DX LISTENING DIGEST 4-169, November 8, 2004 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.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 For restrixions and searchable 2004 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 1251, COM 04-08 and MUNDO RADIAL: Tue 1000 WOR WRMI 9955 [maybe not 1251] Tue 1100 WOR RNI [archive] Tue 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours Tue 2200 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Tue 2230 MR WWCR 9985 Wed 1030 WOR WWCR 9985 Wed 1100 WOR RNI [archive] Wed 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours Wed 2200 MR WWCR 9985 Wed 2200 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB [sometimes first airing] Mon 0430 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 MORE info including audio links: http://worldofradio.com/radioskd.html WRN ONDEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]: WORLD OF RADIO 1251 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1251h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1251.rm WORLD OF RADIO 1251 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1251.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1251.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1251.html WORLD OF RADIO 1251, mp3 in the true SW sound of 7415: (stream) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_11-03-04.m3u (d`load) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_11-03-04.mp3 DXLD YAHOOGROUP: Why wait for DXLD? A lot more info, not all of it appearing in DXLD later, is posted at our yg. Here`s where to sign up http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dxld/ ** AFGHANISTAN [non]. UNITED KINGDOM, 17700, Salaam Watandar, via VT Merlin Communications in Rampisham (UK) confirmed with QSL card full data from Kabul in 2 months. First they confirmed via e-mail. The report was sent via e-mail to David Trilling: david.trilling @ internews.org You can visit this URL: http://www.internews.org/regions/afghanistan/afghan_radioreport_2004-08.htm They broadcast also in FM (Giampiero Bernardini, Italy, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) After 9 weeks I also received a QSL card on 17700 with 500 kW over the VT Merlin transmitter in the UK (Max van Arnhem, Holland, ibid.) R. Solh, announcements mentioning reward for capture of Bin Laden. With this new activity look at: http://www.portguide.com/content/marlo.asp E-mail: marlo.bahrain @ me.navy.mil Website: http://www.me.navy.mil/MARLO The www announcement on air possibly starts with ``cmf. .... .com`` (Finn Krone, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** AFGHANISTAN [non]. When tuning to R. France Int'l on 21620 at 1220 on Nov. 6 I didn't hear any signal from R. Solh (for Afghanistan) which was scheduled for this frequency at this time, from Rampisham [until 1300, per 4-168] (Joe Hanlon in New Jersey, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALASKA. 9615, KNLS, sign-on in English at 1300 with electronic IS, then ? orchestral fanfare, very muddy unintelligible ID, initial theme repeated, OM talk, into musical interlude. Distinctive interval signal was only clincher for ID. SINPO 21111, November 7 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** ANGOLA. 4950 kHz, Radio Nacional de Angola at 0500 UT, with news in Portuguese, ID heard twice at 0504 and 0505, orchestral / choral music at 0506, woman's echo chamber like voice over music, brief extract from Hallelujah Chorus (a few seconds), then male voice over orchestral music. SINPO 32112, quite poor, November 7th (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** ARMENIA. Sunday special from Yerevan Armenia in En, Fr, and Ge on 15270 around 0800-0930 UT seemingly ceased totally. Only Chinese Station could be heard today on that channel. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Nov 7, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. Pirate FM in Melbourne --- Hi Glenn, I was reading one of your Digest publications on the net and noticed mention of various pirate FM stations operating in Melbourne over the years. Here is a list of some of them. Many operated during the 1980's and 1990's. 3STD FM: I heard about this one from someone, but have very little detail about it). 3POX FM (Later became Christian FM and finally WAVE FM): This station operated from a location not that far from me in Melbourne's east. The operator, also into amateur radio, has since moved away from Melbourne. Used 88.0 and later 95.1 MHz. Radio Uranus (3RAT FM): This station was operating low power in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and had one broadcast at high power from Kinglake, Vic. Used frequencies all over the dial. The Kinglake frequency was 93.7 MHz. 3YOS FM: Operated by university students in Burwood Vic, east of Melbourne. This one was fairly low power and only produced a noisy signal at my place. Used 89.3 MHz. Exodus Radio: This one was totally in Greek and even played requests to listeners phoning in. Operated somewhere in the Glen Iris, Vic., area east of Melbourne. I think this one used around 97 MHz, but can't be sure. Tex 99.7: This is one that was on more recently and operated from the Hawthorn, Vic., area. Used 99.7 MHz. Has since closed down. Vision FM relay: Operating in Melbourne on 89.1 MHz, NW of me relaying services of Vision FM. Vision FM themselves deny its existence. This station operates part time only and sometimes only runs a blank carrier. Possibly a church using a satellite feed and relaying it on the FM band. There were others, but these are the ones I can mostly remember. 99.7 MHz now has an Islamic station using it, but this one has a legal licence. Anyway, I hope this is all of interest. Regards (Robert Copeman, Australia, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRIA [and non]. Updated Austrian schedule from their website: Programme schedule from October 2004 to 26th March 2005 on short wave. All times in UTC (CET Central European Time = UTC plus 1 hour) EUROPE - Short Wave 05.00 - 23.08 UTC 6155 kHz 05.00 - 18.30 UTC 13730 kHz 18.30 - 23.08 UTC 5945 kHz WORLDWIDE - Short Wave Middle East 04.00 - 05.00 UTC 17870 kHz America East 00.30 - 01.00 UTC 7325 kHz America West 16.00 - 17.00 UTC 13675 kHz = [Sackville, not so specified] America Central 00.00 - 00.30 UTC 7325 kHz South America 23.30 - 24.00 UTC 9870 kHz Asia & Australia 13.00 - 14.00 UTC 17855 kHz Report from Austria: Report from Austria, a 15 minute news and current affairs programme on the air Monday to Friday, keeps you up to date on what's happening in Austria with news bulletins as well as interviews and features from the world of domestic and international politics, business, culture and sports. MONDAY Europe: Ö1-Programme, with the exceptions 13.45-14.00: Report from Austria (English) 21.55-22.00 Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) Middle-East: 06.00 - 07.00: as for Europe America East: 00.30-00.33: News in German 00.33-01.00: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) America West: 16.00-16.09: Magazine in German 16.10-16.25: Report from Austria (English) 16.25-16.30: Wissen aktuell 16.30-17.00: Repeat America Central: 00.00-00.05: News in German 00.05-00.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) South America: 23.30-23.35: News in German 23.35-24.00: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) Asia/Australia: 13.01-13.06: News in German 13.06-13.11: Wissen aktuell - in German 13.11-13.15: Regional radio-News in German 13.15-13.30: Report from Austria (English) 13.30-14.00: Repeat TUESDAY TO FRIDAY: Europe: Ö1-Programme, with the Exceptions: 13.45-14.00: Report from Austria (English) 21.55-22.00: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) Middle-East: 06.00-07.00: As for Europe America East: 00.30-00.35: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 00.35-00.43: Mitternachtsjournal - in German 00.43-00.58: Report from Austria (English) America West: 16.00-16.09: Magazine in German 16.10-16.25: Report from Austria (English) 16.25-16.30: Wissen aktuell - in German 16.30-17.00: Repeat America Central: 00.00-00.05: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 00.05-00.13: Mitternachtsjournal 00.13-00.30: Report from Austria (English) South America: 23.30-23.35: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 23.35-23.43: Mitternachtsjournal - in German 23.43-23.58: Report from Austria (English) Asia/Australia: 13.01-13.06: News in German 13.06-13.11: Wissen Aktuell - in German 13.11-13.15: Regionalradio-News in German 13.15-13.30: Report from Austria 13.30-14.00: Repeat SATURDAY: Europe: Ö1-Programme with the exceptions: 13.00-13.05: Regional radio-News in German 13.05-13.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 13.30-14.00: Repeat Middle-East: 06.00 - 07.00: as for Europe Amerika Ost: 00.30-00.35: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 00.35-00.43: Mitternachtsjournal - in German 00.43-00.58: Report from Austria (English) America West: 16.00-16.05: Nachrichten 16.05-16.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 16.30-17.00: Repeat America Central: 00.00-00.05: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 00.05-00.12: Mitternachtsjournal - in German 00.15-00.30: Report from Austria (English) South America: 23.30-23.35: Noticiero de Austria (Spanish) 23.35-23.43: Mitternachtsjournal - in German 23.43-23.58: Report from Austria (Englisch) Asia/Australia: 13.01-13.06: Regional radio - News in German 13.06-13.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 13.30-14.00: Repeat SUNDAY: Europe: Ö1-Programme with the exceptions: 13.00-13.05: Regional radio-News in German 13.05-13.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 13.30-14.00: Repeat Middle-East: 06.00-06.05: News in German 06.05-06:30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 06.30-07.00: Repeat America East: 00.30-00.33: News in German 00.33-00.58: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) America West: 16.00-16.05: News in German 16.05-16.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 16.30-17.00: Repeat America Central: 00.00-00.05: News in German 00.05-00.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) South America: 23.30-23.35: News in German 23.35-23.58: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) Asia/Australia: 13.01-13.06: News in German 13.06-13.30: Report from Austria - The Week in Review (English) 13.30-14.00: Repeat (via Mike Barraclough, DXLD) ** BELARUS. The B04 schedule for Radio Belarus is now available online: http://www.tvr.by/eng/radiobel.asp (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7210 // 5970 kHz, Radio Belarus in English with music, "You are listening to Belarus," 7210 SINPO 22122 with ham QRN; 5970 SINPO 21111 with BBC QRN. At 0316 light music, then mostly talk, at 0327, ID and frequency announcements, address and web page. November 6 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** BRAZIL. Nov 6 at 2240 past 2300 was hearing an extremely distorted FMy signal at about 12970; somewhat readable by slope detexion around 12977, with cadence and intonation of Brazilian Portuguese, tho I could not make out a single word. This was previously reported from Paraguay by Adán Mur as a spur from R. Gaúcha, 11915, where I could not hear any parallel (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 6019.8, R Capital, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, reported in DX- Window no. 257, should read "6069.8 kHz"; the QRM sources were Voz Cristiana, Chile and CFRB, Canada. I apologize for my typing mistake and for unwillingly misleading any DXer by mentioning R Capital in R Gaúcha's 49 m outlet (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. The schedule of R Transmundial (TWR) on shortwave: 0900-1500 on 5965 1700-0300 on 9530 1000-2000 on 11735 (50 Kw) The transmitter is located in Santa Maria, RS, studios in São Paulo. R Nova Visão does not have any program produced, only the official name, so in fact, the station is Radio Transmundial (Samuel Cássio, Brazil, Oct 29, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** CANADA. RCI B04 Broadcast Schedule for Radio (Medium Wave / Short Wave / FM Band) Effective October 31st, 2004 (07:00 UTC) to March 27th, 2005 (07:00 UTC) UTC SITE FREQ KW AZ TARGETS ARABIC 0330-0359 HBY 5840 350 135 Middle East 0330-0359 WER 6025 250 120 Middle East 0330-0359 WER 9615 250 120 Middle East 0430-0459 SKN 7265 300 110 Middle East 0430-0459 WER 9760 250 120 Middle East 2015-2044 SKN 5995 300 110 Middle East/North Africa 2015-2044 SKN 9615 100 115 Middle East/North Africa 2015-2044 SAC 12015 250 92 Middle East/North Africa 2015-2044 VOL 93.3 FM Beirut 2015-2044 VOL 93.4 FM Bekaa 2015-2044 VOL 93.6 FM Lebanon (N & S) 2215-2244 RMC 1233 MW Middle East CHINESE 0000-0029 KIM 9565 100 225 Asia/China 2200-2229 KIM 6160 100 305 China 2200-2229 KIM 7195 100 225 China 2200-2229 YAM 9730 300 235 China 2300-2329 KIM 6160 100 305 China 2300-2329 YAM 7195 100 280 China 2300-2329 KIM 9525 100 264 China 2300-2329 YAM 12045 300 235 China ENGLISH 0000-0057 XIA 9880 100 188 Asia/China 0100-0259 SAC 6190 100 240 USA/Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0100-0259 SAC 9755 250 212 USA/Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0100-0259 SAC 9810 250 253 USA/Mexico/Caribbean/South America 1200-1259 YAM 9670 100 270 Asia/China 1200-1259 YAM 11730 300 235 Asia/China 1300-1559 SAC 9515 100 268 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1300-1559 SAC 13655 250 240 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1300-1559 SAC 17820 100 189 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1300-1329 YAM 9670 100 270 Asia/China 1300-1329 YAM 11730 300 235 Asia/China 1400-1659 SAC 9515 100 268 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1400-1659 SAC 13655 250 240 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1400-1659 SAC 17820 100 189 Central and Eastern USA/Cuba/Haiti 1500-1557 KIM 5985 100 270 India 1500-1557 XIA 9635 100 258 India 1500-1557 XIA 11730 100 258 India 1800-1859 HBY 5850 350 180 Sub-Saharan Africa 1800-1859 KAS 7370 100 239 Sub-Saharan Africa 1800-1859 KAS 9770 100 239 Sub-Saharan Africa 1800-1859 WER 11875 250 150 Sub-Saharan Africa 1800-1859 SAC 15140 250 105 Sub-Saharan Africa 2000-2259 SAC 15180 250 240 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti 2100-2159 HBY 5850 350 220 Europe 2100-2159 SAC 9770 250 60 Europe 2230-2259 KIM 6160 100 305 China 2230-2259 KIM 7195 100 225 China 2230-2259 YAM 9730 300 235 China FRENCH 1100-1259 SAC 9515 250 212 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti 1100-1359 SAC 9515 250 212 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti 1430-1459 YAM 5985 300 290 Asia/China 1430-1459 YAM 9535 300 270 Asia/China 1600-1959 SAC 17835 250 240 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti 1900-1959 WER 11845 250 165 Sub-Saharan Africa 1900-1959 SAC 13650 250 105 Sub-Saharan Africa 1900-1959 DHA 15140 250 260 Sub-Saharan Africa 1900-1959 SAC 17735 250 105 Sub-Saharan Africa 1700-1959 SAC 17835 250 240 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti 2000-2059 HBY 5850 350 220 Europe 2000-2059 SKN 7235 300 110 Europe 2000-2059 SAC 9710 250 60 Europe 2000-2059 SAC 11725 250 60 Europe 2100-2159 SKN 7235 300 180 North Africa 2100-2159 SKN 9565 300 180 North Africa 2100-2159 SAC 11845 250 92 North Africa 2200-2259 MOS 9665 300 215 Sub-Saharan Africa 2200-2259 ASC 11835 250 65 Sub-Saharan Africa 2300-2359 SAC 15180 250 227 South East USA/Cuba/Haiti PORTUGUESE [these are weekly, Fri/Sat/Sun, not daily!] 2000-2029 SAC 15305 250 163 Brazil 2000-2029 SAC 17765 250 163 Brazil 2100-2129 SAC 15305 250 163 Brazil 2100-2129 SAC 17765 250 163 Brazil 2230-2259 SAC 11905 250 163 Brazil 2230-2259 SAC 15245 250 163 Brazil 2330-2359 SAC 11905 250 163 Brazil 2330-2359 SAC 13730 250 163 Brazil RUSSIAN 1600-1629 HBY 5840 350 85 Russia 1600-1629 WER 9555 250 75 Russia 1600-1629 WER 11935 250 62 Russia 1600-1629 RMP 13650 500 62 Russia 1700-1729 SKN 9555 100 70 Russia (from 01-12-2004) 1700-1729 SKN 11935 300 90 Russia (from 01-12-2004) SPANISH 0000-0029 SAC 9755 250 240 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0000-0029 SAC 11865 250 176 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0030-0059 SAC 9755 250 240 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0030-0059 SAC 11865 250 176 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0100-0129 SAC 9790 250 268 Mexico/Cuba 0300-0329 SAC 6190 100 240 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0300-0329 SAC 9755 250 212 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 0300-0329 SAC 9810 250 240 Mexico/Caribbean/South America 2300-2329 SAC 11905 250 176 South America 2300-2329 SAC 13730 250 176 South America UKRAINIAN [about to be cancelled??? See below] 1630-1659 SKN 9555 300 95 Ukraine UKRAINIAN (until 30-11-2004) 1630-1659 SKN 11935 300 90 Ukraine UKRAINIAN (until 30-11-2004) B04 Broadcast Schedule for Radio (Digital Radio Mondial - DRM) Effective October 31st, 2004 (07:00 UTC) to March 27th, 2005 (07:00 UTC) 1400-1430 FLE 9815 40 ND Western Europe ENGLISH 2200-2259 SAC 9800 70 268 Northeast United States ENGLISH Transmitter Sites ASC: ASCENSION ISLAND KIM: KIMJAE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA SKN: SKELTON, UNITED KINGDOM DHA: DHABAYYA, U.A.E. MOS: MOSBRUNN, AUSTRIA VOL: VOICE OF LEBANON FLE: FLEVO, THE NETHERLANDS RMC: RADIO MONTE CARLO WER: WERTACHTAL, GERMANY HBY: HOERBY, SWEDEN RMP: RAMPISHAM, UNITED KINGDOM XIA: XIAN, CHINA KAS: KASHI, CHINA SAC: SACKVILLE, CANADA YAM: YAMATA, JAPAN Issued on October 5th, 2004, subject to change without notice. (Re-formated from PDF file received from Bill Westenhaver on Oct 19) (via Alokesh Gupta, Japan Premium via DXLD) Here what is behind RCI Ukrainian to be transmit until Nov 30 only: http://www.geocities.com/rciaction/UkrainianServiceUnderTheGun.html And they save not a single hour of shortwave airtime by axing it... (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: From the Canada News Wire - 4 November 2004 Attention News Editors: RCI UKRAINIAN PROGRAMMING UNDER THE GUN MONTREAL, Nov. 4 /CNW Telbec/ - The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Quebec Provincial Council, representing 38 Ukrainian community organizations is profoundly disturbed by evidence that Radio Canada International is proceeding with plans to further decrease its Ukrainian-language programming at the end of November 2004. There would have been only 2 half-hour weekly programs as of October 31, 2004, down from 2 half-hour programs daily, which was a cut (in 2001) from 2 one-hour programs daily. Following letters and petitions (thousands of signatures were gathered) and appeals to the Government of Canada the date was moved to November 30, 2004, to cover the presidential elections in Ukraine up to the run-off vote on November 21. The elections were plagued by strong-arm tactics by the government authorities of Ukraine promoting the candidate selected by them. International observers have cited many instances of electoral fraud and interference marring the campaign and the elections themselves. All 60 Canadian observers noted gross irregularities. Canada's example is a beacon of hope for the people of Ukraine. Its one million-strong Ukrainian community has shown that it is possible to be fully integrated and involved in a pluralistic democracy while retaining the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions. Ukraine needs to hear a Canadian voice speaking in Ukrainian, sharing the Canadian vision and experience to help build such a society in Ukraine. The security of Europe and the world depends upon the growth of such a society. Canada showed foresight when it became the first western nation to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991. This is most definitely not a time to be cutting back on Radio Canada International programming to Ukraine. If anything it is a time to increase such programming. A major component of the strong-arm tactics of the government authorities in Ukraine is the closing of media outlets to the opposition candidate. The media voice for pluralistic democracy coming from Canada encourages and motivates the people to continue the struggle for this in Ukraine. Ukrainian language broadcasting on Radio Canada International must go on full force. For further information: Very Rev. Dr. Ihor G. Kutash, President, (514) 276-2477, (514) 591-5329 (via Kai Ludwig, DXLD) RCI Russian 1700-1729 --- And now I see the idea behind redirecting the Skelton airtime of RCI's doomed Ukrainian service to Russian: Skelton will simply replace Wertachtal for this transmission (1700- 1729 on 9555 and 11935). Interesting, since I understand RCI's Wertachtal usage to be a reciprocal airtime exchange with Deutsche Welle (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Three more CBC regional stations on the R1 network have started webcasting, WM only now, of course. This will give us more opportunities to find a funxioning cast in the ET timezone, and especially in the PT, where all we have had was Vancouver and Whitehorse; and hear their local programming morning, noon and afternoon drivetime: CBCV (CBC R1) Victoria, BC, Canada CBCS (CBC R1) Sudbury, ON, Canada CBQT (CBC R1) Thunder Bay, ON, Canada (from PublicRadioFan.com via gh, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. CBC/Radio-Canada Budget Update --- 2004-11-06 09:18:33 Yesterday, the Government tabled its supplementary estimates, which confirmed that CBC/Radio-Canada's funding has again this year been cut by $10 million as a result of reallocation. We have also been informed that this cut to our funding is permanent. We had planned for the possibility of this cut, which should help to offset the impact on programming, at least in the very short term. However, that this $10 million cut is now permanent will aggravate the already tough funding situation brought about by a combination of our unstable funding and other financial pressures such as rising production costs, runaway health care costs, renewed contributions to the CBC Pension Plan, etc. This cut will have an unmistakably damaging effect on independent production as well. Since every dollar CBC/Radio-Canada invests in programming leverages three dollars in the independent production sector, this $10 million dollar cut to our funding could in turn reduce independent production by nearly $30 million. Our funding challenges are a reality we must continue to meet head-on. Four years ago we embarked upon a comprehensive review of our operations to find additional resources for programming. This review has so far generated about $65 million in annually recurring savings and revenues, in addition to $102 million in one-time savings. While these savings and revenues are considerable, they alone are not enough. Faced with this latest cut, we must continue to seek efficiencies because the fact remains that our Parliamentary appropriation - in constant (2004) dollars and including the $60 million in additional funding - is still $415 million less today than it was in 1990. In the face of these cuts, the only way we have managed to maintain and increase our levels of service is through the more efficient management of our resources. Securing stable multi-year funding remains the top priority for CBC/Radio-Canada, since it will enable us to be the public broadcaster Canadians expect and deserve. In the meantime, however, we must press on with our own internal efforts to generate what savings and revenues we can for programming. Johanne Charbonneau, Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (Daily Planet Nov 6 via Radiointel.com via DXLD) ** CANADA. 710, CJRN, ON, Niagara Falls --- once again will have a program of prayers, Kor`an readings, etc., in English and Arabic daily at local sunset during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. They`ve been doing this Ramadan broadcast regularly for the past several years on CJRN. Otherwise, they`re little more than a glorified TIS (Mike Brooker, Toronto, Ont., DDXD-East, NRC DX News Nov 8 via DXLD) New Moon = Nov 12, 2004 (bank wall calendar, Enid, OK, via DXLD) ** CANADA. CHSL's official start date --- ODXA member Mark Coady of Bridgenorth, Ontario (near Peterborough) heard CHSL this morning (testing with 250 watts) and passed on this info: --------------------------------------------- CHSL is supposed to start official operations on Sunday November 21, 2004 with opening ceremonies at the church. [EST = UT -5] 12:30 Ecumenical Mass 14:30 Blessing of the Antenna Tower and Studio 15:00 Press Conference 15:30 Authorities offering their best wishes San Lorenzo Parish, part of the Anglican Church, used to be known as Saint Lawrence Parish but the English community moved to Saint Hilda's and this parish became a Latin American parish. The leading person in the organization is the parish priest, Father Hernan Astudillo. His email is hastudillo @ rogers.com Here is Father Astudillo's reply to Mark: "Hi Mark. Just we are doing the proves with 250 power, probably next week will be with 1.000 power, that is the licence permit we have. I am happy to know we are in your area. Yes we will have a music from all Latin American countries soon will come the voice of hope for our Latin American-Canadian Comunity. The inauguration will be November 21/04, at the San Lorenzo Church, 2981 Dufferin one block south of Lawrence, from 12:30 to 8 pm. Please come and enjoy with us. Blessings. Fr. Hernan Astudillo" (via Niel Wolfish, Toronto, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** CHAD [and non]. As usual, during the disturbed conditions the African stations dominated here in the 49 meterband. I made a quick check when noticing 6165 Chad booming in on Nov 8 at 1930 UT. Radiodiffusion Nationale Tchadienne, news in French with their usual partly distorted audio, real loud S9+10db. 5985 R Congo in French 5990.5 R Ethiopia in local language 5995 Mali \\ 4782.9 and 4835 6055 R Rwanda 6060 Namibia in English Also regular 60 mb Africans were audible. Also presumed R Shabele and R Galkayo form Somalia on 6960.2 and 6979.8 resp. but had no time for ID :-) 73 (Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non]. A B04 China Radio International schedule with sites has just been posted at: http://www2.starcat.ne.jp/~ndxc/ch/cri411.htm (Mike Barraclough, Nov 7, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Relay site key not explained on this page, but some of them are: kas = Kashi/Kashgar in extreme western China; sac = Sackville, Canada; G = Guiana French; E = Spain; U1/U2/U3 = Urumqi; M = Mali; R = Russia. Cuba and Chile are spelt out. I think all the others on SW are various sites inside China. 0000-0157 English-AS 11770kas, 7180kas, 6075kas English-EU 7345kas 0100-0157 English-NA 6005sac, 9580Cuba 0200-0257 English-AS 13640kas, 11770kas 0300-0357 English-AS 15110U2, 11770kas English-NA 9790Cuba, 9690E 0400-0457 English-NA 9755G, 9560sac, 6190sac 0500-0557 English-AS 17540kas, 15465kas, 15350kas, 11880k3, 11770kas English-NA 9560sac, 6190sac 0600-0657 English-AS 17540kas, 15465kas, 15350kas, 15140U2, 11880k3, 11770kas English-NA 6115kas 0700-0857 English-Eu 1215 via Albania Fllake English-AS 17540kas, 15465kas, 15350kas, 11880k3 0800-0957 English-EU 17490U2 0900-1057 English-S. Pacific 17690JI, 17490kas, 15210K5 1000-1157 English-EU 17490U2 1100-1157 English-NA 17490kas, 5960sac, 1269(-AS) 1200-1257 English-AS 11980K3, 9730k2, 1341, 1269, 1188, 684 English-OC 15415K5, 11760k6, 9795U5 English-EU 17490kas, 13790kas 1300-1357 English-EU 17490kas, 13790kas, 13610kas English-NA 17625chile, 15230sac, 11885sac, 9570cuba English-AS 15180X1, 11980K3, 1341 English-OC 11900k5, 11760k6, 9795U5 1400-1457 English-AS 11765U3, 11675K6, 9560kas, 1422kas English-NA 17730Cuba, 15230sac, 13675sac, 7405JI English-Eu 17490kas, 13610kas, 9795U5, 9700kas 1400-1557 English-AF 17630M, 13685M 1500-1557 English-AS 9785JI, 7160U1 English-EU 9525kas, 9435kas English-NA 17730Cuba, 13675sac, 7405JI 1600-1657 English-AF 11900X1, 9570X1, 1323, 1080(-AS) English-Eu 9525kas, 9435kas, 7255U5 English-NA 17730sac 1700-1757 English-AF 11900X1, 9570X1, 1323,1080(-AS) English-Eu 6100qq, 7255U5 1800-1957 English-Eu 6100qq 1900-1957 English-AF 9585K5, 9440B2, 7295k6 2000-2057 English-AF 13630M, 11640M, 9440B2, 7295k6 English-Eu 9855U3, 9600B4, 7190kas, 6100qq, 1440Lux, 1386Sit 2100-2127 English-AF 13630M, 11640M 2100-2157 English-EU 9855U3, 9600B4, 7190kas 2200-2257 English-NA English-Eu 7170R (Taldom) 2300-2357 English-AS 7180kas, 5975kas English-NA 11970sac, 6040sac, 5990Cuba (gh excerpted English only for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. During my latest field monitoring work on Nov. 7 I happened to run across some English teaching/language lesson program on 5960 kHz at 2100 which was good, also noted // on 7285 at fair level; announced as being from China Radio Int'l; first thought this might be another new Sackville relay but I doubted this would be happening so early, but maybe from China or a Euro relay site? Had YL and YM introducing the show at 2103, didn't check at the very top of hour; had occasionally checked back from time to time and this show continued (what they were doing I didn't take more time to check up on this), but then at 2154 the show ended and then came a male announcer reading a SPECIAL ENGLISH newscast from China Radio International, something I've never heard before. The announcer was reading an item re illegal drug crackdowns in China; frequencies were off at 2158. So I happened to hear CRI finally following the lead of VOA and offering Special English, and if this is on the air every day at this time, and maybe at other times of the day, it is more evidence of CRI's growing expansion on shortwave. Would appreciate more observations from listeners, especially from Europe where this program is likely targeted (Joe Hanlon in New Jersey, USA, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) No such transmission in NDXC`s new CRI schedule, nor on their pages for the home services (gh, DXLD) This is probably a relay of the Special English News shown on CRI's AM schedule as being broadcast Monday-Friday at 06.55 Beijing time. This does not correspond to 2100 UT but it's possible that the time has been changed or the listed schedule is wrong (Roger Tidy, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5960 2000-2200 27 KAS 150 310 0 216 CHN CRI RTC 7285 2000-2200 27 URU 150 310 0 216 CHN CRI RTC (via Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. CRI Program Notes on Election --- China Radio International had an excellent program on Monday, November 8 at 1330 UT on 9570 kHz. "People in the Know" is a regular program. On this date they had 4 brief interviews on perceptions of George Bush's reelection. The first was from the Brookings Institute in Washington, the second a professor from American University in Cairo, the third a political analyst from Radio France International, and lastly a journalist from the East Asia Times. The view from Washington was that a greater effort on diplomacy was needed, and that Mr. Bush was indeed thinking about that. The basic view that his "team" will decide what is best for US security interests will remain unchanged. From Cairo, there is a general dismay on the part of the Arab peoples. Seldom has an administration managed to alienate so many in such a short period of time. Bush pushed the Palestinian issue away, and the neoconservatives in power believe the road to peace in Palestine is through Baghdad. From Paris, it appears that the military has a green light, Bush is likely to be even more bellicose, and it looks like a very difficult four years ahead. It is hard to be optimistic. And finally from Asia, Japanese and US ties are likely to become stronger. Washington will need Beijing's help in pressuring North Korea. Taiwan is still a major point of contention, but there have been hopeful signs lately. The program ended with the announcer issuing congratulations to Mr. Bush, but asking, now just what are you going to do about these problems. This program was very sophisticated, with the announcer greeting his guests in their respective English, Arabic, and French. The comments were thoughtful and diverse in view. CRI has come a long way in recent months in producing quality programs equal to what is the norm on the BBC, Radio Australia, and CBC radio. And now with their increased relays from Sackville and Cuba, they are easily heard several times a day (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, swprograms via DXLD) Well, Roger, I agree that CRI's programs have come a long way, but I'll have to disagree that they are now on a par with the BBC, Radio Australia or the CBC. For one thing, they tell very little about what is going on internally other than the activity in the new economic zones. Reports were fairly common elsewhere last week about serious disturbances in at least two parts of the country involving the loss of at least hundreds of lives. Not a word about this from CRI (John Figliozzi, ibid.) ** CUBA [non]. Radio Martí: 0000-0300 13820 Delano 0000-0400 7365 Greenville-B 0000-0700 11775 Greenville-B 0300-1000 7405 Greenville-A 0400-0700 9805 Greenville-B 0700-1300 5980 Delano 0700-1300 7365 Delano 1000-1200 6030 Delano 1000-1400 5745 Greenville-A 1200-1500 7405 Greenville-A 1300-1930 13820 Greenville-B (Sat-Sun A site instead) 1300-2400 11980 Greenville-A 1400-2000 15330 Greenville-A 1500-2200 17670 Delano 1930-2400 13820 Delano 2000-2200 9565 Greenville-A 2200-2400 15330 Delano 2200-1000 6030 Greenville-A [presumably still has weekly silent period UT Mon 0400-1000 --- gh] Brings up nostalgia once again: Ten years ago 7405 was in the morning used to beam VOA English across the Atlantic instead, actually to Africa but putting a quite good signal into Europe as well. Site: Bethany ... (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [non]. Sat on 530 kHz from 2100+ GMT today, November 6th, and here's how it went: Weak carrier only 2100+ (RVC or the Rebelde micro transmitter?). *2138-2140* bigass open carrier briefly -- obviously the circling C- 130 plane, cranking up the transmitter. At *2200+ -- that is at exactly 2200 -- a big signal up with no audio for three seconds, then abruptly into Radio Martí audio with the interval sounder, ID, news, et. al. Great signal here in the direct line-of-path due north of western Key West airspace. Ch-Ch-Check it out... (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, Nov 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [non]. CONTENTOS LOS SANTACLAREÑOS (CUBA) POR VER TV MARTI TOMADO DE LA EDICION "CUBANET" CubaNet News - Noticias de Cuba / Cuba News SANTA CLARA, 5 de noviembre --- Guillermo Fariñas, Cubanacán Press / http://www.cubanet.org Habitantes de varios barrios de la ciudad de Santa Clara están contentos porque al fin pudieron observar en sus hogares el sábado 30 de octubre desde las nueve hasta pasadas las 10 de la noche, la hasta ahora bloqueada señal de TV Martí. El profesor Miguel Tejeda Tenorio, presidente en funciones del Movimiento Democrático Cristiano y residente en el casco histórico de la ciudad, cercano al Parque Vidal, dijo que había podido observar a través del canal 13 variados programas televisivos. Otros santaclareños que pidieron el anonimato a Cubanacán Press dijeron que lo más impresionante de esta emisión, fue haber visto en repetidas oportunidades la estrepitosa caída del Dr. Fidel Castro el pasado 20 de octubre en la plaza Ernesto Che Guevara de esta cabecera provincial. También resultaron atractivos los reportajes y comentarios sobre los objetivos que persigue el castrismo para no usar la moneda estadounidense en los comercios recaudadores de divisas, la participación de Blanca Reyes, esposa del poeta Raúl Rivero, el reportaje de Oscar Elías Biscet, y quedó una frustración latente porque no se pudo ver la entrevista exclusiva al Comandante Hubert Matos. Esta información ha sido transmitida por teléfono, ya que el gobierno de Cuba controla el acceso a Internet. CubaNet no reclama exclusividad de sus colaboradores, y autoriza la reproducción de este material, siempre que se le reconozca como fuente. Cordiales 73's (via Oscar de Céspedes, condiglist via DXLD) ** CURAÇAO. DX-pedition to Curaçao --- Again this October, like last year, I paid a visit to Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. I was able to use a 20 meters wire antenna connected to my SONY ICF7600GR receiver. Conditions were similar to last year October. However, I could hear several new stations while other stations had disappeared. On Curaçao Radio Hoyer 1 and Radio Hoyer 2 were using medium wave on 1010 and 1500 respectively. However because of theft of the air- conditioning of the transmitters they decided to refrain from medium wave and to continue only on FM. Radio Caribe 1100 kHz medium wave also left medium wave. The only station left on medium wave is PJZ86 860 kHz Radio Curom. Listening to the FM band was completely different from last year. A year ago I heard about 3 stations from Venezuela; this year I could easily identify 15 stations, mostly from Punto Fijo and Coro. Also the local FM was busier than last year because of some new stations. During my stay I paid a visit to Radio Korsou FM where I met again the director Mr. Oosterhof (Suhandi) who is a famous radioman in The Netherlands. He informed me about his radio career and also a lot about radio history (Max Van Arnhem, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** DEUTSCHES REICH [and non]. The YLE Hitler tape Your netpage has included references to the Hitler audio; in your last edition someone noted YLE had given it to Germany already in 1986. Please note the recording was published as a commercially available LP as early as 1962 or so. It was in no way a secret matter at least after the early 60s. It appeared in a series of spoken word LPs "Presidents of Finland talking". The YLE German service (in operation 1985-2002) also aired it on several occasions, including the 50th anniversary of its recording, in 1992. Regards (Juhani Niinisto, YLE, Helsinki, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) In last issue under GERMANY ** EGYPT. 7260 kHz, Radio Cairo, from 0120 UT in Spanish with talk, ID, SINPO 43333; later with English news at 0225, reception still good, and fairly clear and unmuffled modulation, November 6. Another station joining the 40 meter ham bands (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) 7260, R. Cairo in English. 0235 11/6/04. F-P with QRM and low modulation. W with religious talk re the Kor`an and explaining various practices relating to Ramadan, ID's, "Thank you" into ME music. Would have been interesting had the audio been better!! (Jim Clar, NY, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) Where did R. Serbia-Montenegro go? I had `em on 7115, but now R. Cairo English is on there at 2300 for a sesquihour. I also heard IS of VOIRI on there in background, few days ago. I heard RSM`s IS same day; then they must`ve moved (Bob Thomas, CT, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) So Cairo has moved both its English to NAm services into the 40m hamband! Presumably at same timespans as before: 2300-2430 on 7115, 0200-0330 on 7260 (gh, DXLD) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. 6250, R Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial, Malabo. It has not been heard by DX-ers since June 2004. By the way, this little African nation easily could afford to buy a modern SW transmitter. According to Rod Little in the newspaper The Spectator, it sells 350,000 barrels of oil to the U.S.A. each day. The corrupt President Teodoro Obiang Nguema recently bought a villa in Maryland for 2.5 million U.S. Dollars, and his son owns a house in Los Ángeles which was bought for 8 million U. S. Dollars. According to a former Director of the International Energy Agency, IAEA, Danish Hans Joergen Koch, interviewed in Danish Radio P 1 on Oct 02, the real production costs of one barrel of oil on average are about five U. S. Dollars. The rest is profit. The oil price is at present above 50 U.S. Dollars (Anker Petersen, Denmark, DSWCI Ed, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** FRANCE. Both CRI and RTI via Issoudun --- Reading the schedule for RTI via Issoudun just made me realize that they in fact already share a bed with CRI, thanks to the almost forgotten airtime exchange of RFI and CRI. According to literature it first started in 1986 and was after just a few months cancelled again by the French side for political reasons, but was revived in (or until) 1990 and kept all the way since then. An older schedule for CRI via Issoudun is 1800-1857 on 9535, 1900-1957 on 7305 and 2000-2157 on 6145. This appears to be still valid; prior to 2000 there was a huge carrier with shreds of limited bandwith audio on 7305, and exactly the same kind of screwed-up transmission continued after 2000 on 6145, badly clashing with ``Moscow`` (i.e. one of the triplet sites around Moscow). (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GABON. Curiosity on 21820 kHz --- Hi! Today 06 November on 21820 at 1030 UT the Relay station of Moyabi in Gabon, has put the signal of Radio Africa 1 instead of the signal coming from NHK Japan .... just for 30 seconds.... but sufficient to get the identification of Radio Africa 1. Soon the "worker" at relay station has corrected his mistake and put the right signal into the Transmitter and the Italian service started in mid of news on 21820 kHz (Dario Monferini, PLAYDX ITALY, via DXLD) ** GREECE [and non]. V. of Greece in English: I logged this US relay on the ODXA Radio Camp this weekend. 15485, Voice of Greece at 1545 with two women discussing the impact of the past Summer Olympics upon Greece. To s/off at 1600, excellent Sat., Nov 6 (Harold Sellers, Ont., DX LISTENING DIGEST) Tnx. That probably means that the weekly Hellenes Around the World has moved to 1500 UT on Sat, instead of 1700, ex-1600 during summer. 15485 normally signs on, not off at 1600, but some reports have it signing on an hour earlier at 1500 on weekends. In other words, it ought to have just continued on the air past 1600 (gh, DXLD) Confirmed!: Hi Glenn: I was fishing around on the ERT web sites that I recently sent to you and hit pay-dirt of a sort. The English schedules are the ones from a year ago with 11730 for the morning Delano broadcast and are just taking up space on the web. But, if you go to http://www.ert.gr/radio/channel.asp?id=7 and hit the first line on the left, you will get the Daily frequencies and program schedules in Greek on a spreadsheet. The second line gives you the Saturday ones, and the third line will give you the Sunday schedules. Of course, the frequencies are the same for Daily, Saturday, and Sunday; only the programs change -- there should not be that much of a problem in deciphering the frequencies. This is the way the English broadcasts shape up: The Musical Broadcast in English (probably the one called "It's All Greek to Me" is on at 13.05-14.00 (Greece Time) or 1105-1200 UT on Sunday on 9375, 15630, 15650 (Good luck if you can pick it up at that time!) Not so good either on Saturday with "Ellines Pantou" (Greeks Everywhere) at 17.00-18.00 (Greece Time) or 1500-1600 UT on Saturday on 9420, 15630--Delano is on a 1-hour break at that time. The Foreign Language Schedule on 7430 lists News in English Every Day at 21.30- 22.00 (Greece Time) or 1930-2000 UT. If there are any other English programs, I do not find them on these Program Schedules. Sincerely, (John Babbis, Silver Spring, MD, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) As above, and other schedule versions, 15485 Delano comes on an hour earlier Sat & Sun at 1500, conveniently availablizing Hellenes Around the World on Sats, as Harold ran across (Glenn Hasuer, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Mea culpa Glenn: Looking closer at VOG's Saturday spreadsheet, I notice that Delano switches over to 15485 on Saturday at 1500 UT, which should take care of Ellines Pantou being heard out this way. It must be especially for that program in English, because Saturday is the only day that 15485 is on from 1500 to 2200 UT, the rest of the week it starts at 1600. Sincerely, (John Babbis, Silver Spring, MD, ibid.) Not Sunday too? Must check ** INDIA. Last Monday November 1 AIR Kohima was noted on 4850 kHz at 13 UT with local "Akashvani Kohima" ID. This station is a real exception among other AIR stations. It sounds many times so completely different! from all the other AIR stations. My Oxford Dictionary of the World says this about Kohima: City in the far north-east of India, capital of the state of Nagaland; pop. (1991) 53,000. The Japanese advance into India during World War II was halted here by the British and Indian forces. Really nice reception of AIR Kohima on 4850 kHz here in SW of Finland. 73´s (Jouko Huuskonen, Turku, FINLAND, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. 4919.9, RRI Biak, 0930-1008, Oct 16 and 17, active again after a long absence. Bahasa Indonesia ID, islamic programme, but popular and international music! Utility QRM and from 1008 splatter from China on 4920, weak signals (Roland Schulze, Philippines, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** IRAN. 15275 kHz, presumed "Voice of Justice," from 1325, very clearly heard 'Tehren Iran", telephone # and web address (pronounced as "Hue-Hue-Hue"), presumed Japanese (or Indonesian), SINPO 33333, with dreamy musical IS, then off, China Radio International heard weakly in English, then carrier off at 1329. November [5, 6 or 7?]. 6120 kHz, from 0225 UT with clear "Voice of Justice" ID, Tehran, Iran, mention of Hot Bird satellite, off at 0226 into same piano based dreamy IS, then off. This seems to confirm English at 0130-0230 UT as on World of Radio #1251. Reception was quite good, SINPO 44444, November 7 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) VOIRI Tehran, English to NAm is back for one hour [0130] on 6120 with minor BBC 6110 splash, and 9580, blocked by CRI Chinese. They call themselves R. Voice of Justice (Bob Thomas, CT, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN. IRIB's Japanese language Service had terminated its SW transmission at the end of last year and switched to the Internet. However, due to a lot of complaints from Japanese listeners, they were back on the shortwave from A04 schedule for the Japan's evening time slot. From the beginning of B04 schedule, they also added another time slot at Japan's morning hours, and the duration of its Japanese language service became 1-hour long as same as the last year. IRIB's new schedule beaming to Japan is from 1300 to 1330 on 9510 and 9770, and from 2100 to 2130 on 6125 and 7180. Regarding the Internet radio, the Japan SW Club has collected very interesting responses from Japanese listeners during Tokyo ham Fair last August. At our booth, we distributed questionnaires on the SW and Internet radio, and collected responses. Naturally, 91% of responses say they have been tuning to SW broadcasts. Also, 80% of response say they use personal computers, but only 15 % of them listen to broadcasts using PC. This explains unpopularity of the Internet radio among Japanese SW listeners who say that they love fading because it really gives a feeling to tune to a distant station (Toshimishi Ohtake, Japan, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. 3865.6, Voice of the Communist Party of Iran (tentative), 1805, Oct 28, Chantings in Farsi (?); 24331, splatter from jammer on 3875v (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) The frequency is used earlier by the Voice of the Iranian Revolution (DSWCI Ed. Anker Petersen, ibid.) ** IRAN [non]. WOMEN'S ANTI-ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALIST RADIO OBSERVED ON SHORTWAVE, INTERNET | BBC Monitoring observed a broadcast in Persian identifying as Radio Voice of Women [Radyo Seda-ye Zan] on 9495 kHz shortwave at 1900-1930 gmt on 6 November 2004. The programme is produced by a US-based organization called Women's Forum Against Fundamentalism in Iran, which has a web site at http://www.wfafi.org The home page has a link to the radio's web page at http://www.wfafi.org/radio.htm Most of the web site is in English, though details of the shortwave broadcast are given only in Persian. The schedule is stated to be 2230-2300 Tehran local time [1900-1930 gmt] every Saturday on 9495 kHz. Above this statement is a link to a downloadable mp3 audio file of the broadcast. The web site carries the following mission statement: "The Women's Forum Against Fundamentalism in Iran (WFAFI) is committed to promoting a greater awareness of the challenges women face living under fundamentalist regimes such as that of Iran. "Our tasks range from raising public awareness, conducting research projects and initiating outreach programs - to policy discussions and analysis. We firmly believe the political presence, participation and leadership of women are instrumental to achieving social, political and economic equality." The "About Us" section of the web site further explains: "We are a group of individuals concerned with the growing threat of fundamentalism worldwide, particularly in Iran. We submit to the definition of fundamentalism explained in the comparative study of religions, as embodiment of anti-modernist movements and backwardness in its host cultures. "Our primary area of focus is the Islamic fundamentalism in Iran that was established as a form of government in 1979. Having been suppressed or victimized by the abuse and misuse of religious authorities in Iran, many of us have been active over the past two decades in the areas of human rights, democracy and freedom for the Iranian people, women in particular. "We believe the full participation of women in all levels of decision making will lead to desired social, political and economic equality. We reject all forms of fundamentalism and believe in religious pluralism and secularism. We believe in women's struggle in Iran and support their desire to establish a secular and democratic government." An announcement in English immediately prior to the Radio Voice of Women programme indicated that their transmitter airtime is brokered by Radio Miami International. The broadcast was preceded at 1800-1900 gmt by a Voice of America programme in Persian. Both transmissions are believed to emanate from a hired transmitter located in Juelich, Germany. Source: (David Kernick, BBC Monitoring research in English 6 Nov 04 via DXLD) 9495 CLANDESTINE (Iran). R. Sedayeh Zan -- Voice of Women Radio, *1900-1930* Nov 6, opening with R. Miami International ID by Jeff White, then woman with "The following program is in Farsi," and into program. Mostly talk, a few music bridges, URL and I believe E-mail and telephone number given at 1903; ended with a female vocal and final ID with contact info, then carrier off. Fady, but not a bad signal. Sponsored by Women's Forum Against Fundamentalism in Iran. See http://www.wfafi.org/ where the same program as heard on-air is available in .mp3. Contact info shown on the website: WFAFI, P. O. Box 15205, Boston, MA 02215, tel. 617/590-1665, FAX 610/862-9110, E-mail info @ wfafi.org DTK sked shows this as Jülich (Jerry Berg, MA, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) Remember, this is Saturday only. On Friday and Sunday at the same time on the same frequency you will find R. Free Syria in Arabic (gh, DXLD) ** ISRAEL. KI SHORTWAVE DUE TO CEASE DEC 31 When the current Kol Israel shortwave schedule was released, the effective date was only Oct 31, 2004 until Dec 31, 2004. At that point, I asked around and was told that a notice was sent through Kol Israel, that Israel Radio shortwave is due to cease as of Dec 31. As I had not seen any press on this, I had been waiting to receive a copy of the actual letter. Through various contacts, I have been unable to. As of now, though, the http://www.israelradio.org/ homepage now does have the following notice, "Please note Shortwave transmission is due to cease on December 31, 2004." One thing to note is that while Israel Radio is available on the Internet, many of the Arab countries are blocking access to the IBA Web feeds. Another thing to note, is that this time around, people were told that their program budgets would improve if shortwave is cut. Therefore, there is much wider support for the cessation of shortwave this time. I will find out the best people to write to, to show your concerns. The israelradio.org website now has the current shortwave schedule posted. Also, the LiveStream website has been updated to show accurate broadcast times for this time of the year (Doni Rosenzweig, Nov 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Regarding the Kol Israel shortwave cuts, you can fax or email Member of Knesset (MK) Ehud Olmert, the Minister of Communications. He saved foreign language Kol Israel broadcasts the last time around. From what I hear, they are planning to stop all shortwave transmissions, including Reshet Bet. MK Ehud Olmert Fax: +972-2-666-2909 email: eolmert @ moital.gov.il MK Ehud Olmert's contact information from the Knesset web page (The fax number listed on the Knesset webpage has been changed to the number I listed above): http://www.knesset.gov.il/mk/eng/mk_eng.asp?mk_individual_id_t=3 (Doni Rosenzweig, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN. Webcast popularity vs SW: see IRAN above ** JORDAN. Radio Jordan English, usually very strong here, 1400-1730 on 11690, not heard on checks November 5th and 8th. Moved frequency or off the air? (Mike Barraclough, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Or just propagation? Things are still not back to normal (gh, DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH [non]. RKI very poor at 0200 on 9560 [via Canada], splash from 9550 Spanish RHCuba (Bob Thomas, CT, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LIBYA [non]. /FRANCE, 11635, Voice of Africa via Issoudun verified direct from Tripoli in 35 days with a vague "thank you for your letter" date only verification letter encouraging further letters from v/s Kashlaf including station schedule, reception report form and copy of the Great Green Charter. I used P. O. Box 4677, but letter also indicated 4396 or 2009 were good. E-mail address is africavoice @ hotmail.com (Rich D`Angelo, PA, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** MONGOLIA. 4895, Mongolian R, Murun, *2200-0005, Oct 22 and 23, IS, HS-2 program in Mongolian which definitely is different from the previous very serious HS-1; ID 2200 something like: ``Laigu Höh tenger Ulaanbaatraas yaridz baina``. National hymn, talk by man and woman with music in the background, pop songs and Mongolian folksongs, 35343, heard // Altay 4830 (35333) and Khonkhor 7260 (22332 QRM VOA Tinang in Khmer). (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal and Anker Petersen, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** MONGOLIA. 12085 kHz, Voice of Mongolia, in Chinese or similar language, in English with ID at 1000, news item on cultural relations between Mongolia and Japan, musical interlude at 1009, SINPO 32222, occasionally better, November 6 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** MYANMAR. 9730.4, Myanmar R, Yangon, 0705-0730, Sep 29, English IDs: ``That ends the news of Myanmar Radio``, international music, 0730: ``This is Myanmar Radio``, moderate signals, sometimes with little QRM (Roland Schulze, Philippines, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** PAKISTAN. PAKISTAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION HF BROADCAST SCHEDULE B04 From October 31, 2004 to March 26th, 2005 I have slightly amended the schedule written by Wolfie and added a little more detail. On the original schedule I received from the station the Gujrati service at 0400-0430 was listed to be broadcast to Ciraf 41 [South Asia] but it has always previously been directed at East & South Africa. I don't know if it is a mistake but I have included it with the other Africa service. 73s from (Noel Green, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PAKISTAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION HF BROADCAST SCHEDULE B04 From October 31, 2004 to March 26th, 2005 Far East Chinese 9585* 1200-1230 41 42 43 44 45 Chinese 11570* 1200-1230 41 42 43 44 45 South East Asia Urdu 11580* 0045-0215 41 44 45 49 50 51 54 55 59 Urdu 15485* 0045-0215 41 44 45 49 50 51 54 55 59 Assami 9340 0045-0115 41 [has been partly in English] Assami 11565 0045-0115 41 [has been partly in English] Bangla-1 9340 0115-0200 41 Bangla-1 11565 0115-0200 41 Bangla-2 11550 1200-1245 41 Bangla-2 15625 1200-1245 41 South Asia Hindi-1 9340 0215-0300 41 Hindi-1 11565 0215-0300 41 Hindi-2 9340 1100-1145 41 Hindi-2 11570 1100-1145 41 Tamil-1 15625 0315-0345 41 Tamil-1 17485 0315-0345 41 Tamil-2 15625 0945-1015 41 Tamil-2 17495 0945-1015 41 Sinhali 15625 1015-1045 41 Sinhali 17495 1015-1045 41 Nepali 11550 1245-1315 41 Nepali 15625 1245-1315 41 Turkey, Iran & Middle East Turkish 9340 1630-1700 38 39 Turkish 11565 1630-1700 38 39 Irani 5860 1715-1800 40 Irani 7570 1715-1800 40 Arabic 7465 1815-1900 37-39 Arabic 9340 1815-1900 38 39 46 47 Urdu 11570 0500-0700 37-39 Urdu 15100* 0500-0700 37-39 Urdu 17835* 0500-0700 38 39 46 47 Urdu 9390* 1330-1530 37-39 Urdu 11570* 1330-1530 37-39 English 9390* 1600-1615 37-39 English 11570* 1600-1615 38 39 46 47 Urdu 7570 1800-1900 40 Urdu 7570 1915-0045 38 39 46 47 Africa Gujrati 9340 0400-0430 41 Gujrati 11565 0400-0430 41 English 11850 1600-1615 48s 52 53 57 English 15725 1600-1615 48s 52 53 57 West Europe [Urdu 0800-1104 opens and closes with a few minutes of English news] Urdu 15100* 0800-1104 17 18SE 27-29 Urdu 17835* 0800-1104 17 18SE 27-29 Urdu 7530* 1700-1900 17 18SE 27-29 Urdu 9400* 1700-1900 17 18SE 27-29 Afghanistan Turki 4850 1330-1400 39NE 40 Turki 6060 1330-1400 39NE 40 Pushto 4955 1445-1515 39E 40 Dari 4955 1515-1545 39NE 40 Dari 5860 1515-1545 39NE 40 CAIS & Russia Russian 7375 1415-1500 29 30E Russian 9340 1415-1500 29 30E All transmitters located at Rewat : *250 kW – others 100 kW (via Noel Green, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PHILIPPINES. 9619.9, PBS, Marulas, Valenzuela, 0150-0210, Oct 24 and 25, new frequency of ``Radio Ng Byan`` ex 9582.2. Strong QRM from 9620, so best heard in LSB (Roland Schulze, Philippines, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** PITCAIRN ISLANDS. ABUSE TRIALS DIVIDE THE COMMUNITY OF PITCAIRN Prosecutions brought to light a decades-old culture of men preying on young girls, but remorse is scant, and some see a lack of justice. By Kathy Marks Special to The Times November 7, 2004 http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-pitcairn7nov07,1,7591183,print.story?coll=la-news-a_section ADAMSTOWN, Pitcairn Island -- The longboat slices through the surf, laden with islanders returning from a day's trading with a container ship still visible on the horizon. It heads for the Bounty Bay wharf, where the all-terrain vehicle belonging to Steve Christian, the former mayor, is parked in the most prominent spot. The boat arrives, disgorging Christian, his son and four other men. Twenty-four hours earlier, in a plain wooden courthouse here, the six men had been found guilty of serious crimes against children. Today, life is back to normal. The extraordinary set of trials that ended with prison terms for four of the men was supposed to purge this tiny South Pacific island of its dark secrets, and place it on a healthier footing for the future. But if anything, attitudes have hardened, with most residents claiming that their fellow islanders are victims of a miscarriage of justice. There is little acceptance of the uncomfortable truths exposed by the case, including a decades-old culture of adult men preying on young girls. And there is scant remorse among those found guilty. The four given prison terms late last month have yet to set foot in the imposing new detention center that they helped build last year. They remain free on bail, living in the community, until at least February, when a New Zealand court will rule on a challenge to Britain's authority over the island. A day after Christian was sentenced to three years in jail for five rapes, the British governor of Pitcairn signed a law allowing him to oust Christian as mayor. Christian, who has run the island like a personal fiefdom, was reportedly speechless with rage. But removal of his formal authority has not affected Christian's standing in a community where he has been an influential leader since his teens. His rich tones still ring out over the crackly two- way radio system that connects Pitcairn's 17 households. In their weatherboard houses overlooking the Pacific, the descendants of Fletcher Christian and the Bounty mutineers murmur angrily about victimization by British colonial rulers. In the general store, which is open three hours a week, selling a limited range of goods, Carol Warren offers her version of the events that placed Pitcairn under the international spotlight. Warren, whose husband, Jay, was the only defendant acquitted, claims that the women who testified about childhoods blighted by sexual abuse were culpable. "I saw these girls every day, and I know what they were like," she says, leaning across the counter conspiratorially. Referring to children who were as young as 10 when they were gang-raped, she says: "They threw themselves at the men. They were so provocative. You can't blame men for being men, particularly when girls are acting like that." Rather than heal rifts, the trials have accentuated divisions within an interrelated society of 47 residents. In one camp are the hard- liners, made up of the defendants and their families, plus hangers-on hungry for a share of Christian's power base. They congregate for Friday night drinking sessions at Big Fence, the former mayor's rambling home. In the other camp is a minority of islanders willing to accept that the prosecution was a painful necessity. They are shocked by the community's lack of penitence, and some deplore the lenient sentences that could see Christian released after nine months. The dissidents, who are derided and belittled by the others, include newcomers who have married Pitcairners or moved to the island, attracted by its remote beauty. They have found themselves excluded from the longboats, from access to the best jobs, and even from acquiring tractor licenses. Wayne Feu, a Cook Islander married to Carol Warren's daughter, Charlene, attributes Pitcairn's shrinking population to the long-term culture of abuse. Most of the victims now live elsewhere. "I'm pleased that the men have been put on notice that they'll be punished if they behave like this," said Feu, who has a 2-year-old daughter. In the wake of the trials, outsiders like Feu and British administrators hope that new blood will be attracted to Pitcairn. At least two former victims of abuse are planning to return with their families. But as the island looks to the future, it's still gripped by the past. Copyright 2004 Los Angeles Times (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** POLAND. 11850 kHz, Radio Polonia, sign-on at 1300 UT, SINPO 21111, killed by Family Radio on 11855, about 1 word in 20 intelligible, also a rough buzzing from transmitter; a bit better later in the half hour on 9525 kHz, (with 1 word in 10 understandable), SINPO 22122, about 1320 enough program notes on Polish analysis of Bush reelection, the "Americans blocked Arafat," to write for a QSL and inform them of consistently terrible reception, unuseable most of the time. November 7 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** POLAND. Recently we had an item that R. Polonia`s English to Europe at 1800 is now on 7265 and 7270. This seemed odd, as those two frequencies are adjacent, only 5 kHz apart, but this is occasionally done by stations to produce a `broad` signal, preferably from two different transmitter sites, which Polonia does not have. Checking the website, http://www.radio.com.pl/polonia/czestotliwosci.asp?rId=10 we find instead: 18.00 - 18.59 m kHz 41.29 7265 41.55 72220 [sic] Huh? Well, if 41.29 metres is equivalent to 7265 kHz, 41.55 is equivalent to 7220 (approximately in both cases), not 7270. Disregard the ``shortwave`` listing a little below the B-04 grid, which has obviously not been updated, showing old frequencies both for this and the 1200 transmission. And this meshes with the full schedule below (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO POLONIA BROADCASTING SCHEDULE 31 OCTOBER 2004 TO 27 MARCH 2005 ALL TIMES IN UTC HOME PAGE: http://www.radio.com.pl/polonia INTERNET AUDIO: http://www.wrn.org/ondemand ENGLISH 1300 - 1359 11850 9525 1800 - 1859 7265 7220 POLISH 1130 - 1159 7285 5965 1630 - 1730 6035 2200 - 2300 7265 6050 GERMAN 1230 - 1259 9525 5965 1630 - 1655 7270 2030 - 2055 6110 6150 ESPERANTO 1600 - 1625 7270 7285 1900 - 1925 7285 RUSSIAN 1200 - 1225 6180 7285 1400 - 1429 7275 6035 1530 - 1555 7180 1900 - 1929 6095 2000 - 2055 6200 7185 BELARUSSIAN 1430 - 1530 7180 6035 1730 - 1759 6050 UKRAINIAN 1530 - 1559 6000 1930 - 1959 7210 6095 73's (via Jacek Szymik, KATOWICE, POLAND, Nov 8, HCDX via DXLD) ** PORTUGAL. RDP INTERNACIONAL PROGRAMS ON SHORTWAVE Effective from 31-10-2004 (BO4) Portuguese language programs from Monday to Friday: TARGET AREAS UTC (1) FREQUENCY (kHz) EUROPE 0600-0855 9755 (CENTRAL) 0600-1300 9815 0745-0900 11660 0900-1055 11875 1100-1300 15140 1700-2000 9460 2000-2400 *7310 2000-2400 *9460 M EAST / ÍNDIA 1400-1600 15690 AFRICA 1100-1300 21830 1700-2000 17680 2000-2400 *11825 USA / CANADA 1300-1700 *15575 1700-1900 *17825 1900-2400 *15540 VENEZUELA 1800-2100 *15535 2100-2400 *15460 BRAZIL 1100-1300 21655 C VERDE 1700-2000 21655 GUINEA 2000-2400* 15555 Portuguese language programs from Tuesday to Saturday: TARGET AREAS UTC (1) FREQUENCY (kHz) USA / CANADA 0000-0300 9715 0000-0300 9410 VENEZUELA 0000-0300 13700 BRAZIL 0000-0300 11980 0000-0300 13770 Portuguese language programs on Saturday and Sunday: TARGET AREAS UTC (1) FREQUENCY (kHz) EUROPE 0800-1455 11875 (CENTRAL) 0800-1455 15575 0930-1100 9815 1500-1800 11960 1500-1755 11635 1800-2100 11630 1800-2100 9460 2000-2400 *7310 2000-2400 *9460 AFRICA 0800-1655 21830 1700-2000 17680 2000-2400 *11825 USA/ CANADA 1300-1700 15575 1700-1900 17825 1900-2100 15540 ** VENEZUELA 1300-1800 17745 1800-2100 15535 2100-2400 *15460 BRAZIL 0800-1055 17710 C VERDE 1100-2100 21655 GUINEA 2000-2400 *15555 * Special transmissions ** Possibility to extend until 24.00h (UTC) PROGRAMS ON SATELITE ASIA and OCEANIA ASIASAT 2 (100,5º E) - "European Bouquet" - Transponder 10B (4000 MHz) - C Band - Horizontal Polarization; Symbol Rate 28 125 Ksymbols/s; FEC 3/4. Broadcast on the channel 705. EUROPE, NORTH AFRICA and MIDDLE EAST HOT BIRD 4 (13º E) - Transponder 111 (Frequency 10 723 MHz) - Ku Band; FEC 3/4 ; Symbol Rate 29900 Ksymbols/s; Horizontal Polarization. (RDPi radio) SID 4630; PID 1230. AMERICA INTELSAT 805 (55.5ºW)- Transponder 16 (Frequency 4 080 MHz) - C Band - Vertical Polarization. Symbol Rate 4 430 Ksymbols/s: FEC 3/4. PID 1230. NORTH AMERICA and HAWAII AMC-4 (101º W) - Transponder K16 (Frequency 12169 Mhz) ku Band Horizontal Polarization; Symbol Rate 3 003 Ksymbols/s; FEC 3/4 ; PID 36. AFRICA INTELSAT 907 (27.5º W) - Transponder 22 - C Band; FEC 2/3;Symbol Rate 6 262 Ksymbols/s. Right circular polarization. Frequency 3 830 MHz (co-channel RTP Africa) INTERNET At RDP home page, which address is http://www.rtp.pt RDP Internacional may be listened in Windows Media Player Audio. (1) UTC = LISBON TIME (Isabel Saraiva -RDP) (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, DXLD) Had a condensed version earlier ** ROMANIA. Hi Glenn, Forlorn that I couldn't receive any DX shows (including WOR) on WRMI this morning (the signal was simply not there), I started tuning around to see what else I could find. I tapped into one of WHRI's frequencies to see if I was missing something (since the seasonal schedules changed, every show seems to be at another bat time, on another bat channel :)). At around 1335 UTC, there was a good call in show which spoke of QSLing, frequencies, content and reception. It turned out to be Radio Romania Intl. I was wondering if this was something new that should be added to your schedule of DX programs on SW. Aha! I just went to the RRI web site and found this data (which explains it): http://www.rri.ro/engl/default.htm Too bad this isn't a regular show. It would be welcome. Keep up the good work! Toddvg (Todd Van Gelder, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That would be the Listeners` Day special previously publicized here; I was wondering if they would repeat it on later broadcasts this Sunday. Maybe will be on-demand later? As of 1639 Nov 7, only the 0100 broadcast appeared to be available (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAINT HELENA. Re 4-168: Hi Glenn, source is the letter I received with last QSL after 5 years (Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SERBIA & MONTENEGRO [non]. Where did R. Serbia-Montenegro go? I had `em on 7115, but now R. Cairo English is on there at 2300 for a sesquihour. I also heard IS of VOIRI on there in background, few days ago. I heard RSM`s IS same day; then they must`ve moved (Bob Thomas, CT, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SICILY. Following the re-organisation of their MW outlets last May, Rai officially decided to close down the Caltanissetta 189 kHz LW transmitter. The frequency was and still is cancelled by the official list of Rai transmitters according to the site http://www.raiway.it Paolo Morandotti and I listened to the frequency very well last June in Fiesole (a few kilometres north of Florence) but later it was impossible to get the signal again. Correspondents to Italradio http://www.italradio.org reported the station still active in September 2004 from Rome and mid-October from Naples. As far as we know the station is operating at reduced power but no official information is until now available about the future of the only Italian LW station. Photos of the Caltanissetta transmitting site are on: http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/cal_tx.html (Luigi Cobisi, Oct 26, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** SRI LANKA. With all the mentions of poor audio on several shortwave stations here is one that has great audio. Very pleasant to listen to, and recently it`s in every night. 15748, SLBC at 0040 UT with nice instrumental music, Time checks for Indian and Sri Lanka Standard time and ID's as the "All Asia Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation". Into usual religious programming at 0100 --- well that one song had a religious feel and they usually do have Back to the Bible on weekdays but tonight (Sunday morning in SL) they continue with instrumental tunes. It's 0108 UT. Very good signal Nov 7/04 (Mick Delmage, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, RX: Collins HF 2050, Ant: KLM 7-30 Log Periodic, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Mick, Last time I heard it, measured on 15748.50. Is this where you have it, or just 15748.0? 73, (Glenn to Mick, via DXLD) Pretty much right on 15748.0 tonight. I'll keep track of them over the next week and let you know if they are drifting. They are // 9770 tonight. Both are starting to suffer from "over-the-pole" flutter. Some nights they are in here for hours with just a great signal. BTW, the religious programming began at 0115. They announce 15745, 9770 and 6005 around 0108 UT. It's 0130 now and they are just about gone on 19 meters, and poor on 31. Sounds like auroral conditions tonight. Ah, another ID and frequencies at 0131 and back to what I think they call the Early Bird show. 73 (Mick Delmage, AB, ibid.) ** SWEDEN [and non]. R. Sweden, English to NAm, 0230 & 0330 still on 6010 [via Canada], clobbered by RHC 6000. 1330 & 1430 still on 15240 (Bob Thomas, CT, Nov 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SWEDEN. Radio Sweden (SR International) testing DRM Radio Sweden (SR International) will be testing with digital DRM broadcasts. The tests will begin at the start of December and last for a few weeks. English and German language transmissions are beamed to Europe. The tests are conducted in cooperation with Teracom and Coding Technologies, a Swedish-German company. Frequencies will be on the 41 and 31 meter bands. Radio Sweden is already broadcasting in DRM via Sackville, Canada, and Flevo, Netherlands. Last year brief tests were conducted also via Hörby in Sweden, and a longer test period is planned for next spring. I am enclosing a copy of the Swedish-language press release. http://www.dxing.info/community/viewtopic.php?t=1593 (Mika Mäkeläinen, Finland, dxing.info via DXLD) ** SWITZERLAND. Re ``Are they talking about using the SWBC antennas at Sottens??``: Apparently this is indeed the case, judging from another version of this report I have seen (although it was hardly more explicit). By the way, the only shortwave antenna left at Sottens seems to be the rotatable one also portrayed in the ex-SRI report about their imminent closure. In all pictures of the site I know nothing else than this antenna and the mediumwave towers can be seen. I guess it was obtained with the new transmitter in 1990 and all antennas used for the old transmitter had been scrapped afterwards. And I wonder if this antenna is not capable to run frequencies below 9 MHz, since I can not recall such an outlet from Sottens? (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN [non]. RTI via WYFR to Europe, English at 2200-2300, has been confirmed on 9355, not 15600 (and not at 2000, per the previous item) (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET. CHINA (Tibet). 4905 kHz, Xizang PBS Lhasa from 1130 UT with light, slow guitar, male vocal; at first I thought Peru, then oriental language (presumed Tibetan) with OM talk at 1152, oriental harp-like strings, then various brief snippets of oriental music with male or female voice over, lasting 20 seconds to a minute, at 1200, a heavy oriental orchestral fanfare, then OM/YL with presumed news. Heard to past 1215, peaked just before 1200 SINPO 43333; 4905 best frequency, but heard in // on 4920, 5240, and 6200 kHz. November 7 (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, MVSWLC DX camp via Daryl Rocker, DXLD) ** UGANDA [non]. R. Rhino International, 17870: They verified with no data QSL. They mentioned that this was an SOS broadcast from Cologne on behalf of a sinking boat of Humanity whose boat has been torn apart by one Africa’s most dangerous political Sharks in Uganda, bred and sustained by certain Western imperialists and establishments to continually keep Uganda and Africa in perpetual state of civil wars, sickness, poverty, illetracy etc. Godfrey Ayoo, ELUM-ANIAP Director RRIA. QTH: Körnerstr. 77, 50823 Köin, Germany. E-mail: mail @ radiorhino.org nc-godfreel @ netcologne.de vivaupc @ web.de vovi-ug @ web.de http://www.radiorhino.org (Masato Ishii, Japan, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** U K. REINO UNIDO: El Servicio Latinoamericano de la BBC, posee el siguiente esquema en español válido desde el 31/10/2004 al 27/03/2005: HORA UTC DIAS KHZ 1100-1130 Lun a Vie 6110, 6130, 9670, 17820 1300-1330 Lun a Vie 6130, 9670, 15325 0000-0115 Diario 5875, 6110, 9855, 11765 0115-0130 Mar a Sab 5875, 6110, 9855, 11765 0300-0345 Diario 5995, 6110, 7325, 9515 0345-0400 Mar a Sab 5995, 6110, 7325, 9515 QTH: BBC, Bush House, Strand, London WC2B 4PH, UK. E-mail: worldservice @ bbc.co.uk Web: http://www.bbc.co.uk/spanish - http://www.bbcmundo.com (Marcelo A. Cornachioni, Argentina, Conexión Digital Nov 6 via DXLD) ** U K. I was surprised to read this comment from Kai Ludwig: "And now Merlin is a thing of the past altogether, VT has officially scrapped this brand, not to the delight of the former Merlin staff I was told." I would be interested to know the source of that information. The name of the company is indeed now VT Merlin Communications since the company was taken over by VT, and it's true that the parent company is VT Communications. But taking over a company and scrapping its brand name are two different things. VT has done the former, but I was not aware they had any plans to do the latter. The Web site says "Welcome to the new VT Communications website. VT Communications comprises of VT's existing businesses - VT Merlin Communications and Vosper Mantech." (Andy Sennitt, DX LISTENING DIGEST) We had a report here some months ago that the SW transmitting operation was no longer to be named Merlin at all; perhaps that`s what he was referring to (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. JACKSON RELEASES MISLEADING EMAIL Dateline: Washington, 10/30/04. Late Friday evening, VOA Director, David Jackson released an email to the Worldwide English Division in an apparent attempt to quell the unrest, anxiety, and anger that was generated by the announcement of his latest cuts in the VOA's English language global news broadcasts, VOA News Now. A clear and concise statement from him is all that would have been necessary. Instead he continued to obfuscate by claiming that "there are NO decreases in broadcast hours." However anyone looking at the information would see that the broadcast hours produced by the VOA News Now staff used to be 19 hours of broadcasts per day (minus preproduced music shows and Talk to America). With the new cuts, the VOA News Now staff will produce only 11 hours of broadcasts per day (minus pre-produced music shows and Talk to America). If Mr. Jackson really wants to quell the fears of the VOA News Now staff he should make a clear and concise statement that there will be NO RIFs in the VOA Worldwide English Division next year. We expect that this suggestion will be met with stony silence (AFGE Local 1812 via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. 11975 --- Two different VOA programs now fighting it out daily on this frequency at 1700-1800, Radio Aap Ki Dunyaa via Iranawilla in Urdu to Pakistan // 17895, and Studio 7 via São Tomé to Zimbabwe in mostly English. Both weak but Aap Ki Dunyaa usually better than Studio 7. On 11/1 & 2 both had several clips from Bush campaign speeches; `The Democrats are trying to undermine the commander-in- chief` was used twice in one broadcast (Wendel Craighead, KS, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) I guess the transmitter sites, azimuths and target areas are so widely separated it was thought share this would work, and maybe it does, far from Central USA, with each target area pretty close to the transmitter (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. WMLK Radio Times and Frequencies --- On the air six days each week: Sunday - Friday, 9265 kHz 0400-0900 GMT --- 11 p.m.-4:00 a.m. EST 1700-2200 GMT --- 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m. EST Our target areas are Europe and the Middle East (from http://www.wmlkradio.net/times.html via gh, DXLD) ??? Elder is confused about time conversions, but at least this confirms they intend to be on 9265 only at present. Are we to believe the GMT version or the EST version for the daytime broadcast? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) This is really nice: http://www.wmlkradio.net/Images/test%20broadcast.JPG Seems to me these mikes were ribbons. With a dynamic he probably would have get feedback trouble, as it was feared when a remote was done from the Wilsdruff transmitter, and when talking from inside the transmitter room indeed some faint oscillation whistles appeared (there was no perceptible delay on the STL path then). (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. There`s an FM pirate in Nashville TN from what I hear is a very nice New York-quality gay night club on 101.7. It hides under the signal of a legal out-of-town station on the same frequency, but covers several miles around the club, maybe 50 watts with a 40-foot ground plane antenna. Someone from the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters visited the club and asked them to close it down, but club claimed it`s legal, Part 15. Plays automated music, with announcements about coming to the club, maybe no IDs (George McClintock, TN, Nov 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. Longtime LW powerhouse TUK 194 kHz Nantucket, MA will officially be decommissioned as of 2004 Nov 25. The power was greatly reduced and the weather broadcasts were dropped a while ago - now officially TUK will be no more. It will be missed. I've also noticed that LQ 382 Boston has no weather. If the Boston TWEB has been decommissioned, then that will leave the Princeton, MN TWEB as the only one left in the continental US (I heard the Princeton broadcast on IN Int'l Falls a couple of nights ago). (Posted by William Hepburn on November 02, 2004 at 15:21:33, LWCA via DXLD) ** U S A. CALLING OUT THE PROPAGANDISTS Commentary by August Keso, November 8, 2004 There is nothing we Americans dislike more than being honest with ourselves. The real reason John Kerry, lost the election and Democrats are losing congressional seats is simple. Yes, the "values" issue plays a part, but it is the byproduct of the real reason. The root- cause of the so called values issue is bigger and, for our democracy or any democracy, very dangerous. It is the constant, non-stop right- wing extremist propaganda being pumped over the AM Radio airwaves and cable television 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. . . http://www.washingtondispatch.com/article_10509.shtml (via Andy Sennitt, DXLD) ** VANUATU. 7260, R Vanuatu, Emten Lagoon, 0750-0815, Oct 17, early fade in, Bislam ID, news, 0812 reports in English, IS, ID, program preview (Roland Schulze, Philippines, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. 4830, R Táchira. During my stay on Curacao Oct 05-22, I heard it only on Oct 16: 1145 Spanish religious program, many announcements on elections that would take place on Oct 31. ID with slogan "la radio del pueblo", 1206: many ID's; recheck at 1215: the station had gone. At 2125 they were back on the air, however at 2132 suddenly they went off the air. Not heard since then (Max Van Arnhem, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) It has been seen before that SW transmitters are reactivated up to a political election (DSWCI Ed. Anker Petersen, ibid.) ** VENEZUELA [non]. RNV AI via Cuba, 13680 now in the clear at 2300 since CRI via Canada has moved away, apparently to 11970 where it is L&C; RNV // 11760, but not synchronized with the third frequency at this hour, 9820, which was heard at 2302 Nov 6 announcing the same old transmission schedule (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VIETNAM [and non]. The European broadcasts at 1600, 1800, 1900 and 2030 have been heard on 9730 and 7280 with the addition of 5955, presumably via Moosbrunn, at 1800 (Mike Barraclough, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** WESTERN SAHARA. MOROCCO: REGIONAL TV STATION LAUNCHED IN WESTERN SAHARA | Text of report by French news agency AFP A Moroccan television station for the Western Sahara will soon start broadcasting its programmes, said chairman of the Laayoune [main city in Western Sahara] municipal council on Thursday [4 November]. "I can only present my congratulations on the fact that the Southern Provinces [Western Sahara] house the first regional television station in the country", said Khelil Henna in an interview with the daily Aujourd'hui Le Maroc. Khelil said this concerns installing a "regional station" of the TVM public channel. This station "intends to serve first and foremost as a means of information for Moroccans illegally confined in Tindouf, in Algeria, and also for those of Lahmada camps" who went astray, said an editorial comment in the newspaper. This is a reference to the Western Sahara refugees in southwest Algeria and the Polisario Front which fights for the independence of the territory. The regional television station which, according to corroborating sources, would begin broadcasting on 6 November "also aims to counter the media manoeuvres of the Polisario which, in addition to a radio station picked up in the Western Sahara, makes full use of the internet", the newspaper said. For Aujourd'hui Le Maroc, the launch of this station can be "the beginning to prepare the ground for the plan on the Sahara's autonomy". Rabat, which rejects the perspective of a referendum on self- determination for the [Western] Sahara - a vast desert territory annexed by the kingdom in 1975 - has proposed a "broad autonomy" for the region within the framework of "non-negotiable" Moroccan sovereignty. Source: AFP news agency, Paris, in French 1536 gmt 4 Nov 04 (via BBCM via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Emisora de números en español --- A las 2230 UT, minutos antes de salir para la radio, estoy escuchando a una emisora de números en español en la frecuencia 5880v. Receptor utilizado Premier Japan, modelo RD-85 Digital. La señal debe estar cerca porque la estoy escuchando con la antena telescópica del radio retraída totalmente. La emisora de números en español finalizó su transmisión a las 2250 UT; antes de salir del aire estaban nombrando números, hubo una pausa muy breve y luego dijeron: final, final, final. Quedó la portadora al aire y al minuto se escuchó cuando la misma salió del aire. Para mi esta emisora debe estar muy cerca. Atte: (José Elías, Venezuela, Nov 6, Noticias DX via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL +++++++++++++++++++++++ Thanks, Glenn! Note: Your years of dedication and hard work have helped UNTOLD THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE in Many Ways. I wish you good health and many more decades of Great DX! 73, Mike Gorniak (Nov 7 with a contribution via PayPal to woradio at yahoo.com) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ DEFECTIVE PWBR 2005 Great, I just ordered mine via amazon.com; I should have just gone to the store where I could have visually inspected it. If it's defective it'll immediately go in the trash and it will be the last time I bother with this dying print aspect of radio (Terry L. Krueger, FL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re 4-168: Thought I ought to say that this sometimes happens to WRTH as well, maybe a couple of copies every other year. It is usually caused by the grippers on the binding line not taking up a section or two. In our case that is 32 or 64 pages. In this case it is obviously three sections. The cost is bourne by the publisher. Best wishes (Nicholas Hardyman, WRTH Publisher, Nov 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Wow, the odds of getting a defective WRTH must be much smaller than with PWBR. These could be caught automatically by weighing each copy as it goes thru the produxion line --- unless a copy gets a section duplicated rather than omitted (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PWBR: what about BBC programmmes to other targets? One of the glaring omissions in the "What's On Tonight?" program listings in this year's Passport to World Band Radio are the BBC programs to other target areas beside the Americas. Are we to believe that the Americas programs are more important to PWBR readers, most of which are in the US, especially when they have to listen to BBC programs to other areas which are often heard quite well in North America (e.g. programs to Africa which can come in well at some times of the day)? What if one wants to hear programs to Africa in the afternoon when the Antigua relay is off the air at that time? Not a good move by the editors, after such listings for South Asia, Europe, etc., have always been included in the program pages in past editions. (Joe Hanlon in NJ, Nov 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DRM +++ Am hearing more DRM signals, some probably temporary for the Symposium in Dallas this week. Nov 8 at 1420, DRM on 17610 even tho 16m was severely affected by geomagnetic storm --- could not be Sackville as 17820 was not propagating at all. Even Martí/Delano supersignal on 17670 was missing after 1500, and Santiago 17660 & 17680 weakish. On 19m I found another unID DRM signal, on 15250. Rechecking the official DRM schedule via Media Network, there are now two temporary entries: 1300-1700 11/03-11/12 15250 334 Dallas 3 HCJB Spanish Quito-Pifo 1500-1900 11/08-11/12 21500 340 N America Voz Cristiana Spanish Santiago 3 being three kW for HCJB, not a bad signal for such power, and not enough to bother Sweden-via-Sackville on 15240. But would 15240 bother the DRM? Strangely enough, there was no mention of this on the Nov 6 DX Partyline. 13m will have to recover [from mid-latitude K=6 at 1500] before 21500 can be heard, power missing on that entry. But what about 17610 and, as unID in last issue, 13725? Likely southward, could be TDF Guiana French which was also planning to do DRM tests toward Dallas. Furthermore, there are to be ``local`` DRM transmissions in Dallas, but no info on that either --- maybe 11 meters? Media Network blog now has an item about this, but it does not answer questions about 13725 or 17610 either: (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DRM comes to Dallas - special SW transmissions this week This week sees a series of special events in Dallas, Texas organised by Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM). The week is hosted by founding DRM member DRS Broadcast Technology (formerly IDT Continental Electronics). DRM’s board meetings will take place November 8-11, and the recently formed DRM USA group will also have a meeting on November 11. On Friday, the DRM consortium will hold the first-ever DRM International Symposium for North & South America. It will feature live DRM shortwave broadcasts demonstrated on a variety of DRM-capable receivers. A range of live DRM broadcasts will originate overseas (demonstrating digital skywave reception), while others will be local broadcasts from within Dallas (demonstrating groundwave reception). For the first time ever, DRM test transmissions from Chile and Ecuador will be transmitted across Latin America and into the US. DRM member Christian Vision will relay test broadcasts from Santiago, Chile, and DRM member HCJB World Radio will send test broadcasts from Quito, Ecuador. At the symposium, digital radio experts from 8 countries, including the US, Canada, Ecuador and Peru, will outline the technical, regulatory and marketing aspects of DRM implementation. Symposium speakers will include DRM Chairman Peter Senger (Deutsche Welle); DRM Vice Chairman Jan Hoek (Radio Netherlands); DRM Technical Committee Chairman Donald Messer (IBB/VOA); DRM Commercial Committee Chairman Michel Penneroux (TDF); Adil Mina and Daniel Dickey (DRS-BT); Jeff White (Chairman, DRM U.S.A Group); Mike Adams (NASB); Charles Jacobson (HCJB World Radio, Ecuador); Paul Linnarz (KAS Peru); Stefan Meltzer (Coding Technologies); Michael Schlicht (Fraunhofer IIS); and John Sykes (BBC). North American radio listeners can now hear DRM broadcasts from the BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, National Association of Short-wave Broadcasters (NASB), RCI, Radio Netherlands, Swedish Radio International, and Radio Vaticana. DRM broadcasts from China Radio International, Radio Kuwait and TDP Radio (a commercial, dance mix station from Belgium) are also available in North America. DRM schedule including special transmissions http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/html/drm_schedule.html # posted by Andy @ 08:56 UT Nov 8 (Media Network blog via DXLD) I then made this HaloScan comment: As of 1625 UT Nov 8, your DRM schedule only mentions two special transmissions, 15250 from Quito, which I had already noted, and 21500 from Santiago, which will be tough until and unless 13m opens up again following the geomag storm. But what about 17610, where I also heard an unlisted DRM signal at 1420 UT Nov 8, and 13725, Nov 4 at 1738??? TDF was also going to run some DRM tests to Dallas this week from Guiana French. What about a schedule for those and any others?? (Glenn Hauser, Media Network blog via DXLD) See also SWEDEN CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ EDXC CONFERENCE 2005 Dear Friends, Following the proposals of many friends, Tibor Szilagyi (HDXC) has proposed the following agenda of the XXXIII EDXC Conference, planned in Prague (Czech Republic) for April 28th-May 2nd, 2005. The Golden City offers - along with its fascinating monuments and history - also an opportunity to visit Radio Free Europe and Radio Prague. Full details of the Conference and booking information in the "Special Sections" of the EDXC portal http://www.edxc.org Let me thank especially Tibor and AJ Janitscheck for their help and dedication (Luigi Cobisi in EDXC Mailing List, Oct 20, DSWCI DX Window Nov 3 via DXLD) Planned Agenda: Thu. April 28 - Arrival in Prague and informal gathering in the evening at our Hotel. Fri. April 29 - The Conference Venue : Radio Free Europe in Prague. Sat. April 30 - In the morning hours : Visit at Radio Prague International - After lunch : Excursion by bus to KONOPISTE Castle, about 50 Kms outside Prague. - Evening : Banquet Dinner with Original Czech Brass Music. Sun. May 01 - Daytime : Sightseeing by bus in Prague and with the same bus to KARLSTEJN, a castle outside Prague. Mon. May 02 - Departure from Prague. Our Hotel in Prague: HOTEL FORTUNA RHEA, V UZLABINE 19, CZ - 108 51 PRAGUE 10 MALESICE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Phone: + 420 2 7477 42 97. Fax: + 420 2 7477 06 23. E-mail: RECEPCE @ RHEA.FHOTELS.CZ Website: HTTP://WWW.FORTUNAHOTELS.CZ Price: CZK (CZECH CROWNS) 1400,--- For single room/ Night, including breakfast, CZK 1800,--- For double room/ Night, incl. breakfast. Rooms are with private bath --- Shower. Non-smoker rooms available! Please book your room directly with the hotel, already as soon as possible. Password: EDXC CONFERENCE 2005 !!!! (Szilagyi in EDXC Mailing List, Oct 20, ibid.) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ MVSWLC DX CAMP / PROPAGATION NOTES Our 11th DX Camp took place this weekend at Camp Aldersgate, Brantingham Lake, southeast of Lowville, New York. There were three of us there, Daryl Rocker, Chet Dougherty, and myself. We logged 102 countries from about 2000 UTC on 11/5 through 1600 on 11/7. Conditions for Asia were particularly good. A few loggings to follow, likely tomorrow. On DXers Unlimited on Saturday, Arne Coro spoke of a flare, which I assumed hit early Sunday morning. Sunday morning we had quite good Asian DX with Tibet on 4 frequencies, and loggings direct from Taiwan, China, No. Marianas Islands, and KNLS, Alaska and Poland (though the last two of these very poor). From about 1530 UTC on, the bands were rather quiet. Just prior to 1600 until about 1615, the bands were nearly totally dead. A band scan about that time revealed the following: 16 meters: Completely dead except Fire Drake Chinese jammer on 17565 kHz (perhaps this is in Cuba??) 19 meters: completely dead, including 15000 WWV. 21 meters: Completely dead except RCI on 13655, while this went from SINPO 44444 to nearly absent in a matter of minutes, though it recovered a few minutes later. 25 meters: Completely dead except for Radio Marti on 11930 kHz with no jamming heard. 31 meters: Completely dead except for RCI on 9515. I had been listening to this just prior to 1600 at SINPO 54444, and it completely disappeared for a few minutes. 41 meters: CHU was completely inaudible, though it had been heard about 1530 UT. As our camp was about over, we called it a day, and packed up early about 1615, and I have no real idea how long this lasted. But, there was not a chance of logging Pakistan at 1600. We were quite glad that this apparent flare did not wipe things out the day before, or even a few hours earlier. Talk about good timing! (Roger Chambers, Utica, New York, via Daryl Rocker, Herkimer, NY, M V S W L C via DXLD) Here`s the premier page about real-time auroral activity: http://www.spacew.com/www/aurora.html (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ###