A nostalgic look at TV Noordzee

 

1st September 1964: TV Noordzee became Europe's first pirate TV station, transmitting from the man-made “REM island” off the Dutch coast.

Radio and TV Noordzee was founded in 1963 with land-based offices and broadcasts from the sea. The artificial island was built in the harbour of Cork, Ireland. It was towed to its location and anchored in cement on the seabed. On 12 August 1964, a test broadcast was performed and on 15 August regular broadcasting started. The radio service broadcast on 1400 kHz, while on television it used Channel E11

While Dutch authorities were unhappy with the broadcasts, they did not possess the legal right to stop them. However, on the 12 of December, 1964, the government passed the REM law, which split the North Sea into continental sections. The sea bed under REM Island, to which the structure was attached, was therefore declared Dutch territory. Five days later, the Netherlands Marine Corps boarded the platform and ended broadcasting.

I remember the story made the UK headlines;  the front page of the Evening News in London had various photos including the troops abseiling from helicopters.

Note - no connection with Radio Northsea International which broadcast from the Mebo 2 in the early  1970s.

(photo/logopedia)

(Mike Terry/BDXC)  (with help from Wikipedia)

The artificial island is now a restaurant in Amsterdam. I walked from Amsterdam town centre to see it some years ago when I was staying there to attend the then-annual Radio Day focusing on offshore radio stations.

 

https://rem.amsterdam/en/

 

A Dutch documentary that features some rare shots from the days when Radio/ TV Nordzee was on the air.

Look out for some Dutch TV commercials, The Rolling Stones ' visit to the island, and the raid which eventually silenced the Radio/TV station.

The presenter is Marian, a former Nordzee member of staff. 5 minutes 48.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jge17vz73Ns

 

Daily Telegraph December 18th 1964 Page 1 report on the raid and photo

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-rem-island-raid/154492934/

Daily Telegraph December 18th Page 16 photos of raid

https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-rem-island-raid-phot/154492684/

(Mike Barraclough/BDXC)

Mi Amigo to return for one last time in late June

 

MI AMIGO 50: The mythical offshore station Radio Mi Amigo by Sylvain Tack will return for one last time, during the Port Days of Terneuzen, in the Netherlands. 

Programs will be made from a ship for three days, as was the case between 1974 and 1980. The programs can be listened to worldwide via the Internet and through various AM frequencies in the Netherlands and Flanders. 'Mi Amigo 50' will be the ultimate and definitive tribute to this Flemish/Dutch radio project that attracted millions of listeners.

But this has also proven to be a thorn in the foot of several governments. This has led to real man hunts, seizures, lawsuits and sensational reporting in the press of the time.

This third reunion, which is once again attended by numerous former employees, DJs, techs and people who’ve worked behind the scenes, is the final event half a century after it started.

After the previous days of memory of Ostende (2014) and Blankenberge (2019), it was this time the Dutch city of Terneuzen that was chosen. This port city is geographically quite central and therefore easily accessible for any fans who wish to relive the golden days of radio from yesteryear, and this time from very close.

Rebroadcasts are provided from the studio aboard the former pilot boat, the MV Castor. The audience can follow it all live.

Radio Mi Amigo began broadcasting on January 1, 1974 from the MV Mi Amigo. Commercial radio remained banned in Belgium, the only option was to operate from a ship in international waters. The initiator was Sylvain Tack. The man who had already invented Suzy Waffles and then ventured into the music world. 

First as the manager of the late Paul Severs, then he founded a record label (Start, later Gnome) that housed stars such as Samantha, Joe Harris, John Horton, Ricky Gordon and Norbert. Next comes one of Europe's most modern recording studios and a weekly for the youth - Joepie - led by Guido Van Liefferinghe. A beautiful amalgamation to breathe new life into the dormant Flemish music scene.

However, as the public network BRT continued to stubbornly ignore Flemish music, Sylvain Tack copied the plans of Dutch radio Veronica, who had been on the air since 1960. He broadcasted from his own vessel. It worked, Radio Mi Amigo became an instant hit. 

When the Netherlands amended their legislation in August 1974 and banned cooperation in the field of offshore radio, Sylvain Tack and part of the Mi Amigo team settled in Playa de Aro, Spain. Something that has continued to concern authorities. A real witch hunt against the employees, coming from four countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Britain follows.

However, Radio Mi Amigo survived until the fall of 1979, when technical issues onboard the radio vessel ended the story. In addition to the popular programs that attracted millions of listeners to the Netherlands, Mi Amigo was also a regularly repeated adventure in the press for years.

A radio that has not been broadcasting for 44 years, but whose name is still known, has many fans and appeals to the imagination. For the third time, Radio Mi Amigo broadcasts live the radio of the MV Castor, now anchored at the Oude Veerhaven in Terneuzen, during the 42nd edition of the local port days on June 28, 29 and 30.

As with previous reunions, former Mi Amigo employees have rolled up their sleeves to present you programs that will be covered by many LPAM radios across the Netherlands.

You can follow all the developments on the Facebook page "Mi Amigo50". You can listen to it streaming on the Mi Amigo 50 special website https://www.miamigoradio.be/

Contact the DJs on board: studio@miamigoradio.be .

(FB/Radio Magazine)

Low-powered stations to log from the Netherlands

 

If you're into radio, chances are you enjoy a challenge! How about a challenge to log a bevy of low-powered AM stations from The Netherlands?

Follow this link to get you started !!

https://babylona.home.xs4all.nl/pe9mj/indexLPAM.htm

Radio Delta redesigns new logo

 

Radio Delta, a Netherlands-based shortwave radio station, has revealed its redesigned logo complete with a new slogan, “Keeps the Shortwave Alive”. The new design includes the color orange, referencing the station’s Dutch origins. The logo features a disk jockey alongside a vinyl record. The station hopes the refreshed design will better resonate with its audience.

In addition to the new logo, Radio Delta plans to sell t-shirts, stickers, and sweaters featuring the updated design. By purchasing these items, listeners can support the station’s ongoing broadcasting and development efforts. 

Radio Delta has been a fixture in the shortwave radio community for years, delivering quality programming to a dedicated audience. The station’s management is confident that the new logo will help to solidify its position as a beloved broadcaster in the Netherlands and beyond.

https://radiodelta.am/2023/06/08/elementor-7616/

European, Private Shortwave Stations List - June 1, 2023, list the Radio Delta's schedule as:

All times UTC

Sunday  0600-1000 on 6005 kHz

Irreg  1500-2100 on 6060 kHz

Sunday  0600-1000 on 11670 kHz

Future Plans on 13720 kHz

Radio Onda changing its transmitter

 

Netherlands

Radio Onda changing its transmitter site in the Netherlands.

Radio Onda is busy changing its transmitter site in the Netherlands and expects to return to shortwave around June, with frequencies 6140 kHz and 9530 kHz.

In addition, Julio Roth is also planning a frequency in the 41-meter band, with a new 300-watt transmitter which is currently being tested.

He also has the parts to assemble a 1 KW transmitter, in all broadcast bands and he plans to use it in 19 or 16 meters, for next year.

With Brussels radio on DAB+ and on the www.radioonda.be website, they started broadcasting live programs and inaugurated their new studio.

A good infrastructure will ensure clean production.

DAB+ radio and shortwave radio will broadcast the same programs but at different times.

More information:

https://www.facebook.com/Radiosdumonde/posts/

Radio Delta International, December 25, 26

 

Netherlands

Radio Delta International via Elburg will broadcast on December 25/26

All times UTC

Christmas and New Year’s Eve:

25/12/2022 6020kHz + 11730kHz 7.00UTC - 16.00UTC

26/12/2022 6020kHz + 11730kHz 7.00UTC - 16.00UTC

 On both days 11730kHz will be on air in the evening for the intercontinental DX Test.

 31/12/2022 6020kHz + 11730kHz 7.00UTC - 16.00UTC

01/01/2022 6020kHz + 11730kHz 7.00UTC - 16.00UTC

 On both days 11730kHz will be on air in the evening for the intercontinental DX Test.

(Peter Jones/BDXC)

Radio Telstar set for Saturday broadcast

 

Join Dutch station Radio Telstar and friends for a broadcast on Saturday, December 17 from 1100-1400 UTC on 6045 kHz.

Programming will transmit from the 100kW, Nauen, Germany transmitter.

Two new Dutch stations register for shortwave broadcast

 

From BDXC, the following has been posted:

Two Dutch stations have recently registered on HFCC's Global HF schedule from 28 June to 29 October 2021:

Radio Europe Netherlands (EUR) registered daily for a 24-hour schedule on 5975 kHz with 1 kilowatt.

HFCC transmitter site is AAR Alphen aan den Rijn (located in province of South Holland (Zuid Holland ZH). 

Offshore Music Radio (OMR) is registered for daily broadcast for a 24-hour schedule using 1 kilowatt on 6170, 7215, 7275, 15270, 17515 kHz. The transmitter site is Nijmegen (NIJ), in the eastern part of the Netherlands, in the province of Gelderland, near the German border. 

OMR's website is: http://omr-oldies.com//

[HFCC registration does not mean the stations will necessarily be on air on all these days, times and frequencies). 

(Alan Pennington, UK/BDXC)

(edited for clarity by Teak Publishing)

New and updated schedules from the Netherlands

All times UTC

Netherlands
New registered A-20 schedule of Radio Delta International
Effective: 31 August, 2020
0700-1800 on  6020 ELB 001 kW / non-dir to WeEu Dutch/English Thu-Sat, ex 0700-2300
2100-0200 on  6005 ELB 001 kW / non-dir to WeEu Dutch/English Fri/Sat net time slot

Updated schedule of Mike Radio via Heerde
Effective: 12 September, 2020
1700-2300 on  3940 HEE 001 kW / non-dir to WeEu Dutch Daily, ex Sat/Wed
(DXB/Ivanov)

Radio Classic Sunday special broadcast

New shortwave radio station Radio Classic Sunday 5940 kHz, will look back on the offshore radio stations of that time on August 30, 2020, from 0700-1000 UTC. 

Music from that time and many jingles will be featured. Caroline, Mi Amigo, Laser 558, Radio Veronica, Voice of Peace and many more will be featured that morning.

Disc jockeys Mart Walther, Rene van Elst and Jan Staphorst are the initiators behind this opportunity radio station.The broadcast will air all over Europe via shortwave on 5940 kHz. The broadcasts will later be available on the Internet.

Would you like to respond now or request a special radio tune, record ? Mail request to: plate@classicsunday.eu
More info at: www.radioclassicsunday.nl/
(Jan Staphorst on SMC's Facebook Spot, 11 Aug)
* according to Jan on FB, this is Dutch time so = 0700-1000 UTC on 30th August
(Alan Pennington/BDXC)

Radio Onda, weekend schedule

Radio Onda, a new station on shortwave, is a Brazilian community station based in Belgium, with a Dutch shortwave licence, transmitting 500 kW in the Netherlands, with future plans for  100 kW.

Reception reports are welcome, send your program details to: info@radioonda.be. Include your postal address for a printed QSL.

All times UTC

0800-0900 Sat/Sun  in English/French/Portuguese on 5940 to western Europe
(WRTH)

Radio Onda is a station managed by the association ASBL Onda, based in Brussels, Belgium. Our activities are focused on spreading Brazilian culture across the old continent. For this, in addition to the Internet radio, we set up a short wave station, on the frequency 5940 kHz.

The transmission site is based in the Netherlands with 1 kW of power [actually 500W], which covers a large part of Europe. The programming is quite varied, as you will hear popular Brazilian Music MPB), National Rock, Samba, Country, among other national styles. In this way, we bring you a great musical variety, with a lot of humor and information, for a public not only Brazilian, but also Belgian and European.

ASBL Onda is a member of HFCC, an international entity responsible for the coordination of shortwave radio frequencies, in addition to the ITU, based in Geneva.
(BDXC/Feb 2020)

Free Radio Service Holland slated for July broadcast

Netherlands
Free Radio Service Holland will broadcast on 28 July, 2019 on the following schedule:

All times UTC

1652-2100 on  5810*unknown kW / unknown to WeEu English/Dutch
1652-2100 on  7700 unknown kW / unknown to WeEu English/Dutch

*alt.freq.is  5800 unknown kW / unknown to WeEu English/Dutch

Free Radio Service Holland will be on with the first of two summer evening broadcasts. Similar to what we have done in the past few years, the programs will be aired.

Reports, but more over personal comments are more than welcome to:
P.O. Box 2702
6049 ZG Herten
Netherlands

or via email frs@frsholland.nl.

Please note: the unofficial celebration of our 39th Anniversary will be on Sunday, 01 September, 2019. Details will follow in the second half of August.
(FRS)

Universe Radio slated for special broadcast

Universe Radio 
On September 30, 2017, Universe Radio will make a special HF broadcast to celebrate it's fifth year  anniversary.

A QSL card will be available.

Universe Radio is a daily, 24 hour internet music station. We play a mix of old and new hits and mix that with independent music.

The program on September 30, will be a mix of music and "look back"  on the last five years.

The transmit schedule: Times UTC
0900-13oo - 15230 kHz (CJSC Gavar Armenia site 100 kW)
1000-1500 - 9330 kHz (WBCQ Monticello-ME-USA site 50 kW)
1400-1800 - 6070 kHz (Ingolstadt Rohrbach Germany site 100 kW)

Met vriendelijke groet,
Michiel Bouwmeester
Wilhelminalaan 51
4872 BW Etten-Leur, The Netherlands
www.universeradio.nl

Tougher action aganist Dutch pirate radio stations

The Radiocommunications Agency Netherlands (AT) is stepping up action to prevent illegal radio radio broadcasts. The agency will not only close down stations that are on the air without permit, but will also target aerial towers “obviously intended for illegal broadcasts”.

As a first step, AT inspectors will pay warning visits to land and home owners on whose premises suspicious constructions are spotted. “If these are used illegally, they will be fined 2,500 euros plus a conditional fine of 2,250.” The total fine that illegal broadcasters risk “can total up to 33,750 euros”, according to AT spokesman Gernant Deekens.

The new approach will first be used in the relatively rural northeastern province of Drenthe. Pirate stations are often run from hideouts in sheds and barns, playing popular music to a local audience for a couple of hours a day. It is often felt that “official” radiostations are catering insufficiently for regional tastes, prompting enterprising individuals to set up their own transmissions on AM or FM. The quality of the transmitters is often such that the broadcasts are causing interference on other channels, often without the pirates even being aware of it.

“Pirate radios are causing a lot of trouble in the north and east of the Netherlands,” according to AT Chief Inspector Peter Spijkerman. “Their illegal broadcasts are interfering with legal radio stations here and in neighbouring Germany. Air traffic communication, too, is disrupted by illegal transmissions. This can lead to dangerous situations. We primarily want to take preventive action, but if people break the law, we’ll give the pirates tit for tat,” Mr Spijkerman warned.
(Source: RNW News/Radio Netherlands)

New website for Benelux DX Club

Benelux DX Club, the Dutch-based DX club, has a new website with new features. Each month offers a free sample on the website, for August the focus is Tropical SW Report.
Check out the latest from Benelux at http://www.bdxc.nl/
(Han Hardonk/ptsw)