VOA Urdu service reports Pakistan steadfast ally

Gates lauds cooperation between U.S. and Pakistani armed forces
Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2007 – Robert Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, told the Voice of America's Urdu television service in an exclusive interview that the United States appreciates the contribution and sacrifices made by Pakistan army troops in the war on terror, particularly those who have laid down their lives in the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

"Pakistan has been a steadfast ally in the war on terror, and we deeply appreciate and express our sympathy to the families of the Pakistani soldiers who have died in this war on terror, and many hundreds have died," Secretary Gates said.

He made the remarks at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington at a ceremony to mark 'the Defense of Pakistan Day.'

Secretary Gates also lauded the cooperation between U.S. and Pakistani armed forces, particularly their joint efforts to secure the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region from terrorist activities by Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants.

"We know that there are nearly a hundred thousand soldiers in the frontier area, and we appreciate this cooperation," said Secretary Gates, referring to the large number of Pakistan army troops deployed along the rugged Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. "We deeply appreciate our partnership with President Musharraf and his contribution, working with us in this war on terror."

Geo TV, VOA's affiliate station in Pakistan, aired the interview with Secretary Gates today. Geo airs VOA's Beyond the Headlines (Khabron Se Aage), a 30-minute television news program, Monday through Friday. For more information, or to view programs online, please visit the VOA Urdu web page at www.VOANews.com/Urdu.

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 more than 1,000 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 115 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages.
(Source: Voice of America)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview Sept. 8- 14

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

SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

*** The State We're In ***
This week on The State We're In we talk to an Iraqi man from the southern city of Basra about the withdrawal of British troops - How will the pull-out affect people's daily lives?

And we'll also explore something we all do, but rarely admit: Lying. "Why we lie" is the focus of this week's theme on The State We're In, the programme which considers how we treat each other.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1500 (South Asia), 1800 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

Note that on Saturday we also run repeats of:

Network Europe on SW: 1400 (South Asia)

The Research File: 1430 (South Asia)

Amsterdam Forum and Echoes: 1900 and 1944 respectively (Central, East and South Africa)

SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
*** Amsterdam Forum ***

Does it matter what food we buy? Sales of organic, fair-trade and local food have shot up in recent years. The products allow consumers to express their concerns about their health, the environment to social justice and sustainable living. But some critics say 'ethical food' is not always as good as it appears to be on the packet - and buying it may actually harm the world more than helping it. Are they right? And what is the best choice for food shoppers with good intentions? Amsterdam Forum brings supporters of fair-trade, organic and local food together with a sceptic, who thinks we should swallow their claims with a big pinch of salt.


Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1500 (South Asia), 1800 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

Repeated: Sat 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)

*** Echoes ***

Our new listener feedback programme. Mindy Ran responds to your comments, queries and complaints about our programmes. And featuring every week A Critical Eye - commentary from Perro de Jong.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1045 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1145 (Eastern N America), 1545 (South Asia), 1845 & 2045 (Central, East and South Africa), 0045 (Eastern N America), 0145 (Central N America), 0445 (Western N America)

Repeated: Sat 1945 (Central, East and South Africa)

Note that on Sunday we also run repeats of:

Flatlanders or EuroHit 40: 1400 (South Asia)

Arts and Culture: 1430 (South Asia)

The State We're in: 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)

MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

*** Flatlanders ***
Our guest in Flatlanders this week is Major General Patrick Cammaert, who recently retired from an impressive career as one of the UN's leading peacekeeping officers.
His career has taken him from the jungles of Cambodia and the Congo to UN headquarters in New York. In Flatlanders General Cammaert shares his insights about the present challenges of peacekeeping, what works and what needs to be changed.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Sun 1400 (South Asia), Wednesday 1500 (South Asia) 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)

TUESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

*** The State We're In, Midweek Report ***

This week on The State We're In - Midweek Edition we talk to an Iraqi man from the southern city of Basra about the withdrawal of British troops - How will the pull-out affect people's daily lives?

And we'll also explore something we all do, but rarely admit: Lying. "Why we lie" is the focus of this week's theme on The State We're In - Midweek Edition, the programme which considers how we treat each other.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)
Repeated: Thu 1430, 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa) Sun 1900 (Central, East and South Africa)

WEDNESDAY 12 SEPTEMBER
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

*** Arts and Culture ***

"Conrad's Perfect Detonator"

On 13 September 1907, Polish/British writer Joseph Conrad published his novel "The Secret Agent". It is considered the first work of fiction to seriously consider terrorism. The story is set in London and 100 years later, it has chilling parallels to recent events there.

In early July, just days after the discovery in the West End of cars filled with explosives, David Swatling attended a London conference of the Joseph Conrad Society marking the 150th anniversary of the author's birth. One professor referred to "The Secret Agent" as "Conrad's perfect detonator". Find out why on Arts & Culture.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)

Repeated: Fri 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa), Sun 14:30 (South Asia)
THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

*** The Research File ***

The Research File this week is a very 'mobile' programme.
First we have a report on a very successful alcohol prevention programme for young drivers.

Also we'll take a closer look at sat-nav systems like the famous Tomtom. It's more than the perfect map reader; it changes human behaviour.

And we take a test drive in the world's first hydrogen powered lorry that is going to be used on a day-to-day basis

So join us, for the Research File.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)

Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa), Sat 1430 (South Asia)
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1000 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1100 (Eastern N America), 1400 & 1530 (South Asia), 1800, 1930 & 2030 (Central, East and South Africa), 0000 (Eastern N America), 0100 (Central N America), 0400 (Western N America)

*** Network Europe ***

A Pan European team links up across the continent each week to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

The programme is a unique example of European co-operation, produced by the continent's leading international broadcasters, it reflects the diversity of European society and voices. Each week we drop in on specialists around Europe and catch up with our extensive network of correspondents for their unique take on the events shaping the week.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 1030 (Asia/Far East/Pacific), 1130 (Eastern N America), 1430 (South Asia), 1830 & 2000 (Central, East and South Africa), 0030 (Eastern N America), 0130 (Central N America), 0430 (Western N America)

Repeated: Tues 1500 (South Asia), 1900 (Central, East and South Africa), Sat 1400 (South Asia)
(R Netherlands)

Amateur Radio DX News

SB DX @ ARL $ARLD037
ARLD037 DX news

ZCZC AE37
QST de W1AW
DX Bulletin 37 ARLD037
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT September 6, 2007
To all radio amateurs

SB DX ARL ARLD037
ARLD037 DX news

This week's bulletin was made possible with information provided by
NC1L, QRZ DX, the OPDX Bulletin, DXNL, 425 DX News, The Daily DX,
Contest Corral from QST and the ARRL Contest Calendar and WA7BNM web
sites. Thanks to all.

AGALEGA AND ST. BRANDON ISLANDS, 3B6. A large group of operators
are QRV as 3B7C from Brandon Island, IOTA AF-015, until September
24. Activity is on all HF bands, including 6 meters, using CW, SSB,
RTTY, FM and PSK, with 12 stations operating simultaneously. QSL
via G3NUG.

TANZANIA, 5H. Scott, AC3A is QRV as 5H3EYE from Dar es Salaam until
September 17 while on work assignment with Project ORBIS. He is
active during his local evenings. QSL to home call.

KENYA, 5Z. Chris, DL2MDU will be QRV as 5Z4/DL2MDU from September
10 to 24. Activity is holiday style on 80 to 10 meters using mostly
CW. QSL via bureau.

MALDIVES, 8Q. Chris, M0AJT is QRV as 8Q7CT from Dhonveli Island
until September 14. He is active using mainly CW in his spare time.
QSL to home call.

CROATIA, 9A. Niko, DD1MAT is QRV as 9A/DD1MAT from Dugi Otok
Island, IOTA EU-170. This includes an entry in the Worked All
Europe contest. QSL to home call.

MALTA, 9H. A group of amateurs will be QRV as 9H20 from September 8
to October 1. Activity will be on 80 to 10 meters. QSL via PB9ZR.

TONGA, A3. Ron, ZL1AMO is QRV as A35EA from Lifuka Island, IOTA
OC-169, until September 16 while on vacation.

PORTUGAL, CT. Carlos, CT4HA/p is QRV from Berlenga Island, IOTA
EU-040, until September 9. Activity is on 80 to 10 meters using
SSB. QSL to home call.

ANTARCTICA. Mirko is QRV as DP0GVN from Neumayer Base and has been
active on 20 meters around 1600z. QSL via DL5EBE.

ISLE OF MAN, GD. Lars, DF1LON is QRV as MD0LON until September 10.
Activity is on 80 to 10 meters, possibly including 6 meters, using
CW, SSB and RTTY. he will also be active in the Worked All Europe
contest as GD6IA. QSL both calls to home call.

GRENADA, J3. Gerd, DL7VOG is QRV as J3/DL7VOG from Carriacou, IOTA
NA-147, until September 16. Activity is on 160 to 6 meters using
mostly CW and RTTY, with some SSB. QSL to home call.

MINAMI TORISHIMA, JD1. Masafumi, JA6GXK is QRV as JD1BMM until
September 18. He has been active on 20 meters using RTTY around
1130z. QSL to home call.

NAMIBIA, V5. Alfons is QRV as V55C and has been active on 20 meters
around 1545z. QSL this operation via DJ8VC.

FALKLAND ISLANDS, VP8. Chris, GM0TQJ will be QRV as VP8CXV from
September 8 to January 15, 2008. He will be active using mostly
SSB, but will also do RTTY and PSK31. QSL to home call.

DIEGO GARCIA, VQ9. Larry, VQ9LA is normally QRV on 160 meters
around 2300z and then 1300z. QSL direct.

INDIA, VU. Indian amateurs have temporary access to 30 meters until
September 30, 2007. Special event station AT60MY is normally QRV on
10106 kHz during this time. QSL via bureau.

TRISTAN da CUNHA AND GOUGH ISLANDS, ZD9. Brian, ZD9BCB is QRV from
the weather station on Gough Island until September 14. He is
usually active on 20 meters around 1720z. QSL direct via SQ8AQD.

THIS WEEKEND ON THE RADIO. The ARRL September VHF QSO Party, NCCC
CW Sprint, AGCW Straight Key Party, International G3ZQS Memorial
Straight Key Contest, Worked All Europe SSB DX Contest, Swiss HTC
QRP CW Sprint, Arkansas QSO Party, SOC Marathon CW Sprint, North
American CW Sprint, Tennessee QSO Party and the ARCI End of Summer
Digital Sprint will certainly keep contesters busy this weekend.
The YLRL Howdy Days runs from September 11 to 13. Please see
September QST, page 90, and the ARRL and WA7BNM contest web sites
for details.
NNNN
/EX
(Source: Dave Raycroft via ODXA)

XM to carry Farm Aid September 9

September 9, 2007 - 4 PM ET

Farm Aid works year round to keep family farmers on their land, and they've been doing it for more than 20 years. XM is proud to support Farm Aid once again by bringing the 2007 broadcast to the XM Nation. Join Dan Neer and Jessie Scott broadcasting from Randall's Island in New York City for Farm Aid 2007 with superstars like Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, the Allman Brothers, and many more!

(Source: XM

http://www.xmradio.com/onxm/channelpage.xmc?ch=40

CBC announcers launching of HNIC Radio on Sirius

The CBC announced the launching of HNIC Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio Friday, bringing back the show's radio roots which started 74 years ago.
HNIC Radio will air Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 1 on channel 122, and will be available to Sirius listeners throughout North America. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. "This is a wonderful extension of the Hockey Night in Canada brand," said Scott Moore, executive director of CBC Sports.The CBC announced the launching of HNIC Radio on Sirius Satellite Radio Friday, bringing back the show's radio roots which started 74 years ago.
HNIC Radio will air Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET beginning Oct. 1 on channel 122, and will be available to Sirius listeners throughout North America. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed. "This is a wonderful extension of the Hockey Night in Canada brand," said Scott Moore, executive director of CBC Sports.

Read more at CBCSports

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/09/07/hnic-sirius.html?ref=rss

Rivalry in radio must stop

By Jacquiline Afua Bondzi Posted: Friday, September 07, 2007

The radio business in Ghana has eventually become one of the enviable jobs. Most young ones now look up to some radio personalities as their role models and mentors some due to the ways they carry themselves on radio and others just like their personal life styles behind the scenes.
One big question that keeps bothering the minds of many is “Why presenters do becomes enemies of their previous stations the moment they are “poached out” or leave for another station?

Management and board members of radio stations travel outside the capital and other urban centers to the “rural areas” to poach vibrant personalities into the big cities to work with yet they see nothing wrong with that but the moment a station in the city poach a presenter from a station in the city there is rivalry and hatred.

Read more at the Ghanian Chronicle
http://www.ghanaian-chronicle.com/thestory.asp?id=3680

T-Systems and Eutelsat sign aggreement

Media& Broadcast, a business unit of T-Systems. and Eutelsat Communications have signed an agreement for the lease of a full transponder on Eutelsat’s Eurobird™ 9 satellite. The capacity will be used for video networks and data distribution services in Germany and international markets. Signed for 10 years, the contract was announced at IBC Amsterdam by both companies.
Eurobird™ 9 is a 20-transponder high-power Ku-band satellite optimised for television and radio broadcasting in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The satellite’s recent entry into service at Eutelsat’s new 9 degrees East position, adjacent to the Hot Bird neighbourhood, underlines Eutelsat’s objective to develop multi-satellite reception in Europe in order to accompany the growing number of channels and the arrival of HDTV.
Satellite homes equipped for DTH reception from the Hot Bird™ position can easily add channels broadcast by Eurobird™ 9 by fitting a second LNB beside the LNB pointed to the Hot Bird™ satellites.
The new multiplex will be uplinked to Eurobird™ 9 from T-Systems’ earth station facilities in Usingen (Germany). Commenting on the contract, Helmut Egenbauer, CEO of Media&Broadcast said: “Our new agreement with Eutelsat secures us with capacity at a new satellite neighbourhood over Europe which is ideally positioned for our clients for broadcasting Standard Digital and HDTV channels. We also plan to use this capacity for radio and data applications.”
(Source: Eutelsat/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Central African Republic: UN backed radio strives for national coverage

Text of report by state-owned Central African Republic radio on 5 September

Now it’s over to Athanase Karayenga of Fondation Hirondelle [Geneva-based NGO], representing his colleague at Radio Ndeke Luka [Bangui FM station backed by UN and Fondation Hirondelle].

Athanase Karayenga talked with the communications minister about Ndeke Luka’s plan to broadcast to the whole country. At the end of the meeting, Mr Karayenga answered questions from [reporter] Ruben Ngoya.

[Karayenga] I discussed Radio Ndeke Luka’s plans with the communications minister. We have received two directives from the EU, one of Radio Ndeke Luka’s donors, asking us to rework the statutes so that Ndeke Luka becomes a Central African national judicial entity. We hope to complete this by the end of the year. It is possible.

The second directive is to cover the whole country, via shortwave, in the not-too-distant future. These are requests from the European Commission.

I met the communications minister yesterday, when I was in Boali. I met friends at ICDI, a shortwave [religious] radio station broadcasting from Boali, and which could broadcast our programmes for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, every day.
(Source: Radio Centrafrique, Bangui, in French 1800 gmt 5 Sep 07 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

6.6 Earthquake Rocks Taiwan/ English shortwave schedule

TAIPEI, Taiwan —

Fox News is reporting that Taiwan has been jolted in the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, early Friday, shaking buildings and waking residents.

The Central Weather Bureau said the 6.6 magnitude temblor struck at sea, 44 miles southeast of the eastern city of Ilan at 1:51 a.m. local time. Ilan is about 50 miles east of Taipei.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or casualties, but the quake was felt for at least 30 seconds.
Earthquakes frequently jolt Taiwan, but most are usually minor and cause little or no damage.
A 7.6-magnitude earthquake in central Taiwan hit in September 1999 and killed more than 2,300 people. In December 2006 a 6.7-magnitude offshore tremor south of the city of Kaohsiung severed two undersea cables and disrupted telephone and Internet service to millions of users throughout Asia.

Radio Taiwan International

English service
All times UTC
Target areas: as (Asia) eu (Europe) na (North America) sa (South America) af (Africa) pa (Pacific)

0100-0200 11875as 15465na
0200-0300 5950na 9680na
0300-0400 5950na 15215sa
0700-0800 5950am
0800-0900 11715pa
1100-1200 11715as
1400-1500 15265as
1600-1700 11550as 15515as
1700-1800 15690af
1800-1900 3965eu
2200-2300 15600eu
(Source: Gayle Van Horn, Frequency Manager/Monitoring Times - SW Guide)

Celebration of VOA jazz & Willis Conover planned

The Voice of America (VOA) and the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (DEJF) are hosting a free concert in memory of VOA jazz host Willis Conover and in observance of the 50th anniversary of Dizzy Gillespie’s first State Department-sponsored trip.

Date: Monday, September 17, 2007
Time: 7:30 PM
Performers:
Paquito D’Rivera, Musical Director - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet (Cuba)
Milcho Leviev - Piano (Bulgaria)
George Mraz - Bass (Czech Republic)
Valery Ponomarev - Trumpet (Russia)
Horacio Hernandez - Drums (Cuba)

Place:
VOA Headquarters, Wilbur J. Cohen Building Auditorium, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, C Street entrance
(1 blk. From Federal Center Southwest Metro stop)
Security Screening will be in effect. (Photo ID required)

Reservations:
Limited Seating - Free and open to the public
Reservations required by 13 September 13 to (202) 203-4962 or via e-mail at publicaffairs@voa.gov .
Called by Reader’s Digest “the world’s favorite American,” Willis Conover hosted VOA’s premiere jazz broadcast for over 40 years and was a legend around the world for his command of America’s art form and for his interviews with Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and virtually the entire pantheon of jazz artists from the 1950s through the 1990s. He influenced a generation of musicians around the world, including Cuban-born jazz great Paquito D’Rivera. D’Rivera will lead a quintet made up of another Cuban-born musician and three players from former Soviet Bloc countries.

For further information, please contact VOA’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 203-4959 or Jana La Sorte, DEJF, at: (347) 742-9595 (mobile). www.dejazzfest.org
(Source: VOA/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

France's reform of public external broadcasting unlikely

Excerpt from report by French news agency AFP

Paris, 5 September 2007: Reform of public external broadcasting will not come in the form of an “all-encompassing merger” between the different bodies concerned (France 24, TV5, RFI [Radio France Internationale]), said Georges-Marc Benamou, President Nicolas Sarkozy’s adviser on culture and broadcasting, in an interview with AFP today, Wednesday.

At present, “public external broadcasting has all the look of an incredible Meccano set - but we are not going to carry out an all-encompassing merger”, said Mr Benamou, who along with Mr Sarkozy’s diplomatic adviser, Jean-David Levitte, chairs “a working group and think-tank involved in making proposals” concerning this delicate question.

The group, made up of representatives from the prime minister’s office and the various ministries concerned (Foreign Ministry, Culture and Finance) has already met several times. It is agreed on the “need to reform” public external broadcasting, whose “influence remains insufficient” in view of the sum (more than 300m euros, excluding Arte [Franco-German TV channel]) France dedicates to it every year. An “interim report” listing different options was written in August.

“The working group will now launch a consultation exercise”, Mr Benamou said. “We are going to enter into a process of listening to the different entities concerned and the francophone authorities,” said the left-wing journalist and writer, who has been won over by Nicolas Sarkozy. In fact France must consult its partners in TV5, a francophone television channel which is funded essentially by Paris but also by Switzerland, Canada, Quebec and Belgium.

[Passage omitted - Mr Benamou said TF5 would remain “a generalist, multilateral and francophone channel, but it will be modernized”. He added that it was not a question of making savings but of ensuring France’s influence. According to Mr Benamou, the working group’s proposals will be presented to the president and the prime minister at the beginning of November, for arbitration by the president.]

“The paradox is that we have good funding but that there is a lack of effectiveness. With BBC World, the British spend about the same amount as we do but they have a dominant position,” he pointed out.

Some members of the working group will go to London at the end of the week to meet BBC World directors and to study the secrets of the success of this media outlet.

(Source: AFP news agency, Paris, in French 1116 gmt 5 Sep 07 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Blog Logs - Clandestine radio

This mornings Blog Logs focus on what DXers from DX Window are logging from the intriguing world of clandestine radio.

All times UTC

* sign -on - sign-off*

1550 MW, Nacional Radio of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic, Rabouni, *1700-1730, Sep 03, fading in with Arabic program, also heard in Spanish 2300-2400*, Aug 02 // 6300. On the SW coast of Portugal, their signal at *1700 is a lot stronger than over here at home in Lisbon. (Gonçalves)

6003, Echo of Hope, via Gimpo, South Korea, 1140-1405, Sep 01, Korean talks to North Korea, vocal music, good signal, no sign of jamming, 24332. (Slaen, Wilkins in DXplorer)

6300, Nacional Radio of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic, Rabouni, *1700-1715, Sep 03, Arabic Koranic prayer, also heard 2235-2400*, Aug 02 and 03, Arabic until 2300, then Spanish again till 2400*, ex-1700-1800, distorted audio, 35333 // 1550 MW. This is probably their Winter schedule arrangement, so maybe even their third outlet of 700 MW is activated too. (Gonçalves and Petersen)

7115, IBC Tamil, via T - System, Germany, *0000-0100*, Aug 17 and Sep 01, Tamil programme. E-QSL received in the week Aug 20-25: "Dear Mukesh Kumar, Thank you very much for your kind reception report which we confirm and which is attached to this email. You did listen to a transmission of IBC Tamil which was broadcast towards South Asia by using a 250 kW transmitter from Short-wave Radio Station Wertachtal. Kindest regards, Walter Brodowsky". (Kumar and Slaen)

9485, Shiokaze, via Tanshui, Taiwan, 1303-1330, Sep 01 and 02, Korean programme. On Sep 01 it was obliterated by roaring noise on frequency which could be jamming. (Wilkins in DXplorer)

13830. German Post returned my reception report to Sagalee Bilisummaa Oromoo (Voice of Oromo Liberation), that has been addressed to P.O. Box 510620, D-13366, Berlin (as per WRTH-07). Postal authorities marked the envelope as "non reclame". Now I found the station's page at http://www.oromoliberationfront.org/sbo.html, and I see that P.O. Box number is a bit different: 510610. Other elements of address are correct. Did anybody try to contact the station via P.O. Box 510610 recently? (Mezin, Sep 03)
(Source: DX Window 332 via Anker Petersen/DSWCI)

Cuban Radio celebrates its 85th Anniversary

Cuba was one of the first Latin American countries to develop a radio broadcasting network. The first radio station was inaugurated on August 22, 1922.
Celebrations for the 85th anniversary of the birth of Cuban radio began on Thursday with a pilgrimage to the final resting ground of Luis Casas Romero, known as the father of Cuban radio. The national radio system boosts a large audience and is comprised of 87 radio stations across the island. Among the activities to celebrate the anniversary will be an award ceremony to be held at the Museum of the Revolution in Havana recognizing outstanding workers in all areas of national radio broadcasting. Celebrations will include the presentation of a cancellation stamp commemorating the anniversary and a interactive forum on the five Cuban antiterrorist fighters unjustly held in US prisons for more than eight years.
Cuban radio has made a significant contribution to the international campaign for the freedom of Gerardo Hernandez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramon Labañino, Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez, known worldwide as the Cuban Five. The forum will open on Saturday at the Jose Marti International Institute of Journalism in Havana.
Cuba was one of the first Latin American countries to develop a radio broadcasting network. The first radio station was inaugurated on August 22, 1922.
Radio Rebelde, the Cuban revolution's radio station, broadcasted for the first time on February 24, 1958 opening a new period in the history of radio on the island.
The Cuban Radio and Television Institute was created on May 24, 1962 with the purpose of extending broadcasting to the whole territory.
(Source: Radio Rebelde)

85th Anniversary celebrations also included launch of the Portal of the
Cuban Radio (a service in English Language) at http://www.cubanradio.cu/

Full story at :
http://www.cubanradio.cu/news/august_07/the_cuban_radio_in_its_85th_anniversary.asp

Also read this.......Thanks to the radio
http://www.cubanradio.cu/documentals/thanks_to_the_radio.asp

The history of the radio broadcasting in Cuba
http://www.cubanradio.cu/history_of_cuban_radio.asp

Alokesh Gupta
New Delhi, India.

WWWT Talk Radio to Replace Post Programming

Wednesday, August 29, 2007; Page C03
Bonneville International Corp. will launch radio station WWWT to replace WTWP, its radio-station venture with The Washington Post that will end next month.
The new station will feature local and syndicated talk shows to replace programming provided by The Post. WWWT, dubbed "Talk Radio 3WT," will begin airing Sept. 20. WWWT will be simulcast on the same frequencies on which Washington Post Radio now airs: 1500 AM, 107.7 FM and 820 AM.
Bonneville has lined up four nationally syndicated programs for the station: three featuring conservative-libertarian personalities -- Neal Boortz, Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly -- and one with liberal Stephanie Miller. Reflecting its ideological diversity, the station's slogan will be, "Left, Right, and Whatever We Want."

Read more at Washngton Post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/28/AR2007082801725.html

Stars Come Out for Radio 1 birthday

John Plunkett
Wednesday September 5, 2007
MediaGuardian.co.uk

McCartney: he'll present the first of 10 evening shows entitled Radio 1 Legends. Photo: Guardian Unlimited

Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher and Tony Blackburn will present a series of programmes on Radio 1 as part of the station's 40th birthday celebrations.
The former Beatle will host the first of 10 evening shows titled Radio 1 Legends, beginning on September 17, playing some of the tunes that inspired him and his career.

He will be followed in the slot by acts including the Arctic Monkeys, Ozzy Osbourne, Debbie Harry, Norman Cook, Gwen Stefani and Oasis guitarist and songwriter Gallagher.

Read more at Media Guardian /Radio News

http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/story/0,,2162896,00.html

Blog Logs

Today's shortwave BLOG LOGS, represent those recently cut from my SWBC Logs column in Monitoring Times, due to space constraints. Contributions are always welcome for the magazine or blog, and may be directed to my above email address. Thanks very much to all the contributors for your kind words and support.
Gayle VH

Freqs in kHz, all times UTC, English unless otherwise stated // parallel frequencies. * sign-on - sign-off *

Bolivia
Radio Universitaria 4732. Spanish 0143-0155. Music and talk between brief music breaks amid RTTY interference for poor signal. (S Barbour, NH)

Bulgaria
Radio Bulgaria 9700. DX Club program T 2340 // 11700, SIO 544. (B Fraser, ME)

Equatorial Guinea (Malabo)
Radio Africa 15190. Religious programming 1055-1120. Bible readings and chats. Signal fading. (S Barbour, NH)

Indonesia
RRI-Fak Fak 4790. Carrier noted 0920-0935 as audio fades up. Female announcer noted with comments about Indonesia and regional music. Signal never did improve beyond threshold. (C. Bolland, FL).

RRI-Wamena. 4869.95. Indonesian 1003-1010. Signal likely up before 1000 or may have signed on at 1000. Heard again at 1006 for comments and music for very weak signal. (C. Bolland, FL).

Voice of Indonesia 9525. 1014-1030. Mandarin text 1014-1030. Announcer‛s text between musical ballads. Station identification in passing at 1020 amid poor-fair signal quality. Signal wiped out at 1030 by 9530 NHK/Radio Japan sign-on. (S Barbour, NH)

Japan
NHK/Radio Japan 9750. Japanese 1047-1105. Male/female announcer duo amid musical bits. Station identification at 1100 into newscast. Fair signal quality. (S Barbour, NH)

Kuwait
Radio Kuwait 11990. Sign-on 1800 into What it Means to Be a Muslim program feature. SIO 454. (B Fraser, ME)

Malaysia
Asyik FM via Kajang. 1120-1204+. Pop music to lady announcer‛s announcement. Time pips at 1200 into newscast. Good signal but high/low hetrodyne and static noise. (J Wilkins, CO)

Klasik Nasional FM. 5964.94. 1150-1220+ with Malay-flavored vocals. Two time pips at 1200. Lady announcer with presumed newscast to station jingle at 1203. Followed by male/female interview and back to music at 1271. Fair signal (J Wilkins, CO)

RTM 6049.65. Noted a faint signal at 1025 with music. At 1026 male announcer‛s comments followed by female‛s comments. Signal very faint. (J Wilkins, CO)

Monaco
Trans World Radio 9800. Religious programming 0800-0817. Program Through the Bible to TWR website address and postal address. Good signal. (S Barbour, NH)

North Korea
KCBS-Kanggye (Korean Central BS via Pyongyang). 0947-1003 in Korean. Martial music and announcer‛s text. Time pips and presumed station ID. Signal poor with fading. (S Barbour, NH)

Russia
Tartarstan Wave (tentative) in presumed Russian. Continuous male‛s talk and on occasion followed by female announcer. Music bits at 0859 to presumed sign-off during poor signal with fading during local sunrise. (S Barbour, NH)

Turkey
Voice of Turkey 15450. Sign-on 1230 into news script by male announcer. SIO 454. (B. Fraser, ME)

USA
KNLS-Alaska 7355. 0818-0830 with station identification and contact info at tune-in. Program of pop standards and DX segment covering radio propagation. (S Barbour, NH)

Zambia
CVC 15715. Monitored 1727-1745. Interview regarding local hospital at tune-in. Contemporary religious music between numerous CVC identifications and promos. Poor signal quality. (S Barbour, NH).

Zanzibar
Radio Tanzania-Zanzibar 11735. Vernacular languages 2038-2100* Arabic and Afro music with male announcer‛s comments between selections. Two announcer‛s chat to presumed sign-off and national anthem, at 2100. (S Barbour, NH)

Vatican Radio adjust DRM schedule

VATICAN CITY
Frequency changes of Vatican Radio in DRM mode:
All times UTC

1100-1200 new freq 11630 SMG 060 kW / 300 deg to NoAm, ex 13770
2300-2345 new freq 9755 SMG 060 kW / 300 deg to NoAm, ex 9750
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)

WYFR Family Radio schedule update

USA(non)

Additional transmissions and frequency changes of WYFR Family Radio:
All times UTC

1100-1300 on 13810*VLD 200 kW / 220 deg to SEAs Tagalog/Indonesian, addit.
1100-1400 on 11725 KHB 250 kW / 244 deg to EaAs Chinese, addit.
1200-1300 NF 5970 K/A 250 kW / 213 deg to EaAs Korean, ex 6005
1300-1500 on 13810*A-A 500 kW / 121 deg to SEAs English/Indonesian, addit.
1400-1500 NF 9595 DHA 250 kW / 105 deg to SoAs Marathi, ex 9705
1400-1500 on 11725 KHB 250 kW / 244 deg to EaAs English, addit.
1400-1500 on 12075 SAM 250 kW / 140 deg to SoAs Kannada, ex Marathi
1400-1500 on 15715 WER 500 kW / 090 deg to SoAs Kannada, ex Marathi
1500-1800 on 12020 WER 500 kW / 075 deg to SoAs Urdu, ex Urdu/Gujarati/Nepali
1600-1700 on 6000 MEY 100 kW / 076 deg to SoAf Portuguese, addit.
1600-1700 on 9440 MEY 250 kW / 328 deg to SoAf Portuguese, addit.
1600-1700 on 9735 ARM 300 kW / 110 deg to SoAs Punjabi, addit.
1600-1700 on 12100 ARM 250 kW / 110 deg to SoAs Urdu, ex Pashto/Dari
1800-1900 on 7320 ARM 300 kW / 290 deg to WeEu German, addit.
* co-ch DW in DRM mode till 1400 and Brother Stair in English from 1400
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)

BBC frequency update

United Kingdom (non)

Frequency changes for BBC:

All times UTC

0630-0700 new freq 11610*RMP 500 kW / 160 deg, ex 9440 ASC 250 kW / 055 deg Hausa
1300-1330 on 17525 CYP 250 kW / 050 deg, \\ 11915NAK;13855CYP;15330RMP Uzbek
1930-2000 new freq 7165 WOF 300 kW / 158 deg, ex 11855 ASC 250 kW / 055 deg Hausa
* co-ch Voice of Croatia in Croatian via DTK T-Systems Media&Broadcast
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)

RAI International schedule update

ITALY
Deleted transmissions of RAI International, all in Italian:
0130-0230 on 6110 ASC 250 kW / 235 deg to SoAm
0130-0230 on 11765 ASC 250 kW / 295 deg to CeAm
1000-1100 on 11920 SNG 250 kW / 140 deg to AUS
1600-1700 on 17790 ASC 250 kW / 102 deg to SoAf
(Source: DX Mix News 484 via Alokesh Gupta)