Vatican Radio to celebrate World Radio Day on Feb 13

 

This World Radio Day, Vatican Radio celebrates 95 years with seven multilingual programs dedicated to the future of radio and the day's theme that 'AI is a tool, not a voice.'

On 13 February 2026, on the occasion of World Radio Day (WRD), Radio Vaticana – Vatican News promotes a special initiative in seven languages with seven radio programs that will become thematic podcasts dedicated to the future of radio, public service, innovation, and the relationship between media, society, and artificial intelligence.

The initiative comes the day after the 95th birthday of the Radio of the

Popes: 12 February 2026. Founded in 1931 at the behest of Pope Pius XI and created by the father of radio, Guglielmo Marconi, the Pope’s broadcaster represents one of the oldest radio experiences in the world, born to connect the Holy See with every part of the planet and to speak to people, cultures, and languages that are different.

At the heart of the programs will be the theme chosen for WRD 2026: “AI is a tool, not a voice”. A statement that becomes a starting point for reflection and dialogue also in light of the Message of the Holy Father for the World Day of Social Communications 2026, which recalls the value of human responsibility, discernment, and the authentic voice in communication in the age of artificial intelligence.

The seven programs will involve international experts, broadcasting executives, scholars, innovators, and professionals from the radio and media sector, called to reflect on how radio, a profoundly human medium, made of voice, relationship, and closeness, can inhabit the time of AI without losing its own identity.

Article continues here: 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/vatican-radio-to-celebrate-95-years-on-world-radio-day.html

(Mike Barraclough, UK/BDXC)

From the Isle of Music's February programming

 

From the Isle of Music, February 2026 

We are going to go "retro" this month and feature some lesser-known but excellent Cuban fusion and dance bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Some listeners who only know the North American narrative about Cuban music  will be surprised at what was being recorded, performed, and broadcast then.  

Friday, February 13, 2026,  3955 kHz, 1800 CET (1700 UTC), repeat 2300 CET (2200 UTC) 

https://www.facebook.com/fromtheisleofmusic/ 

https://www.facebook.com/UncleBillsMeltingPot/ 

https://www.patreon.com/tilford 

William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer 

Tilford Productions, LLC 

email: bill@tilfordproductions.com 

Website: www.tilfordproductions.com 

Be advised that in January, our programs started several minutes late during the first transmission, but they did then air in full.  Hopefully that won't recur in February, but if it does, don't touch that dial!  

Our eQSL policy includes recognizing reports from remote SDRs as long as the entire program is reported and the location of both the remote SDR and the listener is included.  Shorter reports will get a short note of thanks instead. 

Encore classical music from Radio Tumbril

 

Regular Broadcast times of Encore By WRMI and Channel 292 are:

02:00 - 03:00 UTC Friday 5850 kHz WRMI to US

20:00 - 21:00 UTC Friday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe

11:00 - 12:00 UTC Saturday 9670 kHz Channel 292 to Europe

01:00 - 02:00 UTC Sunday 5850 kHz WRMI to US and Canada

18:00 - 19:00 UTC Sunday 3955 kHz Channel 292 to Europe (Transmitter under repair - see above.)

03:00 - 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz WRMI to the US and Canada

13:00 - 14:00 UTC Tuesday 15770 kHz WRMI to Europe, east coast of US and Iceland. (Sometimes RTTY on the lower sideband. Suggest notch out or use USB.)

Some Things to see on The Encore Website:

The Encore website is www.tumbril.co.uk where you will find:

Important information about funding of Encore - Radio Tumbril.

Up to date transmission times and frequencies.

The playlists for the most recent programmes.

An email link.

Informal reception reports as well as those requesting eQSL cards, are welcome.

WRMI and Channel 292 are very generous with their air-time but Encore still costs around 130 Dollars/Euros a month to broadcast.

If you can - please send a small contribution to help Encore keep going.

THE DONATION BUTTON is on the homepage of the website - www.tumbril.co.uk - which folks can use if they would like to support Encore.

(Please don't be put off by the POWR security wall when using the PAYPAL button - it is a harmless requirement of WIX the website hosting service.)

THIS FORTNIGHT'S PROGRAMME - First broadcast on FRIDAY 6th Feb by WRMI at 0200 UTC on 5850, and 2000 UTC on 15770 and then Channel 292 on SATURDAY 7th Feb at 11:00 UTC (and 0800 UTC) on 9670 kHz

Begins with some of a sonata by C P E Bach - one of J S Bach's sons - for Viola da Gamba, the piano trio by Ravel, and a three-voice Agnus Dei by Firminus Caron - Renaissance composer.

After that the Elegy for Horn and Piano written by Poulenc and dedicated to the horn player's horn player - Dennis Brain, and some of Mozart's concerto for flute and harp.

The program finishes with part of a late Beethoven string quartet.

Brice Avery - Encore - Radio Tumbril - www.tumbril.co.uk

GMØTLY

Listening in to Radio Mali

 

A great feature on one of the few African stations to log and QSL ... Mali. Thank you to the staff of Wavescan.

Jeff: A few weeks ago, we received an email from Professor Dr. Hansjörg Biener in Nuremburg, Germany, who said:  “I would still like to extend my New Year's greetings to you and the team of Wavescan.  Maybe I can help start the new year with the following article which I hope proves to be a useful contribution to Wavescan.  So, here’s Ray Robinson in Los Angeles with Dr. Biener’s article.

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  Dr. Biener writes:

Radio (Nationale du) Mali is one of the stations you could still listen to on shortwave to ring in the New Year.  But the original reason for this listening project was the second summit of the leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, scheduled for 22 and 23 December 2025, in Bamako, Mali.  Speeches in African French, or speeches with simultaneous translation, could indeed be heard during those days, but the reception quality (in Germany) and my French skills were insufficient for detailed comprehension.  The Alliance of Sahel States (Alliance des États du Sahel) was founded in 2023.  It emerged after military coups in the three states mentioned and relies on Russia as its international partner.  Among the most important outcomes of the summit were the establishment of a 5,000-strong military force for counter-terrorism, the founding of a joint bank, various infrastructure projects to connect the capital cities, and the introduction of a common passport and identity card.  But overall, there was only meager press release-style reporting on Radio Mali’s website, www.ortm.ml.

The traditional broadcast schedule remains in effect:

From 0600-0800 UTC on 5995 kHz there’s the morning program "Au Chant du Coq" (or in English, ‘At the Rooster’s Crow’).  These broadcasts on shortwave sometimes begin well before 0600, and sometimes considerably later.

Then at 0800 they switch to the 31 meter band and transmit

from 0800-1800 UTC on 9635 kHz.

Then for the evenings they switch back again to 49 meters, and from 1800-2400 UTC are heard on 5995 kHz, the same as in the early mornings.

  

In December 2025, reception (in Germany) on 5995 kHz was already so good in the early evening that one could enjoy the long, sometimes very complex, African music.  The morning program "Au Chant du Coq" could also be followed with a medium-quality reception.  The frequent crowing of a rooster was very unusual for urban European ears.  Apparently, one of the presenters once imitated it so well that a recording was also played several times.  Reception was possible on the daytime frequency of 9635 kHz up to two hours before the end of the broadcast, although it was affected by Chinese National Radio 17 on 9630 kHz.  There is also a weekly English-language segment, broadcast on Saturdays from approximately 1850–1905 UTC on 5995 kHz (which was heard on 13 December, but not on 20 December). 

Looking at the station’s website, www.ortm.ml, there are some current articles, but many outdated news items can also be seen.  This was noteworthy not only with regard to the AES summit, but also with regard to the African Football Championships, which were held from 21 December 2025 – 18 January 2026.  For a long time, nothing in the broadcasts sounded like football or football results.  This would be understandable if ORTM (the Office de Radio et Télévision du Mali) had broadcasting rights only for Mali's matches.  But then, on 3 January 2026, after the group stage, the round of 16 match between Mali and Tunisia at 1900 UTC was heard live on 5995 kHz, at least for a while, because reception was poor that evening.  

The game ended 3-2 for the underdog Mali, after extra time and a penalty shootout.  Mali wasn't the favourite team in the quarter-final on 9 January 2026 either.  They were then eliminated 0-1 by Senegal.  Reception of that match was possible on 9635 kHz.  However, the commentators, a man and a woman, could barely be heard over the shouting and occasional vuvuzela sounds.  The signal-to-noise ratio was poor for reasons other than those typically associated with shortwave radio, as the music during breaks in the broadcast was fine (so one would suspect a poor-quality audio feed from the outside broadcast).  During extra time, the frequency switchover time of 1800 UTC approached, but Radio Mali remained on the air on 9635 kHz, but not a moment longer than the final whistle blew, sealing Mali’s defeat.  On 5995 kHz, however, the first thing heard was classic rock (Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac, and Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2), before snatches of West African balafon music became audible around 1812 UTC.

Live streams, which would allow verification of shortwave reception or research of the broadcast content in more detail, have been unavailable for some years.  Many years ago, before the TV rights were acquired by a pan-African pay-TV provider, the African Championships were also broadcast on ORTM's regular television stream with no geoblocking.

And, we thank Professor Dr. Hansjörg Biener in Nuremburg, Germany for that very interesting article.  Now, Jeff – you’re just back from your travels – how was the HFCC conference in Kuala Lumpur?

(Ray Robinson/NWS Wavescan)

Vatican Radio special programming on Feb. 12

 

On the anniversary of its inauguration, February 12, 2026, Vatican Radio – Vatican News is renewing one of the most recognizable elements of its identity: the sound ident that has always accompanied listeners of the Pope's station, a modern reworking of the original "Christus Vincit" theme.

The project includes four main idents, all based on the Christus Vincit theme, each designed to accompany a different moment of the radio

broadcast: one dedicated to waking up, one for the morning, one for the afternoon, and one for the night. Two short idents are also included: the first uses the theme's opening, the second uses its ending, creating an immediate and recognizable connection with the original sound identity.

The programming schedule will be as follows:

https://www.vaticannews.va/it/vaticano/news/2026-02/radio-vaticana-95-anni-nuovo-logo-musicale-ident-christus-vincit.html

Christian G. (Nice, France/BDXC)

Texas Radio Shortwave programming, Feb 12, 15

 

(graphic by Gayle Van Horn)

All times UTC

February 12, 2026 - featuring The Music of Amanda Shires 
(requested by Alan Roe, United Kingdom)

2000-2100 3975 via Germany's Shortwave Radio to Europe

February 15, 2026 - featuring Michael Strah on Texas Radio Shortwave: The Music of Chris Whitley

1100-1200 6070 via Germany's Channel 292 to Europe

1200-1300 6070 via Germany's Channel 292 to Europe featuring Texas Radio Shortwave: Legends of Tejano Music

This schedule is subject to change based on propagation conditions, listener requests for specific Texas artists or music genres, and things beyond our control.

Texas Radio Shortwave is an independent producer of musical and topical shows, primarily focusing on Texas.

Programs for Europe and beyond on 3975 and 6160 kHz are relayed from Shortwave Radio in Winsen, Germany, and are transmitted with 1 kW into crossed dipole antennas.

Texas Radio Shortwave uses a version of The Yellow Rose of Texas as its Interval Signal/Signature Song.

Texas Radio Shortwave verifies correct, detailed reception reports by electronic QSL. This includes reports from listeners using remote receivers (SDRs). Texas Radio Shortwave's email is texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com.

Many TRSW programs are archived at www.mixcloud.com/texasradiosw.

Texas Radio Shortwave's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/texasradiosw.

Texas Radio Shortwave's Listeners' Group Facebook page is www.facebook.com/groups/580199276066655/.

(TRSW)

Audio available for Jen's Eclectic Views & Real Deal, February 8

 

Jen's Eclectic Views & Real Deal for February 8 on Unique Radio is now up and ready for YOUR listening and downloading. 

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2rfb6sp5exguxmv0xe268/Jen-s-Electic-Views-Real-Deal-For-Sunday-Feb.-8th-19-22-heard-on-Unique-R-Australia.mp3?rlkey=1ng73invwtiwz9pkylrlh6puc&dl=0

Tiny URL:  https://tinyurl.com/3e5nhtwm 

For your contact pleasure

Jenur@proton.me

Jen In The Rad.

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2026 Feb 09 0534 UTC

# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

# Product description and SWPC web contactt www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services

#

#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

#

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 02 - 08 February 2026

Solar activity reached high levels on 02-04 Feb, moderate levels on 05 and 08 Feb, and low levels on 06-07 Feb. The flare activity was dominated by Region 4366 (N14, L=204, class/area Fkc/1100 on 03

Feb). This region produced 31 C-class flares, 38 M-class (R1/R2-Minor/Moderate), and four X-class (R3-Strong) flares. The X-class flares included: an X2.8 at 02/0036 UTC, an X1.6 at 02/0814

UTC, an X1.5 at 03/1408 UTC, and an X4.2 at 04/1213 UTC. Region 4366 also added four M-class flares that were greater than the M5 level.

These included: an M5.2 at 02/0251 UTC, an M6.7 at 02/1124 UTC, an M7.2/1n at 03/0701 UTC, and an M7.2 at 03/1456 UTC. The remaining 34 M-class flares produced by Region 4366 were at the R1/R2 levels,

ranging from M1.1 to M4.9. Surprisingly, very few radio emissions were observed in association with the increased flare activity.  There were only three F10.7 cm radio bursts recorded during the

week. The first was a burst of 140 sfu associated with the X1.5 flare at 03/1408 UTC, second was a 110 sfu burst that accompanied the M2.2 flare at 05/1934 UTC, and last, a 440 sfu burst that

coincided with the M2.7 flare at 08/1353 UTC. The only other radio signature of note was a Type II radio sweep that was detected by USAF observatories starting at about 02/0000 UTC, with an estimated

velocity of 955 km/s. No other radio signatures were noted. Other activity included a large, slow-moving filament eruption centered near N18W30 that began at 03/0400 UTC as seen in SUVI 304 imagery.

An associated CME was observed off the NW limb at 03/1836 UTC. There was another narrow eruption noted off the NE, first visible in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery at 04/1426 UTC. This event was likely a

sympathetic eruption triggered by the X4.2, starting at approximately 04/1350 UTC near N15W22 between Regions 4366 and 4367 (N09, L=174, class/area Cao/50 on 03 Feb). There is a slight

potential of minor glancing blows from these eruptions early on 09 Feb. A coronal mass ejection was observed off the south/southwest limb in SOHO/LASCO C2 imagery at 05/1548 UTC. The source is likely

associated with an M1.8/1N flare from Region 4362 (S17, L=207,  class/area Dao/50 on 07 Feb) that peaked at 05/1513 UTC. Surface signatures in SUVI 284 imagery showed a faint southerly deflected

EUV wave. Model output suggests a glancing effect late on 08 Feb to early on 09 Feb. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit on 02-08 Feb.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 02, 03, 04, and 08 Feb, with a peak flux value of 13,970 pfu at 04/1605 UTC. 

Geomagnetic field activity reached G1 (Minor) storm levels on 05 Feb following the arrival of a CME from an X8.1 flare that originated from Region 4366 at 01/2357 UTC. Conditions were at quiet to

unsettled levels on 02-03 Feb and for the first half of 04 Feb before increasing to active levels following the onset of a negative polarity coronal hole (CH) high speed stream (HSS). Quiet to active

conditions were observed on 06-07 Feb with combined influence from a negative polarity CH HSS and a possible passing transient. Quiet to unsettled levels returned by 08 Feb as -CH HSS effects lingered. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 09 February - 07 March 2026

Solar activity is expected to continue at moderate levels with further M-class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flares expected and a chance for X-class (R3-Strong or greater) on 09-10 Feb as Region 4366

transits the western limb. Low levels, with a chance for M-class flares, are expected on 11-22 Feb. An increase to moderate to high levels is once again likely on 23-28 Feb as Region 4366 returns to

the visible disk. Conditions should again return to low to moderate levels on 01-07 Mar as old Region 4366 rotates to the far side once again. 

There is a chance for the 10 MeV proton flux to reach S1-S2 (Minor-Moderate) storm levels through 12 Feb as Region 4366 transits the visible disk and beyond. Levels are likely to be below the S1

(Minor) level on 12-22 Feb. An increase to above the S1 (Minor) storm levels 23-28 Feb is possible as Region 4366 returns to the visible disk. Chances decrease on 01-07 Mar as old Region 4366

rotates to the far side once again. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 09-10 Feb, 16-21 Feb, 24-25 Feb, and 05-07 Mar as CH HSS influence sporadically continue. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at unsettled to active levels on 09-10 Feb as CH HSS influence decreases. Barring the potential for CME activity, mostly quiet to unsettled levels are

expected from 11-15 Feb, 22-23 Feb, and 26 Feb - 04 Mar. Unsettled to active levels are likely on 16-21 Feb, 24-25 Feb, and 05-07 Mar due to recurrent negative polarity CH HSS effects. 

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt

:Issued: 2026 Feb 09 0534 UTC

# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

# Product description and SWPC contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services

#

#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table

#                Issued 2026-02-09

#

#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2026 Feb 09     165          15          4

2026 Feb 10     160           8          3

2026 Feb 11     155           5          2

2026 Feb 12     150           5          2

2026 Feb 13     145           5          2

2026 Feb 14     140           5          2

2026 Feb 15     150           5          2

2026 Feb 16     160          15          4

2026 Feb 17     170          15          4

2026 Feb 18     180          15          4

2026 Feb 19     175          15          4

2026 Feb 20     170          15          4

2026 Feb 21     160          15          4

2026 Feb 22     150           8          3

2026 Feb 23     140           8          3

2026 Feb 24     135          20          5

2026 Feb 25     130          20          5

2026 Feb 26     130           8          3

2026 Feb 27     140           5          2

2026 Feb 28     160           5          2

2026 Mar 01     165           5          2

2026 Mar 02     170           5          2

2026 Mar 03     170           5          2

2026 Mar 04     170           5          2

2026 Mar 05     165          15          4

2026 Mar 06     165          15          4

2026 Mar 07     165           8          3

(NOAA)

SWL Digest 2025 podcast, now vailable

 

If you’ve been a shortwave listener for a long time, you probably remember Ian McFarland’s popular SWL Digest program on Radio Canada International. Well, I’m happy to report that Ian is alive and well and living on the west coast of Canada, where he has recently released a series of podcasts called SWL Digest 2025, produced in cooperation with well-known DXer Colin Newell and available on Colin’s website, DXer.ca. 

On episode 1 of SWL Digest 2025, the program returns to its roots with an introductory walk down memory lane with Ian, Colin and Bob Zanotti, formerly of Swiss Radio International’s Two Bobs DX program. In episode 2, the journey continues with Ian McFarland and Larry Magne of Passport to World Band Radio. And on episode 3, the dialogue carries on with Ian, Bob, and Larry speaking with Colin Newell. 

I’m also happy to report that the first three editions of the new SWL Digest will be re-aired on WRMI shortwave on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 10, 11, and 12. Those are UTC days, and the times for those broadcasts on each of those days will be 0300 UTC on 9455 kHz, 0400 UTC on 5950 kHz, and 0500 UTC on 5850 kHz.

Jeff White, General Manager

WRMI Radio Miami International

10400 NW 240th Street

Okeechobee, Florida 34972 USA

Sunny Jim's Trance Journey update

 

It's 'Multiple Choice' day this Saturday, Feb. 7th,

with four opportunities to hear our latest program

 

RealMix Radio - 6005kHz - 11:00 UTC + 17:00 UTC

 

Channel292 - 9670kHz - 09:00 UTC + 14:00 UTC

 

Not sure if the ionosphere is going to be able to handle all this good new music - prepare for multiple solar flares & a spectacular aurora borealis at the above times...

(Jim Salmon/BDXC)

Texas Radio Shortwave, Feb. 7-8 programming

 

All times UTC

February 7, 2026 - featuring Texas Music Mix # 1

1500-1600  6160 via Germany's Shortwave Radio to Europe

1900-2000 3975 via Germany's Shortwave Radio to Europe

February 8 - featuring Texas Music Mix # 1

1300-1400 9670 via Germany's Channel 292 to Europe

2300-0000 9670 via Germany's Channel 292 to North America

This schedule is subject to change based on propagation conditions, listener requests for specific Texas artists or music genres, and things beyond our control.

Texas Radio Shortwave is an independent producer of musical and topical shows, usually about Texas.

Programs for Europe and beyond on 3975 and 6160 kHz are relayed from Shortwave Radio in Winsen, Germany, and are transmitted with 1 kW into crossed dipole antennas.

Texas Radio Shortwave uses a version of The Yellow Rose of Texas as its Interval Signal/Signature Song.

Texas Radio Shortwave verifies correct, detailed reception reports by electronic QSL. This includes reports from listeners using remote receivers (SDRs). Texas Radio Shortwave's email is texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com.

Many TRSW programs are archived at www.mixcloud.com/texasradiosw.

Texas Radio Shortwave's Facebook page is www.facebook.com/texasradiosw.

Texas Radio Shortwave's Listeners' Group Facebook page is www.facebook.com/groups/580199276066655/.

(TRSW)

Jen & GB's CARN audio available from Jan 31

 

For the HF Enthusiast in you, Jen & GB's CARN for Saturday, January 31 is up and ready for you

January 31, 2026 - CARN Show Link.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x3d7kaek70ks4jry23iq2/THE-CARN-SHOW-31ST-JAN-2026.mp3?rlkey=cvkhfk8bns74d8tft7di9fdt3&dl=0

Short Link.

https://tinyurl.com/4wbxpz7m

For your contact pleasure

Jenur@proton.me

The Bands Are Alive !!

73's & 33's

Jen & GB

BBC World Service launches temporary emergency radio service for Iran

 

The BBC World Service has introduced a short-term emergency radio program aimed at audiences inside Iran, responding to continued unrest in the country and a sweeping crackdown on public protests.

The new service is designed to expand access to reliable news at a time when information channels inside Iran have been severely restricted. In addition to its existing digital and television output, the BBC has activated mediumwave and shortwave transmissions to ensure wider reach, particularly for listeners affected by recent internet shutdowns. Select television content has also been adapted for radio broadcast to maximize availability.

Since early January, large portions of Iran have experienced an extensive internet blackout. Just prior to the disruption, BBC News Persian recorded its highest digital engagement in more than a year, reaching an audience of over 33 million people across its platforms.

The temporary radio program offers daily coverage of unfolding events in Iran, placing domestic developments within a broader regional and global framework. Broadcasts include firsthand perspectives from inside the country along with in-depth analysis of the political, social, and economic forces shaping the current situation.

The programme airs daily for 30 minutes on both mediumwave and shortwave frequencies beginning at 4:30 p.m. GMT (8:00 p.m. Iran Standard Time). Funding has been allocated from existing BBC resources, allowing the service to continue through the end of March 2026.

BBC News leadership emphasized that expanding radio services during periods of crisis is a core mission of the World Service, particularly in environments where independent journalism is restricted. Despite official bans on its reporting inside Iran, BBC News Persian continues to reach a significant portion of the adult population.

Regional BBC executives also highlighted the expanded effort by Persian-language teams, noting increased television hours, enhanced digital output, and extensive reporting for both regional and international audiences during the unrest.

This latest initiative follows a long-standing BBC World Service practice of launching emergency media services during major crises. Similar temporary operations have been established in recent years for Myanmar following a major earthquake, Syria after the collapse of the Assad government, Gaza and Sudan during active conflicts, and Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

Where to hear the broadcasts

Live program:

4:30 p.m. GMT (8:00 p.m. Iran time)

702 kHz (mediumwave) and 9465 kHz (shortwave)

Repeat broadcast:

6:00 p.m. GMT (9:30 p.m. Iran time)

702 kHz (mediumwave) and 5935 kHz (shortwave)

Television simulcast:

A visual version airs on BBC Persian TV at 6:00 p.m. GMT (9:30 p.m. Iran time)

(BBC)

BBC London on Shortwave - Start Point

Our special thanks to Ray Robinson, Dr Adrian Peterson, and Jeff White for this week's focus on BBC London on Shortwave.

Jeff: Last month, we brought you a two-part feature about the large BBC Shortwave transmitting facility at Daventry in the English Midlands.  Well, as the political scene in Europe became more turbulent during the late 1930’s, the BBC became concerned about having ‘all their eggs in one basket’ so to speak, and decided to ensure they could continue broadcasting even if their powerful site at Daventry was taken out during a War.  Ray Robinson has the story.

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  It is a little-known fact these days that, besides the major BBC shortwave station at Daventry, they also broadcast on shortwave from three other widely scattered regional locations back in the middle of the last century.  These small shortwave stations were intended to diversify the BBC shortwave output in order to ensure that the radio voice from London could still be heard throughout the world, even if the large Daventry station should suddenly be silenced.

These three regional shortwave stations were located at Start Point on the south coast in the southwest corner of England, at Clevedon on the Bristol Channel coast, and at Lisnagarvey in Northern Ireland.  Today, we’re looking specifically at the interesting story of the BBC shortwave station located at Start Point, on the south coast of England.

The story began in 1935, when BBC personnel began a site search for the establishment of a high-powered medium wave station to provide better coverage to southwest England.  Two years later, a farmland location just half a mile or so inland from the Start Point Lighthouse was chosen; and two years later again, in April 1939, test broadcasts began on 1474 kHz from this new BBC station at Start Point.

The new station was officially inaugurated on June 14, 1939, with a 100 kW STC transmitter on 1050 kHz, and at the same time, three smaller medium wave stations that had previously covered parts of the southwest were closed.  The directional antenna system consisted of two 450 ft. towers, with an active tower on the north side and a reflector tower on the south side, in order to avoid wasting signal coverage over the English Channel.

Early in 1940, this transmitter, now listed as Sender 21 in BBC records, was converted to dual usage with shortwave coverage on 41 and 49 meters during the day, and medium wave 1050 kHz at night.  During this era, there were three known channels in use by the BBC in these two shortwave bands, and they were identified in this way:

Callsign GSA on 6050 kHz

Callsign GSW on 7230 kHz

Callsign GRX on 9690 kHz

At the time, the BBC followed the practice of identifying each shortwave channel with a three letter callsign, but the transmitter location was not specified.  It is probable that these three channels were on the air from Start Point on scheduled occasions, but it is also probable that these three channels were in use at Daventry at other scheduled times.

It is known that Start Point was in use during this era with the relay of the BBC European Service, and this same transmitter was modified for an increase in power on medium wave up to 180 kW later in 1940 to provide an increase in coverage over continental Europe at night.  However, in May 1944, the usage of the twin towers was reversed, so that the coverage area would be increased over continental Europe.  At the same time, the transmitter was retuned to 583 kHz and the programming was switched over to the American SHAEF network, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force.

The shortwave usage of this transmitter also ended at this same time in 1944.

The two tall towers were replaced in 1957; the 100 kW transmitter was re-tuned to 1053 kHz on November 23, 1978 with a relay of BBC Radio 1; and the final entry in the World Radio TV Handbook for this historic radio broadcasting station was in the 1994 edition.

However, in addition to the shortwave usage from the 100 kW medium wave transmitter, there was an additional 100 kW Marconi shortwave transmitter on the air at this location.  This unit, listed as Sender 22 in BBC records, was inaugurated on January 20, 1940.

Initially Sender 22 carried the BBC Home Service for two purposes:  as a fill-in for shadow areas in medium wave coverage, and also as an emergency backup if there was a major disruption to the landline distribution network.  However, nine months later the programming relay was changed to the BBC European Service, which was retained from this unit until the end of 1945.

The only channel in use from this second shortwave transmitter at Start Point was 6075 kHz which was listed in BBC schedules under the callsign GRR.  This channel was often logged in Australia and New Zealand with the European Service, and it is quite probable that the programming was actually on the air from this second shortwave transmitter located at Start Point on the south coast of England.

When this transmitter was de-activated in 1945, the official record states that it was "placed under dust sheets."  In view of the fact that nothing else is known about the subsequent usage of this transmitter, we could ask the question somewhat humorously:  “What happened to the dust sheets?”

No, there are no known QSL cards verifying the reception of the two shortwave transmitters located at Start Point, Senders 21 and 22.  The BBC was never a consistent verifier of listener reception reports.

Back to you, Jeff.

(Ray Robinson/NWS Wavescan)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2026 Feb 02 0937 UTC

# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services

#

#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

#

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 26 January - 01 February 2026

Solar activity ranged from low levels to very high levels. On 26-30 Jan, mostly low level C-class flaring was observed with the majority of the flares occurring from Regions 4351 (S04, L=004, class/area

Dai/080 on 24 Jan), 4353 (N18, L=359, class/area Dai/110 on 25 Jan). The largest flare during this timeframe was a C8.8 at 26/1339 UTC from Region 4355 (S12, L=299, class/area Cao/020 on 25 Jan). On 30 Jan, a new region emerged in the NE quadrant and was numbered 4366 (N14, L=202, class/area Ekc/550 on 01 Feb). This region quickly grew into a large, compact, and magnetically complex region over 31 Jan-01 Feb. Multiple delta magnetic configurations evolved as the region grew. Consequently, there were 17 M-class flares and 2 X-class flares observed on 01 Feb. The largest was an X8.1 flare at 01/2357 UTC. Associated with X8.1 flare was observed three CMEs that appeared in SOHO LASCO C2 imagery beginning at 02/0048-0300 UTC which was also evident in GOES/SUVI 304 imagery. Modelling was currently underway at the timing of this report. 

A greater than 10 MeV proton enhancement near 1 pfu (below S1-Minor) was still in progress from the event that began on 18 Jan, but declined to near background levels by 28 Jan. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels on 26 Jan-01 Feb with a peak flux of 13,200 pfu observed at 27/1650 UTC. 

Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) levels over the period. The period began under positive polarity CH HSS conditions with solar wind speed averaging around 500 km/s with total field around 5-8 nT. Solar wind conditions returned to nominal levels by early on 27 Jan. A solar sector boundary crossing from positive to negative occurred around 27/1500 UTC followed by an increase in total field to 13 nT and solar wind speed increase to around 670 km/s on 28-29 Jan as a negative polarity CH HSS became geoeffective. Solar wind speeds gradually subsided to nominal levels by 01 Feb. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to unsettled

levels on 26-27 Jan, unsettled to G1 (Minor) storming on 28 Jan, quiet to active levels on 29-30 Jan, and quiet conditions on 31 Jan - 01 Feb. 

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 02 February - 28 February 2026

Solar activity is expected to continue at moderate to high levels with further M-class (R1-R2, Minor-Moderate) flares expected and a high chance for X-class (R3-Strong or greater) on 02-10 Feb as Region 4366 transits across the visible disk. Low levels with a chance for M-class flares are expected on 11-22 Feb. An increase to moderate to high levels is once again likely on 23-28 Feb as Region 4366 returns to the visible disk. 

The greater than 10 MeV proton flux is likely to reach S1-S2 (Minor-Moderate) storm levels on 02-04 Feb due to proton prediction model guidance from the recent X8.1 flare. A chance for further proton enhancements exist through 12 Feb as Region 4366 transits the visible disk and beyond. 

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 02-03 Feb, 06-12 Feb, and 15-28 Feb due to recurrent CH HSS influence. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly quiet levels on 02-05 Feb barring the potential for CME activity related to the X8.1 flare. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected from 05-11 Feb, 22-23 Feb, and 26 Feb. Unsettled to active levels are expected on 13-21 Feb, and 24-25 Feb, with G1 (Minor) levels likely on 13 Feb due to recurrent CH HSS effects. 

:Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt

:Issued: 2026 Feb 02 0938 UTC

# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center

# Product description and SWPC web contact www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services

#

#      27-day Space Weather Outlook Table

#                Issued 2026-02-02

#

#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2026 Feb 02     160           5          2

2026 Feb 03     155           5          2

2026 Feb 04     155           5          2

2026 Feb 05     145           5          2

2026 Feb 06     120           8          3

2026 Feb 07     125           8          3

2026 Feb 08     130           8          3

2026 Feb 09     135          10          3

2026 Feb 10     140           8          3

2026 Feb 11     135           8          3

2026 Feb 12     140           5          2

2026 Feb 13     145          20          5

2026 Feb 14     145          15          4

2026 Feb 15     155          15          4

2026 Feb 16     160          15          4

2026 Feb 17     170          15          4

2026 Feb 18     180          15          4

2026 Feb 19     175          15          4

2026 Feb 20     170          15          4

2026 Feb 21     160          15          4

2026 Feb 22     150           8          3

2026 Feb 23     140           8          3

2026 Feb 24     135          20          4

2026 Feb 25     130          20          4

2026 Feb 26     130           8          3

2026 Feb 27     140           5          2

2026 Feb 28     160           5          2

(NOAA)

Saturday programing from Calling All Radio Nutzz

 

Saturday January 31, 2026 

19:00 - 22:00 UTC with Jen & GB

It's time for the January edition of CARN; this time it`s a CB radio special, along with the CO/KS QSO party & GB's 40m antenna experiment. In addition to the usual DX tips & diary dates, we have a new Interval Signal series from the SW archive. Plus live tuning with Jen in CO & GB in Swinging England.

Live Stream. 

http://uk4-vn.mixstream.net:8104/index.html 

For your contact pleasure

Jenur@proton.me

Hope you can join us 

73s & Good DX for the New Year

From Jen & GB.

QSL Report 2.0- February 2026

  

                      Bringing you the latest in QSLing from across the globe 

Welcome to the February 2026 edition of QSL Report 2.0. Thank you for your comments and contributions.

QSL Report 2.0 is a revival of my former QSL Report column in Monitoring Times magazine. Each issue brings you updates on QSLing trends—what worked (and what didn’t) —along with special-event QSLs and stations verified across amateur radio, mediumwave, pirate, shortwave, and utility bands. If you’ve received a QSL from any of these stations, share your results with the world!

Send your contributions to w4gvhla@gmail.com

Euro-Free Radio

Etherfeak 6240. Full data e-QSL received in 104 days , for e-report to radioetherfreak@gmail.com (J van der Galien, NLD/BDXC)

FRS Holland 5870. Full data e-QSL for 45th Anniversary. Received in 26 days for e-report to frs@frsholland.nl (H Kenji, Japan/FB DX Fanzine).

Radio De Rietvink 1645. Full data QSL and sticker received in two days by postal mail. Reception report to: Radio de Rietving, Marktstraat 16, 8071 GV Nunspeet, Netherlands (van der Galien).

Free Radio Victoria 5790. Full data e-QSL, received in one day for e-report to freeradiovictoria@gmail.com (van der Galien) 

Radio Parade International 8447 via Ireland. Full data e-QSL in four days for e-report to radioparade@prontomail.com (van der Galien).

Radio Poema 1611. Full data e-QSL received in 42 days, for e-report topoema.mediumwave@gmail.com (van der Gallen).

Radio Titanic International via Winsen 6160. Full data e-QSL in 92 days for e-report to radiotitanic@aol.com (J Waga, Germany/BDXC)

Radio Voyager 6925. Full data e-QSL in ten hours, for e-report to radiovoyager@hotmail.com (C. Erdmann, Brazil/DX Fanzine).

Studio 29, 6260. Full data e-QSL received in one hour, for e-report to studio29shortwave@gmail.com (van der Galien).

Studio X 1188. Ful data e-QSL in 24 hours, for e-report and MP3 file to qsl@radiostudiox.it (Waga).

Address Updates/Euro Pirate Radio 

1611  Radio Luka - radioluka@gmail.com,

1611  Radio Ros AM rosamradio@gmail.com

6280  Radio Cuckoo radiocuckoo@yahoo.com,

Shortwave

Adventist World Radio-The Voice of Hope

A series of full-data color e-QSLs confirming relay sites. Received in 30 days for English e-reports to: www.awr.org. Language services as indicated.

Austria, AWR 17725 Urdu 

Germany, AWR 11800 Abinomn

Guam, AWR 15670 Pashto

Madagascar, AWR 17725 Dayak 

Sri Lanka, AWR 11955 Urdu

Tajikistan, AWR 15505 Chin

Uzbekistan, AWR 9700 Lao

(Van Horn, LA)

AWR Sri Lanka QSL

Australia

Reach Beyond Australia 17650. Full data e-QSL in seven days, for e-report to hcjbjapan.office2@gmail.com (H Kenji, Japan/FB DX Fanzine). 15440, full data e-QSL received in six days for e-report to radio@reachbeyond.org.au (JC Perez, Spain/FB DX Fanzine) 11905, full data e-QSL in five days for radio@reachbeyond.org.au (DZ Kirov, Russia/FB DX Fanzine).RBA on 15460 via Kununurra verified with full data e-QSL in 20 days (B Clement, OR)

Clandestine

National Unity Radio, 5900 via Tamsui, Taiwan. Full data e-QSL in 17 days, for e-report to umg.info@unimedia.net (K Barsenkove, Russia/FB/DX Fanzine)

Cuba

Radio Habana Cuba 13780. Full data e-QSL in 30 days, for e-report to radiohc@enet.cu (F Hilton, SC)

Eswatini

TWR 15105. Full data e-QSL in three days, for e-report to lstavrop@twr.org (J McCall, TX)

Finland

Radio Igloo 6195. Full data color Radio Igloo/RealMix e-QSL. Received in one day for e-report to radioigloo@gmail.com. (Wilkinson/BDXC)

Germany

Atlantic 2000 International via Channel 292, 9670. Full data e-QSL in ten days for e-report to atlantic2000international@gmail.com (G McDowell, TX)

Bible Voice Broadcasting via Nauen 15310. Full data e-QSL in 150 days, for e-report to mail@bvbroadcasting.org (S Wright, MS).

HCJB Deutschland QSL

HCJB Deutschland 5020. German service e-QSL in 35 days, for English e-report to  info@hcjb.de (F Hilton, SC)

Radio Slovakia International via Kall Krekel relay 6005. Full data QSL card for German service. Received in 25 days for e-report to rsi_german@rtvs.sk (Clement) 

Texas Radio Shortwave 9670 via Channel 292. Full data e-QSL, for English report to texasradioservice@protonmail.com (Wilkinson).

Guam

KTWR-Last Day of Service (25 Oct 2025) 9900. Full data color scenery e-QSL. Received in 46 days for e-report to asiafeedback@twr.org (Van Horn, LA)

Indonesia

Voice of Indonesia 4755. Ful data e-QSL in 38 days, for e-report to voilisteners@gmail.com (Montero).

Netherlands

Free Radio Victoria 5790. Full data e-QSL in one day, for e-report to freeradiovictoria@gmail.com (van der Galien)

Radio Delta QSL

Radio Delta International 9800. Full data e-QSL with station logo. Received in seven days for e-report to info@radiodelta.am (Wright)

Palau

Hope Radio 9930. Full data e-QSL in seven days, through online form at www.hoperadio.net/reception (D Zhavoronkove, Russia/FB QSL)

Hope Radio 9930. Full data e-QSL in seven days from Deb Anderson Billing for online form. (A Napolitano, Italy/QSL FB)

Philippines

Radyo Pilipinas 15640. Full data e-QSL in ten hours for e-report to dzrp.radiopilipinas@gmail.com (Kenji).

Taiwan

Fu Hsing BS, Kuanyrin 9774. No-data QSL card in 74 days, for e-report to fhstp@fhbs.com.tw (Waga).

Trans World Radio

TWR Tajikistan QSL

A series of full-data color e-QSLs confirming relay sites. Received in 35 days for English service e-reports to: asiafeedback@twr.org. 

Australia, TWR 15460

Madagascar, TWR 17700

Philippines, Bocaue  TWR12130

Tajikistan, TWR 9910

(Van Horn, LA)

Turkey

Voice of Turkey, 7260. Full data e-QSL in four days, for e-report to espanol@trt.net.tr (N Fischetto, Argentina/DX Fanzine)

United Arab Emirates

Gaweylon Tibetan Radio QSL

Gaweylon Tibetan Radio via Dhabbaya relay 15215. Full data e-QSL in three days for e-report to gaweylon@gmail.com (Montero).

Mediumwave

Algeria

Radio Laghouat 702. Full data e-QSL in 21 days, for e-report and MP3 file to radiolaghouat03@gmail.com (Waga).

Brazil

ZVK764 Radio Imaculada Conceição 1490. Full data e-QSL from Nelson Henrique Batistote, Producão e in seven days, for e-report to milicia@milciadaimaculada.org.br. (AO Torres, ARG/FB DX Fanzine)

France

TWR Europe 1467. Full data e-QSL in 24 hours from Kalman Dobos, TWR Broadcast Monitoring /Frequency Coordination. E-report to kdobos@twr.org (Torres).

India

Akashvani via Sanbalpur 945. Full data postcard in 24 days, for e-report to spectrum-manager@prasarbharati.gov.in (Montero). 

Akashvani via Luknow 747. Full data QSL card in 34 days, for e-report to (same as above) (H Súss, Austria, FB/DX Fanzine).

Sweden

Radio Asfalttelegrafen, Ludvika 1440. Full data e-QSL and response from Torlief Roos. Receive in ten hours for e-report and MP3 file to am1440khz@gmail.com. (A Pennington, UK/BDXC).

Taiwan

RTI QSL

Radio Taiwan International 9550/11995/15145. Three full data RTI QSL cards received by post in 77 days. E-report to deutsch@rti.org.tw (R Pankov, Bulgaria) BDXC)

United Kingdom

Radio Red Hill 1431. Full data e-QSL within a few hours from Ian, Station Engineer. The reception report was sent via the station’s website form.(Paul Flanagan, UK/DX Fanzine).