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NHK World Japan is expected to conclude its remaining shortwave relay broadcasts from the MBR transmission facility at Nauen, Germany, on June 28, marking the end of the broadcaster's final use of the historic German relay site.
The broadcasts affected by the closure are:
UTC/frequency
Japanese to the Middle East, 0100–0300 on 9440
Japanese to the Middle East, 0300–0400 on 11960
Japanese to the Middle East, 0400–0500 on 13750
Russian to Eastern Europe, 0430–0450 on 6165
For many years, Nauen has served as an important relay facility for international broadcasters seeking coverage across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. With the departure of NHK World Japan, another chapter in the long history of shortwave broadcasting from Nauen comes to a close.
It remains unclear whether NHK will continue these services through alternative transmission facilities. Some observers have suggested that replacement broadcasts could originate directly from Japan, though no official announcement has been made regarding future frequencies or schedules.
For DXers, the period immediately following June 28 will be worth watching. Monitoring the traditional NHK frequencies, as well as nearby channels in the 16- and 19-meter bands, may provide clues as to whether the broadcaster plans to maintain service to these target areas through other transmission sites.
As always, reports from listeners will help determine what changes, if any, appear on the bands after the Nauen transmissions fall silent.
