DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-107, June 30, 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 1279: Days and times here strictly UT. Fri 0200 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream [repeated 4-hourly thru 2400] Fri 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Fri 2000 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru 1600] [RESUMED] Fri 2105 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Fri 2200 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream Fri 2300 WOR Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 87.35 96.55 105.55 Sat 0000 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream Sat 0800 WOR WRN to Eu, Au, NZ, WorldSpace AfriStar, AsiaStar Sat 0855 WOR WNQM Nashville TN 1300 Sat 1000 WOR WPKN Bridgeport CT 89.5 and WPKM Montauk LINY 88.7 Sat 1030 WOR WWCR 5070 Sat 1730 WOR WRN to North America (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sat 1730 WOR WRMI 7385 [from WRN] Sun 0230 WOR WWCR 5070 Sun 0300 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Sun 0330 WOR WRMI 7385 Sun 0630 WOR WWCR 3210 Sun 0730 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Sun 0830 WOR WRN to North America, also WLIO-TV Lima OH SAP (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sun 0830 WOR KSFC Spokane WA 91.9 Sun 0830 WOR WXPR 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 1200 WOR WRMI 7385 Sun 1300 WOR KRFP-LP Moscow ID 92.5 Sun 1730 WOR WRMI 7385 [from WRN] Sun 1730 WOR WRN1 to North America (including Sirius Satellite Radio channel 115) Sun 1900 WOR Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 87.35 96.55 105.55 Sun 1900 WOR RNI Mon 0230 WOR WRMI 7385 Mon 0300 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0330 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 [1278] Mon 0415 WOR WBCQ 7415 [usually closer to 0420-] Mon 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Mon 1800 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru 1400] [RESUMED] Wed 0930 WOR WWCR 9985 Wed 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours MORE info including audio links: http://worldofradio.com/radioskd.html 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 1279 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1279h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1279h.rm WORLD OF RADIO 1279 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1279.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1279.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1279.html [from UT Fri] WORLD OF RADIO 1279 in true shortwave sound of Alex`s mp3 (stream) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_06-29-05.m3u (download) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_06-29-05.mp3 NEW! WORLD OF RADIO 1279 downloads in studio-quality mp3: (high) http://www.obriensweb.com/wor1279.mp3 (low) http://www.obriensweb.com/wor1279l.mp3 WORLD OF RADIO PODCAST: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml (currently available: 1277, Extra 57, 1278, 1279) CONTINENT OF MEDIA 05-06 is now available, from 0340 UT June 29: (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0506.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0506.rm And from June 29 also via: (stream) http://www.dxing.com/com/com0506.ram (download) http://www.dxing.com/com/com0506.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/com0506.html (from Friday) NETS TO YOU, July edition, shortly at http://www.w4uvh.net/nets2you.html ** ABKHAZIA. RUSIA. Una emisora de captación sumamente rara en FM [sic] ha sido Radio Sochi, captada el 18 de junio de 0645 a 0700 horas por la frecuencia de 9495 kilohercios. Esta frecuencia fue utilizada en el pasado también por Radio Kubán que transmitía desde la ciudad de Krasnodar, pero está siendo empleada principalmente por Radio Abjasia y Radio Rusia (Programa DX de Radio Bulgaria en Español, June 26 via Dino Bloise, FL, dxldyg via DXLD) See also GEORGIA ** ALASKA. KNLS, best reception in a long time, loud and clear on 9615 in English June 29 at 1246, but the rest of the hour contained no secular elements, just a testimonial, hymn of praise, by Pavel somebody, the n-th version of ``Alleluia``; hosted by Dale Ward, the exec prod. At one point in the introduction there was a pre-echo of about one second --- problem in the Franklin recording studio? 1255 announced English schedule as 08 on 11820, 10 on 9795, 12 on 9615 & 9780, the latter impossible here with Greece/Delano on 9775, and 14 on 9795! Even tho more than a week ago the last one changed to 9555. It seems there is a lack of internal communication at KNLS about their own schedule. Went off at 1258. Also checked 9555 at 1400 and could hear the IS, but far too much Habana 9550 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. QSLs received: RADIO LA RED 910 AM Carta QSL, stickers recibida el 23 de junio del 2005. Informe enviado el 24 de mayo del 2005. Hora: 03.50 UTC Frecuencia: 910 AM Fecha; Mayo 23, 05. VRS/ Eduardo Daniel Esarte Gerente de tecnología. QTH: Av. Paseo Colon 505 / 1063 Buenos Aires - Argentina. RADIO MURIALDO AM Carta QSL, boletín de programación recibida el 03 de junio del 2005. Informe enviado el 25 de Abril del 2005. Hora: 04.10 UTC Frecuencia: 1290 AM Fecha; Abril 24, 05. VRS/ Tindaro Muscara. Gerente de Coordinación. QTH: Av. Bandera de los Andes 4404 Villanueva de Guaymallen. Mendoza - Argentina. (CESAR PEREZ DIOSES, CHIMBOTE, PERU, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. "On 1 July 2005 the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority will merge to form the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)." This will be the single national regulatory body for broadcasting and communications. http://www.acma.gov.au (Bruce Conti, NRC IDXD July 1 via DXLD) ** BULGARIA [non]. I keep hearing the roar on 15700 vs R. Bulgaria, not only after but before 1300, as June 29 at 1238. This time I went outside with a portable, and bingo, the noise disappeared, so I confess that it must be coming from my domicile, and apologize for bothering the worldwide DX community about this. Then probing inside I found a seldom-used computer monitor radiating this signal, gone when unplugged, but back at the main receiver in another room, there was still some roar, so there is apparently a second source. What is it about this frequency? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Programmes I Like (#3) --- "Dispatches" -- CBC Radio One: They'll bring you the world.... Unique on CBC Radio, "Dispatches" is a 30-minute programme, dealing with international affairs, hosted by Rick MacInnes-Rae. As usual with a magazine-type format, there is an opening menu of items in that particular edition. The host introduces this menu, as well as each item. He can be ponderous, serious, ironical, biting, or sarcastic, and thus gives the listener an insight into his thinking on the upcoming topic (s). There are usually several items on different topics in each show. Some are packaged reports, while others are interviews between the host and outside experts. There is occasionally a full-length documentary on only one item. Most items deal with international political topics, but non-political spots are also included. Contributions come from the CBC's own correspondents, as well as its stringers and other freelancers. Reports often come from areas of the world not covered in more mainstream current affairs slots. Some topics are also outside the mainstream agenda. They thus provide glimpses of various aspects of others' lives. "Dispatches" is an interesting, and occasionally light-hearted, insight into what is happening elsewhere on the globe. Website: http://www.cbc.ca/dispatches/index.html E-mail: dispatches@cbc.ca (Peter Bowen, Canada?, June 30, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) Wednesdays 7:30 pm local across Canada on CBC Radio 1 (gh, DXLD) ** CANADA. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released its sixth annual Broadcasting Policy Monitoring Report. This report assesses the impact of its regulations, policies and decisions on the Canadian broadcasting industry, in light of the objectives of the Broadcasting Act. Beginning this year, publication has been moved up several months so that data contained in the report will be available to the Canadian public and the regulated industries on a more timely basis. The report deals with the radio, television, and broadcast distribution sectors, as well as social issues and the Internet. Radio: Canadians have access to 1,158 radio services, of which 867 are in English, 253 are in French, and 38 are in third languages. In 2004, Canadians listened to radio an average of 19.5 hours per week, which represents the same number of hours as in 2003. Revenues for Canadian private radio stations exceeded $1.2 billion in 2004, and profits before interest and tax came in at $224 million. Since the adoption of the CRTC's commercial radio policy in 1998, Canadian radio stations have spent more than $156 million on Canadian talent development. News release: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/NEWS/RELEASES/2005/r050629.htm Full text of report: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/reports/PolicyMonitoring/2005/bpmr2005.htm (HTML) http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/reports/PolicyMonitoring/2005/bpmr2005.pdf (PDF) 73 (Mike Brooker, Toronto, ON, June 29, HCDX via DXLD) ** CHILE [and non]. June 30 at 1346, BBC on 15485 was audible under Voz Cristã, and with sufficient signal to produce a subaudible heterodyne of almost 4 Hz (counted at about 233 per minute). I continue to wonder how this collision plays out in Brasil and NW Africa (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. Tho some of the Firedrake jammers may have been switched to one of CNR`s domestic services, I am still hearing Firedrake, e.g. June 29 at 1259 on 15795, but gone by 1330, no doubt vs inaudible All India Radio in Mandarin, scheduled 1145-1315 --- is AIR really a threat to the CCP? And at 1410 on 11805, no doubt vs inaudible VOA in Mandarin via Marianas, both per EiBi A05 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Not really new. AIR Delhi outlets in Mandarin, Tibetan and Nepali are subject of Chinese authority jamming, at least in last half decade. Started some years ago, when Firedrake and CNR relay program content jamming appeared on SW bands !! (Wolfgang Büschel, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Didn`t say it was new; previously noted here (gh) ** COLOMBIA. 5910, Marfil Estereo, Puerto Lleras, (Presumed) 0100-0200 Stayed with this for an hour. Never heard a full ID, just the word "... Estéreo" at one point. Program consisted of Rancheros music and a man in Spanish comments giving TC's at appropriate intervals. Signal was very good. I also checked 6010 for parallel programming, but didn't hear any (Chuck Bolland, June 29, 2005, Clewiston, Florida http://www.orchidcitysoftware.com DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COLOMBIA. Sobre La Voz de tu Conciencia --- Hola Colegas, Como algunos de ustedes conocen, he estado ligado al desarrollo de esta emisora desde sus inicios. Ayer con gran sorpresa encontre los mensajes sobre la Campaña a favor de Radio Mil que el colega Rubén inició a través de la lista. No quise pronunciarme hasta no hablar personalmente con Martin Stendal responsable de la emisora; reunidos ayer en la noche se analizó los diferentes puntos de vista expuestos sobre la situación y entre otros se sacó en claro lo siguiente: Las frecuencias 6010 kHz y 5910 kHz hacen parte de los medios de comunicación de la Organización Colombia para Cristo que llevan a cabo una campaña de Paz en el territorio colombiano, en zonas de alta influencia Narco-Guerrillera; llevando la palabra de Dios, consiguiendo reconocidos logros, que esferas [esfuerzas?] políticas y sociales de la sociedad colombiana que reconocen y apoyan la labor. Asi: La emisora La Voz de tu Conciencia va a continuar operando en la frecuencia asignada por el Ministerio de Comunciaciones de Colombia hasta cuando una resolución del mismo indique lo contrario. Actualmente cumple con todos los parámetros técnicos exigidos en el Plan Técnico de Radiodifusión en AM --- que puede ser consultado en http://www.mincomunicaciones.gov.co/espectroradioelectrico La señal de 5910 kHz por la cual sale al aire Marfil Estereo 88.3 MHz está en etapa de prueba; así todavia se encuentra en ajustes técnicos que son necesarios. Así es como su señal ha presentado continuos cortes, sobre las señales espúreas que provocan las frecuencias 5910 kHz y 6010 kHz. En los próximos días se harán algunos ajustes técnicos, por lo cual se solicita informes de recepción para conocer los efectos de los mismos. Una vez se termine la etapa de pruebas, la señal de 5910 kHz dejará de retransmitir la señal de Marfil Estéreo y se iniciará con una emisora totalmente nueva con programación generada desde Bogotá. La Campaña Colombia para Cristo recibe apoyo de diversas organizaciones a nivel mundial, incluida la Canadienese Galcom, gracias a la cual se han distribuido radios de frecuencia fija que operan con una celda solar para las señales de AM, FM y Onda Corta; en estos últimos se han incorporado una novedad y es que vienen para las dos frecuencias en que se opera. En los próximos meses se esperan distribuir mas de 10.000 mil radio en las zonas a las cuales está dirigida la campaña. Sobre la situación presentada con la emisora mexicana Radio Mil, desde los inicios del proyecto ante la adjudicación por parte del Ministerio de Comunicaciones de este canal se adjuntaron folios donde se hacía ver el problema que podría haber, incluso se adjuntó una carta de Radio Mil remitida por Héctor García B, pero las autoridades colombianas no tuvieron en cuenta esto. Desde entonces se ha buscado con los ingenieros a cargo; el diseñar que las emisiones de La Voz de tu Conciencia produzcan la menor inferencia a la señal de Radio Mil; así se ha modificado en varias ocasiones la orientación y altura de la antena, se ha trabajado en el ajuste de las líneas de alimentacion, se han actualizado algunos equipos encargados de la modulación; pero no se han recibido reportes en los que se puedan medir los efectos de estos cambios; aunque es oportuno señalar que desde la salida al aire nunca se han recibido reportes de recepción de la zona de Centroamérica y en mediciones realizadas en el norte de Colombia se ha comprobado que la señal en 6010 kHz no es tan efectiva. Que los medios para comunicarse con la Organización y los responsables de las emisoras son: Colombia Para Cristo Calle 44 No. 13-67 Bogotá D.C. contacto@... [truncated by yahoogroups] libreria@... El correo informado por el colega Rubén es de uso personal, el cual está protegido contra correos no deseados; por favor sus inquietudes dirigirlos a los ya mencionados (Rafael Rodriguez R., Bogotá, June 28, condig list via WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DXLD) See also MEXICO! En ésta zona la señal de La Voz de Tu Conciencia es inaudible. La única señal que logro captar por 6010 kHz es la señal de Radio Mil y llega igual que siempre. Saludos (Elmer Escoto, San Pedro Sula, HONDURAS, ibid.) ** CUBA. The DentroCuban Jamming Command was wasting its watts with a barrage on 9955, June 29 at 1243, when WRMI had already switched to 7385 with Brother Scare. Nyah-nyah-nyah! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. New frequency for RHC: 13660, June 29 at 1335, in Spanish plugging Mesa Redonda later in the day which would be on 11875 and 6000. This is uncomfortably close to RCI on 13655 but fortunately here on this occasion, RCI had the upper hand, and could be heard without ACI. Has RHC finally moved here from 12000? No, that and all the other usual // were confirmed: 15230, 11875, 11800, 11760, 9550 and 6000. If RHC wants a 13 MHz frequency in the mornings now, they should go back to clear 13680, which was used for the three-day terrorism conference coverage in English, early June. Frequency announcements at 1359 did not include 13660, but did mention 6185, where I have not heard it. If the engineers keep using 13660, they may never find out about it at the studio. 13660 has been in use previously, but during the afternoons, which is no doubt why they brought it up now. Could be just a test; we shall see if it stick the following days. 24 hours later: not there (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 13660, Radio Havana, Havana Cuba, 34433 Spanish. Commentary by an OM announcer with mentions of "Cubanos". Station ID. Oddly enough, though I've heard this one previously, it doesn't appear in any of the databases, at least not in this time slot. 1925 UT 6/29/2005 PA (Phil K6OBB Atchley, Merced CA, swl at qth.net via DXLD) ** CUBA. 5025, R Rebelde, La Habana was not heard Jun 16 (Erik Køie, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window via DXLD) On Jun 17 and 18 at 2335-0445, it was heard with very weak signals of only QSA 2 probably having transmitter problems. However, on Jun 24 and 26 it was back with the usual strong signal, Spanish ID, pop music, 45444. But at 2320 on Jun 27 it was off once more! Look for R Quillabamba! (Anker Petersen, ibid.) ** CUBA. Is there a reasonably accurate and complete list of Cuban AM stations on the WWW? I had the list from http://www.am-dx.com bookmarked but that list is missing. 73 & GUD DX, (Thomas F. Giella, KN4LF, Retired Meteorologist & Space Plasma Physicist, Plant City, FL, USA, June 27, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** CUBA. Go to the WMCA page on Jim Hawkins site and listen to the "what you hear when WMCA is off" -- http://hawkins.pair.com/wmca/underwmca.ra (Stuart Engelke, WMCA NY, 201-298-5700 x208, NRC-AM via DXLD) Loud! ** ECUADOR. DRM on 15370-15380, June 29 at 1235, still past 1300 but gone by 1330 recheck. Presumably HCJB running another test; but the Holy Qur`an station from Sa`udi Arabia on 15380 at 1235 was suffering QRDRM. This is obviously another ploy by the Christian Crusaders against Islam (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EGYPT. INDONESIAN MINISTER PREVENTS RADIO EGYPT [sic] BROADCASTS BEING TAKEN OFF AIR | Excerpt from report by Indonesian news agency Antara web site Cairo: Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayudha has succeeded in preventing the scheduled closure of the Indonesian language Egyptian radio station by the Egyptian government, which has been broadcasting from Cairo to the whole of the Indonesian archipelago region for the past 52 years. "The Ministry of Information (Egyptian) is to review their policy which was to immediately close Radio Cairo Indonesian Section (RCSI)," said an official from the Egyptian Ministry of Information, Radio and Television broadcast section, when contacted by Antara in Cairo on Wednesday [29 Jun]. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Information official, who did not want to be named, the review of the scheduled closure of RCSI was the result of discussions between the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmad Abu-al-Ghayt and the Indonesian foreign minister. Previously, Foreign Minister Wirayudha had explained to the press that RCSI still had a great role in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Egypt. During the bilateral meeting in Cairo on Sunday (26 June), Foreign Ministers Wirayudha and Abu-al-Ghayt touched on plans for the closure of RCSI. "The Egyptian foreign minister said that RCSI was scheduled to be closed due to inefficiency. However, I said that the people of Indonesia still needed RCSI, because the presence of RCSI itself was one of the ways of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries," said Foreign Minister Wirayudha. [Passage omitted] The Egyptian radio Indonesian language broadcast lasts for one and a half hours every day and can be picked up throughout Indonesia from 2020-2150 local time on the 19 metre waveband and 15710 kHz frequency. The main programmes broadcast by RCSI consist of 35 per cent religious issues, 15 per cent political news, 15 per cent international issues and various other topics, such as culture and tourism. [passage omitted] Source: Antara news agency, Jakarta, in Indonesian, 29 Jun 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) Imagine the US Secretary of State persuading, or even trying to persuade, e.g. DW or BBC not to drop SW broadcasts in English to the USA? Boggling (gh, DXLD) ** EL SALVADOR? 17838.0, Radio Imperial? 1907, 28-June; het with the barest hint of audio. 2154, het at 17838.6 but no audio. 6/29, 2122, het at 17838.7, no audio (Harold Frodge, MI, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) ** FRANCE. RFI'S DIRECTOR-GENERAL OUTLINES HIS PRIORITIES, FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS The director-general of Radio France Internationale, Antoine Schwarz, has given an interview to mark his first year in the post. Schwarz states his three priorities: improving market share in Africa, re- launching Radio Monte-Carlo Middle East and developing a "European network in Europe". Schwarz also wants to see greater cooperation with other international broadcasters and says radio is a key player in global affairs. His main concern for Digital Radio Mondiale is the listeners' access to technology and use of equipment, "rather than the technology itself". The following is the text of a report entitled "A true European at the helm" published by the Association for International Broadcasting's quarterly journal The Channel in June 2005 When Antoine Schwarz was appointed in June 2004 as president director- general of Radio France Internationale by the Conseil superieur de l'audiovisuel, the French broadcast media regulator, the CSA noted his experience and skills in the broadcasting field - gained in various government departments, at Radio Monte Carlo, as director-general of the Societe financiere de radiodiffusion (Sofirad), and at the SFP group. Almost one year into his five-year term, Antoine Schwarz talked to Gunda Cannon. How has that first year been - have you enjoyed it? Of course I have enjoyed it because the field of international radio is really a thrilling one. But I must confess too that my start was more difficult than expected. The reason is that I probably underestimated the resistance to reforms inside the company. And we need reforms in the management of the company because not much has changed in the last 20 years. So my greatest challenge is to establish a dialogue which allows some change and some reforms. In the beginning it was very difficult to find common ground for discussion with the various unions in RFI but I think now I am beginning to get a feel for what the unions can accept and what not. Can you say anything about the changes you want to make? It is a bit early but I can say that for me there are three priorities. The first priority project is to improve our market share in Africa, in French as well as in English and Portuguese, and possibly Hausa which we don't use at present. The second priority is to re-launch Radio Monte-Carlo Middle East. In the past RMC was very successful in the Middle East but now it faces competition from TV and other local radios, and also Radio Sawa. Our audience is not as large as it was 10 or 15 years ago. Our programming is probably too old- fashioned - we are just looking into that at present. The third task is to develop a European network in Europe. The idea is - but it is just a wish at this point - to establish a network dedicated to European content so that we have the news from Europe on a number of European radio stations. We would like to use some of our frequencies in various cities in Europe for this. Other large broadcasters are adding FM outlets around the world and moving into multimedia applications to deliver their news. What is RFI doing? The development of our FM network remains a top priority for RFI - we have 139 FM outlets throughout the world at the present time and 724 radio partners. We are constantly working to develop global institutional partnerships and at the same time partnerships on a regional basis. Our web site is also very important and is constantly developing. We recently launched a new site in Mandarin and another dedicated to football. Whenever an event can be adapted to a specific technology, RFI provides the service; for example delivering news by mobile phone, as we did for the African Cup of Nations football event in 2004. We are studying other applications for use in the future. Is RFI's strategy aimed at reaching principally the francophonie or is its task to talk to the whole world? RFI broadcasts in French and in 19 other languages and its task is to talk to the whole world. As a matter of fact, our motto is "RFI la radio du monde", the world radio. However, the defence and promotion of francophonie is of course part of our mission. Where in the world is your presence strongest? RFI has nearly 40 million listeners world-wide, and our web site registers 8 million page hits each month. Our strongest presence is in Africa of course, and secondly, in the Middle East. In these two big regions we are probably the first in French-speaking Africa and about at the level of the BBC in the Middle East, in Arabic. At present and until the end of 2005, we are mainly working on promoting ourselves in the Middle East, and in 2006, we will focus on Africa. For the future, I want to add Europe. It seems nobody considers Europe but I think we really belong to Europe and we have to have a European strategy. With the launch of France's international television channel - CNN a la francaise - planned, how is that going to affect RFI? At one time RFI thought that together with France Televisions we could constitute that new information channel - now we are not involved. However, we are prepared to offer a full range of services on a commercial basis to the future French news channel. I am quite confident that we will work together, and we feel there is no real competition between TV and radio, on the contrary, we think that really we help each other. So at the moment I am just waiting for the president to be appointed for the new company. There is the thought that if you are not part of it, there is a threat in budget terms because it will affect what is available to RFI. I don't feel there is a real threat now because in the eyes of the French government the new channel would add to the present French radio and TV channels. Of course, in the long term one can wonder whether there won't be budget choices against the 'old' media. I hope it won't be the case, especially if we work with the new channel. RFI's budget for 2004 is 127.2m euro [154.7 dollars], made up of subsidies from the foreign and cultural ministries and a share of the domestic licence fee. How do you convince your stakeholders about the need to fully fund your operations? It's my job to have good projects to convince our stakeholders. At the moment we are preparing with them a 3-year development plan that will start next year. How independent is RFI from the French government? RFI is totally independent from the French government even if our objectives are fixed by law. And one of them is to present a French outlook on news and current affairs. Last year the BBC tried to identify the editorial lessons from the Hutton Inquiry and Report. Has what happened at the BBC affected RFI - are there now increased editorial pressures? Quite categorically, the answer is no. The largest international broadcasters offer training for journalists and broadcasters from around the world. Is this part of RFI's mission? Yes, this is very much a part of RFI's mission, increasingly so. At the end of 2004, we relaunched our operations in this field under the name of "Talent+" with its own web site. The number of training projects planned for this year has increased threefold, to 70. Also, RFI now not only offers training in journalism and technology, but also in management and the Internet. How important is co-operation with other international broadcasters? We feel more and more European, the latest evidence being our recent cooperation with Deutsche Welle [RFI and Deutsche Welle are joining forces to broadcast their programmes in the Arab world and states of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and are also considering sharing frequencies in Moscow, St Petersburg and parts of the CIS]. We also work very closely with the BBC - we share a frequency in Budapest. Personally, I feel more and more European, and I'm sure there is a place for an international European radio. Where do you see international broadcasting going? First of all, there is obviously a need for international information in the context of globalization. In this context, radio is a key player, being an easily-available, free-access medium. This is particularly the case with RFI in places like Africa where there is a serious lack of computers, television, and modern means of information. RFI plays a complementary role with regards to television, in places like the Middle East for instance. Broadcasting must be global. I think the ideal scenario for international broadcasting is to be able to provide a global offer of radio, TV and Internet - to have the same strategy for these three media platforms. We at RFI have radio and a good web site, and what we need is to have a good relationship with TV. What is your view of Digital Radio Mondiale? We are closely examining all recent developments in radio technology including DAB and satellite radio. The main issue at stake in this instance, however, revolves more around listeners' access to, and use of, the equipment rather than the actual technology itself. Antoine Schwarz, thank you for talking to us. Thank you - I do appreciate The Channel. As a reader I discovered it only when I moved to RFI but I regret that because otherwise I would have read it before! Source: The Channel, London, in English Jun 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** GEORGIA. Radio Georgia transmite en onda corta, contrariamente a lo que afirman muchas ediciones DX. Fue captada el 18 de junio a las 1615 horas con un programa en la lengua de Azerbaiján y dirigido a aquel país, en la frecuencia de 4540 kilohercios (Programa DX de Radio Bulgaria en Español, June 26 via Dino Bloise, FL, dxldyg via DXLD) Who said they are not on SW? (gh, DXLD) ** GERMANY. DRM sui 26000 kHz --- Ciao a tutti, vi segnalo che sto ascoltando (sono le 1747 UT) sui 26000 in segnale DRM della Campus Radio di Nuernberg, che trasmette dalla germania con 50 watt. C'e' qualche interruzione ma in generale e' una buona ricezione vista la potenza !!! Ecco il log di dream: Dream Software Version 1.2.4 Starttime (UTC) 2005-06-28 17:40:45 Frequency 7320 kHz Label FH Nuernberg Bitrate 18.38 kbps Mode A Bandwidth 10 kHz MINUTE SNR SYNC AUDIO TYPE 0000 10 134 473/10 0 0001 13 148 1287/10 0 0002 10 131 447/10 0 0003 13 147 1110/10 0 0004 11 148 434/10 0 0005 5 12 0/00 0 SNR min: 1.7, max: 15.2 Saluti, (Andrea Borgnino IW0HK, http://www.mediasuk.org/iw0hk http://www.mediasuk.org/archive bclnews.it via DXLD) ??? This is totally confusing. If you heard it on 26000, why does the display show 7320 kHz?? The wonderful world of digital nonsense? The DRM sked via Media Network says Campus Radio on 26000 is from Dillberg to Neumarket 24h with 100 watts; while 26012 is Campus Radio from Nuernberg to Nuernberg, also 24h with 100 watts. There is one DRM on 7320, BBCWS in English via Rampisham at 1000-1500 (gh, DXLD) ** GUATEMALA. Radio Cultural Coatán, 4780, recibida carta de confirmación, manuscrita, firmada por Diego Sebastián Miguel en 35 días. Se acompañó 1 US $ junto al informe de recepcíon. En la carta dice: "En el nombre del personal de esta emisora Radio Coatán, reciba un cordial saludo". "Quiero agradecerle su sintonía, gracias por su valiosa información, que recibí en la fecha del 8 de Junio, me sorprendí mucho que usted escuchara nuestra emisora". "Dios le dará mucha sabiduría e ingeligencia al estar escuchando esta señal que transmitimos desde este bello municipio de San Sebastián de Coatán, Huehuetenango, Guatemala". "Dios le bendiga y siga escuchando la señal de Radio Coatán en la onda corta, 4780 kHz". Esta radio es cristiana, con 11 años de transmisión, idiomas: español y chuj de Coatán; antena de 48 metros; Enlace, 1; Guardían, 2; Locutores, 3" Dirección: Radio Coatán, T.G.C.T. San Sebastían Coatán 13025 Huehuetenango, Guatemala Tfno. (011 502) 77583491 77585494 (via Manuel Méndez, Lugo, España, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HONDURAS. 4820, La Voz Evangélica, Tegucigalpa, has been reported tentatively heard in the U.S.A., so I checked it last night on Jun 27 at 0000, 0100 and 0200, but it was silent. This station is still active on MW on at least two frequencies from Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, but their SW outlet has been down for ages now. 3340, La Voz de Misiones, Comayagüela, has been active now and then, but with weak signal and some audio problems. It was off the air when I checked it at 0000, 0100 and 0200 on Jun 27 (Elmer Escoto, Honduras, DSWCI DX Window via DXLD) Estimados colegas diexistas. Cometí una falla al indicarle al colega José Elías Díaz que RADIO MISIONES INTERNACIONALES o RADIO M.I. emite por la frecuencia 5010 kHz: ellos emiten por la frecuencia 3340 kHz, FAVOR TOMEN NOTA. Esta radio la sintonizo por medio de la grabadora Sony, análoga, ya que por medio del receptor Sony Digital ICF SW40 no la he podido sintonizar. En la frecuencia 3320 kHz [sic] emite RADIO LUZ Y VIDA TAMBIEN DE ESTE PAIS (Geovanny Aguilar Bustamante "MONTAÑES", ASOCIACION HONDUREÑA DE RADIO ESCUCHAS A.H.R.E. http://espanol.geocities.com/hondurasdxclub/swl Noticias DX via DXLD) Hola compañeros. Anoche logré sintonizar esta emisora cristiana Radio Luz de [sic] Vida de Honduras y tuve buenos resultados con saludos de cumpleaños a varias personas y buena música (SINPO de 443323 [sic], 3250 kHz. Lo que pasa como dijo algún colega por ahí, no identifican la emisora, tampoco correo postal o, electrónico para hacerles llegar los detalles. Si algún compañero la tiene, favor hacérmelas llegar. Gracias, (Roman de Costa Rica Mora, June 29, Noticias DX via DXLD) Según el WRTH, las direcciones de la emisora son: Radio Luz y Vida Barrio Luz y Vida San Luis Santa Barbara Honduras o bien Radio Luz y Vida Apartado 303 San Pedro Sula Honduras y dan también efmhonduras @ golbalnet.hn [sic] Un saludo (Pedro Sedano, Madrid, España, ibid.) I suppose that should be globalnet ** INDONESIA. At present I listen to fine Jakarta domestic service on 11860, hopefully last till 1657 UT. And I guess VOI also fade in on 15150 kHz, hit co-channel by Tehran Arabic till 1627. VOI 15150 and 9525 were missing yesterday night totally. 73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL. MÚSICA EN ONDA CORTA: 6220, Mistery Radio, emisora pirata, Reino Unido, por las noches con buena música años 80. Posiblemente emitiendo las 24 horas. 6973, Galey Zahal, desde Israel, desde 1800 a 0400, segmentos de música pop local e internacional, música disco. 7466, R. N, Saharaui, clandestina, Argelia, con buena música folklórica popular Saharaui. 9290, European Music Radio, Via Latvia, los fines de semana relays de música pop y disco. Emisiones irregulares y sin horario fijo. 9575, MEDÍ 1, emitiendo desde Marruecos desde 0500 hasta 0100, con música pop y folklórica local. 9575, AIR New Delhi, emisora india con excelente música pop actual, tanto nacional como internacional. [Time? Many short language segments scheduled 1215-1740, per EiBi] 11530, Dengue Mesopotamia, clandestina con emisión diaria desde 0400 a 1600, emitiendo en kurdo, amplios segmentos de música pop local y folklórica. 13730, OE1, Radio Austria con emisiones de música clásica desde 0400 a 1205 13780, Deustche Welle, en su emisión de 0600 a 1800, amplios segmentos de música clásica. 15160, RDP R. Portugal, desde Portugal los sábados y domingos, de 0700 a 1000, música pop portuguesa y fados. 15290, Radio Fardá, desde Estados Unidos, amplia gama de frecuencias y horarios de esta emisora, emitiendo en farsi, buena música pop local, internacional y latina. 17700, Radio Solh, emisora clandestina con emisiones en afgano, con segmentos de música popular y folklórica local. 21530, Voz de Grecia, en griego de 0600 a 0900, con música pop y folklórica local (Jose Miguel Romero, Burjasot (Valencia), España, June 28, Noticias DX via DXLD) Informo aos amigos, que gostam da música internacional, que a BBC tem um programa Música sem Fronteiras, às 00:00 horas em 6110 kHz. Confiram; o som é dos melhores !! 73 (Paulo Miled, June 28, radioescutas via DXLD) Feiras? ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. PRESIDENT LYNDON B. JOHNSON: INTERNET VISIONARY Okay, so this is not directly related to any of the topics in this blog, but I had to mention this link I found about an amazing 1967 speech by President Lyndon Johnson in which he described something very much like today's internet http://www.buzzmachine.com/archives/2005_06_26.html#009939 As a commenter on the link notes, the Department of Defense's ARPANET was in final development then, and it was ARPANET that was the foundation of today's internet. No doubt President Johnson had been briefed on the system, which was originally intended to provide a military communications system that could survive a nuclear attack. But you have to give him credit for grasping the civilian possibilities and benefits of such a network. It's more evidence that LBJ was arguably the most complex, fascinating president of the twentieth century. Posted on June 27, 2005 (Harry Helms, futureofradio via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM [and non]. XM SATELLITE RADIO TO BE PART OF MILITARY EMERGENCY NETWORK http://futureofradio.typepad.com/the_future_of_radio/2005/06/xm_to_be_Part_o.html (Harry Helms W5HLH, June 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. SIRIUS OR XM??? If international content is a prime motivation, then only Sirius will do. Sirius carries World Radio Network's WRN http://www.wrn.org North American English service which includes programming from Radio Prague and Radio Budapest which you name plus about two dozen more, including RNW, VoR, R. Sweden, RTE Ireland, R. Bucharest, KBS World Radio, CRI, R. Australia, RNZI, Kol Israel, Vatican R., R. Polonia, Channel Africa, DW, R. Slovakia, R. Guangdong, Glenn Hauser's World of Radio and others. Another station, PRI World, carries "Euroquest" from RNW and a lot of CBC Radio One content -- but you Canadians can get your fill of that on your own. A minor disappointment -- Sirius, while carrying BBCWS, takes its news and information feed rather than the Americas stream. The former does have content other than straight news especially on the weekend; but not the full "rich mix" we used to be accustomed to via SW. If one's primary motivator is reception of the BBCWS Americas stream, then XM may be your preferred provider. As far as other international content, Sirius has BBC Mundo (24/7 Spanish service) and has just announced the addition of BBC Radio 1 and Korean and Chinese language channels for the late summer/fall. Sirius also carries the EPL soccer matches in season and is right now in the midst of extensive coverage (using three channels) of the Wimbledon tennis championships. The latter are through the BBC; so given Sirius' apparently strong relationship with BBC, I wouldn't be surprised to see additional services coming from them in the future. (I have no inside knowledge here; just a guess on my part.) (John Figliozzi, NY, ODXA via DXLD) I forgot to mention the links from the service providers themselves: http://www.siriusradio.com and http://www.xmradio.com That's the best way to inspect the various channels themselves. Having Sirius on our recent Florida trip was a godsend -- our two kids watched videos, listening to audio via headsets; my wife & I listened to Sirius much of the time. Aside from the obvious program listening, having access to local traffic and weather ahead of time was helpful - - we knew what to expect ahead of time, before we were in range of local radio stations. Also, having the traffic reports on 4-minute cycles saved us from having to listen to local stations with drivel for content just to hear their traffic reports. Having access to regional weather helped us know what to expect when driving the rural Interstates (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, swprograms via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. SIRIUS & XM HACKING? To Richard Cuff and others regarding satellite radio: Since this topic came up, I would like to know if there has been any discussion or coverage of "hacking" satellite radio in order to receive it without paying the monthly fees? I've *never* seen any discussion of this, and have wondered why ever since the services started. After all, satellite-TV descrambling has been extensively discussed over the years, and now and then one reads about arrests of people who were producing or marketing illicit descrambler gear or decoder cards. But similar info about satellite radio seems to never be mentioned. Note that I'm not looking for actual technical instructions as to *how* to do this; I don't have any satellite-TV or radio equipment and am not trying to actually do this hacking. But I've been mystified by the deafening silence about this topic. I would have expected to have seen some news items about the companies' anti-hacking countermeasures, or busts of sellers of reception gear, but I never have. Has this been addressed in these referenced satellite-radio discussion fora? Maybe the technology is so good that the systems are perfectly secure? That seems doubtful to me but I suppose it's possible. Exactly how are authorized receivers enabled to function? Do you get some sort of card in the mail after signing up that you have to insert into the receiver, and move it around from device to device if you have both home and car reception equipment? Or do you get a code number you punch into a keypad or enter some other way? What are the actual physical details of starting up a subscription? 73, (Will Martin, MO, June 29, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) Receivers are apparently enabled by a data stream sent from the satellite. It was interesting -- I had the receiver switched on, and it was "locked" onto the preview channel. I went through the subscription enablement process on the web, then my receiver magically unlocked within 2-3 minutes of completing the process. My guess is that the digital format the information is sent in requires some sophisticated circuitry to convert back to analog audio...and there are likely only a few chipset manufacturers (I know Agere is one of them) that make the necessary chips. I would further surmize that distribution of those chips is tightly controlled. A good person to address this would be Tracy Wood -- one of the guys who presents satellite information each year at the Winter SWL Fest. I'll forward your questions on to Tracy; see if he has any ideas (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, ibid.) ** IRAN. IRAN TO BEGIN WORLD SERVICE TV IN ENGLISH SOON | Text of report by Iranian radio on 28 June The deputy director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting for international affairs has said that the organization will set up an international TV news network in English in the near future. Mr Sarafraz added, because of the success of the [Arabic-language] Al- Alam TV network and the fact that many world Muslims are familiar with the English language, by setting up such this TV network, we will try to communicate with a larger part of the world's Muslims. Source: Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, in Persian 1930 gmt 28 Jun 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** IRAQ [non]. Re 5-106: WRTH 2005 shows Iran has two powerful transmitters on 720: 750 kW at Mahidasht, and 400 kW at Tayebad, one of which is closer to Baghdad than the other (gh, DXLD) Voice of the Mojahedin not only uses high-power IRIB transmitters, it also appears to be a program produced in the studios of IRIB. The now defunct website http://www.radiomojahedin.com was hosted on an IRIB server, so was the audio streaming, and on the Hotbird satellite the radiochannel was part of the IRIB package (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 29, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRELAND. FURTHER RTE CUTBACKS TO EMIGRANTS Glenn, RTE's lack of interest and care of Irish emigrants in the UK and Northern Europe has reached new heights. Following their withdrawal from shortwave, the two hour reduction in broadcasts to North America via WRN and the reduced availability in Africa and Asia as a result of Worldspace's introduction of subscription charges, RTE has decided to withdraw their very popular live sports programmes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons on Tullamore 567 medium wave and Clarkestown 252 Long Wave. In future the sports programmes will be broadcast on FM only which only reach parts of Wales, Cornwall and even Northern Ireland. Many thousands of Irish emigrants listened to these live programmes to keep in touch with Gaelic football, hurling, League of Ireland soccer, rugby etc but now have to content themselves instead with repeat programmes of the previous week. Why not put the repeats on FM, Sport on medium and long waves or reintroduce the Athlone medium wave transmitter on 612 for repeats? If anyone wants to register their protests with these changes please e-mail radio@rte.ie Perhaps when you are at it register your request for RTE to re- introduce shortwave broadcasts. At least the Irish Minister for Foerign Affairs has come out in protest at these latest changes, pity he was so quite for the withdrawal from shortwave! (Paul Guckian, Co Clare, Ireland, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRELAND. RTE offers Worldspace subscriptions --- URGENT UPDATE Dear RTÉ Listener, As you know our service from WRN via the Worldspace satellite has become subscription. RTÉ is not responsible for the subsricption; it is a Worldspace policy change. WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO PROVIDE SOME LICENCES FOR OUR REGULAR LISTENERS (ESPECIALLY THOSE IN AFRICA TO WHOM WE SUPPLIED RECEIVERS) TO PROVIDE YOU WITH AN UNSCRAMBLING CODE. TO COMPLETE THIS OPERATION YOU MUST GIVE US DETAILS OF:- 1. YOUR NAME 2. THE RECEIVER IDENT (A LONG NUMBER WRITTEN ON THE BACK OR IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT) 3. CONTACT DETAILS, AND YOUR PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT PLEASE. PLEASE CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THIS OFFER IS TIME LIMITED AND MAY FINISH ON 20TH JULY 2005. Email: hearus @ rte.ie (RTE website via Mike Barraclough, June 30, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. English at 1900 on 11590 is getting killed by stronger signal on 11585; is that also Israel, in Hebrew? (Chris Hambly, Victoria, UT June 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) No, that would be All India Radio in Arabic to Mideast, on 11585 until 1945; Israel shifts from 11590 to 11585 at 2000, per EiBi schedules (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY [and non]. "Radio For Peace" is commonly misunderstood and misquoted in the DX press as "clandestine station for Western Sahara". In fact, their programs for listeners in the Western Sahara are only a small part of the production. This is how Radio For Peace presents itself on http://www.radioforpeace.info : --- quote --- 12 October 1992: The Birth of Radio K Centrale 1 March 2005: The Birth of RadioForPeace Why RadioForPeace? Radio For Peace is a no profit association for social promotion that is based in Bologna (Italy). It collects the inheritance of the FM station Radio K Centrale, created in 1992, always trying to combine the alternative world and the sintax [sic] of desire that it expresses: we have always refused to consider ourselves as a megaphone, but rather as a free navigating aggregation on air and on line. Today we are ready to a challenge that could conjugate the cultural belongings to the international scenes, more and more connected and interdependent. We strongly believe that we can have peace in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East only if we work to make the worlds communicating and if we fight against the clash of civilizations and who is supporting it. For this reason, we are currently working on a project, that is called Radio K Sat, that with its satellite radio station – operating in the Europen and in the Mediterranean areas - and its live broadcasting on the web, wants to express the opportunity to carry elaborated content in any single part of the world to a global audience. We want to introduce those cultures that operate for self knowledge, peace and collaboration, and against every logic of war and aggression. --- unquote --- Radio For Peace is available 24h via the Hotbird satellite and webcasting; programs produced for listeners in the Western Sahara have been transmitted by NEXUS-IBA in the past, and via the Algeria-based Radio Nacional de la R.A.S.D. (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN. Altho beamed from Yamata to S Asia, NHK Warudo news in English at 1408 UT June 29 was clearly audible on 11730. You`d think R. Japan would have an English to NAm frequency at this hour, = 7 am PDT/MST, 8 am MDT/CST, but this is the best we can do; per EiBi the only others at 1400 are 7200 direct to SEAs, and 11840 via Sri Lanka to Oceania (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KUWAIT. As far as I am aware, 1593 via KWT only has Persian at 1600-1900, and this is VOA and not Farda. At other times it is in Arabic, English and Kurdish (Noel Green-UK, via Wolfgang Büschel, DXLD) IBB Kuwait 1593 kHz 150 kW 350 degrees (ex-Holzkirchen Germany Continental unit). 0000-0100 VOA En, 0100-0600 RFE Arabic IRQ special. 1300-1400 VOA Kurdish, 1400-1600 RFE Arabic IRQ special. 1600-1900 VOA Persian, 1900-2000 VOA Kurdish, 2000-2200 RFE Arabic IRQ special, 2200-2300 VOA En. 2300-2330 VOA En, 2330-2400 VOA English (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX June 25 via DXLD) ** LATVIA. This weekend on 9290 kHz. July 2 Radio Six 0600-0700 UT Radio Joystick 0900-1000 UT July 3 Q103 0900-1600 UT Good Listening (Tom Taylor, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LEBANON [non]. Two items on the radio station "Radio Mashreq" targeting Lebanon from Israel. Item I - Internet presence (2005) Radio Mashreq has its own website: http://www.almachrek.org The station can be reached by email via almachrek@aol.com Item II - Background info (2004) SECRET ISRAELI RADIO TRANSMITTING STATION BROADCASTS TO LEBANON Date: Sunday, November 10 [2004] @ 11:54:00 EST Topic: Local News The Islam Online website gave details of a secret Israeli radio transmitting station which broadcasts in the Arab language and is aimed at the Lebanese people. The paper noted that the station started to broadcast in the summer 2002 and its transmission station is in the Metula area, close to the mutual boarder. The paper added that the radio broadcasts on the AM- 756 wavelength and its purpose is to encourage popular opposition of the Syrian occupation and of the continued stationing of Syrian army troops in Lebanon. The station also operates an Internet site called http://www.carmelnews.org The paper also added that the station is operated by the Israeli secret service just as the other Arab language stations. http://www.bachirgemayel.org/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=46 (via Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 30, dxldyg via DXLD) ** MALDIVE ISLANDS [non]. Audio files of the Minivan Radio target broadcasts are now available on the website http://radio.minivannews.com (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO [and non]. 600, unIDs; 1025-1045 June 30, still inconclusive, but definitely catching ***two*** stations on local sunrise here. One with essentially all morning talk chatter by M, the other much weaker with XE vocals underneath, fading up over the former by 1040 when M announced uncopiable calls "XE--(H?)," still wondering if it could be XEOCH "Quién Radio," Ococingo, Chiapas? Both signals gone by 1055 re-check. 660, XEAR "La Mexicana," Tampico, Tamaulipas; 1045-1055 June 30, definitely the one, XE vocals, clear M "la Mexicana" slogan at 1051. 1210, XEBD "Radio Centro," Jalapa, Veracruz; 1100-1106 June 30, tune- in to "Radio Centro" slogan by M, then ad string for stores with multi mentions of Jalapa, a couple more "Radio Centro" slogans by M&W. Signal lost to the Spanish WNMA-Miami Springs station (sounding Cuban, but lots of "...en Miami" refs, ads, "www punto [uncopiable]" URL, news talk) and Cuban Radio Sancti Spíritus, also briefly in the mix. The XE never did resurface after 1106 (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida USA 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO [and non]. See COLOMBIA: La Voz de tu Conciencia refuses to move off 6010 to accommodate R. Mil unless ordered to do so by the Colombian authorities; it has done all it can to minimize its signal toward the north, and Elmer Escoto in Honduras says Mil dominates the frequency and LVC is inaudible. (But LVC dominates Mil at any time of the night in NAm! --- Mil only free during the daytime vs high noise level and absorption, audible again June 29 around 1330 in OK --- gh) A possible conflict with Mil was brought up in the initial licensing process, but was not taken into account by the Colombian government. 5910 is still testing and adjusting with Marfil Estéreo programming. It will soon switch to a totally new program service originating in Bogotá (summary translation by gh for WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NAMIBIA. MISA SEEKS CANDIDATES FOR SENIOR POSITIONS The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) seeks dynamic, strategy- focused, innovative and energetic individuals with a passion for media freedom and freedom of expression. The free expression organisation is looking to fill four positions at its regional office in Windhoek, Namibia - a Deputy Regional Director/Programmes Manager; a Programme Specialist in Broadcasting and Internet Communication Technologies (ICTs); a Programme Specialist in Media Law and Policy; and a Communication and Marketing Manager. All positions are for 3-year renewable contracts and offer competitive salaries. The closing date is 10 July 2005. For full details, visit: http://misa.org/jobs.html Creative-Radio is an independent forum for people active in or interested in the use of radio in development, in particular promoting public health, improved education, protection of the environment, improved livelihoods, good governance and conflict mitigation. Since it started in 1996, Creative-Radio has been in the forefront of radio’s resurgence as a tool for social change and peace-building, and it helps promote best practice in these areas. Creative-Radio is pleased to be supported by: Internews® Network http://www.internews.org & Media Support Solutions / Media Support Partnership http://www.mediasupport.org (via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, Germany, June 28, DXLD) ** NEPAL. NEPAL FM RADIO STATIONS TO DEFY GOVERNMENT NEWS BAN | Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Kathmandu, 30 June: Defying the royal government's ban on news broadcast, private FM radio stations in Nepal will start giving daily updates of planned protests against media curbs from midnight. The representatives of Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM) also plan to broadcast news related to King Gyanendra's birthday on 7 July as part of their stir. "SIRM will air the news about their agitation programme on 30 June night defying the government's ban to transmit any news and information," Suresh Acharya, former President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, who is also associated with SIRM, said. The broadcast of protest plans would continue till 14 July. The representatives of the SIRM are scheduled to meet the king on Friday when a tea reception is being hosted at the Royal Palace for journalists to mark the 59th birthday of the king, Acharya said. "We will keep the king abreast about the problems facing the radio journalists and put our grievances," he said. The radio journalists are also planning to broadcast news about The king's birthday celebration on 7 July, the main day of the celebration. The radio journalists have been agitating since 1 February when the government banned private radios from transmitting any type of news, views or information. Source: PTI news agency, New Delhi, in English 1347 gmt 30 Jun 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS. In a bid to provide foreign news organisations with more info about current developments in Holland, RN has launched a new Media Desk, http://www.rnmediadesk.nl (AIB Channel, June via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS. I'm pleased to say that it's that time of the year again when Radio Netherlands picks up prizes. My colleagues won 6 awards at this year's New York Radio Festivals which honours the best achievements in radio programmes worldwide. The English Department won one World Gold Medal, two World Silver Medals, two World Bronze Medals as well as a Finalist Certificate. The judges had more than one thousand programmes to choose from, entered by many national and international broadcast organizations. The award ceremony was held in New York on June 27. These are the details: You can find links to the audio of all these programmes on our website at http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/features/media/050627ny?view=Standard (Andy Sennitt, Media Network newsletter June 30 via DXLD) ** NIGERIA. Re: Myself on Voice of Nigeria, 5-106: Never again I will say that anything at Voice of Nigeria has changed for the better or settled down. Yesterday (Wed) at 0700 everything was as I said; in the afternoon modulation was terribly low (still is today) and frequency change to 7255 was exactly at 1900... [Later:] Hi again, just for fun the protocol of this evening so far on VON. Modulation by the way was much better than in the morning, and Charles Aruca correctly announced that at 1900 the frequency would be changed from 15120 to 7255. At 1859 frequency announcement on 7255, followed by the usual "here's a summary of the news." Then national anthem, sign-off 7255 and back to 15120 at 1902. Now apparently the president speaking. A real brilliant method to keep listeners listening! 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, Münster, Germany, June 30, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. Pirate WSKO Rehab Radio is testing on 5715 & 7500 AM (Harold Frodge, MI, MARE Tipsheet June 30 via DXLD) ** ROMAN EMPIRE [non]. See U S A ** SRI LANKA. I can confirm that the evening transmission of SLBC ALL ASIA ENGLISH is off, but morning 0025-0430 still on 6005, 9770 and 15748, maybe for a few more months. The Indian languages continue as before, but then for how long? It is like hearing that an old friend has passed away (Victor Goonetilleke in Dxplorer, Jun 20 via DSWCI DX Window June 29 via DXLD) ** SWEDEN [and non]. On June 30, the delay between R. Sweden via Sackville, 15240, and direct on 15735, was about 44 seconds; around 1343 as they were announcing that the usual DRM broadcast via Flevo 5955 at 1700-1730 would be missing Saturday July 2. I assume that has something to do with special sporting broadcasts by RN on additional frequencies (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SYRIA [non]. Probably due to spamming, the email addresses published by The Arabic Radio on its website http://www.arabicsyradio.org have been changed, addresses with the domain @arabicsyradio.org are no longer valid. The new addresses given are baradasy@usa.com for the chief editor and alleposy@post.com for the site's webmaster. The website still has links to daily audio files (the last one dated 25 June), but contrary to the past, it no longer gives a shortwave schedule. Have the SW transmissions ceased? (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing on 12085 when checked 1500-1510 June 30th, very weak station on 7470 at 1510, can detect the carrier and snatches of audio (Mike Barraclough, UK, ibid.) ** TANZANIA. JOB: BBC World Service Trust; Location: Dar es Salaam Audience Research Executive (Qualitative) BBC World Service Trust Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Last Date: July 4, 2005 http://216.197.119.113/jobman/publish/article_9783.shtml (Dr. Hansjoerg Biener, Germany, June 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UGANDA [non]. R. Rhino Int'l Africa reduces schedule --- Quote from Radio Rhino International Africa website http://www.radiorhino.org dated 30 June 2005: "Dear listeners, beginning the first of July until further notice, Radio Rhino International Africa will only broadcast every Wednesday and Friday of the week, at the usual transmission time. Our frequency remains 17870 Short Wave. Much as we are committed to continue broadcasting dailly [sic], but due to financial constraints, we are unable to." (via Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1500-1530 UT ** U K [and non]. KSFR carries Live 8, from BBC, Sat July 2 from 1 to 5 pm MDT = 1900-2300 UT, as in a promo. I then looked up BBCWS online internet schedule, and it shows: 1305-1500 Live 8 music mixed with Sportsworld; 1505-1700, 1805-2000, 2105-2200 Live 8 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [non]. RADIO 1 IS SET TO HIT AMERICAN AIRWAVES. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/news/chartnews/050621_sirius.shtml (via Tom Roche, DXLD) ** U S A. Wed June 29 at 1347 on 7285-LSB I was hearing the Daytime Texas Traffic Net, NCS K5HHS, repeatedly announcing that he had traffic for Palacios, TX, near Bay City. Several others checked in, but none apparently in a position to take the traffic, and I never heard what it was. I can`t help but wonder in this age and day, what the point of hamband traffic nets is, with so many other more immediate, efficient and private means of conveying messages. But I shouldn`t begrudge them their fun and sense of public service. Per Nets to You, this one is scheduled M-F from 1330 in DST (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) On a normal day, the hamband traffic nets are there for "training" and "practice". With all the other communications, they are not really necessary in normal times. But flash back to the communities in Florida after Hurricane Andrew -- -- they had no radios, telephones, cable or cell sites operating. It was amateur radio's ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) and NTS (National Traffic Service) that provided much needed communications for these communities until the infrastructure was repaired. For several days until outside help could arrive and set up, they were communicators for both public officials & private citizens. The daily stuff we hear on the ham bands (HF and VHF-UHF) are merely used for practice and training. You never know when a disaster will strike and it's better to be prepared for any eventuality (Don Hosmer, N8TAV, AEC Wayne Co (MI) ARES/RACES, June 29, dxldyg via DXLD) Good point ** U S A [non]. RFE/RL announced that it will close its Serbian service, as well as Albanian transmissions for Kosovo, as from 1 July (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, 30 June, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Short notice! These were on SW (gh) ** U S A. WBCQ, 5105, heard testing with R Six International program at 0133-0201*, Jun 27. Mostly instrumental jazz music, but also some new age rock and and Irish jig mixed in. No talk at all until close, when they gave both the R Six International ID and a WBCQ ID. Good level; almost up to the regular WBCQ 7415 signal. SIO=343. The test maritime program was not // WBCQ on 7415 (George Zeller, OH, Dxplorer, Jun 27 and 28 via DSWCI DX Window via DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. WYFR in Brazilian Portuguese still colliding with RDPI in Portuguese Portuguese, on 15770, June 29 at 1402. WYFR on top with hymn, RDPI below with talk. Targets are SAm and SAs respectively, so who cares what happens in NAm? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 9265, WMLK, Bethel PA; 1527-1538+, 24-June; Assemblies of Yahweh English Bible thumping. ID at 1535 announcing 9465 (nothing there). SIO=4+53-, strong transmitter hum; program before 1535 sounded like someone in the audience was holding the mic. Audio better at 1535 when Jacob O. Meyer came on. Assume this frequency is a goofup (Harold Frodge, MI, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) Nullo modo; as reported months ago in DXLD, 9265 is their currently authorized frequency; they just have not bothered to update their announcements; what`s a mare 200 kHz? (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. QSL received: DISNEY RADIO WDSS 1680 AM – GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN QSL, stickers recibida el 24 de junio del 2005. Informe enviado el 06 de mayo del 2005. Hora: 04.15 UTC Frecuencia: 1680 AM Fecha; Mayo 05, 05. VRS/ NO QTH: 4417 Broadmoor SE – Grand Rapids Michigan 49512 – USA (CESAR PEREZ DIOSES, CHIMBOTE, PERU, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. I see that this past Sunday's NY Times Magazine featured a story on Nic Harcourt, the host of "Morning Becomes Eclectic" at Santa Mónica's KCRW public radio. Some time ago, I posted something here about the program, recommending it and Mr. Harcourt highly. It's nice to see the mainstream press catching up to us internet denizens, regardless of the time lag. |g| http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/26/magazine/26HARCOURT.html I'll paraphrase what I said then... fantastic program; excellent host that serves as an informative, engaging and important guide through unfamiliar, but most worthy music and artists. KCRW also is a fine example of a public station with a contemporary, even edgy, feel. It blows away the notion of some that all public radio needs to be classical music or news based and buttoned-up or stodgy. More non-comms should emulate it. http://www.kcrw.com (John Figliozzi, Halfmoon NY, June 30, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) LA features a minimum of five widely audible public radio stations. KCRW features the eclectic mix John mentions. KPCC -- actually operated by Minnesota Public Radio -- is pretty close to the NPR/PRI syndicated mix, with some locally originated talk shows. KCSN is a blend of classical, folk, and BBCWS programming. KUSC is 100% classical, with most of its content offered nationally via the CPRN. KPFK is 100% Pacifica (politically liberal talk/news). I don't know how well - overall - a KCRW clone would fend in much smaller markets where there is less room for public radio. Interestingly, the weekly two-hour "best of" program culled from Mornings Become Eclectic, titled "Sounds Eclectic", appears on the XM Public Radio channel (but not on Sirius). Sounds Eclectic is offered on roughly 20 other public radio stations. Oh, all 5 of those LA public radio stations do stream their over-the- air broadcasts; "Morning Becomes Eclectic" is also available on-demand via webcast (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, ibid.) ** U S A. On the DXLD 5-106 topic of "dumbing down": Another example of this in the entertainment arena is the new ABC mini-series "Empire" which just began last night (6/28) and which purports to depict the rise of Octavius Caesar and his becoming Emperor Augustus. I watched it and was incredibly annoyed. I had recently re-read the last of Colleen McCullough's excellent series of novelizations of the latter days of the Roman Republic, that book dealing specifically with this very period. Her research is detailed and the novels, though fictionalized, are good info sources on what actually happened at the time and also give one a good impression of what life was like in that environment. The real-life events are fascinating and dramatic, so it was a shock to see how the ABC series' writers mangled the depiction of them. They threw in idiotic and impossible characters, like a mythical gladiator, depicted incorrectly the assassination of Julius Caesar, mangled and degraded the character of Octavian and his relationship with Caesar, and even much of the scenery was shown incorrectly. The thing is that there was absolutely no need to do this; they could have shown everything exactly as we best know how it happened and it would have been just as dramatic, if not more so, and not spent any more money. Octavian was Caesar's secretary, serving as a military tribune with capability and honor even if physically somewhat weak (he may well have been asthmatic); he DID have a companion and protector but it wasn't a gladiator (a really low-status social position, by the way) -- it was a fellow tribune who decided to attach his career to the obviously rising star of Octavian. Caesar was killed in the Senate but NOT while it was gathered in session; instead it was before most of the Senators had assembled. He was doing paperwork when the conspirators came in and attacked him, and the later-arriving Senators fled when they saw or were told of the murder. The funeral orations and pyre were in the main Forum, not the wretched little courtyard pictured in the series, and the business with Caesar's will was not the melodramatic silliness shown. Shakespeare's depiction was not realistic either, but it certainly was better than what ABC came up with. With modern digital technology, the image of the real Roman Forum with the correct size of crowd could have been easily created. It looks like they were doing a college-theatre production for this TV "special". The city of Rome was not all low-level shacks and market stalls, as shown; there were multi-story-high tenements housing much of the populace. And what irritated me the most was the scenes of leaving Rome going out the walls. They showed it as a tiny walled town with untouched grassland reaching right up to the walls, when instead there was a sea of buildings, markets, vendors, tombs and shops outside the walls tapering off gradually over miles of distance, especially along the major Roman roads, which themselves were wide and paved, not the footpaths shown. Grrrr..... I cannot understand why they did everything so wrong when it would have been just as easy and cost the same to do it RIGHT! 73, (Will Martin, MO, June 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I gave it 10 minutes, then dumped out of it. I save a lot of time this way thanks to crummy TV shows (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. FM BOOSTER APPLICATIONS FOR ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION PERMIT ACCEPTED FOR FILING ---------------------------------------------------------------------- UT BNPFTB-20050603ABI KBNZ-1 164749 3 POINT MEDIA - UTAH, LLC CP New Stn. E 104.7 MHZ OGDEN, UT Petitions to deny this application must be on file no later than 30 days from the date of the notice accepting this application for filing. UT BNPFTB-20050603ABS KBNZ-3 164751 3 POINT MEDIA - UTAH, LLC CP New Stn. E 104.7 MHZ SALT LAKE CITY, UT [+same proviso] (FCC via Kevin Redding, AZ, Jun 29, ABDX via DXLD) Yeah and guess what 104.7 is? A new station going on the air licensed to LYMAN, WYOMING. You tell ME why our FCC actually grants boosters to a station licensed to cover LYMAN, WYOMING because they complain they can't reach SALT LAKE CITY, UT ?!?? Lyman is 40 miles EAST of ME. And I'm 75 miles from Salt Lake City / Ogden. Imagine a station being a "Salt Lake City" station being licensed to a city some 115 miles away. It's a big ugly rimshot thing that's been going on. Don't get me started. MJR n WYO (Michael Richard, ibid.) I knew when I posted this it would get your attention. I see it served its purpose. :-) Rimshots are going to turn to crap when IBOC is mandatory. The signal will never make it (Kevin Redding, AZ, ibid.) SLC 104.7 Booster Stations: Yup. It's a mess and there are more to come. All part of the "Humpy Peak" conspiracy. There are now 4 stations already on the air up there. Humpy Peak is way up in the Uinta mountains about 30 miles south of here. There are 4 stations up there already and they all do the same thing. Licensed to a town somewhere else (Randolph, UT; Evanston, WY; Oakley, UT; Coalville, UT) and then tell the FCC that they can't reach SLC so they need boosters down there. FCC says "Oh so sorry to hear you can't reach SLC because of the mountains --- I guess you need some on-channel boosters." Bang. You have a rimshot. The Lyman station is just one of at least 2 or 3 more that are planned in the near future, including a station that will be the demise of KNYN 99.1 (licensed to Ft Bridger, WY). KNYN is the station that I am on the air on right now doing my mid-day shift. Once that station goes away, Evanston will be left with NO local FM. I really don't know what we're going to do. Latest "talks" have pointed to possibly putting a translator on the air here in Evanston for one of the Kemmerer FMs that we are leasing. Then operate it from here. Don't know how that's going to go. But for now KNYN's day are numbered because the station is moving down to Smithfield, UT and the Smithfield station is moving up here to go on Humpy. Anyways --- a little bit of history there on the Humpy Peak rimshot theory and how it works. Salt Lake City metro has more stations per capita than any other market in the country. You can now see why (Michael n WYO Richard, June 29, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. If you are not a Spanish speaker or even if you are, this might help you correctly identify the format of a radio station you are listening to: http://www.davidgleason.com/hispanicformats.htm The web site describes the formats and includes samples of the various music formats. 73 (Steve Whitt, MWC via DXLD) ** U S A. From a visit to Chicago at the Drake Hotel: Digital TV: These reports are based on the signal strength meter showing a digital signal was present. The R-3 can't decode these and I didn't drag a digital tuner out to try, so consider these presumed. I didn't see anything that looked like a strong signal on several channels that I would have expected to but reception inside the Hotel was kinda lousy, so maybe they're there, but just don't make it on a whip. RFch Call/ID 3 WBBM (CBS2) 16 WTVO (Rockford) 21 WYCC (PBS 'Wise TV' 20 chicago) 29 WMAQ (NBC-5) 53 WTTV (PBS/11 chicago) Analog TV: It has been a while since I paid attention to the TV scene in Chi-town, and much has changed. Lots more ethnic than I remember from 15 years ago, and NONE of the stations use their call letters any more except for WYCC & WGN. All of them ID with their network primarily, and many don`t even mention their channel number. Sheesh... These were all logged during the evening of 6/15 starting at about 9:20p-11:00p CDT, with periodic rechecks through the stay to try to ID some of the tougher ones. Stations in [brackets] are not even listed in the Tribune TV pages -- most appear to be low power (CA) stations like channels 26 & 33 in Detroit. The letter grade in (parens) give a subjective rating of the reception quality with a whip antenna on the R-3 in the 'Miracle Mile' area of Downtown Chicago. Chicago has 13+ different English language TV stations and 19+ signals in all -- and people need cable/dish why? Oh, yeah, MTV and VH1, right... 2 WBBM CBS-2 Chicago (Reception in Miracle Mile area was grade A) 5 WMAQ NBC-5 (A-) (DTV-29 seen in Williamston) 7 WLS ABC (usually IDd as ABC-7) (A-) 9 WGN WB (A) (seen in Williamston) 11 WTTW PBS/popular shows (A-) (seen in Williamston) [13 WOCK (CA) "Azteca America" network (A-)] 20 WYCC PBS/intellectual IDd as "Wise TV-WYCC" (A) 23 WWME (CA?) "MeTV" IDs --w/old movies, Twilight Zone etc. (B) 26 WCIU African American emphasis syndicated (B) [28 WOCH Korean language programming! (A-)] 32 WFLD Fox - co-branded with UPN(!) (A) [34 WEDE-CA(p) Arlington Hts IL Infomercials 24/7 w/no IDs seen (B)] 38 WCPX Pax (B) formerly WCFC seen in Williamston 44 WSNS Telemundo (NBC owned) -- Spanish pgm (A) [48 WFBT-CA(p) Blue Island IL 'Polvision'-Polish pgming, no IDs (B)] 50 WPWR (lic to Gary IN) IDd as Fox-Chicago (B-) 60 WSNS (lic to Aurora?) -- Spanish pgming (A-) 66 WGBO Univision -- Spanish pgming (A) I also heard audio (only) on the following channels (i.e. sub B- grade reception -- needed triple conversion to get anything. [The R-3 is double conversion when the video monitor is on & triple when you turn it off.] 22 (S Bend? -- never really could tell anything about this!) 46 (W52BR Arbury Hills IL (on the lake)(shopping network)(p) 62 (WJYS Hammond IN Religious pgm presumed) ~~~~~MW TISs/HARs --- 530 Chicago/Illinois DoT TIS with continuous traffic updates and in & outbound travel times on e-ways, etc. 7:10p CDT 14/Jun --Zichi-IL 1610 Chicago/Illinois DoT TIS with continuous traffic updates and in & outbound travel times on e-ways, etc. 7:15p CDT 14/Jun--Zichi-IL 1650 Chicago/Illinois DoT TIS with downtown traffic closures & festival re-routing data 1:30p CDT 18/Jun--Zichi IL OK, the separation of Downtown from the in/out freeway info is a nice touch, but WHY in god's name don't they segregate one step more & have inbound on 530 & outbound on 1610--nobody is going in both directions at the same time, right? And it sure would make it easier for those of us who don't know the Dan Ryan from the Stevenson from a hole in a wall--and would likely help the natives too! Someone have connections with the ILDoT -- feel free to pass this on, and hey -- if you are headed that way this summer. AVOID I-94 at all cost! The IN toll road is cheap (IN portion is 80 cents--the skyway bridge in IL is $2.50 and it then dumps you onto I-94 in the middle of construction mess, so get off as soon as you can by the state line and take surface streets) and the construction delays are horrendous from about 15 miles before the IN/IL state line all through Chicago! (Ken Zichi, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) ** U S A. Hey All: I'm curious about something. When the Hurricanes came thru Central Florida last year, how many stations lost tower(s)? I know that WNTF 1580 Bithlo lost one of its 3 towers and operated at 5 KW ND. WTIR 1300 Cocoa lost one of its 3 towers and had to operate at 1.25 KW Day/250 W Night. I'm sure we weren't the only ones. Who else lost a tower/antenna? (Paul Walker, FL, June 29, NRC-AM via DXLD) 1290 WCFI, Ocala, has been off since the last Hurricane. Drove by the site last month, and all 3 towers are lying on the ground. Building is definitely damaged. Since the station was fined last year 10K for not lighting the towers, I wonder if the owner said the heck with it and toppled them. I did not see any local press coverage of them losing the towers and no one locally seems to know anything about. Meanwhile I have been DXing 1290. Have some pics of the damage if I can ever find the time to post them. Central Florida Radio site says they are "dark awaiting a new owner" (Lee Freshwater, Ocala FL, ibid.) ** VANUATU. Hi Glenn; It was reported on RNZI Dateline Pacific tonight that NZ will be funding two new Mediumwave transmitters for R. Vanuatu to complement the existing SW service, and as backup incase that loan transmitter fails. There was also mention of possible $ coming from the British for FM, China for TV etc, for this Pacific broadcaster. 73 (Mick Delmage, Sherwood Park, AB, June 29, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VIRGIN ISLANDS US. I'm hearing WDHP 1620 St. Croix, pretty good tonight on unamplified 2 foot box loop with WNRP nulled. Caught ID at 10:01 pm EDT including a slogan, "The Reef". Had international and local news and then into an extensive regional weather report. 73 & GUD DX, (Thomas F. Giella, KN4LF, Retired Meteorologist & Space Plasma Physicist, Plant City, FL, USA, UT June 29, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE [and non]. The Harare-based Radio Voice of the People - which is transmitted on SW for listeners in Zimbabwe via the Radio Netherlands Relay Station in Madagascar - now has its own website: http://www.vopradio.co.zw The website is hosted in Zimbabwe (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, June 29, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Broadcast Frequencies 7120 kHz in the 41-metre band on Short Wave and 7190 kHz in summer. Broadcast Time 7.00 to 8.00 pm Zimbabwean time every day 1800 to 1900 hrs UTC every day (from sparse website above via gh, DXLD) If they can actually be based in Harare, have their site hosted in Zimbabwe, they must not be as anathema to the Mugabe regime as SW Radio Africa; why? And I don`t recall hearing of any jamming problem for VOP, right? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZIMBABWE [non]. On Jun 27 I also heard it *1700-1759* starting with ID in English. Immediately after the strong jammer started, but the jammer weakened after 1740. News and talks in English followed by Afropop. Splashed from the Voice of Indonesia on 15150. 32332 improving to 33333. The jammer signed off at 1801*. (Anker Petersen, Denmark, DSWCI DX Window via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WORLD OF CLOCKS +++++++++++++++ There was a writer on C-SPAN 2`s weekend programming block, Book TV. His book, `Spring Forward`, covered daylight saving [sic] time --- and all the controversy it`s caused over the years. He mentioned a system of timekeeping called Cosmopolitan Time, which was promoted 80-100 years ago (and had zero chance of being adopted). It was based on a 24-hour clock.. Every place on the Earth would have the same time. It would be the same day, hour, etc., Whether it was morning, afternoon, evening, night or late night would depend on where you were. But time would not vary (John H. Curley, Franklin TN, June 25, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hmm, a lot like UT/GMT/Z for those of us in the know. Calling it ``cosmopolitan`` would not have helped the cause in the USSR (gh) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ HAM TEST ONLINE An even better website to study for a ham ticket is at http://www.hamtestonline.com/study.jsp Study material is included on this site not just the test questions. Good luck! 73 & GUD DX, (Thomas F. Giella, KN4LF, June 28, NRC-AM via DXLD) Another good place to take sample tests is at http://www.qrz.com 73 de (Gary WA1TJB Smith, ibid.) UK & IRELAND: MW & LW TRANSMITTERS - NEW CD =========================================== Over the years information about LW & MW transmitters operating in the UK & Ireland has been fragmented, incomplete or out of date. More recently the Internet has augmented the printed medium but still it is exceedingly difficult to get all information in one place. In an attempt to improve matters I have spent several weeks collecting, collating and checking data about radio transmitters operating on Long and Medium Wave frequencies; in essence every transmitter in the UK and Ireland operating below 1700 kHz. I imagine that I won't be the only person interested in having as much information as possible all together in one place, so I will happily copy my files onto a CD-ROM for anyone who wants one. The CD contains the following: 1. A full listing of over 500 transmitters and who is using them, along with data about them such as power, location (both National Grid Reference and latitude and longitude) and, where known, date activated. A description of the antenna and its radiation pattern is also included. The listing includes all currently active stations and some recently decommissioned. You will find broadcasters, navigation beacons, time standards, maritime and military transmitters listed. You will also find some unusual frequency allocations; do you know who uses 87 kHz, 457 kHz, 846 kHz or 1641 kHz? 2. A collection of BBC local radio coverage maps. 3. A similar collection of maps for non-BBC stations. 4. A large collection of detailed photographs of 200+ transmitter sites and the antennae in use. 5. A collection of high quality scans of QSL cards from 100+ of the stations in the file. 6. Directional antennae radiation patterns. 7. Features: Extra features include a historical perpective of MW frequency assignment & usage in the UK. Additionally a dossier covering quiet radio areas in the UK is included with detailed information to help you select a listening site with minimum noise or interference. The CD also contains a range of useful country maps showing counties, postcode areas and so on. In addition it includes direct linking to the Internet which will take you to a station's own website and to a detailed on-line mapping service that will show you on an Ordnance Survey map where the transmitter is physically located. The CD is fully interactive and uses links to ensure you can quickly find the info you need. The main station listing uses a spreadsheet that you can sort and filter data as you wish. ORDERING ========== There are two ways of ordering a copy of this CD 1) By post. Write to me enclosing payment, and your mailing address and I will send you the CD by return post. Write to me at: Landsvale, High Catton, York YO41 1EH, England. Cash payment can be $11US; 10 Euro or £5 Sterling notes well concealed inside an ordinary letter envelope. If you don't want the risk of sending cash in the post, I recommend registered post. Non-cash payments such as cheques, Postal Orders or International Money Orders must be £5.00 Sterling. 2) Over the Internet You can pay by PayPal by sending payment to: transmitters @ uk2.net The PayPal prices are $11.75US; 10.75 Euro or £5.50 Sterling due to the charges levied by PayPal. Prices include post and packing. All orders will be despatched by post in a protective envelope and overseas orders will go airmail. I only use high quality CDs, such as TDK, to ensure you have a reliable and long lasting archive. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask. 73 (Steve Whitt, UK, June 30, mwdx yg via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ ANALYSIS: NEW TECHNOLOGY KEY TO THE FUTURE OF BROADCASTING | Text of editorial analysis by Alistair Coleman of BBC Monitoring Media Services at the Institute of Economic Affairs' Future of Broadcasting conference on 22-23 June The third annual Future of Broadcasting conference organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs, held in Central London on 22-23 June, heard that rapid advances in technology would fundamentally transform the viewing and listening habits of audiences, resulting in profound effects on the business practices of broadcasters and content providers. A report published by the conference's sponsor, Deloitte, entitled "Television networks in the 21st century - growing critical mass in a fragmenting world" highlighted the fragmentation of television audiences as new technologies allow for a diversity of both TV channels and new modes of receiving content. The idea of "one-to-many" broadcasting is being challenged by a proliferation of new media formats, an increasing number of distribution networks and an audience desire for greater control of their own viewing habits. Broadcasting, said the Deloitte report, is being reduced to the smallest fragment, and content providers may have to prepare themselves for "one-to-one" interaction with their customers. The importance of content Media companies should offer content and programming across a variety of media channels and formats said Ed Shedd, a Deloitte partner in Technology, Media and Telecommunications Practice. Content should be "a core offering that can be re-packaged", said Shedd, reiterating the argument that in a fragmenting market, consumers continue to be attracted by quantity over quality. Despite the fragmentation of audiences, the major players in the market still dominate, Shedd told the conference. A number of delegates spoke of new advances in broadcast technology and the programming that it may contain. David Docherty, former CEO of YooMedia plc stressed the need for content providers to engage with their audiences. "Viewers have moved from passive to becoming ultra- active", he said. "Consumers want opt-in, not opt-out." This lack of engagement has led to a new generation of viewers actively seeking content through internet peer-to-peer networks, bit-torrents, weblogs and online communities. In this respect, Docherty said, "rights management should be used as a tool [to engage audiences], not as a terrorist tactic". With Google Video about to go live, internet-based corporations will challenge traditional broadcasters for market dominance, said Bill Sinrich, CEO of Trans World International. Dean Hawkins, CEO of Video Networks Ltd, which operates the Homechoice digital service in London said that his company's on-demand TV, telephony and broadband service represented an adaptable service that "hands power to the audience", allowing the consumer to build their own on-demand TV schedule based on existing channel brands, which approaches the "one-to-one" broadcasting concept outlined in the Deloitte report. Mike Short of the mobile phone company O2 also pointed out to the advances with mobile telephony in an industry where, according to recent figures, mobile content is currently worth 500m pounds per year and "there are more mobile phones than people". Short announced the forthcoming trials of television by mobile phone using the DVB-H standard, which will take place in Oxford in September 2005, raising a debate as to whether television-enabled mobile telephones would require a TV licence. The spectre of the "digital divide" Despite the inexorable march of technology, delegates warned that there could still be millions left behind in a so-called "digital divide". Conference chairman, the former BBC director general Greg Dyke, summed up the fears that many may feel left behind by the growing complexity of new technology. Jane Lighting, CEO of commercial broadcaster Five, warned the industry against getting carried away in its rush towards new technology, reminding delegates that although recent Ofcom figures show that almost two-thirds of UK households are now "digital" in some way, there will always be those left behind by technological advances. Additionally, many people are still resistant to paying for television services over-and-above the licence fee, predicting "a limited free- to-view option may well dominate the market". Continuing the theme of an industry competing for a finite number of people willing to pay for subscription services, chief executive of SMG plc, Andrew Flanagan, stressed the need for investment in high quality output as well as in the technology on which it is carried. It is, he said, the in the broadcaster's interest to "chase the consumer". In an uncertain, rapidly developing media environment, both Flanagan and Deloitte's Shedd came to similar conclusions: it pays to be "technology agnostic" and to be on-board with as many technologies as possible. That is, chasing the consumers wherever they can be found. Source: BBC Monitoring research 28 Jun 05 (via DXLD) WHERE SCANNERS ARE ILLEGAL Is it illegal to use a scanner or just a scanner in a car? I know a lot of states have that restriction. I've brought my Icom R-5 to NY and never had a problem. Also I think the Icom R-3 (along with the R- 5). Is technically a "communications receiver" (Keith McGinnis, MA, ABDX via DXLD) There is a 2002 law on the books that makes simple possession of a scanner without a permit illegal throughout the state of NY. I read that a couple of years ago in a scanner magazine, and just now double- checked it. They can actually confiscate multiband radios capable of picking up any police frequencies, so you have to be careful what you bring into the state of NY!! There is an exemption for licensed ham operators with transceivers capable of also receiving police frequencies, but you must show your license and call or else they can take your radio and fine you (Emily, Uniontown, PA, ABDX via DXLD) I really had no idea about this. I never would have thought a state would outlaw scanners and radios capable of picking up those frequencies. I guess I have a hard time understanding why. Are there any other states that are like this? Might make an interesting trivia question to use on air :) (Michael n WYO Richard, ibid.) NY is the only state to make simple possession illegal. There are a few states (about 5, I think ) where use in a vehicle or possession of a scanner installed in a vehicle is a crime. An unusual antenna on your car can get you stopped in these states (Emily Keene, Uniontown, PA, ibid.) I wonder how easy it is to get a permit in NY. In addition to Radio Shack there are a few large Communication Equipment dealers in NY (Lenitini is one that comes to mind). I'm sure they were not happy about. Well I'll continue to bring my Icom R5 into NY State and test the waters LOL (Keith McGinnis, Hingham MA, ibid.) There's a good article in latest (July 2005) Popular Communications magazine: "Is It Safe To Use That Mobile Rig?". Here in Michigan mobile scanners are allowed with permit from the State Police (Communications Division) for non-hams. Penalty is up to $1,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail. Unfortunately, most police officers are not aware of the law, so it's a good idea to keep a copy of it with you. I had a sheriff deputy tell me it was a felony when it's only a misdemeanor. Out came to paper copy and he got an education ;-p (Paul Crane, KC8YQQ, Jackson, MI USA; Part 15 transmitters on air 24/7: AM stereo 1250, FM stereo 88.3, ABDX via DXLD) There are six: Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, New York, and Minnesota. Here's a link that explains it all: http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html (Paul Crane, KC8YQQ Jackson, MI USA, ibid.) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ The geomagnetic field ranged from mostly quiet to minor storm levels with an isolated period of severe storming early on 23 June. The period began with quiet conditions, and these levels persisted though late on 22 June. The Bz component of the IMF was very quiet, with no variance much beyond +/- 3 nT through early on 23 June. At about 0100 UTC on 23 June, wind speed, density, and temperature all increased, indicating the passage of a strong co-rotating interaction region in advance of a coronal hole high speed wind stream. The IMF Bz turned sharply south to near -20 nT early on the 23rd, and maintained this orientation through about 23/0900 UTC. Thereafter, and through the remainder of the summary period, the Bz did not vary much beyond +/- 5 nT. The geomagnetic field responded with unsettled to active levels through 23/0600 UTC, with an isolated severe storm period at 23/0900 UTC, and was followed by unsettled to minor storm levels through early on the 24th. Thereafter, and through the remainder of the summary period, the field was at quiet to unsettled levels. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 29 JUNE - 25 JULY 2005 Solar activity is expected be at very low to low levels. A greater than 10 MeV proton event is not expected. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 29 June – 01 July, 03 - 08 July, 12 – 19 July, and 23 – 25 July. Very high levels are expected on 10 – 11 July. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels. A recurrent coronal hole high speed wind stream is expected to produce unsettled to minor storm levels on 01 – 04 July, 09 – 10 July, and 12 – 14 July. Isolated major storm levels are possible on 20 July with unsettled to minor storm levels on 21 – 23 July due to a recurrent coronal hole high speed stream. Otherwise, expect quiet to unsettled conditions. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2005 Jun 28 2215 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center # Product description and SEC contact on the Web # http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2005 Jun 28 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2005 Jun 29 90 12 3 2005 Jun 30 90 8 3 2005 Jul 01 95 15 3 2005 Jul 02 100 20 4 2005 Jul 03 100 12 3 2005 Jul 04 100 15 3 2005 Jul 05 105 8 3 2005 Jul 06 105 8 3 2005 Jul 07 105 8 3 2005 Jul 08 105 8 3 2005 Jul 09 105 15 3 2005 Jul 10 100 15 3 2005 Jul 11 105 10 3 2005 Jul 12 105 12 3 2005 Jul 13 105 15 3 2005 Jul 14 105 15 3 2005 Jul 15 105 10 3 2005 Jul 16 100 8 3 2005 Jul 17 95 8 3 2005 Jul 18 85 8 3 2005 Jul 19 80 5 2 2005 Jul 20 80 40 6 2005 Jul 21 80 18 4 2005 Jul 22 80 15 3 2005 Jul 23 80 12 3 2005 Jul 24 80 10 3 2005 Jul 25 80 10 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio via WORLD OF RADIO 1279, DXLD) ###