DX LISTENING DIGEST 3-092, May 27, 2003 edited by Glenn Hauser, ghauser@hotmail.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits HTML version of this issue will be posted later at http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldtd3e.html For restrixions and searchable 2003 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1183: RFPI: Wed 0100, 0700/0730, 1300/1330 on 15039 and/or 7445 WWCR: Wed 0930 on 9475 WRN ONDEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: Check http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html [Low] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1183.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1183.ram [High] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1183h.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1183h.ram (Summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1183.html FIRST AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1184: Wed 2200 on WBCQ 7415, 17495-CUSB Thu 2030 on WWCR 15825 Fri 1930 on RFPI 15039 WORLD OF RADIO et al. via DXers CALLING Hi Glenn, there are now links on the following URLS for DX Audio files, which are available on several sites. These will enable anyone that misses the shortwave program on air, to download files from the respective URLS and should make it easier for DXERS/SWL'S to find the audio that's available in either Real audio, mp3 or windows format(s). http://www.geocities.com/nri3 http://www.angelfire.com/myband/tjg http://nrin.hypermart.net/dxerscalling.html All the best (Tim Gaynor, Dxerscalling, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AFGHANISTAN. NEW RADIO TRANSMITTERS IN AFGHANISTAN REACH NATIONWIDE Two 400 kilowatt transmitters installed by the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) are operating in Afghanistan, giving the country nationwide, medium-wave (AM) radio service for the first time. The transmitters are especially significant because they will allow programs to reach all listeners in Afghanistan. One transmitter will be used by Radio Afghanistan, the country`s national broadcaster, using AM 1107. The BBG`s Voice of America http://www.voanews.com and Radio Free Afghanistan http://www.azadiradio.org will use the other transmitter for Dari and Pashto programs 24 hours a day, broadcasting on AM 1296. ``Communicating news and information to the people of Afghanistan is critical as the country rebuilds itself after the horrors of the Taleban era,`` said BBG Chairman Kenneth Y. Tomlinson. ``We`re delighted we`re able to play an active role in this area.`` Until now, radio audiences in rural areas of the mountainous country have listened to programs primarily on shortwave frequencies. Residents in Kabul, the capital city, and some other cities tune to FM frequencies, which have a limited geographical range. The AM transmitters, which cost about $10.5 million, are located at a site outside Kabul. In addition to the large AM transmitters, the BBG has installed FM transmitters – one for the Afghan Government, the other for BBG – in Kabul. Plans are under way to install additional FMs in Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad. With the completion of the AM transmitters, U.S. international broadcasting is available on AM, FM, shortwave and via the Internet. U.S. international broadcasting has played a major role in assisting Afghanistan`s media since 2001. VOA and Radio Free Afghanistan, operated by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty http://www.rferl.org have increased coverage in and around Afghanistan, including national, local, health, education and humanitarian events. The services, which have a combined 24-hour stream, have also trained Afghan journalists in reporting, editing and broadcasting. BBG has also assisted Afghanistan TV with technical equipment and programming. The BBG is an independent federal agency which supervises all U.S. government-supported non-military international broadcasting, including the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL); Radio Free Asia (RFA); Radio and TV Martí, Radio Sawa and Radio Farda. The services broadcast in 65 languages to over 100 million people around the world in 125 markets. Nine members comprise the BBG, a presidentially appointed body. Current governors are Chairman Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, Joaquin Blaya, Blanquita W. Cullum, D. Jeffrey Hirschberg, Edward E. Kaufman, Robert M. Ledbetter, Jr., Norman J. Pattiz and Steven Simmons. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell serves as an ex officio member (BBG press release May 22 via DXLD) As I recall, in the meantime, BBG services to Afghanistan were already on 1296 from outside the country, Tajikistan (gh, DXLD) ** AFGHANISTAN. WOMEN'S RADIO INITIATIVE MAZAR-E SHARIF, 27 May 2003 (IRIN) - Najiyah Hanifi, a young Afghan radio journalist, is heading up the first women's community radio station in northern Afghanistan, located in the city of Mazar-e Sharif. "This work is not without challenges, but we have a long journey ahead," she told IRIN. . . http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=34332&SelectRegion=CentralAsia&SelectCountry=AFGHANISTAN (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** ALBANIA. Summer A-03 schedule for Radio Tirana: Albanian to Eu 0800-0900 Daily 7110 CER 100 kW / non-dir 1400-1700 Daily 7270 CER 050 kW / non-dir 2030-2200 Daily 7295 CER 100 kW / 305 deg Albanian to NoAm 2300-0330 Daily 7270 CER 100 kW / 305 deg English to Eu 1845-1900 Mon-Sat 7210 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg 9520 CER 100 kW / 305 deg 2130-2200 Mon-Sat 7130 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg 9540 CER 100 kW / 305 deg English to NoAm 0145-0200 Tue-Sun 6115 CER 100 kW / 305 deg 7160 CER 100 kW / 305 deg 0230-0300 Tue-Sun 6115 CER 100 kW / 305 deg 7160 CER 100 kW / 305 deg German to Eu 1730-1800 Mon-Sat 9570 CER 100 kW / 350 deg Greek to Eu 1715-1730 Mon-Sat 6130 CER 100 kW / non-dir French to Eu 1900-1930 Mon-Sat 7210 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg Italian to Eu 1800-1830 Mon-Sat 7240 CER 100 kW / non-dir Serbian to Eu 2115-2130 Mon-Sat 6135 SHI 100 kW / non-dir Turkish to ME 1700-1715 Mon-Sat 6130 CER 100 kW / non-dir (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** ANTARCTICA. ANTARCTICA NET. There is a new Antarctica Net every Saturday on 14300 kHz around 1900z. Net Control is LU4DXU. He is in touch with LU1Z stations. Last Saturday LU1ZV, the Esperanza Base, was on the air. They expect DP1POL for next Saturday (KB8NW/OPDX May 26/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Note that the Maritime Mobile Service Net is on 14300 kHz at that time (Norfolk, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. THE JOSEPHINES FATHERS ARE GETTING RECEPTION REPORTS FOR THEIR NEW AM FROM SCANDINAVIA by Padre José Luis Di Paolo, director, LRJ212 & LRJ417 Editor`s Note: Father José Luis Di Paolo, a member of the Josephine Fathers and Brothers, is the director of LRJ212 Radio Murialdo 1290 AM and LRJ417 FM Familia 90.5 FM in Mendoza. He is also the dedicated translator of Catholic Radio Update into its Spanish edition, Radio Católica al Día. We appreciate his writing this article, and were as pleasantly surprised to receive it as he has been in getting such distant reception reports. For those not familiar with the term, DXing is the hobby of carefully listening on the broadcast bands for distant radio stations. The Scandinavians are famous for DXing skill, picking up stations from around the globe by use of long wire antennas strung for hundreds of feet, often in rural locations. Of course, their long winter nights are of great help. Mendoza, May 16 (for RCD) With pleasant surprise the staff of Radio Murialdo are receiving reception forms coming from the farthest lands of the European continent. Across more than 22,000 kilometers of distance from its coverage area, reports have been received from Finland, Norway and Sweden. With precise and careful details, DXers in those countries have kindly sent their reports by means of letters, electronic mail and even recordings of their reception. It should be said that this Catholic radio station, operated by San Leonardo Murialdo`s Josephines, transmits from the county of Mendoza, on the frequency of 1290 Khz with a power of 5/1 Kw, an antenna of the folded monopole type, mounted in a tower 62 meters high, using transmitter and connection links between its studios and transmitter. Radio Murialdo transmits for the time being in parallel with Radio Familia FM, on 90.5 Mhz, its older affiliate. Because the need arose to reach a bigger population, not only overcoming the problems posed to reception because of the mountainous terrain, but mainly because the spectrum in the FM band is, in most of the main Argentine cities, saturated with radio stations, many of those illegal, creating a serious interference problem that has existed for years and is difficult to solve. Because of this, despite being animated with the same purpose, namely ``to bring you a message of faith, of hope and of love, with a cultural and Catholic sense``, and despite the invaluable support of the Congregation of Josephines and of the listeners and friends of the radio stations, achieving that goal had not happened after almost 45 years. But this new voice on AM, Radio Murialdo, is having success in the service of preaching the Gospel. Mendoza is a city located in west-central República Argentina, at the foot of the Andes mountain range, its natural limit to the west. Here the Andes attain their greatest height: the Aconcagua at 6,959 meters. There is an extensive desert plain toward the east and other in counties toward the north and south. Approximately 780 meters above sea level, their area is 148.827 square kilometers, with a population of nearly 1.700.000 inhabitants. It is divided into two dioceses, the Archdiocese of Mendoza, located in the north-central part of the county, with 59 parishes, and San Rafael Diocese toward the south. Mendoza is the product of the man`s labor on arid soil. The water coming from melting snow and ice of the Andes is channeled to where it is needed, thus providing for the necessities of human consumption and of vegetation. Parks and natural large orchards, olive trees, and particularly wine, express the wealth of a fruitful ground after the farmer`s arduous work. The county produces more than 60% of the wines of the country, many of them of excellent export quality, in more than a half million cellars. For their attractiveness and characteristics the land is known as the ``earth of the sun and of good wine``. Its climate is dry, temperate, with typical temperatures that range between the 24 and 9 degrees, although that range varies greatly, given the local characteristics of the soil, the altitude, etc. The area is attractive, particularly the neatness of its cities, with their characteristic brilliant sidewalks, their boulevards, and the captivating hospitality of their inhabitants. Database --- Villa Nueva de Guaymallén: LRJ 417 FM Familia 90.5 FM (1,000 watts PRA, antena 72 m, 8 dipoles) & LRJ212 1290 AM (5,000 watts por los días, 1,000 watts por las noches). Arzobispado de Mendoza. (Josefinos de Murialdo). Avenida Bandera de los Andes 4404, M5521AXL Villa Nueva de Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina. Tel.: (0054) (261) 421-3992, 426-1857. E-mail: murialdo@lanet.com.ar Padre José Luis DiPaolo CSJ, director. Tíndaro Muscará, coordinador. 24 hras (Catholic Radio Update May 26 via DXLD) ** AUSTRIA. Radio Afrika International via Moosbrunn heard at 1500- 1559 UT on 17875 kHz on 26 May 2003. Carrier and brief ID "Osterreich Eins" in German at 1500, then pause before "Radio Afrika International" ID and announcements in English, including telephone number 00431 4944033 (in Austria) and e-mail address radio.afrika@s... [truncated] Then into French with talks and African music until repeat of English announcement at 1545 and ten minutes of African sports news in English. French again at 1555 until sign-off abruptly mid-song at 1559. Good reception at 1500, dropped off a bit by sign-off. Thanks to Chris Greenway for the time and frequency of this one (Tony Rogers, Birmingham - UK, AOR 7030+ / LW, BDXC-UK via DXLD) As I recall, the language mix varies from one day to the next; this was Monday (gh) ** BOLIVIA. Hola colegas! Ayer, al caer la tarde, regresamos de nuestro DX Camp en Chascomus, donde hicimos muy buenas captaciones. Vino un poco flojo para el lado de la región andina, que es lo que más particularmente me interesa, pero de todas maneras, escuchamos una emisora totalmente desconocida para nosotros en 4650.3, ayer domingo, sobre las 1030+ UT, con un servicio de mensajes en español para pobladores rurales. La localidad que se mencionó en varias ocasiones es "Camiri". Va a ver que investigar un poco. En algún momento pensamos que podría tratarse de Radio Santa Ana (4649v) que se había corrido un poco, mas luego corroboramos que ésta estaba en el aire en su frecuencia habitual. Otra captación interesante fue la recientemente informada por el colega Rogildo Fontenelle Aragão, Radio Nueva Esperanza, por los 6586 y algo (disculpenme pero estoy en la oficina y no tengo el listado conmigo). En el próximo Conexión Digital comenzaremos a reproducir las escuchas. 73`s (Arnaldo Slaen, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, May 26, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. A pedido de Arnaldo Slaen, de Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paulo Roberto e Souza, de Tefé (AM), entrou em contato com a direção da Rádio 6 de Agosto, de Xapuri (AC). A emissora pertence à Prefeitura daquela cidade. Não possui telefone fixo. A direção está a cargo do Sr. Wesley. Entretanto, o Paulo percebeu "um certo desconhecimento acerca de informes de recepção, apesar da afirmação de que a estação responde a seus ouvintes". BRASIL - Já faz um bom tempo que o sinal da Rádio Globo, do Rio de Janeiro (RJ), vem apresentando problemas de modulação em 11805 kHz. Em 24 de maio, às 1810, durante o programa Show de Bola, o problema foi constatado novamente (Célio Romais, Panorama, @tividade DX May 25 via DXLD) ** BRUNEI. MUSEUM HONOURS BRUNEI'S WOMEN BROADCASTERS Bandar Seri Begawan The Department of Brunei Museums has organised a project entitled "An Oral History of the Past Experiences of Women Broadcasters in Radio Brunei". . . http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/May03/260503/nite08.htm (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** CAMEROON. GOVERNMENT CLOSES FREEDOM FM RADIO STATION Posted to the web May 27, 2003 Abidjan --- The Government of Cameroon forced a new radio station to shut down last week the day before it was due to go on air as part of a continuing drive to silence critical media, Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) said on Tuesday. . . http://allafrica.com/stories/200305270470.html (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** CANADA. For weeks now, it seems, I have not noticed CFRX on 6070 at various checks, day and night. Has it conked out again with no one else noticing, or caring, even in Toronto? Or maybe it is at low power, as Chile seems to have something co-channel (Glenn Hauser, OK, May 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Frequency change for Radio Canada International in English effective May 22: 2200-2400 NF 6140 SAC 250 kW / 227 deg, ex 13670 (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** CANADA. REPORTER DAVID MCLAUCHLIN DIES AT 55 MONTREAL An award-winning CBC Radio journalist has died. David McLauchlin died of a brain cancer Sunday afternoon. He was known for his compassionate features from across Canada and abroad for Radio News and CBC's former flagship program, Sunday Morning. CBC PROFILE - David McLauchlin In February, his feature on the Congo, "Cursed by Riches" took listeners to the heart of that tragic land. His hour-long production about three generations of a family of black musicians in Nova Scotia won a Gabriel Award in 1981 for the best radio documentary. Last year David won a Canadian Association of Journalists award for his report on the high rates of brain cancer in firefighters. There will be a tribute tonight for David on the World at Six. And later this morning Bernard St. Laurent will have an essay about his Quebec colleague on "Sounds Like Canada." David McLauchlin was 55. Copyright © 2003 CBC All Rights Reserved (via Ricky Leong, QC, May 26, DXLD) ** CHECHNYA. MOSCOW HAS BIG PLANS FOR CHECHEN MEDIA By Timur Aliev Special to The Moscow Times GROZNY -- It is 9.30 a.m., and five journalists from Chechnya's state- owned television get into two cars to go to their separate assignments. . . http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2003/05/27/003.html (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** CHINA. On May 26, People in the Know will focus on Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visits to countries throughout Europe and Asia. It will be the newly-elected president's first trip overseas since he took office in March earlier this year. Experts from China and the US will center on Sino-Russian ties, and will take a look at the world's impression of China's new leaders (Jim, CRI/English, http://pw2.netcom.com/~jleq/cri1.htm swprograms via DXLD) [non]. Too late now, but FYI. Guess its absence was a fluke the night before: rechecking UT May 26 at 0337, CRI via Spain was back on 9690 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CROATIA [non]. V. of Croatia via Germany in English is on 9925, at 0200-0216 and again 0300-0316; so far I have heard each one only once (David Crystal, Israel, May 21? DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [non]. CUBAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY DIVIDED OVER POLICY By Henry Hamman in Miami Published: May 26 2003 20:42 | Last Updated: May 26 2003 20:42 The US response to last month's crackdown on dissent in Cuba that resulted in the imprisonment of 70 opposition activists has highlighted deep divisions inside the powerful Cuban-American community. So far, President George W. Bush has limited the US response to two actions. The US this month expelled 14 Cuban diplomats on the grounds that they were intelligence agents. Meanwhile, it has launched experiments with satellites and airborne transmitters to beam into Cuba programming from US government-backed Radio and TV Marti, and begun a 24-hour transmission of a high-power short-wave broadcast of Radio Martí. . . http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1051390328599 (Financial Times via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) What in the world does that last bit mean? R. Martí has had `high- power` SW broadcasts forever, if you add up the half a dozen 250 kW transmitters on the air at any one time. Possibly refers to the additional SW transmitters for I-day 101 May 20, but that was quite temporary. The rest of this story goes into no detail about this. Does Mr Hamman have no idea of basic facts about the operation? (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** CUBA. Re: 590, 3-091: This is no doubt part of the retaliation for the stepped-up Radio Martí operations. The Cuban government had threatened to cause interference to US stations by boosting the power of their own transmitters. I wouldn't be surprised to see more transmitters spring back to life in the coming weeks :-) (Andy Sennitt, Netherlands, hard-core-dx via DXLD) Re DXLD 3-091, 5/25/03, item for Cuba, transcript of RHC DXUL omitted statement's interesting last sentence. Said US expenditure of $25M annually on this broadcasting is wasted, because the broadcasts are "effectively jammed on the island". I was rather amazed; is this an admission of active jamming? My thinking is, if you have to jam, you have already lost. And of course, if one works at RHC, one cannot be "apolitical". BTW, not a trace of RHC on 9820 / 6000 tonite, Memorial Day 5/26, after a great signal last nite. Does RHC take US holidays off? Regards, (Hue Miller / Albany, OR, May 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) You mean you actually heard Arnie say the J-word, but censored out of his transcript??? RHC seems to be incredibly fragile --- anything can knock them off the air on unpredictable occasions, such as, I theorize: power black- or brownouts; hurricanes; transmitters redeployed for temporary jamming increases; something breaks down in the transmitter(s) or antenna(s); studio-transmitter link fails; reel- to-reel tape recorder playback at studio breaks (gh, DXLD) ** CZECH REPUBLIC. Summer A-03 schedule of Radio Prague: CZECH 0130-0157 6200 7345 0230-0257 7345 7385# 9870 0830-0857 11600 21745 0930-0957 21745 1100-1127 11615 21745 1230-1257 6055 7345 1330-1357 13580 21745 1530-1557 5930 21745 1730-1757 5930 17485 1930-1957 5930 11600 2100-2127 11600 13580 2330-2357 9440 11615 ENGLISH 0000-0027 7345 9440 0100-0127 6200 7345 0300-0327 7345 7385# 9870 0330-0357 11600 15620 0700-0727 9880 11600 0900-0927 21745 1030-1057 9880 11615 1300-1327 13580 21745 1600-1627 5930 21745 1700-1727 5930 17485 2000-2027 5930 11600 2130-2157 11600 13580 2230-2257 11600 13580 GERMAN 0630-0657 5930 7345 1000-1027 6055 9880 1200-1227 6055 7345 1500-1527 5930 1630-1657 5990* FRENCH 0600-0627 5930 7345 0800-0827 9880 11600 1630-1657 5930 17485 1830-1857 5930 13580 2200-2227 11600 13580 RUSSIAN 0400-0427 9865 11600 1130-1157 11615 15685* 21745 1430-1457 9855* 11645 13580 1530-1557 7195* SPANISH 0030-0057 7345 9440 0200-0227 7345 7385# 9870 0730-0757 9880 11600 1400-1427 11990 13580 1800-1827 5930 13580 1900-1927 5930 13580 2030-2057 5930 11600 2330-2357 9440 11615 13580 # via WRMI=Radio Miami International * via RSO=Rimavská Sobota [SLOVAKIA] (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** ECUADOR. Frequency change for HCJB in Spanish effective June 1: 0100-0500 NF 9745* QUI 100 kW / 325 deg, ex 9525 * till May 31 in English (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) Pifo ** ECUADOR. I haven`t been able to get any real info out of HCJB, despite having been a regular contributor AND having done volunteer work in Ecuador for them!! It almost seems they are trying to hide something. They did have a problem with the transmitting site because of the Quito airport expansion, but they have always been saying the facility would be moved and that English would continue. So, I am just wondering if you heard any clear information about it. Thanks! (Harry Chase, WA1VVH, (long-time HCJB listener and radio ham), DX LISTENING DIGEST) Referred him to previous issues of DXLD starting with 3-070 when this story broke (gh) Hi Glenn: There seems to be some confusion as to the exact date of the NAm English close down. We all have been told that May 31 is the end (which of course will be June 1 here in NAm). On Sunday`s Musical Mailbag they mentioned that they will be back "next week" for their final show which would make it June 2 UT? Have you heard anything as to when they actually will be pulling the plug? 73 (Mickey Delmage, AB, May 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) News to me that they might be on beyond UT June 1 0600. Perhaps MM was being imprecise? Lots of their previous deadlines have proven not to be firm. BTW, at 0600 UT it`s June 1 in only part of North America (gh) I guess what I meant to say is that for us DXers it will already be June 1 UT when they pull the plug. I'll check with them on the MM, but they take a while to respond. For sure they mentioned the last MM would be "next week". I know they record the show week(s) in advance of airing so perhaps they messed up. Ham Radio Today mentioned on Saturday that next week would be their last HRT. It will be interesting to see which US based station is offering air time [for DXPL, not HRT]. RMI and The Planet are "DX" catches here (Mickey Delmage, Sherwood Park, Alberta, ibid.) ** EGYPT. R. Cairo will test 17675 kHz to replace 17775 (English and Bengali to South Asia) which is heavily being interfered by Radio Tashkent in between 1215-1430 UT. Please check special test broadcast on 27th, 28th and 30th May 2003 on the said frequency. 73, (Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, India, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FINLAND. Does anybody have the current schedule of YLE Radio Finland? These guys don't have it on their website (only for Russian and Latin broadcasts) and upon request to send it by mail I have so far received no reply. Tnx4ur help! 73 (Eike Bierwirth, 04317 Leipzig, DL, May 27, hard-core-dx via DXLD) ** GERMANY. Regarding Bob's comment in DXLD-3090: SWR has a whole bunch of programs, with SWR3 being the music program (and one of the better ones, if not the best on German FM IMHO). It is still on 6030 kHz which might be harder to copy in NAm, regarding that the low-power Canadians on 49m are also a tricky catch here in Europe. The news channel is called SWR Cont.Ra (original spelling) and now got the 7265 channel, parallel to MW. It is a good news program, however, but a pity for the music, also for me, who lives 400 km away from FM coverage and having better reception on 7265. Internet listening http://www.swr3.de/musik/webradio/ then click on the highlighted "einschalten") is not much of an all-time option at German phone rates. And DSL is not available in my street! Find the current overall shortwave schedule: http://www.eibi.de.vu/ 73, -- (Eike Bierwirth, 04317 Leipzig, DL, DX LISTENING DIGST) ** GERMANY. RIZ COMPANY DELIVERS TRANSMITTER TO DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AND LIBYA | Text of report in English by Croatian news agency HINA Zagreb, May 26: The Croatian RIZ Odasiljaci company on Monday [26 May] delivered a brand new type of digital shortwave transmitter to Germany's Deutsche Telekom. The transmitter, worth one million euros [approximately 1.187m dollars], is the first of this kind in Europe. Plans of this Croatian firm for the first half of 2003 are to deliver transmitters, whose total value is some four million euros, to Vietnam, Germany, Libya and Egypt. Source: HINA news agency, Zagreb, in English 1121 gmt 27 May 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** GERMANY [non]. DW via Bonaire splatters all over: see DRM below ** GREECE. VOG is in English at 0930-1000 on 12105 and again on MW from Rhodes 1260 at 1030-1100; I have heard each one only once so far (David Crystal, Israel, May 21? DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HUNGARY [and non]. I just received about May 22 a QSL / postcard from Budapest for a March 8th letter report. Not bad. Less than 3 months which is reasonable. It is the first card from them since 1967, though I rarely (if ever) sent them a report during that time. Let's not forget that QSLing is an expensive courtesy, and most stations are not going to live up to the efficient norms of Radio Sweden (recently in about 10 days, snail mail both ways) Radio Netherlands, or Radio Prague (an e-mailed report received a mail response in less than one week). Also, Radio Australia, is far from a speedy replier, and often in the past, 6 months or more needed to get a reply. When it comes to countries like Viet Nam, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Syria, Jordan, Korea, etc. or most Afican / Latin American broadcasters, be glad for any reply at all. Often that long forgotten report that is a year or more overdue will really brighten the day when it is retrieved from the mail (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, May 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I cannot agree with Bob (Padula) and Scott (R. Barbour Jr.)'s bad experiences of Radio Budapest's QSL policy. All my reports (about the German service) have been verified within three months. With one exception: my report dated July 7, 2000 wasn`t verified until March 2001. Replying to my reminder, they stated that the QSL had already been sent in August 2000. But I never got the letter. Maybe the letter was lost on the postal way. So I sent my RR once again via email. Within two weeks I got a "new" QSL. Best wishes from Wuppertal vy 55 + 73 (Manfred Reiff, May 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) (Editor of "Shortwave-News" and "News from the Middle East" of the EAWRC) http://www.mrreiff.de --- http://www.stvoy.de --- http://www.dxworld.de ** INDIA. AIR IN 13 MHz BAND -- amended operations effective May 25: 13605 1730-2030 English " 2230-0045 English 13620 0200-0345 Pushto/Dari " 0345-0530 Farsi/Arabic " 1945-2030 French 13630 0045-0130 Burmese 13645 1100-1200 Thai 13695 0300-0415 Hindi " 0945-1100 English " 1100-1245 Tamil/Telugu 13700 0115-0200 Tibetan 13710 1315-1500 English 13750 1500-1730 English 13770 1600-1730 Hindi 13795 2245-0045 Hindi/Tamil All transmissions from Bangalore (Bob Padula, EDXP World Broadcast Magazine May 26, used by permission from http://edxp.org via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Sirius' 100 satellite radio channels are no longer car-bound. Two portable tuners - the KTC-H2A1 Here2Anywhere tuner from Kenwood and the Satellite Radio Shuttle from Audiovox - give subscribers the freedom to listen to satellite radio in the car, at home and at work. Each satellite tuner costs about $100; an optional car docking kit, which includes an antenna, power adapter and mounting hardware, costs about $70; a similar dock for the house costs the same. A subscription to the service, which includes 60 channels of commercial-free music and 40 channels of news, sports and entertainment, costs $12.95 a month. Availability: June. http://www.sirius.com Compiled by Deborah Porterfield. © Copyright 2003 The Tennessean (via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. PROGRAMME SUMMARY OF VOICE OF FREEDOM NEWS BULLETIN 1340 GMT 26 MAY 03 (Reception: fair to good; with faint Russian voices heard in the background) A: Opening announcement 1. (1340). Opening announcement: "The Voice of Mojahed; The Voice of Mojahedin-e Khalq of Iran; The Voice of the National Iranian Liberation Army; The Voice of the New Revolution of the Iranian people". 2. (1340) Presenter greets and thanks all MKO supporters who took part in the last two weeks' protest marches against the inclusion of MKO on the list of terrorist organizations. . 3. (1341) Announcement of today's programmes as follows: a) The news; b) The 27th instalment in a series of ideological lectures by Mas'ud Rajavi; c) Fifth part of a special programme commemorating 30 Khordad (20 June), anniversary of the formation of the MKO army d) Programme called: From the perspective of Maryam Rajavi; e) Programme called: Flag of Freedom. . . Source: BBC Monitoring research in English 26 May 03 (via DXLD) WTFK? Russian site, then? ** IRAN [non]. An unidentified station on 6770.05 kHz has been heard on two separate occasions in the past few days: 22 May 2003: tune-in at 0135 UT to patriotic-sounding song by choir, then emphatic talk in Persian (or something similar). Blocked by Iranian-type jammer at 0141. 26 May 2003: tune-in to open carrier at 0123 UTC then at 0125 into drum roll (presumably at start of scheduled transmission), but lost within seconds under Iranian-type jammer again (Tony Rogers, Birmingham - UK, AOR 7030+ / LW, BDXC-UK via DXLD) ** IRAQ. SACKED MEDIA STAFF MEET US OFFICIALS An estimated 2000 former employees of the state-run Iraqi media gathered on Saturday outside the Baghdad headquarters of the recently- established Iraq Media Network (IMN). They were met by US officials, who took their names and promised to contact them concerning termination of service payments and the possibility of being rehired. The previous day, US civil administrator for Iraq Paul Bremer had abolished the Information Ministry, thereby making more than 5000 staff redundant. A senior US official, who asked to remain anonymous, said the IMN would hire some of the sacked employees, but most would never return to their jobs. "Senior officials and Baath Party members employed by the ministry will not be eligible for hire," he said (RN Media Network May 26 via DXLD) ** IRAQ. IRAQIS UNHAPPY WITH U.S. SIGNALS INTERFERENCE FROM AMERICANS AMONG CHALLENGES FOR POST-HUSSEIN TV By Peter Slevin, Washington Post Staff Writer, Monday, May 26, 2003; Page A13 BAGHDAD -- Putting Iraqi television back on the air has proved to be no simple matter, from the electrical outages to the makeshift staff assembled in the postwar chaos. Telephones do not work, and news is hard to confirm. And then there is the dispute over the editorial influence of U.S. occupation authorities. The U.S. ambassador to Morocco, Margaret Tutwiler, was dispatched to Baghdad to polish and package the U.S. occupation. But she triggered a rebellion earlier this month when she and a young White House aide in Baghdad, Dan Senor, intervened with strong judgments about programs and said that broadcasts would be reviewed in advance by the wife of a prominent Kurdish militia leader, according to several people involved. . . http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38682-2003May25.html © 2003 The Washington Post Company (via Kraig Krist, Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** IRAQ. IRAQIS TUNE IN SATELLITE TV --- WITH SADDAM GONE, SALES OF DISHES SOAR --- By MONI BASU, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Ra'ed Hameed secretly bought a satellite dish on the black market four years ago and kept it well hidden in his house. He waited patiently for the day when television stations beamed in from other parts of the world would not be forbidden. Hameed got his wish when U.S. troops marched into Baghdad, driving dictator Saddam Hussein from power. He fished out his unused dish and connected his TV set, ready to watch Fox News and "those racy German movies I had heard about." But freedom to channel-surf came with a price in Iraq. "I finally was able to use my satellite, but now I have no electricity," Hameed said. "Can you imagine how I feel?" Baghdad remains without electricity for a majority of the day, but those who can afford to buy satellite dishes are scooping them up. In the weeks since Saddam's collapse, dishes of all sizes and varieties have sprung up in reputable electrical appliance shops as well as makeshift vending stands across the city. Satellite telephones, also banned during Saddam's days, are selling like hotcakes, too, in Iraq, where most of the telephone system is still down. The Capital Flower Shop dumped its floral arrangements for a few good imported dishes. Supermarkets, shoe stores and even produce stalls cleared inventory to make way for the hottest item in town. Wisam Saadi, 22, parked his white hatchback on a busy street and plopped a Korean-manufactured Panorama dish on the street. "$150," his handwritten sign read. He said he has 700 dishes stored at home and sells as many as seven a day for a profit of $7 to $10 on each. "It's a good business right now," Saadi said. "Hard to sell anything else to people." Shipped in from the Kurdish-controlled regions in the north, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, the dishes sell from $125 to $300, more than an average Iraqi's annual salary. But shopkeeper Wathel Kamel said yesterday's "forbidden fruit" sells fast. The satellite dishes are, perhaps, a small but tangible proof of a new Iraq. Sidewalks crammed with hundreds of the giant saucerlike instruments give some parts of Baghdad a Space Age look. Curious passers-by checked out the once-unfamiliar dishes, running their fingers on the smooth surfaces. Others stopped to catch a glimpse of Lebanese singer Haifa gyrate in a black tube top and skin-tight pants. "Before, we saw only darkness," said Kamel, 37, who cleared out space in his electrical appliances shop to make way for hundreds of dishes. "Iraqis want to see how the outside world lives, how it thinks. This was forbidden under Saddam." The Iraqi dictator had anyone caught with satellite TV put behind bars for as much as two years. Still, some folks went to great lengths to get their MTV. Kamel made a Styrofoam cage for his dish and kept it out of sight behind his house. "I knew the fine was steep, but I took the chance anyway," he said. But most Iraqis were privy to just four state-run channels that broadcast mostly turgid news about the glories of Saddam and his Baath Party. Pro-Saddam slogans would appear even between reruns of American shows such as "Dallas" or "Charlie's Angels." Satellite phones were banned, too. Baghdad had its share of Internet cafes, but as Rafah Goria, 30, said: "Every page we tried to open said 'access denied.' They blocked everything." Goria said now Iraqis have the freedom to flip through hundreds of channels of movies, entertainment and most of all, "real news" about their own country. "Satellite TV is a great way to shape Iraqi minds," she said. "We don't know the truth about our own land. Iraqis can now learn about our past. I want every Iraqi to have satellite." Goria bought her dish a month ago and stays glued to her 19-inch Toshiba TV set whenever she has power. She admitted to enjoying "romantic films." Her favorite, she said, was "You've Got Mail" with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. "If there is electricity, I stay up till 4 in the morning watching TV," she said. "I used to love to listen to music. But now I just want to watch political discussions. It's so new for us." (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** IRELAND. GARDAI SHUT DOWN PIRATE RADIO STATIONS Business & Finance 22 May 2003 Gardai have shut down a large number of pirate radio stations operating in Dublin city. In a joint operation with the telecom watchdog, ComReg, the Gardai raided the premises of the illegal broadcast operations and seized their equipment. The regulator has declined to comment on how many stations were shut down, but a swift spin of the dial reveals that Phantom FM, Jazz FM, Choice FM and Premier FM - some of which have applied for radio licences in the past - have all been removed from the airwaves. In response to the sudden crackdown, the pirate stations claim that they are providing services to markets that are not being served by the commercial stations. "The Broadcasting Commission has consistently failed to understand the importance of this service and its popularity amongst Dublin listeners," Phantom FM said in a statement on its website. "In the meantime, it continues to reward existing license holders with additional franchises which fail to provide listening choice." The station added that it provides an important service by giving local artists valuable access to the airwaves and affordable media space to promote their gigs and recordings (via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** JAPAN [non]. R. Japan, NHK in English at 1400-1500 is now on 17870 instead of 17755, 16 and 18 May, reception wonderful good (David Crystal, 19125 Israel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) As in 3-088, the site was moved from Sri Lanka to UK, but temporarily (gh, DXLD) ** LATVIA [and non]. I haven't heard the winning Turkish entry but I think the Eurovision songs tend to sound too homogenized and bland and not enough like the music of the country from which they come. I wonder if the Eurovision victory will help Turkey at all with what they REALLY want out of greater Europe - at least a time table for entry into the European Union and perhaps better treatment for their guest workers in EU territory (Joel Rubin, swprograms via DXLD) I couldn`t agree more about the homogenization and blandness. I see that the http://www.eurovision.tv website offers audio and jerky video files of each entry (gh) ** LEBANON. Glenn, DXers may be interested to know that a 1969 Radio Liban QSL card has just fetched US$787 at an eBay auction. QSL cards are well established as collectibles now, and recent price levels (over US$50 each for AM/SW cards) would indicate that prices are taking off. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2174818678&category=38031 An average collection of, say 1000 cards from the 1960's to date, may well be worth over US$50,000 depending on which stations are included. I encourage all DXers to insure their QSL card collections, to make bequest provisions to lodge them with club collections and preservation groups or museums, or if they choose to put them on the market, to be aware of their potential value. 73's (David Ricquish, Radio Heritage Collection http://www.radiodx.com Wellington, New Zealand, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LIBERIA. Dear Glenn: I can confirm for you that the station was indeed RADIO VERITAS from Liberia; they start at 0600 on 5470. On May 18th I listened a program in English at 0630 UT, gospel music, ID: This is VERITAS bringing you the best songs. Can you get their postal address or e-mail, please. Does Liberia post office is working normally? Thanks (CESAR PEREZ DIOSES, CHIMBOTE, PERU, May 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Does anyone have current info on E and P-mail to and from Veritas and Liberia? (gh, DXLD) ** LIBYA. RIZ COMPANY DELIVERS TRANSMITTER TO DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AND LIBYA | Text of report in English by Croatian news agency HINA Zagreb, May 26: Also, the Croatian company delivered two mobile mediumwave radio-transmitter centres, worth a half million euros to Libya's information ministry. Plans of this Croatian firm for the first half of 2003 are to deliver transmitters, whose total value is some four million euros, to Vietnam, Germany, Libya and Egypt. Source: HINA news agency, Zagreb, in English 1121 gmt 27 May 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** LIBYA [and non]. Hi Glenn, Hi Anker, Re DXLD, I just wanna comment on Paul's observation of 9745 kHz. Sounds like they don't use that frequency anymore. Yesterday 25/03 I checked that station around 2130 UT and they were on with a real better reception on both 7245 kHz, and 11660 kHz. Leaving the air to Bahrain on 9745 kHz --- just for the joy of getting that hard catch :) I noticed as well Anker getting an Arabic station on 9745 around 2100 UT. I reckon that's Bahrain not Libya as they sign off at 1900 UT not 1930 (Tarek Zeidan, Cairo, Egypt, May 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 9597.6, R. UNAM very tentative, but Spanish audio here as I type this at 1413 May 26. Anyone else hearing this? (Hans Johnson, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) I also had a carrier around 9598 as recently reported, and again around 1230 UT May 27, het against NSB (gh, DXLD) Hans, All I've got at 2340 UT is a carrier on 9597.6 kHz (George Maroti NY, Cumbre DX via DXLD) Hi Hans, There is a definite null [sic] on 9597.6 on the NRD-515 at 0005 UT. Some very weak audio (talk) is heard. I think if George tries again, he will hear the audio since I'm only about 15 miles away from him (John Sgrulletta, Mahopac, NY, ibid.) Fellas, nice signal in north Louisiana tonight. IDed at 0103 and then had news. Mostly spoken word programs tonight but had quite a bit of music during the day. The nearby channels are clear so you can us a wider filter to make up for the low modulation. Although it is low, it is not nearly has bad as when they were last on when it was barely a whisper. Steady on 9597.6 (Hans Johnson, ibid.) I stumbled onto this het last Friday nite and have been playing trying to pull something from it. No luck, just a very nice carrier and no audio heard here on 9597.6 and some times drifts up to .7. I have used DSP software and spectrum program and there just appears to be nothing more than the carrier. At 05 AWR comes up on 9600 and kills any chance of further checking. At times the carrier is at a S9 level. Good to know there is actually some audio. Have to keep checking, I guess (Bob Montgomery, Levittown PA, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) An S7 carrier here with very low audio level even in wide modes... :^( (Paul Ormandy, Oamaru, New Zealand, sent at 0555 UT May 27, ibid.) ** NETHERLANDS. Subject : Laser 828 Just in from laserradio@yahoogroups.com In association with our Dutch partners, Laser Radio Limited has successfully applied for broadcasting licences in the Netherlands. With our Dutch partner Quality Radio, we have won the following AM broadcasting frequencies: 828 kHz, 1035 kHz, 1224 kHz, 1395 kHz and 1557 kHz Andrew Yeates, Managing Director of Laser Radio Limited said 'This is a tremendous result and shows the strength of our applications and future plans for AM broadcasting. We have some exciting programming planned, which will transform AM listening across the Benelux and surrounding markets' Managing Director of Quality Radio, Ruud Poeze, was equally delighted with the result and was looking forward to building a strong radio brand in the Netherlands. The broadcasting licences will be valid for an eight year period (via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS. AMSTERDAM - After years of political uncertainty, the distribution of commercial FM radio frequencies was finalised on Monday, with prominent stations Noordzee FM, Radio 538 and Sky Radio winning licenses to remain on the airwaves. . . (From http://www.telecom.paper.nl/index.asp?location=site/news%5Fta%2Easp%3Ftype%3Dabstract%26id%3D29595%26NR%3D812 26 May 2003 via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS ANTILLES. Transmitter goes haywire: see DRM below ** NEW ZEALAND. RADIO NEW ZEALAND HARASSMENT CLAIMED 27.05.2003 By MATHEW DEARNALEY Radio New Zealand's head of news, who has begun a legal battle to return to work after sick leave, has complained of being harassed by controversial chief executive Sharon Crosbie. . . http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3504173&thesection=news&thesubsection=general (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** OKLAHOMA. Tho I hardly listened to it, KOMA 92.5 was running its ``15th annual Mem*rial Day Top $500.00 Countdown --- Listen and Win! May 23-26`` per a 16-page yellow booklet I picked up at Carl`s Junior (what an awkward name), one of the co-sponsors. A list of 500 songs with performers, with a few missing mystery songs to be identified for contest purposes. Apparently they are identified on the air if you are listening at the right moment. Top prize of only $500 (one place it says check, another place it says cash) for listening to KOMA 24/7 for four days and nights? Second prize: dinner for four at CJ once per month from June thru December. Third place: KOMA T-shirt. Insufficient incentive. As for KOMA 1520: UT May 27 at 0346 I was tuning by to hear Jim Bohannon, but instead KOMA was ``joining regular programming in progress`` and it was not Jimbo, but ``Word of Prophecy Broadcast``!! Not in progress, but from the start. Has Bohannon been dumped entirely for gospel huxters? News/talk, indeed. The lure of easy money for programming crap must be too much for Renda. Ahá --- they finally have a program schedule up at http://www.komanews.com/sched.htm and it admits to carrying this 15- minute show in the middle of 3 hours of Jim Bohannon! What an insult to Bohannon and to listeners --- he`s just fill with his time subject to sale. I know how that feels! BTW, KOMA-1520 is carrying KFOR-TV news at 2300-2400 UT M-F. Other items of possible interest, on Sunday mornings, UT: 1030-1100 Native America Speaks [on the air for ages] 1200-1230 Focus On Oklahoma 1507-1800 Kim Komando (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Just as a Jay Leno rerun was about to do Headlines, 0350 UT May 27, Cox Cable in Enid lost all the OKC stations downlinked by satellite. Black screen lasted at least 20 minutes, until I quit checking, from 4, 5, 9, 25, 34 and 43, on cable channels 4, 5, 9, 8, 7 and 2 respectively. Yet until this year they were picked up off the air with no problem except occasional DX interference. Why wasn`t this kept as backup, instantly to replace a failing satellite feed [not to mention solar transit outages, as we have previously complained]? Well, I was able to turn on the TV with antenna and watch Leno and\or Nightline (Glenn Hauser, Enid, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PAKISTAN. Updated A-03 schedule of Radio Pakistan ARABIC 1815-1900 9335v 11530 ||| ex 9385v 11550 ASSAMI 0045-0115 11650 15625v [still partly English?] BANGLA 0115-0200 11650 15625v 1200-1245 15635 17635v ||| ex 15625 CHINESE 1200-1230 11570 15070 DARI 1515-1545 5860v 7375 ENGLISH 1600-1615 11570 15065 15725v 17720 GUJARATI 0400-0430 15485 17825 FARSI 1715-1800 7550 9340v ||| ex 9385v HINDI 0215-0300 9340v 11640 1100-1145 11640 15625v NEPALI 1245-1315 15635v 17635 ||| ex 15625v RUSSIAN 1415-1500 7375 9385v SINHALA 1015-1045 15625v 17495 TAMIL 0315-0345 15625v 17540 0945-1015 15625v 17495 TURKI 1330-1400 5860v 7375 TURKISH 1630-1700 9340v 11530 ||| ex 9385v 11550 URDU 0045-0215 15485 17895 0500-0700 15100 21460 0800-1104 17825 21465 ||| ex 17835 [English 0800, 1100] 1330-1530 11570 15065 1700-1900 9400 11570 1815-1900 7550 1915-0045 7570v (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** PARAGUAY. A diferentes horas pudimos escuchar desde Chascomus a Radio América, Villeta, Paraguay, por los 7371.4, con programación religiosa e identificaciones. Imposible sintonizarla para nosotros por los 15185 khz, frecuencia que ahora opera con más potencia (600 vatios). El amigazo Rubén Margenet reportó ya varios dias atrás desde Rosario a la emisora paraguaya en la frecuencia corrida de 41 metros (la nominal es 7370). Recomendamos intentar la escucha. 73's (Arnaldo Slaen, May 26, Chascomus DX Camp, Argentina, Conexión Digital via DXLD) But if we could hear it clearly, would there be any programming worth listening to? Nothing but religion? Isn`t there enough of that already on stations we --- and conosuristas --- can hear at will? What`s the point? In the true spirit of DXing, no one ever considers this (gh) ** QATAR. AL-JAZEERA CEO TO BE REPLACED Reuters reports that Al-Jazeera television is to replace its chief executive officer, but the station insists the decision has nothing to do with allegations that it had been infiltrated by Iraqi intelligence. Spokesman Jihad Ballout said CEO Mohammed Jassem al-Ali, who has headed the channel since its launch eight years ago, will remain on the board of directors but will hand over the day-to-day running to someone else. "Mohammed Jassem al-Ali was seconded from Qatar Television to set up and run Al Jazeera, and what has been decided is that this secondment be ceased and for him to go back to his normal job," Ballout said. It's interesting to note that the announcement was made before his successor has been appointed. This is not the usual procedure in such cases. It does seem that Al Jazeera are in a hurry to make Mr al-Ali's imminent departure known. If, indeed, he's still there (Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog May 27 via DXLD) ** SLOVAKIA. Summer A-03 schedule of Radio Slovakia International: ENGLISH 0100-0127 5930 6190 9440 0700-0727 9440 15460 17550 1630-1657 5920 6055 7345 1830-1857 5920 6055 7345 GERMAN 0800-0827 5915 6055 7345 1330-1357 5915 6055 7345 1600-1627 5920 6055 7345 1800-1827 5920 6055 7345 FRENCH 0200-0227 5930 6190 9440 1700-1727 5920 6055 7345 1930-1957 5920 6055 7345 RUSSIAN 1300-1327 7345 9440 11990 1500-1527 7345 9535 11715 1730-1757 5920 6055 9485 SLOVAK 0130-0157 5930 6190 9440 0730-0757 9440 15460 17550 1530-1557 5920 6055 7345 1900-1927 5920 6055 7345 SPANISH 0230-0257 6190 9440 11990 1430-1457 6055 7345 11600 2000-2027 6055 7345 11650 (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** SOLOMON ISLANDS [and non]. Good Afternoon, Glen[n]: Noted the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Service on 5020 on 5/26 with a very good signal. News by male from 1000 to 1012 about continued violence and problems with guns in the islands among others, followed by ads and music. Very listenable --- good strength and clear. Tried for Port Moresby on 4990 at the same time, but only could hear a faint signal not able to confirm. Reduced power at that time? (Tom Sliva, NYC, May 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOUTH AFRICA. Channel Africa is in English at 1300-1450 UT on Sat and Sun, on 21620; heard only once on Sat (David Crystal, Israel, May 21? DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SYRIA. Tenho prestigiado, praticamente todos os dias, a programação em espanhol da Rádio Damasco, já que não temos mais os programas em português. Alguém aí se lembra do nome do locutor dos programas em português? Pois bem, a programação em espanhol é emitida, entre 2315 e 0030 UT (apesar de listas apontarem entre 2315 e 0015!), em 12085 e 13610 kHz. O único problema é a interferência da Rádio Mundial Católica, que emite em 13615 kHz. Lembro que na segunda-feira, por volta de 2355, "su simpática locutora Worai Galindo", como ela se define, lê os informes de recepção dos ouvintes no ar e pede insistentemente para que o pessoal escreva para a emissora. Aqui vai o endereço: Apartado Postal 4702, Damasco, Síria (Célio Romais, Porto Alegre-RS, Brasil, @tividade DX May 25 via DXLD) ** TIMOR LESTE. Stu Greene, WA2MOE, sent out the following press release on May 22nd, about the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste: "4W1BK (JA1BK) and 4W2DN (JR2KDN) will be QRV from Timor Leste from May 24 to May 29, 2003. QSL information is 4W1BK via WA2MOE and 4W1DN via JR2KDN. This is a WFWL operation. The United Nations no longer is in control and independence was won by the East Timorese on May 20, 2002. An application for new entity status will be filed together with an application to delete the former 4W territory as an entity under DXCC rules. Article 5 of the treaty between Portugal and Indonesia of May 5, 1999, removed East Timor from the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories of the General Assembly and the deletion of the question of East Timor from the agendas of the Security Council and the General Assembly. The treaty, witnessed by the Secretary General of the United Nations, did not make the United Nations the administrator of East Timor but did provide for UN humanitarian assistance. Article 7 requested 'the Secretary-General to maintain an adequate United Nations presence in East Timor.' The DX Advisory and Awards Committees quite possibly misinterpreted the language of the treaty as conferring status of East Timor as a UN administered territory which in fact was not the case. Only when the referendum authorized by the treaty was held and the East Timorese people declared themselves independent was there a new entity. The role of UNTAET (UN Transitional Administration in East Timor) was humanitarian and peacekeeping and was not a quasi-government authorized to issue amateur radio licenses. UNTAET did not have the authority to issue amateur radio licenses; it was a peacekeeping mission and only after the referendum was there a Ministry of Communications which does have that authority. The text of the treaty for those interested is at: http://www.un.org/peace/etimor99/agreement/agreeFrame_Eng01.html If ARRL agrees, the UN sanctioned operations in East Timor would be deleted on the ground that East Timor was not an entity under the rules and a new entity would be created effective 20 May 2002, the date of the creation of the East Timorese state. Democratic Republic of Timor Leste became a UN state on 27 September, 2002. ITU has reassigned 4WA-4WZ to the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste on 23 April, 2003." ADDED NOTES: Since this press release, there seems to be another operator other than the team of Kan/JA1BK (4W1BK) and Yuu/JR2KDN (4W2DN) who has been active. A station signing 4W3CW has been active on 30/20/15/10 meters CW and was active in the CQ WPX Contest this past weekend. The operator was heard sending QSL via QRZ.com. It seems that the operator is Peter, G3WQU. His length of stay is unknown. Also, no comments or announcements have been made from the DXCC Desk. Hopefully, something may be said by Wayne Mills, N7NG, after the holiday on Monday. Stay tuned (KB8NW/OPDX May 26/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIMOR LESTE. Thor, TF3MM, is also currently active from here as 4W3DX and is expected to be there for another week. He is using a rhombic antenna (leg lengths are 115 meters, up 50 meters beaming EU). Most of his activity has been on 15 and 20 meters CW. Watch 21008 kHz after 2115z and 14002-14003 kHz between 1130-1800z. QSL via TF3MM. Thor states that he will QSL when he gets back to TF-land (should be done before Christmas) (KB8NW/OPDX May 26/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TURKEY. VOICE OF TURKEY ESSAY WRITING CONTEST Dear listener, We believe that you all have certain views and thoughts about Turkey and the Turks. The subject of the Voice of Turkey's essay writing contest 2003 is Turkey and the Turkish Image. We would like you to write an essay on this subject. As has been the case in the past sesquidecade, the 5 winners of the contest will be hosted in Turkey on an all-expenses-paid basis for 7 days in the first half of September. Your entries, which should not be more than 3 pages can be sent by mail, fax or email and must contain some basic information about you such as your age, your occupation, your mailing address, your electronic address, fax number and telephone no so that we may get in touch with you. We want your entries received by July 15, 2003. The Voice of Turkey would like to wish success to all who will participate in the Voice of Turkey's Essay Writing Contest 2003, the subject of which, as we have just said is TURKEY AND THE TURKISH IMAGE. Our address is : P. O. Box 333, Yenisehir. 06443 Ankara, Turkey [cedilla under the S of Yenisehir --- a district of Ankara?] Our telephone address is : 90-312-4909842; Our fax no is 90-321-4909845 And our electronic mailing address is: englishdesk@trt.net.yr (V of Turkey printed letter via Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, India, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I guess that if I were to say that Turkey (just as Israel) should not even have been allowed to participate as it is not situated in Europe (but in Asia), I would not be eligible to win? Maybe next time the EBU can invite Kurdistan and Palestine as wel... ;-) (Herman Boel, Belgium, Europe, hard-core-dx via DXLD) Referring to the Eurovision Song Contest, I suppose; see LATVIA [and non] (gh) VOT is in English at 2200-2255 on 9830 and 12000, ex-11960, a change early in the season but after the schedules were printed. I have heard them on 9830 and 12000 (David Crystal, Israel, May 21? DX LISTENING DIGEST) David, would you please date your letters since the postmark is not always legible (gh) ** U K. TORY DOSSIER SETS OUT PARTY'S CASE AGAINST THE BBC By Dominic Kennedy IAIN DUNCAN SMITH launched an attack on the BBC`s alleged bias against the Conservatives yesterday and personally criticised the radio presenter James Cox. . . http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,635-692776,00.html (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** U K [non]. Listening to Outlook on BBCWS, 1305 UT May 26 special from St. Petersburg, there was an undercurrent of co-channel interference, sounded like Chinese, and virtually zero-beat with a very slight subaudible heterodyne. What could this be? Later checking HFCC I find 15190 1200 1330 42-44 YAM 300 235 1234567 300303 261003 D J RCI RCI so it`s RCI via Japan. And after 1330 Udorn takes over 15190. But I can`t complain: I`m not in the BBC target area either (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. Additional frequency for BBC in Arabic: 0400-0500 on 11885 \\ 7140 7325 9915 11740 13660 15250 73 from (Ivo and Angel! Observer, Bulgaria, May 27 via DXLD) ** U K [non]. Laser Radio: see NETHERLANDS ** U S A. HOW HAS DEREGULATION RUINED ME...AND HOW WILL FURTHER DEREGULATION RUIN OTHERS? As you may know, the illegal deregulation of commercial radio in the United States has hurt literally thousands of people. George Will called the Telecommunications Act of 1996 "a job creation bill". In reality, it has been a job elimination bill. How many of the nearly 13,000 job losses were necessary? The answer: NONE. Deregulation has hurt me profoundly.,.. http://www.topica.com/lists/N0UIH-DXTalk/read/message.html?sort=d&mid=806413271&start=29 (Eric Bueneman, N0UIH, May 17, via DXLD) On his website Mr. `Stevenson` an angry middle-aged man, also has a novel with a radio background --- read the summary, which one suspects in uncomfortably autobiographical --- but the link to the entire otherwise unpublished opus goes nowhere (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. As radio real estate becomes valuable in the increasingly crowded FM band (88 to 108 MHz), religious broadcasters have been using a variety of legal technologies to snap up frequencies. Recently, they have been using low-powered transmitters - known as translators - that are small enough to wedge into areas not covered by other stations . . . http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section_id=10&screen=news&news_id=23235 (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** U S A. LPFM APPLICANTS FACING COMPETITION CAN USE MAX --- The MAX System returns for an anticipated MX remedial filing/settlement window REC has been hearing information that the FCC is planning to start working on the MX (mutually exclusive) LPFM applications starting 'later this summer'. In anticipation for any remedial windows that may open for this, REC has fixed up and reactivated MAX, the Mutual Application eXchange. MAX is a community forum where LPFM applicants can move meet with other applicants in an attempt to reach settlement agreements by either proposing a new channel, a new location, co-location or timeshare. At this time, we are not aware of what the FCC will allow LPFM applicants to do to remediate their applications yet. However, we would like to see as many applicants ready to go as the window may be short. To access MAX, visit http://www.recnet.com/max To access MAX, you will need to have access to your e-mail address that you put on your original FCC LPFM application. If your e-mail address has changed or you did not specify an e-mail address, please send an e-mail to rec@recnet.com for access. Please make sure you state your organization, facility ID (if you don't have it, visit recnet.com and click on 'Check Your Application Status') and station location. REC's goal is to get as many organizations on the air with LPFM stations. REC does not charge for any of our services, including MAX. REC services are provided on a 'shareware' basis. - - - - - - REC Networks - http://www.recnet.com - Bringing you fun and culture since 1984. 5/26/2003 http://www.animehardcoreradio.net - Anime Hardcore Radio - 24 hour a day anime! (REC Networks via DXLD) See also POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ** U S A. Tho I was not a rock fan, and WABC was too far (2+ megameters) for anything but DX reception, I listened a bit to their Memorial Day ``WABC Rewound`` rock retrospective May 26 via webcast. Tho regular streaming has to replace music bits for rights issues, the special seems to have no problem with music, but instead the news (?) on the hour at 1400 and 1500 UT was suppressed: 5 minutes of silent streaming, as well as mercifully, various commercial breaks. What`s up? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) One word: copyright. The news on the hour and the ads between segments are modern day. Evidently the program producer has the rights only to the old stuff (John Figliozzi, who in his teens as a Long Island native listened to WABC on his Riviera 6 transistor radio almost constantly, ODXA via DXLD) Doesn`t WABC normally stream its modern-day newscasts? They have a section on the website about how much trouble they have gone to in order to resume streaming (gh) ** U S A. THE MERRY PRANKSTERS OF THE AIR Some radio deejays will do almost anything to stand out from the crowd. But not everyone is laughing as hoaxes and stunts backfire. By Bob Baker Times Staff Writer May 26 2003 What if ... ? wondered Cleveland disc jockey Shane French. What if a cat was tethered to a helium-filled balloon and launched toward the heavens, and callers to his station offered periodic reports, and finally, one gallant listener fired a gun, popped the balloon and brought the cat down gently. Would that be great radio or what? The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/la-et-hoaxes26may26,0,5133210.story (via Harry Helms, DXLD) Same: http://www.latimes.com/la-et-hoaxes26may26001420,0,804424.story (via Bill Westenhaver, DXLD) Which one will disappear first? ** U S A. George Thurman in Chicago also complains of the Bonker interfering with WWCR 5070, when he listened to his tape of WOR 1183, UT Sun 0230. So at 0507 May 26 I attempted to hear it myself, and in the huge sideband splash of WWCR was able barely to detect the bonker, seemingly around 5072. No doubt it is much worse elsewhere, and an unfortunate juxtaposition (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. NEW JERSEY RADIO -- IN TUNE WITH THE GARDEN STATE'S MANY VOICES --- Sunday, May 25, 2003 BY CLAUDIA PERRY Star-Ledger Staff New Jersey radio is more than an afterthought to New York and Philadelphia. Although the Garden State is in the middle of those Top 10 markets, it can be heard loud and clear. The state may be small geographically, but New Jersey has four distinct radio markets of its own, in addition to being part of the New York and Philly listenership. There are at least 168 stations that can be heard within its borders. Jersey commuters can tune in to the usual rock, sports talk and oldies favorites, and can also hear news and music from Korea and South Asia, as well as stations whose programming ranges from black gospel to the sounds of big bands. . . [large portion of article omitted, but recommended! See:] http://www.nj.com/living/ledger/index.ssf?/base/living-1/1053844054228850.xml . . .Multicultural Radio Broadcasting, a New York-based company, owns four radio stations in New Jersey. The company buys stations and then leases the airwaves to local producers in various ethnic communities. WNSW (1430 AM) offers Korean music and news. WPAT is programmed in Russian during the week, and plays Caribbean-oriented music and news on the weekends. The minority radio segment is one of the industry's fastest growing areas, but Multicultural East Coast vice president Tony Wong demurs. "The populations we reach are not being served by other stations," Wong said. "I don't know about 'fastest growing,' but our business is steady. There are a lot of immigrants who come to this area. They want to find out information about home." One of Multicultural's stations, WTTM (1680 AM), has its studios in Metuchen and transmitter in Princeton. Its programming is geared to South Asian listeners, with shows about cricket, weddings and Bollywood entertainment news, mixed with music from various South Asian cultures. Kulraaj Anand, the program director for WTTM, said he wanted the station to be part of the community. EBC Radio, which Anand owns, leased the 10,000-watt station a year ago from Multicultural. It has listeners as far away as West Virginia. Its core audience is the estimated 450,000 South Asians in Central Jersey and Pennsylvania. "Our community has grown a lot," Anand said. "Our culture and music is one of the oldest in the world. We're seeing our music become part of mainstream America." Mamta Narula, a computer engineer in Kenilworth who is the host of three programs on the station, delivers her on-air patter in a blend of Hindi and English. Her Tuesday night show is a mix of music from Bollywood movies, audience quizzes and up-to-date news from the Bombay film world. She also does a wedding talk show on Sundays and a three- hour show on Saturdays with co-host Sanjiv Pandya that counts down the Top 10 and delivers more Bollywood news. "I may be a computer engineer," Narula said, "but my heart and soul is in this. People have recognized me in the store just when they hear me speak. They'll come up and say, 'Are you Mamta, Jisko Kuch Nahin Jamta?' (her signature phrase, which loosely translates to "Mamta, the woman who doesn't like anything but music") I get a kick out of it." Anand, whose station is staffed by 70 volunteers, offers programming in Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali and Punjabi. He plans to offer a training program in the coming months for kids who want to get into radio. "This is a society where everyone is an immigrant," Anand said. "Having this station gives confidence to people in our community." From 5,000 listeners in Newark 92 years ago to WTTM's South Asian listeners, New Jersey radio has always been able to identify and serve its audience. "The story of New Jersey radio is the story of the 567 towns in the state," Miller said. "Our radio reflects what an eclectic bunch we are." (Star Ledger via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** U S A. MERGER PROPOSAL WORRIES DEMOCRATS By JULIET EILPERIN, Washington Post, 5/26/2003 WASHINGTON - Concerned about Republican inroads into the Hispanic community, congressional Democrats are trying to fend off a proposed merger between Univisión Communications and the Hispanic Broadcasting Corp. . . . http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20030526/1011330.asp (via Fred Waterer, Ont., DXLD) ** U S A. GOODBYE TV E-SKIP IN ATLANTA A new LPTV has popped up in Atlanta on channel 4. Good reception here in Decatur (east of ATL) on an indoor dipole. Occasional co-channel flutter, presumed from WYFF channel 4 in Greenville, SC when a plane passes over. With in-town high powered sticks on 2 and 5, channel 4 was always Atlanta's e-skip channel. The new LPTV on channel four in Atlanta is programming the NBC shop at home channel. What a waste. Just what we need, a local NBC "Gold" affiliate (Brock Whaley, GA, May 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VENEZUELA. VENEZUELAN JOURNALIST FEARS ARREST, SAYS CHAVEZ OBSESSED WITH MEDIA Journalist Ibeyise Pacheco believes her arrest is imminent following the publication of a transcript of a speech by President Hugo Chávez at Zulia [State] Garrison in her newspaper column on 16 May, in which he allegedly admitted to surrendering during the coup d'état on 11 April 2002. Pacheco says Chávez now feels "exposed" and harbours "malicious feelings" towards her. In this interview, she describes the situation in Venezuela as "the borderline between a dictatorship and a democracy". Pacheco says that far from ignoring the media, as Chavez often claims, the president is in fact "obsessed" with sources of information and journalism. The following is the text of interview with journalist Ibeyise Pacheco by Alfredo Meza, at the studios of KYS FM 101.5 in Caracas, date not given, published by Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional web site on 22 May; subheadings as published: "I am preparing for the moment of my arrest." The director of [daily newspaper] Así es la Noticia says that President Hugo Chávez lost his patience after learning of the contents of her 16 May column, which transcribed his speech at Zulia Garrison, during which he spoke out against US foreign policy. Ibeyise Pacheco removes her sunglasses at the entrance of radio station KYS FM 101.5, where her midday program is aired. Only then does she relax. A chubby girl approaches her to shake her hand; she repeats words from a prepared script: "We women feel represented by you. I am proud of you. Go ahead, you have our support." As has happened in the past, the director of The News is Like That, who is also an El Nacional columnist, is in the eye of the hurricane. Vice-President José Vicente Rangel and Ministers Aristóbulo Istúriz and María Cristina Iglesias filed a request at the Office of the Prosecutor-General of the Republic for an investigation of the material that the journalist published in the "In Private" ["En Privado"] column on 9 May 2003. Rumours about the journalist's possible arrest increase with every hour that passes. [Alfredo Meza] Do you expect an arrest warrant to be issued against you? [Ibeyise Pacheco] I expect the worse from government officials who level accusations against me, such as [Prosecutor-General] Isaías Rodríguez. Not only with regard to a request for a trial that would end with my incarceration, but other types of actions such as those outlined in my column on 9 May. José Vicente Rangel has exerted pressure on certain editors to prevent them from supporting [as received] what has been viewed as harassment against me. [Meza] In the last two instalments of your column "In Private" you reported two meetings, which caused the government considerable discomfort. It is interesting, however, that only after Chávez's speech at Zulia Garrison was published, the Office of the Prosecutor- General was asked to investigate the case. Why did they wait so long to request this investigation? [Pacheco] I wondered why they failed to react when I revealed the details of the 17 February meeting ("In Private", Friday 9 May) at Miraflores [Presidential] Palace. They reacted now because when I aired the tape recorded at Zulia Garrison, Chávez was exposed and it happened right after the controversy over the reception held by [US] Ambassador Charles Shapiro at his residence. In the 4 April recording, the president spoke in very harsh terms about the United States and he also admitted to his subordinates that he surrendered on 11-A [11 April 2002 coup attempt], even though he subsequently proclaimed that the next time he will open fire. It is a lie that he was arrested, it is a lie that he was kidnapped and incarcerated. Several military sources have told me, and it is true, that he voluntarily surrendered and requested the presence of mediators. I believe that he might have been shaken by this report and also by suspicions that I might have spoken with extremely valuable informants who are very close to him, people in his inner circle who might be providing me with information. [Meza] Are these government officials seeking atonement for their actions by requesting the investigation? [Pacheco] As soon as the transcript of the 17 February meeting was released, the gossip started within the administration. It was said that my informants might be José Vicente and Aristóbulo. Despite all of the terrible things that were discussed at the meeting, Rangel and Istúriz were the most cautious, so Chávez might be suspicious of them. By requesting an investigation at the Attorney-General's Office, the vice-president is sending the following message: I was not the informant and I am loyal to you. This is speculation, but in that sphere, everything is possible. Active collaborators [Meza] Part of the most radical wing of the opposition believe that the armed forces have yielded to Chávez. Doesn't the disclosure of this material imply the complete opposite? [Pacheco] I do not believe that the National Armed Forces are behaving any differently than the rest of the country. From the political viewpoint, Venezuela's officers are like Venezuelan civilians. Polls show that Chávez has a 25 per cent popularity rating within the armed forces, and it is very likely that this proportion will remain unchanged. Those who are loyal to the president are few, they can be counted on one hand. Few soldiers have been marked as dishonest by investigations and complaints. This means that most of the soldiers who are angry at Chávez, or who at some point believed in him, are reacting differently. Some have been more outspoken in democratic terms following 11-A, participating in the massive drive to collect signatures [for a referendum on the presidency] and not allowing themselves to come under pressure; others, however, have maintained low profiles, making people wonder which side they are on. I can assure you that many of those officers are providing information to the country. As time passes, we will have to assess the relationship between the military and journalists during the Chávez regime. [Meza] It is not the first time that the government or its supporters have attempted to frighten you because of your publications. What makes this request for an investigation different from past complaints against you, or from that attempt to arrest you at KYS FM headquarters? [Pacheco] I am preparing for the moment of my arrest. It is an exercise that I must perform. We are on the borderline between a dictatorship and democracy. The ruling party is on the verge of approving a restraining law [containing new broadcast regulations] that is intended only to censor us. I can feel the nervousness. Moreover, I have sources within the government sector, members of the [ruling] MVR [Fifth Republic Movement], who tell me that this time Chávez has lost his patience. There is a term that my informants used in their warnings: malicious feelings towards me. These recordings, I repeat, have done a great deal of damage and the president fears that I am very close to his inner circle. I have denounced corruption and the presence of Colombian guerrillas in Venezuela, but that does not seem to matter to him. However, the material in the two columns confirmed his participation in very serious events. They exposed him. [Meza] Following the publication of your complaints, has the president ordered an investigation to determine who your informants are? [Pacheco] I laugh when Chávez says that he scarcely reads the newspapers. That he no longer even reads some of them. What I am told is the complete opposite: he is obsessed with sources of information and journalism. All of those things affect him and that is why he wants a restraining law and control of the media and its journalists. This is why on 20 May he attacked the government's communication and information system. He admonished [Information and Communications Minister] Nora Uribe. Perhaps he believes that this is where the information is leaking out. He has always expected the Information and Communications Ministry to buy off journalists, just as other institutions purchase weapons. [Meza] Rangel, Istúriz and Iglesias accuse you of subjecting them to public ridicule by characterizing them as murderers. [Pacheco] I transcribed the events of 17 February from an intelligence report. It is not a textual transcription of a meeting because, as I wrote on 9 May, the meeting was held between 0030 and 0430 [local time]. Maybe my source did not stay for the entire meeting. I do not want to provide further details on that matter. The fact is that I do not consider them murderers. What stands out in that request is the insistence that the recording of the meeting at Miraflores be handed over. No one has denied the report, they only want the recording because they know - and I have said this in the past - that it is a means of identifying the informant and reaching conclusions about this individual by way of intelligence procedures. It makes me sick that the main person requesting the investigation is José Vicente Rangel, who at one time called himself a journalist. Freedom of the press? 26/01/2002. Gen Francisco Belisario Landis, commander of the National Guard, disclosed that he filed a request at the Office of the Prosecutor-General of the Republic for a penal investigation against journalist Ibeyise Pacheco, director of Así es la Noticia. 04/02/2002. Pacheco asked Prosecutor-General Isaías Rodríguez to establish liability and punishment for the explosion of a device that was thrown at the doors of the daily Así es la Noticia, on 31 January of that year. 13/03/2002. Venpres [state news agency] published a report accusing Pacheco and other journalists of being criminals at the service of the drug cartels. 19/03/2002. MVR leaders presented a text titled "Manual for the Perfect Latin American Coup d'état", in which they accused Ibeyise Pacheco of forming part of a plan to topple Hugo Chávez. 03/04/2002. Two accusations were filed against Pacheco: one by Francisco Belisario Landis, who filed a writ of amparo [constitutional protection]; and the other by Army Col Angel Vellori, who sued her for defamation. 27/12/2002. The Office of the Ombudsman asked the Prosecutor-General of the Republic to implement the necessary measures to prevent acts that might threaten the journalist's life and personal integrity. 11/03/2003. The journalist reported that policemen in civilian clothes surrounded the radio station where she works, allegedly for the purpose of arresting her. 19/05/2003. Vice-President José Vicente Rangel, Labour Minister María Cristina Iglesias and Education Minister Aristóbulo Istúriz request that the Prosecutor-General of the Republic initiate an investigation into an alleged recording of a conversation held at a meeting, which could compromise members of the executive. The recording was released by Pacheco. Source: El Nacional web site, Caracas, in Spanish 22 May 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** ZAMBIA. 5915, Zambia National Broadcasting Company, *0243-0316 May 20, distinctive Fisheagle interval signal until opening anthem at 0250. A man and woman with opening ID and announcements at 0251. Group singing. Generally quite poor although some fair peaks when WBOH-5920 slop wasn't too bad (Rich D`Angelo, PA, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Dear Glenn, 17340 kHz USB, May 27, 1207-1218 UT in Greek. World news commentaries (sounded like any major broadcaster), then some other information (sounded like a weather forecast by location, but perhaps something else in a similar format). Ended rather abruptly at 1218. A rather strong signal here in Belgium, and (I hope) not a spur. What could this be? Thanks! (Robertas Pogorelis, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I suppose you are sure the language is Greek; some Russian coastal stations have been known to relay broadcast stations in this area. Maybe Greece is doing it too. Ahá: among other stations listed on 17341 by Klingenfuss 2002y is SVO, Olympia Radio, Athens on 17341 SSB (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Oh no, certainly not Russian --- I am good in Russian! 95% it was Greek. Could have been 17341 though. Many thanks! (Robertas, DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ IRCA CONVENTION The International Radio Club of America 40th annual convention is rapidly approaching. It will be held over the weekend of June 27-29 at the Best Western Merry Manor Inn, 700 Main street, South Portland Maine, 04106. Registration fee is $35 which includes the Saturday night banquet. I`ve received several registrations so far but we have room for more. The telephone number for hotel reservations is 1-207- 774-6151, mention the discounted room rate of $69 per night. We have secured a tour of WGAN, WZAN, WBAE, WPOR, WYNZ, WMGX -the 6 in one combo station near the convention site on Friday afternoon. We also have a guest speaker and phasing demonstration lined up. Be sure to attend and tell a friend. More info and links are found on the I.R.C.A. website at http://www.ircaonline.org (Mike Sanburn, KG6LJU, IRCA topica list via DXLD) HIGH FREQUENCY COORDINATION CONFERENCE The next formal HFCC meeting will be held in Tromso, northern Norway, from August 25 to 29, hosted by the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority. This will be a joint meeting with the Arab States Broadcasting Union, and it will develop the detailed operational HF schedule for the B03 period, which starts on October 31. The HFCC is an approved group within the International Telecommunications Union. As in the past, around 150 delegates from broadcasting administrations are expected to attend, who maintain formal responsibility for Frequency Planning. I have expressed an interest in attending this Conference, in a capacity as an independent Professional Engineering Consultant. A meeting of the HFCC Steering Board is set down for May 30; my request to attend has been placed on the SB Agenda by the Chairperson. EUROPEAN DX COUNCIL MEETING 2003 This year's meeting will be held from August 15 to 17, at Königstein, 15 km north of Frankfurt, Germany, hosted by the Rhein-Main-Radio Club, and the Bosch organisation. The World Radio TV Handbook Company (UK)is the formal sponsor. The theme is "DXen in der digitalen Zukunft" and an impressive list of topics is planned, including: - Tropical Band Monitoring - Anker Peterson, Danish SW Club International - The history of the transmitting stations at Jülich and Nauen - W. Bodrowski - Deutsche Telekom - Antennas for Shortwave Reception - A. Krische - The impact of DRM - Wolf Harranth - DRM Receivers - St. Meltzer - The German DX Clubs - S. Gerhad (RMRC) - Free Radio and Pirate DXing - World Music Radio - Stig. H. Nielsen (WMR) - FM DX Monitoring - U. Deutscher and M. Hornsteiner (UKW-TV AG) - Satellite Monitoring and Worldspace - 50 Years of DXing in Japan - Toshi Ohtake (Japanese SW Club) Yes, I plan to attend! (Bob Padula, EDXP World Broadcast Magazine May 26, used by permission from http://edxp.org via DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ 03-104: Broadband Over Powerlines --- Comment and Reply Comment dates have been published in the Federal Register. Those who are interested in commenting on an FCC Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to permit electric utilities to extend the use of "broadband power line" (BPL) systems may file comments with the FCC. Comments are due August 6, 2003 Reply Comments are due September 5, 2003 BPL permits electric utilities to provide broadband internet access by sending radio signals over power lines. The NOI also discusses home networking devices that use the powerlines in your house to send data to other computers and connected devices. A copy of the NOI is at the following URL: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-100A1.pdf REC's initial position on BPL is that we object to it because of the potential interference to the Amateur Radio Service, International Broadcast Stations as well as high frequency communications used to support the telecommunications infrastructure and homeland security. Draft REC comments will be posted on the site prior to the deadline. If you wish to comment with the FCC, go to http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs - - - - - - REC Networks - http://www.recnet.com - Bringing you fun and culture since 1984.http://www.animehardcoreradio.net - Anime Hardcore Radio - 24 hour a day anime! (via DXLD) Another version: FCC COMMENT DUE DATES ON BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES (BPL) AND RF INTERFERENCE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 15 [ET Docket No. 03-104; FCC 03-100] Broadband Power Line Systems AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of inquiry. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This document requests comment from the public on the current state of Broadband Power Line (BPL) technology and to determine whether changes to the Commission's rules are necessary to facilitate the deployment of this technology. The Commission believes that BPL could play an important role in providing additional competition in the offering of broadband infrastructure to the American home and consumers because power lines reach virtually every community in the country. DATES: Written comments are due on or before August 6, 2003, and reply comments are due on or before September 5, 2003. ADDRESSES: Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. See supplementary information for filing instructions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anh T. Wride, Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-0577, TTY (202) 418-2989, e-mail: anh.wride@fcc.gov Nick Leggett's web site on citizen participation in technology: http://home.earthlink.net/~nleggett/home.html (via Nick Leggett, DXLD) DRM [and non] +++ DW TRANSMITTER TROUBLE Dear Glenn: I was corresponding with a poster to rec.radio.shortwave two nights ago and sent him a private email that I thought I should share with you. He'd asked about IBOC interference. While checking this myself on a number of occasions I have both heard it, and heard a few strange episodes of transmitter problems that probably aren't IBOC-related, but I'm not altogether sure. At any rate, you might be amused to know how badly DW can screw up. Here's some of the three emails I sent him last Saturday night, 5/24 Best, (Steve Waldee - San Jose, CA. (retired broadcast station AM/FM chief engineer) ========== Tonight, about 30 seconds after reading your query in r.r.s. [05/24/03], I was trying to get a program on the Voice of Russia at 12000 and found that the entire region was blanked out with horrible noise and distortion. I tuned around to center it and found that it was DW, in German, at 11970. This was about 0409Z. I tuned to the other side, down to around 11940, and found that the entire region for 60 kHz was filled with crap from distorted DW sidebands. So I started to send you this reply, and in the few minutes it took to type this far, the distortion and sideband width dropped greatly. Now I can hear 12000 but there is still break-thru and occasional sideband distortion from DW at 11970 kHz, out 30 kHz high. Either DW is testing compatible IBOC with analogue modulation, or they simply have a high powered phase or pulse width modulator system adjusted incorrectly. I have followed the listing for DRM tests given in the latest ILGRadio database and tuned in to see what I could hear. (According to ILG they are not on the air right now with DRM tests. When I checked them last, on 5.15.03 at 2332, they were running digital modulation only (I believe probably BBC's audio) with a very heavy hiss signal that was audible as being many dB above background noise and extending from 9785 to 9805, centered at 9795. Now, that wasn't too damaging and not much worse than, say, trying to hear a weak signal next to one of Gene Scott's flamethrowers, and nowhere NEAR as damaging as the 60 kHz of distorted sidebands from DW tonight. Rx: R75 (yeah, I know you don't care for it!), 350 foot balanced dipole Steve Waldee - retired radio station chief engineer, San José, CA. P. S. Just before pressing SEND, the horrible sideband breakthru started up again over VOR at 12000 kHz. I can hear it all the way up to 12024 ... 12033 ... 12050! So now DW's sidebands are out +/- 80 kHz! THAT's interference! Wow. ======= I cannot tell if DW's Bonaire transmitter is spitting out any IBOC stuff along with the audio, but it sounds to me as if the problem is gross negative clipping. Normally the Bonaire North American service sounds quite clean; this is horribly distorted. If they were using a transmitter similar to the horrible old Ampliphase type by RCA, which used to be employed at KLOK here in San Jose, it would not be a mystery if they were out 80 kHz or further from carrier frequency: I've seen the Ampliphase do that many times. But I am sure they must be using something better than that: likely, I suppose, a Siemens transmitter that operates by phase modulation. It is possible that it is merely out of whack, but it sounds to me like someone screwed up and the thing is just hideously overmodulating, and with 250 kW of carrier beamed right in my direction, the sideband strength is significantly stronger than any adjacent stations for several channels either side of 11970. I just HOPE that this isn't IBOC crap! I would have expected that compatible analogue-IBOC would use lower than normal, and slightly narrower bandwidth than normal amplitude modulation, which would result in a rather weak sounding AM signal with a fair amount of background hiss. This does not sound that way; it's got a good S/N ratio but is grotesquely distorted. I've noticed DW on the hairy edge of distortion from time to time over the past couple of years, but this is simply ridiculous. OOOOPS! The carrier dropped off the air for two seconds [this would be about 0434]; when it came back on the volume was down bout 2 dB. THen, the cx went off again and on again -- softer -- and now it's off, for good maybe? The ILG sked says it's supposed to be on from 0400 to 0600, so perhaps somebody realizes something is BADLY wrong. (This is sort of fun, as I'd never expect to hear the big boys like DW screwing up so badly. I just hope they don't make a habit of it.) Steve Waldee ========== Two minutes after sending last msg, DW came back on at 0437, lower audio modulation level and much less distortion in evidence, and has stayed on. Yet for all practical purposes they are filling up about +/- 15 kHz bandwidth. At 20 kHz above and below their 11970 frequency, DW sideband hash and constant grunge are covering up adjacent carriers -- amusingly, DW's OWN next lower frequency signal at 11950, in English. They're wrecking their OWN service in a different language! Yet the interference is not nearly as bad as it was a few minutes ago when it was cutting a path out beyond 40 kHz either side of cx [sic] frequency. Now, one wonders if they are in the process of trying to set up a compatible IBOC-AM transmission and getting the carrier levels and modulation all wrong? I truly hope not, for if THAT is what's in store for us, it's not going to be pleasant (Steve Waldee, San José, CA, via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Different things are mixed in above: first of all, IBOC is not the same as DRM. The digital tests you hear on SW are all DRM, not IBOC. It is not DW`s transmitter on Bonaire, but R. Nederland`s. No doubt any problems with it are the responsibility of RN, not DW which is merely one of several stations also relayed there. Let`s get up to date with the latest DRM test schedule. Note that BBC Sackville has left 6010 for 9 and 11 MHz (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) SCHEDULED DRM TRANSMISSIONS Updated 9 May 2003 The following transmissions continue through 25 October 2003: UTC Days kHz Beam Target Av. DRM Power (kW) Programme Site 24h daily 531 Burg 2 Medien-anstalt Sachsen-AnhaltBurg 24h** daily 855 Berlin -- Deutschland RadioBerlin 0300-0400 daily 11955 285 W & C No. America 70 BBCWS Sackville 0430-0530 Sat/Sun 15400 230 NZ + SE Australia 10 RNW English Bonaire 0900-1500 daily 7320 105 W & C Europe 30 BBCWS Rampisham 0930-1200 daily 15440 040 W & C Europe 80 DW English Sines 1000-1100 daily 6140 120 W & C Europe 40 DW English Jülich 1100-1200 daily 6140 120 W & C Europe 40 DW German Jülich 1200-1300 daily 6140 120 W & C Europe 40 DW English Jülich 1305-1455 daily 5975 290 or 060 *) 40 Multimedia - T- W Europe Systems Media Broadcast Jülich 1600-1700 daily 6140 ND W & C Europe 40 DW English Jülich 1700-1800 daily 6140 ND W & C Europe 40 DW German Jülich 1800-1900 daily 6140 ND W & C Europe 40 DW English Jülich 2300-2400 daily 9795 268 E No. America 70 BBCWS Sackville 2330-0030 daily 15525 350 NE USA & NE Canada 10 RNW English Bonaire *) different beams in alternate weeks **) may be interrupted for analogue coverage of special events Schedule subject to change (from http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/html/drm_latest.html via DXLD) TEN-TEC ANNOUNCES FIRST DRM, DIGITAL CAPABLE SHORTWAVE RADIO Ten-Tec, a worldwide leader in comunications equipment; has announced the first DRM capable shortwave receiver. DRM stands for Digital Radio Mondiale, representing a digital system for shortwave, medium wave and long wave broadcasting yielding near-FM quality sound. The Ten-Tec RX- 320D and other system requirements are now posted on the Universal Radio website: http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/commrxvr/0321.html (via gh, DXLD) RECEIVER NEWS [and non] +++++++++++++ HIGH-TECH HARRIS IN HIGH DEMAND FOR MILITARY WORK MELBOURNE FIRM SHOWS IT HAS WHAT U.S. WANTS Harris anti-jamming technology is expected to help the Joint Direct Attack Munition "smart bomb," shown here in an artist's rendering, get to its target. Harris compenents make it more resistant to radio- frequency interference. Image courtesy of The Boeing Company. By Brian Monroe FLORIDA TODAY MELBOURNE -- Seven days, four contracts and the potential for $345 million. It's good to be Harris Corp. right now.. . http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/moneystoryA53524A.htm (via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ###