Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

 :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

:Issued: 2026 Nov 02 0217 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

#

#                Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

#

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity -26 October - 01 November 2026

Solar activity was at low levels with nine C-Class flares observed.

Region 4561 (S11, L=28, class/area=Dai/030 on 26 Oct) produced the

largest event of the period: a C2.8 flare at 26/1840 UTC, as well as

nearly all of the remaining C-class flares of the period. The only

exception was a C1.5 flare at 26/0134 UTC from Region 4560 (N13,

L=49, class/area=Fao/020 on 26 Oct). The only notable CME activity

was from a filament lift-off at approximately 26/2142 UTC from an

area near N30E75. Analysis indicated mostly a miss, though a

glancing blow was not ruled out of the question on 31 Oct. 

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at

high levels throughout the period, with the exception of 31 Oct when

values dropped to moderate levels. 

Geomagnetic field activity was at quiet levels 26-29 Oct, quiet to

active levels on 30 Oct, unsettled to G2 (Moderate) levels on 31

Oct, and quiet to G1 (Minor) levels on 01 Nov. Activity increased

the last two days as a result of the onset of a positive polarity CH

HSS combined with possible CME effects mixed in from the 26 Oct

filament eruption. 

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

Solar activity is expected to be predominantly at low levels, with a

slight chance of isolated M-class

(R1-R2/Minor-Moderate) radio blackouts) flare activity associated

with any developing spot groups during the period. 

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is

expected to be at moderate levels on 02 Nov and 06-18 Nov. Flux

levels are anticipated to reach high levels on 03-05 Nov and 19-28

Nov. 

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at mostly quiet levels

on 03-04 Nov, 08 Nov, 13-15 Nov, and 20-25 Nov. Unsettled to active

periods are anticipated on 02 Nov, 05-07 Nov, 09-12 Nov, and 26 Nov.

An increase to G1, possibly G2, geomagnetic storm levels is likely on

27-28 Nov. The increase in activity is associated with multiple

recurrent coronal holes. 

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

:Issued: 2026 Nov 02 0218 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 2026-11-02

#

#   UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

#  Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2026 Nov 02      95          10          3

2026 Nov 03     100           5          2

2026 Nov 04     100           5          2

2026 Nov 05     105          10          3

2026 Nov 06     110          10          3

2026 Nov 07     115          10          3

2026 Nov 08     115           5          2

2026 Nov 09     120          15          4

2026 Nov 10     115          10          3

2026 Nov 11     110          10          3

2026 Nov 12     110          10          3

2026 Nov 13     105           5          2

2026 Nov 14     105           5          2

2026 Nov 15     105           5          2

2026 Nov 16     100          10          3

2026 Nov 17      95          20          5

2026 Nov 18      95          20          5

2026 Nov 19      90          10          3

2026 Nov 20      90           5          2

2026 Nov 21      85           5          2

2026 Nov 22      85           5          2

2026 Nov 23      85           5          2

2026 Nov 24      90           5          2

2026 Nov 25      95           5          2

2026 Nov 26      95          10          3

2026 Nov 27      95          24          5

2026 Nov 28      95          20          5

(NOAA)

WRMI Winter Schedule, effective November 1, 2026

 

WRMI B-26 Winter Schedule 

Effective: 01 November 2026

The current color grid program schedule is available at: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pcIEX8kisrOPqlXHDAq6gympKUgDj0SIb96qce2kGGQ/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=0

All times UTC

Programming in English, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, Spanish

0000-0100   5050la   5810ca  5850na  7730na   15770eu   17790va   

0100-0200   5800sa  5950na   7730na  730na  7780ca   5850na  9455na    15770eu  17790va

0200-0300   5010ca  5050la    5850na  5950na   7570na  7730na  7780ca   9455na   15770eu

0300-0400   5050la   5850na   5950na  9955la   15770eu    

0400-0500   5050la   7570na   7730na   7780ca   9955la   15770eu

0500-0600   7570na   7730na   7780ca   15770eu

0600-0700   5850na   7570na   7730na   7780ca   9395na   15770eu

0700-0800   5850na   7570na   7730na   7780ca   9395na   15770eu

0800-0900   7730na  7780ca    9395na   15770eu

0900-1000   5890ca   7730na   9395na   15770eu

1000-1100   7570na   7730na   7780ca   9395na   15770eu

1100-1200   5850na   7570na   7730na   7780ca   9395na

1200-1300   7730na   9395na   15770eu

1300-1400   7730na   9395na   

1400-1500   7730na   9395na   15770eu

1500-1600   7730na   9395na   17790va

1600-1700   7730na   9395na   17790va

1700-1800   7730na   9395na   15770eu   17790va

1800-1900   7730na   9395na   15770eu   17790va

1900-2000   7730na   9395na   17790va

2000-2100   9293n   17790va

2100-2200   7730na   9395na   17790va

2200-2300   5850na   7730na   15770eu   17790va

2300-0000   5010ca   5850na   7730na   9455na   17790va

Target Areas:

ca  Central America

eu  Europe

la  Latin America

na North America

sa  South America

va  Africa/South America

WRMI website:  http://wrmi.net/

Reception Reports: info@wrmi.net   wrmiqsl@gmail.com

https://www.wrmi.net/index.php/reception-report-qsl/ 

Rapid E-QSL: Send a reception report and receive an immediate e-QSL to: wrmiqsl@gmail.com

(GVH/Teak Publishing)

EWTN Announces Closure

 

IRONDALE, Ala. — EWTN Global Catholic Network announced today the end of its shortwave radio service, WEWN, after 34 years of operation. The decision, approved by EWTN’s Board of Governors, will take effect Oct. 31, 2026. 

Launched on Dec. 28, 1992, WEWN was EWTN’s first radio service, offering Catholic programming to national and international listeners in geographic regions where access to other forms of media was often limited. It also served as a catalyst for EWTN’s expansion into international television operations beginning in 1995. Since then, EWTN’s 11 global television channels and numerous regional channels have reached audiences in more than 160 countries and territories. EWTN Radio has grown to become an extensive network with over 600 AM/FM stations worldwide as well as satellite and digital platforms.

“Over the last 34 years, our shortwave radio operations played a foundational role in the global expansion of EWTN’s evangelization efforts. Many souls have been reached through WEWN’s transmissions,” said Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EWTN. “As we shift the use of shortwave to newer and more far-reaching distribution channels, we remain grateful for the co-workers and benefactors who sustained the service for so long and committed to expanding access to faithful Catholic content.”

Warsaw particularly acknowledged his gratitude for the late Piet Derkson and his wife, Trudy, whose $26 million gift made the construction of WEWN possible and helped Mother Angelica, EWTN’s foundress, advance the network’s mission of sharing the truth of the Gospel around the world. 

Several factors influenced EWTN’s decision to cease shortwave operations, including massive declines in listenership due to the wide availability of mobile phones, terrestrial and satellite radio, and digital platforms even in remote areas; antiquated transmission infrastructure; and high operating and maintenance costs. 

EWTN ceased direct shortwave broadcasts targeted specifically at North America in 2008. In recent years, its English-language shortwave service reached audiences primarily in Africa and the Middle East. The Spanish-language shortwave coverage was directed to Latin America.

EWTN Radio’s content continues to reach these audiences through its digital platforms, online streaming services, mobile applications, podcasts, satellite distribution, and its extensive network of AM/FM affiliates.

 (ETWN 10/30/2026)

Radio Northern Europe International slated for Halloween broadcasts

 

This weekend, on Saturday the 31st of October 2026, Radio Northern Europe International invites all of you to tune into a rather spooky broadcast at 2000 UTC on 1467kHz medium wave (500kW) and with a bonus 30 minutes afterwards (2030-2100UTC) on 6070kHz short wave (10kW).

Mamma will be entertaining you with a recognisably traditional start to the show, before travelling through the playful and surreal, and into genuinely thought-provoking, and even unsettling genres in this Halloween Special Show.

The coverage for this show is as follows:

1467kHz 500kW From Roumoules, France

6070kHz 10kW From Rohrbach, Germany

Wishing you all health and happiness during the spooky season,

Roseanna

Radio Nova International set for special broadcast

 

Radio Nova International will be making a test transmission this Sunday, November 1 2026, at 17.00 UTC on 7425 kHz.  Tentatively assumed to be from Europe, though no actual site has been released. 

 Please send reception reports for eQSL verification to qslnova@gmail.com.

(Neil Armstrong WRTH Facebook)

Halloween programming from Jen and the ghouls !

 

Jen's Hollowed Eve Part 1 

October 30th at 20:00- 00:00 Saturday UTC with  Weenish music with OTR . 

Part 2  on November 1st at 19:00 - 23:00 UTC featuring All R & R with a Slab of Surf on Unique

and my Rockin Under Taker and Body of a show.

All forms of Real Deal R& R..in Weenish themes, All Rock & Roll with a Slab of Surf instrumentals..

Our Live Stream.

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

Plus, our live chat room is open for you in

https://libera.chat/

Click on connect, then web chat

Please put in the following:

For Nickname, or like me radionutresss

Then, on the next line, channel; that's the following:

#eyeradiojd

And you are in the room.

If you like, you can come in costume.

For correspondence, please use the email address,

JenUR@proton.me

Jen & a bunch of GHOULS

Halloween programming from Texas Radio Shortwave

 

October 31, 2026

UTC/frequency/station relay/target area/programming

31 0200   9670 Channel 292 NAm 2026 Texas Halloween

31 1500   6160     Shortwave Radio Gold Eur 2026 Texas Halloween

31 1900 (2 hrs) 3975  Shortwave Radio Gold Eur Reprise: 2025 Texas Halloween / 2026 Texas Halloween

31 2300  9670  Channel 292  NAm   2026 Texas Halloween

texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com

Unless otherwise shown, programs are one hour long.

Programs for Europe (Eur) and beyond on 3975 and 6160 kHz over Shortwave Radio Gold in Winsen, Germany, are transmitted with 1 kW into crossed dipole antennas.

Programs for Europe (Eur) and beyond on 6070 and 9670 kHz over Channel 292 in Rohrbach, Germany, are transmitted with 10 kW into an inverted V antenna.

Programs for North America (NAm) and beyond on 9670 kHz over Channel 292 are transmitted with 10 kW into a 10.5 dB gain beam antenna.

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/.

texasradioshortwave@protonmail.com

(TRSW)

QSL Report-November 2026

 

Welcome to the November 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 the latest QSLing trends—what worked (and what didn’t)—along with special event QSLs and verification reports from amateur radio, mediumwave, pirate, shortwave, and utility stations.

Have you received a QSL from one of these stations? Share your results with the world!

Send your contributions and correspondence to w4gvhla@gmail.com

QSL Contact List

China, China National Radio (Kazakh service) crieng@cri.com.cn 

Euro Free Radio-FRS Holland frs@frsholland.nl 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Titantic International radiotitanic@aol.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio 210 Golden Oldies info@shortwavedx.nl 

Euro Free Radio- Cassanova International radiocasanova@hotmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio de Blauwe Kow deblauwekoe@hotmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Enterprise Radio enterpriseradio@hotmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Balconia radiobalconia@hotmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Atlantis info@radioatlantis.eu 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Pamela radiopamela01@gmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Taxus taxus-radio@gmx.net 

Euro Free Radio-SRV Radio srvradio@gmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Studio 1A Berlin via Radio Delta info@radiodelta.am 

Europe Free Radio-Telestar Radio International erdenman@gmx.de 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Voyager radiovoyager@hotmail.com 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Va t69 studio69@hetnet.nl 

Euro Free Radio-Radio Zand radiozand@protomail.com 

Germany, Archive Radio via Channel 292 archiveradio@europe.com 

Germany, SM Radio Dessau maxberger@smradio-dessau.de 

Philippines, FEBC info@febc.ph 

South African DX Report via Wavescan andre9@duck.com 

Taiwan, Radio Taiwan International (German service) deutsch@rti.org.tw 

Taiwan, Voice of America via Tinang opn@usagm.gov 

United States, Radio Prague International via WRMI Okeechobee, FL https://francais.radio.cz/reception 

Vietnam, Voice of Vietnam (French service) vovhanoi.france@gmail.com 

Mediumwave

Brazil

1310, Rádio Brasil Sul-ZYJ.  Full data email response in 12 minutes from Carlos Mangili, Gerente Administrativo, for e-report to comercial@radiobrasilsul.com.br 

(Néstor Damián Fischetto, Bahia Blanca, Argentina (DX Fanzine))

Radio CBN Foz-ZYJ3551. No-data email response from Jorge Guirado-diretor Geral, in 30 minutes, for e-report to geral@cbnfoz.com. Reply from: jorgeguirado@catve.com.br (Fischetto).

France

1467, Pop Shop Radio via Roumoules relay. Full data e-QSL in one day, for e-report to radiopopshop@gmail.com (Jürgen Waga, Berlin, Germany/BDXC).

Ireland

846, Radio North. Full data e-QSL in seven days, for e-report to radionorth846mwads@gmail.com (Artur Fernandez Llorella,  Catalonia, Spain).

Israel

1287, Galei Tsahal via Haifa. No-data email response in one day for an MP3 audio file to radio@galatz.co.il (Waga).

Lithuania

666, Radio Signal. Full data e-QSL. Received in 20 minutes from Tele Centras, Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre, fir e-report to pagalba@telecentras.it (Arial Osvaldo Torres, Argentina/FB/Fanzine).

Spain

684, RNE Andalucía. E-QSL received in six weeks, from Antonio Martin Riscos, for e-report to andalucia@rtve.es (Llorella).

Sri Lanka

882, TWR Asia via Puttalam relay. Full data e-QSL in 72 days, for e-report to asiafeedback@twr.org (Waga).

Uruguay

1480, Radio Internacional, Rivera. E-mail response after follow-up from Pablo Yanuzzo, Director, pabloyanuzzo@gmail.com (Korinek). 

1580, CW54 Emisora del Este. No email response in one day from Carlos F. Falco, Director, for an e-report to federalfm@federalfm.com.uy (Fischetto)

West Indies 

Harbour Light of the Windwards, Carriacou, Grenada 1400 kHz. Full data 8x10 color e-QSL, plus personal letter. Received in 30 days for e-report to harbourlight@harbourlightradio.org (Gayle Van Horn, LA).

Shortwave 

Australia

5400, Reach Beyond Australia. Full data e-QSL in 20 days, for an e-report to radio@reachbeyond.org.au (Rod Pearson, FL). 

Clandestine

5920, New Korea Hope Broadcasting via Taiwan. Full data e-QSL in two days, for an e-report to nkhb316@gmail.com  (Pearson).

15215, Radio Zaman Bidari via Issoudun, France relay. Full data e-QSL from Mardavij. Received in one day for e-report to radiozamanbidari@proton.me (Sam Wright, MS)

Germany

9670, SJTJ via Channel 292. Full data e-QSL in three days for e-report to sjtijradio@gmail.com (Llorella).

9670, Laser Hot Hits via Channel 292. Full data e-QSL in three days for e-report to studio@laserhothits.co.uk (Llorella).

Classic QSL from VOI

Indonesia

4755, Voice of Indonesia. Full data color e-QSL. Received in ten days, for e-report to voilisteners@gmail.com (Jonathan Stevenson, AK).

Luxembourg

6140, Radio Augusta via Junglister. Full data e-QSL in one day, for e-report to radioaugustainternational@gmail.com (Bob Williams, UK/BDXC)

Malaysia

15295, National FM via RTM. Full data color scenery e-QSL from Mohammed Fauzi Bin Ali Hassan, Chief Assistant Director. Received in 20 days for e-report to pnk_rtmkajang@rtm.gov.my (Stevenson).

New Zealand

Classic QSL from New Zealand

13690, RNZ Pacific. Full data e-QSL. Received in two days for posting reception report online at www.rnz.co.nz/qsl (Ben Clement, OR).

Tajikistan

9320, TWR Asia, via Dushanbe relay. Full data e-QSL. Received in 30 days for e-report to asiafeedback@twr.org (Pearson).

United States

15770, WRMI Okeechobee, FL. Full data QSL card to verify I Love Italy program on WRMI. Received in 40 days for e-report to andrea@mangiarotti.org (Clement)

Utility

383.0, Non-Directional Beacon, Alderney Airport, Guernsey, U.K.. Prepared QSL card returned in 21 days, signed by Anthony Wesley, Watch Manager Anthony.wesley@gg (Vashek Korink, Czech Rep./DX Fanzine)

359.0, Non-Directional Beacon, Ronaldsway, Isle of Man. Prepared QSL card returned as verified in 28 days, by Mike Clements, Air Traffic Engineer, mike.clements@gov.im (Korinek).

8414.5, DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Valencia Radio. E-QSL received in two days from Carlos Valencia Martinez, for e-report to valencia@cellnextelecom.com (Llorella).

13988.5, JMH Kagoshima (Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). E-QSL in three weeks for e-report to jmh-qsl@met.kishou.go.jp (Llorella)

Encore classical music from Radio Tumbril

 

Dear Listener,

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

03:00 - 04:00 UTC Monday 5950 kHz and 7730 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.

PLEASE MAKE A PAYPAL DONATION AND HELP KEEP ENCORE ON THE AIR - Go to - www.tumbril.co.uk

WRMI and Channel 292 are very generous with their airtime, 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 30th October by WRMI at 0200 UTC on 5850, and 2000 UTC on 15770, and then Channel 292 on SATURDAY 31st October at 10:00 UTC on 9670 kHz:

Starts with the Elegy for Piano and Cello by Fauré, two songs from Caroline Shaw, and some solo cello music composed by Imogen Holst.

After that, part of Schubert's Symphony No. 5, and some film music by Jessica Locke. The programme finishes with the Suite Compostelana Para Guitarra by Frederico Mompou.

(This bulletin is sent by Bcc to the many hundreds of listeners who have been in contact with Encore over the last six years of broadcasting Encore.)

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

GMØTLY

Throwback Thursday-Radio Broadcasting from Ships: Europe and the Atlantic

 

This week's edition originally aired on July 22, 2001

Back during the era of the 1920s and 1930s, it was the custom of the day for ships passing each other in mid-Atlantic to salute each other by playing musical records over their communication radio transmitters. On many occasions this interesting phenomenon was noted, though usually the printed DX reports do not mention the name of the ship. However, at least seven famous passenger liners during that era are noted by name as broadcasting radio programming, at least on a temporary basis.

The SS Bremen of the German Lloyd Line laid claim to being the first passenger liner fitted with a wireless telephony set. This ship was launched around the year 1900 with the original callsign DDDX, though this was later changed to DOAH.

The famous ship Titanic is sometimes credited with sending in 1912 the last distress call in Morse Code as CQD and the first as SOS. Though this claim is discredited, yet it is probable that the Titanic sent the first and last combined CQD-SOS call. 

Interestingly, though, it is claimed that the Titanic also made several broadcasts of recorded music on its first and only voyage into the Atlantic. Available information would suggest that the first music broadcast took place as the ship was nearing Queenscliff in Ireland, and again as it was leaving.

On July 20, 1920, the SS Victorian left England, and among its many passengers were delegates attending the Imperial Press Conference in Ottawa, Canada. Each day, a program of speech and music was transmitted on the longwave channel 107 kHz to the Victorian from MZX at Chelmsford and from MPD at Poldhu in Cornwall. Each evening while en route across the Atlantic, the Victorian broadcast brief concerts to passing ships from its own 3 kw. transmitter MVN.   

Two years later, on October 29, 1922, the first radio broadcast in Denmark was made from a ship anchored in the harbor at Copenhagen. This was an experimental demonstration broadcast and the receiver was located in a lecture hall in the city.

The famous French liner Normandie was launched in 1932, and we quote the DX report from a listener in Australia. He says: "On Sunday morning October 30 at 12:45 am, Radio Paris made a special broadcast on 25.6 metres when it described the launching of the new French liner Normandie. The christening of the vessel by Madame Lebrun, wife of the president, was heard first, and as the liner ran down the slipway the playing of the Marsellaise was plainly audible. 

This ship, the Normandie, also made music broadcasts during its voyages across the Atlantic under the callsign FNSK.

The great Cunard liner Queen Mary was launched on September 26, 1935, and it commenced its maiden voyage across the Atlantic eight months later. When the vessel left Southampton on May 26, 1936, a broadcast from the ship was relayed by the BBC, and two days later an early morning relay was made. During its inaugural voyage and on several subsequent occasions, the Queen Mary made many broadcasts under the callsign GBTT while plying the Atlantic.

Our seventh ship in this historic line-up is the Dutch hospital ship De Hoop. This mercy vessel was launched in 1964, and it served fishing boats in the North Sea with medical, technical and spiritual aid. Religious services were broadcast in the Dutch language each Sunday and Wednesday with 300 watts on 2316 kHz under the callsign PHKS.

When the collecting of QSL cards came into vogue in the early 1920s, many of the ships on the air at the time issued verification cards or letters in response to reception reports from many different countries.

(Wavescan)

(photo via Wikipedia)

Colonial Radio During World War II, part 2 – French Colonies

 

Map of Belgian Congo 1908-1960

Today's posting features Part 2, with a fascinating story of colonial radio in Africa. Thank you to Adrian Peterson, Ray Robinson, and Jeff White. 

Part 1 is available at: https://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2026/10/neutral-colonial-radio-during-world-war.html

Jeff:  In our feature last week, we brought you the story of broadcasting activities in and to neutral countries during World War II, and also of relay activity in Africa via transmission facilities in the Belgian Congo.  This week, Ray Robinson looks at broadcasting activity in the French overseas territories during that same period in the first half of the 1940’s.

Ray: Thanks, Jeff.  The German Reich was effectively extended completely over France when the two countries signed an armistice agreement on June 22, 1940.  Included in this agreement was the division of continental France into two separate territories; the northern area which was occupied by German forces, and the southern area, which was not, but which was still required to acknowledge German authority.  The French government offices were moved from Paris to the southern town of Vichy, and thus the whole southern territory became known as Vichy France.

The division of France into the two different territories produced a very difficult situation for the French people, both in France itself as well as throughout their extensive overseas empire.  Should they show loyalty to the official government leadership who had signed the agreements for German occupation?  Or should they show loyalty to the Free French government that was being set up in London?  And what about the vast French Empire that was spread throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific?  With whom should these colonies pledge their allegiance?

The French territories in Asia consisted of the countries we now know as Cambodia (or, Kampuchea), Laos and Vietnam.  Catholic missionaries from France began to establish mission stations in South East Asia in the 1600’s, and in fact the major second language in these territories was European French.

The armistice document signed in Paris in 1940 required that the French territories in South East Asia would be administered from Vichy, France.  Quite soon, Radio Saigon began to assume a new role, that of the official voice of Vichy France to the French Empire.

However, the French colonies in the Pacific adopted an alternative stance and they demonstrated allegiance to the Free French government in exile in London.  It was at this stage that an interesting exchange of words took place between two of the French shortwave stations, Radio Saigon in Vietnam and the low powered station FK8AA on New Caledonia.  However, it is probable that neither station could actually hear the broadcasts from the other.

Due to its new role, Radio Saigon issued statements over the air requiring the Pacific colonies to toe the official line and pledge allegiance to the Vichy government.  However, New Caledonia 's FK8AA issued a statement over the air, indicating that their own local government knew what was best, and they pledged allegiance to the Free French government in London.  Three months later, the Japanese Empire took over the French colonies in South East Asia, and the broadcasts from Radio Saigon took on another flavor again.

Over in Africa, the French territory of the Congo did exactly the same as the neighboring Belgian territory, as was mentioned in this program last week.  At the same time as the new Radio Brazzaville was under construction, so was the new OTC in neighboring Belgian Congo.  The two cities, Brazzaville and Leopoldville, are in reality twin cities, situated across the Congo River from each other, though they were actually located in two separate countries, French Congo and Belgian Congo.

Both stations, Radio Brazzaville and OTC Leopoldville, were constructed at the same time with 50 kW RCA transmitters from the United States.  Both stations were officially inaugurated in May 1943, though the Belgian station was the first one on the air with regular programming.  These two stations were just 5 miles apart.

Radio Brazzaville supported the Free French movement in London, and it became the voice of the Free French to Africa and to the world.  Much of the programming was produced locally, though it is understood that they also relayed the BBC London and VOA Washington at times.  The BBC programming was beamed to Africa and the Americas, and the VOA programming was beamed to Europe and to Africa also.  The United States Consulate in Brazzaville provided support for the dissemination of information about the United States over Radio Brazzaville.

Off the southeast coast of continental Africa lies the large island of Madagascar, which at the outbreak of World War II was also a French colony.  Initially the local administration there declared loyalty to Vichy France, but because of concerns about support for Japanese submarines in the Indian Ocean, the island was progressively occupied by British forces from May-November 1942, and back in March this year, we brought you a feature about the story of Radio Diego-Suarez there, during that occupation.

Over in the Atlantic, just off the south coast of Newfoundland, lies the French territory of St. Pierre et Miquelon – two small islands joined by a narrow isthmus, a causeway with a highway.  When France signed the 1940 armistice with Germany, the local government in St Pierre & Miquelon opted for loyalty with the Vichy government in continental Europe.

The first radio station on St Pierre was a communication facility with the callsign FQN.  In 1941, there were two shortwave transmitters in use in St Pierre; 500 watts on the higher shortwave frequencies, and 5 kW on the lower shortwave frequencies.  An experimental broadcasting service on shortwave in the French language, their first broadcasting endeavor, began during 1941.

But, under the orders of General de Gaulle in London, a flotilla of Free French navy vessels arrived at St. Pierre on December 24, 1941.  Armed personnel swarmed across the island, arresting Vichy sympathizers, and installing Free French personnel into government leadership.  Likewise, the radio station FQN also changed hands, though the broadcast of radio programming on shortwave apparently came to an end.

Other French territories in the Western Hemisphere such as Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana were of course also caught up in the loyalty dilemma, but they had no notable broadcasting events during that era.

Back to you, Jeff.

(Wavescan/Ray Robinson)

Weekend programming from Imaginary Stations

 

Imaginary Stations will broadcast the following schedule this weekend via Germany's Shortwave Gold. 

All times UTC / kHz

Saturday, October 31 1200   6160 

Sunday, November 1 1000 and 1400   6160 

Sunday, November 1 1900   3975 

(edited/SWLing Post)

Blog Logs-Novermber 2026

 

Welcome to the November issue of Blog Logs. Thank you for your emails, logging contributions, and following my latest daily post on X at: Shortwave Central (Gayle Van Horn W4GVH@QSLRptMT).

Have you subscribed to the Shortwave Central YouTube channel? You will find a vast selection of videos and audio airchecks, and the Playlist is growing! Join your fellow radio enthusiasts at: https://www.youtube.com/c/ShortwaveCentral 

Stay up to date with the latest radio news and developments here at Shortwave Central. You’ll find even more in my monthly Bits & Bytes column, published in The Spectrum Monitor e-zine at https://www.thespectrummonitor.com 

All shortwave loggings were monitored prior to the winter schedule period from October 25.

English unless otherwise indicated 

// denotes station heard on a parallel frequency

*Sign-on Sign-Off*/ frequencies in kHz

Monitoring  October 1 – 23, 2026    

UTC/frequencies kHz 

Mediumwave

Shortwave

Brazil (Portuguese)

5940.1, Voz Missionária, Camboriú, 2035-2047. Religious comments and music variety. SINPO 15421 (Manual Méndez, Spain/BDXC).

6150, Rádio Saturno, Belo Horizonte, 0439-0534. Brazilian music to announcer’s comments and station ID as “Rádio Saturno, Faixa Brasil.” SINPO 15422 (Méndez).

6180, Rádio Nacional da Amazônia, Brasília, 2025-2103. Brazilian songs, program comments “E’ Tudo Brasil” at 2100. Soccer program “No Mundo da Bola.” O mais tradicional programa esportivo da rádio brasileira.” SINPO 35433 (Méndez).

6180, Rádio Nacional da Amazônia, Brasília, 0218-0230. Live football: Palmeiras vs. Fluminense with talk and commentary of game plus collaborators in Maracanã Stadium to 0227 “goooooooooooooooooooal !!! Good rare reception with SINPO 45544. ((Jose Ronaldo  Xavier, Cabedelo, Brazil/HCDX).

15189.8 Rádio Inconfidencia, Belo Horizonte 2034-2055. Program comments and Brazilian music. Comments, “Estamos apresentando a Hora do  Fazendeiro.” SINPO 25422 (Méndez).

China

13670, Xinjiang RTV, Urumqi/Xinjiang 0247-0305. Uyghur service to Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Woman announcer presenting musical program with Uyghur songs. Time pips at 0300 into music in progress. Fair reception SINPO 35533 (Xavier).

Clandestine

7650, Voice of the Martyrs via Tashkent in Korean at 2120-2130. Announcer’s talk to music tunes (Rudolf Grimm, Brazil).

Colombia

5910, Alcaraván Radio, Puerto Lleras, 0502-0525. English religious vocals to program comments. SINPO 15422. Also observed 0441-0634 with the same format. SINPO 25422. (Méndez).

6010, La Voz de Tu Conciencia, Puerto Lleras, 0503-0539. Spanish religious music to announcer’s comments. SINPO 15421. (Méndez).

Denmark

3965, World Music Radio, Hvidovre 1817-1855. Pop music variety, including Latin American variety. Station ID “WMR World Music Radio.” SINPO 15422 (Méndez).

Ethiopia

6030, Radio Oromiya, Addis Ababa at 1710-1800. African text, presumed Oromo. Announcer’s text and conversation for fifteen minutes. Intro to Ethiopian music. TWR SDR (Rod Pearson, FL). Ethiopia’s Radio Fana 1805-1820 on 6110 with announcer’s comments.(Pearson). Radio Fana, Addis Ababa 6110, 0345-0352 in Amharic. (Grimm) 

Eswatini

13800, Trans World Radio Africa via Manzini at 1910-1915. Christian message and music (Grimm).

France

7520 Radio for Peace International via Issoudun in Farsi to the Middle East; 2050-2100. Talk and instrumental music. Sign-off at 2100 (Grimm) Radio France International 21550 in French to Central Africa at 1521-1527. Talk and commentaries in French (Grimm).

Guam

15530, AWR via Agat, Guam in Tamil to South Asia at 1521-1527. Talk, announcements, and instrumental music. Also heard on 15360 to Asia at 1304-1310. Christian programming and music(Grimm).

India

Classic QSL card from AIR

15410, All India Radio/Akashvani 0159-0216. Bengaluru, India in Nepali, targeting Nepal. Male/female announcers, presumed devotional music. Station ID at 0213 to Indian-style music. Poor reception, SINPO 35532 (Xavier).

Kuwait

11590, Voice of America in Mandarin to the Far East, 2209-2214. Two male announcers’ friendly conversation (Grimm).

Mali

Classic Radio Mali QSL

5995, Radio Mali, Bamako 0600-0615. Early morning French programming of comments, interviews, and Malian music. Noted a sign-on on subsequent days at 1800. (Pearson).

New Zealand

17675, RNZ Pacific in English to the Pacific areas at 0327-0335. Romantic pop vocal songs to “Radio New Zealand” ID. (Grimm).

Peru

4775, Radio Tarma 0145-0205.* Andean music vocals to announcer’s Spanish text and comments. Signal not always audible, so good to hear Peru’s Radio Senda Cristiana, Cotahuasi on 4820, 0110-0130. Just barely there but holding steady.  (Pearson). 

Romania

Classic QSL from RRI

9730, Radio Romania International 0143-0157. Galbeni in Romanian to North America. Lady announcer in conversation to 0152. Romantic Romanian music, no ID and abrupt close down (Xavier).

Tajikistan

7565, Radio Farda via Dushanbe in Farsi to Iran at 2112-2120. Music, chat and announcements. Radio Free Asia via Dushanbe heard on 9375 in Mandarin to the Far East at 2203-2208. Continuous commentary from male/female duo. (Grimm).

Tibet

4905. Xizang RTV, Lhasa 1725-1738. Tibetan program comments and regional music, noted on / 4920 and 7385. Earlier monitoring 1644-1659 in English with Tibetan vocal music (Méndez)

Turkey

9465, Voice of Turkey 0233-0245. Uyghur service via Emirler to Xinjiang Uyghur region of China. Brief musical pause to male’s station ID and repeats. Uyghur song to announcer’s newscript (presumed). Fair reception SINPO 35533, noted fast and sporadic jamming, with damage to the transmissions (Xavier).

Uzbekistan

9590, BBC World Service via Tashkent relay 0128-0140. English newscast to conversation. Fair signal reception. SINPO 345543 (Xavier). 

Vatican City State

Vatican Radio QSL

7305, Radio Vaticana 0120-0127. Portuguese service to Brazil and South America. Male announcer’s news script about the Catholic church activities and an item on Pope Leo XIV’s surgery and state of health. Program closes at 0126 to music. Good reception SINPO 45554 (Xavier).