DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-053, March 25, 2005 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 2005 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 1268: Fri 0200 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream [repeated 2-hourly thru 2400] Sat 0000 WOR Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 87.35 96.55 105.55 Sat 0000 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream Sat 0600 WOR SIUE WEB RADIO Sat 0900 WOR WRN1 to Eu, Au, NZ, WorldSpace AfriStar, AsiaStar, Telstar 12 SAm Sat 0955 WOR WNQM Nashville TN 1300 Sat 1130 WOR WWCR 5070 Sat 1130 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 [NEW] Sat 2030 WOR R. Lavalamp Sun 0330 WOR WWCR 5070 Sun 0400 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Sun 0430 WOR WRMI 7385 Sun 0730 WOR WWCR 3210 [DST shifts in Europe go into effect here:] Sun 0830 WOR WRN1 to North America, also WLIO-TV Lima OH SAP Sun 0830 WOR KSFC Spokane WA 91.9 Sun 0830 WOR WXPN Rhinelander WI 91.7 91.9 100.9 Sun 0830 WOR WDWN Auburn NY 89.1 [unconfirmed] Sun 0830 WOR KTRU Houston TX 91.7 [occasional] Sun 1100 WOR R. Lavalamp Sun 1300 WOR WRMI 7385 Sun 1400 WOR KRFP-LP Moscow ID 92.5 Sun 1500 WOR R. Lavalamp Sun 1730 WOR WRMI 7385 [from WRN] [NEW] Sun 1730 WOR WRN1 to North America [NEW from March 27] Sun 1900 WOR Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 87.35 96.55 105.55 Sun 2100 WOR RNI Mon 0330 WOR WRMI 7385 Mon 0400 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0430 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 [1267] Mon 0530 WOR WBCQ 7415 Mon 0900 WOR R. Lavalamp Mon 1000 WOR WRMI 9955 Mon 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours Tue 0700 WOR WPKN Bridgeport CT 89.5 Tue 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours Wed 1030 WOR WWCR 9985 Wed 1700 WOR WBCQ after hours MORE info including audio links: http://worldofradio.com/radioskd.html [also with Week of Confusion and DST schedules] WRN ON DEMAND [from Fri]: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL] WORLD OF RADIO 1268 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1268h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1268h.rm WORLD OF RADIO 1268 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1268.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1268.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1268.html WORLD OF RADIO 1268 in the true shortwave sound Alex`s mp3: keep checking http://www.piratearchive.com/dxprograms.htm MUNDO RADIAL, marzo-abril: desde el 25 de marzo en WWCR 9985, viernes 2215, martes 2230, miércoles 2200, y desde el 5 de abril una hora más temprana y en 15825. (descargar) http://www.w4uvh.net/mr0503.rm (corriente) http://www.w4uvh.net/mr0503.ram (texto) http://www.worldofradio.com/mr0503.html ** ALAND ISLANDS. This message is posted on behalf of the project Radio Nord International / Sonnet Radio Europe: Letter of intent Radio Nord International is referred to as RTI Digital Ltd, the operating company of Radio Nord International and Sonnet Radio Europe and all of its ancillary operations. RTI Digital Ltd hereby propose to apply for a business concession and broadcast license for providing local and international radio programmes from the Åland island's on the following wavebands; " Mediumwave AM Stereo using Motorola C-QUAM Stereo Modulation " Shortwave AM Modulation (Future DRM being considered) Other transport methods include the internet and possible satellite radio. RTI Digital Ltd propose to offer exclusive free promotion of Åland's Tourist Board providing special features and advertising as part of our on air charter, offering promotion of the island's all year round. We also intend to provide exclusive deals for Åland businesses with joint e-commerce facilities tied in with our web site, which is already attracting huge interest around the world. Radio Nord will provide programming in Swedish comprising of a mix of music / speech programmes with a local flavour on mediumwave. Radio Nord International will provide programming in both Swedish & English providing late night programming on mediumwave and 24 hour programming on shortwave penetrating Europe and beyond. We will heavily encourage the participation of local Ålanders to take part in all aspects of programming, production and creativity. We also will provide a number of intern positions for students studying or having an interest in media. RTI Digital Ltd believes heavily in promoting trade within the EU and outside where permitted, therefore Åland businesses will have exclusive rights to excellent local and international advertising packages providing maximum reach on air and the Internet. Comment on recent articles in the Åland newspapers: We have tried to make a couple of applications to be told all license applications have been blocked until after 2nd May 2005. We were told this two weeks after we first formed this project back in November last year. This came as a blow as we have so far invested nearly 1.2 million euros and this wait out period is costing us on a daily basis. We feel we have been targeted because of the mistakes of the Spenser and Sandgren issues with 603 kHz. We have held back our application until the period the Government set has passed (2nd May). As a business, we have serious issues with this ruling, which effectively is preventing us from applying and trading. Mike Taylor, Director, RTI Digital Limited At the moment a test stream is running 24/7 on http://radio756am.no-ip.info:8000/listen.pls For further information, schedules etc please check out http://www.radionord.fi Kind regards, (Ronny Forslund, March 24, HCDX via DXLD) Radio Nord has not the licence yet; anyone can apply to the licence before 29/4 -05 (Roy Sandgren, Radio Scandinavia 603 AM http://www.amradio.se Closed down soon, March 24, HCDX via DXLD) Test transmissions from Radio Nord International / Sonnet Radio Europe are on the air 24/7 on http://radio756am.no-ip.info:8000/listen.pls As for the license, the local government has announced that all licenses would be frozen until May 2nd. However, according to a quote by a gov. official in a recent Åland newspaper article, ít is now possible to apply for a license, which RNI will do. Further information about the advancements of the project will be continously published on http://www.radionord.fi Kind regards (Ronny Forslund, March 25, ibid.) ** ANTARCTICA. A-05, Voz Cristã, via Chile, is expanding use of 15475 to 1200-2400 UT, ex-17660 (see USA [non]), which will totally block LRA36 on 15476v at 1800-2100. Unless the gospel huxters can be persuaded to relent, Base Esperanza must change frequency, or time outside this all-day block, or give up. So March 25 and 26 will be our last chances to hear LRA-36 for quite a while. Tnx to Adalberto Marques de Azevedo for info on the VC schedule change, and to Manuel Méndez, Spain for pointing out the collision. K-index Friday has been around 3, which might help (Glenn Hauser, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) LRA 36 already effectively blocked here by Africa #1 on 15475 out of Gabon. Currently hearing it booming in at 1850. Scheduled from 1600- 2100 per EiBi, however it seemed to vacate the frequency at 1900. After s/off no trace of anything on 15476v. And, plenty of QRM from Voice of Greece via Delano on 15485 (Steve Lare, Holland, MI, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. RAE A-05: Radiodifusion Argentina Al Exterior HORARIOS Y FRECUENCIAS - TIMETABLES & FREQUENCIES A-05 27/03/05 to 30/10/05 6060 KHz Banda de 49 metros --- 11710 KHz Banda de 25 metros 9690 KHz Banda de 31 metros --- 15345 KHz Banda de 19 metros U.T.C. IDIOMA PROGRAMA FRECUENCIA DESTINO 0900-1200 CASTELLANO -PANORAMA NACIONAL DE NOTICIAS 6060 AMÉRICA 1000-1200 JAPONÉS *PROGRAMA JAPONÉS 11710 LEJANO ORIENTE 1200-1400 CASTELLANO *PROGRAMA CASTELLANO 11710 AMÉRICA 1800-1900 INGLÉS *PROGRAMA INGLÉS 9690-15345 EUROPA 1900-2000 ITALIANO *PROGRAMA ITALIANO 9690-15345 EUROPA 2000-2100 FRANCÉS *PROGRAMA FRANCÉS 9690-15345 EUROPA/N.AFRICA 2100-2200 ALEMÁN *PROGRAMA ALEMÁN 9690-15345 EUROPA/N.AFRICA 2200-2400 CASTELLANO *PROGRAMA CASTELLANO 6060-11710-15345 EUROPA/N.AFRICA Y AMÉRICA 0000-0200 PORTUGUÉS *PROGRAMA PORTUGUÉS 11710 AMÉRICA 0200-0300 INGLÉS *PROGRAMA INGLÉS 11710 AMÉRICA 0300-0400 FRANCÉS *PROGRAMA FRANCÉS 11710 AMÉRICA - Transmisión LRA 1 Radio Nacional Buenos Aires, AM 870 KHz. - * Transmisión de Lunes a Viernes (Mondays to Fridays). - ** Transmisión Sábados Fcias.: 6060 y 15345 KHz de 1700 a 2330 H.L (2000 a 0230 UT) / FREC. 11710 de 1700 a 1900 (2000 a 2200 UT) Domingos Fcias.: 6060 y 15345 KHz, de 1.00 a 2400 H.L (1800 a 0300 UT) / señal Radio Nacional AM 870 KHz. / FREC. 11710 de 1500 a 2200 (1800 a 0100 UT) On the air Saturdays on 6060 & 15345 KHz: 1700 & 2330 (2000 & 0230 UT) Fr. 11710: 1700 & 1900 (2000 & 2300 UT) On the air Sundays on 6060 & 15345 KHz.: 1400 a 0300 UT: signal Radio Nacional AM 870 KHz. Rr. 11710 1500 & 2200 (1800 & 0100 UT) Telefax RAE 54 11 4325 6368 Casilla de correo 555 - C1000WAF Buenos Aires - República Argentina Correo electrónico: rae @ radionacional.gov.ar barrera @ arg.sicoar.com (Via Marcela Campos, Director, RAE via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, dxldyg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. 1620 kHz Australia & others --- At 1930 hours I have 14 signals visible on 1620 kHz! 4 are about 10dB stronger than the others but all too weak for audio. 73 (Steve Whitt, UK, March 24, MWC via DXLD) [Later:] Very complex assortment of signals on & around 1620 kHz so rather difficult to interpret what was visible. However 1620.0175 seen peaking between 2040-2050 UT then fading away completely by 2100. This suggests Eastern Australia as possible source. 1619.9915, a weak signal seemed to fade out at 1955 1619.971, seen previous nights, not visible I wonder if any DXers down under can use Spectrum Lab to see what is happening. 73s (Steve Whitt, ibid.) [Later:] Two other traces that I was unsure about, now seem to have revealed their identity. 1619.978 vf to 1619.980 was visible from start of measurement at 1915, became more prominent at 2025, then showed a distinct peak (+16db) in strength between 2210-2220 before completely fading away by 2245 UT. 1620.002 followed a similar pattern with a peak about 5 minutes after the above signal and incomplete fade out by 2250 UT. This was the weaker of the two signals. At its best it was 7dB weaker than the other signal. Both showed some drift in frequency but both drifted with same pattern at roughly the same time so I believe the shift is a doppler effect. In both cases as the strenth of the signal peaked before final fade out the frequency slowly shifted up by about 1-1.5 Hz. Conclusion: both these signals are likely in Western Australia. (Radio from Geraldton and Perth). Can anyone confirm that the two stations listed in the Pacific Asian List on 1620 are actually on air? 73s (Steve Whitt, ibid.) ** BOLIVIA. 4900.04v, Radio San Miguel continues to drift downward in frequency, notice a degradation of signal quality, 1015 to 1030 24 March. 4761.77, Radio Guanay noted 2330 to 0010 brief audio, om in Spanish, poor 24 March. 4763.14, Radio Chicha, 1030 to 1045 very poor signal. First time noted Radio Guanay and Radio Chicha logged the same day (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8A ~ Icom R 75, March 25, HCDX via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. RÁDIO SENADO NAS ONDAS CURTAS 22/02/2005 Brasília - A Rádio Senado começou a operar em Ondas Curtas com o objetivo de ampliar o acesso da população à informação sobre os trabalhos legislativos. A transmissão foi iniciada em maio de 2001. No primeiro ano, a Rádio Senado OC limitou-se a retransmitir integralmente a programação da Rádio Senado FM. Em fevereiro de 2002, uma programação diferenciada começou a ser oferecida em horário restrito, das 7h às 8h da manhã, com um programa de variedades. O horário foi ampliado, pouco a pouco, passando a três horas diárias no final de 2002. Com a criação de um núcleo de produção específico, a grade de programação da Rádio Senado Ondas Curtas foi reestruturada em maio de 2003, quando a emissora passou a ocupar, com programas dirigidos especificamente ao público-alvo, todos os horários não cobertos pela transmissão das Sessões Plenárias e das reuniões das Comissões. A programação da Rádio Senado Ondas Curtas é especialmente dirigida para as regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, além do estado de Mato Grosso e do norte de Goiás. A linguagem é diferenciada, num formato didático e popular, com o objetivo de uma comunicação mais eficaz com o público alvo. A meta é mostrar ao ouvinte como as decisões tomadas no Senado podem influenciar o seu dia-a-dia. As reuniões de comissões e as Sessões Plenárias são transmitidas ao vivo e na íntegra, simultaneamente com a Rádio Senado FM. Via Ondas Curtas --- Para recepção, basta um receptor de rádio que possua faixa para ondas curtas em 49 metros. Freqüência de 5990 KHz, na faixa de 49 metros. Transmitindo para as regiões Norte e Nordeste. (via SRDXC via Noticias DX via DXLD) ** CHILE. See ANTARCTICA; USA [non] ** COLOMBIA. 3300.OO Harmonic. Emisora Ideal, Planeta Rica drifted to the exact frequency of "Radio Cultural" making a possible misidentification as the Guatemalan. 24 March (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8A ~ Icom R 75, March 25, HCDX via DXLD) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 1640, HI--, R. Juventus Don Bosco, Santo Domingo. Fanfare ID "Radio Juventus Don Bosco, en la frecuencia de 1640 kilohertz" Fair 0200 25/03 JF Good DX! (John Faulkner, Nottinghamshire, central England, AOR AR7030, Wellbrook ALA1530, 150' longwire, homebrew antenna phaser john.faulkner @ skywaves.info http://www.skywaves.info MWC via DXLD) ** ECUADOR. MÚSICA DEL ECUADOR --- Glenn, I can definitely recommend this program from HCJB, 9745, Wednesday evening, 0230 to 0330 Thursday UT. Reception here is pretty good. It is a program of Ecuadorian music and culture. It is in Spanish, and they usually have a topic, but they play a lot of music, which can be enjoyed, even if you don't understand the commentary. One week it was about an Ecuadorian singer, this week it was about a particular Ecuadorian president, I wasn't very interested, but I did love the music, very traditional stuff (Tim Hendel, AL, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. From the pdf file posted on dw-world.de, here is the A05 Summer Program schedule for Deutsche Welle, shortwave and medium wave transmissions only. First airings of programs are in caps. At 0000 to Europe on 3995 (DRM), South Asia on 1548 (MW), 7130 (ends at 0059 UT), 9505, 9825: Sun: News, Religion and Society (10'), German by Radio (15'), Asia This Week (30'). Mon: News, Mailbag (55'). Tue-Sat: News, Newslink\Asia, followed by Tue: Insight (15'), Business German (15'); Wed: World In Progress (30'); Thu: Money Talks (30'); Fri: Living Planet (30'); Sat: Spectrum (30'). At 0400 to East and Central Africa on 7170 (ends at 0457 UT), 9630 (ends at 0457 UT), 15445; East and South Africa on 11945: Sun: News, Inside Europe (55'). Mon-Sat: Same program titles as 0000. At 0500 to West Africa on 9770 (ends at 0557 UT); East and Central Africa on 17800 (ends at 0559 UT); Central and South Africa on 9630; South Africa on 9700, 15410: Sun: News, Religion and Society (10'), German by Radio (10'), Africa This Week (30'). Mon: News, Religion and Society (10'), Inspired Minds (15'), Hits in Germany (30'). Tue-Sat: News, Newslink\Africa followed by: Tue: A World of Music (30'); Wed: Arts on the Air (30'); Thu Living in Germany (15'), At Home in Europe (15'); Fri: Cool (30'); Sat: Focus on Folk (30'). At 0600 to Europe on 6140; Middle East on 21675 (DRM); West Africa on 7170, 15275, 17860; plus DRM to Europe until 0630 on 3995, 5900, 5975, 7265: Same program titles as 0400. At 0700 to Europe on 6140; Middle East on 21675 (DRM): Sun: News, Sports Report (1) (10'), INSPIRED MINDS (15'), HITS IN GERMANY (30'). Mon-Fri: News, Newslink followed by: Mon: Spectrum (30'); Tue: A World of Music (30'); Wed: Arts on the Air (30'); Thu: Living in Germany (15'), At Home in Germany (15'); Fri: Cool (30'). Sat: News, INSIDE EUROPE (55'). At 0800 to Europe on 6140; Middle East on 21675 (DRM); plus DRM to Europe until 0830 on 3995, 5900, 5975, 7265, 15440: Sun: News; MAILBAG (55'). Mon-Fri: News, Newslink followed by Mon: Focus on Folk (30'); Tue: Insight (15'), Business German (15'); Wed: World in Progress (30'); Thu: Money Talks (30'); Fri: Living Planet (30'). Sat: News, RELIGION AND SOCIETY (10'), GERMAN BY RADIO (15'), NETWORK EUROPE (30'). At 0900 to Europe on 6140; Middle East on 21675 (DRM); plus DRM to Europe Sun-Fri on 3995, 5900, 5975, 7265, 15440, 15445: Sun: News, Religion and Society (10'), Inspired Minds (15'), Hits in Germany (30'). Mon-Fri News, Newslink followed by: Mon: Spectrum (30'); Tue: A World of Music (30'); Wed: Arts on the Air (30'); Thu: Living in Germany (15'), At Home in Europe (15'); Fri: Cool (30'). Sat: News, Inside Europe (55'). At 1000 all Sun-Fri DRM to Europe on 6140, 7265, 15440, 15545: Sun: News, Sports Report (1) (10'), Inspired Minds (15'), Hits in Germany (30'). Mon-Fri: News, Update Europe (55'). At 1100 all Sunday-Friday DRM to Europe on 6140, 7265, 15440, 15545: Sun: News, Mailbag (55'). Mon-Fri: News, Update Europe (55'). At 1200: Here the situation is a little weird. Apparently the entire hour is carried only on FM in Bucarest (Bucharest?) 88.5 as the DRM frequencies to Europe, 6140, 9655, 15265 and 15440, is only listed for thirty minutes but for the entire week. Sun: News, Concert Hall (55'). Mon-Fri: News, Update Europe (55'). Sat: News, Living in Germany (15'), Religion and Society (10'), Network Europe (30'). At 1300 to Europe on 6140: Sun: News, Mailbag (55'). Mon-Fri News, Newslink followed by: Mon: Spectrum (30'); Tue: Insight (15'), Business Europe (15'); Wed: World in Progress (30'); Thu: Money Talks (30'); Fri: Living Planet (30'). Sat: News, CONCERT HALL (55'). At 1400 to Europe on 6140, 6180 (DRM), 15265 (DRM), 15440 (DRM) (ends 1459 UT): Same as 0900 except on Mon: Focus on Folk (30') instead of Spectrum. At 1500 to Europe on 6140: Sun: News, Concert Hall (55'). Mon- Fri: same as 1300. Sat: News, Religion and Society (10'), German By Radio (15'), Network Europe. At 1600 on Europe on 6140 (DRM), 7175 (DRM) (ends at 1659 UT), 13790 (DRM); South Asia on 1548 (MW), 6170 (ends at 1659 UT), 7225 (ends at 1659 UT), 17595: Sun: News, Mailbag (55'). Mon- Fri News, Newsline\Asia followed by: Mon: INSIGHT (15'), At Home In Europe (15'); Tue: WORLD IN PROGRESS (30'); Wed: MONEY TALKS (30'); Thu: LIVING PLANET (30'); Fri: ASIA THIS WEEK (30'). Sat: News, Inside Europe (25'), Cool (30'). At 1900 to East and Central Africa on 13780 (ends at 1959 UT); East and South Africa on 15520 (ends at 1959 UT) (Programs in caps were actually first broadcast during the 1700 transmission, which is on satellite only): Sun: News, SPORTS REPORT (2) (10'), Inspired Minds (15'), Hits in Germany (30'). Mon-Fri News, Newslink\Africa followed by: Mon: A WORLD OF MUSIC (30'); Tue: ARTS ON THE AIR (30'); Wed: LIVING IN GERMANY (15'), AT HOME IN EUROPE (15'); Thu: COOL (30'); Fri: FOCUS ON FOLK (30'). Sat: News, SPORTS REPORT (1) (10'), German By Radio (15'), AFRICA THIS WEEK (30') [The satellite transmission at 1700 was Asia This Week). (The 1700 satellite transmission replaced Newslink\Africa with Newslink\Asia.) At 2000 to South Africa on 7130; Central and South Africa on 11895, 13780, 15205 (Programs in caps were actually first broadcast during the 1800 transmission, which is on satellite only): Sun: News, Mailbag (55'). Mon-Fri: News, Newslink\Africa followed by: Mon: Insight (15'), BUSINESS GERMAN (15'); Tue: World in Progress (30'); Wed: Money Talks (30'); Thu: Living Planet (30'); Fri: SPECTRUM (30'). Sat Inside Europe (55') (The satellite transmission at 1800 is Concert Hall). (The 1800 satellite transmission replaced Newslink\Africa with Newslink/Asia.) At 2100 to West Africa on 9440, 11865, 15205: same program titles as 1900 UT. At 2200 to East Asia on 7115, 9720: Sun: News, Mailbag (55'). Mon-Fri: News, Newslink\Asia followed by same program titles as 2000 UT. Sat: News, Inside Europe (25'), Asia This Week (30'). At 2300 to Southeast Asia on 5995 (ends at 2359 UT), 9890, 15135; North and Central America on 9800 (DRM) (ends at 2330): Sun: Same program titles as 1900 UT. Mon-Fri: News, Newslink\Asia followed by same program titles as 1900 UT. Sat: News, Sports Report (1), (10'), German By Radio (15'), Asia This Week (30'). (via John Norfolk, dxldyg) ** GERMANY. Probably this news doesn't widely circulate outside Germany yet --- Ismaning 1197 kHz will no longer be used in the A05 season and after 56 years sign off for good on Saturday (probably in fact at 0100 on Sunday, but that's merely speculation by yours truly). The equipment will be dismantled and moved to elsewhere, just like the Holzkirchen transmitter today in use at Kuwait, by chance again on 1593 kHz. All the best, (Kai Ludwig, Germany, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also USA [non] IBB MUNICH MEDIUMWAVE CLOSING Kim Andrew Elliott writes: "You might be able to hear some international broadcasting history this weekend. The IBB Munich mediumwave relay (1197 kHz) will close. The transition time to A05 is 0800 UTC on the 27th, so I think the last transmission will be VOA Croatian at 0530-0600. RFE South Slavic will have no mediumwave after Sunday, depending on shortwave and FM rebroadcasters." VOA Bosnian 1600-1615 UTC 1197 2230-2300 UTC 792 1197 VOA Croatian 0530-0600 UTC 756 1197 1395 7165 9635 9655 1930-2000 UTC 1197 6050 7105 7270 RFE South Slavic on 1197 kHz: 0000-0100, 0330-0430, 1700-1800, 2300-2400 Andy Sennitt adds: I must admit to feeling some sadness at the end of an era. I still remember tuning into this frequency (or, rather, 1196 kHz as it was then) on the day when President Kennedy was assassinated, listening to VOA's live coverage of the dramatic events. That was long before satellite TV, and 24 hour news channels such as CNN. posted by Andy @ 15:19 UT March 25 (Media Network blog via DXLD) ** GERMANY. DAB pilot in Germany --- Munich, 17 March 2005 Digital Advanced Broadcasting uses DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) to broadcast radio and video content, as well as data services, to new portable receivers. The pilot will take place in Regensburg, Bavaria, and is expected to last for two years. It will work towards comprehensive coverage of FIFA World Cup 2006 via mobile entertainment devices. The project was launched in Munich last week to 140 industry representatives and 40 invited guests from around the world, including content providers, broadcasters, mobile phone operators, network infrastructure companies, solution providers, handset manufacturers and government bodies. The event showcased the first live broadcast of DMB for Germany. Receivers were successfully tested across the Greater Munich area on public transport and in cars travelling up to 200 km/h. Professor Dr. Wolf Dieter Ring, President of the Bavarian Media Authority for commercial broadcasting, (BLM), told prospective partners that the pilot would determine the opportunities, options and risks of a mobile multimedia environment; would point analogue radio and television broadcasters towards success in the new intermedia digital world; and would reveal exactly how mobile consumers would use these new products and services. "I'm convinced that it will not be long before the term 'DMB' becomes a synonym for enriching the media landscape with digital media bridges. This should be a key objective for the success we all want - for raising enthusiasm among consumers," he said. With DAB digital radio already taking hold and growing in penetration in Europe and parts of Asia, thoughts have been turning to the most efficient way to deliver visual multimedia services on the move. There are several possible technologies which could achieve this, but DAB is emerging as the front-runner. As DMB is a derivative of DAB, with a few simple tweaks, it can use an existing DAB transmitter network to deliver video, pictures and data, as well as radio, to a mass audience. International standardisation of the DMB application has been initiated by WorldDAB through ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), officially responsible for standardisation of information and communications technologies within Europe. WorldDAB president, Annika Nyberg confirmed the forum's support for the Digital Advanced Broadcasting project. "The enthusiasm demonstrated by Professor Dr. Ring and his colleagues for this project is impressive. It is encouraging to see Bavaria taking the initiative and driving DMB with clear, achievable goals." Reiner Mueller, technical director of BLM said the project would raise discussion on convergence and demonstrate the advantages of DAB/DMB. "People are looking for a technology that can be used in all areas, that is scaleable, adaptable, affordable, mobile both for pedestrians and for transport, robust and with low power consumption. DAB offers all these things and provides a way of merging technologies for merging media." BLM is inviting industry to participate in the project by contributing ideas and concepts for products and services. It is also seeking European funding from CELTIC, a cluster project within Eureka (pan-European network for market-orientated industrial R & D) which, if approved, would help support the project. ENDS For more information contact Rebecca Dorta, WorldDAB Project Office, 020 7 288 4642 or email dorta @ worlddab.org About The World DAB Forum --- an international, non-governmental organisation whose rôle is to promote the awareness, adoption and implementation of DAB Digital Radio worldwide. Its members include public and commercial broadcasters, receiver manufacturers and other companies and bodies committed to converting the technology behind DAB Digital Radio - the Eureka 147 system - into a commercial marketing success. http://www.worlddab.org (via Mike Terry, DXLD) WTFK??? ** GUATEMALA. 4052, Radio Verdad, Chiquimula, *1100 Guatemalan National Anthem vocal version upon sign on, very beautiful followed by usual IDs, excellent signal (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8A ~ Icom R 75, March 25, HCDX via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. They are BOOMING in here right now. 9524.7, Voice of Indonesia in English March 25 at 2005 UT tune in with News. At 2010 there was Press Review from the Sydney Morning Herald. At 2014 at tourism promo followed by the Voice of Indonesia e-mail and web addresses. At 2019 the program Focus this Week. Huge signal (Mickey Delmage, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada, Collins HF 2050, KLM 7-30 MHz Log Periodic, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. HYUNDAI FIRST TO MAKE SATELLITE RADIO A STANDARD FEATURE March 24, 2005 In what may mark the coming-of-age for satellite radio, Hyundai announced it will include XM Satellite Radio as standard equipment for all its models starting next year. While several manufacturers offer Sirius Satellite Radio or XM as an option, Hyundai is the first to make satellite radio a standard feature. The company expects 500,000 cars to be fitted with XM's service by 2007. Separately, Sirius announced that Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes Benz will join other manufacturers that offer Sirius equipment as a factory-installed option... more at http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=11595&hed=Tuning+in+satellite+radio (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. Dear DXers, Just a quick line to let you know that Radio Mi Amigo begins regular transmissions on Saturday 26th March 2005 and every Saturday thereafter between 0900 and 1600 UT on 15725. Kind regards. Neil Gates. Radio Mi Amigo (Neil Armstrong, March 24, BDXC-UK via DXLD) Via IRRS via Bulgaria? ** MEXICO. Literally Good Friday for DX-ing resulted interesting stations on MW this morning around local sunrise at 0617 = 0417 UT. Though Mexico is off the SW [?], during favourable propagation one can hear Mexico on MW like I did this morning. I managed to hear XEDF Radio Fórmula on 1500 kHz. Several references, but unfortunately no positive ID. Good reception, at peaks signal strength even S9. Nice TA-conditions, even 10 MW-channels were open and 1500 kHz being most interesting with a Mexican station. 73´s (Jouko Huuskonen, Turku, FINLAND, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. Radio Huayacocotla, 0030 to 0045 with instrumental music, om in Spanish, very bad band noise (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, NRD 535D ~ Drake R8A ~ Icom R 75, March 25, HCDX via DXLD) ** MEXICO. En relación con el comentario que hice ayer sobre interferencia de La Voz de tu Conciencia y que afecta a Radio Mil, en 6010, me escribe el amigo Julián Santiago Díez de Bonilla, que tenía a su cargo, junto con Hector García Bojorge, el programa "Encuentro DX" en Radio Mil, y que está fuera del aire, debido, principalmente a la interferencia de La Voz de tu Conciencia, y me dice lo siguiente: "Lamentablemente esta emisora "La Voz de tu conciencia" ha sido en gran parte la causa de haber dejado el programa, su inteferencia llega en ocasiones hasta aquí en la Cd. De México. Por mas que les he pedido de todas las formas posibles que cambien su frecuencia o disminuyan su potencia, han hecho caso omiso, y su "buena voluntad" que pregonan queda a un lado, es un tal Martin Stendal quien dirije esta emisora y sabemos han tenido problemas con otras emisoras de sudamérica. Recientemente hemos recibido informes de escucha de Radio Mil, quizá por que ocasionalmente salga del aire "La Voz de tu Conciencia". En un viaje que hice por el caribe en diciembre, solo una mañana en las Bahamas escuché a Radio Mil. Estamos ilusionados en Radio UNAM que como he informado en uno o dos meses debe estar al aire con 10 kW en los 9600 kHz." Gracias, amigo Julián por esta información, y ojalá se solucione este problema y todos podamos escuchar, de nuevo, a Radio Mil sin interferencias, y que pueda volver al aire el programa "Encuentro DX". (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. Visit to Radio Mil --- On Tuesday, February 8, the HFCC/ASBU Conference delegates paid a special visit to the new corporate headquarters building of Núcleo Radio Mil in the Mexico City suburb of Santa Fe, which is a rapidly-growing area containing the headquarters of many national and multinational businesses. Núcleo Radio Mil is one of the largest commercial radio groups in Mexico. At its state-of-the-art headquarters, it operates six AM and FM stations, One of several control rooms at Radio Mil facility including the flagship station Radio Mil, which concentrates heavily on news programming. [caption?] Radio Mil has also broadcast with low power (one kilowatt) on the shortwave frequency of 6010 kHz for over 50 years. The HFCC group was broken up into several smaller groups and taken on a tour of the facilities by several of the station`s engineers, as well as by Gustavo Alvite (program director) and his assistant Claudia Rosendo. While some groups were touring the facilities, others were treated to a cocktail reception with German wine and pretzels at the Radio Mil cafeteria. Everyone was given station souvenirs and stickers upon leaving the building (March NASB Newsletter via DXLD) ** MEXICO. 80 YEARS OF RADIO EDUCACION ON AM AND SHORTWAVE Text of a presentation by Prof. Perla Olivia Rodríguez Reséndiz, Assistant Director for Production and Programming at Radio Educación, given at the HFCC/ASBU Conference February 7, 2005 in Mexico City. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. First, I`d like to thank Jeff White for his kind invitation to participate in the High Frequency Coordinating Conference. Today, we must continually reflect on the profound economic, political, social and technological changes that are leading to new forms of production, new markets, new cultures and new communications media. Some believe that we are witnessing the birth of the Information Society. According to Spanish researcher Manuel Castells, the Information Society is a great network; the world is made up of communication networks, business networks, cultural networks, social networks and technological networks, among others. These networks make it possible to create, disseminate and exchange information and knowledge. The Information Society is at the center of contemporary debates. However, for more than a century, people have used radio to communicate. Radio has helped us stay informed, and, through sound, it has given us the opportunity to learn about and imagine men and women of diverse cultures. Music, speech, silence and noise have carried us to the furthest corners of the world. In particular, shortwave radio has created a broad network of creators and listeners whose meeting place is sound itself. Shortwave radio has not only constructed a network for the exchange of information, knowledge and cultural creations; it has also allowed us to explore multicultural creation, which is, today, one of the main characteristics of the so-called new media. Shortwave conjures up ideas and feelings within its listeners; this undoubtedly helps them imagine the daily life of many peoples in the furthest corners of the world --- peoples that we might otherwise never learn about but that, through radio, we have imagined. Radio Educación In Mexico, one of the shortwave stations that has participated in multicultural sound creation is Radio Education, a cultural and educational station that is part of the Ministry of Public Education and the National Council for Culture and the Arts. Radio Education is the direct heir of Mexico`s tradition of cultural and educational broadcasting --- a tradition that began more than 80 years ago with broadcasts that aimed to make radio a vehicle for education and the dissemination of culture. Since then, Radio Education has provided space for a great variety of our country`s creative works. Radio Education has divulged many of Mexico`s artistic and cultural creations over its shortwave frequency: XEPPM. Broadcasts over shortwave began in 1982, and we have listeners throughout the world. The 10,000-watt signal is broadcast internationally at 6185 kHz on the 49 meter band. Over our shortwave frequency, Radio Education has transmitted to the world the variety, diversity, contrast and above all the richness of Mexico`s musical creations. [PLAYS COLLAGE OF PROGRAMS: ``MÉXICO OF MY ADVENTURES`` AND ``CHATTING ABOUT MUSIC``] We have just listened to fragments of ``Mexico of My Adventures`` and ``Chatting about Music,`` two programs that divulge and promote our country`s musical richness and diversity. Mexico`s diversity lies not only in its music, but also in its languages. Many different native tongues are spoken in the country, and Radio Education has included them in its programming, as they are part of our identity as a people. Native languages have been broadcast in one of humanity`s most sublime expressions: poetry. I invite you to listen to ``The Word`s Flower,`` a series dedicated to the creations of Mexico`s native poets. The series has also been a part of our shortwave programming. [PLAYS FRAGMENT OF THE PROGRAM ``THE WORD`S FLOWER``] Since the end of the 1970`s and throughout the 1980`s, Radio Education was particularly known for the broad acceptance and credibility of its newscasts. The ``Pulse`` newscast is another important program that Radio Education has shared with the world over its shortwave signal. [PLAYS FRAGMENT OF ``PULSE``] News information is undoubtedly another means by which one can get to know a people, feel their daily heartbeat, and above all understand them. In addition to news and current affairs, XEPPM has started to broadcast new works for radio created by the Laboratory for Artistic Sound Experimentation, or LEAS. The LEAS was created by Dr. Lidia Camacho, the director of Radio Education, and has become a space for exploration and experimentation with the aesthetic possibilities that sound offers. So, in our shortwave programming, tradition and vanguard coexist—because in Mexico, processes of cultural and artistic creation constantly renew themselves. Creation never stops, always challenges established forms, and dares to explore new proposals. [PLAYS FRAGMENT OF ``MUNCH``] That was a fragment of ``The Frieze of Life``, based on works by Norwegian painter Edvard Münch. Radio Education dares to experiment. Our search for new educational possibilities in radio has led us to create a series of radio courses titled ``The History of Western Music, from its Beginnings Up To 1940.`` With the launch of several radio series that included complementary material on the Internet, Radio Education became the first Mexican radio station to experiment with hypermedia languages. Motivated by the desire to explore hypermedia, Radio Education was the first station to try to redefine the educational possibilities of radio in combination with the Internet. The series of courses titled ``Rescuing Eurydice: The History of Western Music, from its Beginnings Up To 1940`` not only broadcasts music for the enjoyment of listeners; it also provides an academic course in which radio is the starting point for the learning process. In this way, radio seduces and attracts knowledge, and the Internet constitutes a complementary medium that helps students throughout the world participate in the courses and receive information that complements the weekly lessons broadcast over the radio. Students can use a virtual library and a virtual notebook, listen to additional material and communicate using tools such as chat rooms, forums and e- mail. This novel program is also broadcast over shortwave. [PLAYS FRAGMENT OF THE COURSE ``RESCUING EURYDICE``] With our shortwave signal, not only do we share the sounds of Mexico; we also receive and imagine the lives of radio listeners throughout the world. This relationship with shortwave listeners enriches the medium. Radio Education constantly receives letters from almost every part of the world. Their correspondence lets us get to know our audience and is one of the most exciting aspects of shortwave radio. Now we`ll hear a fragment of ``Free Signal,`` a program that goes to great lengths to promote constant exchange with its listeners. [PLAYS FRAGMENT OF ``FREE SIGNAL``] Radio participates in its own redefinition as a new medium. Radio is faced with a fundamental technological shift, ``even more important than the changes brought on by transistors, FM and stereo.`` Radio`s transformation is the result of a convergence of technologies that allows for digitization, digital storage, hypertextuality, signal compression and automation of production and broadcast processes. At the same time, and unlike in traditional media, there appears a range of possibilities of interaction, dialogue and audience participation. Radio, as a new medium, must view the innovation of content and services as a challenge. This means we must be more creative. Otherwise, we will end up using new technology with old content that does not motivate the public. Shortwave radio cannot escape this process; radio is a living entity that must change, improve, grow and always provide new options. Radio Education is currently renewing its shortwave programing, at the very time that tests are being carried out in the area of Digital Radio broadcasts. Undoubtedly, in Radio Education this will be an historic event that will stimulate us to continue imagining the radio of the future. This does not mean we must renounce old media, but rather research how to renew our use of and potentiate these technologies. We must do so, above all, because for many years shortwave has had a multicultural listenership; today, with the appearance of new media that also have a multicultural audience, shortwave can share its broad and rich experience, and can improve itself using that experience as a point of departure. Through shortwave radio and sound itself, many cultures of the world have met and will continue to reach out to each other. Thank you very much for your time. I invite you to listen to and get to know Radio Education (March NASB Newsletter via DXLD) ** PORTUGAL [non]. AS ONDAS CURTAS NAS COLÔNIAS PORTUGUESAS 24/02/2005 Lisboa - No dia 25 de Abril de 1974, David Borges estava a fazer um churrasco de frango com um grupo de amigos e colegas do Rádio Clube da Huíla, quando alguém lhes foi dizer que "tinha acontecido alguma coisa" em Lisboa. "Fomos todos para o rádio sintonizar a Emissora Nacional e passamos lá parte da noite." Foi principalmente pela rádio que a Revolução de Abril foi chegando às colónias. Pela rádio de ondas curtas chegou primeiro aos poucos que tinham receptores e, no caso de Angola, aos rádios clubes que existiam em cada capital de distrito e que faziam muito do seu noticiário através da escuta em onda curta de emissões internacionais em português de rádios como a BBC, a Voz da América ou a Rádio Berna. Mais à socapa, mas tanto entre civis como entre militares, ouviam-se as emissões portuguesas feitas em Argel. Foi precisamente por causa das emissões em onda curta que David teve o seu único contacto com a PIDE. Um dia, andava à procura da emissão da Rádio Berna quando ouve uma voz portuguesa que falava de uma greve dos cobradores e da presença de uma delegação de Portugal numa feira em Moscovo. E põe as notícia no ar. "Fiquei espantado com a visita do inspector da PIDE." Como o homem era "uma pessoa da terra" apenas lhe passou uma reprimenda. Mas nem isso aconteceu quando, num Dia da Mãe, puseram no ar uma reportagem em que soldados portugueses lamentavam e questionavam o facto de estarem em Angola. Impensável na metrópole. Embora reconheça que nas colónias a repressão não era tão apertada, também Eugénio Côrte-Real, hoje na Antena 1, viveu alguns episódios de censura quando trabalhava na Rádio Clube de Moçambique. Um deles aconteceu quando acompanhou o então governador de Moçambique, Baltazar Rebelo de Sousa, numa visita ao Clube dos Ferroviários da Beira, onde disse qualquer coisa como: "Isto é muito bom para aqueles senhores que estão no Polana a fumar charutos e não se apercebem dos pretos". Eugénio gravou e já ia a caminho do RCM quando o carro de um assessor de Rebelo de Sousa o intercepta e lhe confisca a fita. Mesmo assim considera que em África "se fazia melhor rádio que aqui". Em Moçambique, além do RCM, que tinha três estações e vários canais regionais, havia a Emissora do Aeroclube da Beira e a Rádio PAX, ligada à Igreja Católica. Em Angola o universo radiofónico era ainda mais activo. Imperava o regime dos rádios clubes, que existiam em todas as capitais de distrito, embora não tivessem muita potência. Por isso, pouco mais além iam que os limites da própria cidade. Eram, no entanto, rádios muito dinâmicas, com uma lógica de produção independente e com forte influência do Brasil, que acabaram por ter muita influência em Portugal, uma vez que por lá se fizeram nomes como Carlos Cruz, Fernando Alves, António Macedo, David Borges ou Emídio Rangel. Também eles fizeram uma revolução muito própria quando cá chegaram: a revolução da rádio. Voltaram em alguns casos sem nunca terem pensado sequer pôr os pés em Portugal. "Nunca me passou pela cabeça a ideia de não ser considerado angolano", afirma David Borges, que deixou o Rádio Clube de Huíla no dia em que o quiseram obrigar a ler, de hora a hora, uma citação do "Livro Vermelho" de Mao e lhe começaram a destruir a sensação que teve no dia 25 de Abril. "Tivemos a noção de que tinha havido um golpe militar e que as coisas iam mudar em Angola, uma terra que sentíamos que podia caminhar sozinha e que era a nossa terra." Hoje continua a fazer rádio para a sua terra, dirigindo a RDP-África. Bem diferente era a rádio que se fazia na Guiné-Bissau, embora fosse também bem mais arejada que a de Portugal, onde existiam apenas a Rádio Renascença, o RCP, os Emissores Associados e a Emissora Nacional. A diferença estava sobretudo no facto de só haver a estação oficial e de esta ser controlada pelos militares. Eram, no entanto, uns militares especiais, herdeiros da governação spinolista do território. Por isso, como afirma José Manuel Barroso, que foi "uma espécie de assessor" de Spínola para a área da comunicação social e actualmente é jornalista do "Diário de Notícias", esta era "a única província ultramarina em que o MFA actuou no sentido de tomar o poder", tendo os acontecimentos de Lisboa sido seguidos "a par e passo". Com Spínola a rádio foi vista como um meio para a valorização das populações locais e tinha três tipos de programas: em português, para os militares, em crioulo e línguas nativas para a população, com informação, sobretudo, sobre saúde, higiene, educação e em francês para a Guiné Conakri. Depois de Spínola ter deixado Bissau, José Manuel Barroso conta que teve o apoio do então major Fabião para dar mais abertura ao campo noticioso. "Como se fôssemos uma rádio inglesa". Reproduziam os noticiários da BBC, deram as notícias do congresso da oposição em Aveiro, difundiam os discursos da Ala Liberal na assembleia Nacional. "Tínhamos uma liberdade que cá não era possível", diz hoje José Manuel Barroso, que já na altura dizia que eram "a única rádio oficial livre". Eunice Lourenço © 2005 PÚBLICO (via SRDXC via Noticias DX via DXLD) ** ROMANIA. Novo esquema de emissões da RRI: Amigo Célio, Recibe, primero, un muy cordial saludo desde Bucarest. Luego, te quiero mandar nuestro nuevo esquema, válido a partir del próximo 27 de marzo: -Para España: de 2000 a 2100 UT en 11940 y 15465 khz; -Para América del Sur: de 2200 a 2300 en 11940 y 15255 khz; -Para América del Sur: de 0000 a 0100 en 11935 y 15140 khz y para Caribe -la misma hora- pero en 9760 y 11970 khz; -Para América del Sur: de 0300 a 0400 en 9700 y 11725 khz y para México - la misma hora- en 9775 y 11970 khz. Gracias por todo y quedamos en contacto. Un fuerte abrazo, (Victoria Sepciu, RRI via Célio Romais, radioescutas via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Voice of Russia A-05 for Africa and Southeast Asia Africa: 1500-1600 7315 1600-1700 15540, 11985 1700-1800 11985, 11510 1800-1900 11510, 9745 Southeast Asia: 0700-0900 1251 1400-1500 17645, 15605, 12055*, 11755, 9745, 7390, 6205**, 1251 1500-1600 9660, 972 1600-1700 12055, 11640, 9405, 6070, 1251 1700-1800 9405, 1269, 1251 * from 27.03.2005 till 03.09.2005 ** from 04.09.2005 till 29.10.2005 Schedule for Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Middle East and North America not updated yet (Voice of Russia website, 3/25, Daniel Sampson, Prime Time Shortwave, http://www.primetimeshortwave.com dxldyg via DXLD) Program schedule and all times and frequencies for English service now fully updated for a05 at http://www.vor.ru/world.html (Harry Brooks, UK, 1920 UT March 25, ibid.) After looking through the schedules I have noticed that English to Europe is scheduled at 0400-0500 on 963. I would suggest that this is a mistake and should be 693 (Harry Brooks, UK, 1933 UT March 25, ibid.) ** SWITZERLAND. MAZZATA FINALE SU SWISS RADIO --- Purtroppo la cosa era prevedibile. L'illusione di sostituire la radio con altre cose si è già rivelata, in passato, appunto un'illusione. Del resto, io come ascoltatore, posso ascoltare la Radio Svizzera anche se non sono particolarmente interessato alla Svizzera: per esempio perchè fanno dei bei notiziari o trasmettono della bella musica. Ma nel sito web della Svizzera ci vado solo se sono fortemente interessato alla Svizzera: e francamente, più di una volta ogni due anni non credo di esserci entrato... In sostanza: le onde medie e le onde corte non avranno tantissimi ascoltatori al giorno d'oggi, ma di sicuro i loro sostituti non hanno speranza. Ciao, (Stefano Valianti, Italy, playdx yg via DXLD) ** TAIWAN [and non]. R. Taiwan Int'l A-05 English schedule [order sic] 0800-0900 9610 Australia and New Zealand 1600-1700 11815 China 1800-1900 3965 Europe 2200-2300 15600 Europe 0800-0900 9610 Indonesia 0200-0300 15465 Japan and Korea 1200-1300 7130 Japan and Korea 0200-0300 5950, 9680 North America 0300-0400 5950 North America 0700-0800 5950 North America 0200-0300 11875 Philippines 0800-0900 9610 Philippines 0300-0400 15215 South America 1600-1700 11815 South Asia 0300-0400 15320 Southeast Asia 1100-1200 7445 Southeast Asia 1400-1500 15265 Southeast Asia Listeners in Western Europe can now also hear RTI's English programs via DRM on Fridays, from 1600 to 1700, on 9770 KHz (Taiwan R. Int'l website PDF file, 3/25, Daniel Sampson, Prime Time Shortwave, http://www.primetimeshortwave.com dxldyg via DXLD) ** U K. Checking out the new BBC WS schedule in regard of Europe brings up remarkable findings, to say the least. The table ´´West & South West Europe´´ indeed no longer shows 15485 and 17620. But ´´Central & South East Europe" still gives 17640 0800-1500, and ´´North Africa´´ still brings up 15485 for the 0700-1700 period. Especially in the latter one case one would need to know for a final judgement if they will change the technical parameters against the original plannings. If 15485 will still be Skelton 300 kW through an HR 2/2/0.3 aiming due south (but with a rather broad and steep beam) the statement ´´The number of hours broadcast on short wave in English to Europe will be reduced to two blocks at peak times daily, in the early morning and evening.´´ is simply wrong, because actually all what will happen is that 12095 will be switched off between 0700 and 1600, just like 9410 which was once on air throughout the day but has a similar break already for years. I gather from these observations that it is not about saving transmitter hours. It is merely an official view that the shortwave service to Europe will be cut down to what they call ´´peak times´´. Probably you already noted the comment from Jonathan Marks about the communication from BBC WS. It seems that matters are even worse and this statement is not even unnecessary but from a technical point of view simply wrong. Obviously shutting down shortwave is so sexy that it's even worth to claim to do so although still something is kept on air (Kai Ludwig, Germany, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. THE SACRIFICE OF BBC PERSONNEL IN FAVOUR OF NEW TECHNOLOGY I am surely not alone at being quite staggered by the extent of job cuts planned to take place at the BBC. However I wonder who to blame for this fiasco within a publicly financed corporation that in broadcasting terms is almost unique, as it is guaranteed an annual income of about 4 billion UK pounds of licence payers cash. The BBC had originally requested a specially expensive TV licence for those possessing digital TV equipment, this was intended to help finance the new BBC digital TV and radio national network. This carries their half a dozen national TV stations and their 8 or so national radio stations, plus a network of local radio stations too. This involves re-engineering and replacing almost every BBC TV and radio transmitter in the country plus many hundreds of low powered repeaters used for in-fill reception in poor reception areas. Well the government refused the BBC's request for this special licence fee, on top of the standard colour licence, for digital customers as this would have deterred people from making the enforced change to digital and delay the impending analogue switch-off. Instead of this the BBC did get above inflation increases, but insufficient to realistically finance their digital expansion let alone finance the 2 new national children's TV channels, plus the new BBC 3 and 4 stations. Now the BBC is looking to have some local TV news stations in addition to the various regional opt-outs on the main networks. The BBC are involved in a deliberate drive to make them the world's first national broadcaster to provide a completely digital TV and radio service. In this blind dash for digital supremacy over the commercial sector nothing has been spared, with the BBC re-mortgaging many of its prestigious buildings and selling off the analogue transmission facilities to Crown Castle. More and more cash appears to have been taken from programme budget and been invested in this expansion effort to make the BBC bigger and more influential and possibly less destructible in the face of extensive competition. Now with the run-up to the BBC's charter renewal, licence payers are complaining that they are not getting value for money on their TV screens. Of course only half the population at present have access to digital TV programming and only 5% have a digital radio! So the BBC are trying to reverse this problem and inject more money into programme production to satisfy viewers and listeners. Now where can you get money at short notice without running the corporation into further debt? Of course --- fire huge hunks of the workforce in hope that nobody notices the cracks until such time as it becomes more convenient to ask the licence payer for more cash, presumably well after the new charter negotiations are completed. Though the BBC is independent from the UK government as far as editorial control is concerned, the rate of their annual licence fee has to be approved by the government. Persons caught operating TV receiving equipment in Britain without a (BBC) licence can receive heavy legal penalties. All this is a bit like a bomber pilot who is running out of fuel and starts chucking fellow crew members out of his aircraft, over hostile territory, just to lighten the load so he can get his plane back to base. The differences is that the BBC put themselves in this unenviable position completely voluntarily and the people managing this fiasco will carry on regardless (Andy Cadier, UK, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [and non]. EX-PIRATE TOPS THE ASIAN MEDIA RICH LIST Dan Milmo, Monday March 21, 2005, The Guardian From: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/story/0,3604,1442141,00.html A businessman whose first attempts at radio broadcasting were regularly shut down by the Department of Trade has been named Britain's richest Asian media entrepreneur. Avtar Lit, 55, founded Sunrise Radio as a pirate station in the 1980s. Now part of a legitimate broadcasting empire that turns over ~50m a year, it is a far cry from the days when government officials would interrupt broadcasts and confiscate Sunrise's equipment. The Sunrise Radio group comprises the eponymous London analogue station and has expanded recently with the acquisition of Star FM and Time FM. It is expected to more than double pre-tax profits to ~5m this year. Mr Lit's UK wealth - the Sunrise group also owns businesses in India and Sri Lanka - is valued at ~65m. Mr Lit, whose Sunrise group commissioned the survey, said the Asian media rich list underlined changes within the Asian community in Britain. "Asians were known for corner shops. Now they are entering writing, media and broadcasting." He added: "The community has new- found confidence and Asians are seen as a productive, hard-working community. They have this feeling that anything can be achieved and also the fact that Britain is a different place to what it was like 20 years ago. It was a lot less tolerant." The top 10, compiled from a British Asian rich list published tomorrow, includes figures from the acting, writing and film industries. Second in the list is Lord Alli, the co-founder of production company Planet 24 and chairman of media rights group Chorion, owner of the Noddy and Miss Marple characters. The Labour peer, whose fortune is valued at ~32m, is also attempting to move into Sunrise territory with a ~100m bid for Virgin Radio. While his achievements as a media executive are well documented - Planet 24 made the Big Breakfast - his political rise underlines the influence of the latest generation of Asian Britons. Lord Alli became the youngest peer in parliament at the age of 34 and influenced the drafting of the communications bill in 2003. Earlier this year he topped a MediaGuardian/Asians in Media power list. Elsewhere in the top 10, award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley comes joint fifth with author Salman Rushdie. Both are worth an estimated ~8m. Gurinder Chadha, director of Bend it Like Beckham, is at number eight with her wealth valued at ~5m. Ms Chadha's latest film, Bride and Prejudice, is a Bollywood update of the Jane Austen novel. She shares eighth place with fellow film-maker Shekhar Kapur, the Lahore- born director of Elizabeth and The Four Feathers. The list also includes husband and wife Jay Sood and Antonia Millen, who sold their magazine business for ~16m, Arun Bajaj, who founded Radio XL in Birmingham, and Abhijit Banerjee, founder of financial information group Raw Communications. Despite the impressive top 10, concerns remain about the level of employment of ethnic minorities in the UK media. Greg Dyke, former director general of the BBC, famously denounced the corporation as "hideously white" in 2001. One in 10 BBC staff are now from ethnic minorities and account for 4.4% of senior management at the BBC. British Asians form 4% of the population and ethnic minorities represent 8% of all Britons. Elsewhere in broadcasting, 7% of ITV staff come from ethnic minorities, with 8.2% at BSkyB and 11% at Channel 4. Recognising the need for greater representation of ethnic minorities in front of and behind the camera, British broadcasters have set up a cultural diversity network. The British Asian rich list was compiled by Philip Beresford, architect of the annual Sunday Times survey of British billionaires and millionaires. Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, recently judged the world's third richest man, is expected to top the overall list. (via Ulis Fleming, dxldyg via DXLD) A former SW broadcaster via Merlin (I think) (Ulis Fleming, ibid.) I think in fact that Sunrise Radio's SW broadcasts were via Deutsche Telecom (Paul Balster, UK, ibid.) ** U S A. I understand that the reason US SW stations are having to move off some out-of-band frequencies is that they were on loan from the military, which now needs them back. The part WRNO has been waiting for has arrived in New Orleans and will soon be at the SW site, so expect to hear it shortly on 15420 or 7355 (George Thurman, Houston TX, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. IBB MUNICH MEDIUMWAVE CLOSING [see GERMANY] So, this means there will only be 3 international services on MW in Europe, namely BBC, Russia and Sweden. It was on 31 March 1964 when I discovered the existence of VOA Munich on 1196 kHz or, as it was often called, 251 metres. At the age of 11 I was finally allowed to play about with a big electric radio after dark, to see what I could find and, despite interference from a television set in a room directly below me, I was able to hear clearly VOA identifying itself as being from Munich. At that age I obviously thought Munich was in America and that the signals were coming directly across the Atlantic. However, I was soon to realise that Munich was in fact in Germany, and that the signals were actually coming via short-wave from the States and being picked up in Munich. I often wondered why it was that some programmes sounded much clearer than others. This was of course because those programmes, such as those presented by Willis Conover, were pre-recorded with the tapes being sent over to Munich and played from there. In the 60s and early 70s too it was occasionally possible to hear the Rhodes transmitter in England, 1259 kHz as it then was, though that chance is long gone with the proliferation of transmitters on that frequency in the UK and Europe. The Munich transmitter has had to face competition over the last few years from numerous Virgin transmitters on the same frequency, although the signal from Munich has sometimes made it quite clearly across to NW London (PAUL DAVID, Wembley Park, UK, March 25, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. Mudanças nas transmissões da A Voz Cristã !!!! [via Chile] Caros amigos, Recebemos do Edson Bruno da Voz Cristã, através do amigo Rudolf Walter Grimm, algumas informações importantes sobre mudanças nas transmissões da Rádio A Voz Cristã, as quais hora divulgamos: Voz Cristã terá mudanças radicais em suas transmissões apartir de Domingo dia 27 de Março. Vamos aos detalhes: Nossa nova freqüência durante o dia a partir de Domingo às 12 UT (9 da manhã horário de Brasília) será em 19 metros 15475 kHz. Então atenção, a Voz Cristã deixa de transmitir em 16 metros [17660] a partir de Domingo. Não esqueça, durante o dia apartir de 12 UT (9 da manhã horário de Brasília) nossas transmissões serão em 19 metros freqüência 15475 kHz. Estaremos transmitindo em 19 metros 15475 kHz de 12 até 2400 UT. Ou seja; de 9 da manhã horário de Brasilia até as 21 horas também horário de Brasília. Esta é uma mudança muito importante. Divulgue para quem você puder. Vamos repetir: A partir de Domingo dia 27 de Março as transmissões da Voz Cristã durante o dia não serão mais em 16 metros e sim em 19 metros freqüência 15475 kHz. De 12 UT até 2400 UT. Ou seja; de 9 da manhã horário de Brasilia até as 21 horas também horário de Brasília. De 9 da noite horário de Brasilia até a 1 da manhã também horário de Brasília, nossas transmissões continuam na ja tradicional freqüência 11745 kHz em 25 metros. [0000-0400 UT] De 1 da manhã até as 9 da manhã horário de Brasilia ou 04 até 12 UT temos uma outra mudança importante. Estaremos transmitindo em 6110 kHz em 49 metros. Então não esqueça. De 1 da manhã até as 9 da manhã horário de Brasilia estaremos em 6110 kHz em 49 metros. Um abraço (via Adalberto Marques de Azevedo, Barbacena - MG - Brasil, March 25, Noticias DX via DXLD) Would you please tell me ten more times? See ANTARCTICA (gh, DXLD) CHILE, Radio Voz Cristiana. La noticia de que Voz Cristiana cambia la frecuencia de sus transmisiones en portugués para Brasil, pasando de 17660 a 15475 kHz. a partir del día 27 de Marzo, transmitiendo en esta última frecuencia desde las 1200 hasta las 2400 UT es una mala noticia para los DX-istas españoles en particular y europeos en general. Por quedar Europa en la linea Santiago de Chile-Brasil, las transmisiones en portugués de Voz Cristiana se escuchan muy fuerte aquí, mucho mejor que las transmisiones en español. Esto significa que, a partir del 27 de Marzo, será muy dificil escuchar en Europa LRA 36, Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel, que está en el aire entre las 1800 y las 2100 UTC en 15476 kHz. Hasta ahora, el programa de Voz Cristiana en 15475 empezaba a las 2100, cuando terminaba la transmisión de LRA 36, pero en adelante estará ocultando a esta última durante todo el tiempo que esté en el aire. En fin, que, una vez más, el pez grande se come al chico y se pisotean los derechos de las emisoras pequeñas sin tenerlas en cuenta para nada (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. SURVEY FINDS GREAT GROWTH IN CHRISTIAN RADIO BROADCASTING Thursday, March 24, 2005 Rhoda Tse http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1125/section/survey.finds.great.growth.in.christian.radio.broadcasting/1.htm "Americans are tuning in!" to Christian radio -- at least according to statistics from the world's largest association of Christian broadcasters and the nation's foremost Christian survey group. Statistics from the recently released Barna report showed that nearly half of all adults in the United States - around 46 percent - are tuning in to Christian radio broadcast in a typical month. That's 141 million Americans listening to some form of Christian broadcasting at least once a month. What's more, nearly 28 percent of those on the list are non-Christians. The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) meanwhile found in a separate study that the number of religious stations grew 14 percent in the past five years as compared with the four percent growth in the overall radio industry. NRB President/CEO Dr. Frank Wright calls this growth, "dramatic." The fact that Christian radio stations grew at a 14 percent rate is "a reflection that there is underlying demand." There is an interest among many Americans for the "spiritual," and these latest statistics indicate growth of this interest over the years. However, according to the Barna survey, the reason for the decline in non-Christian broadcasting may be because the absolute number of nonbelievers who listen to the radio declined. In 1992, 38 percent of the radio audience were unbelievers, but the number dropped to 28 percent, the survey showed. But to Dr. Wright, the decline in overall radio usage does not reflect a decline in Christian interest. Rather, he said nonbelievers are likely to be tuning into the "explosion" of other broadcasting mediums, such as television and Internet. "We need to use every means of distribution that we can find. Our focus is on the Gospel message, less the delivery system. We'll always strive to stay abreast of media - so we want to use every available platform," said Wright. The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is an association representing Christian communicators in radio, television, Internet and film (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) Sounds like a survey based more on faith than on science, but for this group that would be par for the course and enough to declare it as "revealed truth" (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon, NY, ibid.) ** U S A. TV-Final Announcement - By DAVID BAUDER AP Television Writer NEW YORK (AP) -- Through the eras of John Chancellor, Tom Brokaw and now Brian Williams, Howard Reig's voice also was heard when viewers heard they turned on the news. "This is NBC Nightly News," the clear baritone would say, ushering in headlines from Watergate to terrorism. Now 84, with a career that spans the very life of television itself, Reig retires Friday as NBC's last staff announcer. A gnomish figure who walks the halls of NBC's Rockefeller Center office with the help of two hearing aids and a pacemaker, he's been working for NBC and its parent General Electric for nearly 62 years. His role as staff announcer is usually limited to those few key words each day. Sometimes he'd even pretape them. Former "Nightly News" anchorman Tom Brokaw recalled Reig's nightly opening having a settling effect. "It would be chaos around here, with things happening all over the place and big news breaking, and I'd hear Howard's voice and know it was time to settle down and go to work," Brokaw said Thursday. With all his announcing work through the years, Reig is proud to be identified with the "NBC Nightly News." "I'm a news addict," he said. "I love being associated with the news. I think it is the most important part of our business -- unfortunately surrounded by a tremendous amount of garbage." His career began in 1943 when, as a high school English teacher, he took a summer acting job at the GE-owned radio station WGY in Schenectady, N.Y., and its new sister station WRGB-TV. "They made me the first GE staff announcer -- and the last," he said. (At one time NBC once had several announcers on staff, with duties that ranged from reading commercials to reading the news. Reig's voice will continue to be heard on tape awhile.) When he started, WRGB-TV didn't have a regular schedule. "The TV station went on the air whenever we pleased," he said. "Somebody would get on the phone and call the 200 or 300 people who had sets and tell them to turn on their TVs." Some days he'd arrive at the radio station for his morning music program, then do newscasts until noon, a talk show in the afternoon, and an evening variety show on television. He subsequently won a national announcing contest, which earned him a job with NBC in New York. He almost didn't last long. Reig was host of a classical music radio program that aired between midnight and 6 a.m. at WNBC. One night in 1952 he cued an hourlong symphony on the turntable and fell asleep. His engineer also dozed off; so did the person working the transmitter. For seven minutes, listeners heard the sound of a needle scratching at the end of a record. "I was sure I was going to get fired," he said. He was yelled at, but spared. Not bad for a man born with a heart condition and told by his parents that he'd probably only live to about 10 or 12. "I consider that I've lived a life of small miracles and some large," he said. He plans to move to Florida and live with one of his three sons, and dote on five grandchildren. "You have to face facts," he said. "When you're 84 the end of the road is not that far away and I want to spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren." (APn 03/24 1845 via Mike Cooper, DXLD) [shorfter version, but illustrated:] http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=611617&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312 (via Sheldon Harvey, DXLD) [larger illustration:] http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/n/a/2005/03/24/entertainment/e154816S47.DTL&o=0 (via Sheldon Harvey, ibid.) ** U S A. ANCHOR ADRIFT --- The 25-year milestone for ABC's 'Nightline' is watered down amid waves of uncertainty for Ted Koppel and the celebrated series Thursday, March 24, 2005 Mark Dawidziak Plain Dealer Television Critic Tonight's edition of "Nightline" marks the 25th anniversary of Ted Koppel's late-night newsmagazine. But you must pardon this celebrated news crew for not being in a celebratory mood. Doubt hangs heavy over tonight's landmark broadcast, airing at 11:35 on WEWS Channel 5. Although it should be a time for honoring past triumphs, this milestone moment is deeply mired in worries and speculation about the ABC News program's uncertain future. . . http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1111660314151110.xml (via DCRTV via DXLD) ** VANUATU. Early in March heard Vanuatu (presumed) on 3945 kHz around 1100 (or 1000 - I can't find my notes) UT - French male song followed by talk in pisin at the top of the hour. Haven't heard it since - the PNG stations were powering in the same night (Wayne Bastow, Australia, March 25, ARDXC via DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. Hi Glenn, Here's the response to an e-mail report I sent to SW R. Africa. The response came in less than a day. The letter mentions 6145, but I heard it on 11705, 11845 and 11995. The response came from an e-mail link on the station web page (Jim Renfrew, Byron NY, March 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: Dear James, Thank you for your report on our signal from New York. It is good to know that we are being heard around the world, although our target audience in Zimbabwe are finding it very difficult to receive our signal at the moment. It appears we are being jammed on three frequencies at once. I can confirm that you did indeed hear our station. Richard - SW Radio Africa 6145 kHz on the 49m band http://www.swradioafrica.com (via Jim Renfrew, NY, DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE. TVS BLARE AS ZIMBABWE CAMPAIGN HITS AIRWAVES By MacDonald Dzirutwe HARARE, March 24 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's political parties have again drawn election battle lines, only this time they are fighting it out with loud, colourful TV adverts with the opposition allowed on state airwaves for the first time. President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party has long dominated the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), the country's sole radio and TV broadcaster, which the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said was one of many factors weighing against it in the polls. But new electoral guidelines adopted last year by the Southern African Development Community, to which Zimbabwe belongs, said all parties should have equal access to state media, paving the way for MDC broadcasts even though the party says Zimbabwe has fallen short of fully meeting the guidelines. As the fight for votes heats up, Mugabe's ZANU-PF has packaged catchy and colourful jingles denouncing former colonial power Britain and the MDC, while celebrating its seizure of white-owned farms for landless black Zimbabweans. ZANU-PF has flavoured its messages by showing bare-footed and bum- wriggling women and youths as if calling voters to join in celebrating the controversial land reforms. In one advert, ZANU-PF mocks British Prime Minister Tony Blair's involvement in the Iraq war and his "admission" that his government was working with, among others, the MDC in trying to resolve Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis. In the background a female voice sings softly: "Sell-outs you have no chance; let`s all go and vote and shame Blair and his sell-outs." Mugabe, who has dubbed this year's polls "anti-Blair elections" accuses the MDC of fronting Western interests and has vowed ZANU-PF will deliver a victory that will bury the MDC and shame critics of his 25-year-old rule. THUMPING BEAT But the MDC has entered the fray with its own package, spicing up the TV campaign contest and giving something to look forward to, for voters long bombarded by ZANU-PF adverts. In its package, played out in the two main local languages, Shona and Ndebele, and English, the MDC's message for a "new beginning" for Zimbabwe is cranked up with colourful scenes accompanied by a thumping musical beat. A huge chunk of roasted meat on a plate and fields with healthy green crops are some of the images screened by the opposition to show voters what they may hope for under the MDC. The party, the biggest threat to Mugabe's 25-year-old rule, took most urban seats in 2000 parliamentary polls, but lost in ZANU-PF rural strongholds -- where televisions are rare. Critics say Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, in power since independence from Britain in 1980, has turned ZBC into a private mouthpiece to attack those opposing his rule. MDC spokesman Paul Themba-Nyathi said ZANU-PF still retained a tight grip on state media and said the government deserved no praise for allowing the opposition airtime on television. "The government should not be rewarded for something that it should have done long ago. In fact they should open up the airwaves to more players," Themba-Nyathi said. Zimbabwe enacted tough media laws three years ago as Mugabe faced increased opposition in the face of severe political and economic crises that critics blame on government mismanagement. Mugabe blames a Western-backed conspiracy for the problems (REUTERS RTna 03/24 0539 via Mike Cooper, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Jay, I assume you are aware of the new signals on 3890 kHz DSB and 1770 kHz DSB that resemble the Yosemite Sam signals from last month. This time the voice portion is not understandable. By the way, if you guys go "out in the desert" after this one, it might be interesting to find out what is in the strange facility at: 35.269632 degrees by 107.191424 degrees. This is on BLM land. I received a phone call from the FCC today saying they were responding to my Freedom of Information Act request on the Yosemite Sam event. I hope to have that Monday or so (Vince WB4KIE Hughes, March 25, via Jay Miller, WA5WHN, NM, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ ``An exclusive report for the DX-Window just arrived from our Canadian member, Joe Talbot, who works in Somalia. He also writes: "I have been doing a lot of MW DXing, recordings of MW DX stations at arm chair levels, I am not a real MW DXer, but cannot pass the opportunity by." Thanks a lot for your status on SW stations in Somalia, Joe, and take care! Sounds very interesting. I hope you have time to reply to me one day! 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, WRTH Co-Editor, March 9, via Talbot, HCDX via DXLD) Hello Mauno: I remember your name from a few years back, you needed help getting a QSL or something? Please I want to make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that this is not directed to you Mauno! Mauno, I am in a tough spot here, I get asked by groups that print and sell DX lists, etc., WRTH, PWBR, etc asking for DX info. Please, I do not want to sound rude, I cannot understand why a group of DXers would contribute DX news to a published list, only to have to buy that "Free" information back. I never see these for profit lists giving back to the hobby, even though DXers giving you the information free, it is turned around and sold back to them! Then, if a DXer uses that free DX info without the published lists approval, the fighting starts! Get the message you own NOTHING! Another issue, is that the for profit lists, use the info on the free lists as they see fit, they take this DX info we have sent to the free list and then sell it back to us. When DXers send info to the free lists, I think it is given that that info is "Free To All". I cannot speak for other contributors to the free lists, only for myself. I do not wish the info I send to the free list used for profit. I contribute to the free list because I believe in sharing DX news for free, ridiculous to consider myself as a volunteer to a for profit business. I really do think it is time we stop taking it up the yang, and tell you "For Profit" lists were to park! I am so tried of the bitching about Glenn Hauser, Jeff White, John Arthur, give us all a break and S.T.F.U. The REAL BAD GUYS are those my shit don't stink original NUer's. You`ll get your Equatorial Guinea QSLs from me when hell freezes over. And that's all I have to say about that. So Mauno, with all due respect, I cannot offer WRTH the info they desire, WRTH can deal with the editors of the "Free Lists". You must agree it is all very strange to ask someone for something free, then turn around and sell it back to them! There is an old Somali saying: "Haben Baan Dhasayey Bal Se! Haley Ma Dalaan! In English: "I Was Born In The Night! But Not Last Night! In recent days you questioned the MW //'s to Dijibouti SW. What can I say man, I heard what I heard and saw what I say. I encourage you to pack your packs, fly to London, connect in Dubai to Djibouti City and listen for yourself! Oh, please remember to bring a few extra bucks for an armed bodyguard. I will NEVER contribute to a publication that makes money from free DX news! There is nothing worse then selling something "public" back to [where] it came from. When I can I will send news to HCDX, Cumbre DX, DXLD and DSWCI. I DO NOT GIVE my permission for any "FOR PROFIT" group to use my contributions. For those that I have upset, TOUGH, save your words, I AM RIGHT AND YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!!! What do you ever give back to the hobby, zilch! Wouldn`t it be nice to buy a few dated HF Amateur Radio Transceivers? Nah, that cuts into to bottom line... (Joe Talbot VA6JWT, 6O0JT (6 Oscar Zero JT), Home: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. N: 52-16-18 W: 113-48-46. Grid: DO32cg. Currently: Africa. 6O0JT, Rx: Rockwell Collins HF-2050. JRC NRD 535D Kiwa Mods. Sony ICF 2010 Kiwa Mods. TCVR: Icom IC-706 MkIIG. Antennas: Beverage Array. Random Wires. Wellbrook K9AY. George Maroti K9AY. Phasing With MFJ 1026. High Sierra 1800 Pro/Outback Outpost. Various HF/VHF/UHF Beach Verticals. Icom AH-4 Auto Tuner, March 24, HCDX via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON AMATEUR RADIO IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 18th April 2005 (9.30 am to 5.15 pm) Venue: Hotel Savera, 145 Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai, India. Sponsored by: Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communication and IT, Government of India. Organised by : National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad - India INVITATION Dear Sir/Madam, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad and other Amateur Radio clubs in India will meet to celebrate ‘World Amateur Radio Day’ on 18th April every year. This will bring together some of the most senior, experienced hams and experts in amateur radio communication technologies. We take this opportunity to organize a one-day seminar on Monday 18th April 2005 at Hotel Savera, Chennai, India. The seminar will address various topical issues like promotion of amateur radio, wireless communication technologies used by amateur radio operators using modes like voice, Morse code, visual, internet related and digital communication technologies. The seminar will also focus on use of Amateur Radio for Disaster Management particularly the experiences, lessons learnt in recent Tsunami emergency communications in South East Asia. The speakers are well known experts with years of experience, Senior officers of Government of India and non government organizations in the field of Amateur Radio communication technologies are also expected to represent International and Local organizations. Participation of electronic, print media will also be encouraged. We would therefore request you to attend this seminar. If you are aware of any colleagues or other persons who may have interest in attending this International Seminar at Chennai, India, we would ask you to pass on this information. There is no Registration or Delegate Fee but those attending the seminar may please intimate us in advance. The registration form is available at http://www.niar.org/seminar/registration.html Other details are available at: http://www.niar.org (in Seminar - Chennai section). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, Asst. Director, NIAR, tel: 040-2331 0287 email: vu2nro @ gmail.com Yours sincerely, (S. Ram Mohan, VU2MYH) Secretary, Organsing Committee & Addl. Director, NIAR Address for Correspondence: National Institute of Amateur Radio, Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad –500 082. India. Tel: 91-40-5516 7388, Telfax: 91-40-2331 0287 E-mail: vu2nro @ gmail.com URL: http://www.niar.org 73 (via Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, dx_india via DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ BPL / BROADBAND INTERNET, EMMAUS, PA Folks here are probably familiar with PPL's BPL test in Emmaus, PA a couple years ago which was documented by the ARRL and shown at shortwave gatherings including the SWL Fest. You may remember how much interference was evident. Verizon (the local phone utility -- except not in Emmaus) now wants to begin wireless line-of-sight broadband Internet service to the borough. Emmaus doesn't have either DSL or cable access as options -- one reason PPL ran its trial there. See the news item from Allentown's Morning Call newspaper here: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b3-5emmausmar22,0,3995402.story?coll=all-newslocal-hed or http://tinyurl.com/5n99p. The good news for us SWLs is that this is yet another competitor to BPL which might help hasten its demise. (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) BPL INHERENTLY FLAWED, LEAGUE CEO TELLS BROADBAND ALTERNATIVES CONFERENCE http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2005/03/22/104/?nc=1 NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 22, 2005 --- ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, told a New York City conference on ``Alternative Broadband Platforms`` March 18 that broadband over power line (BPL) has ``an inherent technical flaw`` --- interference potential --- that cannot be completely nor inexpensively eliminated. He also told the gathering that no BPL system operator can guarantee that its system will always work or that it will be allowed to operate. Sumner said the problem is simple: Power lines were not designed to carry broadband signals, so they can`t do it very well. ``BPL is not a radio spectrum user. It is a radio spectrum polluter,`` Sumner told the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) workshop, ``Alternative Broadband Platforms: Can They Compete With Fiber Optics? Where?`` at Columbia University. ``And if the pollution causes harmful interference to an authorized radio station, the BPL system operator has the absolute burden of fixing it --- even if that means shutting off the system.`` Sumner asked his audience to keep this unique shortcoming of BPL in mind as they compare and consider the alternative broadband platforms discussed. The 70 conference participants included BPL manufacturers and proponents as well as individuals involved in some aspect of broadband telecommunications, members of the academic community and students. Directed by Eli Noam, KE2PN, CITI held its first workshop on BPL --- then called PLC --- in February 2002 and has held several more since. This month`s event was the first in which ARRL was invited to participate. The conference`s entire morning session was devoted to BPL. In addition to the question of interference, Sumner also raised the legal obstacles confronting BPL. ``I think you can see --- or hear --- why we radio amateurs are concerned,`` he said after showing the audience a video clip of BPL interference recorded in Briarcliff Manor, New York, last December. ``But anyone who is thinking about investing in BPL should also be concerned, because the interference you just heard is illegal,`` he continued. ``It is prohibited by the international radio regulations of the International Telecommunication Union, which the United States must observe as a treaty obligation. It is prohibited by the Communications Act. It is prohibited by the FCC`s own rules.`` Sumner also spoke about BPL interference complaints involving pilot projects in Iowa and Texas. The emission limits the FCC has applied to BPL originally were established with intermittent, narrowband, point-source radiators in mind, Sumner explained. ``Applying them to a high duty cycle, broadband emitter that is attached to a long conductor such as a power line is like saying that there`s no difference between the noise of a helicopter that goes over your house once a day and one that hovers over your back yard all the time,`` Sumner said. ``You wouldn`t complain about the first, but you`d raise quite a fuss about the second.`` Other conference speakers included Walter Adams, vice president of ComTek, the company now operates the municipal BPL franchise in Manassas, Virginia. Sumner said Adams acknowledged that the power grid was not devised to deliver broadband signals and that BPL was not the answer for rural areas. Joe Cufari, vice president of business development with Current Communications Group, the firm working with Cinergy in Cincinnati, claimed several thousand BPL customers on line there, Sumner said. Both Adams and Cufari also brought up BPL`s benefits internal to the utilities. The United Power Line Council`s Director of Regulatory Services Brett Kilbourne addressed internal use of BPL by utilities and BPL standards. Rahul Tongia of Carnegie Mellon University, author of the August 2003 paper, ``Promises and False Promises of Power Line Carrier (PLC) Broadband Communications --- A Techno-Economic Analysis,`` also spoke. Sumner said Tongia reminded the group that they had been talking about PLC/BPL for three years, but the technology still didn`t have much traction in terms of actual subscribers. ``He pointed out that BPL was a shared medium with insufficient bandwidth to deliver video and questioned whether BPL could ever deliver enough bandwidth for the market since it was inherently a noisy, lossy medium,`` Sumner said. New York Public Service Commission Commissioner Thomas Dunleavy discussed the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners` ``Report of the Broadband over Power Lines Task Force,`` released last month. That report argued against applying existing regulatory paradigms to new technologies such as BPL. Dunleavy said he didn`t think BPL ``is a telecommunications play`` right now, Sumner reported. Most workshop participants, Sumner said, appeared to believe that fiber optic cable close by or to the home --- or a combination of fiber and coaxial cable --- would be most likely to provide a broadband pipeline in 10 years. ``They also liked wireless because of mobility and portability,`` he added. When asked at the end of the day who would invest in BPL, ``only two or three hands went up.`` Sumner`s prepared remarks plus additional material relating to his CITI presentation are available on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/presentations.html#k1zz-citi Copyright © 2005, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved (via John Norfolk, dxldyg) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ WHY DISCONTINUE DRAKE R8B Say it isn't so! The Drake R8B general coverage communications receiver is discontinued. Tom Walsh K1TW of Boston Area DXers called the R.L.Drake Company; "A very sympathetic Drake sales person explained the decision was based on economics. As I understand it, the decision to discontinue is based on several factors. (1) The supply of parts used in the current design has dwindled to where Drake can no longer sustain new production. (2) Therefore, in order to maintain the R8 in their line, they would have had to redesign a significant part of the radio because of a shortage of parts for the older design. The engineering costs are too high to do that. (3) The demand for HF shortwave receivers has fallen. I felt the person I talked with at Drake was as sad as I that this day had arrived. He understood this is still one of the finest receivers in the market at this price." (via Bruce Conti, NRC IDXD March 25 via DXLD) TEN MILE BEVERAGE ANTENNA http://waldo.villagesoup.com/opinions/GuestCols.cfm?StoryID=2839 (March 24): This column first appeared in the March 16, 2005 edition of the VillageSoup Citizen "Eighty years ago this week Belfast was at the heart of an international technological breakthrough. An RCA long-wave station located near the present Belfast Armory received the first live radio signal beamed across the Atlantic and passed it on to a New York radio station that then broadcast the first live sound from Europe. The Belfast Museum has developed a full file on the historic event that includes a tape of the actual transmission, newspaper articles from the time, and physical remains of the cutting-edge technology, including copper wire, concrete blocks that anchored the guy wires for the 10 miles of posts and wires that made up a Beverage antenna and photographs from the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. Belfast Historical Society President Megan Pinette assembled the memorabilia with the help of volunteer Bruce Clark, a HAM radio operator and electronic technician who will conduct an archaeological dig at the site this summer. The story Pinette and Clark tell should warm the hearts of all who know Belfast isn't just a disconnected outpost on the edge of the tundra. During the early years of the 20th century, companies like RCA, AT&T, International Telephone and Telegraph and GE conducted far-reaching experiments in broadcast technology. Belfast was the home to several installations that received Morse code messages from ships at sea and Europe because of its elevated location near the Atlantic. A BBC contest to find the best reception site in the U.S. for transatlantic messages was won by HAM operator Earl White of Searsport Avenue in 1923 or '24. The RCA offices were in a wooden building near the present airport where signals were received from a 10-mile Beverage antenna that stretched from Belfast to Moody Mountain in Searsmont along a rigidly straight route. The station used long-wave technology, which was soon superseded by short-wave, ending its usefulness in 1929. But for a few brief years, Belfast was on the cutting edge of broadcasting. In 1921, Gen. David Sarnoff, head of RCA and one of America's best-known entrepreneurs, visited with his wife to check out the local operation, staying at the downtown Windsor Hotel. In 1926 RCA constructed a modern brick building to house a permanent installation in Belfast. It remains today as the main office of the Belfast Armory. Plans were made for additional Beverage antennas that would run perpendicular to the Moody Mountain line. On March 14, 1925, the big day arrived. A broadcast that originated from the Savoy Hotel ballroom in London was sent over land wires to a high-power station at the English coast, in Chelmsford. From there the signals were transferred to a 20,000-watt transmitter and beamed across the Atlantic to Belfast, where they were received by a super- heterodyne receiver attached to the 10-mile antenna. Re-amplified, the signals were fed into a short-wave transmitter and sent to the RCA station at Van Cortlandt Park in New York, then to the land-wire system of station WJX, which broadcast them live. That description comes from a publication called World Wide Wireless, which should know whereof it speaks. It said the message reached the ears of American radio listeners in one-fiftieth of a second, a bit faster than it was heard by the audience in London. The transmission interrupted existing programming on the popular station, and the introductory message noted the Belfast connection. It was through such experiments that international broadcasting was born. Alas, the city's involvement was short-lived. The RCA staff was sent to Long Island in 1929, along with some of the equipment, and the buildings were abandoned until the Armory took over in 1941. The Belfast Museum is becoming an increasingly intriguing place under the energetic leadership of Pinette and a hardy band of volunteers. George Squibb showed me last week how records are being catalogued and preserved in archival correctness; I'll have more to write about that in the near future. The RCA adventure might well have slipped beneath the local radar if not for Pinette and Bruce Clark. The legacy of Capt. Albert Stevens, now the namesake for the new Belfast elementary school, might have, too. The Historical Society and the Museum deserve our great thanks. It's a place where history speaks to us, literally (via Brock Whaley, Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) RIP RADIO SHACK CANADA? A US district court judge, in Forth Worth, Texas has ordered the licensing agreement whereby Intertan of Barrie, ON uses the Radio Shack name until 2010 to be terminated immediately. Intertan, which is a major competitor of Radio Shack in the US, was bought out by Circuit City in March of 2004. This sparked the lawsuit as Radio Shack in the US cited a breach of their agreement. All signage and references to Radio Shack in Canada must disappear by June 30th. At present there are 950 stores bearing the Radio Shack name. I checked out Radio Shack's US site http://www.radioshack.com As for shortwave receivers they only carry the Grundig FR200 and Mini PE100. So, Radio Shack Canada must have had their own distributing agreements. Also, Nexxtech and Centrios, which have become their house brands in Canada, are NOT Radio Shack companies but divisions of Orbyx Electronics (Mark Coady, ODXA via DXLD) I believe Intertan also runs the RS stores in Australia and the UK (John Figliozzi, NY, ibid.) I always found that confusing: "Tandy" stores in the UK were actually part of the US Radio Shack family. "Radio Shack" stores weren't (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, ibid.) Information gleaned from the corporate section (along the bottom) of the radioshack.ca website: On June 20, 1986 all of Tandy Corporation's international assets in Canada, Great Britain, and Australia, were put under the interTAN, Inc. banner and based out of Barrie, ON. A note about the Circuit City takeover only mentions stores in Canada so I figure that the assets in Great Britain and Australia must now be controlled by a different corporate entity. The corporation in Canada, aside from the warehouse in Barrie, consists of 500 company owned Radio Shack stores, 340 Radio Shack dealers, 80 Rogers Wireless stores, and 40 Battery Plus stores. The Radio Shack dealer stores usually consist of a small town electronics or photography store with a Radio Shack section - Bobcaygeon has one (Mark Coady, ibid.) ###