Winter schedule update from Voice of America, Part 1-2

All times UTC

USA [non] Winter B-08 - Voice of America
Part One of Two

Afaan Oromoo
1730-1800 9320 9485 9860 11675 11905 Mon-Fri

Albanian

0600-0630 6035
1700-1730 7235
1930-2000 7455

Amharic

1800-1900 9320 9485 9860 11675 11905

Arabic-Radio Sawa

0400-1645 990 1170 1548
1645-0400 990 1170 1431 1548

Arabic-Sudan

0300-0330 4960 9845 11855

Hello Darfur

1800-1830 4960 5880 9380
1900-1930 5880 9380

Azerbaijani

1830-1900 9625 9805 12025

Bangla

0130-0200 11500 15205
1600-1700 1575 7435 11500

Burmese

0000-0030 1575 7430 9325 12120
0130-0300 12110 15115 17780
1130-1230 11965 15550 17850
1430-1500 1575 9325 11965 12120
1500-1530 9325 11965 12120 Sat/Sun
1500-1530 1575
1530-1600 1575 9355 11560
1600-1630 9355 11560
2300-2400 7430 9325 12120

Cantonese

1300-1500 1170 7390 9705

Creole

1230-1300 11890 15390 Mon-Fri
1730-1800 15390 17565
2200-2230 11895 13725 15390

Croatian

0530-0600 6035
1930-1945 6135 7465

Dari-Radio Ashna

0130-0230 1296 7595 9335
1530-1630 1296 9335 9770 11575
1730-1800 1296 9335 9445 9770
1800-1830 1296 7595 9335 9445
1930-2030 1296 5750 7595

English to Europe, Middle East, North Africa

0100-0130 1593
1400-1500 9480 15205
1500-1600 9685 11765

English to Africa

0300-0400 909 1530 4930 6080 9885 15580
0400-0430 909 1530 4930 4960 6080 9885 15580
0430-0500 909 4930 4960 6080 9885 15580
0500-0600 909 4930 6080 9885 15580
0600-0700 909 1530 6080 9885 15580
1400-1500 4930 6080 15580 17715 17750
1500-1600 4930 6080 15580 17715 17895
1600-1700 909 1530 4930 6080 15580 17715 17895
1700-1800 6080 13710 15580
1700-1800 909 17895 Sat/Sun
1800-1830 6080 11975 13710 15580 17895
1800-1830 909 4930 Sat/Sun
1830-1900 909 4930 6080 11975 13710 15580 17895
1900-2000 909 4930 4940 6080 11975 13710 15580 17895
2000-2030 909 1530 4930 4940 6080 11975 13710
2030-2100 909 1530 4930 6080 11975 13710
2030-2100 4940 Sat/Sun
2100-2200 1530 6080 15580

English to Zimbabwe

1730-1800 909 4930 12080 15775 Mon-Fri

English to Afghanistan

2030-2130 1296 7595
2130-0030 1296 7405

English to Far East, South Asia, Oceania

0100-0200 7325 9435 11705
1100-1130 1575 Sat/Sun
1130-1200 1575
1200-1300 1170 9345 9640 11705 11730 15190
1300-1400 9345 9640 9760 11705
1400-1500 7125 9760 11885 12150
1500-1600 7125 9590 11525 12150 13735
2200-2300 5910 6105 7220 7425 7480 9490 11610
2230-2400 1575 Fri/Sat
2300-2400 6105 7220 7265 7480 9490 11610

Special English

0000-0030 1593
0030-0100 1575 1593 7405 9325 9620 9715 11695 12005
15185 15205 15290
0130-0200 1593 5960 7405 Tue-Sat
1500-1600 6140 7520 9760 15460
1600-1700 9345 13600 15445
1600-1700 1170 Mon-Fri
1900-2000 9785 12020
2230-2300 7230 9780 15445
2300-2330 1593 6180 7460 11840
2330-2400 1593 6180 7460 11655 11840 13640

French to Africa

0530-0600 1530 4960 6020 7265 9480 9505 Mon-Fri
0600-0630 4960 6020 7265 9480 9505 Mon-Fri
1830-1900 1530 9815 15225 17580
1900-2000 1530 15225 17580
2000-2030 9780 9815 12080 13735 15225
2030-2100 6040 9780 9815 12080 15225 Sat/Sun
2100-2130 9435 9680 9780 9815 Mon-Fri
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 22/DX Mix News #552)

USA [non] Winter B-08 - Voice of America

Part Two of Two

All times UTC

Georgian
1530-1600 9465 11790
1600-1630 11525 11885
1700-1800 12025 12120

Hausa
0500-0530 1530 4960 6045 9600
0700-0730 4960 11985 13775
1500-1530 7155 9450 11705
2030-2100 4940 6040 9780 12080 15185 Mon-Fri

Indonesian
0000-0030 9620 11805 15205
1130-1230 7255 9725 15165
1400-1500 11985 13605 Thu-Sat
2200-2400 9620 11805 15205

Khmer
1330-1430 1575 9325 11965
2200-2230 1575 6060 7260 13640

Kinyarwanda
0330-0430 7340 9540 11915

Kirundi
1600-1630 11750 12010 17785 Sat

Korean
1200-1500 1350 5890 7235 9555
1900-2100 648 6060 7135 7360

Kurdish
0500-0600 5945 9690 15225
1300-1400 11805 15530 17750
1400-1500 1593 11805 13740 15530
1700-1800 7550 9650 9815
2000-2100 1593

Lao
1230-1300 1575 9835 11930

Mandarin
0000-0200 7495 9545 11925 15385 17645 21580
0200-0300 11925 15385 17645 21580
0700-0800 9845 11855 11965 13650 13765 15515
0800-0900 9845 11665 11855 11965 13650 13765 15515
0900-1030 9845 9855 11665 11855 11965 13650 13765 15515
1030-1100 9845 9855 11665 11700 11965 13650 13765 15515
1100-1200 1170 6160 9530 9805 11665 12040 15515
1200-1300 6040 6160 9530 9680 11920 12040
1300-1400 6040 6160 7295 9680 11920 11995 12040
1400-1500 6040 6105 7295 7525 9680 9825
2200-2300 6045 7440 9545 9755 9875 11655

Ndebele
1800-1830 909 4930 12080 15775 Mon-Fri

Pashto-Radio Ashna
0030-0130 1296 7595 9335
1430-1530 1296 9335 11840 12140
1630-1730 1296 9335 9770 11575
1830-1930 1296 5750 7595

Pashto-Deewa
1300-1500 7455 7495 9370 9565
1500-1900 5835 7455 7495 9370

Persian
0230-0330 7205 9495 9820
1530-1630 1593 9320 11705 11775
1630-1730 1593 5850 9320 9540
1730-1800 1593 5850 9495 9540
1800-1830 648 1593 5850 9495 9540
1830-1900 648 5850 9680 9960
1900-1930 5850 9680 9960
1930-2030 5860 9680 9925

Portuguese to Africa
1000-1030 17740 21590 Sat/Sun
1700-1730 1530 11775 15545 21495
1730-1800 1530 9435 9805 11775 21495
1800-1830 1530 5825 9805 21495 Mon-Fri

Shona
1700-1730 909 4930 12080 15775 Mon-Fri

Somali
1300-1400 13580 15620
1600-1630 1431 13580 15620
1630-1800 13580 15620

Spanish
0000-0100 5890 5940 9885
1230-1300 9885 13715 15590 Mon-Fri
1300-1400 9885 13715 15590

Swahili
0300-0330 7340 9440 Mon-Fri
1630-1730 9565 13870 15730

Tibetan
0000-0100 7255 7480 9645
0300-0400 15545 17860 21570
0400-0600 15545 17860
1400-1500 7255 9670 12105
1600-1700 7280 7560 11920

Tigrigna
1900-1930 9320 9485 9860 11675 11905 Mon-Fri

Turkish
0430-0500 7295 Mon-Fri
1145-1200 9555 15205 Mon-Fri
1930-2000 7235 9490 Mon-Fri

Ukrainian
2100-2115 5895 9715
2115-2130 5895 9715 Mon-Fri

Urdu-Radio Aap Ki Dunyaa
0100-0200 972 1539 9520 9820
1400-1500 972 1539 7440 9390
1500-0100 972 1539

Uzbek
1500-1530 801 6105 9530 11550 11695

Vietnamese
1300-1330 1575 9325 11695
1500-1600 1170 5955 9485 9725
2230-2330 6060 13640
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 23)

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2008 Dec 23 2251 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
15 - 21 December 2008

Solar activity was very low. The visible disk was spotless during the entire summary period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal levels during the entire summary period.

Geomagnetic field activity was at mostly quiet levels at all latitudes during the period. Isolated unsettled activity was observed at high latitudes late on 17 December due to a brief excursion of southward Bz (-5 nT at 17/1400 UTC) as measured at ACE. During the summary period, ACE solar wind measurements varied between a high of 377 km/s at 17/0338 UTC to a low of 278 km/s at 21/1833 UTC. The Bz component of the IMF varied between a low of -6.8 nT at 17/0101 UTC to a high of +8.5 nT at 17/0255 UTC.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
24 December 2008 - 19 January 2009

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels during 02 - 06 January. Normal levels are expected 24 December - 01 January and again on 07 - 19 January.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels during 24 - 30 December. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled levels during 31 December - 02 January due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet levels during 03 - 17 January. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled levels during 18 - 19 January.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2008 Dec 23 2252 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2008 Dec 23
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2008 Dec 24 68 5 2
2008 Dec 25 68 5 2
2008 Dec 26 69 5 2
2008 Dec 27 70 5 2
2008 Dec 28 71 5 2
2008 Dec 29 71 5 2
2008 Dec 30 71 5 2
2008 Dec 31 71 8 3
2009 Jan 01 71 10 3
2009 Jan 02 71 10 3
2009 Jan 03 71 5 2
2009 Jan 04 71 5 2
2009 Jan 05 71 5 2
2009 Jan 06 70 5 2
2009 Jan 07 70 5 2
2009 Jan 08 69 5 2
2009 Jan 09 68 5 2
2009 Jan 10 68 5 2
2009 Jan 11 68 5 2
2009 Jan 12 68 5 2
2009 Jan 13 68 5 2
2009 Jan 14 68 5 2
2009 Jan 15 68 5 2
2009 Jan 16 68 5 2
2009 Jan 17 68 5 2
2009 Jan 18 68 10 3
2009 Jan 19 68 8 3
(NOAA)

Eletronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Association to offer anniverary QSL

To commemorate the 13th birthday of the Electronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Association on January 4, 2009, special QSLs are now being issued for all correct reception reports received up to the end of 2009 for "Radio EDXP" programs hosted by various international shortwave broadcasters.

The full color QSLs show Australian scenes and wildlife, and indicate the actual transmitter location and the name of the host broadcaster.

"Radio EDXP" is the EDXP's long-time broadcasting service, offering news reports and schedule updates about international broadcasting, propagation, and monitoring. The programs are known as the "Australian DX Report", and host broadcasters include:

Worldwide Christian Radio (WWCR) - Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Every week, on Sundays, at 0300-0315 and on Mondays at 1245-1300

The Voice of the Andes, HCJB, Quito, Ecuador, each month during the "DX Party Line" English program. The DXPL is broadcast over HCJB-Australia (Kunnunurra, Western Australia), WWCR, WRMI and IRRS (Slovakia)

World Harvest Radio International, T8WH Palau, WHRA Maine, and WHRI Indiana, monthly during the "DXing with Cumbre" English program

Adventist World Radio worldwide network, every month, during the "Wavescan" program, on weekends. This may be heard over transmitters in Guam, Germany, and WRMI.

Reports must include sufficient details for validation purposes, and indicate the date (UTC), time (UTC), frequency, quality of reception, and
interference effects, and should be sent to:

Radio EDXP, 404 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert, Victoria 3127, Australia

Return postage is mandatory - A$2 in mint Australian stamps (for Australian addresses), one IRC or US$1 elsewhere

E-QSLs
Radio EDXP electronic QSLs are also available and reports may be submitted either by Email, to bobpadula@mydesk.net.au or via the on-line Reception Report Template. You "pick up" your E-QSL at a special Website after you have received an E-mail notification from EDXP.

The Template is at http://edxp.org

Radio EDXP is also available via the Internet, with a new episode produced each week, and may be accesssed at http://airm.edxp.org

Background
Formed in January 1996, in Melbourne, Australia, the EDXP is a society to bring together relevant information about World Radio High Frequency Broadcasting, and Australian domestic broadcasting, in a structured and timely manner. Information is contributed by members or researched by the EDXP administration. Most members reside in Australia.

Special free guest membership is available at http://edxp.org

The EDXP pioneered the use of electronic mail in Australia for collaboration between members, and celebrates its 13th birthday on January 4, 2009, moving into its 14th year of continuous operations.

Good listening to Radio EDXP, nsd your reception reports would be appreciated!

Bob Padula
Melbourne
(Cumbre DX)

Shortwave Blog "Bytes"

All times UTC // parallel frequency *sign-on sign-off*

Argentina RAE on 11710.8
Radio Nacional, General Pacheco, 11710.8, 0015-0030, 24 Dec, football ball match report for Argentina vs. Chile or so it seemed. SINPO 35432 but still a little bit worse than Brazil's 11765 observed at the same time. (Carlos Goncalves-POR, wwdxc BC-DX topnews Dec 24)


Audioclip: Radio Nacional Argentina via RAE
15345 KHz 20.30. Very good signal from the frequency of RAE (relay to Radio Nacional 870 KHz).
Audioclip available at:
http://blog.libero.it/radioascolto/6177883.html
(Francesco/playdx2003)

Australian logs9690 Nippon no Kaze via Darwin 1509-1539* Dec 21. Presumed with talks in Korean. Long closing routine at 1525, including usual e-mail address info@rachi.go.jp and website http://www.rachi.go.jp/ Carrier off at 1530:10 UT. Good signal. (John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer Dec 21)

12010 Radio Australia via Darwin, at 2240 UT on Dec 16. Listed English & beamed toward SE Asia. Lady announcer with music bumpers. Fair at best, but difficult to understand the talking.(Jerry Strawman-IA-USA, DXplorer Dec 21)

Bulgaria to begin new local station Jan 1
A new local station is starting on January the 1st, 2009. It is Radio Vidin (a city in NoWe Bulgaria). It is not clearl which waves/freqs will be in use. Info acc to the info of news of BNRadio on Dec 23rd. (Rumen Pankov-BUL, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 24)

Canada's CFRX back on
From the engineer himself: "CFRX is back on at 1000 watts and sounds great near field The transmitter having recently been repaired and retested at the Armstrong factory in Syracuse NY is running full out and very well. We will be getting an on site type approval of the transmitter by Industry Canada very soon."

China
Xinjiang PBS, Urumqi, 0026-0040, 24 Dec, Mandarin, annoucements, light songs, TS at 0030 UT, more talks, presumably a newscast. SINPO 35433.(Carlos Goncalves-POR, wwdxc BC-DX topnews Dec 24)

Costa Rican QSL
Radio Nacional de Espana Relay Station (5965 kHz) verified my reception report in Spanish with $2.00 by a PFC QSL card in Spanish after 39 days via express mail. QSL signer was Sr. S. Esquiol. The mailing address was:
Radio Nacional de Espana, Centro Emisor de Onda Corta, 500 Oeste Pali,
Cariari, Cariari de Pococi, Limon, Costa Rica.
(Takahito Akabayashi-JPN, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 17)

Ethiopia station news update
6889.92 Radio Fana, at 2035-2059* UT on Dec 18, Amharic talk. Local music. Poor to fair in noisy conditions. \\ 6110 kHz - good level but poor overall signal due to co-channel QRM. (Brian Alexander-PA-USA, DXplorer Dec 18)

9556.04v Radio Ethiopia, 0703-0711, Dec 21, slightly off nom. 9560 kHz. On 9556.04 kHz at tune-in. Drifting up to 9556.32 kHz by 0710 UT. Vernacular talk. Local tribal music. Fair. Very weak on \\ 7165 kHz. (Brian Alexander-PA-USA, hcdx Dec 21)

An Amharic-speaker has translated the announcement that is being repeated on the new 6090 kHz station. It says the tests are from Amhara Regional State radio. The following schedule is announced: 0300-0600, 0900-1100 and 1400-1700 UT. I have confirmed these times to be correct. It is announcing three frequencies: 6090, 7264 (sic) and 9740. I have only heard 6090, which has good signal strength.

I've also heard the email address of being announced on 6090 (or it could be ). The tests on 6090 kHz are NOT in \\ with Amhara State radio which is heard on the listed 801 kHz MW. I can hear a total of 11 SW transmitters from Ethiopia at present:

5990v/7110/9704 Radio Ethiopia National Service.

7165/9560v Radio Ethiopia External Service (and anti-Eritrea clandestines).

6110/6890 Radio Fana (also heard on 1080 MW).

5950/5980 V. of Tigray Revolution (5980 is only heard for the early morning transmission, closing at 0530 UT).

Note: 5950 is much stronger than 5980, but has telephone-quality audio, supporting the theory that 5980 is from Mekele (where the studio is) but 5950 kHz is from Addis Ababa.

6030 R. Oromia (also heard on 1035 MW).

6090 The new Amhara State radio.

There are also unidentified Ethiopian MW stations on 684 and 1044 kHz. These are not in \\ with the National Service on 594/828/855/873/972 kHz. (Chris Greenway-KEN, - listening in Siaya District, western Kenya; BrDXC-UK and DXplorer Dec 23)

Germany: clandestinr station update
New schedule for two clannies to Ethiopia I'm not able to identify further (since I simply have lost track on all the organizations bombarding this region with shortwave broadcasts):

Something dubbed "Ethiopians for democracy" on Wed, Fri and Sun (perhaps aka. "Voice of Ethiopian Unity"?) and a certain "ELF" on Wed, both 1700- 1758 UT via Nauen (running 125 kW) on 11835 kHz.

Voice of Oromo Liberation (if it's them) Thu, Tue, Sun 1600-1700 UT via Juelich has been moved to 11760 kHz as of Dec 4.

Greenland heard on again on 3815
2105-2214* Dec 16+17, KNR, Tasiilaq (USB only) Greenlandic / Danish Greenlandic ann, songs, 2200 jingle, news in Danish (pres), song at close - back on ordinary schedule! 14232 - 12231 deep fades and CWQRM. The latest news in Danish can also be heard at www.knr.gl/index.php?id=1855. (Anker Petersen-DEN, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 18)

Romanian frequency changes
Radio Romania International:
0630-0656 NF 15560 GAL 300 kW / 100 deg to AUS, x15135#English
2030-2056 NF 6155 TIG 100 kW / 282 deg to SER, x5970 Serbian
#to avoid China Radio International in Spanish
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 23)
(BC-DX 892/Top News)

2008 Clandestine Activity Survey

During the year 2008 the activity of political clandestine stations broadcasting on shortwave has dropped by 5.3 % to 1251 Weekly Broadcastin Hours (WBHs). This is the result of the latest Clandestine Activity Suvey, which has been published annually since 1986.

The activity of clandestine stations broadcasting to target areas on the Asian continent has decreased by 2.6 % to 915 WBHs. Activity to target areas on the American continent has remained unchanged at 215 WBHs. The activity to target areas on the African continent, where volatility has always been very high in recent years, has decreased by 27.5 % to 121 WBHs.

The most active target area worldwide is now - for the first time in the history of the CAS - North Korea with 245 WBHs (+49 when compared with last year), followed by China P.R. with 224 WBHs (-16) and Cuba with 215 WBHs (unchanged).

The number of different target areas active worldwide has decreased from 18 to 17, with Senegal dropping from the list of active targets. On the other hand, no new or reactivated target areas have been reported over the past 12 months.
(Mathias Kropf-D, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 21/BC-DX 892/Top News)

Upcoming relays on shortwave

All times UTC

Sunday - December 28, 2008
Radio Gloria International
1300 - 1400 6140 kHz
The transmissions of Radio Gloria will be broadcast over the transmitting station Wertachtal in Germany. The transmitter power will be 100 000 Watts, and we will
be using a non-directional antenna system (Quadrant antenna).

Tuesday - December 30th
RMRC
13.00 -15.00 9290 kHz
(Tom Taylor)

Holiday Wishes to Blog Readers

While I take a few days off for the Christmas holidays, I'd like to wish all our worldwide blog readers, of all faiths, my warmest holiday wishes. I hope the coming days are spent with friends and loved-ones in the spirit of the season.
To our men and women serving around the globe in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines, my warmest blessings of the season. We thank you for your service and know that until you return home, you and your families remain in our thoughts and prayers every day.
To all I wish a wondrous holiday season!

In thanking our soldiers, here's a great idea called, Send a Soldier a Thank You Card for Free Xerox is hosting a "Thank You" to the troops. Visit Let's Say Thanks in Support of our Troops at
http://letssaythanks.com/Home1280.html to pick out a thank you card. Xerox will print the card and send it to a Soldier serving in Iraq. You will not be able to choose the recipient, but all cards will go to our service members.
Gayle Van Horn

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
(This schedule was accurate for 2007) This annual tradition continues on the BBC World Service as well as the domestic Radio 4 and Radio 3. Tune in on Christmas Eve, as follows:
1500 UT – Radio 4 / World Service live webcast / Europe SW / US public radio webcast including
0100 UT Christmas Day – Americas XM BBCWS;
1400 UT – BBC Radio 3; 2300 UT – Vermont Public Radio

The Queen's Christmas message to the Commonwealth
Another annual tradition, lasting just about ten minutes, but a highlight from year to year is Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message. Last year's air times include December 25th at 1505 UTC. You can also expect to hear the program Radio 4, and recent editions have been available via podcast from the royals' own website at www.royal.gov.uk
(NASWA/Easy Listening, Dec. 2008

BBC 1500 UTC: 5975, 6040, 6190, 6195, 9410, 9740, 9855, 9860, 11915, 12095, 15400, 21470.
(Programming Matters/Dec MT 2008)

More Christmas shows from Finland and Netherlands

Finland
5980, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Virrat, again this year plans a Christmas program on Dec 25 from 0700-1900 UTC.
Schedule:
49 mb: 0700-1500 on 5980, 1500-1700 on 6170 and 1700-1900 on 5980.
25 mb: 0700-0800 on 11690, 0800-1400 on 11720, 1400-1700 on 11690 and 1700-1900 on 11720.
(DX Window 366)

Free Radio Service -Holland plans December 28 broadcast
Netherlands/ Lithuania
Schedule for FRS-Holland special broadcast on Dec 28:
0800-1300 on 6220 (via unknown location)
0800-2200 on 6400 (a few hundred watts via unknown location) and 1430-1530 on 9700 (alternative 9710) via Sitkunai, Lithuania (100 kW), possibly repeating the DX Show. Correct reception reports are verified with our QSL-card. Address: P. O. Box 2702, NL-6049 ZG Herten, The Netherlands. At least one IRC to cover the QSL postage will be appreciated. (Verbruggen/DX Window 366)

Radio Sweden adds two "Christmas" frequencies for English to Europe Radio Sweden carries the following announcement on its website: “During the period between Christmas and New Year’s days, our English programme to Europe at 2130 UTC can be heard on the additional frequencies of 1179 and 5850 kHz.” These frequencies normally carry relays of the Swedish domestic service.
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Christmas broadcast from Sweden and Netherlands

SAQ TRANSMISSION ON CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH 2008

There will be, as before, a transmission with the Alexanderson 200 kW alternator on VLF 17.2 kHz from Grimeton Radio/SAQ on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, 24th 2008 December. The message transmission will take place at 0800 UT and will be repeated at 0830 UT. The transmitter will be tuned up from around 0730 UT. There will be no activity on amateur radio frequencies with the call SK6SAQ this time.

QSL-reports are kindly received:
- E-mail to: info@alexander.n.se
- or fax to: +46-340-674195
- or via: SM bureau
- or direct by mail to: Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner,
Radiostationen, Grimeton 72
S-430 16 ROLFSTORP
S W E D E N

Also read our web site: http://www.alexander.n.se/
Yours (Lars Kalland SM6NM (via Steve Whitt, MWC)


Radio Netherlands
WEDNESDAY 24 December

*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** Radio Books ***
'The Little Impostor' - by Fouad Laroui

This season Radio Books highlights work from the diverse immigrant community of the Netherlands and Belgium. Fouad Laroui was born in Morocco, attended university in Paris and now teaches and writes in Amsterdam.

Identity is an important theme in Laroui's work and certainly in his Radio Books story. At a French Lyceum in Casablanca, all the boys are going home for Christmas holidays except Mehdi. What must he do to experience a French-style family Christmas?


Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Wednesday we also run:

Curious Orange:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1530 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

The State We're In - Midweek Edition:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)

THURSDAY 25 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** Earthbeat ***
As the year draws to a close, Earthbeat takes a look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year. Listeners get a second chance to hear tales of pirates from Somalia, malaria in Burma and back here in the Netherlands, meet the people who are redesigning our vegetables. How on earth, where on earth and why on earth?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Thursday we also run:

Network Europe Extra:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

Radio Books:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)
(R Netherlands)

Pirate Radio Hall of Fame Christmas broadcast

Paul Rowley has sent transmission details of his one hour documentary about Radio Caroline North, The Other Radio Caroline A number of BBC local stations are planning to broadcast it over the Christmas and New Year period.

BBC Tees Wednesday December 24, 1700
BBC Radio Leicester Friday December 26, 1800
BBC Radio Cumbria Saturday December 27, 1400
BBC WM Sunday December 28, 1800
BBC Radio Stoke Wednesday Dec 31, 1700
BBC Tees Wednesday Dec 31, 1800 (rpt.)
BBC Radio Manchester Wednesday Dec 31, 2000 (plus other repeats)
BBC Radio Northampton Thursday January 1, 1100
BBC Radio Lancashire Thursday January 1, 1500
BBC Radio Merseyside Thursday January 1, 1700
BBC Radio Sheffield Thursday January 1, 1800
BBC Radio Norfolk Thursday January 1, 1800
BBC Radio Leicester Thursday January 1, 1800 (repeat)
BBC Radio Jersey Friday January 2, 1800

The programme will also run on the seven stations across BBC East on Sunday January 4 at 2300 as part of Pirate Radio Skues on BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC Radio Suffolk, BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC Radio Northampton, BBC Essex, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, BBC Radio Lincolnshire.

Updates to the site include an expanded selection of audio clips on
Christmas in International Waters:
http://www.offshoreradio.co.uk/
(Mike Barraclough/World DX)

DSWCI Grand Christmas Tour with Cancer and Capricorn Contest

DSWCI Grand Christmas Tour with Cancer and Capricorn Contest - 19 December 2008 - 04 January 2009

Anker Petersen informs that Danish Shortwave Club International has announced " DSWCI Grand Christmas Tour with Cancer and Capricorn Contest".

Details & contest form can be downloaded from :
http://alokeshgupta.googlepages.com/DSWCCONTEST2008.pdf

Further details from :
Danish Shortwave Club International
Tavleager 31, DK-2670 Greve, Denmark
http://www.dswci.org/
(Alokesh Gupta, India & Rachel Baughn, MT)

The Mighty KBC Radio set for special Christmas broadcast

"Old Dutch Rocker" Eric van Willegen, who runs The Mighty KBC Radio, has hired a 100 kW
shortwave transmitter in Lithuania to blast 1960s rock’n’roll all over Europe this Christmas.
“Let the kids listen to their I-Pods” Eric insists “We’re running a real radio station playing
real 60s Rock’n’Roll for those of us used to twiddling with the knobs, and if there’s a bit of
hiss and whistle included, well that’s all part of the experience!”
The Mighty KBC Radio will be heard on Christmas and Boxing Day (25 and 26 December) from 1000-1530 UTC on 9770 kHz , and again at 2130-2230 UTC on 6055 kHz with tapes of the legendary Wolfman Jack Show. The full details are on www.kbcradio.eu.
Related story on Wolfman Jack
http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/wolfman-jack-is-back
(Tom Taylor/R Netherlands Weblog)

Christmas on the radio following the crash of 1929

The Old Time Radio website, Radio Days, provided this audio from December, 1929 - two months after the famous stock market crash. Given the current economic situation, I thought it was somewhat poignant to share again as we approach Christmas Eve, 79 years later.
It features the KHJ Radio performers singing Christmas songs. Radio Days provided this explanation:

"In 1929, Los Angeles radio station, KHJ, was owned and operated by Cadillac dealer, Don Lee. As a Christmas gift to his staff, he provided a specially-prepared Brunswick disc which featured various KHJ performers singing Christmas songs as a part of the disc. This file is a clip - a little over 4 minutes of that recording and provides some nice Christmas background reminiscent of the times."

to hear this historic radio audio
http://www.radioearth.com/KHJ1929.html

To learn more about the Radio Days website of nostalgic radio programs visit
http://www.otr.com/index.shtml

Father Christmas gets his own radio station in France

RNW’s Rob Kievit writes: French radio authority CSA has issued a Restricted Service Licence to Father Christmas. Until 31 December 2008, “la Radio du Père Noël” can be heard with a 50W transmitter on 107.9 MHz in the Marne area in the East of Paris. The Father Christmas radio station is run by the Bleu Pomme foundation, a Paris-based audio and radio marketing company.

The format is mainly music with a Christmas connection. There’s a lot of variety, though, with styles ranging from traditionals via gospels to jazz. Even 1980s dance music presented by a DJ is part of the line-up. From time to time commercials are heard. The station has webstreams in various formats on its website, as well as its own online player.
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Christmas programming from WRMI

All times UTC on 9955 kHz
Viva Miami – A series of short 7-minute Viva Miami segments with Christmas music from throughout the Caribbean and Latin America will air during the entire month of December, UTC Tuesday-Saturday, in English at 0107 and Spanish at 0152.

Radio Prague – Our relays of Radio Prague will include many features about Christmas in the Czech Republic in the days around December 25. The English relay is daily (7 days a week) at 1000-1030 and 1500-1530 UTC, plus UTC Tuesday-Saturday at 0300-0330 and 0700-0730.
Cuban Programs – WRMI airs many programs from Cuban exile organizations in Miami, which will include many special Christmas features around the holiday period. All of these are in Spanish, except for the Voice of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Brigade 2506, which is in English, aired Sundays at 1600-1615 UTC. Check December 28 for Christmas specials.

Trova Libre – This is a musical program in Spanish (mostly Cuban music), which will have a special Christmas edition on UTC December 22 and 29 at 0000-0030.

Religious Programs – WRMI airs many religious programs in English and Spanish, which will air Christmas specials during the holiday period. Maravillosas Palabras de Vida, a Spanish program from the Salvation Army, will have Christmas music from the Salvation Army brass band, UTC Mondays at 0100-0115
(Jeff White, WRMI/Programming Matters, Dec. MT 2008)

Blog Logs - pirate radio

Another look at what DXers are hearing from pirate operators during this holiday season
Gayle VH

All times UTC

Channel Z:
6925, 12/20, *1625-1645+ Nice midday signal with S7 peaks. On with B-52s “Channel Z.” A wide variety of Christmas music, including reggae, the Ramones, Patti Smith Group, etc. Faded out at very end. E-mail add & BRS add given for reports (Yoder,PA)

Northwoods Radio
6925USB, 12/20, *1526-1623 Great signal. Loon calls & IDs, into Christmas show. Missed most of it because I had to go, but I recorded it (Yoder,PA)

WBNY
6210USB, 12/21, 1348-1408+ Great S7 signal. Parody Christmas music and lots of sound clips from movies, Rocky & Bullwinkle, etc. AC/DC parody “These are a few of My Fave Things,” “Santa Thing,” etc. (Yoder,PA)

WBNY
6210USB, 12/21, 2101+ Repeat show with weak signal (Yoder,PA)
(Andrew Yoder/Cumbre DX)

Northwoods Radio
6925 USB, 1620-1626*, 12-20-08 comedy program about radio, according to a posting on the Free Radio Network it was called "Fessenden's Follies", ID and Loon calls at sign off. SIO: 232 [Lobdell-MA]

Channel Z
6925 AM, 1627-1710, 12-20-08 A rare one here, but heard withn nice AM signal, playing Christmas tunes such as "Mary's Boy Child" by Boney M., IDs, Blue Ridge Summit drop. SIO: 333 [Lobdell-MA]

Gospel For Antarctica,
6240 AM, 1519-1540+, 12-21-08, A new one for me. Rock music, IDs and the Stoneham, MA drop announced. SIO: 232 [Lobdell-MA]

NOEL
6950 AM, 1845-1856, 12-21-08 Christmas music such as "Winter Wonderland", frequent singing NOEL IDs. SIO: 232 [Lobdell-MA]

WBNY
6210 USB, 2150-2205, 12-21-08. Very funny show featuring a call in show with the only caller being Jay "Bozo" Smilkstein. An actual phone call between Jay & ?? Was used in the show. Jay was lamenting about his lack of money, run ins with the Mt. Kisco police and the need for a root canal. Well done Commander Bunny. SOIO: 343. [Lobdell-MA]
(Chris Lobdell, MA/SW-pirates)

4th Wellenforum Christmas Contest 2008

4th Wellenforum Christmas Contest 2008
21 December 2008 - 04 January 2009

Here are the rules:

1. Contest period:
from 21. Dec 2008 to 4. Jan 2009.

2. Stations
During the contest you have to receive BC stations on long- and medium wave.

3. Participation Conditions
Participation is free and independent from a listener club membership. Newcomers can also participate as well as medium wave specialists. Like the last wellenforum contest, participation is via an online form. You can find the form on http://www.contest.wavetalk.org/ . Please follow the registration hints. Every station has to be heard at least for 10 minutes. Notes on the
programme heard have to be logged as detailed as possible to really identify the station (no empty phrases like “music”, “news” etc.).

4. Points
Every bc station log on long wave and medium wave is counting. Logs without a clear identification will count one third of the points that you can get for this station. Points for a log are depending on the CIRAF zone of the station. This is based on the publication ”EDXC RADIO Countries” that we will provide.

Scoring scheme:
Station logged from the CIRAF zone of the place of reception 10 points Station logged from a CIRAF zone bordering the zone were your place is 20 points. Station from the rest 30points

Example:
Your place is in Germany. Your CIRAF zone is 28. All stations from this zone are 10 points worth. Stations from CIRAF zones bordering zone 28 are 20 points worth (bordering zones are 18, 27, 29, 37, 38 and 39). The rest is 30 points worth.

5. Award:
Every participant will receive a participation certificate showing individual score and ranking prompt after the contest has finished.

73, Friedhelm Wittlieb
Contest Manager
QTH: Lünen / NRW (near Dortmund)
Grundig Satellit 700 with regenerative loop antenna member of the addx and medium wave circle uk
http://www.wittlieb-online.de/
(Source: Alokesh Gupta, India)

Falkland Islands Radio Service begins Internet streaming

Just saw this message from “rob4aluk”on the Digital Spy website:
“A friend from the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic emailed me to say that the Falkland Islands Radio Service (FIRS) has started to broadcast on the Internet for 6 hours per day (from 1000 GMT). Their stream URL is :
http://asx.abacast.com/falkland_isla…io-live-24.asx
I’ve been told that its a direct link up with their 530kHz mediumwave signal so the audio is not that hot but might be of interest to those who would like to listen to a local service in a UK overseas territory.”
Indeed, I am listening to it as I type this, and it appears to be an off-air relay with some fading. To my ears, it sounds like one of the FM transmitters rather than mediumwave. The stream is only 32 kbps, but the audio quality is quite good. The schedule through 8 January 2009 is available on the FIRS website at
http://www.firs.co.fk/schedule.php
(Andy Sennitt/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Site requires a log in/password to initiate audio

Southern Sudan: new radio station to launch in early 2009

A group of private investors with close links to the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) have invested in a new radio station that will have wider reach than the existing broadcasters. Based in Juba, the new Voice of the People (VoP) will, according to its proprietors, deal mainly with developmental issues. “It will be the voice of the people of Southern Sudan and will mainly focus on the developmental challenges facing the Southern Sudanese people and ways of overcoming this. As a result, we shall be hiring professionals from all walks of life from Africa, but mainly from Southern Sudan,” says 31 year old, Benjamin Bol Yei, a shareholder of the soon to be launched station.
Cyprien Hiniolwa, an engineer who works for the United Nations and who is in charge of setting up VoP, says that the new radio station will be able to relay its content to a radius of 360 kilometres in Southern Sudan. “There is no other indigenous radio station that currently has this reach. All the radio stations currently on air serve small radiuses of about five kilometers and that is mainly in the towns of Rumbek and Juba,” he says, adding that having its content available online will enable VoP to reach an even larger audience.
VoP also plans to set up a TV station. Currently, the only Southern Sudanese TV Station, Southern Sudan TV (SSTV), is wholly owned by the government and is yet to become fully operational. Although already on air, it is currently just replaying advertisements telling what it will offer.

Full report from Ratio Magazine Kenya
http://www.ratio-magazine.com/20081223355/EAC-Regional/Southern-Sudan-New-Radio-Station-to-be-Launched-in-Early-2009.html
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Pirate logs from Free Radio Weekly

Another round of logs tonight for our readers...this time from the pirate chasers of Free Radio Weekly. Don't forget to check for more pirates on shortwave (6220, 6924-6950 AM/USB) during the Christmas and New Year holidays as many operators gear up for special programming.
Gayle Van Horn

All times UTC

Captain Morgan Radio
(presumed)6924.2/USB. 12/13, 0030-46; SINPO 25322; Magic Carpet Ride, Captain Morgans trademark Twilight Zone Theme & Captain Morgan song, twilight zone, signal slowly faded down to 6924.0 but improved in strength over time (Ragnar-MI)

Mac Shortwave
macshortwave@yahoo.com
12/6, 2103-2120, 6950.5/AM. Interval signal to station ID with email address by female announcer with British accent, into "A Pirates Life For Me"; 2107 (obscure) vocal song, continuing with the Ultraman Christmas Special. Hello to FRN, Ragnar & anyone listening. ID :10 Jingle Bells Vocal, :12 Jimmy Durante's Frostie the Snowman, :15 outtro for music by young boy, with email and another round of hellos as above. :17 Holly Jolly Christmas & :18 ID Christmas on MAC, into Silver & Gold, :20 audio from Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer animation Misfits still going at :46 recheck w/Alvin & the Chipmunks Christmas tune. SIO 444 but fading gradually to 343+ by 2120. (Zichi-MI)

Mystery Radio

12/13, 2142-2215+, 6220/AM; poor with utility QRM. Show of dance music with female artists. Just caught the CW ID. Conditions were poor. (Majewski CT)

WTCR 20th Century Radio

P.O. Box 1, Belfast NY 14711

Per a FRN postt here is a "test" mailbox at morbius@nyms.net. -- HF):12/14, *0126-0225*, 6925/U; sign-on with ID and email address which I didn't catch; songs and ID's throughout program, heard CCR, Rolling Stones amongst others. Gave Belfast drop at end of program for QSLs. Signal S4 to S9+5 with QSB. (McArdle, OK)

(Source: FRW # 671)

Additional pirate logs

6225, 12/14, 0530+ US-sounding AM or FM relay, bit of mx, complete ad, then off. I guess it was a ship-to-shore guy goofing around? (Yoder,PA)

Euro-pirate

6305, 12/13, 2145 Heard carrier and some pop music. I tuned a bit, trying to center on the carrier and found the next one on 6307. It was an announcement of “This is Radio ----, broadcasting on...” Just as I was getting the computer program up to record it, it went off the air. Man! I think the two stations were QSOing. The second sounded like a Dutch DJ...maybe Boomerang? (Yoder,PA/Cumbre DX)

Blog Logs

All times UTC // parallel frequency *sing-on sign-off*

Belgium
9970, RTBF International. 1215-1225. Male/female announcers alternating the introduction of soft rock tunes. Only fair and deep fading. (B Barker)

Chile
6070 CVC/La Voz, 1010-1020. Tuned-in as First Noel in Spanish. Non-stop music until tune-out. (B. Barker)

China
3303 USB, Zhoushan Maritime Meteorological Radio, *1400-1412*, Dec 5, IS (Kenny G instrumental music, Forever in Love, woman in Chinese with assume the maritime weather conditions, poor/QRN. Current website is http://220.189.205.5/, where I find no schedule or reference to SW. The only reference to 3303 I can find is at their former website www.zshyqx.com/js3.asp , with a reference to: SSB to receive high-powered radio (frequency 3303). (R Howard)

4830, Huayi BC. Answered calls with traditional greeting: "Ni Hao" [pronounced: Nee HaOW]), 5+1 pips, man starts talking and quickly signed off, fair, heard every day with decent signal, on from *1200. (R Howard)

9530, Firedrake, 1516, Dec 4, strong signal, // 6105 and 9000.(R Howard)

Diego Garcia
4319 USB, AFRTS, 1436-1449, Dec 4, Dr. Joy Browne call- in program, Department of Defense sponsored announcement by McGruff the Crime Dog about the dangers of online chat rooms, many PSAs, ABC news, "This is AFN", somewhat surprised to hear this just about every day with a nice steady signal. (R. Howard)

Equatorial Guinea
5005, Radio Nacional, Bata, 2145-2258*, Dec 5, Spanish talk. Wide variety of Afro-pop, Euro-pop & US pop music. Sign off with national anthem at 2255. Fair signal. (B. Alexander)

Ethiopia
9704.1, Radio Ethiopia, (presumed) 2036-2100, With tune in, noted steady music.The music was basically solid, mello Jazz tunes all from the same group it seemed.At 2057 two females begin comments in unident language until 2059 when a male joins with possible station ID and URL. This is followed by national anthem to 2059+. At 2100 dead air heard and then off. Signal was fair during broadcast. This is suppose to be the domestic service on 9704 kHz. I couldn't identify the language and the QRM was overwhelming, so this is possibly correct from what I heard? (C Bolland)

India
4970, AIR Shillong, 1601-1613, Dec 4. Program of Johnny Mathis Christmas songs, ID for the Northeast Service of AIR, ad in vernacular, fair. Yesterday they also played a lot of Christmas music (R. Howard)

Iran7205 VOIRI(tentative) Sirjan. Russian 2009-2020 male talks alternating short music. SINPO 23332 (L. Bobrowiec)

Mali
9635, RTV du Mali, 0820-0830. First time heard this QTH. Nice tribal music, lots of drums and singing in vernaculars. ID at 0829, then station off. Listed until 1800 so I don't know if the band noise swallowed the signal or they just pulled the plug, which seems unlikely since they supposedly just signed on at 0800. (B. Barker)

5995, RTVM, 2330-0059+. French talk. Rustic African tribal music. Covered by Radio France Int at their 0059 sign on. On late tonight. Mali usually signs off at 2400. Fair signal. (B. Alexander)

5995, RTVM, 0750-0800*. French talk. Local string music. Rustic tribal music. Sign off with flute interval signal. (B. Alexander)

9635, RTVM, *0800-0845. Sign on with flute interval signal and opening French announcements at 0801 followed by local music. Mostly continuous local African tribal music and local guitar music. Occasional French ID announcements. French talk at 0830. Poor to fair. Weak // 7284.58 - on at approximately 0755. (B. Alexander)

Mauritania
7245, Radio Mauritania, *0830-0845. Abrupt sign on with local chants. Local string music. Arabic talk. Good. (B. Alexander)

Myanmar
5770, Myanmar Defense Forces BS via Taunggyi, 1526-1528*. Vernacular text to pop songs, indigenous instrumental music at sign-off, poor to fair. The spoken audio is typically lower that the level of the music they play (R. Howard)

Peru
5939.22, Radio Melodia, (presumed) 1040-1050, Noted a very weak signal here but only the carrier. Can't pull out any audio due to the surrounding boomers. So reporting this for the continuity. (C. Bolland)

Pridnestrovia
Radio PMR 1432-1445. Tuned in to English news in progress by man, with lengthy items on South Ossetia, area archaeological mounds, and the Russian Orthodox Church; ended at 1443 with sked and address. Into French at 1444 with "Ici Tiraspol..." very good signal. (J. Wilkins)

Russia
9435, Voice of Russia (or Rossii) (tentative). 0930-1040 Noted a program of Russian comments from individuals. Heard an ID in Russian which I missed. I wasn't recording at the time and am typing this from my recollection. At 0945 possibly a long discourse from the Russian President. After the hour news and conversation between females. Signal stayed at poor level. This broadcast isn't listed in any of my references during the 0900 to 1100 hours. There's other broadcasts earlier and later however. (C. Bolland)

Solomon Islands
9541, SIBC Honiara. 0640 Pacifc music selections (sounded like some Papuan music, like a slow reggae) and announcers talks to canned announcements. Mentions of “Solomon”, 0655 English pop music, 0700-0702 news. Degrading SINPO 33433 (L. Bobrowiec)

Thailand
9535 Radio Thailand heard at 2006 with GM program, some pop music then sign-off station ID and freqs in English. Nice S4 signals here in Kabul, even though aimed at Europe. (A Muick)

Contributors
Brian Alexaner, PA
Bruce Barker, PA
Chuck Bolland, FL
Lucio Bobrowiec, Brazil/playdx2003
Ron Howard, CA
Al Muick, Afghanistan
John Wilkins, CO

Radio Prague releases 2009 QSL card series

Ready to add to your QSL card collection? Radio Prague from the Czech Republic, has released their series of QSL cards for 2009, featuring Czech Locomotives. For additional photos and information, consult their website at
www.radio.cz
Gayle Van Horn

China bans broadcasters websites

China appears to have banned a number of foreign websites, including the BBC’s Chinese language news site and Voice of America in Chinese, BBC News reports. The sites had been unblocked after journalists attending the Beijing Olympics complained that the government was censoring sites deemed sensitive.
The BBC expressed disappointment at the apparent reinstatement of the ban. But a Chinese government spokesman told journalists that some sites contained content that violated Chinese law. Among the other sites blocked are Asiaweek, Reporters Without Borders and some Hong Kong and Taiwan sites.
China imposes strict controls on the dissemination of information through the web, employing teams of people to remove sensitive content, police bloggers and remove access to certain sites.
(Source: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Voice of Russia transmitter relay schedules

Thanks to regular MT contributor Frank Hillton for sending in the latest relay schedules from Voice of Russia.
Gayle Van Horn

Effective: 26 October 2008-28 March 2009
All times UTC

kHz/ Time/ Power




Moscow, Russia
5900.0 0000-0300 500
5905.0 DRM 1400-1600 35
5985.0 1500-2000 200
6000.0 1630-1800 250
6130.0 1600-2200 200
6145.0 1600-2200 250
7105.0 1600-1630 250
7135.0 1300-1600 250
7155.0 1700-1900 250
7170.0 0000-0400 500
7170.0 2000-2200 250
7195.0 1700-2100 250
7230.0 1600-2100 500
7240.0 1800-2200 250
7260.0 0200-0400 500
7270.0 1500-1900 250
7290.0 1800-2200 250
7305.0 1800-2100 250
7310.0 1800-2200 250
7320.0 1600-1900 250
7330.0 0000-0300 500
7330.0 1700-2200 250
9470.0 1500-1800 500
9675.0DRM 1500-1800 35
9840.0 1500-1700 200
11630.0(15460.0) 1300-1500 250
11635.0DRM 0700-0900 35
12025.0 1200-1600 500
12055.0 1300-1530 500
13600.0 1300-1500 250
13760.0DRM 0900-1400 35

Saint Petersburg, Russia
5910.0 1500-1800 200
5920.0 1600-1900 200
5920.0 1900-2100 400
5920 2100-2230 200
5935.0 1500-1800 400
6000.0 1800-1900 200
6045.0 1700-2000 200
6060.0 1800-2000 400
6125.0 1500-1700 200
6170.0 1800-2100 200
6195.0 0100-0300 500
7130.0 1700-1800 400
7240.0 2600-1800 200

Kaliningrad, Russia
5950.0 1800-2200 160
5975.0 1630-1900 160
7285.0 1600-2300 160
7340.0 2000-2300 160
9435.0 0700-1500 160
9720.0 1000-1100 160

Samara, Russia
5900.0 1400-1700 250
5940.0 1500-1700 250
5940.0 1800-2300 250
6000.0 2000-2230 200
6020.0 (9480.0) 1500-1800 250
6025.0 1800-1845 200
6030.0 2100-2200 250
6155.0 1845-2000 200
6175.0 1700-1800 200
6185.0 1300-1700 250
7155.0 1900-2000 250
7290.0 1600-1800 250
9695.0 (13810) 1200-1300 250
9900.0 1300-1500 250

Krasnodar, Russia
5925.0 1500-1800 100
5945.0(7210.0) 0100-0300 500
6005.0 1500-1800 100
6035.0 1700-1900 500
6055.0 1800-1900 500
6140.0 1900-2100 100
6175.0 1800-2000 100
7105.0 1800-1900 100
7150.0 0200-0600 500
7300.0 1700-2000 250
11975.0(15450.0) 1300-1500 250
15540.0 1000-1100 250

Novosibirsk, Russia
5925.0 1900-2200 500
5940.0 1200-1400 100
5945.0 1400-1800 500
5975.0 1900-2100 500
6105.0 1600-1700 500
6170.0 1200-1300 500
7280.0 1500-1600 500
7305.0 1200-1400 200
7305.0 1400-1700 100
7320.0 1100-1200 100

Irkutsk, Russia
5920.0(9495.0) 1000-1400 100
5965.0 2000-2200 250
5995.0 1500-1900 100
6125.0 1700-1900 250
7265.0 1000-1100 250
9800.0 1300-1500 500
17805.0 0600-0900 250

Chita, Russia
6140.0 1200-1300 500
7295.0 1700-1900 500
7335.0 1800-2000 500
7350.0 1200-1600 500
15195.0 0800-1000 500

Vladivistok, Russia
5930.0 1100-1500 100
7260.0 1300-1700 500
7265.0 1200-1300 250
7330.0 1100-1500 500
9855.0 0400-0600 250
12040.0 0200-0400 250
13735.0 0200-0400 250

Khabarovsk, Russia
6115.0 1100-1500 100
7155.0 1200-1500 100

Komsomolsk na Amure, Russia
6005.0 1300-1500 250
13665.0 0200-0500 250
15735.0 DRM 0200-0600 90
17665.0 0600-1000 250

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
6180.0 1200-1400 250
7125.0 1600-1900 250
9840.0 0400-0600 250
12030.0 0200-0400 250

Gavar, Armenia
6235.0 1800-2000 500
7250.0 0200-0400 500
11510.0 1700-2000 500

Grigoriopol, Moldovia
6240.0 0000-0500 500
6245.0 1800-1900 500
7125.0 2300-0600 500
7420.0 1900-2100 500

Orzu, Tajikistan
5920.0 2100-2300 500
6135.0 0000-0300 500
9475.0 0200-0400 500
9820.0 1600-2000 500
11660.0 1200-1400 500
15755.0 0800-1000 500

Yangi-Yul, Tajikistan
4965.0 1300-1500 100
4965.0 1600-1700 100
4975.0 1300-1500 100
4975.0 1600-2000 100
5830.0 1800-1900 200
5830.0 1930-2000 200
7345.0 1500-2100 100
9885.0 1300-1530 100
9885.0 1600-1700 100

Xian, China

9660.0 1500-1600 100
S. Maria di Galeria, Vatican State
7350 0200-0600 250

Montsinery, French Guiana
7335.0 0200-0600 250 [reported as 0400-0600 instead]
11605.0 0000-0100 250
13630.0 0100-0300 350

Wertachtal, Germany
6155.0 0200-0500 250
6175.0 2300-2400 125
13755.0 1500-1600 125
(Frank Hillton, SC)

Radio Netherlands - Program Guide December 20-26

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

SATURDAY 20 December
*** The State We're In ***
We ask if there's a right to a functioning government, with a look at the total collapse of government services in Zimbabwe, and the not as dangerous but still confusing political situation in Belgium.

Then, the right to reproduce: we hear about a doctor forced to offer reproductive therapy to a teenager, against her better judgement. We hear from a woman who was forced to have an abortion in China, and an essay about the challenges of infertility.

And we discuss the protection of children's rights with two South African women who run a home for abused young people.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1506 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1806 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2006 Southern Africa 7120, West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
2200 Asia

*** Network Europe Week ***
A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe. If you missed any editions of Network Europe Week satisfy your needs with this digest of the programme's top stories.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1404 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1600 Benelux 1296

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
1600 Europe

Note that on Saturday we also run repeats of:

Curious Orange:
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Bridges with Africa:
0030 Europe (WRN)

Earthbeat:
1630 Benelux (MW 1296) and Europe (WRN)

SUNDAY 21 December
*** Network Europe Extra ***

Arts and Culture brought to you each Sunday from Europe's widest partnership of international broadcasters.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1404 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1804 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2004 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1600 Europe
2200 Asia

** Reloaded ***

Another selection of this week's programme highlights presented by Mindy Ran.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1330 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Sunday we also run:

Bridges with Africa:
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1600 Benelux (MW 1296)
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Radio Books:
1530 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1600 Benelux (MW 1296)
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Curious Orange:
0030 Europe (WRN)

MONDAY 22 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
2200 Asia

*** Curious Orange ***

This week it's a special festive holiday edition of Curious Orange. Robbert Tilli from the Music Center of the Netherlands will be in the studio with us and he'll share his favourite Dutch musicians from 2008 and preview a few of next year's big acts.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Monday we also run:

Earthbeat:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

Network Europe Extra:
0400 Africa, Asia (WRN)
0500 North America (WRN)

Reloaded:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)

TUESDAY 23 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** The State We're In - Midweek Edition ***

We ask if there's a right to a functioning government, with a look at the total collapse of government services in Zimbabwe, and the not as dangerous but still confusing political situation in Belgium.

Then, the right to reproduce: we hear about a doctor forced to offer reproductive therapy to a teenager, against her better judgement. We hear from a woman who was forced to have an abortion in China, and an essay about the challenges of infertility.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Tuesday we also run:

Bridges with Africa:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

Newsline:
0400 Africa, Asia (WRN)
0500 North America (WRN)

Curious Orange:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)

WEDNESDAY 24 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** Radio Books ***
'The Little Impostor' - by Fouad Laroui

This season Radio Books highlights work from the diverse immigrant community of the Netherlands and Belgium. Fouad Laroui was born in Morocco, attended university in Paris and now teaches and writes in Amsterdam.

Identity is an important theme in Laroui's work and certainly in his Radio Books story. At a French Lyceum in Casablanca, all the boys are going home for Christmas holidays except Mehdi. What must he do to experience a French-style family Christmas?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Wednesday we also run:

Curious Orange:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1530 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

The State We're In - Midweek Edition:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)


THURSDAY 25 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** Earthbeat ***

As the year draws to a close, Earthbeat takes a look back at some of the most memorable stories of the year. Listeners get a second chance to hear tales of pirates from Somalia, malaria in Burma and back here in the Netherlands, meet the people who are redesigning our vegetables. How on earth, where on earth and why on earth?

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Thursday we also run:

Network Europe Extra:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

Radio Books:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)

FRIDAY 26 December
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1400 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1530 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1800 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 11655, 15535
1904 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120
2000 West Africa 17810, 11655

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
2300 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
0400 Africa, Asia
0500 North America
2200 Asia

*** Bridges with Africa ***

Lively discussion and thought-provoking reports about and from the African continent.

We're giving the microphone to Diaspora groups in Europe and linking up with stations in Africa. The show goes beyond the clichés of starving children and war-ridden countries and seeks to bring you genuine voices from a vibrant continent.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1430 South Asia 11520, 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1830 Southern Africa 6020, East/Central Africa 15535
2030 West Africa 17810, East Africa 5905, Southern Africa 7425

Broadcast times on MW (UTC):
1630 Benelux 1296
2330 South Asia 1548

Broadcast times on WRN UTC:
1300 North America
1630 Europe
2230 Asia

Note that on Friday we also run:

Radio Books:
1030 East Asia 6040, Southeast Asia 12065, East Asia/China 9720
1330 North America (WRN)
1500 South Asia 12080, 5825, 15595, 9345
1930 East Africa 12045, East/Central Africa 11655, West Africa 11805, Central/Southern Africa 7120

Network Europe live:
1600 Benelux (MW)

Earthbeat:
0030 Europe (WRN)
0530 North America (WRN)
(R Netherlands)

Christmas Time on European Music Radio - 21st of December 2008

All times UTC

6140 - 1300 to 1330 Paul Graham (Christmas oldie program)
1330 to 1355 Colin King with the Jackie History (part 4)
1355 to 1400 Tom Taylor - EMR up date
9290 khz - 1400 to 1500 Mike Taylor with the Christmas Mail Box

EMR schedule for January - February and March 2009 is:
January - 13.00 to 13.30 Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 5)
February - 13.00 to 13.30 Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 6)
March - 13.00 to 14.00 Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 7)

Happy Christmas to all our Listeners from European Music Radio !
(Mike and Tom Taylor - Paul Graham - Colin King and all the staff of EMR)

Australian DX Report's Christmas episode available for download

The latest episode, No. 130, of the professionally compiled weekly AUSTRALIAN DX REPORT audio shortwave news magazine contains detailed monitoring research from Melbourne, schedule changes, and news about international broadcasters.

This is the SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EPISODE - it's 14 mins 18 secs, and may be downloaded from http://airm.edxp.org/

The site allows you to listen to the ADXR and other audio features directly (streaming audio) via your MP3 player, or via the site's embedded mini-player. Podcasts, iTunes capability, full RSS/XML/Atom feeds, and free subscriptions are supported - full details are at the site.

Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode No. 130!

Bob Padula,
Melbourne, Australia

Radio Free Asia online QSLing announcement

Hello friends:

Just a short note to let you know that the server used for our automated reception report system is currently undergoing maintenance and should return to service within a week.

In the meantime, please feel free to email your reception reports to us at qsl@rfa.org or send them by regular postage to:

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

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Best wishes to one and all for the holidays. 73s. AJ
AJ Janitschek
Radio Free Asia

Weekend relays on 9290 kHz

All times UTC

Relays this weekend via 9290 kHz

Saturday December 20
Latvia Today 10.00- 11.00

Sunday December 21
Latvia Today 13.00 -14.00
EMR 14.00 -15.00
(Tome Taylor)

Broadcasters pledge to uphold broadcast standards

The representatives of international broadcasters - BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Radio France Internationale, Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the Voice of America – who met in Paris on Thursday , recognized the important contribution the Declaration has made to promoting a better-informed world.

The meeting, at Radio France Internationale, noted the importance of Article 19 of the Declaration, which states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

They said that their organizations must continue to maintain the highest journalistic standards of accuracy, objectivity and truth in upholding the Declaration.

They noted that some governments have been implicated in harassing, detaining, expelling, threatening or - in extreme cases - killing journalists, committed as they are to freedom and information. They also expressed, with regret, the efforts by some governments to contravene the Declaration by interfering with international broadcasts through deliberate blocking of transmitters ("jamming") and blocking of websites.

The broadcasters underlined the continued determination of their broadcast organizations to overcome these obstacles in order to reach the largest possible audiences worldwide, through traditional means - radio and television - as well as the Internet and other emerging digital media.

These new media, they noted, offer unprecedented opportunities for interaction across national borders and between diverse groups of people, in keeping with the spirit of the Declaration, which enshrines the right to "receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

Alain de Pouzilhac, CEO of Radio France Internationale said "Our meeting in Paris was very constructive and I am delighted that the five major international broadcasters share the same desire to broadcast objective and impartial news broadcasts to all publics."

The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 134 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages.

Max Digital Media Newswire
http://www.medianewsline.com/news/119/ARTICLE/3657/2008-12-11.html
(Source: Jisakthivel, Chennai, India)

Shortwave Blog "Bytes"

All times UTC

Audio clip of RBU Moscow Time Signal station
66.66 KHz
http://blog.libero.it/radioascolto/6071005.html
(Francesco/playdx2003)

Indonesia on 4750
4750, RRI Makassar, 1010-1046, Starting out the signal was very poor. Noted a female in brief Indonesian language comments followed by the reciting of the Qu'ran by a male. This lasted until 1018 when the female returned. Music and talk continued until 1045 when female went into steady comments. Signal improved slightly during the period to a very poor to a poor level
CODAR. (Chuck Bolland, December 16, 2008)

Logs from Kenai, Alaska
North Korea, 12/17, 0037, 13760. Korean vocal music. SINPO 24332.

South Africa, 12/15/08 at 0257 UTC Channel Africa 6120, SINPO 34343. Voice announcement in several languages and time interval at 0258 (Jerry Brookman)

BBC WS 12/17, 0030, 15360 Summary of world news. SINPO 35544.

Update on Poland's DRM service
Polish Radio DRM External Service. Schedule from 15 December at 1800-1900 , 6015.0 WER 040 kW / 300 deg to Europe in English DRM. (ex 6015) WER 100 kW / 300 deg in AM
2030-2100 new freq 3975.0 WER 040 kW / non-dir to WeEu in German DRM. ( ex 5970 JUL 100 kW / non-directional. (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria via Frank Hillton)

Voice of Malaysia internatet radio services
Here is the listing of the internet radio services from the Voice of Malaysia after goting to their site http:// rtm.gov.my and registering :
http://bkj-station1.jaring.my/vom1
http://bkj-station1.jaring.my/vom2

These are the external services from Malaysia . Full schedule is listed in the page:
http://202.190.233.9/vom/schedule.htm (from the VoM `s site )

From little observations I have found in the previous month :

ON the VoM1 channel, English service can be heard in the 07-0830 time followed by the Malay and the Indonesian program passing the 1230 time

ON VoM2 I found the Chinese program ending on 1230 instead of the scheduled 1200 on 1600-1700 carries the Arabic sce and the Malaysian service on 1700- 1800 being in contrast to what is shown in the schedule page (1530-1700 for Arab service and 1700-1900 for Malay ) This also is verified to my older SW observation.(Zicharias Liangas, Greece/Cumbre DX)

New additional unregistered frequency of BBC WS in English:
1500-1600 on 9855 UNID tx. Very good reception here in BUL
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Dec 15/DX Mix News # 551)

Peruvian logs
4775, Radio Tarma, 1048-1100 Intially noted a male in Spanish language comments followed immediately with music. Signal was poor and CODAR made it practically impossible for a better signal. At 1051, canned promos heard. (Chuck Bolland, FL December 16, 2008)

Peru, 4857.45, Radio La Hora, 1052-1100 At tune in, noted Spanish ballads. Time mentioned during music by a female. Noted a pattern with the music when the machine would get stuck on a track and keep repeating. I've had this experience with my CD player in my truck whenever the CD is slightly damaged and gets stuck and keeps repeating. At 1058 a couple of ADs noted.
At 1100 ID given as, "...Radio La Hora ..." canned followed by a second canned ID with a different person. Live comments from a male at 1101 then more canned stuff. Signal was fair. (Chuck Bolland, FL December 16, 2008)

Radio Liberty broadcasts partially resume in Kygyzstan

Text of report by privately-owned Kyrgyz AKIpress news agency website
Bishkek, 17 December: Radio Azattyk (Liberty) resumed its broadcast on the territory of Kyrgyzstan on the short wave on 16 December.
Azattyk programmes are aired by means of HotBird and AsiaSat satellites as well as with the help of local partners - private radio companies Almaz, Salam, Most, Parlament and L-W. However, a short waveband does not cover all the territory of Kyrgyzstan as it used to be when broadcast was on the technical base of the Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Broadcasting Corporation [NTRBC]. Radio Azattyk now can air only in Kyrgyzstan’s north, and the south is not covered.
Azattyk is pessimistic about the prospects for resuming cooperation with the NTRBC.
(Source: AKIpress news agency website, Bishkek, in Russian 0415 gmt 17 Dec 08 via BBC Monitoring)
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)