9.05.2007
Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) has revamped its Web site, making navigation more intuitive, enhancing product search functionality and streamlining access to the RFS catalogue.
According to Jörg Springer, RFS vice president Global Marketing and Communications, RFS implemented the changes in direct response to a recent online survey, which revealed that the two main user groups were engineering specialists and news seekers.
"As a result," said Springer, "we have made improvements to both the product information and news sections — the site adheres to the principle of "minimum clicks" to find the information you want." In support of this, many pages feature an intuitive "QuickLinks" drop-down menu.
Springer said that RFS had made its regularly updated news section "more visually appealing." The updated functionality of the search tool allows the entering of partial search terms.
"RFSWorld.com is always a work in progress as we continually look at ways to enhance interactive communication with the industry," said Springer.
(Source: RW Online)
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
BBC Learning Via SINA Portal
9.05.2007
In partnership with Chinese media company SINA Corp. (新浪), the BBC World Service has expanded its "Learning English" service.
"We are delighted to partner with SINA to provide quality English learning content in China," said Raymond Li, BBC World Service business development manager for China and North Asia.
According to Li, the BBC World Service has been building up successful partnerships with a number of Chinese portals in recent years. "This latest partnership with SINA," he said, "will help us reach more online learners in China, therefore bringing more benefit to them, too."
Visitors to the SINA portal have direct access to BBC "Learning English" content tailored specifically for Chinese speakers.
"This co-operation," said Tong Chen, executive vice president and chief editor for SINA, "will enable us to provide online users in China with the most authoritative, professional, advanced English learning materials in the world, thus helping to improve English teaching and learning all over China.
(Source: RW Online)
In partnership with Chinese media company SINA Corp. (新浪), the BBC World Service has expanded its "Learning English" service.
"We are delighted to partner with SINA to provide quality English learning content in China," said Raymond Li, BBC World Service business development manager for China and North Asia.
According to Li, the BBC World Service has been building up successful partnerships with a number of Chinese portals in recent years. "This latest partnership with SINA," he said, "will help us reach more online learners in China, therefore bringing more benefit to them, too."
Visitors to the SINA portal have direct access to BBC "Learning English" content tailored specifically for Chinese speakers.
"This co-operation," said Tong Chen, executive vice president and chief editor for SINA, "will enable us to provide online users in China with the most authoritative, professional, advanced English learning materials in the world, thus helping to improve English teaching and learning all over China.
(Source: RW Online)
BBC Resources on the Block
9.05.2007
The BBC has announced that the process for the sale of its commercial subsidiary BBC Resources Ltd. has begun. The sale is subject to the necessary approvals by the BBC's Executive Board and the BBC Trust.
BBC Resources is a provider of broadcast production facilities and services, and consists of three divisions: BBC Outside Broadcasts, BBC Studios and BBC Post Production. The sale comes as a result of the Commercial Review whereby the corporation reviewed all its commercial businesses.
The Commercial Review team concluded that the BBC should only own commercial businesses that either export or exploit the BBC brand or content. While the services provided by BBC Resources are vital to the BBC, they do not need to be owned by the corporation anymore.
[As part of the same divestiture agenda, the BBC has sold BBC Broadcast Ltd. to Macquarie in 2005, which rebranded the company as Red Bee Media.]
The BBC believes that the combination of BBC Resources under new commercial ownership and a continued partnership with the BBC will mean the corporation can leverage its strong relationship and heritage with BBC Resources.
"We are committed to getting the best value for the BBC and license fee payers, whilst putting staff interests at the heart of the process," said John Smith, chief executive of BBC Worldwide and BBC Board Sponsor for the sale.
BBC Project Director Andrew Thornton, who is leading the sale, commented: "This is a unique opportunity for any potential bidder; it's not everyday such a treasure trove of outstanding expertise and skills comes on the market. We are looking for a partner that will nurture this and continue to work closely with us to provide the unrivalled quality of services we need, as well as to capitalize on this in the wider industry."
Mike Southgate, chief executive of BBC Resources, said: "BBC Resources is full of talent, with a world-class reputation for understanding production values and programmaking, both at the BBC and across the media marketplace. Taking our BBC heritage, the sale offers us the chance to grow the business and continue to lead the rapid changes taking place."
It is expected that the sale of the business and transfer of BBC Resources staff to the successful bidder will take place by the end of March 2008, subject to contract negotiations and approvals.
(Source: RWOnline)
The BBC has announced that the process for the sale of its commercial subsidiary BBC Resources Ltd. has begun. The sale is subject to the necessary approvals by the BBC's Executive Board and the BBC Trust.
BBC Resources is a provider of broadcast production facilities and services, and consists of three divisions: BBC Outside Broadcasts, BBC Studios and BBC Post Production. The sale comes as a result of the Commercial Review whereby the corporation reviewed all its commercial businesses.
The Commercial Review team concluded that the BBC should only own commercial businesses that either export or exploit the BBC brand or content. While the services provided by BBC Resources are vital to the BBC, they do not need to be owned by the corporation anymore.
[As part of the same divestiture agenda, the BBC has sold BBC Broadcast Ltd. to Macquarie in 2005, which rebranded the company as Red Bee Media.]
The BBC believes that the combination of BBC Resources under new commercial ownership and a continued partnership with the BBC will mean the corporation can leverage its strong relationship and heritage with BBC Resources.
"We are committed to getting the best value for the BBC and license fee payers, whilst putting staff interests at the heart of the process," said John Smith, chief executive of BBC Worldwide and BBC Board Sponsor for the sale.
BBC Project Director Andrew Thornton, who is leading the sale, commented: "This is a unique opportunity for any potential bidder; it's not everyday such a treasure trove of outstanding expertise and skills comes on the market. We are looking for a partner that will nurture this and continue to work closely with us to provide the unrivalled quality of services we need, as well as to capitalize on this in the wider industry."
Mike Southgate, chief executive of BBC Resources, said: "BBC Resources is full of talent, with a world-class reputation for understanding production values and programmaking, both at the BBC and across the media marketplace. Taking our BBC heritage, the sale offers us the chance to grow the business and continue to lead the rapid changes taking place."
It is expected that the sale of the business and transfer of BBC Resources staff to the successful bidder will take place by the end of March 2008, subject to contract negotiations and approvals.
(Source: RWOnline)
China seeks to set up two radio stations in Ghana
The Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, Yu Wenzhe, has expressed the intention of China to set up broadcasting stations in Accra and Kumasi [presumably relay stations for China Radio International] to enable the government and people of Ghana to have first hand information on China. He said information and the media played important roles in the world and noted that when given the opportunity the two countries would understand each other better and further strengthen bilateral relations.
“We will closely and diligently support each other,” Mr Yu told Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Information and National Orientation Minister, when he paid a courtesy call on her in Accra. Mrs Sai-Cofie said she would take a look at the proposal and forward it to Cabinet.
(Source: GNA via Joy Online/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
“We will closely and diligently support each other,” Mr Yu told Mrs Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Information and National Orientation Minister, when he paid a courtesy call on her in Accra. Mrs Sai-Cofie said she would take a look at the proposal and forward it to Cabinet.
(Source: GNA via Joy Online/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Deutsche Welle schedule update
All times UTC
GERMANY(non)
Changes of Deutsche Welle in English in DRM mode:
0400-0500 new freq 9435 MSK 040 kW / 261 deg to WeEu, ex 04-06 on 9780
0500-0600 on 12005 TRM 090 kW / 345 deg to SoAs, additional txion
0800-0900 on 12070 TRM 090 kW / 345 deg to SoAs, additional txion
GERMANY(non)
0400-0500 new freq 9435 MSK 040 kW / 261 deg to WeEu, ex 04-06 on 9780
0500-0600 on 12005 TRM 090 kW / 345 deg to SoAs, additional txion
0800-0900 on 12070 TRM 090 kW / 345 deg to SoAs, additional txion
GERMANY(non)
Changes of Deutsche Welle:
0900-1000 new freq 17705 TRM 250 kW / 045 deg to EaAs in English, ex 17770
1000-1200 new freq 15595 SAC 250 kW / 176 deg to SoAm in German, ex 17770 ASC
1500-1600 new freq 9540 TRM 250 kW / 345 deg to SoAs in Hindi/Bengali, ex 7225
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)
0900-1000 new freq 17705 TRM 250 kW / 045 deg to EaAs in English, ex 17770
1000-1200 new freq 15595 SAC 250 kW / 176 deg to SoAm in German, ex 17770 ASC
1500-1600 new freq 9540 TRM 250 kW / 345 deg to SoAs in Hindi/Bengali, ex 7225
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)
Radio Ukraine International schedule update
Radio Ukraine International
Effective September 23 to October 27, 2007
All times UTC
0000-0500 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
0500-0800 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
0800-1300 on 9950 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1300-1700 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
1700-2400 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2300-0400 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
English
0000-0100 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
0300-0400 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
0500-0600 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
0700-0800 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1100-1200 on 9950 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1400-1500 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
1900-2000 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2100-2200 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
German
1700-1800 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2000-2100 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2300-2400 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
(DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)
Effective September 23 to October 27, 2007
All times UTC
0000-0500 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
0500-0800 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
0800-1300 on 9950 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1300-1700 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
1700-2400 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2300-0400 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
English
0000-0100 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
0300-0400 on 5820 LV 600 kW / 303 deg to NoAm
0500-0600 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
0700-0800 on 7420 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1100-1200 on 9950 KHR 100 kW / 277 deg to WeEu
1400-1500 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 055 deg to RUS
1900-2000 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2100-2200 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
German
1700-1800 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2000-2100 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
2300-2400 on 5830 KHR 100 kW / 290 deg to WeEu
(DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Weekly Propagation Forecast Update
Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2007 Sep 04 2124 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
27 August - 02 September 2007
Solar activity was very low.
No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during 28 - 31 August and again on 02 September.
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels during 27 - 28 August with brief minor to major storm periods detected at middle and high latitudes, respectively, on 28 August. Activity declined to quiet levels at all latitudes during 29 - 30 August. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels during 31 August - 01 September with active to minor storm periods detected at high latitudes on 01 September. A further increase to quiet to minor storm levels occurred on the last day of the period with major storm periods detected at high latitudes. ACE solar wind data indicated two recurrent high speed streams affected the field during the summary period. The first stream commenced late on 26 August and eventually reached a peak velocity of 695 km/sec at 27/1848 UTC. The proton density increase in advance of this stream reached a peak of 71 p/cc at 26/1627 UTC. IMF variance associated with the stream included a peak IMF Bt of 21 nT at 26/1711 UTC and a minimum IMF Bz reading of -12 nT at 26/1952 UTC. The second stream commenced late on 31 August and eventually reached a peak velocity of 682 km/sec at 02/2141 UTC. The proton density increase in advance of this stream was negligible. IMF variance associated with the stream included a peak IMF Bt of 11 nT at 01/2354 UTC and a minimum IMF Bz reading of -09 nT at 02/00001 UTC.
Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
05 September - 01 October 2007
Solar activity is expected to be very low.
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 05 - 10 September and 24 September - 01 October.
.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels on 05 September. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels on 06 September due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 07 - 28 September. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to minor storm levels during 29 - 30 September as another recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream affects the field. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettled levels on 01 October as coronal hole effects subside.
Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2007 Sep 04 2124 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2007 Sep 04
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2007 Sep 05 68 5 2
2007 Sep 06 68 15 4
2007 Sep 07 68 10 3
2007 Sep 08 68 5 2
2007 Sep 09 68 5 2
2007 Sep 10 68 5 2
2007 Sep 11 68 8 3
2007 Sep 12 68 8 3
2007 Sep 13 68 5 2
2007 Sep 14 68 5 2
2007 Sep 15 68 5 2
2007 Sep 16 68 5 2
2007 Sep 17 70 5 2
2007 Sep 18 70 5 2
2007 Sep 19 70 5 2
2007 Sep 20 70 5 2
2007 Sep 21 70 8 3
2007 Sep 22 70 10 3
2007 Sep 23 70 10 3
2007 Sep 24 70 10 3
2007 Sep 25 70 8 3
2007 Sep 26 70 5 2
2007 Sep 27 70 5 2
2007 Sep 28 70 10 3
2007 Sep 29 70 20 5
2007 Sep 30 70 15 4
2007 Oct 01 70 8 3
(NOAA)
:Issued: 2007 Sep 04 2124 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
27 August - 02 September 2007
Solar activity was very low.
No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached high levels during 28 - 31 August and again on 02 September.
The geomagnetic field was at quiet to active levels during 27 - 28 August with brief minor to major storm periods detected at middle and high latitudes, respectively, on 28 August. Activity declined to quiet levels at all latitudes during 29 - 30 August. Activity increased to quiet to unsettled levels during 31 August - 01 September with active to minor storm periods detected at high latitudes on 01 September. A further increase to quiet to minor storm levels occurred on the last day of the period with major storm periods detected at high latitudes. ACE solar wind data indicated two recurrent high speed streams affected the field during the summary period. The first stream commenced late on 26 August and eventually reached a peak velocity of 695 km/sec at 27/1848 UTC. The proton density increase in advance of this stream reached a peak of 71 p/cc at 26/1627 UTC. IMF variance associated with the stream included a peak IMF Bt of 21 nT at 26/1711 UTC and a minimum IMF Bz reading of -12 nT at 26/1952 UTC. The second stream commenced late on 31 August and eventually reached a peak velocity of 682 km/sec at 02/2141 UTC. The proton density increase in advance of this stream was negligible. IMF variance associated with the stream included a peak IMF Bt of 11 nT at 01/2354 UTC and a minimum IMF Bz reading of -09 nT at 02/00001 UTC.
Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
05 September - 01 October 2007
Solar activity is expected to be very low.
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 05 - 10 September and 24 September - 01 October.
.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet levels on 05 September. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to active levels on 06 September due to a recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream. Quiet to unsettled conditions are expected during 07 - 28 September. Activity is expected to increase to unsettled to minor storm levels during 29 - 30 September as another recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream affects the field. Activity is expected to decrease to quiet to unsettled levels on 01 October as coronal hole effects subside.
Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2007 Sep 04 2124 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center
# Product description and SEC contact on the Web
# http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2007 Sep 04
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2007 Sep 05 68 5 2
2007 Sep 06 68 15 4
2007 Sep 07 68 10 3
2007 Sep 08 68 5 2
2007 Sep 09 68 5 2
2007 Sep 10 68 5 2
2007 Sep 11 68 8 3
2007 Sep 12 68 8 3
2007 Sep 13 68 5 2
2007 Sep 14 68 5 2
2007 Sep 15 68 5 2
2007 Sep 16 68 5 2
2007 Sep 17 70 5 2
2007 Sep 18 70 5 2
2007 Sep 19 70 5 2
2007 Sep 20 70 5 2
2007 Sep 21 70 8 3
2007 Sep 22 70 10 3
2007 Sep 23 70 10 3
2007 Sep 24 70 10 3
2007 Sep 25 70 8 3
2007 Sep 26 70 5 2
2007 Sep 27 70 5 2
2007 Sep 28 70 10 3
2007 Sep 29 70 20 5
2007 Sep 30 70 15 4
2007 Oct 01 70 8 3
(NOAA)
Chess Records Hour to air on Sirius Blues channel
Chess Records Hour welcomes Andrew Loog Oldham Sun 9/9 12:00 pm ET After working at his family’s record label as a young man in Chicago , Marshall Chess went on to work with the Rolling Stones, launching the band’s own label and producing most of their albums in the 1970s. This week Marshall welcomes Andrew Loog Oldham, the band’s original manager and producer who helped define their look and sound in the 1960s. These two generations of Stones associates will compare notes on the band and how the Chess blues sound influenced the British rock scene. A follow-up, in-depth interview will air on the Andrew Loog Oldham show on Underground Garage channel 25, Saturday, September 15th at 4 pm ET.
Rebroadcast: Tues., Sept. 11th @ 5 pm ET & Thurs., Sept. 13th @ 12 am ET.
Rebroadcast: Tues., Sept. 11th @ 5 pm ET & Thurs., Sept. 13th @ 12 am ET.
Kuala Lumpur launches first all-news Radio24
KUALA LUMPUR: Radio24, the first all-news radio station, was launched yesterday.
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said that the Bernama-run station would play an important role in providing current news to the public “who crave information”.
“The Information Ministry is giving full support to this endeavour, fully aware that times have changed and the dissemination of information via radio and television is no longer monopolised by the public broadcaster,” he said when launching the station yesterday.
Radio24 began transmission at 6am today on 93.9fm. For the first phase, it will be available only in the Klang Valley.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi congratulated Radio24, saying the move was consistent with the Government’s aspiration of building a knowledgeable society.
Read more at The Star Online
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/4/nation/18769048&sec=nation
Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin said that the Bernama-run station would play an important role in providing current news to the public “who crave information”.
“The Information Ministry is giving full support to this endeavour, fully aware that times have changed and the dissemination of information via radio and television is no longer monopolised by the public broadcaster,” he said when launching the station yesterday.
Radio24 began transmission at 6am today on 93.9fm. For the first phase, it will be available only in the Klang Valley.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi congratulated Radio24, saying the move was consistent with the Government’s aspiration of building a knowledgeable society.
Read more at The Star Online
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/4/nation/18769048&sec=nation
KRKO begins work on new radio towers
Neighbors are asking the FCC not to grant the station permits it needs.
By Jeff Switzer, Herald Writer
After years of rancor and debate, construction has begun on four KRKO radio towers south of Snohomish, with plans to begin broadcasting in January.
The towers the tallest measuring 349 feet and the other three each 199 feet tall are expected to send 1380-AM's radio signals for dozens of miles around.
Once operational, the station will increase its broadcasting power tenfold, from 5,000 watts to 50,000 watts.
"We're going to be able to get inside buildings better," said Andy Skotdal, KRKO general manager. "We're going to reach commuters who are coming home from Bellevue and Seattle much better. We're trying to reach the locals."
Read additional on KRKO project at HeraldNet
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20070901/NEWS01/109010033/0/news01
By Jeff Switzer, Herald Writer
After years of rancor and debate, construction has begun on four KRKO radio towers south of Snohomish, with plans to begin broadcasting in January.
The towers the tallest measuring 349 feet and the other three each 199 feet tall are expected to send 1380-AM's radio signals for dozens of miles around.
Once operational, the station will increase its broadcasting power tenfold, from 5,000 watts to 50,000 watts.
"We're going to be able to get inside buildings better," said Andy Skotdal, KRKO general manager. "We're going to reach commuters who are coming home from Bellevue and Seattle much better. We're trying to reach the locals."
Read additional on KRKO project at HeraldNet
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20070901/NEWS01/109010033/0/news01
Legendary WOWO radio announcer Bob Sievers dies
Former WOWO morning host Bob Sievers has died at the age of 90. According to friends of the Sievers family, he was taken to the Emergency room and died at around 7 AM Monday morning. Sievers hosted the Little Red Barn morning show on WOWO for decades, and has been on the air in one way or the other for over seventy years. You can read stories and memories from Bob's closest friends and co-workers throughout the day onTuesday on Newstalk 1190 WOWO.
By Nicole Pence
It's a sad day for radio listeners in northeast Indiana and across the country. Legendary WOWO morning talk-show host Bob Sievers has died. He retired after nearly fifty years, but "Mr. Woe-Woe's" influence in radio broadcasting didn't stop there, and many say, it never will. Nicole Pence reports.Bob Sievers/WOWO March 2007: " I had been knocking on WOWO’s door for over a year, and they kept saying there is that kid again. Tell him to get lost."But Bob Sievers never did get lost. In fact, he stayed so long, he became known as "Mr. Woe-Woe."Bob Sievers/WOWO March 2007: "I was on the staff officially for 51 years. And, I first signed on to WOWO as a freshman in high school. I did it every morning after my paper route." Art Saltsberg/Former Radio Colleague: " He was a legend. It's that simple." The radio pioneer passed away Monday morning from health complications. He celebrated his 90th birthday in August. Family members say Sievers had been ill for the past few months.
Additional text at Indiana's News Center 21
Photo/Bob Sievers/WOWO (right)
Station fears digital AM will force some to tune out signal
Matthew Daneman
Staff writer
September 4, 2007) — WYSL-AM (1040) fills its broadcasting day with local headlines, sports coverage and the insights of syndicated talk show hosts such as Bill O'Reilly and Laura Ingraham.
But the Avon radio station is worried that its nighttime airwaves may soon be filled with static.Starting Sept. 14, the Federal Communications Commission will allow AM stations to begin broadcasting digital AM signals at night. And numerous stations are waiting to see if, as they fear, those digital signals begin interfering with their analog signals.
"How bad is it going to be? The truth is nobody knows," said WYSL President and CEO Robert C. Savage.
Read complete text at Rochester Democrat and Cronicle
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/BUSINESS/709040315/1001
Staff writer
September 4, 2007) — WYSL-AM (1040) fills its broadcasting day with local headlines, sports coverage and the insights of syndicated talk show hosts such as Bill O'Reilly and Laura Ingraham.
But the Avon radio station is worried that its nighttime airwaves may soon be filled with static.Starting Sept. 14, the Federal Communications Commission will allow AM stations to begin broadcasting digital AM signals at night. And numerous stations are waiting to see if, as they fear, those digital signals begin interfering with their analog signals.
"How bad is it going to be? The truth is nobody knows," said WYSL President and CEO Robert C. Savage.
Read complete text at Rochester Democrat and Cronicle
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/BUSINESS/709040315/1001
GrootNieuws Radio launches website and new logo
The new Dutch Christian radio station, GrootNieuws Radio, which started broadcasting on 1008 kHz at 2200 UTC on 31 August, has now launched its website - at least, a temporary page, which also contains the station’s logo. The station will broadcast popular Christian music until the start of its full schedule in December. Station spokesperson Arjan de Heer stresses that the station is non-denominational, and will serve all branches of the Christian faith including Evangelicals, Messiah-believing Jews,Catholics and Protestants.
GrootNieuws Radio
http://www.grootnieuwsradio.nl/
(Soirce; Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
GrootNieuws Radio
http://www.grootnieuwsradio.nl/
(Soirce; Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Radio Farda announcer given permission to leave Iran
Radio Farda broadcaster Parnaz Azima, who had been banned from leaving Iran for the past seven months, has been given permission to leave the country. Azima told Radio Farda today that intelligence officials have told her to collect her passport from the authorities. Azima said she will pick up her passport today and leave Iran in the near future. Iranian officials have charged Azima with spreading propaganda against the Iranian state.
(Source: RFE/RL/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
(Source: RFE/RL/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Botswana councillors object to Botswana relay station
Text of report by Gaborone-based newspaper Mmegi on 3 September
Francistown City councillors have expressed concern at the presence of the Voice of America (VoA) relay station in Botswana.
The councillors quizzed the Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA) representatives about the issue during a full council meeting last week. The civic leaders said that they did not understand the purpose of the country (America) and needed clarification from BTA, the licensing authority.
Councillor James Kgalajwe who wanted to know the links between BTA and VoA initiated the discussion. “What is your relationship with Voice of America? How much do you monitor their content to protect other countries surrounding us or do you monitor their content?” he asked. Also worried about VoA was councillor Motlatsi Molapisi who said that he felt that VoA was just here to monitor African countries.
“It was pushed to Botswana from Monrovia to monitor us. They are as good as spies and they are not even closely monitored. No other country in the world would allow this except Botswana,” said Molapisi. Councillor Kealebetse Ntseane said he did not understand why VoA was used as a jingle on some landlines when one was on hold.
“When you call landlines to Maun and other towns, and you are put on hold, a Voice of America broadcast will come on the line. Is that allowed, can they just interfere like that?” he wondered.
Responding to the councillors’ questions, Senior Manager at National Broadcasting Board (NBB), Boipuso Kobedi said that “VoA is more of a government thing” and they did not have any control over it.
“It is an agreement between Botswana government and American government,” she said. Kobedi admitted that there is “a lot of politics” behind the issue.
“We have tried to regulate but we were stopped and told that it was a government issue. There is so much politics behind it,” she added. Kobedi stated that VoA has been allowed another 10 years since they began operating some time after they were given the go-ahead.
(Source: Mmegi, Gaborone, in English 3 Sep 07 via BBC Monitoring/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Francistown City councillors have expressed concern at the presence of the Voice of America (VoA) relay station in Botswana.
The councillors quizzed the Botswana Telecommunication Authority (BTA) representatives about the issue during a full council meeting last week. The civic leaders said that they did not understand the purpose of the country (America) and needed clarification from BTA, the licensing authority.
Councillor James Kgalajwe who wanted to know the links between BTA and VoA initiated the discussion. “What is your relationship with Voice of America? How much do you monitor their content to protect other countries surrounding us or do you monitor their content?” he asked. Also worried about VoA was councillor Motlatsi Molapisi who said that he felt that VoA was just here to monitor African countries.
“It was pushed to Botswana from Monrovia to monitor us. They are as good as spies and they are not even closely monitored. No other country in the world would allow this except Botswana,” said Molapisi. Councillor Kealebetse Ntseane said he did not understand why VoA was used as a jingle on some landlines when one was on hold.
“When you call landlines to Maun and other towns, and you are put on hold, a Voice of America broadcast will come on the line. Is that allowed, can they just interfere like that?” he wondered.
Responding to the councillors’ questions, Senior Manager at National Broadcasting Board (NBB), Boipuso Kobedi said that “VoA is more of a government thing” and they did not have any control over it.
“It is an agreement between Botswana government and American government,” she said. Kobedi admitted that there is “a lot of politics” behind the issue.
“We have tried to regulate but we were stopped and told that it was a government issue. There is so much politics behind it,” she added. Kobedi stated that VoA has been allowed another 10 years since they began operating some time after they were given the go-ahead.
(Source: Mmegi, Gaborone, in English 3 Sep 07 via BBC Monitoring/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Monday, September 03, 2007
Belize's Lighthouse Christian Radio braces for Hurricane Felix
AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE — It is now two weeks since Hurricane Dean made landfall in the Yucatan, just north of Belize. The Northern Districts of Orange Walk and Corozal in Belize were affected as homes and large potions of the papaya industry were destroyed.
According to Clive Welsh, a native missionary to Belize with Saving Grace World Mission, San Pedro Town, and Ambergris Caye where Lighthouse Christian Radio is located, experienced little damage. Flooding occurred in some areas, there were uprooted trees and some pier damage, he said.
Welsh, who runs Lighthouse Christian Radio on the island of Ambergris Caye, says Dennis Requena, station manager, chose to weather the hurricane on the Island and housed several families in the Lighthouse Apartments.
« We were off the air for a period of 24 hours before electricity was restored. We thank the Lord for His protection and grateful for the limited damaged, » Welsh reported.
Read more at: Journal Chretien
http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?breve833
According to Clive Welsh, a native missionary to Belize with Saving Grace World Mission, San Pedro Town, and Ambergris Caye where Lighthouse Christian Radio is located, experienced little damage. Flooding occurred in some areas, there were uprooted trees and some pier damage, he said.
Welsh, who runs Lighthouse Christian Radio on the island of Ambergris Caye, says Dennis Requena, station manager, chose to weather the hurricane on the Island and housed several families in the Lighthouse Apartments.
« We were off the air for a period of 24 hours before electricity was restored. We thank the Lord for His protection and grateful for the limited damaged, » Welsh reported.
Read more at: Journal Chretien
http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?breve833
Photo/NOAA
Blog Logs
Australia
6020 Radio Australia (Shepperton). 1146-1146. 31 Aug. English. Talk of equestrian events and equestrian flu in New South Wales. Talk of Australian Stocks and the death of Princess Diana. Good (Wood, TN)
6020 Radio Australia (Shepperton). 1146-1146. 31 Aug. English. Talk of equestrian events and equestrian flu in New South Wales. Talk of Australian Stocks and the death of Princess Diana. Good (Wood, TN)
Bolivia
4409.8 Radio Ecos (p), Reyes, Beni, 2331 - 2348, Aug 27, Spanish, Musical Program, comments by man announcer, tc 18 minutos nos separa de las 20 horas, 24222, (Eramo, Argentina)
6165 Radio Logos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 1157 - 1159, Sep 02, Spanish, comments by man announcer, ID " en los 6165 kiloherzt y .....kHz Radio Logos " 23332, (Eramo, Argentina)
Czech Republic
13580 Radio Prague (Litomysl). 1312. 31 Aug. English. Barely audible talk of German occupation of Czechoslovakia during WW II. Poor (Wood, TN)
Israel
6971.7 Galei Zahal (p); 2328-2334+, 24-Aug; M in HB(p) with pop music. I believe this is the lowest freq I've hrd them on. SIO=343, weak audio QRM; also music plus some ute clatter from 2333. (Frodge-MI)
Japan
3925 Radio Nikkei; 1121-1130. 24 Aug. Japanese. 1st log of this station. Pgm of classical music. Very faint with SSB VOX QRM. Poor (Wood, TN)
Mali
4835.6 Radiodif. TV Mali, Kati, Bamako, 2230 - 2235, Aug 27,French, Musical Program, man announcer, ID "Ici Mali", 24332,(Eramo, Argentina)
Niger
9705 La Voix du Sahel; 2126-2202+, 24-Aug; Male announcer in local language - didn't sound like French. Heavily accented if it was. Mentioned Niger, pronouncing with a long i. Commentary interspersed with flute tune or vocal chant. Long drum chant 2145-49 then more flute music and lady speaking, sounding more like French, then more flutes, drums and chanting. Brief announcement by male in French at 2159:40 into bouncy tune past 2200. SIO=332 (Frodge-MI)
Nigeria
4770 Radio Nigeria (p), Kaduna, 2242 - 2245, Aug 27, Vernacular, musical program, comments by man announcer, mention several times Kaduna, 24342, (Eramo, Argentina)
Pirate
Captain Morgan
30-Aug, 0232, 6924.8/U; 0232 Music; 0239 Captain Morgan song; 0240 ID; 0243 Buffalo Springfield For what it's worth; Weak wobbly signal and difficult to tune with persistent & strong over the horizon weather. SIO 212. (Will-MD)
Liquid Radio
31-Aug, 2250-2313+, 6925.2/AM; Head banger electro music. "This is Liquid Radio." Clean ID at 2312. Not all IDs copyable. Poor (Frodge-MI)
WMPR Micro-Power Radio
31-Aug, 2315, 6925/AM; sio232, very noisy, fading, instrumental dance music, ID at 2318, then more dance music (Fansome) [Only the slightest het here after Liquid Radio apparently went off.--HF] 31-Aug, 2350-2353*, 6925; Techno music and ID as "WMPR-You’re tuned to Micro Power Radio" and off. Fair (Wood, TN)
Zimbabwe
4828 ZBC (p), Gweru, 2246 - 2305, Aug 27, musical program of local music, no announcement was given. SINPO 24332 (Eramo, Argentina)
6165 Radio Logos, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, 1157 - 1159, Sep 02, Spanish, comments by man announcer, ID " en los 6165 kiloherzt y .....kHz Radio Logos " 23332, (Eramo, Argentina)
Czech Republic
13580 Radio Prague (Litomysl). 1312. 31 Aug. English. Barely audible talk of German occupation of Czechoslovakia during WW II. Poor (Wood, TN)
Israel
6971.7 Galei Zahal (p); 2328-2334+, 24-Aug; M in HB(p) with pop music. I believe this is the lowest freq I've hrd them on. SIO=343, weak audio QRM; also music plus some ute clatter from 2333. (Frodge-MI)
Japan
3925 Radio Nikkei; 1121-1130. 24 Aug. Japanese. 1st log of this station. Pgm of classical music. Very faint with SSB VOX QRM. Poor (Wood, TN)
Mali
4835.6 Radiodif. TV Mali, Kati, Bamako, 2230 - 2235, Aug 27,French, Musical Program, man announcer, ID "Ici Mali", 24332,(Eramo, Argentina)
Niger
9705 La Voix du Sahel; 2126-2202+, 24-Aug; Male announcer in local language - didn't sound like French. Heavily accented if it was. Mentioned Niger, pronouncing with a long i. Commentary interspersed with flute tune or vocal chant. Long drum chant 2145-49 then more flute music and lady speaking, sounding more like French, then more flutes, drums and chanting. Brief announcement by male in French at 2159:40 into bouncy tune past 2200. SIO=332 (Frodge-MI)
Nigeria
4770 Radio Nigeria (p), Kaduna, 2242 - 2245, Aug 27, Vernacular, musical program, comments by man announcer, mention several times Kaduna, 24342, (Eramo, Argentina)
Pirate
Captain Morgan
30-Aug, 0232, 6924.8/U; 0232 Music; 0239 Captain Morgan song; 0240 ID; 0243 Buffalo Springfield For what it's worth; Weak wobbly signal and difficult to tune with persistent & strong over the horizon weather. SIO 212. (Will-MD)
Liquid Radio
31-Aug, 2250-2313+, 6925.2/AM; Head banger electro music. "This is Liquid Radio." Clean ID at 2312. Not all IDs copyable. Poor (Frodge-MI)
WMPR Micro-Power Radio
31-Aug, 2315, 6925/AM; sio232, very noisy, fading, instrumental dance music, ID at 2318, then more dance music (Fansome) [Only the slightest het here after Liquid Radio apparently went off.--HF] 31-Aug, 2350-2353*, 6925; Techno music and ID as "WMPR-You’re tuned to Micro Power Radio" and off. Fair (Wood, TN)
Zimbabwe
4828 ZBC (p), Gweru, 2246 - 2305, Aug 27, musical program of local music, no announcement was given. SINPO 24332 (Eramo, Argentina)
(Source: Free Radio Weekly #603/MARE Tip Sheet #455/Cumbre DX)
Slovak Radio to continue broadcast for ethnic minorities
Text of report by Slovak newspaper Sme website on 31 August
[CTK report: “Slovak Radio Is Dispelling Concerns”]
The management of Slovak Radio stated that it would maintain its Hungarian-language broadcasts even after the streamlining measures. Slovak Radio described the concerns about broadcasts for ethnic minorities being abolished, voiced by the Hungarian Coalition Party [SMK; MKP in Hungarian] on Tuesday [ 28 August], as unnecessarily dramatizing the situation.
“The Slovak Radio management will not let the unfavourable financial situation affect the quality and the extent of broadcasts for ethnic minorities,” reads a statement issued by Lubos Machaj, director of Slovak Radio’s Programme Section.
The radio station will reportedly stop its broadcasts for ethnic minorities on the medium-wave Radio Patria channel, because it has not received a subsidy from the state, to which it is legally entitled, according to the management. Slovak Radio broadcasts its other programmes on short waves.
The SMK is afraid that the Constitution and international treaties will be violated. “The Slovak Radio management would instead welcome a constructive dialogue about the current situation and the future of ethnic broadcasting, which none of the representatives of ethnic minorities has yet initiated,” wrote Machaj.
(Source: Sme website, Bratislava, in Slovak 31 Aug 07 via BBC Monitoring/ R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
[CTK report: “Slovak Radio Is Dispelling Concerns”]
The management of Slovak Radio stated that it would maintain its Hungarian-language broadcasts even after the streamlining measures. Slovak Radio described the concerns about broadcasts for ethnic minorities being abolished, voiced by the Hungarian Coalition Party [SMK; MKP in Hungarian] on Tuesday [ 28 August], as unnecessarily dramatizing the situation.
“The Slovak Radio management will not let the unfavourable financial situation affect the quality and the extent of broadcasts for ethnic minorities,” reads a statement issued by Lubos Machaj, director of Slovak Radio’s Programme Section.
The radio station will reportedly stop its broadcasts for ethnic minorities on the medium-wave Radio Patria channel, because it has not received a subsidy from the state, to which it is legally entitled, according to the management. Slovak Radio broadcasts its other programmes on short waves.
The SMK is afraid that the Constitution and international treaties will be violated. “The Slovak Radio management would instead welcome a constructive dialogue about the current situation and the future of ethnic broadcasting, which none of the representatives of ethnic minorities has yet initiated,” wrote Machaj.
(Source: Sme website, Bratislava, in Slovak 31 Aug 07 via BBC Monitoring/ R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
World's first range of DAB+ radios by year end
DAB technology company Frontier Silicon and Fraunhofer IIS have teamed up with tier one audio manufacturers to deliver the world’s first range of DAB+ radios. Solutions incorporating Frontier Silicon’s multi-standard digital radio SoC Chorus 2 with Fraunhofer’s audio decoder IP are being designed into products from specialist brands including Bush, Grundig, Magicbox, Ministry of Sound, Pure, Revo, Tivoli and others, which will be available in shops by the end of this year.
Demonstrations of the solution can be seen at the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam [6-11 September] receiving a live DAB+ broadcast from Factum Electronics, but unlike previous engineering demonstrators, this will be the first time end-user DAB+ radios will be shown working.
Steve Evans, VP Sales and Marketing, Frontier Silicon said: “As DAB+ is being adopted by an increasing number of broadcasters worldwide, we are pleased to announce that our DAB+ solution is being integrated into a variety of audio products, including table top, clock radio, battery powered and WiFi enabled radios. While DAB+ is not required for established markets such as the UK and Denmark, this development will help to accelerate the global adoption of digital radio.”
Manufacturers designing DAB+ radios today are using a variety of solutions from Frontier Silicon including the Chorus 2 chip, Venice 6 multistandard (DAB+/DAB/FM/Wifi) module, and the Jupiter 6 productionompany, Frontier Silicon, and Fraunhofer IIS, worldwide experts in audio coding, have teamed up with tier one audio manufacturers to deliver the w-ready reference platform. The uniqueness of the Frontier Silicon DAB+ solution lies in its hardware-assisted DSP core architecture, which coupled with Fraunhofer’s efficient MPEG-4 HE-AAC v2 audio IP enables complex broadcast streams to be decoded while keeping power consumption low.
DAB (based on MPEG 1 layer II) is achieving great success in the UK and Denmark, with over 5½ million units shipped to date and growing at a rate of 12% year on year in the UK alone. However, countries that have yet to roll out DAB are now looking to use DAB+ which utilizes the more efficient MPEG-4 HE AAC v2 codec, enabling a greater number of radio channels to be broadcast within a set radio spectrum. Australia has officially committed to transmit DAB+ in 2009 and many other countries including Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Malta, Israel, Hungary, Kuwait, Malaysia, and New Zealand are expected to follow suit soon*.
* Information provided by WorldDMB
(Source: Frontier Silicon via Mike Barraclough/R Netherlands Media Network)
Demonstrations of the solution can be seen at the IBC exhibition in Amsterdam [6-11 September] receiving a live DAB+ broadcast from Factum Electronics, but unlike previous engineering demonstrators, this will be the first time end-user DAB+ radios will be shown working.
Steve Evans, VP Sales and Marketing, Frontier Silicon said: “As DAB+ is being adopted by an increasing number of broadcasters worldwide, we are pleased to announce that our DAB+ solution is being integrated into a variety of audio products, including table top, clock radio, battery powered and WiFi enabled radios. While DAB+ is not required for established markets such as the UK and Denmark, this development will help to accelerate the global adoption of digital radio.”
Manufacturers designing DAB+ radios today are using a variety of solutions from Frontier Silicon including the Chorus 2 chip, Venice 6 multistandard (DAB+/DAB/FM/Wifi) module, and the Jupiter 6 productionompany, Frontier Silicon, and Fraunhofer IIS, worldwide experts in audio coding, have teamed up with tier one audio manufacturers to deliver the w-ready reference platform. The uniqueness of the Frontier Silicon DAB+ solution lies in its hardware-assisted DSP core architecture, which coupled with Fraunhofer’s efficient MPEG-4 HE-AAC v2 audio IP enables complex broadcast streams to be decoded while keeping power consumption low.
DAB (based on MPEG 1 layer II) is achieving great success in the UK and Denmark, with over 5½ million units shipped to date and growing at a rate of 12% year on year in the UK alone. However, countries that have yet to roll out DAB are now looking to use DAB+ which utilizes the more efficient MPEG-4 HE AAC v2 codec, enabling a greater number of radio channels to be broadcast within a set radio spectrum. Australia has officially committed to transmit DAB+ in 2009 and many other countries including Canada, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Malta, Israel, Hungary, Kuwait, Malaysia, and New Zealand are expected to follow suit soon*.
* Information provided by WorldDMB
(Source: Frontier Silicon via Mike Barraclough/R Netherlands Media Network)
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Pirate Crystal Ship to take to the airwaves tonight
Greetings, my fine pirate radio SWL friends!
The Crystal Ship is taking to the airwaves this Sunday evening shortly after 2330 UTC,
on 6875 kHz and on 5386 kHz. (Also, keep a watch on these frequencies through the remainder of the holiday weekend, if you miss this evening's program. We may show up there again).
For our 2300+ UTC show, we will be featuring special Labor Day programming, including songs of the union movement and rock/popular/folk music about the working man.
((Also, late tonight (probably after 0300 UTC), there is a possibility we may show up on 3275 kHz, or even maybe a special DX test on 1710 kHz... so if any of you night owls are still on the radio then, you might want to keep an eye on those frequencies, especially around the Great Lakes region.))
As always, we'd be happy to hear back from anyone via email regarding the programming, signal quality, specifics as to QRM, etc. Seems most listeners have been busy doing the "summer stuff" lately, and only a few of the "hard cases" have been reporting back or posting logs on the FRN website. It's been getting lonely. :(
Hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend, and maybe gets a chance to warm up the shortwave!
((On an unrelated note, this morning just before dawn, I FINALLY managed to catch a little of the Papua New Guinean station on 3275 kHz, whichever that is... for the first time ever. We have that 90 meter dipole, which helped, but the real trick seemed to be turning off the PC which created more images on the radio than I realized. Still trying to get the 'big one' on 4890, which I managed in my early teens with a Realistic DX-160... but so far, no go. Presumably I'll have better luck with all of them in the winter if my timing is right. But what I miss most is Radio Tahiti on 15,170 kHz... the soft island music filling the speakers on a warm summer evening... Aw, shucks...))
--
73s and FIGHT for FREE RADIO!
The Poet
The Crystal Ship
The Crystal Ship is taking to the airwaves this Sunday evening shortly after 2330 UTC,
on 6875 kHz and on 5386 kHz. (Also, keep a watch on these frequencies through the remainder of the holiday weekend, if you miss this evening's program. We may show up there again).
For our 2300+ UTC show, we will be featuring special Labor Day programming, including songs of the union movement and rock/popular/folk music about the working man.
((Also, late tonight (probably after 0300 UTC), there is a possibility we may show up on 3275 kHz, or even maybe a special DX test on 1710 kHz... so if any of you night owls are still on the radio then, you might want to keep an eye on those frequencies, especially around the Great Lakes region.))
As always, we'd be happy to hear back from anyone via email regarding the programming, signal quality, specifics as to QRM, etc. Seems most listeners have been busy doing the "summer stuff" lately, and only a few of the "hard cases" have been reporting back or posting logs on the FRN website. It's been getting lonely. :(
Hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend, and maybe gets a chance to warm up the shortwave!
((On an unrelated note, this morning just before dawn, I FINALLY managed to catch a little of the Papua New Guinean station on 3275 kHz, whichever that is... for the first time ever. We have that 90 meter dipole, which helped, but the real trick seemed to be turning off the PC which created more images on the radio than I realized. Still trying to get the 'big one' on 4890, which I managed in my early teens with a Realistic DX-160... but so far, no go. Presumably I'll have better luck with all of them in the winter if my timing is right. But what I miss most is Radio Tahiti on 15,170 kHz... the soft island music filling the speakers on a warm summer evening... Aw, shucks...))
--
73s and FIGHT for FREE RADIO!
The Poet
The Crystal Ship
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)