Listener's competition from Radio Moldova Int'l

For those that enjoy competition, here's your chance to test your knowledge about Moldova. entitled "Discover the Republic of Moldova"

The competition will extend until August 27, 2006, when the station marks 15 years since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Moldova.

The competition has 15 stages. Twice a week, 3 questions of the competition will be announced in the Monday and Friday programmes which will be also available at our website at www.trm.md. The first two questions will focus on general information about Moldova, while the third one will reffer to stories, broadcast during the two stages. Please send your answers to the questions by email to moldova-international@mail.md within a week time. Each answer will be scored from 0 to 3 points, depending on correctness and complexity.

The participant who gained the biggest number of points will win the competition. The management of the Public Company Teleradio Moldova decided to award the winner of the competition a 3 day visit to Moldova, during the Wine Festival, held traditionally in October each year. The winners of the 2 and 3 place will get nice presents - craftsmanship works, CDs with moldovan music and souvenirs from Moldova. Do not miss the chance to visit Moldova! Participate in the competition. "Discover the Republic of Moldovaö

I.
1. Describe as detailed as possible the geographical placement of the Republic of Moldova.
2. What colors are on the Republic of Moldova national flag?
3. What is the name of the Moldovan guitar player and composer, who is working and living in USA for 16 years?

II.
Dear friends, we announce the questions for the second stage of the contest: ô Discover the Republic of Moldova:

1. What is the surface of the Republic of Moldova?
2. When did the Republic of Moldova became an UNO member?
3. What is the most famous wine collection from Moldova?

III.
Dear friends, we thank everyone who is participating in the contest: ½ Discover the Republic of Moldova, initiated by Radio Moldova International on the occasion of the 15th anniversary since the proclamation of independence of the Republic of Moldova. Due to the requests of several listeners we decided to change the days for announcing the questions. So, the questions will be broadcasted on Monday and Thursday. You can find them on the web page at: www.trm.md. Here are the questions for the third stage of the contest:

1. Who is the most famous medieval ruler of Moldova?
2. What is the governing regime of the Republic of Moldova?
3. Name all the Moldovan newspapers that you know.

IV.
The 4th Stage:
1. How many heads of the state had the Republic of Moldova till present?
2. What is the dominant religion in the Republic of Moldova?
3. Name the greatest Moldovan enterprise (producer) of clothes.

(Source: T. Banks/ www.trm.md/radio/conc_en.html

Hot Spot DXing - Military Communications

Things are still brewing in the Middle East, and we continue to receive good response from the Hot Spot DXing posting of July 14th. If you're interested in monitoring the utility side of the conflict, click over to http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com.
GVH

Radio France Int'l plans freq testing

RFI informs that they will perform DRM test transmissions via the new 150 kW DRM / 250 kW AM transmitter in these days between 1900 and 2145 UTC as follows:

- 21645 kHz to Europe on 17, 20, 24, 26 and 28 July,

- 15795 kHz to Brazil on 18, 21, 25 and 27 July.

Receptions reports are welcomed to the e-mail: Jacques.Gruson@tdf.fr

(Source: HCDX)

Radio Tirana plans freq test July 17-18

From Cumbre comes word that Radio Tirana is planning to test new 7450 kHz from tonight the 17th UTC into the 18th UTC to North America due to reported - and heard -RTTY interference on 7455 kHz.

The schedule is Albanian 2300-0030 and English 0145-0200 and 0230-0300 with
6115 in parallel as usual from Shijak.

Reception reports will be most appreciated by the station via e-mail to
dcico@icc.al.eu.org and QSL's are available if you ask.

Noel R. Green (NW England/Cumbre DX)

Push to declare VOA-Bethany 'historical significance'

Trustee Catherine Stoker and several residents will travel to Columbus, Ohio, next month to urge that the Voice of America building in West Chester Township be declared a place of national historical significance. Such a designation would qualify it for potentially millions of dollars in federal grants and funding. The building is the last remnant of the VOA Bethany shortwave transmitting station that operated from 1944 to 1994.

Read the story in The Enquirer at: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/NEWS01/607170334/1056
(Source: R.Netherlands Media Network weblog)

RFA releases new Marconi QSL card

RADIO FREE ASIA RELEASES ITS ELEVENTH QSL CARD
JULY 2006
RFA’s Technical Operations Division is proud to announce the release of the company’s eleventh QSL card in honor of the Father of Radio, Guglielmo Marconi. The card is scheduled for distribution from July 1 to August 31, 2006. Marconi was born on April 25, 1874, in Bologna, Italy. In 1901, people still thought the curvature of the earth would prevent radio signals from traveling more than 200 miles, but in July of 1901, Marconi was able to transmit across the Atlantic Ocean; this helped accelerate the development of the wireless industry. In 1909 Marconi shared the Nobel Prize for physics with Karl Ferdinand Braun. More information about Marconi, his life, and his work is available at the following Internet link: http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/1909/marconi-bio.htmlRadio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a ‘surrogate’ broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest.
RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. Radio stations, like RFA, usually confirm accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card.
RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX’ers, but also from its general listening audience. Reception reports are also accepted by email at qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to:

Reception Reports
Radio Free Asia
2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20036
United States of America.

Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

(Source: DSWCI/DX Window)

WRNO said to be active on shortwave ...?

CBS Channel 11 in Dallas-Forth Worth has reported that WRNO is broadcasting via shortwave radio, but has the shortwave listening audience heard them? The following story still has hobbyist wondering.

(CBS 11 News) FORT WORTH An American broadcaster wants to make a difference during the Middle East crisis. His short-wave radio station is headquartered in Fort Worth, but millions of people all over the world are tuning in to hear a message of peace and understanding.
Robert Mawire is monitoring the crisis, and he’s working hard to make sure that peace returns to the region. His efforts to reach millions of people who have little or no access to modern technology originates from downtown Fort Worth, inside one of the city’s tallest buildings. A worldwide radio empire is sending out a message.
“Without freedom, it is difficult to accomplish anything,” says Mawire. “We are pleased to say that we are a part of the war on terror -- not as antagonizing, but as explaining.”
Dr. Robert Mawire, chairman and CEO of WRNO Worldwide, has the potential to reach more than a billion people throughout the world. He can reach so many because of the popularity of short-wave radio. But it’s those in the Middle East that his message is geared to.
“What's needed in the Middle East is reconciliation, working together trying to find a common ground,” he says.
Mawire has a 15-minute show, which lately has focused on his recent trip to Israel – a trip that ended the day the unrest began.
“All the Israelis who I've talked to from the Prime Minister who I know personally, the generals in the army, they all want peace and they want peace now,” he says.
Mawire, who’s worked with three Israeli prime ministers, knows that the conflict cannot be solved overnight. It’s a point he tries to get across on his daily broadcasts. But he believes that peace in the Middle East cannot happen without the world’s superpower – America – stepping in. Before we can do that, Mawire says, it’s important that militant Muslims hear his message: “To give the people an understanding of America, what we stand for, that we are not against Muslims or the Muslim world.”
Mawire tells us that short-wave radios, while not popular in the United States, are owned by one of every six people in the world. The format is important because it is cheap, portable and broadcasts cannot be blocked by governments.
(CBS 11 News/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Gayle Van Horn: I've yet to see any reports of WRNO being active on shortwave again. If indeed, wouldn't a time of operation or frequencies have been helpful in the article? There's no mention that the transmitters are located in Metarie, Louisiana, or when WRNO resumed service after years of being inactive. They supposedly had plans to return "sometime in 2006", but we heard that last year as well. So what's the deal Mr. Mawire? Have you moved lock, stock and barrel to Fort Worth? And how about that comment from him "that shortwave radios" not being popular in the United States? Is he for real ?
At one time, WRNO was using 7355 and 15420 kHz targeted to North and Central America. This one is definately one to watch for ...or to monitor, and would welcome any feedback. More on WRNO as news warrants.

Hot Spot DXing - Middle East

Egypt and Iran have been added to the Hot Spot DXing list. Both are countries to watch during this continued conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel destroyed Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut today, and tightened it's seal on Lebanon, blasting it's air and road links to the outside world to punish the guerrilla group-and with it the country, for the capture of two Israeli soldiers.Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah, repeated a threat to hit the coastal city of Haifa and other towns farther south. "We will reach Haifa, and believe me, even beyond Haifa." Hundreds of people poured into the Gaza strip from Egypt on Friday after Palestinians blew a hole in the border seperating the two places, an Associated Press reporter said at the scene. The border has largely been closed since June 25 when Palestinians militants carried out a cross-border raid on a military outpost, kiling two Israeli soldiers and capturing one. Hundreds of people have been stranded on the Egyptian side of the border,unable to get to their homes in Gaza. With Syria, and Iran in full support of the Hezbollah, tensions will likely increase, and both could have a larger role should war be declared.The Prime Minister of Israel said today that Israel will not hault it's offensive in Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed.
Besides the current Kol Israel schedule, I have added Israel's Galei Tzahal (Israel Defence Forces Radio). The station is an Israeli nation-wide radio network owned by the Israel Defence Forces. The station broadcast on AM, FM and shortwave. The shortwave programming may be heard as:
Hebrew / UTC
1900-0400 6973 kHz targeted to Europe
0400-1900 15785 kHz targeted to Europe
Their Hebrew website is located at: www.glz.co.il

The following English schedules reflect MT's most recent schedule for Egypt, Iran, Israel (Kol Israel) and Syria. Lebanon is currently inactive on shortwave.
UTC, kHz, target areas: va (various areas) eu (Europe) al (alternate freq), na (North America) af (Africa) as (Asia) am (Americas)

Egypt - Radio Cairo
0000-0030 11950na
0200-0300 7270na
0300-0330 7270na
1215-1300 17835as
1300-1330 17835as
1600-1700 11740af
1700-1800 11740af
2000-2100 15375af
2100-2130 15375af
2115-2200 9990eu
2200-2245 9990eu
2300-0000 11950na

Iran - V.O.I.R.I (Voice of Islamic Republic)
0130-0200 7235am 9495am
0200-0230 7235am 9495am
1030-1100 15600as 17660as
1100-1130 15600as 17660as
1530-1600 7350as 9635as 11650al
1600-1630 7350as 9635as 11650al
1930-2000 6205eu 7205eu 7540af 9800af 9925af 11860a
l2000-2030 6205eu 7205eu 7540af 9800af 9925af 11860al

Israel - Kol Israel
0330-0345 9345va 7530va 17600va
0930-0945 13680eu 15760eu
1730-1745 9345va 11590va 13675va
1900-1925 9400va 11590va 15640va

Syria - Radio Damascus
2005-2100 9330eu 12085eu 13610al
2100-2200 9330eu 12085eu 136 10al
2200-2210 9330eu 12085eu

Radio Sweden adds two extra transmissions

Because of the crisis in the Middle East involving Israel and Lebanon (see this Radio Netherlands commentary <www.radionetherlands.nl/currentaffairs/isr060713> by Bertus Hendriks), Radio Sweden is adding two extra transmissions for Swedish listeners in the region. The domestic service half hour news programme Lunchekot is being relayed daily at 1030 UTC on 9490 and 21810 kHz. The Radio Sweden broadcast at 1200 UTC is also being broadcast to the region on 21810 kHz. Unfortunately this means the 1200 UTC transmission to Asia on 15735 kHz is cancelled.
(Source:Radio Sweden/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

New program exchange for Radio New Zealand and BBC

Radio New Zealand International has announced the introduction of a new thirty minute weekday programme exchange with the BBC Pacific service. The programme, to be launched on Monday 17 July, will see the BBC’s Pacific service relaying a bulletin of Pacific regional news and Radio New Zealand International’s Pacific current affairs programme Dateline Pacific at 0830-0900 UTC. Dateline Pacific draws on the work of Radio New Zealand International staff and on stories filed by Pacific journalists from around the region.
In exchange, at 0100 UTC on weekdays Radio New Zealand International will be broadcasting a BBC World news bulletin, followed by detailed BBC correspondent’s reports from the four corners of the globe and a round-up of the latest in international sport.
Radio New Zealand International manager, Linden Clark, says she is delighted with the launch: “This will allow us to get more listeners for our flagship current affairs programme across the Pacific. It’s also recognition of the relevance of the Dateline Pacific programme which is already relayed by Radio Australia around the region.”
The Radio New Zealand International programme will be carried on the BBC’s Pacific network of FM relays and satellite services. Radio New Zealand’s own shortwave broadcasts cover the area from Papua New Guinea in the west across to French Polynesia in the east and all the countries in between. A new digital (DRM) shortwave service is just now being launched across the Pacific region with partner relaying radio stations in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Niue all now equipped with digital software receivers. More countries will be equipped so they can receive the new digital signal over the next few months.
(Source: R. New Zealand International/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Kenya BC and China Radio Int'l frequency debate

Members of the Kenyan Parliament have expressed anger because the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation has allowed China Radio International to broadcast using its frequencies. MPs demanded to know the terms of the contract, fearing that Kenya could be losing its sovereignty to China. The State broadcaster had not been allowed to broadcast in China, the MPs said.
Zaddock Syongo (Gwasi, Narc) wanted to be told how much airtime KBC radio and television had ceded to the Chinese media house to date, and what steps the Government was taking to ensure that Kenya got equal access to broadcast in China. He said Radio China [sic] had literally taken over KBC radio’s General and National services. Mr Syongo said whereas the contract should have been of mutual benefit, China was yet to meet its part of the bargain, four years down the line.
Mr Mwandawiro Mganga (Wundanyi, Ford People) said KBC as a national broadcaster should not have allowed its frequencies to be used by a foreign radio station. Mr Peter Munya (Tigania East, Safina) said most countries used their national broadcaster to propagate their values and culture, and feared that Kenya was being inundated with Chinese culture. Mr Joe Khamisi (Bahari, Narc) accused the Government of underfunding KBC, which was now competing with private stations. As a result, the former KBC Managing Director said, it had been forced to enter into contracts with foreigners.
Mr Koigi wa Wamwere, an Assistant Minister for Information and Communications, agreed with MPs that there was need for a more structured relationship between the two broadcasting stations. He said China Radio International started broadcasting at KBC from September 2002 after entering into a bilateral agreement in May, 2001. The purpose was to promote greater understanding between the peoples of Kenya and China and to encourage business and commercial relations among enterprises in the two countries through the provision of equipment, training and co-production.
KBC had ceded to the Chinese media house 1,240 TV hours to date, and radio KBC 2,726 hours at Sh37,000 (approx US$500) per hour.
(Source: The Nation/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

VOA marks Central African Service anniversary

The Voice of America’s (VOA) Central Africa Service, created following the Rwanda genocide to provide news and information to the Great Lakes region of Africa, celebrates its 10th anniversary tomorrow. Created on 15 July, 1996, the service broadcasts radio programmes in the Kirundi and Kinyarwanda languages to Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In recent years, programming has included interviews with major public figures from the Great Lakes region, such as Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Paul Rusesabagina who inspired the movie “Hotel Rwanda,” a story about the 1994 Rwanda genocide in which some 800,000 people were killed.
“We’re very proud of the role of VOA’s Central Africa Service in assisting the people of this region during such an important time in their history,” said VOA Director David S. Jackson.
The Service also gives a voice to ordinary listeners by airing in-depth features on HIV/AIDS patients, orphans, single mothers, medical professionals, NGO leaders and separated families. “The Service’s health, conflict resolution and human rights segments have proven very valuable in a region trying to recover from years of civil conflict,” said Service Chief Robert Daguillard. “But I’m convinced the crown jewel of our special anniversary broadcast on July 15th will be an interview with families that have been brought together thanks to our family reunification segments.”
VOA has also earned praise for Ejo Bite?, its popular programme aimed at young refugees. The 30-minute weekly programme, which translates as “How About the Future?,” is financed by the State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. Started in February 2003, the programme is reported and produced by young refugees in camps along the Burundi and Rwanda borders. The refugees, trained by professional journalists, produce reports on health, conflict resolution, life choices, HIV/AIDS awareness, education and social issues.
VOA’s Central Africa Service broadcasts seven hours each week at 0330-0430 UTC to the Great Lakes region on shortwave (6095, 7340 and 13725 kHz), as well as on VOA’s own FM frequency in Kigali, Rwanda. VOA also broadcasts on FM through Radio Publique Africaine in Bujumbura, Burundi and Radio Kwizera in Ngara, Tanzania.
(Source: Voice of America/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands Program Preview

Looking to follow the latest from the Netherlands? Here's the Program Preview to guide you though a week of listening beginning on July 15 - July 21.

*** Saturday Connection ***
Every Saturday, the Newsline team brings you Weekend Connection, with thought-provoking reports on the issues making headlines in the Netherlands, Europe and beyond. It's a lively mix of local colour and "the big picture". One week you might hear how Dutch farmers are doing their part to combat bird flu, the next week it's about the worldwide attempt to punish crimes against humanity. Big or small, Weekend Connection covers it all! Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 12.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 05.00 (Western N America & New Zealand)
*** Vox Humana ***
"Rembrandt's Mirror: The artist sees himself" Art historian Simon Schama called Rembrandt's self-portraits "a forty-year soliloquy." But after the death of his wife Saskia, Rembrandt stopped painting self-portraits for seven years. When he finally returned to his mirror, he was faced with a very different artist. For the 400th anniversary of the artist's birth on July 15th, Vox Humana revisits an exhibition which brought together more Rembrandt self-portraits than ever before. This unique chance to look over Rembrandt's shoulder and into his mirror reveals a great deal about the greatest of the 17th century Dutch masters. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Sun 1430 (South Asia), Sun 1900 (N America, Africa)
SUNDAY 16 JULY
*** Amsterdam Forum ***
Countless events over the past decades have made it apparent that religion is one of the biggest sources of conflict in modern times. We've seen violent clashes in Northern Ireland, Sudan, the Middle East, Iraq, East Timor, and the Balkans - to name but a few. The attacks of September 11, 2001 on the United States and subsequent attacks by Islamic terrorist groups, have driven the point home. But should faith get the blame? Or is religion being used as an excuse for violence? Have your say on the topic at www.radionetherlands.nl/features/amsterdamforum/ Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.05 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.05 (Eastern N America), 15.05 (South Asia), 18.05 & 20.05 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** Dutch Extra ***
Dutch Extra is a new programme on Radio Netherlands, broadcast on Sundays immediately after Amsterdam Forum. The programme offers a selection of cultural and arts news, a Radio Netherlands columnist casts a critical eye over Dutch society, we'll regularly have a Dutch recipe and most importantly, Dutch Extra features your reactions to our programmes and answers the questions you've asked us. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.45 (Australia/Asia/Far East), 11.45 (Eastern N America), 15.45(South Asia), 18.45 & 20.45 (Africa), 00.40 (Eastern N America), 01.40 (Central N America), 04.40 (Western N America), 06.40 (New Zealand), 0740 (Australia)
MONDAY 17 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** The Research File *** Imagine a magical machine that can build whatever you want. Well, it does exist - as long as your heart's desire is no bigger than a football and can be made of plastic. This amazing technique, a kind of 3D printing, is being used at Maastricht University to print human skeleton implants for surgery. Marnie Chesterton pops by for a demonstration. Also on the show: we go lichen hunting in urban spaces. And space-balls: what else is in our solar system besides the nine planets? Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa)
TUESDAY 18 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** EuroQuest ***
"Art Meets Fashion" Many of the women at the Fashion with a Mission workshop in the Dutch city of Njmegen were homeless until recently. Today they're making serious designer stuff, prLt a portez. For two decades, Ozwald Boateng has been changing the face of classic British tailoring. He tells us about the state of the Boateng Empire. Art historian Esther Schreuder talks about how Rembrandt portrayed black people in the 17th century, looking at his two most famous paintings featuring black characters: The Baptism of the Eunuch and The Two Moors. To mark the centenary of the artist Paul Cézanne's death, a large exhibition is open this summer in Aix en Provence, featuring his best-known paintings of the local landscape. Henning Gruebl, better known as Germany's Shoe Shine Boy, was inspired by shoeshining during a visit to Columbia. Dressed like a 1920s New York street urchin, Gruebl demonstrates the true meaning of clean. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) WEDNESDAY 19 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** The Weekly Documentary ***
"Retracing the Routes" "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" In 2001 a tomato trade war began between the US and Canada. US growers complained that their Canadian counterparts were selling their produce far too cheaply and the US government promptly slapped a thirty per cent tariff on the imports. The Canadians answered with their own charges. In a programme that was first broadcast in 2002, Chris Brooks explores the tomato war on both sides of the border. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) THURSDAY 20 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** Dutch Horizons ***
This month marks the 400th anniversary of birth of Rembrandt. This Dutch painter was one of the greatest artists who ever lived, and to this day there are people whose lives are affected by his work. In a special edition of Dutch Horizons, you'll hear some of the people who are keeping Rembrandt's legacy alive today. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa)
FRIDAY 21 JULY
*** Newsline ***
The latest world news and current affairs. Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.00 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.00 (Eastern N America), 14.00 & 15.30(South Asia), 18.00, 19.30 & 20.30 (Africa), 00.00 (Eastern N America), 01.00 (Central N America), 04.00 (Western N America), 06.00 (New Zealand), 07.00 (Australia)
*** A Good Life ***
Civil war tore Angola apart for almost three decades. The death toll was huge and more than four million people were forced to flee their homes and the fighting. Thousands of families were separated. When the war ended in 2002, people started returning home and began the desperate search for missing relatives. Finding the missing is no easy task in a country devastated by conflict. In this "A Good Life" special we follow the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross who are determined to reunite Angola's families... Broadcast times on SW (UTC): 10.27 (SE Asia/Far East), 11.27 (Eastern N America), 14.30 (South Asia), 18.27 & 20.00 (Africa), 00.27 (Eastern N America), 01.27 (Central N America), 04.27 (Western N America), 06.27 (New Zealand), 07.27 (Australia) Repeated: Thurs 1500 (South Asia), Thurs 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Mon 1500 (South Asia), Mon 1900 (Africa) Repeated: Tues 1500 (S Asia), Tues 1900 (Africa)
(Source: R. Netherlands Program Preview 15 July-21 July 2006)

Voice of Greece English schedule update

In recent months, DXers have observed a Voice of Greece English operating schedule, as one that has been less than accurate or reliable. The following schedule reflects Monitoring Times most recent release, and is one that has been monitored by hobbyists.
All times UTC/ kHz
0000-0100 Monday - 7475, 9420, 15650 (targeted to N. America and Australia)
0200-0300 Sunday - 7475, 9420, 17520 (targeted to N. America and Australia)
0905-1000 Sunday - 9420, 12120, 15630 (targeted to Europe)
1400-1500 Saturday - 9420, 15630 (targeted to Europe)
Source: GVH/Monitoring Times)

Radio documentary available for download

A message from the folks at the non-profit Radio Heritage Foundation about our latest radio documentary now vailable for download via Radio New Zealand International

Pacific Radio at the Crossroads
-------------------------------

'Just staying on air is a struggle'

The latest radio heritage documentary from the Radio Heritage Foundation at www.radioheritage.net examines the current state of radio broadcasting in the Pacific region, and concludes that 'just staying on air' is a struggle.

Issues facing radio stations across the region include natural disasters such as cyclones [hurricanes], volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis [tidal waves], human interference such as riots, coups, intimidation of staff and corruption, as well as resource problems such as skyrocketing oil prices, old equipment and the lack of trained technical staff. Hear vivid examples of these issues, and more!

'Solar powered panels don't last long in cyclones'!

The Pacific Plan calls for a study into the current state of radio broadcasting in the islands. It wants to see internet technology, satellite services and other ICT options introduced to provide more services for targeted groups such as rural and women listeners. However, as the documentary explains, these answers by themselves may not be enough to rescue Pacific island radio broadcasting from a precarious future.

'Bureaucrats get involved'!

Worse still, the listeners, the stations, program suppliers and others are being seemingly ignored by the deskbound bureaucrats behind the Pacific Plan. The already fragile nature of daily broadcasting by highly dedicated staff seems likely to be irreparably damaged - not enhanced - by the bureaucratic structures promised by the Pacific Plan.

ZCO Tonga 'nose-flute' Interval Signal Heard Again

The documentary includes rare station ID's, cyclone alert announcements and jingles from stations such as Radio Tonga, Sunshine Radio Niue and Radio Cook Islands. The program also features the original ZCO [Tonga] Call of the Friendly Islands station interval signal played on a traditional nose flute.

Listen to this documentary today by visiting www.rnzi.com, clicking on 'more audio' and then clicking on the July 9 Mailbox MP3 file. Available until July 23 when our new documentary 'Babyboomer Radio' with the original pirate Radio Hauraki airs.

For everyone interested in broadcasting in the Pacific, this documentary from the Radio Heritage Foundation shows that even contemporary radio can sometimes be more endangered than radio from the past.

Issued by:
Radio Heritage Foundation
Wellington, New Zealand
www.radioheritage.net
July 12 2006

(Source:HCDX)

Hot Spot DXing - Israel & Syria

With tensions increasing in the Middle East, hobbyists would do well to monitor events as they occur via shortwave radio. News was released this afternoon that seven Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed and two others were abducted Wednesday in attacks by guerillas from the militant Hezbollah organization. Israel has declared this action as an act of war.

On Wednesday afternoon the Israel Defense Forces sent troops across the border to search for the missing soldiers, marking the first incursion into Lebanon since the withdrawal in May 2000.
Army Radio reported large numbers of troops as well as aircraft, were taking part in searchers on the Lebanese side of the border.
Consider too, that Syria is a large supporter of the Hezbollah, and could result in them becoming involved in this ongoing conflict.
The following English schedules reflect MT's most recent schedule for Israel and Syria. Lebanon is currently inactive on shortwave.

Time UTC,kHz, target areas: va (various areas) eu (Europe) al (alternate freq)
Israel - Kol Israel
0330-0345 9345va 7530va 17600va
0930-0945 13680eu 15760eu
1730-1745 9345va 11590va 13675va
1900-1925 9400va 11590va 15640va

Syria - Radio Damascus
2005-2100 9330eu 12085eu 13610al
2100-2200 9330eu 12085eu 136 10al
2200-2210 9330eu 12085eu

Radio Australia expands to online technology

Text of Australian Broadcasting Corporation press release on 3 July

From today, Radio Australia is moving from shortwave broadcasting to online technology and local FM rebroadcasting to develop new audiences in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Cambodian broadcasts will revolve around the successful placement of Khmer content on “third-party” FM platforms in Cambodia. The geographic coverage will be 70 per cent and the population contact is estimated to reach 85 per cent.

In Vietnam, the declining popularity of SW broadcasts and the surging demand for online services has opened the path for a live interactive “Australia-Vietnam” information and cultural exchange web portal. This service is located at www.bayvut.com

“Delivering content via new platforms, to new audiences and providing new styles of programming is an international broadcasting trend that is being led by Radio Australia, ” stated John Westland, manager of Projects and Partnerships.

At the same time, Radio Australia is now broadcasting from two new transmitters near Townsville that are digitally (DRM - Digital Radio Mondiale) capable. These transmitters will enable RA to trial digital shortwave radio to Asia and the Pacific.

DRM is under trial in China by Chinese National Radio - 800,000 radios and 14 transmitters, while Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) has trialled and is successfully implementing DRM in the South Pacific. DRM is also being widely trialled by a number of major providers in Europe.

(Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation press release, Sydney, in English 3 Jul 06 via BBC Monitoring/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

EDXP closes Internet Radio Service

The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the EDXP INTERNET RADIO SERVICE has been closed down.

The Service was introduced in February 2006 on a trial basis, to assess worldwide demand for such a venture, and to publish content relevant to shortwave broadcasting, selected from listener submissions, with costs of the Internet hosting service funded by listeners.

The Service had been extensively promoted worldwide via the Electronic DX Press Website, and through many hobby monitoring organisations, DX clubs, newsgroups, mailing lists, magazines, bulletin boards, Weblogs, and international broadcasters. There were nearly 4000 downloads since inception in February 2006, from one or more of the 22 programs produced.

The trial resulted in:

1. Negligible comments and feedback from listeners

2. No direct submissions from listeners for inclusion

3. No financial support from listeners (a once-only donation of A$5/US$5 was suggested)

Under such circumstances, I have no further interest in devoting time, effort, money and other resources into managing such a project.

It is my view that the vast majority of listeners had adopted an attitude of "I will take what I can get, I will not comment, I will not submit anything, and I will not help pay for the Internet costs."

Thanks, anyway, to these three listeners who had posted comments to the site in the past two months:

Michael Stevenson (Australia)
Richard Chen (Trinidad and Tobago)
Greg W. (Finland)

I also thank my Melbourne colleague Rob Wagner who assisted with the musical introductions.

Regards from Melbourne!

Bob Padula
(Source: Cumbre DX)

Isle of Eigg to activate for IOTA contest

EU-008. Members of the Scottish-Russian ARS and West of Scotland ARS will be activating the Isle of Eigg (IOSA: NH03, SCOTIA: DI19) during the RSGB IOTA Contest July 29-30th.
The team of operators will be using two different call signs and will enter the contest as two different contest groups - GM2Z (operator MM0DFV) is a CW station, and GM4A (operators GM0WRR, GM4TOQ, MM0GDL, GM7WED and MM3LKV) is a SSB station.
They report: "Locator information can't be more precise at this point until we know where on the island we will be operating from. There is no arranged accommodation on Eigg. Nor is there main electricity on the island. We are taking all our camping and portable equipment, such as tents, diesel generator, poles, sleeping bags and so on. We are leaving Airsaig on Friday at 11 a.m. and arriving in Eigg at 12 p.m. There will be opportunities to explore the island on foot between setting up station on Friday and the start of the contest on Saturday. During this time we will be operating digital modes, especially PSK by using our special DXpedition callsign MS0DGR." QSL cards for all callsigns should be sent via MM0DFV.
(Ohio/Penn DX Bulletin)

Elkorn Pirate Maildrop to close

The operator of the Elkhorn maildrop has passed along word that the maildrop will close forever effective on September 15. Too few stations and an increased use of the Internet for sending reception reports and electronic QSLing, were cited as the reason for the pending closedown. The operator stated, "It has been a privilege serving the pirate community for the past several years. My thanks to the stations who have utilized Elkhorn during this time."

The maildrop address, P.O. Box 69, Elkhorn, NE 68022 will remain valid until the September 15 closedown. Pirate stations that have used this pirate maildrop service over the years include: The (Government) Mule, Ground Zero Radio, KIPM, KROW, Mystery Science Radio, The Purple Nucleus of Creation, Radio Gong (Calling), Radio Time Machine, Seldom Heard Radio, Theremin Radio, Voice a Da Tiki, Voice of the Abnormal, Woodoo Radio, WAIR (All Indie Radio) and WDDR.
(Source: MARE/Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts)

RFE/RL to have new broadcasting center in Prague

The move of US-funded international broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty from the former Czech Parliament Building in central Prague to a new site has been approved. It is understood that funding has been approved for the construction of a new state-of-the-art broadcasting centre for RFE/RL's radio and television operations which are to be located in the Prague 10 district of Hagibor. Construction of the new building will be carried out by the Orco Property Group and it is expected that the building will be ready for occupation during late 2007.
(Source: www.rferl.org/AIB)

Bangladesh Betar inaugurates 100 kW SW transmitter

A 1000 kW transmitter [presumably mediumwave] will be set up at Dhamrai soon at a cost of Taka 650 million (US$9.3 million) aiming at further strengthening the transmission of Bangladesh Betar. This was stated by Information Minister M Shamsul Islam who was the chief guest while inaugurating a 100 kW shortwave transmitter in Savar. The Minister said that with the launching of this 100 kW shortwave transmitter, the listeners of Bangladesh Betar living abroad would be able to listen its programmes clearly.

(Source: The Financial Express/R. Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Bangladesh Betar English service on shortwave:
1230-1300 7185as
1815-1900 7185eu
(Monitoring Times)

Flevo transmitter maintenance planned

Transmitter maintenance will be taking place at our Flevo transmitter site tomorrow and Friday. The DRM transmissions scheduled between 0600 and 1000 UTC will be off the air. The transmitters beamed to southern Europe on 11935 and 13700 kHz will be operating with 100 kW instead of the normal 500 kW.
(Source:R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

QSL Report EXTRA

The following QSLs are from contributor verifications that were cut from my upcoming QSL Report column due to space constraints. For this edition of EXTRA, we feature Brian Bagwell's colorful verification card from All India Radio, featuring the Devidol. . The Devidol, built in 1734, is believed to be the highest Siva Temple in India. Thanks Brian for sharing the card from AIR.

Thank you to all the contributors who share their QSL verifications with the magazine. Have you sent yours in yet?
Gayle

Amateur Radio
Canada-VC3L 25th Anniversary La Grande-2 Hydroelectric Station, 20, 40, 80 meters SSB.F/D photo cd. via ARRL. (LVH, NC)
VE2GSO CQ Zone 2, 2, 15, 20 meters SSB. F/D two-color cd. via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)
VY2TT (IOTA NA-029) Prince Edward Island. F/D color photo cd. via ARRL buerau (LVH, NC)
Germany -DL1EK, 10 meters SSB. F/D color photo cd via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)
DL5AW1, 20 meters SSB. F/D color photo cd via ARRL bureau. (LVH, NC)

Bolivia
Radio Illimani 6025 kHz. F/D station logo card signed by José Luis Almanza-Director. Received in 36 days for a Spanish report, one US dollar and Bolivian mint stamps. Station address:Casilla 1042, La Paz, Bolivia (F. Hillton, SC)

Germany
Radio Multikulti, 15275 kHz. F/D QSL cd signed by Horst Scholz-Head of Transmission, plus station stickers. Rec'd in 16 days for an English report. Station address: Deutsche Welle-Customer Service, 53110 Bonn, Germany. (A. Slaen, Argentina)

Honduras
HRMI-La Voz de Missiones Internacionales 3340 kHz. F/D card signed by J.K. Planeck. Received in 16 days for a Spanish report.Correspondence address: Radio Misiones Internacionales, P.O. Box 6321, San Bernardino, CA 92412 USA. (M.Mendez, SP)

India
All India Radio-Aligarh 9910 kHz. F/D color scenery cd of Devidol, Guarisagar, signed by A.K. Bhathagar. Received 9n 56 days for an English report and mint postage stamps. Station address: Spectrum Management, All India Radio, Room 204, Akashani Bhaven, New Delhi 110 001 India. (B. Bagwell, MO)

All India Radio-Bangalore 13605 kHz. F/D Kanariya-Maharev Temple cd signed by K. Sharma. Rec'd in three months for Eng report and mint stamps. Station address:Spectrum Management, All India Radio, Room 204, Akashani Bhaven, New Delhi 110 001 India. (D. Hadley, TN)

Medium Wave
7PB Hobart 747 kHz AM. F/D letter signed by Jo Lindsay-Communications Officer, for email follow up from Coorong 2005 DXpedition report. Station address: ABC Transmissions Public Relations, GPO Box 9994 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia. (C. Edwards, AUS)

6TAB Mandurah 1449 kHz AM. F/D letter signed by Ken Thompson-Chief Engineer. Station address: 14 Hasler Road, Osborne Park, WA 6017 Australia (C. Edwards, AUS)

HBC Network 864 kHz AM. F/D HBC Network QSL cd unsigned, plus schedule. Station address: Hokkaido Broadcasting Co. Ltd., Nishi-5 kita-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Hokkaido 060-8501 Japan. (C. Edwards, AUS)

JOCR Kobe 558 kHz AM. F/D Radio Kansai QSL card unsigned, plus stickers from everybody's favorite show-The Friday Ban Ban Show. Station address: Iwate FM Broadcast Co. Ltd., 8-17 Morioka-Ekrioka-Ekimaedori, Morioka 020-8512 Japan. (C. Edwards, AUS)

Pirate
WBMR (Black Mountain Radio) 6925 kHz. Partial data QSL w/ tastefully done artwork. Rec'd in 19 days for an email report to: WBMRradio@hotmail.com. (J. Wood, TN)


United Kingdom
Radio Republica (via Wooferton) 7205 kHz. Thank You For Your Report letter plus note thanking me for the CD and that my report was correct. Station returned my prepared cd, and enclosed a newsletter. Received in 60 days for a CD report to the Miami address. This is the first station that has replied since I started sending out audio CD (Mp3 form). (E. Kusalik, CAN)

Thank you to the following contributors:
Brian Bagwell, MO
Craig Edwards, Australia
Duane Hadley, TN
Frank Hillton, SC
Edward Kusalik, Canada
Manuel Méndez, Spain/Cumbre DX
Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina
Larry Van Horn, NC
Joe Woods, TN

Radio Globo orders new HD-ready transmitters

The Harris Corporation has announced that Brazil’s Rádio Globo has ordered two high power AM transmitters for sites in Rio de Janeiro (1220 kHz) and São Paulo (1100 kHz), which will also be equipped with exciters for HD Radio™ broadcasting. Rubens Campos, General Director of Sistema Globo de Rádio says that “Going digital, especially on the AM band, is the only way that radio can grow its audience.”

Rádio Globo currently has a 3DX™-50 transmitter at the Belo Horizonte site (1150 kHz) broadcasting analogue and HD Radio signals since September 2005. Now, Rádio Globo Rio and Rádio Globo São Paulo will install 3DX™D-200 transmitters. Radio CBN Rio (860 kHz) will also install a 3DX™D-100 transmitter, while Radio CBN São Paulo (780 kHz) will add a 3DX™-50 to its family of transmitters. Redundant exciters and power supplies will be integrated, ensuring that each station will remain on the air at all times. Rádio Globo has also purchased three HT35CD FM transmitters for stations in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, three BMXdigital on-air consoles and one additional 3DX-50 high-power AM transmitter, originally installed at Radio Tiradentes in Belo Horizonte.
(R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

New website for Radio Station Belarus

Radio Station Belarus, the international service of the Republic of Belarus, has launched a new website. The site includes online news in text format, audio of the latest broadcasts in English, German, Russian and Belarusian, and a 24-hour live Internet stream.
The Internet stream carries additional programming in English and other languages. According to the website, airtime in English is 2 hours and 30 minutes a week on shortwave plus 30 hours and 20 minutes on the Web.
The schedule of Internet broadcasts is www.radiobelarus.tvr.by/eng/prognet.asp but note that the times are in local time (UTC+3).
(R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Listed schedules on their website as:
0100-0300 UTC (local time) 5970, 6170, 7210 kHz
0300-0500 UTC (local time) 5970, 6170, 7210 kHz
1900-2200 UTC (local time) 7105, 7280, 7290 kHz
2100-0000 UTC (local time( 7105, 7280, 7290 kHz
Would not consider this a "user-friendly" schedule, as no languages as listed, although English has been logged 1245-1305 UTC.
(GVH)

Add Kalingrad to your totals

Kaliningrad, formerly German Koenigsberg, is the extreme western oblast (province) of Russia,and is considered a separate broadcast country by the NASWA radio country counting rules. World Radio TV Handbook list the transmitters Kaliningradsky ORTPC as located at Bolshakovo consisting of 9x80 kW shortwave transmitters, used by Voice of Russia and Radio Rossii for their broadcast to Europe. Radio Netherlands used the Kaliningrad as a relay station last season for their Dutch service to western Europe. Most of the Kalinigrad transmitters are used as pairs at 160 kW.
Mediumwave from Kalinigrad, transmits on 549 kHz (50 kW), 1143 kHz (150 kW), 1386 kHz (1200 kW). The most powerful 1200 kW transmitter, operates on 1386 kHz, used also for international relay transmissions. This frequency will close by November 2007. The registered frequencies for broadcasts from Kaliningrad in A06 seasonal frequency schedule are: 5925 1800- 2100, 7300 1345-1900, 7330 0900-1000 and 1500-1900, 11830 1400-1700.
Verification and QSL Cards can be obtained for transmissions via Kaliningrad. Don't forget to request the transmitter location be noted on the card. Reports on Voice of Russia transmissions may be mailed to: GRK-Golos Rossii ul. Pyatnitskaya 25 115326 Moscow, Russia or email your reception report to letter@vor.ru
Radio Rossii verifies reception reports, and should be addressed to: Radio Rossii, Yamskogo Polya 5-YA ul, 19/21, 125040 Moscow, Russia or email your reception report to: mail @ radiorus.ru.
(WWDX-Top News)

European award chasing

In case you're looking for something to add to your hobby collection besides QSLs, an award program might interest you. The Association of Italian Radio Listeners (A.I.R.) is offering a United Europe award. Station name, frequency and date must be included for each country.
There are four categories for the award: over 40 countries confirmed (plus honor role); over 30 countries confirmed, and over 20 countries confirmed, and over ten countries confirmed.
Request for the award diploma should be sent with four IRC (International Reply Coupons) or two Euros to:
AIR, Associaziones Italiana Radioscolta, C.P. 1338, 10100 Torino AD, Italy.
(GVH/NASWA)

Serbian Broadcasting Agency issues licenses

The Broadcasting Agency in Serbia has revealed its list of television and radio stations granted frequencies in the Belgrade area. Daily Politika reports that licences spanning the next eight years have been issue for television stations Art, Enter, SOS kanal, Metropolis, Televizija Plus and TV Studio B.

The Broadcasting Agency Council has awarded broadcasting permits to the following radio stations: Beta plus, Nostalgija, Naksi radio, Radio MFM, MIP radio, Radio Pink, Radio Studio B, Radio Tri, Sport FM, TDI radio, Top FM, Siti radio, Radio Pingvin and Radio Novosti.

45 radio stations applied for a licence, with 100 radio stations currently broadcasting in the Belgrade area. Nine stations applied for television broadcasting licences. TV Palma and Most were rejected, while a national frequency was issued to Košava earlier.
(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Website for Network Europe

Network Europe, the weekly European Affairs magazine produced with input from Deutsche Welle, Radio France International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Polonia, Radio Prague, Radio Romania International, Radio Slovakia International, Radio Slovenia International, Radio Sweden and Radio Ukraine International, now has its own website. You can listen to the latest programme, or individual items, online, as well as an archive of previous programmes. There are profiles of some of the voices on the programme, including Radio Netherlands’ Jonathan Groubert. The website is hosted by our colleagues at Radio Prague, and has RSS and podcasting facilities.
Network Europe receives support from the European Commission, but the Commission bears no responsibility for content.
(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)
To learn more about Network Europe, their website can be found at: http://networkeurope.radio.cz/

Freq update for WYFR/Family Radio

If you're keeping score, here's another one to add to the station's changing frequencies list.
WYFR/Family Radio has adjusted their summer frequencies as follows:
1800-1900 Polish 5925 (SAM 250 kW 284 deg) (ex 5810)
1800-1900 English 7240 (SAM 250 kW 188 deg) (ex 7435)
1900-2000 Arabic 7240 (SAM 250 kW 188 deg) (ex 7435)
1900-2000 German 7340 (SAM 250 kW 284 deg) (ex 7370)
(Source: R. Bulgaria-DX Mix News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX July 3/WWDX-Top News)

Australian DX Report set for July 9 broadcast on WWCR

A new weekly non-commercial DX program, the Australian DX Report , produced by the Electronic DX Press Radio Monitoring Association, in Melbourne, Australia, is scheduled to commence on shortwave Sunday July 9, via Worldwide Christian Radio (WWCR) broadcasting from Nashville, Tennessee.
The new 15 minute show, produced and hosted by Bob Padula, extends coverage of the Radio EDXP Worldwide Broadcasting Network, with prime-time transmission into major listening regions via 100 kW transmitters.

The show concentrates on HF broadcasting, including schedule news, monitoring notes from EDXP members, propagation information, supplemented by content sourced to EDXP partners.

The first release of the show is on Sundays, at 0200-0215 UTC, on 5070 kHz, and repeats on Tuesdays, at 0945-1000 UTC, on 9985 kHz.

5070 provides good signals at 0200 UTC across the Americas, at 9 pm Central Time, and throughout Europe during the early morning. It is also audible in Africa, the Middle East, and Western Asia.

9985 provides super-strong signals at 0945 UTC across Australia and the Pacific (7.45 pm in Melbourne) as well as during the early morning in the Americas (4.45 am Central Time), and into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The show is also simulcast in real-time via StreamingAudio at 0200 UTC and 0945 UTC, for Internet coverage, and can be accessed at www.wwcr.com via the link titled Listen on Line.It's included in the WWCR Program Guide, at the above URL.

Fully detailed Radio EDXP 10th Anniversary QSLs, showing colored scenes and wildlife in Australia, are offered for the SW transmissions. "QSLs" are NOT issued for the Internet stream or for reception via the Internet over PCs using remote "DX Tuners" Reports should be sent to EDXP, 404 Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert, Victoria 3127, Australia, and return postage is required for QSLs to be sent via postal mail (US$1, 1 IRC, AUS$2 in mint stamps, or US$1 via PayPal). Return postage is not required for electronically delivered reports.

There is a template at the EDXP Home Page, http://edxp.org, where listeners may send in reception reports using a simple form, and receive Radio EDXPE-QSLs via the internet.

Reports can also be sent by direct E-mail, to qsl@engradio.org
Bob Padula, Producer/Host
Melbourne, Australia

World Cup Finals on shortwave July 9

Special shortwave schedule for World Cup final
It all comes down to the final decision Sunday July 9. Who will win the World Cup...France of Italy? France's team motto, "to live together and die together" spurs the team to Sunday's do or die match, while Italy promises "we will not disappoint you." The television rights have been sold to over 200 countries, and Radio Netherland's despite being knocked out of the World Cup, will be relaying the NOS radio commentary in Dutch on Sunday. A three-hour broadcast is planned, which will allow for possible extra time and penalties. This one could go either way!
Special thanks to Andy at the Media Network Weblog for the frequency information and updates.
Gayle

The Radio Netherlands broadcast is scheduled at 1800-2100 UTC
6035 kHz to Western Europe
7390 kHz to East Asia
9695 kHz to SW and SE Europe
9895 kHz to S Europe, N and C Africa
13735 kHz to Great Lakes of US and Canada
15335 kHz to Middle East
15425 kHz to Suriname
15540 kHz to South America
17620 kHz to West Africa
17705 kHz to US, Caribbean, Mexico, C America, Venezuela Colombia

An additional frequency will be on the air for the last hour:
6015 kHz to Europe

15530 kHz to the Canary Islands W Africa at has been added to the 1800-2100 UTC. The following schedule has been booked with VT Communications:
Time: 17:59:30 - 18:30:00 UTC
Frequency: 15530 kHz
Site: Rampisham
Antenna: HRR 4/4/.5
Azimuth: 189 degrees
Power: 500 kW

Time: 18:30:00 - 20:57:00 UTC
Frequency: 15530 kHz
Site: Ascension
Antenna: HRR 2/2/.6/.7
Azimuth: 27 degrees
Power: 250 kW
The reason for the switch of transmitter site is that Ascension does not have a spare transmitter available at 1800-1830 UTC.
(Source: R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

US media claims Russia bans VOA/Radio Liberty news

Text of report by Russian Mayak radio on 7 July:
The US media are saying that Russia has banned dozens of local radio stations from rebroadcasting the news bulletins of Voice of America and Radio Liberty, writes the Washington Post.
Russian officials say the ban is explained by numerous violations of broadcasting regulations. The radios’ staff believe it is a punishment for touching on topics that are not convenient to the Kremlin.
Sergey Gololobov reports:
[Correspondent] We’re talking about a ban on retransmitting Voice of America and Radio Liberty in a number of Russian regions. The US-funded stations are operating without restriction in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Officially the ban is the result of a huge number of licence agreement violations by Russian regional radio broadcasters. Spokesman for Rosokhrankultura (the Federal Service for Supervision of Compliance with the Law in the Sphere of Mass Communications and Preservation of the Cultural Heritage) Yevgeniy Strelchak [as heard; elsewhere heard as Strelchik, neither traced] said we have no problem with Radio Liberty or Voice of America themselves but our Russian radio operators cannot rebroadcast someone else’s output without obtaining a licence to do so. That’s the law. And for the most part these licences were not obtained, Mr Strelchak said.
In the Washington Post, the managers of Voice of America and Radio Liberty naturally express the view that the rebroadcasting ban is the latest restriction on media freedom in Russia. Even so, the managers of the two stations are hoping to reach a compromise on the issue with the Russian authorities.
[Ekho Mosvky radio, Moscow, in Russian 0700 gmt 7 Jul 06 said that more than 60 radio stations were affected by the ban.]
(Source: Radio Mayak, Moscow, in Russian 1100 gmt 7 Jul 06 via BBC Monitoring/R. Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Sweden freq update

Radio Sweden has changed their frequency for the Russian service, from July 7.
The former 7465 kHz, has been changed to 7475 kHz (HBY 500 kW deg.)
from 1700-1730 to avoid BBC World Service in DRM.
(Source: Radio Bulgaria DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX July 3/WWDX-Top News)

Deutsche Welle freq update

Deutsche Welle has made a frequency change for their Persian service, from the former 7375 kHz

1730-1800 7270, 13800 (200kW) 132 deg
1800-1900 7270, 13800 (500 kW) 090 deg
1900-1930 7270, 13800 (500 kW 090 deg

For you're link to Germany and more consult the Deutsche Welle website at:
www.dw-world.de/
Source: WWDX-Top News)

RTM Morocco Schedule

Looking for an extra station to log from Morocco? Try RTM on the following schedule.

Morocco, Radiodiffusion-Television Marocaine
Arabic, times UTC, kHz
0000-0500 5980
0900-1500 15340 (via Nador)
1100-1500 15335
1500-2200 15345 (via Nador)
2200-2400 7135

Station address: RTM, 1 Rue El Brihi, Boite Postal 1042, Rabat, Morocco
Web: www.rtm.ma Email: rtm@rtm.ma
(Marcelo A. Cornachioni-ARG, Conexion Digital July 2/WWDX-Top News)

Summer freq update for China Radio International

For those following China, the following multilingual broadcasts, are for their sumer A-06 schedule update.

kHz - Times UTC
17865 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0600-0757 French
17735 BKO 100 kW 020 deg 1600-1657 Arabic
17725 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 0400-0557 English
17680 KAS 500 kW 294 deg 0600-0757 Spanish
17560 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 0800-0957 Chinese
17540 BEI 500 kW 257 deg 0300-0357 Chinese
17540 KAS 100 kW 173 deg 0400-0457 Hakka
17540 KAS 100 kW 173 deg 0500-0857 English
17540 XIA 500 kW 193 deg 0900-0957 Chinese
17540 XIA 500 kW 322 deg 1000-1057 Chinese
17530 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 0800-0857 Chinese
17530 XIA 500 kW 190 deg 0900-0957 Chinese
17530 XIA 500 kW 190 deg 1000-1057 Hakka
17530 XIA 500 kW 190 deg 1100-1157 Vietnamese
17530 XIA 500 kW 190 deg 1200-1227 Tagalog
17515 KAS 500 kW 294 deg 0600-0657 Italian
17500 KAS 100 kW 174 deg 0900-0957 Chinese
17500 KAS 100 kW 174 deg 1000-1057 Hakka

15785 XIA 500 kW 252 deg 0100-0157 English
15785 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 0300-0457 English, co-ch Galei Tzahal in Hebrew
15785 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 0500-0657 Chinese, co-ch Galei Tzahal in Hebrew
15665 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0400-0557 Russian
15665 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0800-0957 Russian
15565 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 0800-0957 Chinese
15525 URU 500 kW 212 deg 0900-0957 Chinese
15525 URU 500 kW 212 deg 1000-1057 Hakka
15460 KUN 500 kW 135 deg 1100-1157 Chinese
15445 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0400-0557 Russian
15360 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0800-0957 Russian
15225 KAS 500 kW 298 deg 1100-1157 Czech
15220 KAS 500 kW 298 deg 1000-1057 Hungarian
15160 JIN 500 kW 059 deg 0100-0357 Chinese, co-ch REE Spanish
15140 KAS 100 kW 239 deg 0600-0657 English
15130 JIN 500 kW 059 deg 0300-0557 Chinese

13850 BEI 500 kW 193 deg 1000-1057 Hakka
13780 KUN 500 kW 283 deg 0130-0327 Nepalese
13755 KAS 100 kW 174 deg 1100-1257 Chinese
13755 KAS 100 kW 174 deg 1300-1357 English
13750 BEI 150 kW 095 deg 0300-0457 English
13720 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1000-1157 English, co-ch REE Spanish, VOIROI Dari
13710 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 1300-1357 French
13710 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 1400-1457 English
13710 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 1500-1557 Chinese, co-ch BSKSA Holy Quran Arabic
13690 XIA 500 kW 190 deg 0000-0057 Vietnamese
13690 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 0300-0357 Chinese
13685 KAS 500 kW 298 deg 1000-1057 Hungarian
13685 KAS 500 kW 298 deg 1100-1157 Czech
13680 KAS 500 kW 308 deg 1500-1557 Chinese
13640 KAS 500 kW 298 deg 1500-1557 English
13620 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 1000-1057 English
13620 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 1100-1357 Korean, co-ch R.Kuwait Arabic in DRM
13600 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 0100-0157 Russian
13600 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1200-1357 Russian
13590 BEI 500 kW 193 deg 1000-1157 English
13580 KUN 500 kW 135 deg 1100-1157 Cantonese

12085 XIA 500 kW 354 deg 2300-2357 Mongolian
12035 XIA 500 kW 200 deg 0000-0057 Chinese
11795 KAS 100 kW 174 deg 1100-1157 English
11690 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1200-1257 English
11635 BEI 500 kW 318 deg 1000-1057 English
11620 XIA 500 kW 142 deg 0800-0957 English, co-ch AIR HS
11620 XIA 500 kW 142 deg 1000-1157 Japanese, co-ch AIR Burmese/English
11600 XIA 150 kW 195 deg 1100-1257 Vietn., co-ch R.Bulgaria Sp till 1130

9880 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1500-1557 Russian, co-ch R.Kuwait Arabic in DRM
9780 BKO 100 kW 085 deg 1730-1827 Hausa, new freq from June 4,x11640
9740 XIA 500 kW 354 deg 1000-1057 Hakka
9740 XIA 500 kW 354 deg 1100-1157 Russian
9695 KAS 100 kW 209 deg 0100-0157 Urdu
9695 JIN 500 kW 310 deg 1830-1857 Bulgarian
9585 XIA 500 kW 073 deg 1500-1557 Japanese
9555 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1800-1857 Russian, co-ch BSKSA Main Px Arabic
9470 XIA 500 kW 354 deg 0000-0057 Mongolian
9470 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1700-1757 Russian
9450 SZG 500 kW 037 deg 1400-1457 Russian, co-ch VOR English in DRM
9440 CER 150 kW non-dir 0900-0957 Romanian
9435 KAS 100 kW non-dir 0300-0457 Russian
9435 KAS 100 kW 209 deg 1500-1557 Urdu
9435 URU 500 kW 212 deg 1700-1757 Cantonese

7245 BEI 500 kW 257 deg 1600-1657 Swahili
7240 KAS 100 kW 209 deg 0100-0157 Urdu
7210 BEI 150 kW 095 deg 1400-1457 Chinese
7130 CER 150 kW non-dir 0900-0957 Romanian
7130 CER 150 kW non-dir 1100-1157 Bulgarian
7130 CER 150 kW non-dir 1200-1257 Serbian

6110 XIA 500 kW 292 deg 1900-1957 Russian, co-ch RRI Serbian from 1930
6090 KUN 150 kW 163 deg 1700-1757 Cantonese, co-ch BBC Persian
6075 KAS 100 kW 209 deg 1500-1557 Urdu, co-ch DW German
5985 BEI 500 kW 257 deg 1600-1757 Swahili, co-ch RAI Italian from 1700
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX July 3/WWDX Club-Top News)

AFN to terminate play-by-play coverage

The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the American Forces Network (AFN) will cease broadcasting play-by-play sports on radio later this summer. The DoD says the decision is based on a series of worldwide audience surveys which showed a preference to watch sports, rather than just listen to them. According to the DoD, the impact of live sports on overseas local affiliate radio schedules was also factored into the decision.
“AFN audiences prefer to watch the greater variety of sports on television rather than listen to them on the radio,” said Mr. Robert Matheson, director of broadcasting at the AFN Broadcast Center in Riverside, California. “When radio sports coverage comes on, most listeners tune out. Our mission is better served when the largest possible audience tunes in to non-sports programming and spends more time listening.”
As recently as 10 years ago, AFN radio play-by-play sports broadcasts were very popular. But since then, AFN television sports coverage has expanded exponentially. “More and more sports fans have been turning to AFN television for the greater variety of sports,” Matheson observed. “We used to air only one or two TV games a week. Now, since the introduction of AFN-sports and recently AFN-xtra, our multiple AFN television services carry nearly 80 events a week.”
Some motor sports programming will remain on AFN radio’s schedule in order to fulfill agreements already signed. ”We signed agreements with the Motor Racing Network and the Indy Racing League before reassessing our approach to radio sports,” Matheson said. ”We’ll honor those agreements.”
(Source: US Department of Defense/R. Netherlands-Media Weblog)

Night of Nights VII

HISTORIC MORSE CODE RADIO STATION KPH RETURNS TO THE AIR FOR "NIGHT OF NIGHTS VII"

From the Maritime Radio Historical Society website. Photo and information courtesy of MRHS.

Former RCA Station KPH Celebrates Its 101st Anniversary
Coast Station KSM Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary
Coast Stations WLO, KLB, NMC and NOJ To Be On The Air
New Frequencies for KSM, KLB and NOJ

In the seventh annual event that has become known as the "Night of Nights", historic Morse code radio station KPH will return to the air in commemoration of the last commercial Morse message sent in the United States. Frequencies and reception report information for all stations appear below.

KPH, the ex-RCA coast station located north of San Francisco, will return to the air for commemorative broadcasts on 12 July at 1701 PDT (13 July at 0001 UTC), 7 years and one minute after the last commercial Morse transmission in the US. These on-the-air events are intended to honor the men and women who followed the radiotelegraph trade on ships and at coast stations around the world and made it one of honor and skill. Transmissions are expected to continue until at least midnight PDT (0700 UTC).

Veteran Morse operators, including former KPH staff members, will be on duty at the receiving station at Point Reyes, CA listening for calls from ships and sending messages just as they did for so many years before Morse operations were shut down.

The transmitters are located 18 miles south of Point Reyes in Bolinas, CA at the transmitting station established in 1913 by the American Marconi Co. The original KPH transmitters, receivers and antennas will be used to activate frequencies in all the commercial maritime HF bands and on MF as well.

Many of the KPH transmitters will be 50s vintage RCA sets. KSM will use a 1940s vintage Press Wireless PW-15 transmitter will be on its 12 MHz frequency. Power output will be 4 to 5kW. The transmitting antennas include a Marconi T for MF, double extended Zepps for 4, 6 and 8 MHz and H over 2s for 12, 16 and 22 MHz.

KPH will send traffic lists, weather and press broadcasts as well as special commemorative messages, some of which will be sent by hand. At other times the KPH and KSM "wheel" will be sent to mark the transmitting frequencies.

Members of the public are invited to visit the receiving station for this event. The station will be open to visitors beginning at 1500PDT (3:00pm). The station is located at 17400 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and is on the route to the Point Reyes lighthouse. Watch for a cypress lined driveway on the right about a mile past the entry to Coast Guard station NMC.

KPH is operated by the Maritime Radio Historical Society in cooperation with the Point Reyes National Seashore, part of the National Park Service.

Further information may be found on the Maritime Radio Historical Society Web site or by contacting Richard Dillman at +1 415-990-7090 (email: rd@radiomarine.org or Tom Horsfall at +1 510-237-9535 (email: wa6ope@hotmail.com. Station Information follows...

KPH
KPH will transmit on 4247.0, 6477.5, 8642.0, 12808.5, 17016.8 and 22477.5 kHz on HF and 500 and 426 kHz on MF. These frequencies have been made available through the generous cooperation of Globe Wireless, the current owner of the KPH and KFS licenses. KPH operators will listen for calls from ships on ITU Channel 3 in all bands. The Channel 3 frequencies are 4184.0, 6276.0, 8368.0, 12552.0, 16736.0 and 22280.5 kHz on HF and 500 kHz on MF. Reception reports may be sent to: Ms. DA Stoops, P.O. Box 381, Bolinas CA 94924-0381 USA. Denice is a former KPH operator and was the first female telegrapher hired at the station.

KSM
Note the addition of a 16 MHz channel for KSM this year. KSM will transmit on 426, 500, 6474, 12993 and 16914 kHz. KSM will listen for calls from ships on 500 kHz and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies). Reception reports may be sent to: Ms. DA Stoops, P.O. Box 381, Bolinas CA 94924-0381 USA

WLO
This information has not been confirmed by WLO at the time of this announcement. WLO will transmit on 438, 500, 8514.0 and 12660.0 kHz. WLO will listen for calls from ships on 500 kHz and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies). Reception reports may be sent to: WLO/KLB, 700 RINLA AVENUE, MOBILE, ALABAMA 36619 USA or via email to: wloradio@wloradio.com.

KLB
Note the expanded frequencies for KLB! This year KLB has added MF, a 2 MHz frequency and a 12 MHz frequency. A tip of the MRHS earphones to CJ of KLB for all the work he has done to bring this about. KLB will transmit on 488, 500, 2063.0, 6411.0 and 12917.0 kHz. KLB will listen for calls from ships on 500 kHz and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies). Reception reports may be sent to: WLO/KLB, 700 RINLA AVENUE, MOBILE, ALABAMA 36619 USA or via email to: wloradio@wloradio.com

NMC
NMC will transmit on 448, 472, 500, 6383.0, 8574.0 and 17220.5 kHz. NMC will listen for calls from ships on 500 kHz and HF Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies). Reception reports may be sent to: COMMANDING OFFICER, ATTN ITC ERIC SIMMONS, COMMUNICATIONS AREA MASTER STATION PACIFIC, 17000 SIR FRANCIS DRAKE BLVD, POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA 94956-0560 USA

NOJ
Note that NOJ will be operational on MF this year! NOJ will transmit on 416, 470, 500, 8650.0, 12889.5 and 16909.7 kHz. NOJ will listen for calls from ships on Channel 3 (see KPH listing for frequencies). Reception reports may be sent to: COMMANDING OFFICER, ATTN OSCM WILLIAM KECKLER, US COAST GUARD COMMUNICATIONS STATION KODIAK, PO BOX 190017, KODIAK, ALASKA 99619 USA

BT
BV ES VY 73 TO ALL,
MRHS

A Special Offer for MT Blog Readers

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MT Express is the same magazine as our printed version but it is presented in Adobe Acrobat portable document file (pdf) format, including full color photography and active links to URLs and email addresses. It is the fastest and easiest way to get the information and frequencies you need on the radio hobby.

You can see what is in current issue of MT, including sample pages on the MT current issue webpage.

This special offer is for first-time subscribers and renewals. This offer is available for a limited time only (must be used by the close of business July 31, 2006) and can only be used one time per customer.

So if you like what we do here on the MT Blog pages and you want even more, then pick up that telephone and call the MT order desk toll free at 1-800-438-8155 (Mon-Fri 9a-5p EDT) and get US$5.00 off the regular price of MT Express.

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Blog Logs

The following by-frequency listings, are from contributor logging's that were cut from my upcoming Monitoring Times-SWBC Logging column due to space. Thank you to all the contributors who share their monitoring with the magazine. Have you sent yours in yet?
Gayle

All times UTC, English unless otherwise indicated, // parallel frequency. * sign-on, sign-off*

3249 Honduras, R Luz y Vida 0145-0205 Spanish (GVH)
4790.12 Peru, R. Visión 1005-1025 Spanish (TB, TX)
4876 Brazil, R Roraima 002500106 Portuguese (TB, TX)
4925 Brazil, R. Educaçõ 0105-0125 Portuguese (TB, TX)
5000 USA WWVH Hawaii 0602 (JW, TN)
5952.5 Bolivia, R Pio XII 2217-2240 Spansh (MM, SP)
6020 Albania, China Radio Intl relay 0008 (HF, MI)
6080 São Tomé-VOA relay 0613-0618 (JW, TN)
6115 Albania, R Tirana *0229-0239 //7445 (SB, NH)
6180 Brazil, R Nacional da Amazonias 0006-0013 Portuguese (MM, SP)
7145 New Zealand, R NZ Intl 1030 (BF, ME)
9370 USA, WTJC 0529-0534 (JW, TN)
9630 Brazil, R Aparecida 2110-2116 Portuguese (MM, SP)
11620 India AIR (Bangalore) 2210-2230* // 11715, 9910 (JE, TN)
11655 Netherlands, R Netherlands 1845 (BF, ME)
11675 Russia, Voice of 1740-1805 (JW, TN)
11710 Argentina, RAE 0246-0255 (SB, NH)
11715 USA KJES 1346 (JW, TN)
11810 Jordan, R Jordan 1305-1311 Arabic (AS, ARG)
11840 Morocco, VOA 2002-2030 (HF, MI)
11840 Hungary, R Budapest *1759 (DV, PA)
11895 Brazil, R Boa Vontade 0103-0135 Portuguese (DV, PA)
11905 Sri Lanka, SLBC 0155-0211 Hindu (SB, NH)
11920 USA, WWRB 1709 (HF, MI)
11935 Taiwan, R Taiwan Intl 1307-1324// 15195 Russian (SB, NH)
11950 Egypt, R Cairo 2302-2307 (JW, TN) 2315-2329+ (HF, MI)
11955 Austria, AWR 2117-2128* (SB, NH)
11985 India, All India R 0215-0230 // 15075 (GVH)
12000 Ecuador, HCJB 2240-2259* Spanish (HF, MI)
12005 Ecuador, HCJB 1200 (BF, ME)1156-1330* (DV, PA)
12579USB Diego Garcia, AFN 1004-1229 //5445.5, 7811, 12133.5 (DV, PA)
13685 Uzbekistan, CVC 0305-0335 (JE, TN)
13780 Germany, Deutsche Welle 1925 (BF, ME)
15160 France, R France Intl 1620 (BF, ME)
15135 Netherlands Antilles, R Netherlands 15315 // 17735 (BF, ME)
15149 Indonesia, Voice of Indonesia 1814-1836 (SB, NH)
15190 Eqt. Guinea, R East Africa 1033-1050 (AS, ARG) 1137-1154* (SB, NH)
15240 Sweden, R Sweden 1246 // 15380, 15735 (BF, ME)
15290 Spain, R Exterior de Espana 2038 (HF, MI)
15345 Argentina, RAE 2115-2133 German/Spanish (SB, NH)
15385 Spain, R Exterior de Espana 2356 French (DV, PA)
15400 Finland, YLE/R Finland 1234-1303 Finnish (SB, NH)
15475.97 Antartica, R Nacional Archangel San Gabriel 2020 (DV, PA)
15505 Kuwait, R Kuwait 1855 Arabic (JW, TN)
15720 New Zealand, R NZ Intl 0001-0012 (DV, PA) 1826-1843 (HF, MI)
15820LSB Argentina, R Continental (feeder) 0050-0108 Spanish (SB, NH)

Thank you to the following contributors

Tom Banks, TX
Scott Barbour, NH
Jim Evans, TN
Bob Frazer, ME
Harold Frodge, MI
Manuel Mendez, Spain/Cumbre DX
Dave Valko, PA/Cumbre DX
Joe Wood, TN
Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina

Serbian Broadcasting Agency issues licenses

The Broadcasting Agency in Serbia has revealed its list of television and radio stations granted frequencies in the Belgrade area. Daily Politika reports that licences spanning the next eight years have been issue for television stations Art, Enter, SOS kanal, Metropolis, Televizija Plus and TV Studio B.

The Broadcasting Agency Council has awarded broadcasting permits to the following radio stations: Beta plus, Nostalgija, Naksi radio, Radio MFM, MIP radio, Radio Pink, Radio Studio B, Radio Tri, Sport FM, TDI radio, Top FM, Siti radio, Radio Pingvin and Radio Novosti.

45 radio stations applied for a licence, with 100 radio stations currently broadcasting in the Belgrade area. Nine stations applied for television broadcasting licences. TV Palma and Most were rejected, while a national frequency was issued to Košava earlier.
(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

Website for Network Europe

Network Europe, the weekly European Affairs magazine produced with input from Deutsche Welle, Radio France International, Radio Netherlands, Radio Polonia, Radio Prague, Radio Romania International, Radio Slovakia International, Radio Slovenia International, Radio Sweden and Radio Ukraine International, now has its own website. You can listen to the latest programme, or individual items, online, as well as an archive of previous programmes. There are profiles of some of the voices on the programme, including Radio Netherlands’ Jonathan Groubert. The website is hosted by our colleagues at Radio Prague, and has RSS and podcasting facilities.

Network Europe receives support from the European Commission, but the Commission bears no responsibility for content.

(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)

To learn more about Network Europe, their website can be found at: http://networkeurope.radio.cz/

BBC to offer 'personalized' radio

The BBC wants to allow audiences to create personal radio stations from its content, its director general has said. The planned service, provisionally called MyBBCRadio, was revealed by Mark Thompson at the Radio Festival in Cambridge. It aims to give audiences more control by combining existing services such as podcasts and the BBC Radio Player. It will be part of the BBC's iPlayer, a free service which will also offer seven days of BBC TV on demand.
Thompson said MyBBCRadio would use peer-to-peer technology to provide "thousands, ultimately millions, of individual radio services created by audiences themselves".The BBC hoped to share these ideas with the commercial sector, he added.
Online success
The personalised radio scheme is expected to build on the success of the BBC's online radio services. In March, the corporation said people had listened to 20 million hours of BBC content online, using everything from live streams to downloaded programmes. The most requested shows include BBC Radio 4's long-running soap opera The Archers, and Chris Moyles' BBC Radio 1 breakfast show. In May, audiences downloaded 4.5 million BBC podcasts. In his speech, Mr Thompson said the corporations' governors would decide on whether podcasting would become a permanent service later this year. The decision will be based, in part, on a study of how the BBC's podcasts affect the commercial sector.
The governors will also look into the market impact of Radios 1 and 2 following criticism from commercial competitors, said Thompson. However, he defended the stations, saying they had been successful "not because they've become more like their competitors but because they've become less like them". "If you've got a problem with a popular BBC, the people you're picking a fight with are the British public," he added.

(Source: Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/entertainment/5145236.stm
Published: 2006/07/04 12:57:59 UTC)

Hot Spot DXing - Monitoring North Korea

Now that North Korea has launched over seven missiles into the Sea of Japan and the UN Security Council will debate this issue today (July 5), you can hear North Korea's side of this story directly from Pyongyang via shortwave radio. North Korea has moved to the head of the list, of countries to keep an eye on. The following English schedule have been monitored on shortwave, and represent MT's most current listings.

Voice of Korea
All times UTC, frequencies kHz
Target areas:
af Africa; am Americas
as Asia; ca Cenral America
eu Europe; na North America
va various areas

0100-0200 7140as 9345as 9730am 11735ca 13760ca 15180ca
0200-0300 7140as 9345as 9730as
0300-0400 7140as 9345as 9730as
1000-1100 6185as 6285am 9335ca 9850as
1300-1400 7570eu 9335na 11710na 12015eu 13760eu 15245eu
1500-1600 7570eu 9335na 11710na 12015eu 13760eu 15245eu
1600-1700 9990va 11545va
1800-1900 7570eu 12015eu 13760eu 15245eu
1900-2000 7100af 9975va 11535va 11910af
2100-2200 7570eu 12015eu 13760eu 15245eu

July 4th Thanks from MT Shortwave Central

To all of those that have sent their special greetings and kind words for the MT Shortwave Blog...THANK YOU very much. Your comments and support are appreciated! Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July as our country celebrates our 230th year of independence. Long may she wave!
Gayle

Radio Havana seeks listener's signal reports

Radio Havana Cuba is now testing another antenna. Broadcasting from 05 to 07 UTC in English, on 11760 kHz on their new Pacific Coast of North America antenna. The antenna is beaming 310 degrees azimuth from Havana, and should deliver a good signal to Northern Mexico, California, Oregon, Washington and Northwest Canada. If you are located in the coverage area, please send your email report to: rhc@radiohc.org
Snail mail to: Radio Havana Cuba, English Department, P.O. Box 6240, Havana, Cuba
The host, Arnie Coro CO2KK, notes they have a "special autographed QSL card", to be sent via airmail.
(Source: DXers Unlimited 4-5 July)

Zambia to replace SW with FM transmitters

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has set aside over 10 billion kwacha (about 2. 94 million U.S. dollars) to implement phase two rural TV project, Times of Zambia reports today. ZNBC public relations manager Mirriam Tonga was quoted as saying that money is available and all the tender procedure has been completed. “The installation of new transmission equipment is set but we are being delayed because suppliers are not delivering on time,” she said.
She said that phase one of the rural TV product covering 26 districts was completed a few months ago at the cost of 4.2 billion kwacha (about 1.24 million dollars). Phase two will cover 17 districts less than phase one. It will cost more than double the amount of money spent on phase one as it involves the installation of new transmitters, down link decoders and transmitter shelters among others, she said.
After the completion of the rural TV project, the ZNBC will replace radio transmitters in most parts of the country which receive the signals using the shortwave band. The state-run ZNBC is replacing shortwave with FM band transmitters, she said.
(Source: Xinhua/Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

VOA broadcasting in Philippines via DXDC Tawi-Tawi

The Philippines provincial station DXDC of Radyo Ng Bayan in Tawi-Tawi, started airing selected programmes of the Voice of America last Tuesday. The installation of a satellite dish and some accessories made possible the downlinking of VOA programmes in the province of Tawi-Tawi. DXDC (792 kHz) is the first radio station in the province to be linked to VOA. Another Radyo Ng Bayan provincial radio station, DXSM in Jolo, Sulu is scheduled to follow in the next few days.
Both provincial radio stations are under the government’s media network, the Philippine Broadcasting Service-Bureau of Broadcasting Services (PBS-BBS) that recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the VOA, which aims to strengthen US-Philippines ties through assisting in the upgrading of facilities and enhancement of broadcast programmes for the two radio stations.
DXDC Station Manager Chandler Salapuddin said a team visited Tawi-Tawi to install the equipment. He understands that negotiations and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement were held in Manila with Director Dante Cruz of PBS and Joyce Ngoh, Regional Marketing Officer of the Broadcasting Board of Governors.
(Source: Philippine Information Agency via Kim Andrew Elliott/Radio Netheralands-Media Network Weblog)

Revised Radio New Zealand SW Sked

For those of you following the ever changing schedule changes from Radio New Zealand, today's revision is from their website and our friends at Radio Netherlands.
Gayle

Radio New Zealand International has posted the following information on its website:
Radio New Zealand International is changing frequency schedules overnight tonight as we have corrected an antenna switching problem. The schedule includes the new DRM digital service. The full schedule is as follows:
AM mode:
1300 – 1650 UTC on 7145 kHz to All Pacific
1650 – 1850 UTC on 6095 kHz to All Pacific
1851 – 1950 UTC on 9630 kHz to All Pacific
1951 - 2235 UTC on 15720 kHz to All Pacific
2236 - 0458 UTC on 13730 kHz to All Pacific
0459 – 0658 UTC on 9615 kHz to All Pacific
0659 - 1059 UTC on 7145 kHz to All Pacific
1100 - 1259 UTC on 9870 kHz to Solomon Islands, PNG, Timor
DRM mode:
1300 – 1650 UTC on 6095 kHz to All Pacific, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Cook Isl
1651 – 1850 UTC on 7145 kHz to All Pacific, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Cook Isl
1851 – 1950 UTC on 9440 kHz to All Pacific
1951 - 2235 UTC on 13730 kHz to All Pacific
2236 - 0458 UTC on 15720 kHz to All Pacific
0459 – 0658 UTC on 9440 kHz to All Pacific
0659 - 1300 UTC on 6095 kHz to All Pacific
(Source: Radio Netherlands-Media Network Weblog)