DX LISTENING DIGEST 5-116, July 14, 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 AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO EXTRA 58: Days and times here strictly UT. Wed 2200 WOR WBCQ 7415 [first airing of each edition] [2205 7/13] Wed 2300 WOR WBCQ 17495-CUSB Thu 1000 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Thu 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Thu 2030 WOR WWCR 15825 Thu 2300 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 Fri 0000 WOR WTND-LP 106.3 Macomb IL Fri 0200 WOR ACBRadio Mainstream [repeated 2-hourly thru 2400] Fri 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Fri 2000 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru 1600 Sat] Fri 2105 WOR World FM, Tawa, Wellington, New Zealand 88.2 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, WPKM Montauk LINY 88.7 Sat 1030 WOR WWCR 5070 [cancelled?] 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 RNI Mon 0230 WOR WRMI 7385 Mon 0300 WOR WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0330 WOR WSUI Iowa City IA 910 [1280] Mon 0415 WOR WBCQ 7415 [usually closer to 0418-] Mon 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Mon 1800 WOR RFPI [repeated 4-hourly thru 1400 Tue] Tue 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Wed 0930 WOR WWCR 9985 Wed 1600 WOR WBCQ after hours Latest edition of this schedule version, with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]: WORLD OF RADIO Extra 58 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/worx58h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/worx58h.rm WORLD OF RADIO Extra 58 (low version): [same as COM 05-04] (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0504.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/com0504.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/com0504.html WORLD OF RADIO Extra 58 in true SW sound of Alex`s mp3 [projected]: (stream) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_07-13-05.m3u (download) http://www.dxprograms.net/worldofradio_07-13-05.mp3 NEW! WORLD OF RADIO Extra 58 downloads in studio-quality mp3: (high) http://www.obriensweb.com/worx58h.mp3 (low) http://www.obriensweb.com/worx58.mp3 WORLD OF RADIO PODCAST: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml (currently available: 1277, Extra 57, 1278, 1279, 1280, Extra 58) ** ANTARCTICA. Amigos Diexistas: Esta mañana recibí un mail de LRA 36 Radio Nacional Antártica Argentina, donde me dicen que no tienen TARJETAS QSL para verificar informes de recepción, yo les envié un mail con un informe ya que la recepción de LRA 36 ha mejorado sustancialmente y se escucha notablemente bien, sin interferencia alguna. Felicitaciones por eso los diexistas estamos muy contentos por eso, pero me apena la situación de LRA 36. Espero que podamos hacer algo para ayudar a esa emisora muy especial (CESAR PEREZ DIOSES, CHIMBOTE, PERU, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ANTARCTIC TERRITORY, 15476 kHz, LRA36, Radio Nacional Arcángel San Gabriel, according to a short e-mail received from its announcers (Claudia, Andrea & Mabi) they broadcast, as usual, from Mondays to Fridays, 1800-2100 UT, with a power of 2 KW, and with a rhombic antenna, with Spanish programs, plus English and other language IDs. Its e- mail: lra36 @ infovia.com.ar (July 13th, 2005) (Gabriel Iván Barrera, Argentina, Japan Premium via DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. La emisión correspondiente al domingo 17 de Julio de La Rosa de Tokyo estará dedicada a analizar la onda corta en Uzbekistán, Tadjikistán, Kyrgyzstán, Turkmenistán y Kazajstán. No se lo pierdan!!!!!!!! (Arnaldo Slaen, Galvan 2735, 1.431 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, July 12, condiglist via DXLD) La Rosa de Tokyo, el programa de comunicaciones de LS11 Radio Provincia de La Plata en el cual colabora el GRA, se irradia en el horario habitual de las 13 a 14 LU de los domingos (1600-1700 UT).- Podrá escucharse en los 1270 Khz de amplitud modulada, con 56 kws y en Internet, haciendo "click" en http://www.radioprovincia.gba.gov.ar Es muy importante para quienes hacen La Rosa... conocer la opinión de los escuchas. Sus mails con comentarios, críticas y sugerencias serán más que bienvenidos en estas direcciones electrónicas: dxradio @ argentina.com sommaomar @ argentina.com sommaomar @ yahoo.com.ar (Arnaldo Slaen, July 14, Noticias DX via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. Frequency change from July 10 for HCJB, affecting the Sat 1100 broadcast of DX Partyline: 15405 ex-15425 to SEAs. This will allow the transmitter to operate at full power [how does moving 20 kHz bear on that??? -- gh]; other DXPL times: Sat 0730 11750 SPac, 1300 15405 EAs, 1500 15390 SAs (Allen Graham, HCJB DXPL July 9, notes by gh for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BERMUDA. TROPO TO BERMUDA EARLY WEEK? Y'all take a peek at the Hepburn maps for Sunday/Monday. http://home.cogeco.ca/~dxinfo/tropo.html If they are correct -- and sometimes they are and sometimes they are not, of course – you folks on the East Coast might have a shot at Bermuda via tropo Sunday and/or Monday. I suppose tropo to Bermuda would be an odd thing. There is nothing between here and there to alert you of a possible opening. So, you'll have to keep an eye out. It would be interesting, though, if someone would catch one of the high-band Vs. Also fun would be a 2m QSO to VP9. We'll have to see (Peter Baskind, J.D., LL.M., N4LI, Germantown, TN/EM55, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) I was in Bermy 2 weeks ago for *daytime* AM DXing (but that would be OT, hi). [see below] I will tell you, from being there, (and also from what I have read on the Web), don't bet the house on seeing the hi- band Vs. It was hard to catch them even in Bermy. What to listen for.... 89.1, ZBM. FM 89 I think they call it, USA satellite AC (has been for years). I think they only ID at TOH. 94.9, "Power 95". Basic R&B, some island stuff maybe. 100.1, Open Carrier, emergency only 106.1, "Mix 106 FM", AC/Rock, some local origin music. I heard a DJ who sounded like he was white (please no "P.C." flaming. I know I could be wrong) 107.5 "Hott (sic) 1075", R&B/Caribbean (I guess) They stream online, so you can check for parallel. Sincerely (Christopher S. Dunne, Pembroke Pines, FL, (22 mi NW of Miami), Psalms 33:12, ibid.) I find this map to be quite useful. It's not a forecast like the Hepburn, but real time conditions based on 144 MHz APRS beacons. Refresh it every 10 minutes or so and watch it change. http://www.mountainlake.k12.mn.us/ham/aprs/path.cgi?map=na (John K9RZZ, Milwaukee, ibid.) When I tried, maps did not load. Hmm, I must pick out some really wacky Bible verses as my taglines. O, I don`t mess with taglines (gh) ** BERMUDA [and non]. Chris Dunne's DX from Bermuda. Equipment used on Bermuda DX: GE Superadio II, GE Superadio III, Select-a-Tenna. OK, ladies & gents, here it is --- my official DAYTIME AM RADIO DX report, from West Whale Bay, Bermuda, June 28, 2005. AM Call City State or Qu Freq Ltrs Country ____ ____ __________________ __________________ __ 530 .... .................. Turks/Caicos Isl 4 555 ZIZ* Basseterre St. Kitts 2 560 WQAM Miami FL 1 570 WMCA New York NY 4 580 WKAQ San Juan Puerto Rico 2 620 ?? Newark? NJ? 1 630 WPRO Providence RI 1 640 WWJZ Mount Holly NJ 4 660 WFAN New York NY 4 670 WVNS Claremont VA 1 " WWFE Miami FL 1 680 WRKO Boston MA 1 " WAPA? San Juan? Puerto Rico? 2 710 WOR New York NY 4 770 WABC* New York NY 4 790 WNIS Norfolk VA 3 810 (unidentified Spanish.....WKVM San Juan maybe?) 1 820 WNYC New York NY 3 850 WTAR Norfolk VA 5 " WFTL W. Palm Beach FL 1 870 (unidentified Spanish.....WVOZ San Juan maybe?) 1 880 WCBS New York NY 4 890 CM-- Santiago de Cuba Cuba 2 900 W--- Georgetown DE 2 940 WINZ Miami FL 1 950 WPEN Philadelphia PA 1 990 WNTP Philadelphia PA 2 1010 WINS New York NY 4 1020 (unID Gospel format---Juan sez NJ) 1 1030 WBZ Boston MA 2 1050 WEPN New York NY 1 1060 KYW Philadelphia PA 1 1080 WTIC Hartford CT 1 1090 (image from a local Bermuda station) 1100 WHLI Hempstead NY 2 1120 (image from local Bermuda station?) 1130 WBBR New York NY 2 1160 VSB (LOCAL STATION) BERMUDA 10 1190 WLIB New York NY 2 1230 ZFB (LOCAL STATION) BERMUDA 10 1280 VSB (LOCAL STATION) BERMUDA 10 1330 (unID Spanish, not parallel RVC 530...MA maybe?) 1 1340 ZBM (LOCAL STATION) BERMUDA 10 1410 (unID "Newstalk 1410", NOT WPOP in Hartford) 1 1450 VSB (LOCAL STATION) BERMUDA 10 1600 WWRL New York NY 1 1680? (image from AM 1230 in Bermuda) I could talk much more, about night signals. Example --- my Florida locals on 790 & 850 boom in Bermuda at night. Even my local on 1080 was in here, and their signal in Fla is pathetic. Funny, I heard *no* Canadian AM stations. None at all, not even at night. Maybe CBA 1070, but was impatient waiting on an ID. Unidentified station I wanna know: Spanish Gospel station on 1570, radio facing Florida. Not Fernandina Beach, is it? * = assumed Qu = Quality/signal strength, scale of 1 to 10 (Chris Dunne, visiting Bermuda, via Mike Bugaj, July 13, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. R. Nacional do Brasil's story. Dear Wolfgang, In case you'd like to include this, here's my translation into English: BRASIL This is the only data in http://www.radiobras.gov.br about RNB: "9665 kHz 250 kW. Rádio Nacional do Brasil broadcasts to a foreign audience exclusively on SW, our aim being help you understanding facts through information and culture as well as favouring peoples' integration. RNB is a Radiobrás station. A small history of RNB --- RNB emerged in 1958, two years before the inauguration of Brasil's new capital city, Brasília. It was founded by the government as a mere means of communication to the workers building the new city. The first broadcasts originated in a small "camp town" called Núcleo Bandeirante, where the workers dwelled until readiness of the residential buildings. The first broadcast took place on 31st May, 1958, and transmission times were from 5 AM to midnight. Most of the programming was used for public service, and many used the station to send family messages living elsewhere in the country. The success was so huge that the Brazilian postal service tried to limit the number of messages sent over the air. In June, 1972, RNB started experimental broadcasts in English to Europe as an attempt to determine the viability of an international service. In September, that service took the air with one hour duration programs in English, Castilian, German and Portuguese. The broadcasts survived until the 1990s, when they came to a halt due to technicalities. The return of RNB broadcasts occurred on 1st August, 2003, shortly before President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's African tour. As a starting goal, it began airing a 2 hour daily program especially aimed at the Portuguese speaking countries with emphasis on those of Africa. Future plans regard programs especially beamed to Latin America and other continents." Addresses mentioned after the article: Radiobrás - Rádio Nacional do Brasil Caixa Postal [p.o.box] 08840 Brasília DF CEP [stands for "código de endereçamento postal", e.g. "PLZ" in German] 70912-970 or radionacionaldobrasil @ radiobras.gov.br I believe many among us would very much to know just what sort of "technicalities" made R. Brás stop the broadcasts. Even using the [BRA] Brasília HF site for CRI, which means a revenue, there are still a few (total of 5) 250 kW transmitters that possibly remain idle --- or am I wrong? 73, (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, July 14, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. RCI's "Media Zone" is being replaced with an 8-week series of interviews with famous Canadians under the title of "The Talking Stick". The first one is with Robert Bateman, a nature artist. This was discussed on the weekend "Maple Leaf Mailbag" program. (Try UT Monday 2030 on 15325 in the US.) Speaking of the Mailbag, can someone tell me if the Sunday-to-Europe 2005 (and US UT Monday 0030) transmissions of the Mailbag are normally a repeat of the Tuesday 2030 UT airing or if the Tuesday one is a repeat of Sunday's? I was sure a couple weeks ago that Sunday repeated Tuesday, but this past Sunday's discussed the Thursday London bombing, so it couldn't have been then. I don't usually hear both airings, so I wanted to know if I could rely on Tuesday being a backup if I missed Sunday (or vice-versa). 73, (Will Martin, MO, Swprograms mailing list, via DXLD) Thought of running KnoppMyth as an audio archiver? http://entertainment.newsforge.com/entertainment/05/06/27/209236.shtml?tid=152&tid=132&tid=5 There are numerous other solutions (Dan Say, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) Probably not if you are not using your own computer. This thing seems to be for TV, anyway (gh, DXLD) ** COLOMBIA [and non]. Tras prestarle atención a los argumentos expuestos por el Sr. Russell Martin Stendal, me va quedando la impresión de que a este caballero se la ido la mano dando explicaciones exhaustivas referentes a La Voz de Tu Conciencia. Para nada es su culpa la frecuencia que la Oficina de Control de Radio de Colombia (es ese su nombre?) le concedió en 6010. Si de ahí no logrará retirarse, la única solución que le encuentro es bajar su potencia del día a la noche, para evitar molestar a los seguidores de Radio Mil. Hasta donde se ha pasado de cortés el Sr. Stendal que ha ofrecido a Sr. Julián Santiago Díez de Bonilla, retransmitirle por LVC el programa DX de Radio Mil. Con el debido respeto para el colega argentino Rubén G. Margenet, pero casi que le está pidiendo peras al olmo. Su situación es de por sí más jodida que la mía que estoy más cerca de México. Pues ha usted de rivalizar aparte de LVC con la brasileña Rádio Inconfidência, que yo por acá en Tiquicia pues de ningún modo recibo a no ser sorpresivamente Rádio Record en 6150 la semana pasada y claro, por su gran potencia en 6185 Rádio Nacional de Amazônia, la cual ya ve, ahora le causa QRM a la buena igualmente mexicana Radio Educación, asunto que hace pocos meses trató Glenn Hauser, y se mantiene latente sin que nadie más se quejara. Consuelo de tontos, Rubén G., pero me ocurre similar con mi deseo de poder escuchar Radio Canada, Northern Service en 9625 durante las noches sabatinas (Saturday Night Blues Special): tengo las barbas adyacentes de la monstruosa señal de REE en 9620 y hay momentos en que ni el sync detector de mi 7600GR puede asimilar. Yo como usted y otros colegas, espero que la campaña prospere, pero como ya antes comenté, este parece ser un asunto que deberá tratarse al margen de la inoperante ITU (idem OEA) desde el departamento de radiocomunicaciones del gobierno mexicano apelando al sentido común de sus homólogos colombianos para dejar libre a Radio Mil sus 6010 y que a pesar de esa costosa repartición de receptores fijos en dicha frecuencia por LVC, esta se salga de ese barullo que es de por sí el centro de la banda de 49 m y se estabilice en un canal despejado como el magnífico 5910, en el que ya he escuchado a LVC sacar a Marfil Estéreo. Saludos cordiales (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, July 13, dxldyg via DXLD) The best solution would be for the small Mexican stations to move out of the crowded 49m band, to a clear, preferably higher frequency where they would get out better in the 7 or 9 MHz areas. It will always be a battle to keep inband frequencies away from other stations, large or small, altho R. Mil has had some success with the big guns at HFCC. But as already discussed here, changing a SW frequency for one of these stations would be a massive undertaking, thanks to bureaucracy, inertia, cost and engineering (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Health & welfare Cuban ham frequencies as Dennis was approaching: 7045 for eastern provinces; 7091 for other provinces (Bob Thomas, CT, July 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ECUADOR. Don`t you believe this log on DX Partyline July 9: RCI via Skelton, 17765 in French at 1935, from T. C. Patterson, Cebu, Philippines, July 6. RCI is from Sackville, not Skelton on this frequency and switches from French to English at 1900 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. Re 5-106: I have not been hearing R. Africa either for much of June, but I just chalked it up to the poor reception I was having on 19 meters. Still, even today, I have not been able to hear it. You should note that the Cupertino address for Pan Am Broadcasting is no longer valid. I sent a reception report toi that address for R. Africa on 2 June because that is what was given at the end of the 1 June transmission. Two weeks later it was returned to me marked ``Return to Sender/Forwarding Order Expired.`` I then used the address listed at http://www.radiopanam.com On 2 July I received a QSL card and the enclosed schedule. Their new location is in San José (William R. Wilkins, Springfield MO, July 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Three schedule pages Bill sent copies of look like grids, but they aren`t --- listing programs in more or less chronological order from left to right, top to bottom, not each day of week in each column. Every one of them appears to be a gospel huxter, so I won`t bother to specify them, but if anybody needs a lookup for ID purposes, just ask. I did go thru and put together the transmission schedules. The end time is indeterminate since they don`t specify the length of each program or the real sign-off time. I have arbitrary added 15 minutes to the last program start shown, but it could well be 30 or even 60 minutes in some cases. Of course all this is moot unless they come back on the air! Radio Africa, 7190, ``6 pm to 12 mn West African Time`` [UT +1 unless you are in the UT+0 zone!] [There were few if any reports of this frequency when 15190 was active; was it really on the air??] UT: Sun 1655-2215, Mon-Wed 1700-2245, Thu & Fri 1700-2300, Sat 1645-2245 Radio Africa, 15190, 9 to 11 am M-F [UT +1] Converted to UT: Mo 0700-1130, Tu 0700-1200, We 0700-1100, Th 0700-1015, Fr 0930-1115 Radio East Africa, 15190, Sat 0615-1630, Sun 0600-1630 UT These printouts are dated June 28, 2005 and include the new address of c/o Pan Am Broadcasting, 2021 THE ALAMEDA SUITE 240, SAN JOSE CA 95129 (Glenn Hauser, from skeds via William R. Wilkins, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GRENADA. El dia de ayer, miércoles 13 de julio estuve monitorendo la onda media para ver qué escuchaba en relación con la Tormenta Tropical Emily. Pude escuchar a las siguientes emisoras: Radio Klassic 535 kHz a las 2030 UT desde Grenada, con boletines sobre la tormenta tropical, igualmente mucha música steel band; la programación era en ingles. La señal de la radio era bastante buena. Hoy he tratado de sintonizar nuevamente a Radio Klassic 535 kHz y la emisora no está en el aire; tal vez el paso de la tormenta tropical Emily pudo haber afectado sus antenas o tal vez se deba a fallas en el suministro eléctrico. Seguiremos escuchando y monitoreando la frecuencia para ver cuando vuelve al aire. Atte: (José Elías, Venezuela, July 14, Noticias DX via DXLD) See also SAINT KITTS ** INDIA. POLICY ON PHASE II OF PRIVATE FM RADIO NOTIFIED Details on the policy are available on pib website http://pib.nic.in You can access the 17 page pdf document at: http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2005/FMRadioBroadcastingServicesPolicyPhaseII.pdf (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, July 13, dx_india yg, and Sakhti Vel, DXLD) ** INDONESIA. VOI, July 14 at 1340 UT Thursday on 9525, good signal, switching from Indonesian to Arabic in apparent reading of Qur`an, but background of dance music, something you don`t get on the HQS; later back into Indo with talk about Allah. It was, after all, the beginning of the Fribbath (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL. Platform changes --- A challenge confronting international broadcasters is allocating appropriate human and financial resources to the burgeoning collection of distribution methods. Get the mix wrong, and we'll end up on the wrong platforms in the wrong places. http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/features/media/dig050714.html?view=Standard (Media Network newsletter via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Does anyone know the reason Sirius Satellite Radio in the USA does not carry the full version of BBC World Service, does XM have exclusive rights? Sirius carries a special package, "BBC World Service News". While this is often quite useful, it does mean that I miss many BBC WS shows, essentially any non-news show. It would certainly be nice to get Sirius to carry the full BBC WS (Andy O`Brien, Fredonia, NY, dxldyg via DXLD) I sent a message to Sirius suggesting RFPI as a replacement programming stream for the channel that used to carry Air America. It seems like a reasonable substitute. I invite any other list members who are Sirius subscribers and agree with me to send them an email... you never know who might be reading the mail (Scott Walker, New Cumberland PA USA, July 13, swprograms via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [and non]. ABE NATHAN - AS THE SUN SETS A film by Eytan Harris ...In 1967 he set up a radio station aimed at advancing peace in the Middle East. From 1973 till October 1993 the "Voice of Peace" broadcast messages of peace and love from the Mediterranean. From 1989 to 1992 Abie was engaged in a fight for repealing the law that banned meetings with the PLO, and met other heads of terrorist organisations in particular Yasser Arafat - as a result of which he was twice imprisoned. In 1993, following the Oslo Peace Accord, he scuttled his ship and continued with his humanitarian work particularly in Africa. In 1997 while he was travelling to the United States to write his autobiography, he suffered a severe stroke that left him partially paralyzed. Today, Abie lives in a Tel Aviv retirement home... Documentary filmmaker Eytan Harris worked for several years, on a documentary about the life and work of Abie Nathan. The film, to be screened at the upcoming Jerusalem film festival and later on Israeli TV, describes key episodes in Abie's life and tries to explain what brought about his becoming who he was in his public engagements, his private life and his relationship with his family and friends. Eytan Harris, Age 52. Born in Jerusalem. Studied at New York University. A producer, director and cameraman. "Abe [sic] Nathan - As The Sun Sets" is his second film as a director after "Mashallah" last year. Harris is known to be one of the foremost cinematographers in Israel. He shot numerous films in Israel and abroad, most of them documentaries. Harris has been awarded many prizes on his work, such as "The Golden Lens" (twice), Fipa D'or, The Wolgin Award (twice) and others. Full details at http://www.jff.org.il/show_movie.php?id=267&lang=ENG (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ITALY. 26000 kHz, R. Maria, http://www.radiomaria.org --- (Erba site too, like for their VHF-FM transmitter?), being noted daily this week, e.g. 13 JUL 1740...2040, Italian, newscast from Vatican R. heard 1740 up till 1805, music, talks; 25432 at best, but still (though barely) audible this evening around 2200 UT. Does anybody know what sort of HF operation this is, i.e. a pirate relay or a legal R. Maria broadcast? If so, which beam and power? Also, what's the purpose of such a high frequency band instead of a more suitable band for the average domestic receivers? Maybe our Italian DX-colleagues could assist on the matter (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) You are a bit close for 26 MHz by F2, especially under current depressed MUFs, so I assume you are getting sporadic E openings. This has already been covered in DXLD. Its purpose is DRM for local groundwave coverage, as several other stations are doing in Germany, Mexico, etc., with 100 watts or less, I think. But they are running in analog until they have the DRM ready to go. There was a link to a R. Maria webpage showing the setup (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY. Next edition of MediaLine Radio (16 July) MediaLine http://medialineradio.blogspot.com/ Posted Wednesday, July 13, 2005 * Information about alleged bias in US public broadcasting * An interview with Gerry Jackson, Station Manager, SW Radio Africa * An episode of Frontier Gentleman (1958) Airtimes: Saturday 16 July, 1330 UT, http://mp3.nexus.org Saturday 16 July, 1930 UT, http://mp3.nexus.org and 5775 kHz Saturday 23 July, 1330 UT, http://mp3.nexus.org Saturday 23 July, 1930 UT, http://mp3.nexus.org and 5775 kHz More information and on-demand audio, http://medialine.150m.com posted by Henry @ 14:22 (via John Norfolk, dxldyg via DXLD) ** LIBERIA [non]. Star Radio on 11965 kHz. Abrupt start at 2100 UT, 12 July 2005, with women singing what sounded like "Star radio with the weather", then an ID and into news in English. Excellent reception (Tony Rogers, Birmingham, UK, AOR7030+/LW, BDXC-UK via DXLD) If it was excellent in the UK, maybe the site is further away, skipzones, ya know (gh, DXLD) Star Radio heard this morning [13/07] with sudden opening at 0700 on 9525. Signal strength only about 6 on the meter. The transmission was already in progress but I caught a "Star Radio" ID and the programme title was "Liberia Today", and in English - of course! As reported elsewhere, VT Merlin were heard with a music/announcement 'loop' test on 9525 on 06/07 around 0745, so probably in preparation for this transmission. 73 (Noel R. Green [NW England], dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) The morning transmission from Star Radio confirmed here from tune-in at 0850 July 13 on 9525 kHz with talks in vernaculars and English, several mentions of "Star Radio Monrovia Liberia" around 0855 then into vernaculars. Went off just before 0900. Very weak signal here on a clear channel. Presume this is a relay via VT Merlin, but from which transmitter site? (Dave Kenny, Caversham, UK, Lowe HF225 Europa/30m long wire, BDXC-UK via DXLD) Not necessarily same site as evening on 11965 either (gh) On July 10 at 2100 UT I heard a test transmission coming from MERLIN COMMUNICATIONS, on 11965 kHz. Only male announcing the test transmission from MC, gave web page to know more about that: http://www.vtplc.com/merlin Music instrumental after and before the male speaking. I presume Star Radio from Monrovia Liberia is coming form Merlin sites in UK, possibly Rampisham (CESAR PEREZ DIOSES, CHIMBOTE, PERU, July 13, HCDX via DXLD) You may read about VT corporate at the website, but not a thing about their actual times, frequencies, locations and clients. Useless (gh, DXLD) Star Radio received better July 13 than it was on July 12, from a few seconds before *2100 on 11965, opening with ID, news in English (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Saludos desde España: Captada Star Radio en 11965 kHz el dia 13 de julio a las 21 h UT con fuerte señal. Se inició la emisión a las 21 horas con identificación de la emisora por un hombre, dando paso a un noticiario presentado por una mujer en inglés (Antonio Javier Pérez Baldó, Alicante, España, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LIBERIA [and non]. STAR RADIO OFFICIALLY RELAUNCHED Star Radio from Monrovia was officially relaunched on 12 July, following the resumption of broadcasts on 25 May 2005. The following broadcasts were transmitted on the 12 and 13 July on FM and shortwave: 12 July, 2100 gmt: The broadcast started with a 10-minute news bulletin covering national, African and international issues. This was followed by "Star Spotlight", a programme interviewing important Liberian personalities about their lives. The transmission appeared to close abruptly at 2132 gmt. 13 July, 0700 gmt: The 10-minute news bulletin was followed by "Liberia Today", an in-depth analysis of national issues. This edition included discussions on the state of a local prison, the peace process and the up-coming election. In addition, the programme had an interview with Star Radio's chairman of the board of governors. The chairman said that the station is to remain independent and transparent and that Star Radio believes in "giving the news as it is". The chairman was then asked if he thought the station could be closed down again, because it presents facts that the government may not like. He replied, "I don't want to believe that anything like that will happen". Star Radio, http://www.starradio.org.lr is run by the Swiss Hirondelle foundation, http://www.hirondelle.org which is funded by a number of western governments and NGOs. The Liberian government closed the station in January 1998, saying that it was broadcasting illegally. Source: BBC Monitoring research 14 Jul 05 (via DXLD) WTFK? Fortunately, we already know, if not the site(s) (gh) ** LIBYA [non]. Checked 7320 tonight after the report by Christopher Lewis about Voice of Africa here: Indeed they signed on at 2200. I noted a French news segment around 2220, otherwise they broadcast in Arabic until after 2300. At 0010 recheck I just caught a frequency announcement in English, identifying their second new language (alongside Swahili) as Hausa. The frequencies matched the known schedule of LJB via Issoudun as far as I could follow the announcement. 7320 appears to be just another Issoudun transmission. The modulation would fit (noteworthy here some background hum, sucked way up by the audio leveller in pauses), a strong signal in England (backlobe) and a rather poor one here in Germany are just what had to be expected as well. Must have been added recently, since until now LJB relays were scheduled only from 1000 to 2130 (Kai Ludwig, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MAURITANIA. Re 5-115: Complementando as notícias para os Colegas José Hernández Madrid, de Espanha, e Dario Monferini, de Itália, a R. Mauritânia está inactiva nos 4845 e 7245 kHz há mais do que só "alguns" dias, permanencendo, contudo, activa em 783 kHz, frequência partilhada com Portugal e Espanha, principais fontes de QRM, embora fàcilmente evitável. R. Mauritania remains active on 783 kHz only for quite a while, not just a few days' time; on MW, the "trouble" here in SW Europe at least is with co-channel Portugal & Spain, but both are easily nulled (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. XEXQ, presumed on 6045 with some classical music across hourtop 1400 July 13 --- later than it usually lasts, and incredibly the strongest station on band, with storm conditions attenuating even R. Australia 6020; hardly anything else was even audible on 49m (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Solar-terrestrial indices for 12 July follow. Solar flux 96 and mid-latitude A-index 32. The mid-latitude K-index at 1200 UTC on 13 July was 4 (64 nT). The mid-latitude K-index at 1500 UTC on 13 July was 5 (82 nT). Space weather for the past 24 hours has been moderate. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G2 level occurred. Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred (SEC via DXLD) ** MEXICO. XEPPM 6185 is usually unlistenable tnx to CRI via Canada 6190 during the 0500 hour, but July 14 the two signals were about equal, and XEPPM even caused a bit of ACI to 6190! Some nice mariachi music, but then the announcer went on and on and on about the instruments, etc. (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Solar-terrestrial indices for 13 July follow. Solar flux 92 and mid-latitude A-index 23. The mid-latitude K-index at 0600 UTC on 14 July was 4 (43 nT). Space weather for the past 24 hours has been moderate. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level occurred. Solar radiation storms reaching the S1 level occurred. Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level occurred. (SEC via DXLD) see also COLOMBIA ** NEW ZEALAND. News in the Taranaki Daily News this morning National Radio, 1530 am has shifted to 918 khz. More power advertized but not given in the article. The new transmitter was installed at Bell Block. Interference from a Napier station on 1530 was also behind the change. Good DX, (Bill Woller, July 14, greylinedx via DXLD) They should be clearing AM since they`re on FM now (Michael, ibid.) Current National Radio policy is not to vacate AM as they come on FM because AM reaches better into rural areas, but FM is more popular in cities (Michael Pollard, ibid.) Just trying 918 out here in Opunake, a total loss with 3YT Timaru right through 2YP and running about 4 words ahead of them. Not very good syncronisation there at the moment (Bill Woller, 0724 UT July 14, ibid.) What`s 3YZ Greymouth on these days, I think they`re on 95.5 but are they on AM? I tried 2YP but it`s phasing presumbaly with Timaru and will have to try it in the daytime as it`s a ground signal in Auckland. Well, it was quite a good signal on 1530 and 2YP used to generally override Coast (Michael, ibid.) ** OKLAHOMA. FCC actions: Woodward 88.1 NEW NS 100kw/306m, 36-16- 06/99-26-56 (U. of Okla.) (Doug Smith, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) I guess this is a CP for a new station? Has been in the pipeline for a long time; KGOU/KROU presently have only 3-4 kW on the outskirts of OKC. This will fill a large white area with public radio, tho in the meantime coverage from adjacent areas of TX and KS has improved (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Enid, 104.7, KEIF-LP call change from KUAL-LP (Doug Smith, July 13, WTFDA via DXLD) Yes, indeed at 1800 UT July 14, ID as ``104.7, KEIF- LP, Enid`` amid rock music. I never listen to this so-called ``educational`` station; wonder why the change and if they still go by ``The Rocket`` (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Am pleased to note that our local cable access channel, Pegasys, managed to get NASA TV back on in time for today`s scheduled launch, noted at 1633 UT check. Trouble is, the NASA segment normally ends at 1900 UT, which will be almost an hour before the launch. Pegasys did not manage to get its program schedule in the newspaper this week, perhaps due to July 4 holiday or staff vacations, nor even on its own website http://www.pegasys.org/next_week_schedule.htm which has not been updated since May! But Pegasys is suffering progressive budget cuts by an uncaring city administration. Live feed was without audio as is often the case, but video // several news channels. [Later:] Never mind, not a problem today as scrub was announced at 1735 UT. Why is there only a 5-minute launch window? In order to rendezvous [rendezvouser?] with the ISS. Altho this launch had been scrubbed, with local programming starting at 1900 on Pegasys ch 11, they switched NASA to their ch 12, which usually carries ARTS with the understanding that this repeat-laden service will be pre-empted for special events, lessons, etc. (Glenn Hauser, Enid, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. Quito 13/7 2005 *** Wednesday edition: *** Recording of 1155.686 unID Perú --- After listening to this Peruvian station on 1155.686 kHz 20-30 minutes I got the impression that the station`s QTH is the town "Lajas" located some 10 kilometers west of the town "Chota" in the province of "Chota". I noted ads just from Lajas and the DJ with greetings just to people living in Lajas. The problem is: WRTH Editor Tore B. Vik says that in WRTH 2006 will probably be listed on 1160 kHz "Radio OAU2T, Chota". So I´m wondering if this Chota-station in reality is located in the town of Lajas. Or is it possible that two stations that close, just 10 kilometers apart, are operating on 1155 and 1160 kHz? In the next edition I will present another Peruvian station, not listed, I the same morning logged on 1153.5 kHz. Comments, photos and recordings at: http://www.malm-ecuador.com 73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Björn has a lot more MW items on his page I don`t always reference here. A split is of course of greater interest to DXers abroad (gh) ** SAINT KITTS. El dia de ayer, miércoles 13 de julio estuve monitorendo la onda media para ver qué escuchaba en relación con la Tormenta Tropical Emily. Pude escuchar a las siguientes emisoras: ZIZ Radio, 555 kHz a las 0315 UT desde St Kitts and Nevis, con locutor en el studio y música, transmisión en inglés. La señal de la radio llegaba bajo, pero se entendía bien. Hoy, ZIZ Radio en 555 kHz sí está en el aire. Atte: (José Elías, Venezuela, July 14, Noticias DX via DXLD) See also GRENADA ** SCOTLAND [non]. "We will be withdrawing the 5105 kHz frequency on July 31st as part of our August schedule changes". More details at http://www.radiosix.com/5150_schedule.html [sic] (Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) [viz.:] Radio Six International is broadcast on 5105 kHz from transmitters at Monticello, Maine, USA every day for listeners in North, Central and Southern America, the Caribbean, and some parts of Western Europe. We broadcast from 2300 GMT (7.00 pm ET)daily, transmissions end at 0100 GMT Tuesday to Saturday (9.00 pm Monday to Friday ET) and 0200 GMT on Sunday and Monday (10.00 pm Saturday and Sunday ET.) We will be withdrawing the 5105 kHz frequency [WBCQ] on July 31st as part of our August schedule changes. 2300 - 0100 (0200 Sunday and Monday) - Programmes simulcast with the Internet Service (via DXLD) Just as I was lamenting about not getting Radio Six International over the air in Calgary, I found this note on the station's home page: "From August 1st we'll be withdrawing 5105 kHz; we'll be making different arrangements for listeners in the USA and Canada from September." (Ricky Leong, Calgary, Alta., July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See USA ** SLOVAKIA. [Cf 5-115] RADIO SLOVAKIA INTERNATIONAL LEAVES SHORTWAVES According to a TASR (Slovak press agency) report of 12 July 2005, Radio Slovakia International leaves shortwaves on 31 July 2005. The station will continue with international broadcasting via internet and satellite only. No details on volume of these broadcasts have been published yet. 84 employees of Slovak Radio will be discharged. The reason is a worsening financial situation of Slovak Radio. The director general of Slovak Radio Jaroslav Reznik blames the government for the bad financial situation of the station. So let us wait if the missing money will be found or not before the end of July. Nothing is definitive yet. Radio Slovakia International was established soon after the split of Czechoslovakia at the beginning of 1993, and now broadcasts in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Slovak (Karel Honzik, editor-in-chief, Radio Revue, Czechoslovak DX Club (CSDXC), July 13, HCDX via DXLD) Saludos cordiales amigos radioescuchas: Noticia recibida del boletín RSI spanish news RSI_spanish_news@slovakradio.sk ESNTD 25 07 13 AMENAZADA DIVULGACIÓN DE ESLOVAQUIA EN EL EXTERIOR (carta abierta de los empleados de SRo – Transmisión al Exterior) ``Radio Eslovaquia despedirá a 84 de sus actuales 909 empleados y pondrá fin a su Transmisión al Exterior en onda corta. De esta forma los directivos de SRo pretenden reducir costes y compensar el menor volumen de ingresos por derechos concesionarios, así como del presupuesto nacional.`` (agencias de noticias) La cuarta parte de los 84 puestos de trabajo que se pretende abolir la forman empleados del 6º circuito de Radio Eslovaquia, es decir Radio Eslovaquia Internacional (REI), lo que reduciría el equipo que conforma este circuito en casi dos terceras partes. Una medida tan radical impediría a Transmisión al Exterior cumplir plena y satisfactoriamente su cometido. Como lo recalcan los mismos oyentes, Transmisión al Exterior – que se transmite en 6 idiomas diferentes (inglés, francés, alemán, ruso, eslovaco y español) – representa una importante, impar y muchas veces la única fuente de información sobre nuestro país en el mundo. Poco después de que Eslovaquia se estableciera como república independiente, Radio Eslovaca (SRo) en Bratislava se dio a la tarea de llevar en onda corta el acontecer en nuestro país a todo el mundo. Desde entonces, en su media hora diaria estos programas no llevan únicamente la actualidad política, sino que también acercan los principales aspectos de la economía, la cultura, la sociedad, el turismo, la historia y el deporte de nuestro país. Gracias a que nuestros programas y noticias nacen en esta institución pública y se apoyan en fuentes confiables, el mundo entero tiene acceso a diario a información actualizada y objetiva. Es necesario resaltar que el contenido de estos programas no se copia, sino que se crean emisiones originales especialmente concebidas para este fin. A pesar de su gran alcance, esta transmisión es el resultado del trabajo de un reducido equipo de redactores y técnicos, tanto eslovacos como extranjeros, altamente calificados y con un excelente dominio del idioma respectivo. La importancia de esta fuente de información se refleja en el creciente interés de los oyentes y en la cantidad de cartas (unas 10 mil al año) que nos llegan. Tampoco se puede olvidar el extenso archivo de emisiones y documentos originales elaborados en los 13 años de vida de Transmisión al Exterior. A diferencia de Eslovaquia, la mayoría de los países transmiten programas radiales especialmente concebidos para el exterior en el marco de la estrategia nacional de presentación ante el mundo. A pesar del esfuerzo declarado de integrar REI en el plan de difusión de Eslovaquia en el exterior, ninguno de los ministerios se muestra dispuesto a hacerse cargo de su financiación. Hasta mediados de 2006, el Programa de Operación Sectorial de Industria y Servicios del Ministerio de Economía ha reservado 2.600 millones de coronas para apoyar la infraestructura turística del país, de los cuales 700 millones están destinados a dar a conocer a Eslovaquia en el exterior. Es una curiosa paradoja que a pesar de sus esfuerzos por promover el país como destino turístico, el gobierno niegue 50 millones de coronas al año para apoyar una forma de divulgación nacional ya establecida y que da claros resultados, como es REI. Con esta carta abierta expresamos nuestro apoyo a las directivas de SRo de conservar los programas de Transmisión al Exterior. Los empleados de RSI ---------------------------------------------------------- Saludos y buenos DX's 73 (via José Bueno - Córdoba - España, July 13, Noticias DX via DXLD) Saludos cordiales, sobre el cierre de Radio Slovaquia: en estos momentos no están produciendo programas, están trabajando en poder salvar la emisora. Los empleados de la emisora están con cartas y llamadas telefónicas intentando salvar lo insalvable, según me acaba de comunicar Lada; también me ha contestado Marcela. Por otra parte, he intentado enviar una carta a la embajada de Eslovaquia en España, pero los mensajes rebotan. En estos momentos además del apoyo a los trabajadores de la emisora, muy necesario por lo que puede suponer perder un puesto de trabajo, creo que necesitan por nuestra parte saber que estamos con ellos, e intentar hacer algún tipo de gesto, además de algun tipo de campaña de protesta. Enfin en las manos de cada uno está intentar hacer lo que se pueda, tanto como enviar cartas de apoyo como de protesta. Si alguien se le ocurre alguna idea, será bienvenida. Atentamente (José Miguel Romero, Spain, July 13, Noticias DX via DXLD) Anything being done at the English section? Found this at http://www.slovakradio.sk/rsi/info/eng/txt/OL_eng.html PROMOTION OF SLOVAKIA ABROAD AT RISK Slovak Radio, the public broadcaster has announced its intentions to close down its short-wave foreign language broadcasting. The Slovak Radio public relations consultant Jozef Bednar stated that the management of the radio decided to take this radical step to cut costs. Thus the radio hopes to compensate revenue shortfalls in concession payments and payments from the state budget. Within the rationalization measures 84 employees will also be made redundant as of July 31, 2005. Out of 84 planned redundancies a quarter represent the staff of Radio Slovakia International – the 6th station of the public broadcaster. In their open letter, the team of RSI has expressed concerns that due to these radical cuts the foreign service will not be able to continue fulfilling its mission sufficiently. RSI is considered to be an important, unique and in many cases the only source of information about Slovakia in 6 languages (English, French, German, Russian, Slovak and Spanish). Despite the efforts of the Slovak Radio management to sustain the foreign broadcast services the Slovak government has not financially supported its existence for this year. Nevertheless, for the period until June 2006, the Economy Ministry has allocated EUR 67 million from the operational program Industry and services. This budget includes EUR 18 million for promoting Slovakia abroad. The annual broadcast of RSI, a well established form of promotion of this country abroad, represents less than EUR 1.4 million a year. englishsection @ slovakradio.sk A reminder of the English schedule from http://www.slovakradio.sk/rsi/info/info_en.html --- 0100-0130 North America 5930 49 South and Central America 9440 31 0700-0730 Australia, South Asia 9440 31 Australia, Oceania 15460 19 1630-1700 Western Europe 5920 49 Western Europe 7345 41 1830-1900 Western Europe 5920 49 Western Europe 6055 49 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Or, if you can read Slovak, http://www.sme.sk/clanok.asp?cl=2295277 (Ted Schuerzinger, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) Propongo escuchar las emisiones, a ser posible diariamente, escribir a la emisora comentando los programas (no solamente solicitando QSL), expresando interés y curiosidad, formulando preguntas, felicitando al equipo por el profesionalismo... Eso tendría mucho peso pues los directores verían que el interés no es únicamente por reportar una emisión y conseguir el cartón, sino que hay un genuino interés no sólo por la emisora, sino también por todo lo que tenga que ver con Eslovaquia, que tiene muchísimo que ofrecer, y que el medio de enlace entre Eslovaquia y nosotros es la emisora en onda corta. 73 (Elmer Escoto, San Pedro Sula, HONDURAS, July 13, condig list via DXLD) Una vez más se cierne la amenaza de cierre sobre Radio Slovakia Internacional. Lo que pasa es que esta vez parece más en serio que en broma. Mientras este no sea otro jueguito tipo Radio Israel que cada 2 ó 3 meses hablan de su cierre definitivo y que yo recuerde ya llevan en esto como un año. Y qué tirada amigos, justo cuando he venido disfrutando de su servicio en castellano con muy buena señal aquí por Tiquicia sobre 9440 a las 0230. Sin haberle puesto mucha atención a los nombres de los conductores del espacio de variedades, su estilo jovial realmente me ha atrapado. Sobre todo ese estilo tan discretamente sexy a la vez que amable de una de sus locutoras. Uno quisiera que le acompañaran de por vida. Pero esta visto que las cosas buenas, así como la vida, deben disfrutarse mientras estén ahí como si fuera su última día, su último momento, porque repentinamente pueden terminarse. De modo que si lo de Slovakia viene cierto, pues nos quedan 15 días para que los disfrutemos plenamente sintonizándola, y si queremos apegarnos a su recuerdo, pues nos quedará revivir sus memorias a cada instante sólo si grabamos lo que va quedando de sus contados días (Raúl Saavedra, Costa Rica, July 14, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Respuesta del consulado de Eslovaquia en Aragon. Estimado Señor Romero, Muchas gracias por su Correo. Aunque podamos estar de acuerdo con Vd. y también lo lamentamos (este Consulado fue entrevistado en dos ocasiones y pudimos aportar nuestro granito de arena para la divulgación de la información sobre Eslovaquia) no podemos hacer otra cosa que facilitarle el correo electrónico de nuestra Embajada para que exprese su descontento a quien proceda: mail @ embajadaeslovaquia.es Saludos cordiales, Consulado en Aragón (via José Miguel Romero2, Noticias DX via DXLD) Saludos cordiales, la web oficial de Eslovaquia en España se hace eco de la situación de RSI; han colocado un acceso directo con la carta de los empleados publicada en la web de la emisora. Por otra parte el consulado de Eslovaquia en Aragón parece estar sensivilazado con el tema, como les había comunicado que tenía problemas para comunicar con la embajada. Ellos también están intentando contactar; de todas maneras me dicen que lo intente por fax. web de la embajada: http://www.Eslovaquia.es Por otra parte he enviado la carta en español e inglés de los empleados junto a una mía de protesta a la oficina del presidente de la república y otra al secretario de prensa de presidencia; a continuación dichas direcciones por si alguien más quiere elevar sus protestas a un nivel más alto: Office of the President of the Slovak Republic Hodžovo nám. 1 P.O. Box 128 810 00 Bratislava 1 e-mail: informacie @ prezident.sk more informations Press Secretary of the President Marek Trubac Phone: 00421 905 447 886 Phone: 02421 5933 3355 Fax: 004212 5441 7625 E-mail: mtrubac @ prezident.gov.sk (Jose Miguel Romero, ibid.) POLITICOS ESLOVACOS SE INVOLUCRAN PARA EVITAR EL CIERRE. De la web de la emisora: El ministro de Cultura, František Toth, ha tomado la decisión de intervenir en el asunto de la suspensión de las transmisiones en ondas cortas de la Radio Eslovaca y en consecuencia ha solicitado al presidente del Consejo para las Transmisiones y Retransmisiones que cite a una reunión extraordinaria donde participaría conjuntamente con el director general de la Radio Eslovaca, Jaroslav Reznik. El ministro de Cultura expresó ``mi opinión personal es que Reznik tiene otras posibilidades para reducir las deudas de la radio y no tomar soluciones extremas como es suspender totalmente las transmisiones en la onda corta``. En este asunto también han elevado sus voces los parlamentarios Zuzana Martinakova, Dušan Caploviè y Dušan Jarabek, según las palabras de este último ``pedimos a los ministerios de Cultura, Finanzas y Exteriores que encuentren una solución a la obligación de la Radio Eslovaca de transmitir para el exterior``. De acuerdo a los planes del Director de la Radio se pretende despedir a 84 empleados de los actuales 909 que laboran en la institución. El mayor número de afectados precisamente está compuesto por los trabajadores de Radio Eslovaquia Internacional (via José Miguel Romero2, shortwave yg via DXLD) I don`t find an English version of that yet, but they have added this: Dear Friend of RSI, Should you wish to protest about the stopping of shortwave broadcasting from Radio Slovakia International the following e.mail addresses may be useful for you! Director of Slovak Radio: reznik @ slovakradio.sk Culture Ministry: ministerkultury @ culture.gov.sk km @ culture.gov.sk mksr @ culture.gov.sk Government Office: urad @ vlada.gov.sk Parliament: info @ nrsr.sk Ministry of Finance: inform @ mfsr.sk mgera @ mfsr.sk Foreign Ministry: infopublic @ foreign.gov.sk Economy Ministry: fondrkova @ economy.gov.sk kudlickova @ economy.gov.sk RSI: englishsection @ slovakradio.sk Your help is much appreciated, RSI Team (via Glenn Hauser, July 14, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SPAIN [non]. REE, Thu July 14 at 1326 with another brief reading from Don Quixote, on his 400th birthday, on 15170 via Costa Rica. Rrreally, rrreally trrrilling (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. RTI's English Service introduced a brand new schedule with new hosts, features, segments, and lengthened versions of RTI's most popular programs w.e.f. July 1. Complete schedule can be found at : http://www.rti.org.tw/English/programs/programs.asp (Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, July 13, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Best to see that page as the grid has hotlinks to each show and host, but for reference here in minutes past each hour: (The news features at 10 can be heard in all news broadcasts on/after 1100 UT. All other news broadcasts will air the feature from the previous day) DAILY 00 News 55 CLOSING SUNDAY 10 THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY 20 TAIPEI MAGAZINE 40 STAGE, SCREEN AND STUDIO MONDAY 10 MADE IN TAIWAN 20 ASIA PACIFIC Radio Australia 45 LET`S LEARN CHINESE TUESDAY 10 STRAIT [sic] TALK 20 WE`VE GOT MAIL! WEDNESDAY 10 TRENDS 20 JADE BELLS & BAMBOO PIPES THURSDAY 10 ILHA FORMOSA 20 PEOPLE 40 INSTAND NOODLES FRIDAY 10 BOOKWORM 20 NEWS MUSIC LOUNGE SATURDAY 10 NEWS TALK 20 GROOVE ZONE (via Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET. CHINA, 4905, Xizang PBS, Lhasa. July 9 at 1625-1700. SINPO 44444. Chinese song till 1630, then ID in Chinese and English. Holy Tibet program followed (Iwao Nagatani, Japan, Japan Premium via DXLD) ** U S A. Re: [Swprograms] What do you listen to from America's "non- public" SW broadcasters --- Rich, I too, like David, enjoy listening to Unshackled on WYFR each week. If I miss the show via Shortwave I have a bookmark to their website to listen on-line. http://www.unshackled.org/ On WWCR I listen weekly to the DX block and on WBCQ I listen to Allan Weiner Worldwide, Radio TimTron, Lost Disks Radio Show, The Michael Ketter Show, The Lumpy Gravy Radio Show and Radio NewYork International. The best show: Tasha Takes Control is no longer on and I miss it very much. On WHRI I enjoy Cumbre DX with the Pirate Report (Jim Strader, Rock Village, MA, July 13, swprograms via DXLD) All the DX Programs on all of them: WWCR's "DX Block" and the following programs that really should be included in that heading on Saturday nights, WHRI's "DXing with Cumbre", WBCQ's initial airing of "World of Radio" Wednesdays and repeats thereof later, WRMI's airing of "DX Partyline" if I miss the HCJB Saturday-morning original, "Radio Weather" when and if I find one that is actually new and worth listening to (on the multiple stations it is carried on). Note that I don't listen to every repeat of every program, but if I miss one on its first airing I will try to catch it on a later broadcast, and I keep a printed-out copy of Hauser's and Norfolk's "DX/SWL Program List" by the radio in order to annotate if I heard it and if reception was good and if there was any anomaly or change. On WBCQ [7415], "Allan Weiner WorldWide" (0000 UT Sat) and I have called in to that program and been on-air in the past. Also I really like "Marion's Attic" even though it's been shifted and limited to a bad time Saturday night (0100 UT Sun) opposite too much other stuff that I watch or listen to. "Off The Hook" at 2300 UT Wed, the program of the 2600-magazine hacker group and left-wing crazies. "Odin Lives", the Asatrue Alliance Norse Pagan program (my people :-) (I guess I should say "my folk" :-) UT Thu 0000. And "Herald of Truth" every evening at 0415 UT weekdays in a mostly vain hope to hear something current from the right-wing crazies, but they keep airing ancient repeats from the mid-20th-century and rant about the dangers of the onslaught of Communism. Now and then they DO air something explicitly about their religious position and explain Christian Identity; if they'd devote more time to the anthropological aspects of that, it would be more interesting. "Uncle Ed's Musical Memories", 30 min at 2330 UT Thu, a program done by Ed Bolton, the same guy who does the "Amos & Andy" recreations each evening. But I do NOT recommend those; I find them irritating and his constant pleas for donations on each show get annoying. I'd rather he stopped A&A and just did the music programs. (7415 kHz on all these, by the way.) On WWCR, their "mailbag" program "Ask WWCR", aired multiple times and repeated over a two-week period. (see website for times and frequencies.) I tune in their religious programs now and then but no specific preacher; I'm just hoping for extreme views and amusing ranting, especially with that traditional Southern-revivalist accent of speech. Can't stand Brother Stair, though. I like the Creationist "Science, Scripture, and Salvation" 15-minute program aired several times a week because I'm always listening to science programs everywhere I can and it's nice to hear the opposition now and then... On WWRB, "American Dissident Voices" (5085 kHz, 2200 UT Sat and 0300 UT Sun) (terrible times opposite a ton of better stuff! :-) (30 minutes followed by a 30-minute "Herald of Truth/Kingdom Identity") again to hear what the right-wing crazies are up to. Used to be better before their recent putsch, when the famous Kevin Alfred Strom, who has a wonderful radio voice, was forced out and banished. Their current announcer has an indifferent voice. The main trouble with WWRB these days is that they're too lazy to update their web schedule and I never know when anything else is on, plus they seem to bounce around to different frequencies at odd times. Hope this input helps! (Will Martin, MO, July 13, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD) ** U S A. WBCQ Program Notes --- The online zappahead.net WBCQ program schedule hasn't been updated since June 2, and I've been making lots of notes on my printed-out copy as I listen to or tune across WBCQ, so here's some info: UT Sun 0400, 7415, Tom & Darryl: Usually been well received here in St. Louis but they persist in using some lady to read otherwise- interesting news items and she has a terrible delivery cadence and much trouble pronouncing many terms. This last one on 7/10/05 sounded interesting with a technical discussion of satellite receivers and the market for them but then turned out to be an old repeat from July 2000!!!!!! What a waste of time to discover that after skipping Cyberline in order to devote my attention to *this* program! The former "Duh News" timeslot at UT Tues 2330 on 7415 has been carrying World of Radio at some dates (6/21 and 7/12) but on 7/5/05 it had that all-too-common open-phone-line sound of the phone ringing and then the automated voice saying "if you want to make a call...". That finally cut off and they had fill music and then ran a ham-radio program. UT Wed 0430, 7415 did NOT go off-air after "Herald of Truth" ended but continued with music until 0500 on 7/13/05. A similar late-music-after-normal-signoff-time at UT Sat 0430 on 7/9/05 on 7415 kHz but that didn't last as long. I never hear anything during the listed "RMF Show" time at 0330 UT Sun on 9330 kHz. Is this propagation to me here or is the transmitter taken off-air following World of Radio on 9330 from 0300-0330 UT (which often runs late -- went to 0341 on 6/26/05)? I never get around to tuning in WBCQ on Saturday evenings until later, so I am always missing Marion's Attic at 0100 UT Sun. Please lobby WBCQ to repeat that program at multiple other times or move it. I'd sure rather hear it than one of the multiple Allan Weiner Worldwide repeats. Also, did "Radio Classics" at 0000 UT Sun ever actually appear? There were repeated announcements of it and then also repeated comments that the producer/sponsor disappeared and so I never did hear definitely that it was on the air. (Both the above on 7415.) 73, (Will Martin, MO, July 13, swprograms via DXLD) There was a problem getting the first airing of WOR Extra 58 going on time at 2200 UT Wednesday July 13 on 7415: Started about 5 minutes late and cut off early for scheduled 2230 program (gh) Re DX/SWL/MEDIA PROGRAMS --- Sorry to see I missed the July 12 update cutoff but these are minor items anyway and maybe you don't want to change anything based on them anyway. There was some strangeness on WRMI Sunday night, maybe due to Hurricane Dennis. 0230 UT Monday 7/11/05 they DID air World of Radio on 7385 but it was followed immediately by Spanish which continued through the 0300 timeslot instead of DX Partyline. Then at 0330 UT World of Radio was aired again. Probably worth waiting to see what happens next week before making any change based on this. UT Sun 0300 WBCQ, 7415: This is shown as "Radio TimTron WorldWide" but the old, non-updated WBCQ online sked shows it as the "Michael Ketter Show". To be honest, I don't know *what* is on the air then, since all that stuff sounds the same to me and I'm listening to other stuff and watching something else at the same time! :-) Do these really count as DX/SWL programs anyway? Seem to me to be just music and ranting every time I tune across them and rapidly tune away... :-) UT Tues 2330 WBCQ, 7415: This is shown as "available time slot" on the old WBCQ sked, and they have been airing World of Radio there pretty often (I noted it there on 6/21 and 7/12) but not *every* week. And I would suppose they'd be eager to get some paying customer in there so it might not be worth adding to the list. Your call... Hope this helps. 73, (Will Martin, MO, to John Norfolk & gh, July 13 via DXLD) Before I moved to Calgary, I enjoyed listening to Radio Six International from WBCQ on 5105 kHz on my days off from work. I really liked the wide, eclectic range of music played. Sadly, that frequency doesn't make it out here at all, from what I can tell. RADIO SIX INT'L http://www.radiosix.com Something else on WBCQ that I used to listen to was the "American Viewpoint" block on Sunday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. ET. on 7415 kHz. Two programs were slotted there: Making Contact and Counterspin. These programs are blatantly left-of-centre and are certainly a good mind jog, whether you agree with the message or not. I haven't tried to catch this block since I moved, and I don't think propagation is on my side. COUNTERSPIN http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=5 MAKING CONTACT http://www.radioproject.org/ Of course, there is the DX-block on WWCR 5070 kHz from 0200-0400 UT on Sunday. (No need to explain why I listen, I suppose!) At present, that frequency is no good here until well into Radio Weather, and even then it's barely listenable (Ricky Leong, Calgary, Alta. (ex-Montreal), July 13, swprograms via DXLD) And see SCOTLAND [non]. 5105 doesn`t make it here either (gh, OK) ** U S A. KTBN is back after missing several days, noted July 13 at 1356 on 7505, usual strong signal despite storm conditions, greatly overshadowing WJIE 7490. The one-hoppers were still making it. Ditto 24 hours later (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. BOLINAS --- DOTS, DASHES BACK ON AIRWAVES HISTORIANS CELEBRATE KPH'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer Wednesday, July 13, 2005 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/13/BAGQNDN3E11.DTL A quick tap on a computer keyboard brought KPH radio back to life, filling the room with the characteristic beeping sounds of a long-lost era in shipboard communication. The steady beat of Morse code beckoned once again to ships the world over, marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the station, once known as the "Wireless Giant of the Pacific." KPH, a Point Reyes radio station that served as a lifeline to ships on the high seas for 92 years, went back on the air at exactly 5:01 p.m. Tuesday, six years and one minute after the last ever commercial Morse code transmission in the United States. The initial 30-minute message went out as dots and dashes over what is now mostly an empty void. There is only a scattering of isolated Morse code stations left in the world, and very few ships still carry the archaic equipment. But former operators and history buffs are trying to save what they see as a dying art form. For almost a century, KPH communicated with ships at sea using high- speed Morse Code and Sitor, a form of radio teletype. Shipboard operators would listen to a steady 24-hour drone from KPH, which had some of the best Morse operators in the country. The station would handle everything from sailing orders, personnel and cargo decisions to SOS calls from ships in peril. "When this station closed in 1997, I had no idea I would ever have a chance to come here again," said Denice Stoops of Bolinas, who worked as a telegrapher for 18 years and attended Tuesday's event. "You couldn't spend eight hours a day listening (to Morse code) if you didn't love it. It's a passion.'' Work at the station was mostly routine, Stoops recalled, but every once in a while the ordinary was broken by an emergency call. On one occasion in October 1980, Stoops said, KPH was one of the stations that received an SOS from a burning Dutch luxury liner in the Gulf of Alaska. The ship's high-tech satellite communications had failed, and the fate of 520 passengers and crew rested on old-fashioned Morse code. It worked, and all were saved by the Coast Guard. The Maritime Radio Historical Society, a Marin-based group of self- described radiotelegraphy geeks, spearheaded the movement that brought KPH back to life. "Our fear is that it will die out," said Richard Dillman, the chief operator for the historical society. "Our job is what we see as historic preservation, keeping alive the tradition and passing it on to other folks." The one-day anniversary broadcast, which continued until after midnight, was actually the sixth commemorative transmission from the station, on an isolated seaside stretch of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard on the way to the Point Reyes lighthouse. Representatives of the historical society, led by Dillman, restored the equipment and began one-day-a-year broadcasts in 2000. To them, the rhythmic, somewhat mournful blips and beeps bring back memories of a romantic age full of history and intrigue. KPH was established in 1905, at the dawn of the wireless electronics age. Owned by the De Forest Wireless Telegraph Company, it pioneered transpacific radio communication with foreign stations and with ships at sea. It originally broadcast from San Francisco's Palace Hotel, and became known as "Radio PH," in honor of its location. Federal regulators later added the K. The hotel and the station were both destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Marconi company later bought the station and in 1912 Guglielmo Marconi chose Bolinas as the site for the transmitter and Tomales Bay for the receiver. The operation was moved to a spot near Abbott's Lagoon overlooking the Pacific on the Point Reyes Peninsula in 1920. The radio traffic flooded in from around the globe during World War II. Old-timers, however, said the busiest time was during the Vietnam War when as many as 1,000 radio messages a day were sent to ships at sea. But new technology and changes in the shipping industry eventually took a toll, and by 1997 KPH was getting fewer than 100 messages a day. The station closed that year, but transmissions continued at the site under a new owner, Globe Wireless, of Half Moon Bay, until 1999, when U.S. Morse code broadcasts officially ended. It was the oldest maritime radio station on the West Coast when it shut. There are no longer any Morse stations left in America, but holdovers remain in Italy, Turkey, China, Japan and Korea. Tuesday's event, nicknamed "Night of Nights," was organized by the society, the Point Reyes National Seashore, which now controls the 100-acre site, and Globe Wireless. Defunct stations in Alabama, Seattle and Kodiak, Alaska, joined KPH in firing up old Morse equipment for the night. The message sent out on multiple frequencies welcomed listeners from around world and gave tributes to wireless pioneers, among them Rod Deakin, a gruff old Morse code aficionado, who died two years ago. Ship operators were then urged to call in, and the waiting game began. Dillman said two replies would be a good night. There are not many Morse operators out there, he said, but some fishing and cargo vessels still monitor the airwaves. Among the "true believers," he said, is an operator on the SS Matsonia, a cargo ship that can almost always be counted on to call in. Dillman said he has recently been contacted by organizations in Germany and other countries around the world about reopening historic stations. "This is a big event for radio people, and there are true believers all over," Dillman said. "A true believer is someone who has this in his soul." The short and long beeps continued as the night wore on, but Dillman said he never gets tired when the air is "perfumed with the sound of Morse code." (via Dave White, W4UVH, DXLD) I just spent an hour working the various frequencies. Location is in Tampa FL using a DX-375 RS with 8-foot built-in whip, indoors, which works decently on SW. It has a decent BFO and tunes to 1 kc steps. Built-in ferrite on LF and MF. I did not hear anything on the LF band (426 to 500). I thought I'd hear WLO. Have to keep on it for a while. I know the receiver system was working well on LF as I had zero-beat from "AM" on 388, and zerobeat from Navtex-518, quite loud, and some other beacons. Fortunately the skies clear and T-storms not bothering here.. I did hear the following: KPH on 4247 with a RST 449 signal, on 6477 and 8642 about the same level, 559 to 579 with fair fading, sending long message describing the transmitting station at tune-in, later a marker. KSM heard on 6474 with a 569 signal, had a hand-keyed message from Norwegian Government via LGN, otherwise a marker tape. The mkr CW was maybe 25 wpm here, the others maybe 20 wpm. Piece of cake. I have a good bit of them on tape. KLB heard on 6411 with a 579 signal with marker tape. WLO, NMC and NOJ not heard. I'll try WLO again. Great fun to hear these stations (Bob (who once worked at ITT Radio's WSL "Amagansett Radio") Foxworth, FL, July 12, ABDX via DXLD) Bob, I`m looking at my RS DX-375 and its whip is less than 3 feet long, has no BFO and only tunes in 5 kHz steps, unless I`m really missing something. Like this designation having been applied to two totally different receivers? 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Sounds like he's talking about a Sat 800 or something of that nature. It made me scratch my head also. I had one of those in the past (Kevin Redding, ibid.) Glenn, it is a DX-390, the big unit with the top handle. Bought in the mid-1990's. Unfortunately I have several different RS receivers, all bought on the "garage sale theory" that "the next one will be the best one". 375 just came to my mind, at 0130 local time, it happens, hi. My 375, as all DX-375en, won't do longwave. Good catch (Bob Foxworth, ibid.) O, I have one of those too (gh) ** U S A. Update on 500 kHz, W D 2 X S H --- I've been receiving quite a few emails wanting to know when the group member stations will begin transmissions. The simple answer is - not until we receive the license from the FCC. When will that be? Your guess is as good as mine. There are a lot of details that the FCC must consider carefully before making a decision of whether or not to grant the license. In the meantime, the group members will be making plans to get on the air at the earliest opportunity, whether it be with homebrew rigs or modified gear. Please, let me point out once again that the fact the FCC has assigned the call letters WD2XSH to this application NOT mean that the actual license has been granted. It simply means that it is "in the pipeline," so to speak, for processing in the usual manner. Other email messages have inquired as to what modes, frequencies and power levels we will be using. This information is all in the application, but it typical FCC-speak, so some of it is difficult to figure out. So, courtesy of Frederic Raab, W1FR, here's the scoop on what's what: Frequency of Operation - 495 to 510 KHz Maximum Power Output to Antenna - 100 Watts Maximum EIRP - 20 Watts Emission Modes - CW and PSK31 Number of Stations - 23 from http://500kc.com/ (via Steve Whitt, July 13, MWC via DXLD) ** U S A. Interesting article in today's Wall Street Journal on a potential spinoff/sale of Disney's radio properties. Saw a blurb on this a couple of weeks ago but appears that it's more of a possibility with the change in Disney leadership. Potential buyers were Cox, Citadel, Entercom or Emmis. No mention of Clear Channel but article did indicate that purchaser must be relatively the same size as what's sold (for tax reasons). Also mentioned that 71 stations would be involved. Value of the stations was estimated at $1.5B to $1.75B (John Sampson, July 12, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. US TV STATIONS SAY READY FOR '09 SWITCH TO DIGITAL Tue Jul 12, 2:38 PM ET http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050712/pl_nm/media_digitaltv_dc WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. local television broadcasters said on Tuesday they would accept a 2009 deadline to switch to airing only higher-quality digital signals, a date being considered by lawmakers. However, they urged Congress to give consumers the choice of receiving the new signals as-is or converting them to analog so that they would work on older television sets -- and to require cable companies to carry extra channels broadcasters offer. "Broadcasters accept that Congress will implement a 2009 hard date for the end of analog broadcasts, and we're ready," Edward Fritts, president and chief executive of the National Association of Broadcasters, which represents hundreds of local stations, told the Senate Commerce Committee. The Senate and U.S. House of Representatives are considering setting late 2008 or early 2009 as the date for completing the transition to digital television signals. Current law requires local television stations to give up their analog airwaves only when 85 percent of the country can receive the new digital signals or on Dec. 31, 2006, whichever comes later. Sen. Ted Stevens (news, bio, voting record), an Alaska Republican and the committee chairman, told reporters after a hearing that the deadline for completing the digital switch-over should be set sometime in 2009. One of the biggest concerns confronting lawmakers as they grapple with setting a final deadline is that most Americans do not have new sets or converter boxes capable of receiving the digital signals. A subsidy program is one possibility under review. "If you want an uproar from the people of this country, you have their televisions turned off," cautioned Sen. George Allen (news, bio, voting record), a Virginia Republican. Stevens said he also wanted to move up the date when all televisions sold in the United States would have to be able to receive digital signals. The Federal Communications Commission has set a July 1, 2007 date for most sets to be capable and is already considering moving that up. The demands for cable companies to carry extra digital channels and analog signals drew a rebuke from Kyle McSlarrow, president and chief executive of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, who said the goal was instead to free up the airwaves for public safety organizations. "Nothing the broadcasters have proposed has the slightest bearing on how you can best ensure the return of the spectrum and how you can do so with a minimum of inconvenience to consumers," McSlarrow told the Senate committee. The government wants to sell the old airwaves used by broadcasters to wireless companies and provide some of them for public safety communications. The sale could also reap billions of dollars and potentially fill a budget gap. Some senators expressed impatience at the prospect of waiting several more years, saying the lack of spectrum would hinder emergency workers in the event of an attack. "The bombings last week in London reinforce the immediate need for this spectrum," said committee member Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), a Republican from Arizona. (via DXLD) ** U S A. SPANISH-LANGUAGE RADIO BROADCASTER ENTERS FLORIDA TV MARKET | Text of Spanish Broadcasting System press release on 13 July Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire WDLP-TV (Channel 22) and other television assets serving Miami and South Florida from Dr William De La Pena for 37.5m dollars on terms that were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2005, pending FCC approval. WDLP-TV is a full-power [sic: see below] TV facility reaching approximately 1.5m households in the Miami - Ft. Lauderdale DMA through its over-the-air, cable and satellite distribution. Raúl Alarcón, president and CEO of SBS, commented: "The Spanish- language media universe of South Florida, our home market, presents a unique and logical entry point for our debut in television. This is a highly complementary transaction that will enable SBS to further increase its ability to serve Miami's Hispanic community. We fully intend to leverage our resources, relationships and media expertise to create a viable and compelling viewing alternative for Hispanic consumers, while providing advertisers with an ideal platform to reach this rapidly expanding audience". Miami is the nation's second-largest Hispanic television revenue market with 130m dollars in local and national Hispanic TV advertising expenditures in 2004, projected to grow to over 140m dollars in 2005. Miami also serves as corporate headquarters for SBS and its three local owned-and-operated radio stations WRMA-FM (Romance 106.7), WCMQ- FM (Clásica 92) and the highest-rated Spanish-language station in the market, WXDJ-FM (El Zol 95). Dr William De La Pena stated: "We are absolutely confident that a recognized broadcaster such as SBS will be able to continue, and indeed expand upon, the good work we began at Channel 22. We look forward to working with the SBS team in the future development of the station." The cross-promotion of its own co-located radio and TV properties will be a key element in the SBS operational strategy going forward. The company intends to fund the acquisition and its television venture from cash-on-hand and free cash flow from operations. Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. is the largest Hispanic-controlled radio broadcasting company in the United States. After giving effect to a pending divestiture, the company will own and operate 20 radio stations in the top Hispanic markets of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, including the number one Spanish-language radio station in America, WSKQ-FM in New York City. The company also operates LaMusica.com, a bilingual Spanish-English online site providing content related to Latin music, entertainment, news and culture. The company's corporate site can be accessed at http://www.spanishbroadcasting.com Source: Spanish Broadcasting System press release, Coconut Grove, Florida in English 13 Jul 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) How could there be a ch 22 in Miami, when there is already Univisión on channel 23? What they are not telling you is that WDLP, channel 22 is actually in Key West! Investigating in the W9WI listings, that`s Telenoticias, with only 11.2 kW ERP, hardly full power, and a 62-meter tower. But they also have translators up the Keys, and WDLP-CA with 100 kW on channel 21 in Pómpano Beach, not ``full power`` either by a long shot on UHF. Also: WDLP-DT on channel 3 in Key West, only 220 watts, but slight upgrades on the way. No doubt they get on Miami area cable systems, perhaps even on cable channel 22 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. SCRUTINY OF CPB'S TOMLINSON INTENSIFIES --- See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/12/AR2005071201678.html or http://tinyurl.com/7ht6y Looks like Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) has taken up the mantle on this (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, July 13, Swprograms mailing list via DXLD)(also via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A. BBC PUNKS FOX NEWS --- The Guardian reports on July 14, in part: http://media.guardian.co.uk/site/story/0,14173,1527063,00.html The second exception is principally Fox News in the United States. A contributor to Fox said after the London bombings that "the BBC almost operates as a foreign registered agent of Hezbollah and some of the other jihadist groups". On the Fox website today there is an opinion piece, "How Jane Fonda and the BBC put you in danger". I am writing this in a building which was bombed by Irish terrorists. My colleagues and I are living in a city recovering from the wounds inflicted last week. If I may leave our customary impartiality aside for a moment, the comments made on Fox News are beneath contempt (Roger Mosey, head of BBC Television News, Wednesday July 13, 2005, Guardian via Clara Listensprechen, DXLD) ** U S A. CBS TO LAUNCH ON-DEMAND BROADBAND NEWS SERVICE | Excerpt from press release by CBS Television on 12 July; subheadings inserted editorially CBS Digital Media and CBS News today [12 July] announced plans for a major expansion of CBSNews.com, creating a 24-hour, multi-platform digital news network, bypassing cable television in favour of the nation's fastest-growing distribution system - broadband. The joint announcement was made by Larry Kramer, president of CBS Digital Media, and Andrew Heyward, president of CBS News. In doing so, CBS News will move from a primarily television and radio news-based operation to a 24-hour, on-demand news service, available across many platforms, drawing on the experienced worldwide award-winning resources of the division. The new CBSNews.com will include: an on-demand, 24-hour news network in the digital broadband space; a blog to be called "Public Eye" designed to provide greater openness and transparency into the newsgathering process; a newly-configured homepage including The EyeBox, an on-page video player showcasing the free broadband video of CBSNews.com, including over 25,000 clips and video yet to be broadcast on the network; a commitment by CBS News to fully integrate its personnel and other global newsgathering resources to provide exclusive, original reporting and commentary around the clock. [Passage omitted: CBS executives' comment on new service] Key elements of the new CBSNews.com site will include: Investment in broadband strategy Significant investment in CBS News and CBSNews.com as part of a "cable bypass" strategy designed to offer breaking news, free broadband- quality video and original reporting, commentary and analysis directly to the fastest-growing segment of news consumers - those accessing news on the internet. Projections indicate that homes connected to broadband will equal or surpass homes serviced by cable and satellite by 2010. During that time, the broadband delivery system will dramatically improve, resulting in a viewing experience equal to television. Furthermore, use of broadband connections during working hours - when most top stories take place - significantly outweighs that of cable and satellite. New "unprecedented" blog The debut of "Public Eye", a new blog that will create a candid and robust dialogue between CBS News journalists and the public - a move unprecedented among CBS's peers in broadcast and cable television journalism. "Public Eye" will be edited by veteran reporter and media writer Vaughn Ververs, most recently editor of The Hotline, a daily Web briefing on politics published by the National Journal. Ververs will serve as the conduit between the public and CBS News to take viewers and users inside the newsgathering, production and decision- making process via the use of original video and out-takes, interviews with correspondents and producers, and input from independent experts, among other methods. "Public Eye" will debut by late summer. Video player A fully redesigned home page featuring The EyeBox, an on-page video player which makes breaking news video immediately available. Users can build their own newscast, choosing from exclusive Web content, the current day's CBS News broadcasts, its archive of more than 25,000 news pieces, or in many cases, video that has yet to be broadcast. CBSNews.com will continue to offer all video for free in both of the two most popular player formats, Real Video and Windows Media. All CBS News video is encoded for full-screen viewing. [Passage omitted: programming information] Source: Viacom website, New York, in English 12 Jul 05 (via BBCM via DXLD) any charge? (gh) BLOG REPORT --- CBS GROWS BRAIN, KENNY ROGERS TAKES TRAIN TO NOWHERE A few months ago all we heard in the media world was CBS this and CBS that. Then Dan Rather stepped down. And poof, just like that, CBS was gone from the world of media chatter. Then on Tuesday came an announcement (PDF) from CBS that it would be revamping its Web presence with a digital online news network, a "Public Eye" blog looking at the network's newsgathering process, and some other bells and whistles. Reviews have been mixed. . . [MORE] http://www.cjrdaily.org/archives/001677.asp where there also lots of hotlinks (via Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** U S A. Re: 5-115, [NRC-AM] GRAVEYARD DISTANCE RECORDS RIPE FOR THE BREAKING: Well, Glenn, your message prompted me to check my records. I suspect the following will not stand the test of time, but I couldn't find them in the current list so maybe I'll hold the distance record for at least one issue. KTIP, CA, Porterville, 174 Miles. Logged 5/7/04 at 0400Z. ID came up at TOH and then faded right back out. KSMA, CA, Santa Maria, 173 Miles. Logged 2/22/05 at 0733Z. Caught ID coming out of commercial break. Immediately faded back into clutter. KYPA, CA, Los Angeles, 32 Miles. Logged 2/22/05 at 0700Z. ID in EE came through at TOH. Station normally broadcasts in Korean. KLAV, NV, Las Vegas, 223 Miles. Logged 2/23/05 at 0742Z. ID barely legible. All of these were logged on my AR7030+ using a Wellbrook ALA1530 antenna (Jay Heyl, Orange, CA, NRC-AM via DXLD) WTFK? Not all the same, but all graveyarders, I think (gh) ``I`m not sure if you have to be an NRC member, but probably not, as long as the reception can be reliably claimed, not necessarily QSLed - -- on your honor`` Yes, indeed, you do have to be a current member of the National Radio Club to claim these records --- membership has its privileges, and one of them is having your name on an "honor roll" of accomplishments by other club members in this column, GYDXA, which Bill Hale edits, and others like IDXA and DDXA, which I edit. The appearance of no loggings of some stations is due to members leaving the club and their records being deleted. Trust me, Bill checks with me often as to whether or not a claimant is an NRC member (Paul Swearingen, NRC membership chairman, ibid.) Another item of interest concerning the NRC's "Graveyard DX Achievements" (GYDXA) column --- Bill does all of the distance calculations himself. That way, the distance calculations are fairly and equally performed. 73 and GREAT DX! (Stephen Ponder N5WBI, Houston TX USA, ibid.) Since Glenn Hauser's message on the subject appeared, I've been contacted by several folks from, literally, around the world. Some have just inquired, while others sent their DX on the Graveyard channels. Yes, one must be a member in good standing of the NRC or DXAS to be listed. I've been the keeper of these lists for almost 30 years (except for a short break in the early 80s), and some names have been there all that time! Only records tallied since January 1, 1960 are printed regularly in DX News. However, there is also a list kept of accomplishments prior to that date for each of the frequencies. In those lists are some truly amazing catches which probably go back into the 1930s or earlier(?). Everyone may view all of the up-to-date lists, including the "Totals" column, at: http://www.nrcdxas.org/GYDXA/ GooDX to all, (BILL Hale, TX, ibid.) Do we report our GY Logs directly to you or do you lift them from our Logs we report to others? I have caught some things on GY, but I don't see my name in the List (Bert New, Watkinsville, Georgia, Proudly Serving You Since 1964!, ibid.) Ira, you must submit your catches directly to Bill Hale, as neither he nor any of the DXN editors lift anything from this listserv for use in DXN - except for the DX'er's Notebook editor (whenever we get a volunteer for the job). Thanks (Paul Swearingen, KS, ibid.) ** U S A. A lot of these "license cancellations" are really just paperwork matters - renewal fees that are supposed to be paid don't get paid on time (or, in some cases, get paid but not properly credited through the FCC bureaucracy, in which payments are routed through a bank drop in Pennsylvania), and so "cancellation" is really more like "warning"; once the matter is cleared up, the license is reinstated as though nothing ever happened. We've stopped deleting "cancelled" licenses from the M Street database without some sort of solid confirmation from the station itself of its status. s (Scott Fybush, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** ZANZIBAR. Thanks to the tip from Tony [Rogers] yesterday, Voice of Tanzania-Zanzibar heard today with good reception on from tune-in at 1655 UT on 11735.0 kHz. Drumbeats at 1659 then relay of news in Swahili from Radio Tanzania, Dar-es-Salaam. Very good modulation - it sounds like a new transmitter to me. 73s (Dave Kenny, Caversham, Lowe HF225 Europa (my AOR is currently out of service, the dial backlights have failed making it very difficult to read the display), July 12, BDXC-UK via DXLD) Yes, very good reception this evening again. The news in English at 1800 is a relay from Spice FM, as per WRTH 2005 page 370 (Tony Rogers, ibid.) Checked 11735 again July 13 at 2055, not expecting to hear anything with storm in progress, and I was right (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Solar-terrestrial indices for 13 July follow. Solar flux 92 and estimated mid-latitude A-Index 22. The mid-latitude K-index at 2100 UTC on 13 July was 3 (28 nT). Space weather for the past 24 hours has been moderate. Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level occurred. Radio blackouts reaching the R2 level occurred (SEC via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED [non]. Re 5-115: According to my resources (The FCC database,) there are two listings for the City Of Virginia Beach at 1680 kHz: WQCS881 (License expires 13 November 2005) and WQCX405 (Good until 16 June 2015.) As they have the call signs listed in the FCC database, I would say that it is indeed licensed. Take care, (Eric Berger, Detroit, Michigan, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 5833.0 kHz, 1925 UT, 12/07, Emisora con música pop non- stop. Saludos (Antonio Madrid, Spain?, Sony 2001D+Hilo Largo 50 Mts+Yaesu FRT-7700, Noticias DX via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Pessoal, Tenho ouvido com bastante regularidade um programa religioso com citações a nome de barcos em 8939 kHz por volta das 0000 UT. Não chega a ser uma emissora pirata mas também não é exatamente uma emissora utilitária. Vale pela curiosidade. 73 (Ivan Dias, Sorocaba/SP, July 12, Membro do DX Clube do Brasil, Junte-se à nossa família! http://www.ondascurtas.com via DXLD) AM? USB? UNIDENTIFIED. 9600, open carrier, poor signal at 1352 July 14. Possibly XEYU is trying to come back as predicted a few months ago; or possibly it is the Cuban lingering past its usual closing. ACI from Japan 9595 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ PACIFIC-ASIAN-LOG (C) MEDIUMWAVE GUIDE **FREE** The latest [July 2005] version of Bruce Portzer's Pacific-Asian-Log (c) is now available only at http://www.radioheritage.net FREE access. 4000+ mediumwave [AM] radio stations ** covers Central, South and North Asia ** covers India, China and Japan ** covers Pacific including Australia and New Zealand ** covers Alaska and Hawaii ** frequency, call-sign, location, format, power, operating hours and more ** updated by global monitoring network ** download versions and search tools ** FREE ** available on-line now. Please send updates, corrections, additions and alterations to info @ radioheritage.net A public service of the Radio Heritage Foundation, a registered non-profit organization, Wellington, New Zealand. Visit http://www.radioheritage.net today. FREE email newsletter (David Ricquish, July 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ VALUABLE 5900W OMG, check it out. US$510 for a Sony ICF-5900W!!!!! Can you believe that? I would dearly love a 5900W, but this is a mind blowing demonstration of more money than sense. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5787101136&rd=1& sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1 (Edwin Lowe, PhD, Student, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, July 12, ARDXC via DXLD) (Salivating), the somewhat crippled 5900W at my side is starting to look like a mint (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) THE TINY TRAP +++++++++++++ Well, at least THE LITTLE TRAP: YL anchor on MSNBC, July 13 at 1932 UT, as we were having lunch at Panda King, referred to ``the little town of Leeds``. A Google search on Leeds UK population found 715,000 mentioned in a current story about you-know-what (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ Official Space Weather Advisory issued by NOAA Space Environment Center, Boulder, Colorado, USA SPACE WEATHER ADVISORY BULLETIN #05- 3 2005 July 13 at 10:14 a.m. MDT (2005 July 13 1614 UTC) **** ERUPTIVE SUNSPOT GROUP PRODUCES SIGNIFICANT SOLAR ACTIVITY **** NOAA Region 786 has produced a series of eruptions over the past week. This region continues to produce radio blackouts at the minor (R1) to moderate (R2) levels. Associated minor (G1) and moderate (G2) geomagnetic storms have also been observed as a result of this activity. A solar radiation storm is also possible. The active region is currently approaching the northwest limb and further eruptions are possible before it rotates away from Earth on 14 July. Agencies impacted by solar flare radio blackouts, geomagnetic storms, and solar radiation storms should continue to closely monitor the space environment for the next 48 hours. Data used to provide space weather services are contributed by NOAA, USAF, NASA, NSF, USGS, the International Space Environment Services and other observatories, universities, and institutions. More information is available at SEC's Web site http://sec.noaa.gov (SEC via DXLD) Space Weather Message Code: SUMX01 Serial Number: 50 Issue Time: 2005 Jul 14 1147 UTC SUMMARY: X-ray Event exceeded X1 Begin Time: 2005 Jul 14 1016 UTC Maximum Time: 2005 Jul 14 1055 UTC End Time: 2005 Jul 14 1129 UTC X-ray Class: X1.2 NOAA Scale: R3 - Strong Comment: The X-ray event occurred in Region 786 on the NW limb. No optical observation with this flare. NOAA Space Weather Scale descriptions can be found at http://www.sec.noaa.gov/NOAAscales (SEC July 14 via DXLD) Propagation conditions today gradually went back to normal approx. around 13 PM UT (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, July 14, DX LISTENING DIGEST) TROPO POSSIBLE IN ATLANTIC: see BERMUDA ###