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.