Radio Sweden adds two extra transmissions

Because of the crisis in the Middle East involving Israel and Lebanon (see this Radio Netherlands commentary <www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/isr060713> by Bertus Hendriks), Radio Sweden is adding two extra transmissions for Swedish listeners in the region. The domestic service half hour news programme Lunchekot is being relayed daily at 1030 UTC on 9490 and 21810 kHz. The Radio Sweden broadcast at 1200 UTC is also being broadcast to the region on 21810 kHz. Unfortunately this means the 1200 UTC transmission to Asia on 15735 kHz is cancelled.
(Source:Radio Sweden/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

New program exchange for Radio New Zealand and BBC

Radio New Zealand International has announced the introduction of a new thirty minute weekday programme exchange with the BBC Pacific service. The programme, to be launched on Monday 17 July, will see the BBC’s Pacific service relaying a bulletin of Pacific regional news and Radio New Zealand International’s Pacific current affairs programme Dateline Pacific at 0830-0900 UTC. Dateline Pacific draws on the work of Radio New Zealand International staff and on stories filed by Pacific journalists from around the region.
In exchange, at 0100 UTC on weekdays Radio New Zealand International will be broadcasting a BBC World news bulletin, followed by detailed BBC correspondent’s reports from the four corners of the globe and a round-up of the latest in international sport.
Radio New Zealand International manager, Linden Clark, says she is delighted with the launch: “This will allow us to get more listeners for our flagship current affairs programme across the Pacific. It’s also recognition of the relevance of the Dateline Pacific programme which is already relayed by Radio Australia around the region.”
The Radio New Zealand International programme will be carried on the BBC’s Pacific network of FM relays and satellite services. Radio New Zealand’s own shortwave broadcasts cover the area from Papua New Guinea in the west across to French Polynesia in the east and all the countries in between. A new digital (DRM) shortwave service is just now being launched across the Pacific region with partner relaying radio stations in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Niue all now equipped with digital software receivers. More countries will be equipped so they can receive the new digital signal over the next few months.
(Source: R. New Zealand International/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Kenya BC and China Radio Int'l frequency debate

Members of the Kenyan Parliament have expressed anger because the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation has allowed China Radio International to broadcast using its frequencies. MPs demanded to know the terms of the contract, fearing that Kenya could be losing its sovereignty to China. The State broadcaster had not been allowed to broadcast in China, the MPs said.
Zaddock Syongo (Gwasi, Narc) wanted to be told how much airtime KBC radio and television had ceded to the Chinese media house to date, and what steps the Government was taking to ensure that Kenya got equal access to broadcast in China. He said Radio China [sic] had literally taken over KBC radio’s General and National services. Mr Syongo said whereas the contract should have been of mutual benefit, China was yet to meet its part of the bargain, four years down the line.
Mr Mwandawiro Mganga (Wundanyi, Ford People) said KBC as a national broadcaster should not have allowed its frequencies to be used by a foreign radio station. Mr Peter Munya (Tigania East, Safina) said most countries used their national broadcaster to propagate their values and culture, and feared that Kenya was being inundated with Chinese culture. Mr Joe Khamisi (Bahari, Narc) accused the Government of underfunding KBC, which was now competing with private stations. As a result, the former KBC Managing Director said, it had been forced to enter into contracts with foreigners.
Mr Koigi wa Wamwere, an Assistant Minister for Information and Communications, agreed with MPs that there was need for a more structured relationship between the two broadcasting stations. He said China Radio International started broadcasting at KBC from September 2002 after entering into a bilateral agreement in May, 2001. The purpose was to promote greater understanding between the peoples of Kenya and China and to encourage business and commercial relations among enterprises in the two countries through the provision of equipment, training and co-production.
KBC had ceded to the Chinese media house 1,240 TV hours to date, and radio KBC 2,726 hours at Sh37,000 (approx US$500) per hour.
(Source: The Nation/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

VOA marks Central African Service anniversary

The Voice of America’s (VOA) Central Africa Service, created following the Rwanda genocide to provide news and information to the Great Lakes region of Africa, celebrates its 10th anniversary tomorrow. Created on 15 July, 1996, the service broadcasts radio programmes in the Kirundi and Kinyarwanda languages to Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent years, programming has included interviews with major public figures from the Great Lakes region, such as Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Paul Rusesabagina who inspired the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” a story about the 1994 Rwanda genocide in which some 800,000 people were killed.
“We’re very proud of the role of VOA’s Central Africa Service in assisting the people of this region during such an important time in their history,” said VOA Director David S. Jackson.
The Service also gives a voice to ordinary listeners by airing in-depth features on HIV/AIDS patients, orphans, single mothers, medical professionals, NGO leaders and separated families. “The Service’s health, conflict resolution and human rights segments have proven very valuable in a region trying to recover from years of civil conflict,” said Service Chief Robert Daguillard. “But I’m convinced the crown jewel of our special anniversary broadcast on July 15th will be an interview with families that have been brought together thanks to our family reunification segments.”
VOA has also earned praise for Ejo Bite?, its popular programme aimed at young refugees. The 30-minute weekly programme, which translates as “How About the Future?,” is financed by the State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. Started in February 2003, the programme is reported and produced by young refugees in camps along the Burundi and Rwanda borders. The refugees, trained by professional journalists, produce reports on health, conflict resolution, life choices, HIV/AIDS awareness, education and social issues.
VOA’s Central Africa Service broadcasts seven hours each week at 0330-0430 UTC to the Great Lakes region on shortwave (6095, 7340 and 13725 kHz), as well as on VOA’s own FM frequency in Kigali, Rwanda. VOA also broadcasts on FM through Radio Publique Africaine in Bujumbura, Burundi and Radio Kwizera in Ngara, Tanzania.
(Source: Voice of America/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview

Looking to follow the latest from the Netherlands? Here's the Program Preview to guide you though a week of listening beginning on July 15 - July 21.

*** Saturday Connection ***
Every Saturday, the Newsline team brings you Weekend Connection, with thought-provoking reports on the issues making headlines in the Netherlands, Europe and beyond. It's a lively mix of local colour and "the big picture". One week you might hear how Dutch farmers are doing their part to combat bird flu, the next week it's about the worldwide attempt to punish crimes against humanity. Big or small, Weekend Connection covers it all! Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 12.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 05.00 (Western N America & New Zealand)
*** Vox Humana ***
"Rembrandt's Mirror: The artist sees himself" Art historian Simon Schama called Rembrandt's self-portraits "a forty-year soliloquy." But after the death of his wife Saskia, Rembrandt stopped painting self-portraits for seven years. When he finally returned to his mirror, he was faced with a very different artist. For the 400th anniversary of the artist's birth on July 15th, Vox Humana revisits an exhibition which brought together more Rembrandt self-portraits than ever before. This unique chance to look over Rembrandt's shoulder and into his mirror reveals a great deal about the greatest of the 17th century Dutch masters. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Sun 1430 (South Asia), Sun 1900 (N America, Africa)
SUNDAY 16 JULY
*** Amsterdam Forum ***
Countless events over the past decades have made it apparent that religion is one of the biggest sources of conflict in modern times. We've seen violent clashes in Northern Ireland, Sudan, the Middle East, Iraq, East Timor, and the Balkans - to name but a few. The attacks of September 11, 2001 on the United States and subsequent attacks by Islamic terrorist groups, have driven the point home. But should faith get the blame? Or is religion being used as an excuse for violence? Have your say on the topic at www.radionetherlands.nl/features/amsterdamforum/ Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.05 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.05 (Eastern N America), 15.05 (South Asia), 18.05 & 20.05 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** Dutch Extra ***
Dutch Extra is a new programme on Radio Netherlands, broadcast on Sundays immediately after Amsterdam Forum. The programme offers a selection of cultural and arts news, a Radio Netherlands columnist casts a critical eye over Dutch society, we'll regularly have a Dutch recipe and most importantly, Dutch Extra features your reactions to our programmes and answers the questions you've asked us. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.45 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.45 (Eastern N America), 15.45(South Asia), 18.45 & 20.45 (Africa), 00.40 (Eastern N America), 01.40 (Central N America), 04.40 (Western N America), 06.40 (New Zealand), 0740 (Australia)
MONDAY 17 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** The Research File *** Imagine a magical machine that can build whatever you want. Well, it does exist - as long as your heart's desire is no bigger than a football and can be made of plastic. This amazing technique, a kind of 3D printing, is being used at Maastricht University to print human skeleton implants for surgery. Marnie Chesterton pops by for a demonstration. Also on the show: we go lichen hunting in urban spaces. And space-balls: what else is in our solar system besides the nine planets? Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa)
TUESDAY 18 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** EuroQuest ***
"Art Meets Fashion" Many of the women at the Fashion with a Mission workshop in the Dutch city of Njmegen were homeless until recently. Today they're making serious designer stuff, prLt a portez. For two decades, Ozwald Boateng has been changing the face of classic British tailoring. He tells us about the state of the Boateng Empire. Art historian Esther Schreuder talks about how Rembrandt portrayed black people in the 17th century, looking at his two most famous paintings featuring black characters: The Baptism of the Eunuch and The Two Moors. To mark the centenary of the artist Paul Cézanne's death, a large exhibition is open this summer in Aix en Provence, featuring his best-known paintings of the local landscape. Henning Gruebl, better known as Germany's Shoe Shine Boy, was inspired by shoeshining during a visit to Columbia. Dressed like a 1920s New York street urchin, Gruebl demonstrates the true meaning of clean. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) WEDNESDAY 19 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** The Weekly Documentary ***
"Retracing the Routes" "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" In 2001 a tomato trade war began between the US and Canada. US growers complained that their Canadian counterparts were selling their produce far too cheaply and the US government promptly slapped a thirty per cent tariff on the imports. The Canadians answered with their own charges. In a programme that was first broadcast in 2002, Chris Brooks explores the tomato war on both sides of the border. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) THURSDAY 20 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** Dutch Horizons ***
This month marks the 400th anniversary of birth of Rembrandt. This Dutch painter was one of the greatest artists who ever lived, and to this day there are people whose lives are affected by his work. In a special edition of Dutch Horizons, you'll hear some of the people who are keeping Rembrandt's legacy alive today. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa)
FRIDAY 21 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** A Good Life ***
Civil war tore Angola apart for almost three decades. The death toll was huge and more than four million people were forced to flee their homes and the fighting. Thousands of families were separated. When the war ended in 2002, people started returning home and began the desperate search for missing relatives. Finding the missing is no easy task in a country devastated by conflict. In this "A Good Life" special we follow the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross who are determined to reunite Angola's families... Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Tues 1500 (S Asia), Tues 1900 (Africa)
(Source: R. Netherlands Program Preview 15 July-21 July 2006)

Voice of Greece English schedule update

In recent months, DXers have observed a Voice of Greece English operating schedule, as one that has been less than accurate or reliable. The following schedule reflects Monitoring Times most recent release, and is one that has been monitored by hobbyists.
All times UTC/ kHz
0000-0100 Monday - 7475, 9420, 15650 (targeted to N. America and Australia)
0200-0300 Sunday - 7475, 9420, 17520 (targeted to N. America and Australia)
0905-1000 Sunday - 9420, 12120, 15630 (targeted to Europe)
1400-1500 Saturday - 9420, 15630 (targeted to Europe)
Source: GVH/Monitoring Times)

Radio documentary available for download

A message from the folks at the non-profit Radio Heritage Foundation about our latest radio documentary now vailable for download via Radio New Zealand International

Pacific Radio at the Crossroads
-------------------------------

'Just staying on air is a struggle'

The latest radio heritage documentary from the Radio Heritage Foundation at www.radioheritage.net examines the current state of radio broadcasting in the Pacific region, and concludes that 'just staying on air' is a struggle.

Issues facing radio stations across the region include natural disasters such as cyclones [hurricanes], volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis [tidal waves], human interference such as riots, coups, intimidation of staff and corruption, as well as resource problems such as skyrocketing oil prices, old equipment and the lack of trained technical staff. Hear vivid examples of these issues, and more!

'Solar powered panels don't last long in cyclones'!

The Pacific Plan calls for a study into the current state of radio broadcasting in the islands. It wants to see internet technology, satellite services and other ICT options introduced to provide more services for targeted groups such as rural and women listeners. However, as the documentary explains, these answers by themselves may not be enough to rescue Pacific island radio broadcasting from a precarious future.

'Bureaucrats get involved'!

Worse still, the listeners, the stations, program suppliers and others are being seemingly ignored by the deskbound bureaucrats behind the Pacific Plan. The already fragile nature of daily broadcasting by highly dedicated staff seems likely to be irreparably damaged - not enhanced - by the bureaucratic structures promised by the Pacific Plan.

ZCO Tonga 'nose-flute' Interval Signal Heard Again

The documentary includes rare station ID's, cyclone alert announcements and jingles from stations such as Radio Tonga, Sunshine Radio Niue and Radio Cook Islands. The program also features the original ZCO [Tonga] Call of the Friendly Islands station interval signal played on a traditional nose flute.

Listen to this documentary today by visiting www.rnzi.com, clicking on 'more audio' and then clicking on the July 9 Mailbox MP3 file. Available until July 23 when our new documentary 'Babyboomer Radio' with the original pirate Radio Hauraki airs.

For everyone interested in broadcasting in the Pacific, this documentary from the Radio Heritage Foundation shows that even contemporary radio can sometimes be more endangered than radio from the past.

Issued by:
Radio Heritage Foundation
Wellington, New Zealand
www.radioheritage.net
July 12 2006

(Source:HCDX)

Hot Spot DXing - Israel & Syria

With tensions increasing in the Middle East, hobbyists would do well to monitor events as they occur via shortwave radio. News was released this afternoon that seven Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed and two others were abducted Wednesday in attacks by guerillas from the militant Hezbollah organization. Israel has declared this action as an act of war.

On Wednesday afternoon the Israel Defense Forces sent troops across the border to search for the missing soldiers, marking the first incursion into Lebanon since the withdrawal in May 2000.
Army Radio reported large numbers of troops as well as aircraft, were taking part in searchers on the Lebanese side of the border.
Consider too, that Syria is a large supporter of the Hezbollah, and could result in them becoming involved in this ongoing conflict.
The following English schedules reflect MT's most recent schedule for Israel and Syria. Lebanon is currently inactive on shortwave.

Time UTC,kHz, target areas: va (various areas) eu (Europe) al (alternate freq)
Israel - Kol Israel
0330-0345 9345va 7530va 17600va
0930-0945 13680eu 15760eu
1730-1745 9345va 11590va 13675va
1900-1925 9400va 11590va 15640va

Syria - Radio Damascus
2005-2100 9330eu 12085eu 13610al
2100-2200 9330eu 12085eu 136 10al
2200-2210 9330eu 12085eu

Radio Australia expands to online technology

Text of Australian Broadcasting Corporation press release on 3 July

From today, Radio Australia is moving from shortwave broadcasting to online technology and local FM rebroadcasting to develop new audiences in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Cambodian broadcasts will revolve around the successful placement of Khmer content on “third-party” FM platforms in Cambodia. The geographic coverage will be 70 per cent and the population contact is estimated to reach 85 per cent.

In Vietnam, the declining popularity of SW broadcasts and the surging demand for online services has opened the path for a live interactive “Australia-Vietnam” information and cultural exchange web portal. This service is located at www.bayvut.com

“Delivering content via new platforms, to new audiences and providing new styles of programming is an international broadcasting trend that is being led by Radio Australia, ” stated John Westland, manager of Projects and Partnerships.

At the same time, Radio Australia is now broadcasting from two new transmitters near Townsville that are digitally (DRM - Digital Radio Mondiale) capable. These transmitters will enable RA to trial digital shortwave radio to Asia and the Pacific.

DRM is under trial in China by Chinese National Radio - 800,000 radios and 14 transmitters, while Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) has trialled and is successfully implementing DRM in the South Pacific. DRM is also being widely trialled by a number of major providers in Europe.

(Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation press release, Sydney, in English 3 Jul 06 via BBC Monitoring/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

EDXP closes Internet Radio Service

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the EDXP INTERNET RADIO SERVICE has been closed down.

The Service was introduced in February 2006 on a trial basis, to assess worldwide demand for such a venture, and to publish content relevant to shortwave broadcasting, selected from listener submissions, with costs of the Internet hosting service funded by listeners.

The Service had been extensively promoted worldwide via the Electronic DX Press Website, and through many hobby monitoring organisations, DX clubs, newsgroups, mailing lists, magazines, bulletin boards, Weblogs, and international broadcasters. There were nearly 4000 downloads since inception in February 2006, from one or more of the 22 programs produced.

The trial resulted in:

1. Negligible comments and feedback from listeners

2. No direct submissions from listeners for inclusion

3. No financial support from listeners (a once-only donation of A$5/US$5 was suggested)

Under such circumstances, I have no further interest in devoting time, effort, money and other resources into managing such a project.

It is my view that the vast majority of listeners had adopted an attitude of "I will take what I can get, I will not comment, I will not submit anything, and I will not help pay for the Internet costs."

Thanks, anyway, to these three listeners who had posted comments to the site in the past two months:

Michael Stevenson (Australia)
Richard Chen (Trinidad and Tobago)
Greg W. (Finland)

I also thank my Melbourne colleague Rob Wagner who assisted with the musical introductions.

Regards from Melbourne!

Bob Padula
(Source: Cumbre DX)

Isle of Eigg to activate for IOTA contest

EU-008. Members of the Scottish-Russian ARS and West of Scotland ARS will be activating the Isle of Eigg (IOSA: NH03, SCOTIA: DI19) during the RSGB IOTA Contest July 29-30th.
The team of operators will be using two different call signs and will enter the contest as two different contest groups - GM2Z (operator MM0DFV) is a CW station, and GM4A (operators GM0WRR, GM4TOQ, MM0GDL, GM7WED and MM3LKV) is a SSB station.
They report: "Locator information can't be more precise at this point until we know where on the island we will be operating from. There is no arranged accommodation on Eigg. Nor is there main electricity on the island. We are taking all our camping and portable equipment, such as tents, diesel generator, poles, sleeping bags and so on. We are leaving Airsaig on Friday at 11 a.m. and arriving in Eigg at 12 p.m. There will be opportunities to explore the island on foot between setting up station on Friday and the start of the contest on Saturday. During this time we will be operating digital modes, especially PSK by using our special DXpedition callsign MS0DGR." QSL cards for all callsigns should be sent via MM0DFV.
(Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin)

Elkorn Pirate Maildrop to close

The operator of the Elkhorn maildrop has passed along word that the maildrop will close forever effective on September 15. Too few stations and an increased use of the Internet for sending reception reports and electronic QSLing, were cited as the reason for the pending closedown. The operator stated, "It has been a privilege serving the pirate community for the past several years. My thanks to the stations who have utilized Elkhorn during this time."

The maildrop address, P.O. Box 69, Elkhorn, NE 68022 will remain valid until the September 15 closedown. Pirate stations that have used this pirate maildrop service over the years include: The (Government) Mule, Ground Zero Radio, KIPM, KROW, Mystery Science Radio, The Purple Nucleus of Creation, Radio Gong (Calling), Radio Time Machine, Seldom Heard Radio, Theremin Radio, Voice a Da Tiki, Voice of the Abnormal, Woodoo Radio, WAIR (All Indie Radio) and WDDR.
(Source: MARE/Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts)

RFE/RL to have new broadcasting center in Prague

The move of US-funded international broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from the former Czech Parliament Building in central Prague to a new site has been approved. It is understood that funding has been approved for the construction of a new state-of-the-art broadcasting centre for RFE/RL's radio and television operations which are to be located in the Prague 10 district of Hagibor. Construction of the new building will be carried out by the Orco Property Group and it is expected that the building will be ready for occupation during late 2007.
(Source: www.rferl.org/AIB)

Bangladesh Betar inaugurates 100 kW SW transmitter

A 1000 kW transmitter [presumably mediumwave] will be set up at Dhamrai soon at a cost of Taka 650 million (US$9.3 million) aiming at further strengthening the transmission of Bangladesh Betar. This was stated by Information Minister M Shamsul Islam who was the chief guest while inaugurating a 100 kW shortwave transmitter in Savar. The Minister said that with the launching of this 100 kW shortwave transmitter, the listeners of Bangladesh Betar living abroad would be able to listen its programmes clearly.

(Source: The Financial Express/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Bangladesh Betar English service on shortwave:
1230-1300 7185as
1815-1900 7185eu
(Monitoring Times)

Flevo transmitter maintenance planned

Transmitter maintenance will be taking place at our Flevo transmitter site tomorrow and Friday. The DRM transmissions scheduled between 0600 and 1000 UTC will be off the air. The transmitters beamed to southern Europe on 11935 and 13700 kHz will be operating with 100 kW instead of the normal 500 kW.
(Source:R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

QSL Report EXTRA

The following QSLs are from contributor verifications that were cut from my upcoming QSL Report column due to space constraints. For this edition of EXTRA, we feature Brian Bagwell's colorful verification card from All India Radio, featuring the Devidol. . The Devidol, built in 1734, is believed to be the highest Siva Temple in India. Thanks Brian for sharing the card from AIR.

Thank you to all the contributors who share their QSL verifications with the magazine. Have you sent yours in yet?
Gayle

Amateur Radio
Canada-VC3L 25th Anniversary La Grande-2 Hydroelectric Station, 20, 40, 80 meters SSB.F/D photo cd. via ARRL. (LVH, NC)
VE2GSO CQ Zone 2, 2, 15, 20 meters SSB. F/D two-color cd. via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)
VY2TT (IOTA NA-029) Prince Edward Island. F/D color photo cd. via ARRL buerau (LVH, NC)
Germany -DL1EK, 10 meters SSB. F/D color photo cd via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)
DL5AW1, 20 meters SSB. F/D color photo cd via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)

Bolivia
Radio Illimani 6025 kHz. F/D station logo card signed by José Luis Almanza-Director. Received in 36 days for a Spanish report, one US dollar and Bolivian mint stamps. Station address:Casilla 1042, La Paz, Bolivia (F. Hillton, SC)

Germany
Radio Multikulti, 15275 kHz. F/D QSL cd signed by Horst Scholz-Head of Transmission, plus station stickers. Rec'd in 16 days for an English report. Station address: Deutsche Welle-Customer Service, 53110 Bonn, Germany. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

Honduras
HRMI-La Voz de Missiones Internacionales 3340 kHz. F/D card signed by J.K. Planeck. Received in 16 days for a Spanish report.Correspondence address: Radio Misiones Internacionales, P.O. Box 6321, San Bernardino, CA 92412 USA. (M.Mendez, SP)

India
All India Radio-Aligarh 9910 kHz. F/D color scenery cd of Devidol, Guarisagar, signed by A.K. Bhathagar. Received 9n 56 days for an English report and mint postage stamps. Station address: Spectrum Management, All India Radio, Room 204, Akashani Bhaven, New Delhi 110 001 India. (B. Bagwell, MO)

All India Radio-Bangalore 13605 kHz. F/D Kanariya-Maharev Temple cd signed by K. Sharma. Rec'd in three months for Eng report and mint stamps. Station address:Spectrum Management, All India Radio, Room 204, Akashani Bhaven, New Delhi 110 001 India. (D. Hadley, TN)

Medium Wave
7PB Hobart 747 kHz AM. F/D letter signed by Jo Lindsay-Communications Officer, for email follow up from Coorong 2005 DXpedition report. Station address: ABC Transmissions Public Relations, GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia. (C. Edwards, AUS)

6TAB Mandurah 1449 kHz AM. F/D letter signed by Ken Thompson-Chief Engineer. Station address: 14 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, WA 6017 Australia (C. Edwards, AUS)

HBC Network 864 kHz AM. F/D HBC Network QSL cd unsigned, plus schedule. Station address: Hokkaido Broadcasting Co. Ltd., Nishi-5 kita-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Hokkaido 060-8501 Japan. (C. Edwards, AUS)

JOCR Kobe 558 kHz AM. F/D Radio Kansai QSL card unsigned, plus stickers from everybody's favorite show-The Friday Ban Ban Show. Station address: Iwate FM Broadcast Co. Ltd., 8-17 Morioka-Ekrioka-Ekimaedori, Morioka 020-8512 Japan. (C. Edwards, AUS)

Pirate
WBMR (Black Mountain Radio) 6925 kHz. Partial data QSL w/ tastefully done artwork. Rec'd in 19 days for an email report to: WBMRradio@hotmail.com. (J. Wood, TN)


United Kingdom
Radio Republica (via Wooferton) 7205 kHz. Thank You For Your Report letter plus note thanking me for the CD and that my report was correct. Station returned my prepared cd, and enclosed a newsletter. Received in 60 days for a CD report to the Miami address. This is the first station that has replied since I started sending out audio CD (Mp3 form). (E. Kusalik, CAN)

Thank you to the following contributors:
Brian Bagwell, MO
Craig Edwards, Australia
Duane Hadley, TN
Frank Hillton, SC
Edward Kusalik, Canada
Manuel Méndez, Spain/Cumbre DX
Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina
Larry Van Horn, NC
Joe Woods, TN

Radio Globo orders new HD-ready transmitters

The Harris Corporation has announced that Brazil’s Rádio Globo has ordered two high power AM transmitters for sites in Rio de Janeiro (1220 kHz) and São Paulo (1100 kHz), which will also be equipped with exciters for HD Radio™ broadcasting. Rubens Campos, General Director of Sistema Globo de Rádio says that “Going digital, especially on the AM band, is the only way that radio can grow its audience.”

Rádio Globo currently has a 3DX™-50 transmitter at the Belo Horizonte site (1150 kHz) broadcasting analogue and HD Radio signals since September 2005. Now, Rádio Globo Rio and Rádio Globo São Paulo will install 3DX™D-200 transmitters. Radio CBN Rio (860 kHz) will also install a 3DX™D-100 transmitter, while Radio CBN São Paulo (780 kHz) will add a 3DX™-50 to its family of transmitters. Redundant exciters and power supplies will be integrated, ensuring that each station will remain on the air at all times. Rádio Globo has also purchased three HT35CD FM transmitters for stations in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, three BMXdigital on-air consoles and one additional 3DX-50 high-power AM transmitter, originally installed at Radio Tiradentes in Belo Horizonte.
(R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

New website for Radio Station Belarus

Radio Station Belarus, the international service of the Republic of Belarus, has launched a new website. The site includes online news in text format, audio of the latest broadcasts in English, German, Russian and Belarusian, and a 24-hour live Internet stream.
The Internet stream carries additional programming in English and other languages. According to the website, airtime in English is 2 hours and 30 minutes a week on shortwave plus 30 hours and 20 minutes on the Web.
The schedule of Internet broadcasts is www.radiobelarus.tvr.by/eng/prognet.asp but note that the times are in local time (UTC+3).
(R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Listed schedules on their website as:
0100-0300 UTC (local time) 5970, 6170, 7210 kHz
0300-0500 UTC (local time) 5970, 6170, 7210 kHz
1900-2200 UTC (local time) 7105, 7280, 7290 kHz
2100-0000 UTC (local time( 7105, 7280, 7290 kHz
Would not consider this a "user-friendly" schedule, as no languages as listed, although English has been logged 1245-1305 UTC.
(GVH)

Add Kalingrad to your totals

Kaliningrad, formerly German Koenigsberg, is the extreme western oblast (province) of Russia,and is considered a separate broadcast country by the NASWA radio country counting rules. World Radio TV Handbook list the transmitters Kaliningradsky ORTPC as located at Bolshakovo consisting of 9x80 kW shortwave transmitters, used by Voice of Russia and Radio Rossii for their broadcast to Europe. Radio Netherlands used the Kaliningrad as a relay station last season for their Dutch service to western Europe. Most of the Kalinigrad transmitters are used as pairs at 160 kW.
Mediumwave from Kalinigrad, transmits on 549 kHz (50 kW), 1143 kHz (150 kW), 1386 kHz (1200 kW). The most powerful 1200 kW transmitter, operates on 1386 kHz, used also for international relay transmissions. This frequency will close by November 2007. The registered frequencies for broadcasts from Kaliningrad in A06 seasonal frequency schedule are: 5925 1800- 2100, 7300 1345-1900, 7330 0900-1000 and 1500-1900, 11830 1400-1700.
Verification and QSL Cards can be obtained for transmissions via Kaliningrad. Don't forget to request the transmitter location be noted on the card. Reports on Voice of Russia transmissions may be mailed to: GRK-Golos Rossii ul. Pyatnitskaya 25 115326 Moscow, Russia or email your reception report to letter@vor.ru
Radio Rossii verifies reception reports, and should be addressed to: Radio Rossii, Yamskogo Polya 5-YA ul, 19/21, 125040 Moscow, Russia or email your reception report to: mail @ radiorus.ru.
(WWDX-Top News)

European award chasing

In case you're looking for something to add to your hobby collection besides QSLs, an award program might interest you. The Association of Italian Radio Listeners (A.I.R.) is offering a United Europe award. Station name, frequency and date must be included for each country.
There are four categories for the award: over 40 countries confirmed (plus honor role); over 30 countries confirmed, and over 20 countries confirmed, and over ten countries confirmed.
Request for the award diploma should be sent with four IRC (International Reply Coupons) or two Euros to:
AIR, Associaziones Italiana Radioscolta, C.P. 1338, 10100 Torino AD, Italy.
(GVH/NASWA)