Monday, July 31, 2006

Castro temporarily gives up power


Cuban President Fidel Castro Temporarily Gives Brother Power Due to Illness
Monday, July 31, 2006

HAVANA - Fidel Castro temporarily relinquished his presidential powers to his brother Raul on Monday night and told Cubans he underwent surgery.The Cuban leader said he had suffered gastrointestinal bleeding, apparently due to stress from recent public appearances in Argentina and Cuba, according to the letter read live on television by his secretary, Carlos Valenciaga. Castro said he was temporarily relinquishing the presidency to his brother and successor Raul, the defense minister. He said the move was of "a provisional character." He said celebrations scheduled for his 80th birthday on Aug. 13 were to be postponed until Dec. 2, the 50th anniversary of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces.
Castro said he would also temporarily relinquish his duties as first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba to Raul, who turned 75 in June and who has been taking on a more public profile in recent weeks.
(Source: AP/via Larry Van Horn)

Radio Havana broadcast in English on the following schedule:
Times: UTC target areas: na/North America; va/Various target areas

0000 0100 Radio Havana 9550na
0100 0100 Radio Havana 6000na 6060na 9820na
0200 0300 Radio Havana 6000na 6060na 9820na
0300 0400 Radio Havana 6000na 6060na 9820na
0400 0500 Radio Havana 6000na 6060na 9820na
0500 0600 Radio Havana 6000va 6060va 9550va 9820va 11760va
0600 0700 Radio Havana 6000va 6060va 9550va 9820va 11760va
2030 2100 Radio Havana 9505va 11760va
2100 2130 Radio Havana 9505va 11760va
2200 2230 Radio Havana 9505va 11760va

VOIRI Iran test transmission schedule


After a short break, the test transmission of the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran (VOIRI) via a 100 W transmission in Sitkunai have resumed, and broadcasting as:
All broadcast are targeted to Europe.
UTC/ kHz
0630-0700 11555eu Italian
0700-0730 11555eu Italian

1430-1500 9315eu Russian
1500-1530 9315eu Russian

1730-1800 7540eu German
1800-1830 7540eu German

1830-1900 7540eu French
1900-1930 7540eu French

1930-2000 7540eu English
2000-2030 7540eu English

2030-2100 7540eu Spanish
2100-2130 7540eu Spanish

(Source: Bernd Trutenau, LTU/Cumbre DX)

Italy's IRRS schedule update


IRRS Shortwave and European Gospel Radio,effective 29 July, are broadcasting on the following schedule:

UTC/ asmtwhf- Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri
kHz/ target areas: eu Europe; af Africa; as Asia

0700-0800 as 9310eu (replaces 13840)
0800-0900 as 9310eu (replaces 13840)
0900-1000 as 9310eu (replaces 13840)
1000-1100 as 9310eu (replaces 13840)
1100-1200 as 9310eu (replaces 13840)

1200-1300 f 15750af/eu
1200-1300 s 9310eu

1300-1330 f 15750as

1600-1700 fas 5775eu (20kW)
1700-1800 fas 5775eu (20kw)

1800-1900 mtwhfs 9310eu/me (250kW)
1800-1900 a 9310eu/me

1900-2000 daily 5775eu

2000-2030 mtwh 5775eu
2000-2100 fas 5775eu
2100-2200 fas 5775eu

Reception reports or comments may be sent to: reports@nexus.org
Station information and schedules are available at: www.nexus.org/NEXUS-IBA/Schedules/
(Source:Cumbre DX)

Friday, July 28, 2006

Voice of Tanzania-Zanzibar loggings


Not exactly the easiest catch to nab on shortwave, but here are two fine examples from recent observations.
GVH

TANZANIA 11735 V. of Tanzania-Zanzibar July 05 1632-1650 44444 Swahili,Talk and arabic mx, ID at 1644 and 1647. (Kouji Hashimoto-JPN, JPNpremium July 21)

11735, 1756-, Radio Zanzibar Jul 21 Strong S9 to S9+ reception with mild tx hum, but otherwise excellent modulation. Great audio! A real pleasure to listen to and an example of what broadcasters should strive for! Tanzania-Zanzibar mentioned at 17:59 then IS (drums), time pips, and then into English (from Swahili). 'The time is 9:00', and into news. When I rechecked at 18:15 they were no longer in English. Some splash noted from VOA via Morocco, so LSB best.
(Walt Salmaniw-BC-CAN, DXplorer July 24)
(Source: WWDX-BC/Top News)

Papua New Guinea observations on SW


With the DX season on the way, here are a few Papua New Guinea logging and observations noted recently.
GVH

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Port Moresby: Site is located at 09d 25' 50"S, 147d 10' 58"E (high resolution) Douglas Johnson-USA, via Olle Alm, WWDX/Top News July 13)

7120 Wantok Radio Light. July 17 at 0902-0920. SINPO35333. Relaying NBC
National nx till 0910, then ID in English "Wantok Radio Light express apprecciations to the National Broadcasting Corporation...NBC National nx can be heard at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning." I guess thay relay NBC National nx two times at 7am & 7pm local morning. (Iwao Nagatani-JPN, JPNpremium July 21/WWDX/Top News)

3290, 1332-, Radio Central Jul 22 Fair to good reception on past their normal sign-off at 12:00. EZL western mx. Only other 90 meter PNGs audible were 3305 Radio Western (poor), 3315 Radio Manus (good) and 3385 Radio East New Britain (fair to good). (Walt Salmaniw-BC-CAN, DXplorer July 24/WWDX/Top News)

4890, 1352-, NBC Karai Service Jul 21 National programming from Port Moresby with EZL (ABBA) mx. After an early start at after 4:00 am, it's nice to lean back, close your eyes and be serenaded by PNG! 3 mins to 12 time check, and end of program (actual time was on 13:56, .clocks run a little fast in PNG ;-) . Sign-off with all the MW and SW freqs, followed by the NA at 14:00. They always leave the open carrier on. (Walt Salmaniw-BC-CAN, DXplorer July 24/WWDX/Top News)

Radio Pakistan frequency update


Frequency change of Radio Pakistan:
1330-1530 Urdu WS
1600-1615 English NF 9380, x9375
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via WWDX-BC-DX/Top News July 25)

DTK-T Systems freq update, Part 2

The following DTK-T System summer schedule are addition listings from the earlier post.

GERMANY. Part 2 - Revised A-06 - DTK T-Systems

Adventist World Radio
0500-0600 7295eu (WER) Bulgarian
0700-0800 15265af (JUL) Arabic
0800-0830 w 15265af (JUL) Arabic
0800-0830 smt 15265af (JUL) Kabyle
0800-0830 tha 15265af (JUL) Tachelhit
0800-0900 15130af (JUL) French
0900-1000 s 11775eu (JUL) Italian
1900-1930 15265af (JUL) Arabic
1930-2000 w 15265 (JUL) Arabic
1930-2000 smt 15265af (JUL) Kabyle
1930-2000 tfa 15265af (JUL) Tachelhit
1900-2000 15130af (JUL) Arabic
2000-2100 15265af (JUL) French
2000-2030 9770as (WER) Persian

Trans World Radio
0530-0545 mtwhf 7210eu (JUL) Slovak
0830-0845 twhfa 6105eu (JUL) Hungarian
0830-0845 twhfa 7210eu (JUL) Hungarian
1030-1100 a 7225eu (JUL) Slovak
1030-1100 a 9490eu (JUL) Slovak

Christian Science Monitor
0900-1000 6055eu (JUL) German
1800-1900 a 9440(eu) (JUL) Russian

Evangelische Missions Gemeiden
1030-1100 as 6055(eu) German
1100-1130 a 11840as (NAU) Russian
1500-1530 a 11615eu (NAU) Russian

Missionswerke Arche
1100-1115 s 5945eu (WER) German

Free People's Mission Krefeld Inc
1100-1130 a 5945eu (WER) German
1630-1700 a 11865me (WER) English

Universelles Leben/ Universal Life
1130-1200 a 6055eu (JUL) German
1100-1200 s 6055eu (JUL) German
1900-1930 s 11880me (NAU) English
0100-0130 s 9480as (WER) English

Mecklenburg Verpommern Baltic Radio/MV Baltic Radio
1200-1300 1st s 6045eu (JUL) German

Radio Traumland
1300-1430 s 5945eu (JUL) German

Radio Waaberi
1330-1400 f 17550af (JUL) Somali

TDP Radio
1400-1500 a/DRM 6015eu (JUL) Dance Mix Prgrm
1500-1600 a/DRM 6015eu (JUL) Dance Mix Prgrm

Voice of Oromiya Independence
1500-1530 a 15650af (JUL) Oromo/Amharic

Bible Christian Association
1530-1550 a 6015eu (NAU) Bulgarian
1550-1600 s 6015eu (NAU) Greek

Radio Huriyo
1630-1700 twhf 11865af (JUL) Somali

(Sagalee Bilisummaa Oromoo)/Voice of Oromo Liberation
1700-1800 twhfas 13830af (JUL) Oromo

Radio Reveil Paroles de Vie
1830-1900 h 15675af (JUL) French

Voice of Democratic Path of Ethiopian Unity
1900-2000 ws 15565af (WER) Amharic
1900-2000 f 15565af (JUL) Amharic

Pan American Broadcasting
2000-2015 h 9430af (WER) English
2000-2030 f 9430af (WER) English
1930-2030 a 9430af (WER) English
1930-2000 s 9430af (WER) English
2000-2015 s 9430af (NAU) English
0030-0045 s 9640as (WER) English
1400-1415 t 15205as (NAU) Armeninan
1430-1445 s 15205as (NAU) English
1600-1630 h 15650me (JUL0 Persian
1430-1445 s 15650me (JUL) English
1545-1630 s 15650me(JUL) English

Radio Republica
2300-0400 mtwhf 5910ca (NAU) Spanish
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via WWDXC-BC-DX/Top News July 25 via F. Hillton, SC)

Albania Freq Update and logging observations


ALBANIA Frequency changes for Radio Tirana from July 18:
2300-0030 NF 7450 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg to NoAm, x7455 in Albanian
0145-0200 NF 7450 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg to NoAm, x7455 in English
0230-0300 NF 7450 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg to NoAm, x7455 in English
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via WWDXC-BC-DX/Top News July 27)

Lately, the reception condition of Radio Tirana's English for Europe
remains the same.At 1845 UTC 7465 kHz is SINPO 45444, but reception on
9920 is worse - SINPO 43443. There is adjacent interference from BBC
Cyprus on 9915 and Iran (much weaker) on 9925 kHz.

Reception would be greatly improved if the freq was changed to 9940 kHz
(also for the French at 1900 UTC). There will be adjacent interference
from Iran on 9935 kHz, but Iran is beamed towards South Europe
(Spain/Portugal) and is only moderate strength here. 9945 kHz is clear. (A
Ukrainian tx is listed with HFCC for 9945, but in fact operates only on
7490 kHz.) Listeners should get a good reception by adjusting their
receivers slightly to 9942 which will remove the Iran signal.

What do you think about this? Maybe the other monitors could check and
comment.

Another problem - the sound level from the studio. The opening annts are
fine, but when the nx programme begins, the sound reduces to about 20% and
it is not so easy to hear. This is the case for the last 4 days of
listening. Please could you speak to the studio technicians and ask them
to try and correct this problem?
(Alan Holder-UK, BC-DXC-UK July/via WWDXC-BC-DX/Top News July 27)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview


Radio Netherlands Saturday 29 July - Friday 4 August 2006

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands' English Service - a list of the new programs coming up on Radio Netherlands this week, beginning on Saturday.

SATURDAY 29 JULY

*** Weekend 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 ***
"Running with Atalanta"
Ten years ago, two young women were studying law - one in The Netherlands and the other in Latvia. Years later their lives would intersect in what the United Nations has called the fastest growing criminal activity in the world: human trafficking. Both women have written books about their experiences - one as a researcher and the other as a victim of trafficking. And both women are critical of the Dutch system which tends to view the victims themselves as criminals.
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 30 JULY
*** Amsterdam Forum ***
This week's Amsterdam Forum features controversial author Salman Rushdie. He talks about his latest novel - Shalimar the Clown, described as one of the keys books of our time. It's a novel that delves deep into the roots of terrorism in the post 9/11 world. This programme comes to you in conjunction with our partners, Dutch broadcaster VPRO. 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 31 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 ***
The relationship between North and South Korea is fractious, to say the least. One blatant visual reminder of this unease is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a 4km wide corridor which snakes across the Korean peninsular for 250km. But this heavily fortified strip, untouched by humans since 1953, has become a sanctuary for wildlife, including some of the region's endangered species. On this week's Research File, we speak to Professor KC Kim, about efforts to study and protect this paradise.
Also on the show, we visit a self managing waste dump, uncover how much we don't know about food allergies and find out what lives in molten sulphur lakes on the ocean floor. That's all on Research File with Marnie Chesterton.
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 1 AUGUST
*** 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 ***
"Paedophilia"
Euroquest this week looks at the contentious issue of paedophilia. A report on Irish protests against the court technicality that may set a paedophile free. The fight against child pornography in the Netherlands, including the growing and controversial role of polygraphs. And, in the interest of balance, an interview with the leader of Holland's new pro-paedophile party.
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 2 AUGUST
*** 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 ***
"Casting The Net"
Lough Neagh in Ireland can boast being the sole surviving major wild eel fishery in Europe. Until recently its annual output has been counted in the hundreds of tonnes and most of it goes to the Netherlands. However, the past couple of decades has seen a ninety per cent decline in the numbers of eels coming into the Lough after their long migration from the Sargasso sea in the Caribbean. This has been blamed on a number of factors. The straightening of rivers, hydro-electric schemes and pesticides, but there have also been changes in the Atlantic Ocean and its currents.
In this week's documentary "Casting The Net", Laura Haydon looks at the Loch Neagh eel industry and its fight for survival.
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 3 AUGUST
*** 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 ***
Dutch Horizons goes shopping for a cause! At a prime location in The Hague you'll find the first Dutch "Charity" store, where organisations such as the World Wild Life Fund, Plan and Cordaid are selling their wares. Formerly homeless women are making cool designer clothes at the "fashion-with-a-mission" project in Nijmegen.
And how networking is helping migrants in the Netherlands. If you leave your home, it can be hard to recreate a supportive group of people. A handful of migrants, highly educated and professional, had the idea that with a few Dutch people they could form their own network, and - in a small way - start changing Dutch society.
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 4 AUGUST
*** 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 ***
One in three women will experience violence in their lifetime. That means all of us must know a woman who has been a victim of violence. Yet talking about violence against women - whether it be at the hands of the state, the community or the family - still remains a taboo in many societies. In a Good Life Special, one woman breaks her silence and tells the story of her violent rape at the hands of three men in Nigeria. Plus we hear from a Dutch organisation trying to diminish violence against women in Holland.
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 Media Network Weblog)

'Porn Radio' station replaces Christian radio

Probably the most extreme format change of all time has taken place on a radio station in Kingsburg, near Fresno, California. KFYE-FM was a Christian radio station, broadcasting Christian music, sermons and readings from the Bible. But last month the station was sold, and the new owner decided to change the format. Shocked listeners tuning into the station’s frequency, 93,7 FM, could be forgiven for thinking that someone had hijacked the station’s transmitter. Because what they heard was ‘’Porn Radio'’ - ‘’all sex radio, all the time,'’ warning people under 21 not to listen.

It isn’t clear if this is a permanent format change, or simply a publicity stunt. So far, KYFE has been playing the same one-hour compilation over and over again, without advertisements. The songs all have suggestive titles and/or lyrics, such as ‘’Why Don’t We Do It in the Road'’ by The Beatles, ‘’Sexual Healing'’ by Marvin Gaye and ‘’Nasty'’ by Janet Jackson. The station has added moans and groans to some tracks.

New station owner Jerry Clifton has refused to say what his plans are for the station, but the national publicity he has generated will certainly not have gone unnoticed at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which recently increased the levels of fines for indecency on radio and TV broadcasts. We think that Mr Clifton’s intention was to signal a clear break with the station’s previous audience, and shock them into tuning elsewhere, while at the same time attracting a lot of attention. Mr Clifton is quoted as saying that “the station tries not to cross the line.” Whether the FCC agrees remains to be seen.
(Source: R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Shock Jock 'Mancow' Axed

In the 1970s, a new and outrageous kind of radio disc jockey began to appear on many American radio stations. Wildly creative, often pushing the edges of acceptable taste, "shock jocks," as they were called, attracted a big following. But their radio days may be numbered. You see, Mancow has been put out to pasture.

Erich "Mancow" Muller, a loud, confrontational morning-show host, has been fired by his Chicago radio station -- not for any one rant on the air, but on general principles. Like many other U.S. stations, WKQX-FM grew weary of listener complaints, threats from the federal agency that regulates broadcasting, and nervous phone calls from the advertisers who pay the station's bills. These companies just don't want their products associated with ribald humor or politically raw commentary. It was Mancow, after all, who one day last year called the chairman of the Democratic Party a "bloodthirsty" and "evil" fellow who "should be tried for treason."

But a much more telling reason why Mancow was kicked off the air -- and why even more scandalous shock jocks like Howard Stern have moved to satellite radio, out of the reach of government regulation -- is that it's simply hard to shock an audience any longer.

"Look at the Internet," the Chicago Tribune newspaper quotes Michael Harrison, the publisher of a talk-radio trade magazine. "Look at billboards. Look at movies. Look at cable television. . . . There's nothing shocking any more."

Besides, as a competing Chicago broadcaster points out, when federal government fines for indecency are starting to reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, "that can certainly be the death knell for shock-jock sorts of antics."

"Mancow" Muller says he'd be willing to, as he puts it, "redefine himself" in light of today's touchier sensibilities.

Might it even be possible to be entertaining without being offensive, as generations of commentators and humorists were able to do? Now THAT would be provocative!

Source:VOA.COM/www.q101.com/mancow/index.aspx

Christian radio station to hit the Irish airwaves

Ireland's first Christian radio station will hit the airwaves next year

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) today started advertising for applications to run the quasi-national religious broadcasting service.
Focusing on general religious affairs, the dedicated station will target listeners over the age of 15. A 10-year contract will be awarded to the successful broadcaster.
A BCI spokesman said broadcasting hours and a launch date will be decided on following detailed submissions from applicants.
Broadcast primarily on the AM band û with supplemental low power VHF-FM transmitter stations û it is hoped it will reach almost every household in the country.
The application process is expected to take up to six months to complete.
(Source: Irish Examiner)

Additional news from Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog reports the following:
The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has invited applications for the provision of a new quasi-national Christian and religious sound broadcasting service. The service will be broadcast primarily on the AM band with supplemental low power VHF-FM transmitter stations. It will have a broad format and will focus on general religious and Christian affairs of relevance to listeners in the 15+ age group in the State. A ten year contract will be awarded to a successful applicant. The closing date for the receipt of applications is Wednesday 25th October.
(Source: Broadcasting Commission of Ireland via Ray Woodward)

New Brattleboro community radio on the air soon

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. --A new community radio station has received a permit to install an antenna that will allow it to broadcast talk shows and music without commercials.

Organizers of Brattleboro Community Radio hope to be on the air by the end of the summer.

"We've got 50 program hosts all trained and ready to go. The studio is 90 percent complete," said Ken Brace, a member of Vermont Earthworks, the nonprofit that applied for a broadcasting license five years ago.

The station would be run by volunteers.

Brattleboro Community Radio plans to broadcast from a downtown studio at 107.7 FM.

The community station is intended to be a successor to radio free brattleboro, a 10-watt community station that was shut down by the FCC last year for operating without a license.

The Brattleboro Development Review Board approved the site plan for Brattleboro Community Radio on July 17, said Zoning Administrator Alice Herrick.

The station's 30-foot antenna, the minimum size for broadcasting, will likely be installed on the roof of Brooks House in downtown Brattleboro.

It's costing about $30,000 to set up the station, Brace said.

The station will be funded with donations and members' dues, Brace said.
------
(Source: Rutland Herald www.rutlandherald.com/)

Joe B. & Denny Show moves to Lexington

HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
The Joe B. & Denny Show is moving to a new home in Lexington.

Starting Aug. 8, the daily radio sports talk show that features former basketball coaches Joe B. Hall and Denny Crum will be heard live (10 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday) on Cumulus Broadcasting's WLRO (101.5 FM).

Presently, the show is heard on a taped-delay basis (8-10 p.m.) on Clear Channel Communications-owned WLAP (630-AM).

Dick Robinson, program manager for the syndicated Joe B. & Denny Show, said a desire to get the program on live in Kentucky's second largest radio market motivated the switch.

"For the past year, we've been tape-delayed and Central Kentucky listeners can't call in, can't participate," he said.

The show made its debut in March of 2004. It is now on 21 stations (20 in Kentucky and one in West Virginia) and is live in 17 markets, Robinson said. Besides Lexington, the show is also tape delayed in Murray, London and Cadiz.

For the first year, The Joe B. & Denny Show was on live in the Lexington market on Clear Channel's WTKT (1580-AM). But when that station went from an all-sports to an all-Spanish language format, Joe B. and Denny had to move.

All four of Clear Channel's FM stations in Lexington feature music formats. That left only WLAP, the company's Lexington flagship. During the day, that station does news talk, not sports.

"Clear Channel worked very hard with us to try to make (a live broadcast) happen," Robinson said. "They just didn't have any place to put us."

In Louisville, the show is carried live on a Clear Channel all-sports station, WKRD (790-AM). Clear Channel's Dave Jennings is the host of the program.

Clear Channel officials in Louisville gave their approval, Robinson said, for the Joe B. & Denny Show to seek a Lexington station owned by a different company.

So it is moving to the station that Cumulus is now calling 101.5 The Planet and which will feature a talk-radio format heavy on (but not exclusively of) sports.

In addition to Joe B. and Denny, 101.5 will also carry Eastern Kentucky University football and men's basketball; a high school football and basketball "Game of the Week;" and national programming (such as The Jim Rome Show) from Fox.

The Joe B. & Denny Show "gets very, very strong ratings in Louisville," said Robert Lindsey, operations director for Cumulus-Lexington. "It gets pretty respectable ratings here even taped. I have a feeling the show is really going to take off by being on live."

(Source: Lexington-Herald Leader)

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Radio Japan plans to scale down international radio


Text of report in English by Japanese news agency Kyodo

Tokyo, 25 July: Japan Broadcasting Corp (NHK) said Tuesday [25 July] it plans to cut radio programmes for Italian, German, Swedish and Malay speakers to shift emphasis on television programmes for its international services, marking the first reduction in the number of languages used to run its programmes.

Currently, NHK transmits shortwave radio programmes in 22 languages. The reduction is scheduled to take effect in October next year.

Shortwave radio programmes for Europe, excluding Russia, and for North America and Hawaii will also be trimmed, according to NHK. French programmes will be limited to audiences in Africa and those in Spanish restricted to Latin America, it said.

The move comes along with a decline in demand for those radio programmes, according to NHK. Television and the internet are taking on greater roles than radio in Europe and North America, it said.

More than 100m yen [856,000 US dollars] will be saved as a result of these reductions and the funds will be used to increase programmes in English, according to NHK.

(Source: Kyodo News Service, Tokyo, in English 1238 gmt 25 Jul 06 via BBC Monitoring/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Blog Logs - Clandestines


Clandestine broadcasts, operated by military organizations or anti-establishment political groups, are often subject to abrupt change or termination. The following loggings represent clandestines that have been monitored recently.

All times UTC, English unless otherwise indicated, // parallel frequency. * sign on- sign off*

kHz/ UTC
5109.9 Jamma Kashmir 1400, strong w/ hum interference. (VG, SLK)
7250 Degar Voice *1300-1310 ID & talk in Vietnamese. (KH, JPN)
7315 IBC Tamil 0013-0100 ID, tlk, mx Unk lang (MT, WI)
9355 R. Free Asia to Laos. 1144-1200 ID, tlk in Lao. (CS, NC)
9785 Shiokaze/Sea Breeze (via Taiwan) 2033-2100* Japanese tlk (AP,DNK)
9855 Shiokaze/Sea Breeze (via Taiwan) *1030-1057* Japanese. (AS, ARG)
9905 R. Nile to Sudan 0431-0500*. Mx & tlk ID // 12060. (RD, PA)
11530 Denge Mesopotamia (via DTK T-Systems) 1202+ (AS, ARG)
11665 Radio Solh (via Dhbbaya, United Arab Emirates). 0235-0305 Pashto.(AP, DNK)
11750 Freedom North Korea Broadcast (via Taiwan) 0952-1000*; 1000-1012 (RH, CA)
11765 Sound of Hope (via Tiawan) 1605-1700 Tlk under jammer w/ ID.(MT, WI)
11805 IBRA Radio (Petropavlovsk) Brif mx & tlk. Chinese. (GD, WI)
11805 Sudan R Service 0315-0342 ID 0326 Fair. (D'Angelo)
11865 Radio Huriyo 1630-1652 good signal SINPO 54554. (JR, SP)
15565, Voice of Democratic Path of Etiopian Unity (t), 1920 Vernacular SINPO 34433. (Slaen)
15650 Voice of Oromia Independence (via DTK T-Systems) *1500-1530* Oromo/Amharic. (AP, DNK)
1550 MW, Tindouf (?), Algeria, Polisario Front, 0845-0900* ArabicSINPO 54454. (Gonçalves)

Source:
T. Akabayashi, Japan/DX Window
R. D'Angelo, PA/NASWA Flash Sheet
G. Dexter, WI/NASWA Flash Sheet
C. Gonçalves, Portugal/DX Window
V. Goonetilleke,Sri Lanka/DX Window
K. Hashimoto, Japan/JPNpremium/WWDX-Top News
I. Ivanov/R Bulgaria DX MIX News, Sofia, Bulgaria/DX Window
R. Howard, CA/DX Window
A. Petersen, Denmark/DX Window
J. Romero, Spain/Cumbre DX
A. Slaen, Argentina
C. Shemanski, NC/NASWA Flash Sheet
M. Taylor, WI/NASWA Flash Sheet

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Media program Spotlight-DXers Unlimited


Media programs remain a popular source via shortwave radio to hear the latest on propagation, DX news, receiver reviews, trends in amateur radio and frequency announcements.

Today's focus is on DXers Unlimited. The popular program is written, produced and hosted by Arnie Coro CO2KK of Radio Havana Cuba.

Arnie presents the most up-to-date HF propagation forecast, as well as technical topics, amateur radio news, contest, and news on unusual band openings. A Question and Answer segment is included in an easy to understand style for the beginner or advanced hobbyists.

DXers Unlimited broadcast twice weekly Tuesday-Wednesday and Saturday-Sunday on the following schedules: UTC / kHz
Tuesday 2105 - 9505, 11760
Tuesday 2335 - 9550

Wednesday 0135 - 6000, 9820
Wednesday 0335 - 6000, 9820
Wednesday 0530 - 6000, 9550, 9820, 1760

Saturday 2105 - 9505, 11760
Saturday 2330 - 9550

Sunday 0140 - 6000, 9820
Sunday 0335 - 6000, 9820
Sunday 0530 - 6000, 9550, 9820, 11760

Comments and questions may be directed to Arnie at: arnie@radiohc.org

Next Spotlight, I'll focus on another media program to keep you informed on the radio hobby.

(Source: schedule/Media Program/ODXA Listening In/Aug 06)

Armenia announces end of shortwave

Last week the Voice of Armenia announced during their German broadcast on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, they plan to leave shortwave soon. No date was given which leaves the shortwave listening audience left to speculate if they plan to close their service "soon" or broadcast until the end of 2006. As news becomes available I'll post it to the blog. Their only English broadcast is currently at 1910-1930 UTC on 4810 kHz and 9960 kHz, targeted to Europe.
GVH

Monday, July 24, 2006

DTK-T Systems - summer frequency update

The following listings represent recent schedule adjustments for the summer period. This is not a complete list of all the station's that use the facilities of DTK-Systems. DTK operate transmitters in Germany, leased by numerous worldwide shortwave stations. Located in northwest Germany, DTK-T Systems, is recognized as one of the leading transmission sites in Europe.
Reception verifications may be requested by writing T-Systems, or email reception reports to: Walter Brodowsky walterbrodowsky@t-systems.com or address correspondence to:
Rundfunksendestelle Jülich
Merscher Höehe D-52428 Jülich, Germany

UTC/ freq kHz/ target areas
af-Africa as-Asia
eu-Europe
me-Middle East
na-North America
oc-Oceania
sa-South America

(transmitter site) language

IBC Tamil Radio:
0000-0100 7315as (WER 250 kW) Tamil

Gospel For Asia
0030-0130 9435as (WER 250 kW) south east Asian languages
1330-1430 13860as (WER 500 kW) south east Asian languages
1430-1530 13745as (WER 250 kW) south east Asian languages
1530-1630 13750as (WER 250 kW) south east Asian languages
2330-0030 9640as (WER 250 kW) south east Asian languages

Radio Free Asia
0100-0300 11975as (WER 250 kW) Tibetan

Voice of Russia
0100-0300 5945me (WER) Russian (Russ.Inter.Radio)
1400-1500 15430me (JUL) Russian (Commonwealth)
1900-2100 5985me (JUL) Russian (Russ.Inter.Radio)
1900-2100 9825me (JUL) Russian (Russ.Inter.Radio)
2000-2100 7155me (WER) Russian (Russ.Inter.Radio)
2200-2300 6145me (WER) Arabic

Hrvatska Radio/Voice of Croatia
0100-0500 9925na (NAU) Croatian/English/Spanish
0400-0700 9470oc (WER) Croatian/English/Spanish
0600-1000 13820oc (JUL) Croatian/English/Spanish
2200-0300 9925sa (WER) Croatian/English/Spanish
2300-0300 9925na (WER) Croatian/English/Spanish

Radio Canada International
0200-0300 5955me (WER) Arabic
0300-0400 7260me (WER) Arabic
1500-1600 15360as (WER) English
1800-1900 9530af (WER) English
1800-1900 13730af (WER) English
2000-2100 11765eu (WER) English

CVC International
0500-0600 9430af (WER) English
0600-0900 15640af (WER) English
1500-1800 15715af (WER) English
1800-2100 13820af (WER) English
1200-1400 17860 as (JUL)English (closes 31 August)
1400-1700 15795as (JUL) English (closes 31 August)
1200-1500 13830eu (JUL) English
1500-1700 13800eu (JUL) English

Radio Liberty
0200-0300 9775as (WER) Persian (Radio Farda)
0400-0500 15255as (WER) Persian (Radio Farda)
0500-0700 9510as (WER) Persian (Radio Farda)
1200-1300 15205eu (WER) Russian
1500-1700 9725eu (JUL) Belorussian
1600-1700 13815as (WER) Turkmen
1900-2000 9650as (WER) Tatar

Radio Netherlands
0600-0655 11665eu (JUL) Dutch (closes 1 Sept.)

Deutsche Welle
0600-1000 6140eu (JUL) English
1300-1600 6140eu (JUL) English

BCE Radio Luxembourg
0900-1700 7295eu (NAU) German (DRM)

The Overcomer Ministries
900-1100 6110eu (JUL) English
1200-1400 6110eu JUL) English
1400-1600 13810va (as/me) English
1800-2000 13855af ( JUL) English

WYFR/Family Radio
1500-1600 15750af (WER) English
1600-1700 15750af (WER) Amharic
1600-1800 9925me (JUL) Turkish
1700-1800 3955eu (JUL) German
1700-1800 15750af (WER) Swahili
1700-1800 13840af (JUL) Arabic
1800-1900 15750af (WER) English
2000-2100 9705me (JUL) Arabic
2000-2100 11895af (JUL) French

CBS Radio Taiwan International
1600-1700 9760eu (JUL) Russian
2000-2100 5975eu (NAU) Spanish

Minivan (Independent) Radio
1600-1700 13620as (JUL) Dhivehi

Voice of America
1630-1800 6040as (WER) Persian
1700-1830 9770as (WER) Persian
1700-1900 7105as (WER) Persian
1730-1800 mtwhf 11905af (WER) Afan/Oromo
1730-1800 7170as (WER) Azeri
1800-1845 11905af (WER) Amharic

HCJB
1700-1800 6015eu (JUL) German

IBRA Radio
1730-1800 15450af (JUL) Somali
1730-1830 11880af (NAU) Swahili
1800-1900 13840af (WER) Arabic
1830-1845 11880af (NAU) English
1900-2045 9675af (JUL) Hausa/French/Bambara/Wolof
2000-2100 9840af (JUL) Arabic

Democratic Voice of Burma
2330-0030 9490as (WER) Burmese

(DX Mix News, Bulgaria/F. Hillton, SC)

Summer shortwave frequency adjustments

The following revisions represent frequency adjustments made for the summer schedule period.

Albania-Radio Tirana
Frequency changes from 18 July
0000-0030 7450na English (ex 7455)
0145-0200 7450na English (ex 7455)
0230-0300 7450na English (ex 7455)
2300-0000 7450na English (ex 7455)

Germany-Deutsche Welle
Deleted DRM transmission from 1 July
0400-0500 9690
0500-0600 9690

Netherlands-Radio Netherlands
1300-1357 5910 Dutch (ex 5880)

Russia-Voice of Russia
1500-1600 11645 Arabic (ex 12005 to avoid Radio Tunisia)
1700-1800 9615 Polish (ex 5925)

USA-WYFR/Family Radio
Frequency changes from 3 July
1000-1100 7150 Japanese (ex 7380)
1300-1500 9415 English (ex 7580)
1500-1700 9415 Hindi (ex 7580
1800-1900 5925 Polish (ex 5925)

Vatican State-Vatican Radio
Frequency change for Vatican Radio from 15 July
1230-1300 5905 Russian (ex 6210)

(DX Mix News, Bulgaria/F. Hillton, SC)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Will Slovakia return to shortwave ?


Now that Radio Slovakia International has left the shortwave world, comes word they "could" return to shortwave. No mention of time was released, but considering there is far more to this than just a simple resumption of service, bets are off it would be anytime soon. Our news comes from Radio Netherlands, and will likely set the hobbyists with a bevy of opinions.
GVH

Radio Slovakia International (RSI) reports that Culture Minister Marek Madaric, speaking at a news conference in Bratislava on Thursday after meeting President Ivan Gasparovic, has given notice of a return to state contributions for the public media. “This could be done via a contract between the public media and parliament,” he said. According to Madaric, the contract would define the state media’s role, programme orientation and funding. He also spoke about restoring RSI to shortwave although no timescale was mentioned.
(Source: R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

First DRM radio to begin in Europe this October



After a long wait, a major manufacturer has at last announced plans to release what it calls “the first DRM Radio” in Europe in October 2006. The DRM-40 will have DRM coverage on longwave, mediumwave and shortwave. It will also have DAB coverage, which Sangean describes as “the digital alternative for the FM band.” We think this is actually a misleading description, as the DRM Consortium is working on extending the DRM specification to include the current FM band, whereas DAB uses much higher frequencies. The radio will have RDS, according to Sangean. There’s also a USB connection and an SD-card slot, meaning that the radio can play and record MP3 files. The DRM-40 uses the same case as the existing DPR-1 DAB receiver, which means the size will be 180×260x90 mm. Sangean says the weight will be 1700 gramm. The recommended retail price in Europe, including VAT, will be 299 euros. The website gives the following capsule summary of the features:

RM / DAB Band III / FM / AM / LW / SW
RDS, AMSS and Radio text or DLS
MP3 Playback and recording on SD
Humane wake System on Radio or Buzzer Alarm
12 Alarm Settings
Timed recording
Clock with Auto Update
EPG, Pause Plus, SPDIF and Key Lock
6 Presets for each Wavesband
with SD slot and USB connection
with SAI und USB connection
with RF-antenna and BAR Antenna
Audio Out and headphone Connection
With AC-adapter / operates also on DC (Batteries not included)
We hope to acquire and test one of these radios as soon as they become available.

In the UK, this radio will be sold as the Roberts MP40. It’s not clear if there are any differences in the specification. Some years ago the boss of Sangean visited Radio Netherlands, and at that time he told us that Sangean would make customised versions for any OEM customer ordering a minimum of 500 units.

Sangean Europe www.sangean.nl/English/
(Source: R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog; photo courtesy of Radio Intel.Com)

This sounds like great news, at least for the Europeans..maybe the US will follow.
GVH

Friday, July 21, 2006

Bangladesh testing new frequency


According to DSWCI-DX Window, Bangladesh has been noted testing from the following logging:

BANGLADESH 4750kHz, The Home Service of Radio Bangladesh was noted yesterday 12 July 2006 on 4750 at around 1430 UTC (parallel to 693 kHz MW). Off by 1600 UTC when I checked. They were testing this frequency and 4880kHz very recently along with 41 meter frequencies.
(Jose Jacob-IND, DXindia July 13)

News in English 1530-1555 on 4750, on July 15.
(Rumen Pankov-BUL, WWDX BC-DX /Top News)

Additional English and multi languages from the following schedules.
GVH

UTC kHz target areas: as-Asia eu-Europe me-Middle East

English:
1230-1300 7185as
1745-1800 7185eu (Voice of Islam)
1800-1815 7185eu (Voice of Islam)
1815-1900 7185eu

Multi:
1315-1345 7185as (Nepali)
1400-1430 7185as (Urdu)
1515-1545 7185as (Hindu)
1600-1630 7185me (Arabic)
1630-1700 7185me (Bangla)
1700-1730 7185me (Bangla)
1915-2000 7185eu (Bangla)

Reception reports or correspondence should be sent to:

Bangladesh Betar
External Service
Bangladesh Betar
Shah Bagh Post Box No. 2204
Dhaka 1000 Bangladesh
(or) 121, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue
Dhaka, Bangladesh

Enclose two International Reply Coupons or return mint postage are recommended with your reception report.
Web:www.betar.org.bd

August MT column previews


If you're sweltering in the summer heat, why not take some time with a cool beverage and the August copy of Monitoring Times, and forget about the heat!
There is plenty to log from the SWBC Loggings column begining with Bolivia at 0051 UTC, following by some terrific catches from pirates and clandestines, Europe, North and South America and Oceania.
With DX season nearing, it's time to check your records for outstanding reception reports that have yet to verify..and get busy! I'll give you a crash course on writing Follow-Up Reception reports and tips for getting that special QSL.
Of course, you'll find the latest and hottest English shortwave, bi-time frequency schedules. Frequencies are updated monthly and you will not find anything hotter this blazing August!
GVH

North Korea multilingual summer freq schedule


Seems North Korea is at least for now, temporarily off everyone's focus of world events. The following multilingual summer frequency schedule should keep you busy monitoring during the remainder of the summer.
GVH
UTC language freq kHz
Summer schedule for Voice of Korea Pyongyang:
0700 Japanese 3250 9650 11865
0700 Korean 7140 9345
0700 Russian 9975 11735 13760 15245
0800 Chinese 7140 9345
0800 Japanese 3250 9650 11865
0800 Russian 9975 11735 13760 15245
0900 Japanese 3250 6070 9650 11865
0900 Korean 7140 9345 9975 11735 13760 15245
1000 English 11710 11735 13650 15180
1000 Japanese 3250 6070 9650 11865
1000 Korean 7140 9345
1100 Chinese 7140 9345
1100 French 11710 11735 13650 15180
1100 Japanese 3250 6070 9650 11865
1200 Japanese 3250 6070 9650 11865
1200 Korean 7140 9345 11710 11735 13650 15180
1300 Chinese 11735 13650
1300 English 9335 11710 13760 15245
1300 Korean 9325 12015
1400 French 9335 11710 13760 15245
1400 Korean 11735 13650
1400 Russian 9325 12015
1500 Arabic 9990 11545
1500 English 9335 11710 13760 15245
1500 Russian 9325 12015
1600 English 9990 11545
1600 French 9335 11710 13760 15245
1600 German 9325 12015
1700 Arabic 9990 11545
1700 Korean 9335 11710 13760 15245
1700 Russian 9325 12015
1800 English 13760 15245
1800 French 7100 9975 11535 11910
1800 German 9325 12015
1900 English 7100 9975 11535 11910
1900 German 9325 12015
1900 Spanish 13760 15245
2000 French 13760 15245
2000 Korean 7100 9325 9975 11535 11910 12015
2100 Chinese 7180 9345 9975 11535
2100 English 13760 15245
2100 Japanese 3250 9650 11865
2200 Chinese 7180 9345 9975 11535
2200 Japanese 3250 9650 11865
2200 Spanish 13760 15245
2300 Japanese 3250 9650 11865
2300 Korean 7180 9345 9975 11535 13760 15245
0000 Chinese 13650 15100
0000 Korean 7140 9345 9730
0000 Spanish 11735 13760 15180
0100 English 7140 9345 9730 11735 13760 15180
0100 French 13650 15100
0200 Chinese 7140 9345 9730
0200 English 13650 15100
0200 Spanish 11735 13760 15180
0300 Chinese 13650 15100
0300 English 7140 9345 9730
0300 French 11735 13760 15180
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via WWDX BC-DX/WWDX-Top News)

Radio Netherlands Vodcast offer

NETHERLANDS
We are pleased to announce the online release of the Media Network 25th anniversary vodcast produced by Jonathan Marks. Because of the file size, the video has been split into six self-contained parts.
Victor Goonetilleke is interviewed in one of these. You can download any or all of them as you wish. Encoding has been done in Windows Media and QuickTime formats, as we believe most of our users will have one or the other. You will find more details and the download links on this page:
<www.radionetherlands.nl/features/media/mna060511>
(Source: RNW MN NL via Ritola and Goonetilleke; DSWCI/DX Window)

Summer frequency adjustments

The following summer frequency adjustments are for:
Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Voice of America

1100-1300 RL Russian NF 11700* x11705 >>>*co-ch R.Bulgaria Fr/En/Bulg.
1600-1700 RL Uzbek NF 12150, x11875 KWT, to avoid CRI Russian

2230-2330 RFA Khmer NF 7520, x9490
1400-1500 RFA Vietnamese NF 9310, x11680
2330-0030 RFA Vietnamese NF 7525, x12110

1730-1800 VOA Azeri NF 7595, x7125
1130-1200 VOA Burmese on 11850 15215 17820 >>> cancelled
1430-1530 VOA Burmese on 9330 11910 12120,
x1430-1500 on 5955 12015 12120
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via BC-DX WWDX/Top News)

A closer look at the changing tropical scene

We are approaching the end of the era of domestic broadcasting on the Tropical Bands for two main reasons: The technical standard of a large part of the transmissions in the tropical countries is poor and they cannot be repaired for economical reasons.

In more developed countries the domestic SW transmissions are being replaced by FM-networks. The trend above is clear: Looking three years back the falling trend continues although it has leveled out the past two years. The average number of closed domestic stations per year during 1997-2003 was 44 whereas it was only 14 during 2003-2006.

The extraordinary steep fall at the very end of the 20th century is now replaced by a more "normal" closure of about 15 domestic frequencies per year. This means, that it may last more than 20 years from now, before the last domestic broadcaster closes down on the tropical bands. Countries like Brazil, Peru, China, India, Bolivia and Papua New Guinea are still dominating the tropical bands.

However, it is expected that All India Radio is going to replace SW by FM within a few years. The following list shows closed frequencies which were used previously by domestic, international and clandestine stations.

Stations on the tropical bands which have closed down in 2004-2005, including Clandestines.

kHz kW Station, City, Country, Last log
2470 0,25 R Cacique, Sorocaba, Sao Paulo Brazil AUG04
3025,5 - Frontline Soldiers R, Channel 2 North Korea MAR05
3168,3 0,5 R Naylamp, Lambayeque Peru OCT04
3220 0,012 R Colegio Tecnico Municipal, Ñemby Paraguay AUG04
3259 0,6 NHK, Kasuga JPN MAY05
3300 100 SW Radio Africa, via Meyerton Clandestine APR05
3324,9 1 R Maya, Barillas, Huehuetenango Guatemala OCT04
3346 - Minsk utility station (USB) Belarus FEB05
3365 100 SW Radio Africa, via Meyerton Clandestine MAY05
3366 50 GBC, Accra Ghana JUL04
3373,5 0,3 NHK, Mihara JPN MAY05
3385 10 RRI Kupang, Timor INS OCT04
3607,5 0,9 NHK, Shobu-Kuki, Tokyo JPN MAY05
3923 0,04 R Samorodinka, Moscow Russia MAY04
3970 0,3 NHK Nabeta, Nagoya 1 JPN MAY05
3970 0,6 NHK, Sapporo 1 JPN MAY05
3975 100 VOA, Biblis Germany AUG04
4025 - Voice of the People of Kurdistan, No. Iraq Clandestine APR05
4428 0,85 R Bambamarca, Hualgayoc, Cajamarca Peru OCT04
4461 1 R Norandina, Celendin, Cajamarca Peru JUN04
4540 100 R Georgia, Dusheti Georgia JUL05
4698,7 0,25 R Amistad,San Pedro La Laguna, Solola Guatemala OCT04
4788 1 R Emisora Ballivian, San Borja Bolivia MAY04
4790 - BSKSA, Jeddah, HS 2. Spurious 1/2 x 9580! Saudi Arabia JAN05
4825 100 SW Radio Africa, via Meyerton Clandestine MAY05
4830 10 R Tachira, San Cristobal, Tachira Venezuela OCT04
4832 1 R Litoral, La Ceiba Honduras JUN04
4845 0,03 R Tangazeni Kristo (RTK), Aru Congo, Dem. Rep. SEP04
4855 1 R Por Um Mundo Melhor, Gov. Valadares Brazil
4880 100 SW Radio Africa, via Meyerton Clandestine MAY05
4919,9 0,75 RRI Biak, PP INS MAR05
4940 100 Voice of Russia via Yangiyul Tajikistan DEC04
5014,5 0,5 R Juliaca, Juliaca Peru DEC04
5025 100 R Tashkent, Tashkent Uzbekistan DEC05
5040 100 R Tashkent, Tashkent Uzbekistan DEC05
5060 100 R Tashkent, Tashkent Uzbekistan DEC05
5384,2 0,3 R Huarmaca, Huarmaca Peru MAR05
5428 0,3 NHK, Osaka 2 (USB) JPN MAY05
5556 - R La Inmaculada, Santa Cruz Peru JUL04
MORE:
<http://dswci.org/specials/misc/2006_trends_tropical.pdf>
(Anker Petersen/DSWCI DX Window)

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Estonian government to create National Broadcasting Corporation


The Estonian government has endorsed a bill on the creation of an Estonian National Broadcasting Corporation, signifying a merger of Eesti Televisioon (ETV) and Eesti Raadio. The aim of the bill is to establish the foundation, aims and duties of the National Broacasting Corporation. When the bill enters into force, ETV and Eesti Raadio will wind up their operations and the National Broadcasting Corporation will continue as their legal successor. Joint activity will make it possible to more flexibly use the financial resources necessary for the operation of ETV and Eesti Raadio, to better use opportunities of the new media and find the synergy opening in the merger of the two organizations and later joint development, according to the authors of the bill.

(Source: Baltic Times/R. Netherlands Media Weblog)

SW Radio Africa adjusts live Internet broadcast


Starting today, London-based SW Radio Africa will be broadcasting its two-hour daily programme to Zimbabwe live via Internet at the later time of 1800 to 2000 British Summer Time, or 1900 to 2100 Zimbabwe Time (1700 to 1900 UTC). This is the same programme that’s broadcast the following morning at 0300-0500 UTC on mediumwave 1197 kHz

(Source: SW Radio/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

BBC Scotland expands sports coverage on medium wave

For all the sports fans in Europe, the following news from BBC Radio Scotland should be great news. This blog is and will remain 'sports-friendly.'
GVH


Sportsound – BBC Radio Scotland’s flagship sports programme – is to expand its coverage of the Scottish football scene to offer news and match commentary on a daily basis. The sports programme has, historically, proved popular on Saturday and Sundays but the increase in midweek games has also resulted in an appetite for more coverage throughout the week. Sportsound will run from 7.15 to 10.00 (1815-2100 UTC) every weeknight on 810 kHz mediumwave and on digital radio and television from Monday 31 July 2006.

The weekday 90-minute programme’s reputation for breaking stories will now be augmented by live match coverage plus news and analysis. On evenings where there is no live match - the programme will follow a magazine format with news, discussion, packages and features.

(Source: BBC Scotland/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands Weekly Program Preview


Radio Netherlands PROGRAMME PREVIEW Saturday 22 - Friday 28 JULY 2006

Welcome to our weekly guide to Radio Netherlands' English Service - a list of the new programmes coming up on Radio Netherlands this week, beginning on Saturday.


SATURDAY 22 JULY

*** 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 ***

"Running the Goat"

The 17th-century Canadian fishing community of Harbour Deep vanished from the map a few years ago when the last of its residents left. But its ghost survives in a traditional "set dance". Unique to Harbour Deep, people had been Running the Goat -as the dance is called - longer than anyone could remember.

Although the community has disappeared, the dance survives. Producer Chris Brookes discovered that, ironically, it's being taught to summer tourists looking for an "authentic" taste of Newfoundland life.

This edition of Vox Humana was recently awarded the Grand Prize for Best Documentary at the Prix Marulic Radio Festival in Croatia. It was first broadcast in April 2005.

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 23 JULY

*** Amsterdam Forum ***

Afghanistan is lurching through its worst crisis since the toppling of the Taliban almost 5 years ago. Violence has skyrocketed this year, the bloodiest since 2001. Over 1000 people have been killed in Afghanistan in the past two months alone.

The biggest problems are in the south where corruption is rife, poverty is high and the illicit drug trade is booming.

Critics argue this instability was predictable and unavoidable, and say it's because the international community and the Afghan government have failed to provide enough troops, security and funds.

Has the international community failed Afghanistan? And how should stability be brought to the country?

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 24 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 ***

This week's Research File comes from the Euroscience Open Forum in Munich.

In a week where President Bush vetoed the use of embryonic stem cells in American research, we ask whether brain research deserves special ethical consideration. Marnie Chesterton talks to Professor Colin Blakemore about the emerging field of neuroethics.

We find out why a psychologist has created a virtual earthquake environment - could it really help children cope with the real thing?

And cooking - it is said to be the fusion of science and art. Research File gets a delicious demonstration from "The Chemist of Cookery", molecular gastronomist Professor Hervé.

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 25 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 ***

"Light entertainment, Dark Entertainment"

In France, a real life terrorist-turned-crime-writer has just published a new book. It's called On the Run - and that's what the author actually is.

The star of a Turkish reality TV series was found dead in a hotel room of a suspected drug overdose. Serious questions are being raised as to whether such programs really are just harmless entertainment.

The London Symphony Orchestra runs many educational outreach programs for children and adults. The class called 'Early Years' aims to bring music into the lives of children before they go to school.

And, the cow show moooooooves to Paris. The cow parade is the world's largest art event. And it's a moveable feast that has been exhibiting life-sized cows in cities all over the world for the past few years. This summer, it's chewing the cud in Paris.

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 26 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"

"The Last Tannery"

Platypus Leather is the last tannery in Sydney, Australia. But after thirty years of existence, it's about to come to an end - and with it a once thriving industry will have vanished. Global competition, especially from China, has gradually eroded any profit and the tannery workers have looked for work elsewhere.

In the last of our series exploring global trade issues, this week's documentary "The Last Tannery" looks at the lives of those who worked in the industry and at a rapidly changing economic landscape.

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 27 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 summer's theme at Radio Netherlands is Family. Our programmes and web articles will be covering different aspects of changing family life around the world.

Dutch Horizons this week takes a closer look at childbirth in the Netherlands. Unusually in the industrialised world, the Netherlands has a large number of home births and relatively few ceasarean-sections,

You'll hear about the pros and cons of giving birth at home (without pain relief) and a personal account of a Dutch woman who wanted to have her baby the Dutch way in her new home country, Brazil, where most women opt for a c-section.

And we go to London for a tour of the recently restored Kew Palace, which for centuries has been known as "The Dutch House". Recently Britain's Queen Elizabeth held a gala dinner at Kew Palace, to celebrate her 80th birthday.

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 28 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 ***

From story-telling to songs and poetry, Africa is steeped in oral traditions. And this week on A Good Life we meet two poets from the continent: Ama Ata Aidoo from Ghana and Taban Lo Liyong from Sudan. Well-travelled and well-versed, Ama and Taban share their thoughts not just on poetry but on the politics that influence their work.

Plus, with peace talks underway between the Ugandan Government and the Lord's Resistance Army, we hear about the challenges of re-integrating Uganda's child soldiers into society.

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)

Radio Sonar set for weekend broadcast

Radio Sonar will be broadcasting Saturday July 22, from 1900-2100 UTC on 6265 kHz (or between 6240 - 6280 kHz)
Programming will consist of a two hour show with progressive German rock music and English tracks - presented in German and English. The DJ's also plan to share listener's letter during the program.
Radio Sonor transmits with only 35 watts! Here's a chance for the European audience to fire up their receivers and nab this very low-powered station.Sonar certifies reception reports with QSL's and mp3-files are appreciated.

Email your reports to: radiosonar@hotmail.de or phone the station during the broadcast at:
Tel: + 49 (0) 176 - 262 171 42

(Source: DJ Dycke/HCDX )

ARDX reactivates HF service

The Aboriginal Resource and Development Services (ARDS), has reactived its
HF operation from its facility at Humpty Doo, near Darwin.

Upgraded transmission equipment is now in use, on 5050 kHz, running 24 hrs with test broadcasts.

Coverage is mainly for the Yolngu peoples of north-east Arnhem Land, ugmenting local coverage from Darwin on 1520 kHz, several VHF services in remote districts, and via Australia-wide free-to-air satellite.

Signal strength observed here in Melbourne is very good in the night-time period from around 0900 until 2200 UTC.

Regards from Melbourne!

(Source: Bob Padula/Cumbre DX)

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Radio New Zealand Int'l launches BBC Pacific exchange



(Tahitipresse) - Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) will launch a weekday 30-minute programme exchange with the BBC Pacific service starting Monday, Pacific Media Watch reports.

At 2030 NZ time (0830 UTC), the BBC's Pacific service will relay a bulletin of Pacific regional news and RNZI's Pacific current affairs programme Dateline Pacific, which draws on the work of RNZI's staff and on stories filed by Pacific journalists from around the region.

In exchange, at 1pm NZ time weekdays (0100 UTC) RNZI will be broadcasting a BBC World news bulletin, followed by detailed BBC correspondents' reports on the latest global news and a round-up of the latest in international Sport.

RNZI 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 RNZI programme will be on the BBC's Pacific network of FM relays and satellite services.

RNZI's short-wave 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) short-wave 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.

(Source: www.tahitipresse.pf/index.cfm?snav=see&presse=16469?=2/Zacharias Liangas/Cumbre DX)

Blog Logs - Chasing the Pirates


With the summer doldrums here, why not join other DXers in chasing the pirates on shortwave radio? Operating illegally, North American pirate radio operators primarily use 6925 kHz, plus or minus 40 kHz. Pirates are also being reported active on 4000-4050, 5400, 7500, 8000 and 9290-9320 kHz. You may also hear pirate activity on 13900, 15800 and 21800 kHz. European pirates prefer 6200-6350 kHz range for broadcasting. Pirate operators may broadcast at any time, although they primarly broadcast on weekends and holidays.

Reception reports to pirate stations require three first class postage stamps for United States mail drops, or two U.S. dollars to foreign addresses. Currency defrays return postage cost for mail forwarding and a souvenir QSL to your mailbox. Mail drop addresses, if one is used, are usually announced during programming, as well as any email addresses.
A number of pirates prefer email correspondence, bulletin logs or posting on internet web sites instead of regular mail.Some station have both options available.
The best bulletin for submitting pirate loggings, and possibly obtaining a verification, is Free Radio Weekly newsletter, free to contributors via yukon@tm.net. A few pirates verify loggings posted on the Free Radio Network at: www.frn.net and don't forget Monitoring Times Outer Limits pirate column by columnist George Zeller.
The following loggings have been gathered in recent weeks, and represent the most active stations.

kHz/UTC * sign-on -sign-off*

6220 AM Mystery Radio (Euro Pirate) 2045+ (A. Slaen, Argentina)
6220 AM Mystery Radio (Euro Pirate) 2340 (D. Valko/Cumbre DX)
6275 AM Laser Hot Hits (Euro Pirate) 2353-0202 (D. Valko/Cumbre DX)
6875.9 AM The Crystal Ship 0158-0207* (L. Russell, MI/FRW)
6925 USB Canada (or Canadian) Free Radio. 0134-0144* (J. Wood, TN)
6925 USB James Bond Radio 0057-0119* (J. Wood, TN)
6925 USB Ground Zero Radio *0117-0152* (G. Zeller, OH/Free Radio Weekly)
6925 USB Ground Zero Radio 0140-0212* (L.Will/FRW)
6925 USB KIPM 0106 (B. Finn/FRW)
6925 USB KIPM 0005-0113* (R. Hunsicker, PA/FRW)
6925.2 AM Radio Boston 0211-0239+ (R. Hunsicker, PA; R. D'Angelo/FRW)
6925 USB Radio Free Speech 0002-0041*; 2104-2109* (G. Zeller, OH/FRW)
6925.4 AM Radio Pigmeat Int'l 1323-1352 (Ragnar/FRW)
6925 USB USB Sunshine Radio/Grasscutter (joint broadcast) *0008-0039* (G. Zeller, OH/FRW)
6925 USB WBNY 2327-2341 (J. Wood, TN)
6925 USB WMPR 0054-0118* (Micro Power Radio) (G. Zeller, OH/FRW)
6950.6 AM MAC Shortwave 0246-0307
6950.45 AM MAC Shortwave 0200-0307 (W. Hassig, IL/FRW)
6950 LSB Northwoods Radio 0119-0202 (J. Wood, TN)
6955 AM WMPR 0152-0201+ (J. Wood, TN)
6955 AM WMPR 2325-0000 (J. Wood, TN)

RFI & Beta to launch news radio in Belgrade

Branko Pekic reports: Radio France Internationale (RFI), in partnership with the Beta news agency, will start a news radio station in Belgrade in September. “This is the first partnership deal for RFI, which has crowned its ten-year effort to receive a frequency in Serbia. RFI is the only international radio operating in Belgrade,” RFI said in a statement, adding that Beta was among 14 of 45 applicants to have been granted frequencies. Radio Beta Plus will primarily be “an economic and European radio station,” RFI said, adding that 12 hours of programmes in French will be aired every day from 7pm to 7am (1700-0500 UTC) as of September, while the 12 hours of programming in Serbian will be launched in October, reports BETA news agency. Programs will be prepared by BETA’s journalists and RFI’s department of Slavic languages in Paris.
(Source: R. Netherlands Media Network weblog)

DRM testing from French Guiana

DRM test transmissions from Montsinery, French Guiana, started 17 July. A new 150 kW DRM / 250 kW AM Thomson transmitter is currently under acceptance tests. There will be some DRM test transmisions in the coming days between about 1900 and 2145 UTC :

21645 kHz to Europe on 20, 24, 26 and 28 July; 4/4 antenna
15795 kHz to Brazil on 18, 21, 25 and 27 July; 2/3 antenna.
(Source: Jacques Gruson, TDF via DRM Software Radio Forums/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

IOTA SWL Contest July 29


From NASWA Flash Sheet comes word of a revised IOTA shortwave listeners contest. The Mediterraneo DX Club, SWL Section, is proud to invite all short wave listeners to the IOTA SWL Contest.

The SWL Section discontinued in 2005, but has been recovered by the MDXC/SWL in cooperation with the RSGB HFCC, and will take place in parallel with the IOTA Contest.

The contest begins at 1200 UTC on July 29 and concludes on July 30, 2006. Shortwave listener's can log IOTA stations and accumulate points. Islands are counted as multipliers. SWL's are required to log the callsign and message of the station herd and callsign of the correspondent.

Email should be sent with a single attachment, preferably in Cabrillo. This format is recommended in order to cross-check the SWL logs with the amateur radio logs, already in Cabrillo. Being very difficult to find a logging program able to export an accestable Cabrillo for SWL's, Marek SP7DQR kindly provided the software, "Iota SWL Cabrillo," able to convert paper logs into Cabrillo format for the IOTA SWL Contest.

Rules have been translated in five languages including, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. The Geoff Watts Plaque honors the founder of the IOTA Program, as well as a number of certificates will be presented by the MDXC. Software. Rules and previous results are available at: www.mdxc.org/swl Any questions can be addressed to the IOTA SWL Contest Manager, Dan Rolla, II-12387 at: jwlqla@tin.it
(Source: NASWA Flashsheet)

Tuning in on South Korea


With the continued focus on North Korea, one of my South Carolina contributors emailed a suggestion to run a summer schedule for South Korea. Great idea Frank, and thanks for the multilingual schedule!
If you've a mind to QSL this station, you'll find KBS very accomodating. Colorful postcards, stickers and brochures are sent within a reasonable time. Send uour reports to:
P.O. Box 150-790
Seoul, Republic of Korea

To learn more about KBS, refer to their station at: http://world.kbs.co.kr
KBS World Radio, South Korea

English 0200-0300 9560 11810 15575
0800-0900 9570 9640
1200-1300 9650
1300-1400 9570 9770
1600-1700 5975
1900-2000 5975 7275
2100-2130 3955

Spanish 0100-0200 11810
0600-0630 6045
0700-0800 13670
1000-1100 9580
1100-1200 11795
2000-2100 9515

Arabic 1900-2000 15365
2000-2100 7150

Chinese 1130-1230 6065 9770
1300-1400 1170 5975 6135 7275
2000-2100 5975
2300-2400 5975 7275 9805

French 0800-0900 15210
1600-1700 7150
1800-1900 15575
1900-2000 6145

German 0700-0800 15210
2000-2100 3955

Indonesian 1200-1300 9570
1400-1500 9570
2200-2300 9805
0000-0100 9805

Japanese 0000-0100 11810
0800-0900 5975 7275
1100-1200 7275
1200-1300 1170 5975 6135
1400-1500 5975 7275

Korean 0100-0200 15575
0300-0400 11810
0700-0800 9535
0900-1000 15210
0900-1100 9570 9640
1000-1100 1170
1200-1300 7275
1400-1500 9650
1600-1800 7275 15575
1700-1900 5975 7150 7275 9515
2100-2300 5975

Russian 1100-1200 1170 5975 6135
1600-1700 9515
1800-1900 15360
1900-2000 7150 9515
2000-2100 7275

Vietnamese 1500-1530 9640
1230-1300 9770
(DX Mix News, Bulgaria/F. Hillton, SC)

Listener's competition from Radio Moldova Int'l



For those that enjoy competition, here's your chance to test your knowledge about Moldova. entitled "Discover the Republic of Moldova"

The competition will extend until August 27, 2006, when the station marks 15 years since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Moldova.

The competition has 15 stages. Twice a week, 3 questions of the competition will be announced in the Monday and Friday programmes which will be also available at our website at www.trm.md. The first two questions will focus on general information about Moldova, while the third one will reffer to stories, broadcast during the two stages. Please send your answers to the questions by email to moldova-international@mail.md within a week time. Each answer will be scored from 0 to 3 points, depending on correctness and complexity.

The participant who gained the biggest number of points will win the competition. The management of the Public Company Teleradio Moldova decided to award the winner of the competition a 3 day visit to Moldova, during the Wine Festival, held traditionally in October each year. The winners of the 2 and 3 place will get nice presents - craftsmanship works, CDs with moldovan music and souvenirs from Moldova. Do not miss the chance to visit Moldova! Participate in the competition. "Discover the Republic of Moldovaö

I.
1. Describe as detailed as possible the geographical placement of the Republic of Moldova.
2. What colors are on the Republic of Moldova national flag?
3. What is the name of the Moldovan guitar player and composer, who is working and living in USA for 16 years?

II.
Dear friends, we announce the questions for the second stage of the contest: ô Discover the Republic of Moldova:

1. What is the surface of the Republic of Moldova?
2. When did the Republic of Moldova became an UNO member?
3. What is the most famous wine collection from Moldova?

III.
Dear friends, we thank everyone who is participating in the contest: ½ Discover the Republic of Moldova, initiated by Radio Moldova International on the occasion of the 15th anniversary since the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Moldova. Due to the requests of several listeners we decided to change the days for announcing the questions. So, the questions will be broadcasted on Monday and Thursday. You can find them on the web page at: www.trm.md. Here are the questions for the third stage of the contest:

1. Who is the most famous medieval ruler of Moldova?
2. What is the governing regime of the Republic of Moldova?
3. Name all the Moldovan newspapers that you know.

IV.
The 4th Stage:
1. How many heads of the state had the Republic of Moldova till present?
2. What is the dominant religion in the Republic of Moldova?
3. Name the greatest Moldovan enterprise (producer) of clothes.

(Source: T. Banks/ www.trm.md/radio/conc_en.html

Hot Spot DXing - Military Communications

Things are still brewing in the Middle East, and we continue to receive good response from the Hot Spot DXing posting of July 14th. If you're interested in monitoring the utility side of the conflict, click over to http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com.
GVH

Monday, July 17, 2006

Radio France Int'l plans freq testing


RFI informs that they will perform DRM test transmissions via the new 150 kW DRM / 250 kW AM transmitter in these days between 1900 and 2145 UTC as follows:

- 21645 kHz to Europe on 17, 20, 24, 26 and 28 July,

- 15795 kHz to Brazil on 18, 21, 25 and 27 July.

Receptions reports are welcomed to the e-mail: Jacques.Gruson@tdf.fr

(Source: HCDX)

Radio Tirana plans freq test July 17-18


From Cumbre comes word that Radio Tirana is planning to test new 7450 kHz from tonight the 17th UTC into the 18th UTC to North America due to reported - and heard -RTTY interference on 7455 kHz.

The schedule is Albanian 2300-0030 and English 0145-0200 and 0230-0300 with
6115 in parallel as usual from Shijak.

Reception reports will be most appreciated by the station via e-mail to
dcico@icc.al.eu.org and QSL's are available if you ask.

Noel R. Green (NW England/Cumbre DX)

Push to declare VOA-Bethany 'historical significance'



Trustee Catherine Stoker and several residents will travel to Columbus, Ohio, next month to urge that the Voice of America building in West Chester Township be declared a place of national historical significance. Such a designation would qualify it for potentially millions of dollars in federal grants and funding. The building is the last remnant of the VOA Bethany shortwave transmitting station that operated from 1944 to 1994.

Read the story in The Enquirer at: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/NEWS01/607170334/1056
(Source: R.Netherlands Media Network weblog)

RFA releases new Marconi QSL card



RADIO FREE ASIA RELEASES ITS ELEVENTH QSL CARD
JULY 2006
RFA’s Technical Operations Division is proud to announce the release of the company’s eleventh QSL card in honor of the Father of Radio, Guglielmo Marconi. The card is scheduled for distribution from July 1 to August 31, 2006. Marconi was born on April 25, 1874, in Bologna, Italy. In 1901, people still thought the curvature of the earth would prevent radio signals from traveling more than 200 miles, but in July of 1901, Marconi was able to transmit across the Atlantic Ocean; this helped accelerate the development of the wireless industry. In 1909 Marconi shared the Nobel Prize for physics with Karl Ferdinand Braun. More information about Marconi, his life, and his work is available at the following Internet link: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1909/marconi-bio.htmlRadio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest.
RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. Radio stations, like RFA, usually confirm accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card.
RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience. Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036
United States of America.

Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

(Source: DSWCI/DX Window)

WRNO said to be active on shortwave ...?


CBS Channel 11 in Dallas-Forth Worth has reported that WRNO is broadcasting via shortwave radio, but has the shortwave listening audience heard them? The following story still has hobbyist wondering.

(CBS 11 News) FORT WORTH An American broadcaster wants to make a difference during the Middle East crisis. His short-wave radio station is headquartered in Fort Worth, but millions of people all over the world are tuning in to hear a message of peace and understanding.
Robert Mawire is monitoring the crisis, and he’s working hard to make sure that peace returns to the region. His efforts to reach millions of people who have little or no access to modern technology originates from downtown Fort Worth, inside one of the city’s tallest buildings. A worldwide radio empire is sending out a message.
“Without freedom, it is difficult to accomplish anything,” says Mawire. “We are pleased to say that we are a part of the war on terror -- not as antagonizing, but as explaining.”
Dr. Robert Mawire, chairman and CEO of WRNO Worldwide, has the potential to reach more than a billion people throughout the world. He can reach so many because of the popularity of short-wave radio. But it’s those in the Middle East that his message is geared to.
“What's needed in the Middle East is reconciliation, working together trying to find a common ground,” he says.
Mawire has a 15-minute show, which lately has focused on his recent trip to Israel – a trip that ended the day the unrest began.
“All the Israelis who I've talked to from the Prime Minister who I know personally, the generals in the army, they all want peace and they want peace now,” he says.
Mawire, who’s worked with three Israeli prime ministers, knows that the conflict cannot be solved overnight. It’s a point he tries to get across on his daily broadcasts. But he believes that peace in the Middle East cannot happen without the world’s superpower – America – stepping in. Before we can do that, Mawire says, it’s important that militant Muslims hear his message: “To give the people an understanding of America, what we stand for, that we are not against Muslims or the Muslim world.”
Mawire tells us that short-wave radios, while not popular in the United States, are owned by one of every six people in the world. The format is important because it is cheap, portable and broadcasts cannot be blocked by governments.
(CBS 11 News/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Gayle Van Horn: I've yet to see any reports of WRNO being active on shortwave again. If indeed, wouldn't a time of operation or frequencies have been helpful in the article? There's no mention that the transmitters are located in Metarie, Louisiana, or when WRNO resumed service after years of being inactive. They supposedly had plans to return "sometime in 2006", but we heard that last year as well. So what's the deal Mr. Mawire? Have you moved lock, stock and barrel to Fort Worth? And how about that comment from him "that shortwave radios" not being popular in the United States? Is he for real ?
At one time, WRNO was using 7355 and 15420 kHz targeted to North and Central America. This one is definately one to watch for ...or to monitor, and would welcome any feedback. More on WRNO as news warrants.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Hot Spot DXing - Middle East


Egypt and Iran have been added to the Hot Spot DXing list. Both are countries to watch during this continued conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel destroyed Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut today, and tightened it's seal on Lebanon, blasting it's air and road links to the outside world to punish the guerrilla group-and with it the country, for the capture of two Israeli soldiers.Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, repeated a threat to hit the coastal city of Haifa and other towns farther south. "We will reach Haifa, and believe me, even beyond Haifa." Hundreds of people poured into the Gaza strip from Egypt on Friday after Palestinians blew a hole in the border seperating the two places, an Associated Press reporter said at the scene. The border has largely been closed since June 25 when Palestinians militants carried out a cross-border raid on a military outpost, kiling two Israeli soldiers and capturing one. Hundreds of people have been stranded on the Egyptian side of the border,unable to get to their homes in Gaza. With Syria, and Iran in full support of the Hezbollah, tensions will likely increase, and both could have a larger role should war be declared.The Prime Minister of Israel said today that Israel will not hault it's offensive in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Besides the current Kol Israel schedule, I have added Israel's Galei Tzahal (Israel Defence Forces Radio). The station is an Israeli nation-wide radio network owned by the Israel Defence Forces. The station broadcast on AM, FM and shortwave. The shortwave programming may be heard as:
Hebrew / UTC
1900-0400 6973 kHz targeted to Europe
0400-1900 15785 kHz targeted to Europe
Their Hebrew website is located at: www.glz.co.il

The following English schedules reflect MT's most recent schedule for Egypt, Iran, Israel (Kol Israel) and Syria. Lebanon is currently inactive on shortwave.
UTC, kHz, target areas: va (various areas) eu (Europe) al (alternate freq), na (North America) af (Africa) as (Asia) am (Americas)

Egypt - Radio Cairo
0000-0030 11950na
0200-0300 7270na
0300-0330 7270na
1215-1300 17835as
1300-1330 17835as
1600-1700 11740af
1700-1800 11740af
2000-2100 15375af
2100-2130 15375af
2115-2200 9990eu
2200-2245 9990eu
2300-0000 11950na

Iran - V.O.I.R.I (Voice of Islamic Republic)
0130-0200 7235am 9495am
0200-0230 7235am 9495am
1030-1100 15600as 17660as
1100-1130 15600as 17660as
1530-1600 7350as 9635as 11650al
1600-1630 7350as 9635as 11650al
1930-2000 6205eu 7205eu 7540af 9800af 9925af 11860a
l2000-2030 6205eu 7205eu 7540af 9800af 9925af 11860al

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