Friday, February 12, 2010

Weekly Propagation Forecast Bulletins


Product:
Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2010 Feb 09 2151 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html

# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
01 - 07 February 2010

Solar activity began the period at very low levels with only a few low-level B-class events for 01-04 February. Beginning on 05 February, however, there was a steady increase in background levels and an increase of flare activity with 5 B-class events. Solar images indicated the emergence of new Region 1045 (N23, L=253, class/area Fkc/320 on 07 February) which was numbered on 06 February. This group emerged rapidly and increased activity levels to moderate on 06 February as it produced an M2/Sn flare at 06/1859 UTC and an M1 x-ray event at 06/2137 UTC (associated with a coronal mass ejection observed on the east limb), as well as five C-class events. The region continued to grow on 07 February and increased activity to high levels as it produced an M6/1n at 07/0234 UTC which was associated with a Tenflare (2695 MHz radio burst with peak flux of 170 solar flux units) and a halo coronal mass ejection. The estimated plane-of-sky speed for the halo CME was about 360 km/s.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal background levels from 01 February through 1530 UTC on 03 February. Flux levels increased to moderate levels until 1300 UTC on 06 February after which the flux returned to normal background levels.

The geomagnetic field was at mostly quiet to unsettled levels for 01-03 February, with a few isolated active intervals and one high-latitude minor storm interval from 1200-1500 UTC on 01 February. Geomagnetic activity was predominantly quiet for 04-07 February, with the exception of a brief unsettled to active interval from 1200-1800 UTC on 06 February. Real-time solar wind observations from the ACE spacecraft showed an increase in solar wind velocity beginning late on 02 February which reached a peak around 580 km/s early on 03 February and slowly declined over 03-04 February. This signature was most likely associated with a small negative polarity coronal hole that was observed in the northern hemisphere of the Sun. An enhancement in the interplanetary magnetic field was observed beginning mid-day on 06 February and lasting about 8 hours, with Bt reaching a maximum around 9 nT, and Bz reaching values down to -8 nT.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
10 February - 08 March 2010

Solar activity is expected to be low to moderate with a slight chance for a major flare as 1045 remains on the disk from 10-14 February. Activity levels should decrease to low to very low levels for 15-28 February but may increase to low to moderate levels for 01-08 March as old Regions 1045 and 1040 are due to return on 28 February and 01 March, respectively.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels through most of the period.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be unsettled with a chance for active periods for 10-14 February as a series of CME’s associated with activity from Region 1045 may arrive and impact the Earth during this time frame. In addition there is a slight chance for minor storm periods on 12 February due to the expected arrival of the halo CME associated with the M6 event mentioned previously. Quiet conditions are expected for 15 February, followed by quiet to unsettled levels due to a recurrent coronal hole on 16-17 February. Quiet levels should return and prevail for 18-28 February, followed by an increase to mostly unsettled levels on 01-02 March due to another recurrent coronal hole. Quiet levels should return for the remainder of the period from 03-08 March.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2010 Feb 09 2151 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2010 Feb 09

# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2010 Feb 10 92 9 3
2010 Feb 11 90 11 3
2010 Feb 12 90 13 3
2010 Feb 13 90 10 3
2010 Feb 14 85 10 3
2010 Feb 15 85 5 2
2010 Feb 16 85 8 3
2010 Feb 17 85 7 2
2010 Feb 18 85 5 2
2010 Feb 19 85 5 2
2010 Feb 20 85 5 2
2010 Feb 21 80 5 2
2010 Feb 22 80 5 2
2010 Feb 23 80 5 2
2010 Feb 24 75 5 2
2010 Feb 25 75 5 2
2010 Feb 26 75 5 2
2010 Feb 27 75 5 2
2010 Feb 28 80 5 2
2010 Mar 01 85 10 3
2010 Mar 02 85 10 3
2010 Mar 03 85 5 2
2010 Mar 04 85 5 2
2010 Mar 05 85 5 2
2010 Mar 06 85 5 2
2010 Mar 07 85 5 2
2010 Mar 08 85 5 2
(NOAA)

Monday, February 08, 2010

WWCR - B09 schedule update


WWCR Nashville, TN USA

Effective: 03 Feb - 13 March 2010
All times UTC - all broadcast targeted to North America

English
0000-0100 5070na 7465na 9980na 13845na
0100-0200 5070na 5935na 7490na 9980na

0200-0300 3215na 5070na 5890na 5935na
0300-0400 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na
0400-0500 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na
0500-0600 3215do 4775na 5890na 5935na

0600-0700 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na
0700-0800 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na
0800-0900 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na
0900-1000 3215na 4775na 5890na 5935na

1000-1100 4775na 5890na 5935na 9985na
1100-1200 4775na 5890na 5935na 9985na

1200-1300 4775na 5935na 9980na 15825na
1300-1400 4775na 9980na 13845na 15825na
1400-1500 4775na 9980na 13845na 15825na
1500-1600 4775na 9980na 13845na 15825na
1600-1700 4775na 9980na 13845na 15825na
1700-1800 9980na 12160na 13845na 15825na
1800-1900 9980na 12160na 13845na 15825na
1900-2000 9980na 12160na 13845na 15825na
2000-2100 9980na 12160na 13845na 15825na

2100-2200 7465na 9980na 12160na 13845na
2200-2300 7465na 9980na 12160na 13845na
2300-0000 5070na 7465na 9980na 13845na
(WWCR web update)

CVC Asia Pacific - revised complete B09 schedule

Australia

All times UTC - all programming targeted to Asia

Hindi
0000-0100 6260as
0100-0200 6260as 9425as
0200-0300 6160as 9425as
0300-0400 6160as 9425as



0400-0500 13630as
0500-0600 13630as
0600-0700 13630as
0700-0800 13630as
0800-0900 13630as
0900-1000 13630as
1000-1100 13630as

1100-1200 9500as
1200-1300 9500as
1300-1400 9500as

1400-1500 6260as
1500-1600 6260as
1600-1700 6260as
1700-1800 6260as
1800-1900 6260as
1900-2000 6260as

Indonesian
0700-0800 15725as
0800-0900 15725as
0900-1000 15725as
(WRTH 2010/Feb update)

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Radio Pakistan stops VOA's Pashto broadcast

Radio Pakistan stops VOA's Pashto broadcast after Taleban threats - paper

Text of report by Iqbal Khattak headlined “Taleban ‘force’ Radio Pakistan to discontinue VOA broadcasts” published by Pakistan newspaper Daily Times website on 7 February

Peshawar: The Radio Pakistan management has decided to scrap the agreement with the Voice of America (VOA) to broadcast its Pashto-language radio programmes after receiving “direct threats” for airing “American propaganda”, Daily Times has learnt.

The VOA launched its Pashto-language radio station, ‘Deeva Radio’, last year, targeting audience in the Tribal Areas and the NWFP [North-West Frontier Province]. Deeva Radio is aimed at offering the locals with a chance to speak out against the Taleban in the region. Radio Pakistan aired Deeva Radio programmes during its prime time slot - 7pm to 10pm.

A senior producer at Radio Pakistan Peshawar told Daily Times, “The Taleban and other anti-American groups in the country threatened to bomb the Radio Pakistan Peshawar premises if the station continued airing Deeva Radio programmes”. He said, “The Radio Pakistan central management ended its agreement with the VOA in light of the terror threats and political pressure, as many local listeners went to the (print) media to force the government to cancel the agreement.”

“The programme content was polemic at best, which added fuel to the local anti-American sentiment. It also created the impression that the programmes were being recorded at the Peshawar station, which has never been the case,” the producer added. However, Radio Pakistan Director General Murtaza Solangi said the state-run broadcaster aired Deeva Radio programmes during September and October. The broadcast was cancelled after a month on mutual agreement between the Radio Pakistan and the VOA.
(Source: Daily Times website, Lahore, in English 07 Feb 10 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands media Network Weblog)

Shortwave Blog "Bytes"

All times UTC

Aussie DX Report # 188 available for download
Episode No. 188, of the Australian DX Report audio news magazine about shortwave broadcasting includes monitoring research and analysis made from field sites near Melbourne.

There are also other features, news and information about shortwave broadcasting, propagation, a solar activity report, monitoring notes, schedules for the B09 and A10 seasons, extracts from schedules, and schedule updates.

It's 15 mins duration, and may be accessed from the Australian Internet Radio Magazine site, at
http://airm.edx.org/

You may download/listen to/save the episodes as an MP3 file on your laptop, desktop, notebook, netbook, set up a Podcast, or receive or save it on your Mobile Phone or other portable internet-enabled digital device.

You may also subscribe via the site's RSS/Atom feed - full details are at the site.

The shows are very popular - in the four weeks to February 1, 2010, there have been 731 downloads by subscribers, 1927 site visitors, and 185 episode hits. There have been 23,871 channel visits in the past 12 months!

The episodes are also available on-air, over WWCR Nashville, 0300-0315 on Sundays, on 5070, and on Mondays 1245-1300 on 15825, and via WWCR's streaming audio (live) at http://wwcr.com/

Good listening to the Australian DX Report Episode No. 188, and enjoy the music!

additional info
I received a note from WWCR's Operational Manasger in Nashville that the long established channel of 5070 has been replaced by 4775, 2300-1200.

This is to avoid interference problems notified to the FCC.

This means that our weekly Australian DX Report will be now be heard on 4775, 0300-0315 on Sundays (UTC), for the Americas. There is a repeat on Mondays from 1230-1300 on 15825, for Africa. (Bob Padula, Melbourne, Australia)

Union of Asian DXers returns
After a break of about 17 years, the Union of Asian DXers has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. The UADX has published its first Newsletter since July 1993 as a PDF file on the DXAsia website, edited now, as then, by my good friend Victor Goonetilleke in Sri Lanka. Familiar UADX names such as Gerhard Werdin, Sarath Amukotuwa & Sarath Weerakoon will also be helping Victor, who says that the first edition of the E-Newsletter is meant as an introduction and sample. The next edition is scheduled before the end of February. I hope SWLs and DXers amongst our readership will support this venture.

Victor has also written an article about Eclipse Monitoring on 15 January 2010. A UADX blog will also be starting soon. Thanks to Alok das Gupta and his son Abhishek for technical help in getting this material online. http://wwww.dxasia.info/
(Andy Sennitt)

additional post:
I have just heard from Victor Goonetilleke that he has not given permission for other websites to host the PDF file of this E-Newsletter. Copies of the PDF file may be downloaded for private use only, not uploaded to other sites. In order to assess how successful this revival of UADX is, it's important that the statistics on the DXAsia site accurately reflect the number of downloads. Other websites are welcome to use and quote material from it, provided the apppropriate credit is given, but it is not allowed to host the PDF file which was specially created for the DXAsia site by Abhishek das Gupta. A direct link to the PDF file at
http://dxasia.info/features/UADX%2031JAN2010.pd f will enable users of other sites to access the PDF directly, while maintaining the integrity of the site statistics.

A copyright notice will be added to future editions of the UADX Newsletter to make this clear.

South Africa's Sentec updates address
Recent Sentec verification letter shows new address as:
Sentech Ltd: PO Box 234. Meyerton 1960.
(Ron Killick, New Zealand via Wolfgang Buesche/(worlddxclub/Contact-Deb DX News)

Blog Logs

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

Andaman & Nicobar Islands
4760, All India Radio-Port Blair (presumed) 1701-1730* Feb 6. Non-stop, repetitive indigenous chanting/singing and music; 1727 announcement (too weak to ID language). Believe AIR Leh scheduled for 1700*; poor.Several hours after my local sunrise! (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

China
5050, Guangxi Beibu Bay Radio, 1424, Feb 6. Brief bit in English; “I am Eric Maskin, the 2007 Nobel Laureate in economics. The launch of CAFTA [China ASEAN Free Trade Area] to bring mutual benefits to all the countries of ASEAN. I think it is a very exciting development. I look forward to seeing what happens”; CAFTA came into existence on Jan 1 and is the world’s third largest free trade zone; into “Top Music” show of easy-listening songs. Vietnamese with only the program name in English. Even though this station primarily plays music, they obviously emphasize the economy of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Beibu Bay Economic Zone in their news and as reflected on the BBR website (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Ethiopia
6030, Radio Oromiya, 1517, Feb 6. Already on the air with repetitive HOA music and singing. Weekends (observed on a Saturday) have an earlier sign on than the weekday *1522. It was Bruce Churchill who first noted the difference (Thanks Bruce!); heard through CNR-1. Seems this one is no longer all that rare anymore!

7165, Radio Ethiopia, 1537, Feb 6. Pop music and Horn of Africa music in vernacular (Afar scheduled) 1600 xylophone like music (very similar to the Radio Oromiya interval signal) “This is the external service of Radio Ethiopia broadcasting in English in the 31 meter band and 41 meter band in shortwave and 303 meters on medium wave. Our program begins with a news summary.” Pop songs in English, many brief news items with music bridges to 1630 another “external service of Radio Ethiopia.” News in English, causing interference-signal mostly poor.(Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

India
4850, All India Radio-Kohima, 1323-1340, Feb 6. Naga segment 1340-1350, news and sports in vernacular; 1350-1401.* News and sports in English (Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh calls on states to work together with Center to bring food prices under control, Congress leader challenges Nagaland to enroll 1 lakh members, 22 taxi drivers arrested, security forces gun down four militants, list of medals won at the South Asian Games, etc.). IDs: “This is All India Radio Kohima” and “This news comes to you from All India Radio Kohima”; mostly fair. Erratic schedule since their special broadcast on eve of Republic Day (Jan 25); not on the air every day (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Indonesia
9680, RRI Jakarta, 1133-1145. Tune-in to steady music which was typically Indonesian. At 1134, the signal dropped off the air suddenly for about ten seconds, then it came back up. Overall signal was good (75.0 dBm)(Chuck Bolland, FL)

9526, Voice of Indonesia, 1122-1130. Female announer in Chinese with comments. Thus assumed this was VOI being on 9526 and in Chinese at this time. Signal was fair too. (Chuck Bolland,FL)

Malaysia/Sarawak
5030, Sarawak FM via RTM, 1418 + 1444, Feb 6. Vernacular. Saturday format of repetitive indigenous music accompanied by chanting/singing, along with on-air phone call. Would think that this unique chanting would help folks to confirm they are hearing this station on Saturdays. Fair signal. (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Papua New Guinea
3290, Radio Central, 1114-1120. Weak signal here with typical music and a male's comments afterwards. Very Threshold signal. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

Saturday, February 06, 2010

February specials from DX Stamp Supplies


thanks to Bill Plum for sending in this months specials - excuse the delay in not posting earlier...
Gayle VH

Dear Customer,

New postal rates noted since last emailing are:
Mauritius now 29r up from 25r

Mexico to USA $10,00 and to Canada $11,50
Brazil now R2,00 up from R1,60

Stamps on Back Order:

A big list...Aruba, Ethiopia, Slovakia, Thailand, Italy, Netherlands, Neth. Antilles, Trinidad, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria and Luxembourg.

Stamps In Stock AGAIN: Cayman Iland, Falklands, PR China, South Korea, Peru, Poland, Iceland, Tanzania, Slovenia.

Price Changes:
Estonia now $1.40
Greenland now $2.00
Papua New Guinea now $2.50

Countries Dropped:
Kenya
Lesotho
Sold less than 5 from each during past two years.

Below are February DX specials: Yes, they do look familiar!!

73 and good DX
Bill Plum
12 Glenn Road
Flemington, NJ 08822
908 788-1020
FAX 908 782-2612
plumdx@msn.com

FEBRUARY 2010 DX STAMP SPECIALS

3 UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern. Ireland)-$3.60 3 Germany-$8.25

2 Switzerland-$3.20 3 Japan-$3.60

FEBRUARY 2010 DX SUPPLY SPECIALS

200/200 European Air Mailers and Returns $35

200/200 Stateside Mailers and Returns $16

Shipping charges extra on supply specials

PRIORITY MAIL Shipping Rates for Supplies

Orders under $16.00 add $6.50, Orders from $16.00 to $40.00 add $9.00, Orders from $41.00 to $100.00 add $13.00, Orders from $101.00 to $150.00 add $18.00, orders over $150.00 add 12%. When ordering supplies AND stamps, use supply total to figure shipping costs. Stamps “ride free” when you order supplies. Shipments to Canada ship at a greater cost. (04/2008)

Mint postage stamps of foreign countries can be purchased from Bill Plum's Airmail Postage and DX Supplies, 12 Glenn Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 USA.

Include a self-addressed-envelope for his current price list or request a price list via email at plumdx@msn.com . The prices represent Airmail rate to North America. Prices are subject to change without notice. No mimimum order via check, money order or credit card, but credit card orders under $ 15.00 will incur a $ 2.00 extra charge. Visa, MC, AMEX are accepted. Please include billing and shipping address for AMEX.

Don't forget the DX supplies include European Airmail envelopes (European Air Return and European Air Mailer). These envelopes are perfectly acceptable for mailing to ALL parts of the world, not just to Europe. Their size insures you that a 4"x6" DX QLSs will not come back to you folded which could happen if you used small U.S. sized airmail envelopes. Bill's European Air Return fits into a European Air Mailer without folding. These two envelopes and up to 5 QSL cards weigh less than one ounce. The European Air Return and 2 QSLs weigh less than 10 grams. All envelopes are sealed in plastic for protection. Envelopes are packed 100 per size per package. The 5-/50 Combo comes in one package.

Eyeball cards, stateside QSLing nesting envelopes, QSL Card Albums and pages are also sold.

I have used Bill's service for years and find his prices affordable and dependable. All stamps are enclosed within a glassine envelope, so no worries of stamps sticking to the letter, and you can enclose the stamps as is in the letter to the station.
(Gayle Van Horn)

VT Communications Relays - Part 1 of 3

Via: Ascension Island/ Austria/ Canada/ Cyprus/ Portugal/ Rwanda/ Singapore/ South Africa/ Taiwan/ United Arab Emirates/ United Kingdom

Winter B-09 Schedule of VT Communications Relays. Part 1 of 3:

All times UTC

Radio Japan NHK World
0000-0020 5920 SKN 300 kW 140 deg to WeEu English
0200-0300 11860 SNG 250 kW 340 deg to SEAs Japanese
0500-0530 5975 RMP 500 kW 140 deg to WeEu English
0800-1000 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Japanese
0945-1030 9640 SNG 250 kW 140 deg to SEAs Indonesian
1030-1100 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Burmese
1130-1200 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Thai
1230-1330 11740 SNG 250 kW 001 deg to SEAs Vietnamese/Chinese
1400-1430 11780 RMP 500 kW 062 deg to EaEu English
1500-1700 12045 SNG 250 kW 315 deg to WeAs Japanese
1700-1900 9575 DHA 250 kW 285 deg to NoAf Japanese
2200-2300 7225 DHA 250 kW 285 deg to NoAf Japanese

Radio Prague
from Feb.1
0000-0027 7420 ASC 250 kW 245 deg to SoAm Spanish
1730-1757 7285 SIN 250 kW 040 deg to WeEu German

Gospel for Asia
0000-0130 6140 DHA 250 kW 085 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs
1600-1615 9820 DHA 250 kW 100 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs
1615-1630 9820 DHA 250 kW 070 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs Sun-Wed
1615-1630 9820 DHA 250 kW 120 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs Thu-Sat
2330-2400 6160 DHA 250 kW 085 deg to SoAs SoEaAs langs

Voice of Vietnam
0100-0125 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English
0130-0225 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm Vietnamese
0230-0255 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English
0300-0325 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm Spanish
0330-0355 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm English
0400-0425 6175 SAC 250 kW 212 deg to NoAm Spanish
0430-0525 6175 SAC 250 kW 240 deg to NoAm Vietnamese
1800-1825 5955 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu English
1830-1925 5955 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu Vietnamese
1930-1955 5955 MOS 100 kW 300 deg to WeEu French
2000-2025 5970 WOF 300 kW 075 deg to EaEu Russian
2030-2125 3985 SKN 250 kW 121 deg to WeEu German
2130-2125 7370 WOF 300 kW 105 deg to SEEu Vietnamese

Adventist World Radio
0100-0200 15445 TAI 100 kW 250 deg to SEAs Vietnamese Sat

Sudan Radio Service
0400-0500 7280 DHA 250 kW 245 deg to EaAf Arabic
0500-0600 13720 DHA 250 kW 240 deg to EaAf Arabic/English
1500-1530 17745 SIN 250 kw 114 deg to EaAf English
1530-1700 17745 SIN 250 kw 114 deg to EaAf Arabic
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Dinka Mon
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Zande Tue
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Muro Wed
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Bari Thu
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Shiluk Fri
1700-1730 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf Arabic Sat/Sun
1730-1800 9840 DHA 300 kW 240 deg to EaAf English

BBC Darfur Salaam:
0500-0530 9440 DHA 250 kW 255 deg to Sudan Arabic
0500-0530 11865 CYP 250 kW 187 deg to Sudan Arabic
1700-1730 9760 CYP 250 kW 185 deg to Sudan Arabic
1700-1730 11895 CYP 250 kW 185 deg to Sudan Arabic

Radio Okapi
0400-0500 11690 MEY 250 kW 340 deg to Congo French/Lingala
1600-1700 9635 MEY 250 kW 340 deg to Congo French/Lingala

BBC/DW:
0600-0800 3995 SKN 100 kW 120 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1000-1500 9545 WOF 100 kW 114 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1500-1700 5790 WOF 100 kW 172 deg to WeEu English/German DRM
1600-2000 3995 SKN 100 kW 120 deg to WeEu English/German DRM

Voice of Croatia
0700-1100 15360 SNG 100 kW 135 deg to AUS Croatian+English news

KBS World Radio
0700-0800 6045 SKN 300 kW 110 deg to WeEu Korean
1100-1130 9760 WOF 100 kW 105 deg to WeEu English Sat DRM
1800-1900 7235 RMP 500 kW 062 deg to EaEu Russian
1900-2000 5935 RMP 500 kW 168 deg to NoAf Arabic
2000-2100 3955 SKN 250 kW 106 deg to WeEu German
2100-2200 3955 SKN 250 kW 175 deg to WeEu French
2200-2230 3955 SKN 250 kW 106 deg to WeEu English

Cotton Tree News
0730-0800 11875 RMP 250 kW 189 deg to CeAf English/Local

IRIN Radio (Integrated Regional Information Network)
0830-0930 17680 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Somali

Eternal Good News
1130-1145 15525 DHA 250 kW 100 deg to SoAs English Fri

Trans World Radio Africa
1300-1315 13765 KIG 250 kW 030 deg to EaAf Afar Fri-Sun
1730-1800 9745 DHA 250 kW 230 deg to EaAf Oromo Fri
1800-1815 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Mon-Wed
1800-1815 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Amharic Thu/Fri
1800-1830 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Tigre Sat
1800-1830 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Kunama Sun
1815-1845 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Tigrinya Mon-Fri
1830-1845 5965 DHA 250 kW 225 deg to EaAf Amharic Sun
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Feb 1)
(DX Mix News # 610 via wb, Germany)

Deutsche Welle frequency changes

Ascension Island/ United States
Deutsche Welle

Effective from Feb 1:

All times UTC

0300-0400 new freq 9485 ASC 250 kW 085 deg to CeAf in Swahili, ex9565
1000-1100 9865 HRI 250 kW 152 deg to SoAm in German, cancelled
2200-2400 15640 HRI 250 kW 152 deg to SoAm in German, cancelled
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Feb 1/DX Mix News # 610, wb, Germany)

Politicans and press react to proposed VOA Greenville closure


The plan by the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) to close its last remaining shortwave transmitting station in the mainland US, Greenville B, has already caused concern amongst local press and politicians. The local newspaper covering Pitt County, in which the station is located, is The Daily Reflector. It quotes BBG spokesperson Letitia King as saying “Closing the location should save the agency $3.1 million. Obviously in this budget environment we are faced with difficult choices in balancing competing policy priorities with available budget resources. The broadcasting bureau has other resources available that can deliver the programming transmitted from Pitt County.”

Twenty-three people work at the site. Ms King said she did not know when the proposed closure would occur because the budget has not been approved. According to US Representative Walter Jones Jr’s office, it won’t be approved until the appropriations committee reviews it, and that still is some time away. Mr Jones, whose 3rd Congressional District includes Pitt County, says “The justification that we have received for the closing of the Greenville Voice of America site is very thin. We need to get to the bottom of this before any further action is taken.”

US Represenative G K Butterfield, D-N.C, whose 1st Congressional District also includes Pitt County, said “Before considering cuts at the site in Greenville, it is important to be sure the services and past investment are being protected.”

Ms King said: “Shortwave broadcasts from Greenville have decreased over the past five to six years as shortwave demand has decreased. While collecting data from Cuba is difficult, the agency knows only one percent of Haiti’s population listens to shortwave radio”. She added that AM radio signals also are more reliable for reaching Cuba.
(Source: The Daily Reflector/R Netherlands Media Network)

Voice of America cuts in Obama's proposed 2011 savings
The 2011 Budget proposal would eliminate VOA Croatian and Greek language broadcasts. As proposed in 2010 and accepted by the Congress, VOA Hindi will cease broadcasting in 2010; these savings are also reflected in the funding summary. While the overall funding level for VOA is increasing from 2010, funding related to these language services within VOA will be eliminated. These reductions help to offset the total funds needed in 2011 to support ongoing programming and new priority needs. … Each year, BBG undertakes an assessment of each language in which the BBG entities broadcast, fulfilling a congressional mandate to ‘review, evaluate, and determine, at least annually, after consultation with the Secretary of State, the addition or deletion of language services.’” Terminations, Reductions, and Savings document of President Obama’s FY 2011 budget,
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Australia using new relay site after Darwin closes


Mike Bird writes: The Cox Peninsula, Darwin HF transmitter station in Australia was closed on 31 January 2010. CVC a christian broadcasting company who leased the transmission equipment since 1999 after the then Howard government closed the site in 1997, have decided to drop HF broadcasting to Asia.

The original lease to use the site included a get out clause after 10 years. The land the transmitter complex is built on has since been claimed by a local Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory. In the past few days the technicians have started decommissioning the equipment and lowering the antennas. This has meant Radio Australia (RA) has had to find alternative HF transmitting relays to service Asia. VT based in the UK have so far found two sites that can provide relay transmissions for RA to broadcast to Asia at Medorm (HBN) Palau in the Pacific Ocean and Dhabbaya (DHA) in the United Arab Emirates.

The schedule is as follows (all times UTC):

0000-0030 Indonesian to West & central Indonesia on HBN 15225 kHz
0100-0130 Burmese to Burma on HBN 15655 kHz
0400-0430 Indonesian to West & central Indonesia on HBN 15780 kHz
0500-0530 Indonesian to West & central Indonesia on HBN 15590 kHz
1300-1430 Chinese to SE China & SE Asia in general on HBN 9890 kHz
1600-1630 Burmese to Burma on HBN 9965 kHz
2200-2400 English to SE Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam) on HBN 12040 kHz
2200-2330 Indonesian to West & central Indonesia on DHA 5935 kHz
2300-2330 Burmese to Burma on DHA 5955 kHz
Discussions are currently taking place between RA, VT and the Singapore government about the possible use of the Kranji relay facility to further bolster RA’s transmissions to Asia.
(Source: Mike Bird/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Radio Netherlands Program Guide - Feb. 7-12

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY
*** Network Europe Extra ***

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
1000 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
1800 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
1900 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN (UTC):
0400 North America
0500 North America
1000 Africa and Asia
1200 North America
1430 Europe
1700 Europe
2200 Asia

*** Radio Books (primary program) ***

'Ascension Day' - by Leo Pleysier

Belgian author Leo Pleysier made his literary debut in 1971 with a collection of short stories. His work is often based on members of his family and the countryside near Antwerp where he was born and still lives.

In his Radio Books story, Pleysier looks at the landscape from a different perspective. The narrator contemplates the countryside he knows so well from high in the air as he takes a ride in a hot air balloon.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.00 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.30 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
19.30 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
00.30 Europe
05.30 North America
10.30 Africa and Asia
14.40 Europe

MONDAY 8 FEBRUARY
*** Curious Orange (primary program) ***

Michel Walraven is your guide to modern-day Holland.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.30 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.30 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
00.30 Europe
13.00 North America
14.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** From Way Back When ***

A chance to hear some Radio Netherlands Worldwide programmes from the 1980s, from way back when... Nevill Gray talks to French singer Juliette Gréco, in a repeat of a show first broadcast on 27 March 1982.

Broadcast times on WRN
05.20 North America

*** Classic Dox ***

'Zeeland '53' (Originally broadcast January 2003)

In February 1953, the worst flood in centuries surprised residents of the southern province of Zeeland in the middle of the night. Houses were swept out to

sea and more than 1800 people lost their lives. The disaster is recreated with RNW archive recordings and eye-witness accounts of survivors.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720

Broadcast times on WRN
13.20 North America

*** European Jazz Stage/ World Music ***

From the vaults of RNW a collection of historic recordings from the Laren Singer Concert Hall, featuring Roy Haynes' Hip ensemble, Ronald Hanna and the Bill Evans Trio featuring the great Stan Getz. All of that, on the European Jazz Stage with Daniel Frankl.

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2009

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt. This week's soloist is violinist Thomas Zehetmair, and the music includes Brahms'

Tragic Overture and Schumann's Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra in C major. Hans Haffmans is the programme's host and his special guest is Brian Pollard, former member of the Royal Cconcertgebouw Orchestra.

TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

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

God in uniform: Military rabbis have been encouraging Israel's soldiers to see their combat operations as a matter of faith. Eran Efrati was a soldier for over three years and found the idea of fighting a 'holy war' repulsive.

Tragedy and reconciliation: Israel' Operation Cast Lead left as many as 900 Palestinian civilians dead in 2009. Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish's house in Gaza was shelled twice by an Israeli tank. Three of his daughters were killed. Yet his message is resolute: non-violence is the only path and peaceful reconciliation the only goal.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.30 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.15 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.00 Africa and Asia
10.30 Africa and Asia
14.15 Europe

*** Live! at the Concertgebouw ***

Live! at the Concertgebouw 2009

The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Jaap van Zweden, the soloist is the soprano Anne Schwanewilms. They play music by Richard Strauss, Otto Ketting and Schubert. Your hosts are Hans Haffmans and Cynthia Wilson.

*** Commonwealth Story ***

A selection of winning stories chosen from the large number of entries for the 2009 Commonwealth Short Story Competition.

'All Embracing'- by Dave Pescod from the UK. Loneliness in London.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.50 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720

Broadcast times on WRN
00.50 Europe
04.25 Africa and Asia
10.50 Africa and Asia
22.50 Asia
23.50 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

'Chernobyl: After the Accident' (Originally broadcast April 2001)

Fifteen years after the disaster with the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in April 1986, producer Liesbeth de Bakker visited the Ukraine to find out what had happened to the some five million people who were exposed to radiation.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

WEDNESDAY 10 FEBRUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Reloaded (primary program) ***

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.15 Europe
22.10 Asia

*** Classic Dox ***

'Imagination is the Instrument of Compassion' (Originally Broadcast September 2005)

How soon after a disaster may artists create a work of art out of the ashes? Some critics felt four years was too soon to take on the 11 September terrorist attacks as a subject. But author Jonathan Safran Foer overcame his own fears to do just that.

*** Newsline ***

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

THURSDAY 11 FEBRUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Earth Beat (primary program) ***

Earth Beat ruins romantic Valentine's Day gestures by looking at the environmental footprint of flowers. We trace our bunch of roses back through the Dutch flower markets to the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya, where they cause an eco-stink. We also meet the couple who decided to recycle cans for cash to pay for their ENTIRE wedding. Coming up smelling of roses.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.35 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
04.00 Africa and Asia
05.10 North America
10.00 Africa and Asia
13.00 North America
14.00 Europe
17.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

'Adrift in Sri Lanka' (Originally broadcastJan 2004)

Producer Marijke van der Meer was vacationing in Sri Lanka when the south coast of the country was hit by the devastating tsunami in December 2003. Her personal journey to the area hit hardest by the disaster is the basis for this award-winning documentary.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
15.15 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595

*** Newsline ***

The latest world news and current affairs.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY
*** Network Europe ***

A collaboration by Europe's leading broadcasters

A pan-European team links up across the continent every day to provide a fresh perspective on events and life in Europe.

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
19.04 East Africa 12045, West Africa 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.00 North America
17.00 Europe

*** Bridges with Africa (primary program) ***

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
10.00 East Asia 12065, 6040, East China 9720
14.30 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.15 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.15 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
05.10 North America
10.00 Africa and Asia
13.00 North America
17.30 Europe
22.10 Asia
23.10 North America and CBC

*** Classic Dox ***

'The Day the World Came to an End' (Originally broadcast October 2004)

On 12 October 1654, an explosion in the city of Delft caused more than 100 deaths. On the 350th anniversary of the disaster, producer Chris Chambers talked with Dutch historians and recreated the tragic event and its aftermath.

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

Broadcast times on SW (UTC):
14.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
15.04 South and Southeast Asia 12080, 15595
18.04 East Africa 12045, Central and East Africa 11655, South Africa 6020
20.04 West Africa 21525, 11655, South and Central Africa 7425

Broadcast times on WRN
14.04 Europe
22.00 Asia
23.00 North America and CBC
(R Netherlands)

Radio Pakistan frequency changes released

Effective from Feb 1:

All times UTC


Bangla, retimed
0900-1000 9375vISL 100 kW 118 deg & 11570 ISL 100 kW 118 deg,new
1200-1245 7475 ISL 100 kW 118 deg & 9345vISL 100 kW 118 deg,delete

Hindi, retimed
1045-1145 9375vISL 100 kW 147 deg & 11570 ISL 100 kW 147 deg,new
1030-1130 7475 ISL 100 kW 147 deg & 9345vISL 100 kW 147 deg,delete

Gujrati, additional transmision
1145-1215 9375vISL 100 kW 147 deg & 11570 ISL 100 kW 147 deg

Pashto, retimed
1345-1445 4835 ISL 100 kW 270 deg & 6235vISL 100 kW 270 deg,new
1300-1400 4835 ISL 100 kW 270 deg & 6235vISL 100 kW 270 deg,delete

Dari, retimed
1445-1545 4835 ISL 100 kW 270 deg & 6235vISL 100 kW 270 deg,new
1430-1530 4835 ISL 100 kW 270 deg & 6235vISL 100 kW 270 deg,delete

Nepali, new language service
1000-1030 9375vISL 100 kW 118 deg & 11570 ISL 100 kW 118 deg

Sinhala, new language service
1230-1300 11525 ISL 100 kW 147 deg & 15630vISL 100 kW 147 deg

Tamil, new language service
1300-1330 11525 ISL 100 kW 147 deg & 15630vISL 100 kW 147 deg
v=vary freq. xxxxx.4 kHz
(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Feb 1)
(DX Mix News 610, wb, Germany)

amateur radio special events calendar

February 2010
9M2 - Wolfgang, OE1WWL will be active as 9M2/OE1WWL from Langkawi Island(AS-058) on 24-28 February. He plans to operate some SSB using 10 watts and a wire. QSL via home call, bureau preferred. [TNX rsgbiota.org]

BY - David, BA4DW will be active as BA4DW/4 from Changxing Island(AS-136) on 11-19 February. He will operate holiday style with 100 watts and wire antennas. QSL via home call. [TNX BA4DW]

C2 - Dieter, DJ2EH, and his wife Anneli,DL8NBH will be active as C21DL and C21YL from Nauru (OC-031) until 14 February. Look for activity on 160-6 metres CW, with some RTTY and SSB. QSL via home calls, direct or bureau. [TNX DX Newsletter]

CN - Mat, MJ0ASP will be active as CN2MR from Morocco between on 18-26 February. He will operate CW only on 40-10 metres, with an emphasis on 30, 17 and 12 metres. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX MJ0ASP]

C6 - Drew, N2RFA will be active as C6ABB from Nassau, Bahamas (NA-001) on 8-18 February. He plans to operate on 17, 20, 40 and 80 metres, and as "there is very little digital activity in the Bahamas", he will also operate some PSK31, RTTY, and SSTV. QSL via home call.[TNX N2RFA]

EPC WW DX CONTEST ---> The European PSK Club invites amateur radio operators all over the world to participate in the second EPC to 12 UTC). Object of the contest is to work as many stations as possible using the BPSK125 mode. Complete information can be found at www.epcwwdx.srars.org .

HC - Rick, NE8Z will be active from Ecuador between 8 and 24 February. He expects to operate on 80-10 metres CW, SSB, RTTY and PSK31 as HC1MD (from Tumbaco, Pichincha Province), HC1MD/HC1 (from Mount Pichincha) and HC1MD/HC4 (from Punta Blanca, Manabi Province). QSL via K8LJG. [TNX NE8Z]

HI - Fabio, IK4QJF will be active as HI3/IK4QJF from the Dominican Republic from 20 February to 5 March. He will operate SSB and digital modes. QSL via home call, direct or bureau. [TNX IK4QJF]

J8 - ST. VINCENT
Dave, G3TBK will once again be active as J88DR from the island of St.Vincent (IOTA NA-109, WLOTA LH-0492) between 18th February and 15th March, 2010, including an entry in the RSGB Commonwealth Contest. QRV on all bands 160-10 metres using CW, SSB and RTTY. QSL via home call,direct or bureau. [NG3K]

PJ - Roger, N4RR will operate RTTY and CW as PJ4/N4RR from Bonaire (SA-006) on 10-15 February. He will participate in the CQ WW WPX RTTY Contest (13-14 February) as PJ4R. QSL both calls via N4RR. [TNX OPDX Bulletin]

VE - John, KL7JR will be active as XK1RST from Yukon on 11-14 February. He plans to operate SSB on 80-10 metres from Destruction Bay or Jacquot Island in Kluane Lake (not IOTA). QSL via KL7JR. [TNX dx-world.net]

VK - Bill, VK4FW will operate mostly CW as VK8MM from Groote Eylandt (OC-141) on 14-20 February. After that, he will be active for a few days from his daughter's home in Nhullunbuy(mainland Australia). QSL via VK4FW.[TNX QRZ-DX]

VK8 - NT, AUSTRALIA
Bill, VK4FW and his XYL will fly to VK8 to see their daughter and grandkids..... He has made arrangements to operate from Groote Eylandt (IOTA OC-141) for a few days as well as from the mainland (IOTA OC-001)..... listen for Bill from late on the 14th of February for a few days as VK8MM. He plans to have internet coverage and will be listening intently for low power stations. QSL direct via mail, direct via OQRS and Bureau. (For all OQRS please go to www.odxg.org and follow the prompt).

XU - XU7KOH will be active again from Koh Russei (AS-133) on 12-16 February (operated by ON6NP, ON6TZ and XU7ACY) and 19-23 February (operated by ON6NP, ON6TZ, XU7ACY and F5PAC). QSL via ON7PP. Logs will be posted on www.xu7tzg.be after the operations. [TNX ON7PP]
(I.C.P.O. Update/Dave Raycroft/DX News # 979)

WRTH B09 updates available online

The WRTH editorial team is pleased to announce that a file containing updates to the Winter/B09 schedules is now available to download from the WRTH website: www.wrth.com/ and click on the "Latest PDF Updates" link

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader (available from www.adobe.com/ ) in order to view this file.

The file is 234kb in size and contains schedule updates for international and Clandestine/Target broadcasters plus details of three new stations.

We hope you find this a useful accompaniment to the printed WRTH.

Regards,
Sean Gilbert - WRTH International Editor(Facebook)

TWR Asia renews cooperation with Sri Lanka

The Asian division of Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio has signed a new contract on January 12 with the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation to continue broadcasting from its transmitter site in Puttalam.

TWR-Asia has been working with the oldest radio station in South Asia for the past 33 years and currently broadcasts a total of 77 programmes in 24 languages via the station.

Under the new contract, which was signed after months of negotiations and discussions between both sides and which will take effect on 1 Feb 2010, the cooperation will continue for the next three years with an option to extend it for another two years.

TWR-Asia International Director Sebastian Chan said: “TWR has had a good partnership with SLBC for the last 33 years. The signing of the new contract is a testament to those years of cooperation, collaboration and trust. It is a privilege to be working with SLBC. We look forward to more years of working together, and are excited to see what possibilities the future brings for both TWR and SLBC.”

David Butler, the Director of Ministry Operations, added: “Through the entire process, we saw God’s hand at work in many ways – both big and small. We rejoice in these things, that they all came together. We continue to believe that God is moving in our ministry to South Asia, and we have another three years to reach the people of South Asia.

“Radio is still the best way to reach the masses, but we look forward to augmenting the radio broadcasts by connecting with the listeners through the internet, mobile phones, and other means of communication. Christ is transforming lives in South Asia through His word, and causing these lives to bear fruit. We rejoice that God has blessed us and allowed us to be part of this.”

Founded in 1952 TWR helps lead millions of people speaking more than 200 languages and dialects in 160 countries around the world from doubt to decision to discipleship concerning Jesus Christ using radio, the internet and through face-to-face visits.

TWR-Asia broadcasts programmes across the region in more than 80 Asian languages and dialects. In addition, the ministry has undertaken many humanitarian projects including tsunami relief efforts, adopting HIV/AIDS villages in China, distributing radios in several Asian nations, ministering to women’s health needs and ministering to orphans in Cambodia.

Nathanael Ng
nathanael@christianpost.com

Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 Posted: 12:58:16PM HKT
(Fource: http://goo.gl/prqw )
(Yimber Gaviria)

Content 'the key for shortwave broadcasters'

Shortwave broadcasters should use relevant content to compete with other delivery platforms such as satellite and the Internet, a conference in Kuala Lumpur has heard. The acting Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), David Astley, said the competition was not only in the method of delivery but in the content provided. “The content needs to be relevant to the targeted audiences so that listenership is enhanced and there is a positive movement towards shortwave radio listening” he told the 6th Global Shortwave Coordination Conference.

The conference brings together three coordination groups: HFCC from Europe, ASBU from the Arab states and ABU-HFC from the Asia-Pacific region. Together they coorsinate around 90 percent of the world’s shortwave frequency hours. The three groups look at ways of reducing interference on frequencies used for around 7,000 shortwave radio transmissions that are put out by the broadcasters every day.

This is the third time the Global Conference has been held in Kuala Lumpur and the second time the ABU has hosted it. More than 55 broadcasters - including RNW - represented by 115 frequency managers are taking part. The conference runs until 5 February.
(Source: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Friday, February 05, 2010

Followup on the DXing the Chinese New Year

special thanks to regular contributor, Ron Howard for the following update on DXing the upcoming Chinese New Year.
Gayle VH


Thanks to Sei-ichi Hasegawa (NDXC) of Japan for his comments that the Lunar New Year is generally not that important in Japan and "it is used at the festival of the Shinto shrines. Therefore there are no special broadcasts in Japan."

Whereas in China, the Spring Festival that celebrates the Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the whole year. I should have mentioned that the special coverage by CNR-1 will be on February 13, their local New Year's Eve, from probably sometime before 1320 UT to after 1440 UT.
(Ron Howard, CA)

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Do's and Don'ts of China QSLing


from the QSL Report Archives
the following is copyright material from Monitoring Times and will be enforced
by Gayle Van Horn
With today's focus on China, time for a few tips for successful QSLing from China.

There are several elements in preparing sa quality reception report, which begin with the date of reception. Spell the month out to avoid confusion, followed by the time of reception in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The frequency on which you logged the station is vital, expressed in either megahertz (MHz) or kilohertz (kHz). Don't forget to include any notation of parallel frequencies program was observed on.

Twenty minutes of programming is usually adequate unless you are monitoring a weak signal over a period of several days. Details should be specific as much as possible including program and announcer names. Station identifications and musical format is important, but a word-for-word transcription is not only not necessary, but will potentially waste the time of station personnel in charge of QSLing.

Don't forget to include reception signal quality observed while monitoring. However, don't attempt to make the station staff feel good by an over zealous rating than the signal quality deserves. Stations know when and where their frequencies are targeted. Remember though, your observations play a vital role in the station's future frequency planning.

Whether your initial QSLing is via China Radio International or China National Radio, both stations present quality programming and verify most correct reception reports within an adequate time of one-two months.

Remember too, if a Chinese regional or provincial station does not respond to your report within four-six months, resend your reception report to China Radio International. CRI has in the past verified regional and provincial stations. This is also an alternative to Chinese reporting, as CRI accepts English details for Chinese programming.

Always ask for the transmitter site regardless of the station. Usually CRI will include a personal handwritten note and extra station souvenir. Mint return postage or currency is not required when writing CRI, but should be considered when writing to the regional, provincial or CNR.

Keep your letter upbeat and friendly. Questions relating to programming, culture or the station's future plans is advisable, while the on-going disputes over China's human-rights issues should be avoided.
(QSL Report/Monitoring Times)

QSLing in the Year of the Tiger

A new year brings new QSLing opportunities as stations release special card series to commemorate a variety of events and holidays. Radio Free Asia featured five colorful cards in 2009, including the popular Year of the Ox and their 13th Anniversary card. Look for a new round of RFA cards to add to your collection this year.

This is the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac calendar, and fans predict China Radio International will once again wow their audience for the Chinese New Year. Radio Romania International’s Vintage Receivers was a hit, and DXers anticipate more vintage cards in 2010. Vancouver will host the 2010 Winter Olympics, February 12-28, so focus on broadcasters that may honor their participating athletes with commemorative cards.

The Rhein Main Radio Club has released their annual QSL card wall calendar for 2010. This year the club’s focus is, the best QSL cards of the last 30 years. The popularity of the annual calendars has grown in radio circles and this years’ edition too, will become a collectors favorite. For ordering information consult http://www.rmrc.de/

Brazil’s Rádio Cultura is being heard again following a years absence on 3365 kHz. Reported as a 24 hour broadcaster, send your Portuguese program details to: Avenida Bento de Abreu789, Bairro Fonte Luminosa, 14802-396 Araraquara SP, Brazil. Website includes streaming audio at www.radiocultura.net . Send listener feedback to ouvintes@radiocultura.net. Rádio Cultura do Pará has reactivated on 5045 kHz from 0800-0300 UTC. Portuguese details to: Av. Almirante Barroso 735, 66093-020 Belém PA, Brazil. Website www.portalcultura.com.br Email negrobanto@tuntelpa.com.br

Take advantage of the early morning winter DX season by logging the low-powered Australian domestic stations. VL8-Katherine 5025; VL8A Alice Springs 4835 and VL8T Tennant Creek on 2325. Complete Aussie schedules are included in this months English SW Guide from 0000 UTC. Reception reports to: Australian Broadcasting Corporation Northern Territory HF Service, Administrative Office, 1 Cavenagh Street, Darwin NT 0800 (or) GPO 9994, Darwin NT 0801 Australia.

Free radio station, European Music Radio, has been broadcasting the latest from the European pop scene since 1977. Tom Taylor, the originator says, “we thrive on listener feedback.” Look for Tom and his small team of volunteers, weekends on 6140 kHz, 0900-1000 UTC, repeats at 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2000 UTC. EMR internet radio at www.emr.or.uk/ Email reports to: studio@emr.org.uk Postal address: EMR, c/o A. Taylor, 32 Shearing Drive, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 1BL, United Kingdom.

The B09 winter schedule reveals Radio Bulgaria is broadcasting in ten languages. Send your email reports to the various services at: Albanian albanian@bnr.bg Bulgarian bulgarian@bnr.bg English english@bnr.bg French french@bnr.bg German german@bnr.bg

Postal address: 4, Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1040 Sofia, Bulgaria (or) P.O. Box 900, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria. Broadcast hours in MT’s English SW Guide and MTXtra SW Broadcast Guide.

Pirate contributor, Delta Charlie verified All Aboard Radio on 6925 kHz, from operator Casey Jones at allaboardradio@gmail.com . Delta still marvels over the Catch the Train eQSL.
Clandestine, Cotton Tree News remains active on 15220 kHz, 0730-0800 UTC. Verifications are via Fondation Hirondelle, a private, nonprofit Swiss-based foundation, broadcasting to world crises areas. Email reports to Grame Loten Gloten@hirondelle.org Fondation Hirondelle, Fourah Bay College, Mont Aureol, P.O. Box 766, Freetown, Sierra Leone (or) Fondation Hirondelle, 3 Rue Traversiére CJ 1018-Lausanne, Switzerland http://www.hirondelle.org/

Broadcasting from Burkina Faso, is active again on 5030 kHz, 0530-0800, 1700-0000. Station address with French details and return postage or two IRCs to: 03 Boite Postal 7029, Ougadougou 03, Burkina Faso. Radio Mauritanie has resurfaced on 4845 kHz. Broadcast hours can be found in MTXtra SW Broadcast Guide. Currency or return mint postage to: Boite Postal 200, Nouakchott, Mauritania. ^ Streaming audio http://wmlive.abacast.com/radio_mauritania-wm-32?.wma
Good luck on your Year of the Tiger QSLing !
(Gayle Van Horn,QSL Report/Jan 2010 Monitoring Times)

Monitoring China's New Year's festivities
February 14 with be the Chinese New Year. This will be the Year of the Tiger. It is an opportunity to hear and identify numerous Chinese stations which will be carrying a
relay of the CNR-1 (China National Radio) programming of the New Year's festivities. Last year I was able to catch PBS Hulun Buir, China Huayi BC and Voice of Strait, all in parallel with CNR-1 programming, from about 1320 to 1440 UT.

The New Year's program consists of live coverage of a variety show, with a wide range of entertainment (long comedy segments, traditional Chinese music and singing, sounds of the audience applauding and laughing, etc.). I imagine that this year will result in the same massive coverage. Because so many frequencies will be parallel, it should be fairly easy to identify them.

Also please be aware that this same New Year's programming via CNR-1 will also be used for jamming of such stations as the Sound of Hope, etc. It is very helpful to check with the Aoki frequency list to determine if one is hearing a "real" CNR-1 broadcast or just one used for jamming.

China is not the only country to celebrate the New Year on that day. Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Mongolia are some of the other countries that also observe the Lunar New Year. Is worth checking on stations from these countries to see if they also have any special programming.

The first of May will mark the start of Expo 2010 in Shanghai. It is anticipated that the number of people attending this event will be the highest number ever in the history of the World's Fair. When I was last in Shanghai (2008); there were already massive building projects under way related to the Expo 2010 (new buildings, new underground subway lines, etc.).

There is no question that China sees this as an extremely important event, to showcase their booming economy. I have already started to hear lengthy items about it on the English program "Holy Tibet" via Xizang PBS-Lhasa. It would seem logical that China will be focusing on projecting their global presence during this important year. It may help explain why they have now started numerous identifications in English on their CNR-1 evening news. Perhaps we will observe shortwave activities relating to Expo 2010 Shanghai, so please keep an ear out for anything new.

Wish you good listening!
(Ron Howard, Asilomar Beach, CA/Cumbre DX)

Blog Logs

recent monitoring results on shortwave...

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

Programming in English unless otherwise indicated

Australia
2368.5, Radio Symban (presumed). 1440-1505. At tune in heard faint singing, hovering at threshold level. Signal very slowly improved. By 1445 was able to confirm was Greek music I was hearing along with the singing, seemed to be non-stop songs, as I only noted a short break in the music at 1500. Unable to make out any announcer. This reception was just before my local sunrise (1507 UT) (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Austria
7325, ORF, Moosbrunn, 0010. German service with news presentation from two male announcers. SIO 544. (Bob Fraser, ME)

Bolivia
4699.97, Radio Miguel 0026-0045. Weak signal, noted ordinary popular Bolivian music. After one tune, Spanish from announcer. Signal drops into the noise somewhat, but still audible at a threshold level. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

4716.68, Radio Yura, 0038-0050. Noted music in progress when tuning in. This signal has a decent carrier, but the audio is almost impossible to hear. (Chuck Bolland, FL)

4699, Radio San Miguel, Riberalta. 2300-2311. Male talks in Spanish, short music to advertisements. Romantic Spanish music to male's reference to “musica popular”. Few words readable, SINPO 24532 (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Brazil/playdx2003)

Bosnia-Hercegovina
7230, Radio Serbia (Bijeljina), 2246-2300*, Talk by man, frequent mention of Serbia. Announcement by woman at 2257 followed by station ID. Anthem at 2258. Gone at 2300. Moderate signal in very heavy amateur radio operator traffic interference. (Jim Evans, TN)

Brazil
6185, RN Da Amazonia (Brasilia). 0705-0725. 02/03/2010. Portuguese with several IDs as "Radio Nacional" and one full station ID. Latin American music with listeners’ calls. Faint interference from a Spanish station (maybe two), playing stuff that sounded a little like Southern Gospel, polka and Mexican music. Good signal. (Joe Wood, TN)

5990, Radio Senado Brasilia, 1002-1021. Portuguese service with announcers' talk over and between musical bits. Passing mentions of Brazil to ballads. Taking listener phone-calls just before tune-out. Signal fair-good. (Scott Barbour-NH)

Canada
6160, CKZU Vancouver, 0457-0508. CBC programming with talk by man and woman. News at 0500. Talk by man after 0504. Poor signal under much stronger CKZN. Same news on both stations 0500-0504 with slight lag producing an echo like effect. Separate programming resumed at 0504:30. (Jim Evans, TN)

China
7430, China Radio International (Jinhua), 2245-2255. Chinese talk by announcer to short selection of Chinese music. Talk by woman and one or two men. Poor signal. Weaker parallel noted on 7305 (also Jinhua). (Jim Evans, TN)

6030, CNR-1, 1505-1550. Confirmation the frequent use of English IDs, along with promos consisting of a montage of Chinese and English audio bits. "C-N-R evening news", "The sounds of China evening news", "An audio feast in the making," "Global vision", "Feel the pulse of the world", "News of the day", "A preview for tomorrow", "This is C-N-R, China National Radio. You are listening to C-N-R news". News in Chinese // 7230. Noted a weak sign-on of Radio Oromiya at 1522, not as strong as my Jan 29 reception (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Clandestine
5910, Shiokaze - Sea Breeze via Yamata, 1413. Another Thursday in English, scheduled *1400-1430.* Personal data about Japanese abductees believe taken to North Korea. Heavy jamming observed. (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Gabon
9580, Afrique #1 Moyabi, 2101-2132. French/English. Male announcer with news. Field reports and station ID zingers. Music program at 2110 with announcer sandwiched between James Brown and Otis Redding bits. program featured live recording of female singer (never caught her first name, last name sounded like Jackson) who when speaking to the audience between songs, used F-bombs as both nouns, verbs and adjectives! Not offended, just surprised as I've never heard anything like that in the ten years I've been listening to shortwave. Signal fair though deteriorating by 2130. (Scott Barbour-NH)

Germany
Radio Prague, Litomysil, 0100. Station sign-on into newscast from female announcer. SIO 353. (Bob Fraser, ME).

India
4850, All India Radio-Kohima, 1308-1315. Weekly "local talent" show 1315-1340. Naga program starts and ends with indigenous theme music. News 1340-1400 in vernacular, followed in English (Amar Singh and Jaya Prada expelled from party due to anti-party activities, two days of competition started today "local time" for Naga style wrestling, etc.). "Hello Nagaland" 1400-1440, into music request show playing some Grammy winning songs, the next session of this show will be on "Thursday at 7:30" (1400 UT); 1440-1445. English talk show "The success of NREGA in Nagaland", National Rural Employment Guarantee Act guarantees a hundred days of wage employment. Suddenly off the air at 1453. Heard IDs with new format. "You are now tuned to the Kohima station of All India Radio," plus heard the usual "this is All India Radio Kohima." Signal mostly fair, at times good. Great to hear all their local programming and IDs! (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Iran
6010, VOIRI/IRIN 1945. News covering the Middle East. SIO 453 (Bob Fraser, ME).

Japan
3925, Radio Nikkei (Tokyo-Nagara), 0938-0945. Japanese. Familiar format of classical music, brief announcer between selections. Poor signal. (Scott Barbour-NH)

Kazakhstan
9310, WYFR Family Radio (Almaty), 1223-1235. Philipino. Man with religious talk. A minute of religious music at 1234, then man talking over music. Very poor signal with light fading. (Jim Evans, TN)

Laos
7145, Lao National Radio, 1341. Local news in English, station ID as, "We have now come to the international news". Relay of FM programming. Laotian; 1358.* Poor signal quality (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Moldova
6240, Voice of Russia relay, 0020. Program, Moscow Mailbag with an SIO of 554. (Bob
Fraser, ME).

Papua New Guinea
3385, Radio East New Britain (Rabaul), 1154-1213. Woman talking in Tok Pisin. PNG pop music at 1155. Talk by woman at 1201, presumed to be news. Pop music returned at 1211 with female announcer. Poor but steady signal. The only readable PNG station this morning. (Jim Evans, TN)

Philippines
15285, Radio Pilipinas/VOP, 0201. Half hour "Dateline Malacañang." Program with segment "Mindanao Update," followed by "From the News Center of Radio Pilipinas, this is the P-B-S news." Signal almost fair, above average reception (Ron Howard, CA/Cumbre DX)

Swaziland
3200, TWR Manzini, 0308-0326. Listed Ndebele/English. Various announcers with religous sounding talk. Musical bridges to choral music from 0318-0325 followed by brief announcer & interval signal to station ID loop in English. Fair signal quality (Scott Barbour-NH)

Syria
9330, Radio Damascus (Adra), 2252-2303.* Spanish. Traditional Syrian music. Talk by woman at 2258 with occasional music in the background. Anthem 2301 to 2303*. (Jim Evans, TN)

Thailand
7460, VOA (Udorn) relay, 2322-2330. Program about learning "American English". Man and woman with "Culture Tips" discussing the art of negotiating. Moderate signal with fading. Stronger parallel noted on 11840 (Tinang). (Jim Evans, TN)

Tunisia
7335, RTV Tunisienne (Sfax). 0748-0759. Arabic with male announcer playing middl;e Eastern music that had been recorded live with crowd noises. Station ID at 0800 into news with fair signal quality. (Joe Wood, TN).

USA
15550USB, WJHR (Milton, FL) 1805-1815. Talk by preacher. Very poor signal, just strong enough to identify the language and basic content. (Jim Evans, TN)

4775 WWCR (Nashville). 0607-0700. Alex Jones show with many program IDs and GCN Network IDs. Ads for survivalist items such as gold, solar power, and food sources. Station ID at 0700. Very good signal. (Joe Wood, TN).

Uzbekistan
9500, CVC International (Tashkent), 1219-1228. Hindi. Talk by woman. Music at 1224 followed at 1227 by talk by man and woman. Poor but steady signal. Slammed by Greenville at 1228.
(Jim Evans,TN)

Vanuatu
3945, Radio Vanuatu, Port Vila. 0823-0835. Male talks sometimes seems in English, hosting listeners by phone. SINPO 34233 (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Brazil/playdx2003)

Zambia
4965, CVC International 0055-0105. Tuned in during religious music. After one tune, noted a series of promos to station ID in English as, "... this is Radio Christian Voice ...". Followed by additional religious music. Signal fair. (Chuck Bolland,FL)

Zimbabwe
3396, ZBC Gweru, 0327-0342. Vernacular for Various announcers with brief talk between pop/choral-like music selections. Signal poor-fair. (Scott Barbour-NH) Also noted 0204-0232, vernacular. Male announcer with brief talk between afropops thru 0230-one inspirational tune with many Hallelujah's. "Zim-bab-we" shout out in passing; fair. (Scott Barbour-NH)

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
:Issued: 2010 Feb 02 2221 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/weekly.html
#
# Weekly Highlights and Forecasts
#
Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity
25 - 31 January 2010


Solar activity was at very low levels with only B-class activity observed during the period. Region 1041 (S25, L=052, class/area 200/Eso on 22 January) decayed to spotless plage on 31 January. Region 1042 (N22, L=131, class/area 190/Cao on 23 January) quietly rotated off the disk on 27 January. New Region 1043 (N25, L=320, class/area Dso/060 on 31 January) emerged on the disk on 30 January as a beta sunspot group.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

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

Geomagnetic field activity was predominately quiet during the period. The exception consisted of an isolated unsettled period observed at high latitudes from 31/1200 - 1500 UTC. Observations from the ACE spacecraft indicated a solar sector boundary crossing occurred at
about 30/1100 UTC. The phi angle changed from a positive (away) angle to a negative (towards) angle, while solar wind velocity increased from 330 km/s at 30/1103 UTC to a maximum of 472 km/s at 31/0759 UTC. During the summary period, density peaked at 18 p/cc at 30/0524 UTC, while the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field ranged between +7nT at 30/0527 UTC and -7nT at 30/0156 UTC. Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 03 February - 01 March 2010

Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels for the forecast period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal levels through the period.

The geomagnetic field is expected to be at predominantly quiet levels for the forecast period. A period of quiet to unsettled activity is expected on 08 - 09 February due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. A period of unsettled to active levels are expected on 16 February as a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream is expected to become geoeffective.

Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt:Issued: 2010 Feb 02 2221 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center
# Product description and SWPC web contact: www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#

# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2010 Feb 02
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2010 Feb 03 75 5 2
2010 Feb 04 78 5 2
2010 Feb 05 80 5 2
2010 Feb 06 82 5 2
2010 Feb 07 85 5 2
2010 Feb 08 88 7 3
2010 Feb 09 90 7 3
2010 Feb 10 90 5 2
2010 Feb 11 88 5 2
2010 Feb 12 85 5 2
2010 Feb 13 82 5 2
2010 Feb 14 82 5 2
2010 Feb 15 84 5 2
2010 Feb 16 84 10 4
2010 Feb 17 84 7 3
2010 Feb 18 84 5 2
2010 Feb 19 84 5 2
2010 Feb 20 84 5 2
2010 Feb 21 82 5 2
2010 Feb 22 80 5 2
2010 Feb 23 78 5 2
2010 Feb 24 76 5 2
2010 Feb 25 75 5 2
2010 Feb 26 75 5 2
2010 Feb 27 75 5 2
2010 Feb 28 75 5 2
2010 Mar 01 75 5 2
(NOAA)


On Saturday the 30th a new solar cycle 24 sunspot group emerged in NE quadrant of the Sun near N27E35 and was numbered 11043 by NOAA/SWPC. It contains a beta magnetic signature capable of producing B class and isolated C class solar flares.

On Saturday the 30th the solar flux index values were 77.0 75.0 74.2 and the sunspot number 25. We have had visible sunspots for 10 days in a row, 23 of the last 24 days and 34 of the last 36 days. I think that we can safely say that solar cycle 24 is well underway and steadily picking up it's pace.

Sunspot group #11041 is now a spotless plage near S27W58 and will soon cross the SW limb of the Sun.
(Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O, Lakeland, FL)

Proposals for BBG Fiscal Year 2011

Budget request for the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), includes an increase of 1.5 percent from the FY 2010 funding level. The request reflects the continued critical role of BBG broadcasts in support of US foreign policy goals.

The FY 2011 budget supports key new initiatives:

Upgrading the BBG’s global satellite distribution capacity, infrastructure, and network control centre
Expanding FM, digital, and new media opportunities
Improving digital workflows and expanding distribution to mobile devices
Adding 24/7 FM transmitters in Afghanistan to carry Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA) Pashto and Dari programming
Creating Radio Free Asia (RFA) video programming in Burmese,Tibetan, Mandarin, and Vietnamese
Diversifying distribution of VOA content in Africa
Addressing critical personnel and capital needs in RFE/RL bureaus
The proposed budget also continues funding for ongoing programming to critical audiences, including:

24-hour streams for VOA Persian News Network television and RFE/RL Radio Farda to Iran
Alhurra, including Al Youm, the daily three-hour Alhurra Television programme broadcast live from the Middle East
Radio Sawa to the Middle East
Afia Darfur to Sudan and Eastern Chad
VOA and RFE/RL Pashto programming to the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region
RFE/RL and VOA Dari and Pashto programming to Afghanistan
VOA Urdu radio and television broadcasts to Pakistan
VOA Somali to Somalia
a 10-hour coordinated RFA and VOA stream to North Korea
a 30-minute, five-day-a-week VOA Spanish television programme for Venezuela
The FY 2011 budget request balances competing policy priorities with available budget resources. The request proposes to reduce contracting costs and other Agency support expenses through efficiencies. The request also includes several programme adjustments, including the closure of selected language services and programmes, operational efficiencies in broadcast services, and realignment of transmission networks.
(Source: BBG Press Release/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

VOA and Radio Martí launch joint news program

The Voice of America and Radio Martí have launched a joint news program in Spanish called A fondo (In Depth). According to the VOA website, in a co-production of the Voice of America and Radio Martí, a team of journalists, correspondents and producers gathers to offer, from Monday to Friday, the main news that happened in Latin America and United States.

A fondo presents news, interviews and special reports of interest for the countries of the Latin American region. It is transmitted through the frequencies of the Voice of America and Radio Martí at 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Washington time (0100-0200 UTC), as well as on the Internet at www.voanoticias.com and www.martinoticias.com.
(Source: VOA website/R Netherlands Media Netowrk Weblog)

WYFR Family Radio via TRW/TV Radio Waves

Russia

WYFR Family Radio via TRW/TV Radio Waves - B09

Effective to: 28 March 2010

All times UTC target areas: as (Asia) eu (Europe)

Assamese
1400-1500 9440as

Burmese
1300-1400 7560as

Cantonese
1200-1300 9720as

Cebuano
1200-1300 5910as

Chinese
1100-1200 5995as 6115as 7415as
1200-1300 5995as 6115as 7415as
1300-1400 5995as 6115as 7415as
1400-1500 5995as 6115as 7415as

English
1400-1500 6225as 9485as
2100-2200 6240eu

English/Korean
1000-1100 9460as
1100-1200 9460as

French
2000-2100 6240eu

German
1800-1900 7490eu
1900-2000 7490eu

Illocano
1100-1200 5900as

Indonesian
1200-1300 9485as
1300-1400 9485as

Italian
1900-2000 6000eu

Japanese
1000-1100 7265as

Korean
1200-1300 6005as

Marathi
1500-1600 5825as

Nepali
1400-1500 5825as

Polish
1800-1900 7590eu

Punjabi
1600-1700 6070as

Russian
1200-1300 9320as

Tagalog/English
1200-1300 9310as
1300-1400 9310as

Thai
1200-1300 9450as

Urdu
1100-1200 7295as
1200-1300 7295as
1300-1400 7295as
1400-1500 6150as 7295as 7565as
1500-1600 6150as 7295as 7565as
1600-1700 7295as

Vietnamese
1200-1300 7340as
1300-1400 7340as
(DX Mix News # 607/ 610 via wb, Germany & Alokesh Gupta, India)