 060 kW 102 deg to WeEu English Sat DRM
1800-1900 15360 RMP 500 kW 062 deg to EaEu Russian
1900-2000 6145 SKN 250 kW 150 deg to WeEu French
2000-2100 9620 SIN 250 kW 105 deg to N/ME Arabic
2000-2100 3955 SKN 250 kW 106 deg to WeEu German
2100-2130 3955 SKN 250 kW 106 deg to WeEu English

Voice of Croatia
0800-1200 11675 SNG 100 kW 140 deg to AUS Croatian+English news

Calndestine - IRIN Radio (Integrated Regional Information Network)
0830-0930 13685 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Somali
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Sept 19)
(DX Mix News 641 via wb, Germany)

VOA to expand programming to Sudan

The Voice of America is set to expand its radio programming dedicated to Sudan. Starting Monday 20 September, the Sudan in Focus programme airs Monday-Friday from 1630 to 1700 UTC on 9675, 12015 and 13825 kHz. The programme has up to now been aired at 1645 and 1845 UTC on Mon-Thurs and 1630-1700 on Fridays as part of Africa News Tonight.
(Source: VOA/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Additional information: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Voice-of-America-Expands-its-Sudan-Programming-103150364.html

Friday, September 17, 2010

Radio Netherlands Weekly Program Guide Sept. 18-24


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 18 SEPTEMBER
*** The State We're In ***

Socialite in the slums: Ever since police massacred eight street kids in 1993, Yvonne Bezerra de Mello has devoted herself to educating the children of Rio de Janiero's slums. Her school attracts international attention for its success, while she's attracted death threats.

Behind the cute smiles: Paul Peterson was a Mouseketeer and Donna Reed's TV son. Today, he campaigns against the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.

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.

Sounds of the earth: Luis Szaran is Paraguay's most famous musician and conductor, and he's started a programme to get musical instruments (many of them made from junk) to kids from poor, rural areas and city slums.

The laugh that would not die: Listener Lisabet de Vos and her cousin shared a chuckle about the supposed correlation between the size of a man's index finger and another part of his anatomy. They broke out laughing when they went to a public lecture and glanced at the keynote speaker's large hands. She confesses all to Jonathan about her 'laugh that wouldn't die'.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
14.00 South Asia 11835, 15745
18.00 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
20.00 East and central Africa 11970, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
10.00 Africa and Asia
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Network Europe Week ***

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. If you missed any editions of

Network Europe satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.`

This week:
· Diplomatic punch-up - Paris and the EU fight over Roma deportations.
· One for the road - Ireland's prime minister accused of being drunk on live radio.
· Pope on the ropes - Britain hosts an unpopular pontiff.
· Is this the end of the kibbutz? The communal living invented by European Jews in decline.
· Up in smoke - have Romania's ambitions to fight cigarette smuggling come to nothing?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER
*** Radio Books ***

'The Distance' - by Jeroen Theunissen
Belgian poet and novelist Jereon Theunissen was born and lives in Ghent. His story 'The Distance' is about homelessness - but not the sort we usually think about. A Canadian man takes a job with a mining company in a remote part of the world. He is oblivious to local protests, understands little of the local language and sets off on a vacation which could change his perspective.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
18.30 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.30 Africa, Asia and North America
10.30 Africa and Asia
12.30 North America
14.40 Europe

*** Network Europe Extra ***

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1530 South Asia 11835, 15745

MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
*** Classic Dox ***`

'Feet First'
In August 2009, an arsonist started a fire that burned more than 160,000 acres in the mountains around Los Angeles County. The mountains have long been home to pockets of residents, but in recent decades neighbourhoods have boomed with large housing developments. Some residents in the fire zone knew and accepted the risks of living there, but many had no idea they were living so near to danger.

Many residents simply won't give up on their properties and the lifestyle they symbolise. Eve Troeh follows families who evacuate and still return, and the fight they have with public officials who want to shut the neighbourhood down.

This programme produced by Soundprint Media Center is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.30 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
10.30 Africa and Asia
12.00 North America

*** 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):
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
17.00 Europe

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

This week it's musical communication at its most intense. "Now Jazz" or "New Music", or whatever you would like to call it. Great music with a wonderful atmosphere. Improvisation and musical beauty, on the European Jazz Stage with Hans Mantel.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt; the soloist is violinist Thomas Zehetmair. The music is by Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Antonin Dvorak. Hosted by Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

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

Socialite in the slums: Ever since police massacred eight street kids in 1993, Yvonne Bezerra de Mello has devoted herself to educating the children of Rio de Janiero's slums. Her school attracts international attention for its success, while she's attracted death threats.

Behind the cute smiles: Paul Peterson was a Mouseketeer and Donna Reed's TV son. Today, he campaigns against the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.

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.

*** Africa in Progress ***

'Leadership in Africa: are leaders born, or made?'
We discuss what it takes to make a good leader in Africa. We hear from youths who we say are the leaders of tomorrow and who often start showing leadership qualities very early in life. Should teachers identify and nurture these traits? We also hear how leadership is utilised in management.

TUESDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Commonwealth Story ***

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

'Synchronicity' - by Corinne Pentecost from Australia.
A young life in trouble with the law.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065

Broadcast times on WRN
10.00 Africa and Asia
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

The Orchestra of the 18th Century under Frans Brüggen performs Beethoven's Symphonies No. 1 and No. 5. He also returns with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic in Brahms' Serenade No. 1. Hosted by Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

*** Classic Dox ***

'Little Fish in a Multiculti Pond'
A short tram ride from the centre of Amsterdam is a neighbourhood called the Baarsjes, or "little fish." One-and-a-half square kilometres house 35,000 residents - more than half of which are foreigners from 126 countries.

The largest immigrant communities are from Morocco and Turkey. Such multicultural diversity in such a small area has not been without serious problems. But residents believe they can make a difference by taking initiatives to bring this diverse community together.

This programme was part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2007.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Reloaded ***

Weekly highlights presented by Mindy Ran

*** Classic Dox ***

'At the Edge in Soweto'
On the edge of Johannesburg, densely populated Soweto is where Freddy and Sibusiso, young men in their 20s, live and are looking for work.

Unemployment among young people there is higher than the national average and rising. Anza Dali is looking for a job too.

She explores how Freddy and Sibusiso cope with long-term unemployment and the constant temptation to make a 'fast buck' rather than an honest buck.

This SAFM programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Earth Beat - South Asia edition ***

A short version of RNW's environmental programme Earth Beat produced for broadcast in partnership with All India Radio.

We hear about engaging locals and children in ecological efforts. We start with an advertising campaign targeted at children and why it failed, we hear from RNW's Jan Huisman who found the zoo enthralling; and from All India Radio we have a story of a village that started rain water harvesting.

*** South Asia Wired ***

Afghan analyst Martine van Bijlert talks to Dheera Sujan about her insiders view of the complicated and multi-layered relationship Afghanistan has with the international community.

*** Classic Dox ***

'Wedge Island'
North of Perth, Western Australia - on a rugged and secluded stretch of coastline - is a settlement time forgot. Its shacks are makeshift creations fashioned out of corrugated iron with no electricity or running water. It's a holiday in the finest Australian beach shack tradition.

But it could all be about to end. Officially, the residents of Wedge Island are squatters. Twenty years ago the government introduced its Squatter Removal Policy, slowly working its way down the coast demolishing more than 600 shacks. Wedge Island is next in line. But the shackies are shaping up for the fight of their lives.

This ABC programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America

FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
*** 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):
10.00 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065
19.00 East and central Africa 11970 and 15535, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Bridges with Africa ***

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):
14.00 South Asia 11835, 15745
18.00 East and central Africa 15535, Southern Africa 6020
20.00 East and central Africa 11970, West Africa 11610, Southern and central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):
04.30 Africa, Asia and North America
17.00 Europe
22.00 Asia and North America

*** Earth Beat ***

We're considering creative ways of reinventing and reusing space. We discover how disused urban areas can take on a whole new meaning and visit a palace where chickens take pride of place.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East and Southeast Asia 11895, South Asia 15110, China 12065

*** Classic Dox ***

'Living in Limbo'
No-one is more marginalized in the UK than asylum seekers who have not had their applications accepted, but not been asked to go - sometimes for as long as eight years. Collen thinks his four years of asylum claims and appeals may be at an end, but is too frightened to return to Zimbabwe.

Thomas, from Eritrea, doesn't know yet if he can stay in the UK after originally claiming asylum as a teenager seven years ago. Jenny Cuffe investigates the impact of this long wait on their lives.

This BBC programme is part of the international exchange series Global Perspective 2010.

Broadcast times on WRN
12.00 North America
(R Netherlands)

RFE's Pakistan broadcast boosted to nine hours a day

RFE’s broadcasts to the Pashtun regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan have expanded from six to nine hours a day, as of yesterday. Amid the growing number of extremist-controlled radio stations in the region, Radio Mashaal (”Torch” in Pashto) covers local and international news with independent reports on terrorism, politics, women’s issues, and health care. Broadcasts on 621 kHz are now at 0400-1300 UTC. The expanded schedule on shortwave is as follows:

0400-1300 UTC on 12130 kHz
0400-0900 UTC on 15175 kHz
0400-0900 UTC on 15740 kHz
0900-1300 UTC on 12030 kHz
0900-1300 UTC on 15360 kHz
(Source: RFE/RL/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

The Rugged Rugby Station - England's Post Office Station

a nostalic look at broadcast programming on shortwave...

The story of the well known shortwave station from yesteryears, the Post Office Station at Rugby in England, begins way back exactly 100 years ago. This station was in use for a lengthy period
of time, and it was often noted with the relay of broadcast programming on shortwave.
It was back in the year 1910, that the Marconi Company at Chelmsford in England placed a proposal before the Colonial Office in London, requesting approval for the erection of 18 wireless communication stations throughout the British Empire. The English government studied the proposal in different ways for a period of several years; and then there was an interruption during the four year period of the Great War; and finally things began to move a dozen years later. The Marconi Company was granted approval to construct their own limited network of communication stations throughout the British Empire, but the British government would also build and operate its own superstation, equal to anything anywhere in the world.
It was in the year 1923, that the British government acquired a large property near the small village of Hillmorton, 4 miles south east from the city of Rugby, for the purpose of establishing this huge new wireless station. Initially the property was sized at 800 acres, but in due course, it grew to 920 acres, about 1½ square miles of territory. This property was previously established as a naval air station during World War 1.
Rugby city traces its origins way back before the arrival of the Roman army, more than 2,000 years ago. Initially it was a small village as a center for a local farming community. The name, Rugby, means “Rook Fort”, maybe honoring a local bird.
The city claims fame in at least three areas. In the year 1823, the rugged sports game of Rugby was invented as a result of a local dispute regarding the rules of football; in 1926 the mighty Rugby wireless station was opened; and in 1937, the aircraft jet engine was developed in Rugby.
Work on this radio station commenced in early 1925, and two buildings were erected in the center of the property, for use as the main transmitter building and as a power house. Twelve antenna masts were erected, each 820 ft tall, and weighing 200 tons each, spaced at a quarter mile apart. The earthing system consisted of 120 miles of buried copper wire.
Two transmitters were installed in the three storeyed transmitter building, a mediumwave telegraph transmitter and a 200 kW Western Electric transmitter for voice telephony communication.
A receiver station was simultaneously constructed at Swindon Wilts, or Wroughton Wilt, and one of the main receiving antennas was a beverage unit 5 miles long. Soon afterwards, another receiver station was constructed at Cupar Fife, and the main receiving antennas there were two square loops, encompassing 7 square miles each.
The new Rugby Wireless Station was officially opened for worldwide traffic in Morse Code on January 1, 1926. At this stage, the main transmitter was listed at 350 kW and it was on the air under the callsign GBR, Great Britain Radio.
The 2nd longwave transmitter, now rated at 300 kW for voice communication on 60 kHz with the callsign GBT, was inaugurated just one year later. A 3rd longwave transmitter, GBY, was inaugurated soon afterwards for communication with European countries.
During the 1930s, an additional transmitter building was constructed at Rugby, half a mile from the original building; and at this time, they installed a bevy of valve transmitters for many forms of international communication, mainly in single sideband usage.
During the 1940s, an additional 700 acres was procured, and a new transmitter building was built to house 28 new single side band transmitters, each rated at 30 kW PEP. The antenna systems were mainly three wire rhombics, double mounted.
During the 1950s, the original longwave transmitter GBR was finally retired from service, though a new form of transmission took its place. The chronohertz station MSF was inaugurated in 1951, with any of three transmitters on the air simultaneously with time signals on a standard frequency.
Finally, the GPO station at Rugby came to its end in the current century. During the year 2004, 13 of the antenna masts were felled, leaving only the MSF service on air. Three years later, the remaining four masts were brought down, and the area has since been turned into a housing estate.
As was the custom in the 1930s, each shortwave channel was allocated a specific callsign, and this happened at Rugby also. The call letter usage at Rugby covered the total sequence in the alphabet from GAA down to at least GDZ, with occasional usage of other additional call letters.
The first known broadcast of radio programming from the Rugby communication station on took place on shortwave on January 21, 1930, when His Majesty King George 5 made a broadcast at the time of the London Naval Conference. This broadcast was carried live by the BBC shortwave station G5SW which was located at Chelmsford at the time, and it was also relayed via GBR Rugby.
The additional broadcast service from Rugby was intended to ensure that a reliable signal could be heard in other parts of the world for local relay on mediumwave. It is interesting to note that the BBC never took out an additional relay over the Rugby station; it was always commercial interests who made the arrangements, mainly in the United States and Australia.
During the 1930s, the Rugby station carried more relay broadcasts than could ever be listed and these were beamed mainly to North America and the South Pacific, though sometimes elsewhere as well. The Christmas broadcast in 1931 was described at the time as the greatest radio hookup ever, with three transmitters at Rugby carrying the relay from Buckingham Palace, in addition to the BBC shortwave transmitter G5SW.
During the 1930s, the Rugby station was noted on air on numerous occasions with the relay of special programming to distant lands. These relay broadcasts were major sporting events, important news information, and special events of wide spread interest.
Soon after the commencement of World War 2, Rugby carried important war news on relay for rebroadcast in North America and elsewhere. From 1942 onwards, many shortwave relays were noted on air to the United States intended for rebroadcast by the Voice of America.
These days, the immense GPO radio station at Rugby, is not only silent; it is gone. Housing is encroaching upon the land once held by this mighty and influential radio communication station.
In spite of the tremendous coverage from this gigantic radio station and its frequent usage in the relay of radio programming, very few QSLs were ever issued. Early records indicate that at least two QSLs were issued by Rugby, and these verified the reception in Australia of communication traffic back in the year 1935, through callsign GBP on 10770 kHz & callsign GBS on 12150 kHz.
(AWR Wavescan/NWS 81 via Adrian Peterson)

WRN Newsletter Schedule

Dear Listener,

Welcome to the latest edition of the WRN Newsletter which keeps you informed of upcoming programme highlights on WRN's English networks that broadcast to North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and the Asia Pacific region.

Happy Reading and Happy Listening!

The WRN Broadcast Team

Please send emails to contactus@wrnbroadcast.com or letters and postcards to WRN Broadcast, PO Box 1212, London SW8 2ZF, UK. You can also reach us via fax at +44 20 7896 9007 or via telephone at +44 20 7896 9010.

Programming at http://www.wrn.org/ as follows:


Sunday, September 19 2010: A Prairie Home Companion

This week "A Prairie Home Companion" is getting ready for next week's Season Opener, Street Dance & Meatloaf Supper with a remix of opening shows from the past few years. Connie Evingson sings "Autumn in St. Paul", Sara Jarosz sings "Song Up in Her Head", and Butch Tompson plays "The Working Man Blues". GK reads "The Wild Swans at Coole" by William Butler Yeats, The Old Crow Medicine Show live up to their raucous reputation, and we make a stop by the reference desk at the Herndon County Library to check in on Ruth Harrison. The hangdogs of honky-tonk, Austin's Derailers, sing "Who's Going to Mow Your Grass", Jerry Douglas asks "Who's Your Uncle", and in Lake Wobegon, Dorothy at the Chatterbox Café is raising eyebrows with a new hairdo.

In Africa and Europe: 1100 BST / 1200 CET / 1200 CAT

Asia Calling
Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 2010:

Developed to reflect the lives and reality of citizens across the region, "Asia Calling" is a weekly radio programme from Indonesia’s Radio News Agency KBR68H.

This week on "Asia Calling":

Bangladesh’s foreign funded anti-terrorism unit accused of extra-judicial killings: What happens when a country’s elite police force begins to murder its own citizens? That’s what’s been happening since 1994 in Bangladesh when the Rapid Action Battalion, or RAB was set up to counter criminality. Rights groups have documented over 1200 cases where people were gunned down by the RAB in extra-judicial killings known as ”cross-fire ”. Our reporter in Bangladesh, Ric Wasserman investigates.

A much needed free lunch for Indian school children: In India, that old adage "there's no such thing as a free lunch" is just about dead, it seems, at least for millions of the teeming country's school kids. Jasvinder Sehgal in Jaipur reports on what the Indians claim is the world's most ambitious scheme aimed at feeding children a free, healthy lunch.

What’s it like wearing a burqa?: A burqa is a piece of clothing that covers a woman from head to foot. There is small opening for the eyes, but the rest of the body, except the hands, are covered. The burqa is usually made of light clothing. In some parts of the world it’s essential for Muslim women to wear it outside the house. 24 year old university student Gulali Ismael is a Muslim women’s rights activist from the Pakistani capital Islamabad. She wanted to know what it was like for Afghan women who are in some regions forced to wear burqas. So she travelled to the town of Jalabad and went to a market. Mudassar Shah went along with her.

Kicking the Habit in Rajasthan: India’s poppy fields are a precious commodity – both locally and globally. In 2007 alone, the Indian government reported that it produced almost 350 tones of raw, legal opium for the international pharmaceutical industry. Running alongside this legal trade, however, is a thriving black market. In the desert state of Rajasthan in India’s west, people’s thirst for opium is at its greatest. Here, the drug’s availability coupled with its use in traditional ceremonies has led to widespread addiction. At the frontline is a small detoxification centre. Which – for almost three decades – has been waging a battle using unique and sometimes controversial tactics, as Lauren Farrow reports.

In North America: 2230 ET / 1930 PT

In Europe: 2100 BST / 2200 CET

In Africa and Asia 1100 UTC / 1300 CET / 1300 CAT

ABC / Radio Australia - Saturday, September 18 2010:

To find out about all the latest inventions and technological progress made in many different fields, tune in to Radio Australia's science magazine "Innovations"… A showcase of Australian design, discovery, invention, engineering and research skills!

Sunday, September 19 2010: Radio Australia

From dreaming to depression, addiction to artificial intelligence, consciousness to coma, psychoanalysis to psychopathy, free will to forgetting - "All in the Mind" explores the human condition through the mind's eye.

In North America: 1530 ET / 1230 PT

In Europe: 0830 BST / 0930 CET

Radio Guangdong
Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 2010:


Radio Guangdong, established in October 1949, is a leading radio group in south China. Radio Guangdong programmes cover political, economic, social and cultural issues; programmes about Guangdong, programmes about Guangdong people and programmes linking Guangdong with the world.

This week on "Guangdong Today": Citizens Utter Opinions for the Asian Games Vehicles Lanes / Brand-name products zone to set up in 108th Canton Fair / NBA China Games will come to the Guangzhou International Sports and Entertainment Center in October / Official English publication for Asian Games unveiled.

In “Asian Games Live!”, an American artist, Daniel Krause, who has been living in Guangzhou for over two decades, will tell us what he thinks are the most important changes which have taken place in the city ahead of the Games and how the Guangzhou Asian Games have given a boost to the development of Guangzhou’s art scene. Find out more in “Asian Games Live!”

At “My Guangdong”, Rolf, the boss of a Swedish restaurant in Guangzhou, will explain his ambition of opening a wine-bar and restaurant in Guangzhou. But luxury wines aren’t his only passion and during his free time he can be found roaming the streets of Guangzhou in search of small traditional restaurants.

In North America: Sat 1200 ET / 0900 PT
Sun 2030 ET / 1730 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: Sat 0015 UTC / 0215 CAT
Sat 1600 UTC / 1800 CAT
Sat 2045 UTC / 2245 CAT
Sun 0800 UTC / 1000 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: Sat 0015 UTC / 1015 AEDT
Sat 1600 UTC / 0200 AEDT
Sat 2045 UTC / 0645 AEDT
Sun 0800 UTC / 1800 AEDT

In Europe: Sat 2045 BST / 2145 CET

Radio Netherlands
Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 2010:

In "The State We're In" Jonathan Groubert and his team look at current events from an unexpected perspective.

Socialite in the slums: Ever since police massacred eight street kids in 1993, Yvonne Bezerra de Mello has devoted herself to educating the children of Rio de Janiero’s slums. Her school attracts international attention for its success, while she’s attracted death threats.

Behind the cute smiles: Paul Peterson was a Mouseketeer and Donna Reed’s TV son. Today, he campaigns against the exploitation of children in the entertainment industry.

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.

Sounds of the earth: Luis Szaran is Paraguay’s most famous musician and conductor, and he’s started a programme to get musical instruments (many of them made from junk) to kids from poor, rural areas and city slums.

The laugh that would not die: Listener Lisabet de Vos and her cousin shared a chuckle about the supposed correlation between the size of a man’s index finger and another part of his anatomy. They broke out laughing when they went to a public lecture and glanced at the keynote speaker’s large hands. She confesses all to Jonathan about her ‘laugh that wouldn’t die’.

Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20 2010:

This week's book on "Radio Books": The Distance - by Jeroen Theunissen.

Belgian poet and novelist Jereon Theunissen was born and lives in Ghent. His story 'The Distance' is about homelessness - but not the sort we usually think about. A Canadian man takes a job with a mining company in a remote part of the world. He is oblivious to local protests, understands little of the local language and sets off on a vacation which could change his perspective.

Monday, September 20 and Tuesday, September 21 2010:

"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.

Wednesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 23 2010: Radio Netherlands

"Reloaded" is a 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 the producers and presented by Mindy Ran.

Friday, September 24 2010:

In "Earth Beat" Marnie Chesterton looks at the footprint we are leaving on our planet and runs stories of the people trying to make that footprint lighter.

This week's topic: considering creative ways of reinventing and reusing space. The presenters discover how disused urban areas can take on a whole new meaning and visit a palace where chickens take pride of place.

Radio Netherlands broadcast times:
In North America: 0800 ET / 0500 PT
1800 ET / 0300 PT
0000 ET / 2100 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: 1000 UTC / 1200 CAT
2200 UTC / 0000 CAT
0400 UTC / 0600 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 1000 UTC / 2000 AEDT
2200 UTC / 0800 AEDT
0400 UTC / 1400 AEDT

In Europe: 1930 BST / 2030 CET 1400 BST / 1500 CET
0030 BST / 0130 CET

Radio New Zealand International
Saturday, September 18, Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20 2010: Radio New Zealand International

RNZI is New Zealand's only shortwave station, broadcasting to the Island nations of the Pacific. Its broadcasts range from Papua New Guinea in the west across to French Polynesia in the east, covering all South Pacific countries in between.

In North America: Mon - Fri 1200 ET / 0900 PT

Sun 1530 ET / 1230 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: Sun 0000 UTC / Mon 0200 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: Sun 0000 UTC / 1000 AEDT

In Europe: Sat 0530 BST / 0530 CET
Sat 1500 BST / 1600 CET
Sun 0530 BST / 0630 CET

National Public Radio
Saturday, September 18 2010: NPR "Fresh Air"


"Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programmes. Though "Fresh Air" has been categorised as a "talk show", it hardly fits the mould. Its 1994 Peabody Award citation credits Fresh Air with "probing questions, revelatory interviews and unusual insights". And a variety of top publications count Gross among America's leading interviewers. The show gives interviews as much time as needed, and complements them with comments from well-known critics and commentators.

In "Fresh Air" this week, Singer Theo Bleckmann talks about his love of show tunes and avante garde music. He has a new CD called "I Dwell in Possibility".

In Europe: 1100 BST / 1200 CET

Radio Romania International
Friday, September 17 and Saturday, September 18 2010:


This week, "A Challenge for the Future" talks about a recent revolutionary discovery made by Romanian researchers: the telocytes. They are cells, which alongside stem cells can help diseased organs, such as the heart, recover.

Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19 2010:

"World of Culture" will be featuring contemporary writer Mircea Cartarescu, the best selling writer in Romania at present, whose work has been translated in dozens of languages. “RRI Encyclopedia” will talk about Romanians and federalism. And the “Roots” will look at the healing power of plants.

Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20 2010:

This week "Inside Romania" looks at an interesting and new phenomenon in Romania – music and juggling in the Circus Park in Bucharest, a phenomenon which is widespread across Western Europe.

Monday, September 20 and Tuesday, September 21 2010:

"Pro Memoria" will look at the reign of King Carol II of Romania.

Tuesday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 22 2010:

The "Business Club" brings a report on the beer market in Romania.

Thursday, September 23 and Friday, September 24 2010:
"Traveller's Guide" invites us to the festival of cheese and smoked mutton hosted by the town of Bran, in Brasov county.

Radio Romania International broadcast times:

In North America: 0600 ET / 0300 PT
1000 ET / 0700 PT
1730 ET / 1430 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: 1230 UTC / 1430 CAT
0530 UTC / 0730 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 1230 UTC / 2230 AEDT
0530 UTC / 1530 AEDT

In Europe: Mon - Fri 0500 BST / 0600 CET 2000 BST / 2100 CET

RTE
Saturday, September 18 2010:


"Seascapes" is Radio 1's weekly maritime programme, providing comprehensive coverage of the marine sector presented by Marcus Connaughton.

This week on "Seascapes": Heave Away, a sea shanty special with special guest Pat Sheridan, a distinguished singer, collector and enthusiast of maritime folklore, a member of the Press Gang; Garland: Warp Four and known for his outings with the late Liam Clancy and Poland’s Brasy.

In Africa and the Middle East: 0230 UTC / 0430 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 0230 UTC / 1230 AEDT

In Europe: 1800 UTC / 2000 CET

Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20 2010:

"The Irish Voice" is an eleven-part documentary series based on the sounds of Ireland over the last century presented by Brendan Balfe.

The series brings alive the cultural life of Ireland through its musicians, playwrights, authors, composers, performers, poets and pop stars. There will also be room for the bystanders, spectators and eyewitnesses to major events, as well as the ordinary citizen.

While concentrating on Ireland, the programmes also feature the Anglo-Irish and European experience, as well as the contribution Ireland has made to American culture, not least on stage and film.

In North America: 1400 ET / 1100 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: 0330 UTC / 0530 CAT
1930 UTC / 2130 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 0330 UTC / 1330 AEDT
1930 UTC / Mon 0530 AEDT

In Europe: 1800 UTC / 2000 CET

Wednesday, September 22 2010: RTE Ireland

"This Week" gives you an in-depth look at events making the news in the past seven days. Tune in to hear Irish views and commentaries.

In this week's headlines: Taoiseach Brian Cowen explains the Government's decision to split Anglo Irish Bank and says that the cost of capitalising the bank will be known next month.

Colm Ó Mongáin looks at the job prospects for the 14% of the labour force that are unemployed.

In North America: 2100 ET / 1800 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: 0330 UTC / 0530 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 0330 UTC / 1330 AEDT

Thursday, September 23 2010:

The arts and culture programme "Arena" looks at what's on in the world of arts and entertainment and is presented by Seán Rocks.

"Arena" features guests and items from the worlds of movies, television, music and literature.

In Africa and the Middle East: 0330 UTC / 0530 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: 0330 UTC / 1330 AEDT

United Nations Radio
Saturday, September 18, Sunday, September 19 and Monday, September 20 2010: United Nations Radio "UN and Africa"

"UN and Africa" is a weekly, 15-minute radio programme that aims to cover topical and current affairs-related stories about what the UN is doing for Africa, in Africa and about Africa.

This week's topics:

Security is a major issue in Sudan in the run-up to the referendum on independence for the southern part of the country in January next year. Upper Nile state played a strategic role during the two decade civil war between the north and the south. With the onset of the rainy season, the UN mission has found a new way of patrolling the region.

Experts from around the world are set to gather in Vienna next week to discuss cancer in developing countries. Treating cancer patients is a challenge in Africa. A South African cancer treatment expert says the continent is short of hundreds of machines for radiotherapy.

The 1994 genocide Rwanda left scars to the country’s population. The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) is working to bring justice for the genocide victims. At the same time, an ICTR officer says there is progress in the promotion of reconciliation in Rwanda.

In North America: Sun 2045 ET / 1745 PT

In Africa and the Middle East: Sat 0930 UTC / 1130 CAT

In Asia and the Pacific: Sat 0930 UTC / 1930 AEDT
Sat 2030 UTC / 0630 AEDT

In Europe: Sat 0415 BST / 0615 CET

WRN via the Internet

WRN's website, http://www.wrn.org/ provides information about all our partner broadcasters plus links to their websites.

The website hosts an extensive range of archived, on-demand programmes and you can also listen to WRN’s North America stream live 24/7.

RealGuide Directories

You can also access WRN's North American internet streams by choosing one of the following RealGuide Directories:

Europe: http://europe.real.com/guide/home/

United Kingdom: http://uk.real.com/guide/home/

Brazil: http://brazil.real.com/guide/news/

Latin America: http://latam.real.com/guide/news/

Spain: http://spain.real.com/guide/news/

Italy: http://italy.real.com/guide/home/
(WRN Newsletter 406)