DX LISTENING DIGEST 6-016, January 24, 2006 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 2006 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html For restrixions and searchable 2005 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid5.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 For latest updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html NEXT SW AIRING OF WORLD OF RADIO 1301: Days, times strictly UT Wed 1030 on WWCR 9985 FIRST SW AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1302: Wed 2300 on WBCQ 7415 Thu 0000 on WBCQ 18910-CLSB Thu 2130 on WWCR 7465 Full schedule, including AM, FM, satellite and internet, with hotlinks to station sites and audio: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL] http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml ** ALGERIA [non?]. Re: [dxld] Algeria back on SW; relay? I tuned 17840 today (Jan. 24) after Romania (in French) went off 17845 at c1157. There was nothing audible at first but then a station "crash started" on the hour. The transmission was in French but a poor signal with lots of fading. However, 'things' improved a little in the next hour and I was finally able to hear a clear ID at 1300 as "Radio Algerienne", and this was heard several times. Time pips were heard at 1300 but prior to that mostly talk/discussion between a man and a woman and after 1300 what seemed like a news broadcast. I could not stay with it longer to hear what time it went off. This didn't sound like a resurrection of one of the old Algerian units and, on checking I found this signal was almost the same strength and fading as Woofferton 17640 while Issoudun 17620 was much weaker. 73 (Noel R. Green (NW England), Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Chaîne-3 noted today around 1200-1400 UT on 17840 kHz, probably via Issoudun-France. Lousy signal here in South Germany, like other outlets of LBY/RFI via Issoudun: LBY Relays via: 17670, 21485, 21675, and 21695. Similar RFI Issoudun 17620, 17670, 21620, 21645, and 21685. RTA signal is nearly 7 seconds behind LW Tipaza 252 kHz. I guess this special outlet served the politicans at 16-24 January 2006 - AU SUMMIT Khartoum, Sudan http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/Summits/Jan2006/DRAFt_AGENDA_Assembly.doc Or given the initial kick-off on this summit ? (wb, Jan 24) History: ALGERIA Bassil Ahmad Zoubi of the ASBU explained that one of the organization's members, Algiers, has ceased SW broadcasts "until further notice" because of technical problems (Jeff White-FL-USA, HFCC report in NASB NL via dxld, Mar 7, 2003) Ouled Fayet 02E57 36N43 site missing in WRTH 1995 onwards. Bouchaoui 02E56 36N44 missing in WRTH 2003. Tipaza powerhouse LW 252 opened again after refurbishing on Dec 12, 2001. Two other powerful LW stns on 153 and 198 kHz opened in early 90ties. RTA last B-02 entries, last TDA registration period: 7145 1400 1630 38,40 BOU 50 98 206 ALG TDA 7245 0600 2300 37 BOU 100 0 925 ALG TDA 7245 0600 2300 37 BOU 100 180 925 ALG TDA 9535 1600 1730 38-40 BOU 50 98 206 ALG TDA 9640 2230 2330 12-15 BOU 50 235 216 ALG TDA 11715 1400 2100 18,28 BOU 100 20 206 ALG TDA 11750 0600 2245 37SE BOU 50 178 805 ALG TDA 15160 1400 2100 18,28 BOU 50 20 206 ALG TDA 15205 1330 1515 38-40 BOU 50 98 216 ALG TDA 15215 2300 2400 12-15 BOU 50 235 216 ALG TDA 17745 1530 1700 38,47,48,53 BOU 50 146 206 ALG TDA (HFCC B02) (all via Wolfgang Büshcel, DXLD) Today after 1200 I checked out 17840 for the reported Chaîne 3 from Algeria, but no signal could be detected here within the reinforced building. I think you already received other reports about it indeed being on air, but with only a poor signal here in Germany and a delay of almost seven seconds. It should be an educated guess that this is a relay from Europe to elsewhere, and the frequency could well point at Issoudun. The delay can be easily explained by Eutelsat Hotbird being the audio source. Hotbird does not relay the original multiplex from Algiers, uplinked to NSS 7 there, but only certain programs. So the signal gets multiplexed a second time, resulting in such a long delay. Now it remains to be seen if this will become a permanent service. While searching for possible Chaîne 3 transmissions on other frequencies I stumbled over French on 17650. Perhaps them? Not so: Just the ubiquitous China Radio International. Strong Deutsche Welle on 17710 caught my attention as well, making me wonder if this frequency is beaming to Europe. Not so: Sines to North America, doing the new morning service. Quite surprising: Almost as strong as 6075, just from spurious radiation. All the best, (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Jan 24 I came to 17840 around 1220 and noted them [Algeria] with good signal. Lady hosted a talk/phone-in programme in French. I guess it was rather educated discussion as the callers/studio guests were titled doctors and professors. Parallel was found on 15255 with similar good signal. Couple of minutes before TOH a bunch of ads, Hyundai, Toyota, etc., and around 1300, as Noel mentions, several mentions of "Radio Algerienne". I had to leave the house at that time, so no idea when the s-off was. I agree, this is possibly a relay via?. 73 (Jari Savolainen, Kuusankoski, Finland, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA [non]. 01/21/06 Germany, Wertachtal 125 kW: 15680 at 1600, CVC International, English from studios in Queensland, short interviews and voice segments with lots of pop style music. Live news and sports results. Quality production. B05 lists 15680 1500-1800. Not listed in PWBR. WRTH shows frequency and site but not the time (Jerry Lenamon, Waco TX, ICOM R75, 60 foot sloper, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA [and non]. 01/24/06, ABC Alice Springs, 2310, at 1130. Weak. Nothing on 2325 or 2485. PNG on 4890 very weak at the same time (Jerry Lenamon, Waco TX, ICOM R75, 60 foot sloper, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BELARUS [non]. RFE Belarusian takes itself off the internet. "A new law ... that came into force on 1 January 2006 criminalizes activities of 'discrediting the state'. This has even led Radio Free Europe to temporarily withdraw its Internet broadcasting until the 'situation becomes clear'. Radio Free Europe fears its journalists in Belarus may face legal action." Euro-Reporters, 20 January 2005. http://euro-reporters.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=374&Itemid=1 Indeed, on 23 January, files not accessible at RFE Belarus on-demand audio page http://www.rferl.org/listen/ondemand/bd/br/default.asp (kimandrewelliott.com Jan 24 via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. Cf 6-015; somewhat more detail, from his Panorama column in @tividade DX: RADIO MAGAZINE http://www.radioways.cjb.net 7840 kHz – RÁDIO DIÁRIO DA MANHÃ --- Na madrugada deste domingo, dentre outras emissoras sintonizadas, uma chamou à atenção em especial. Trata-se de uma transmissão em português ocupando os 7840 kHz, amplitude modulada, um trabalho extremamente amadorístico, sem qualidade alguma de comunicação, e sem qualidade de sinal. Esta emissora identificou-se várias vezes como sendo a Radio Diário da Manhã. Em pequenos intervalos de tempo, novas identificações. O programa que estava sendo apresentado denominava-se ‘Sertanejo Apaixonado’. Canções sertanejas eram sequencialmente oferecidas a ‘caminhoneiros que viajam pelas estradas do Brasil’. Ao se encerrar o programa, apenas a simples informação que ‘acabamos de apresentar o Sertanejo Apaixonado, e agora vamos oferecer uma canção religiosa para o pessoal de Sobradinho...’ e assim por diante. Tudo emendado. Quer dizer, sem nenhum formato de programa organizado. De um lado isso traz certa característica de originalidade, dado que quase 100 % dos formatos apresentados em programas de rádio que conhecemos são semelhantes entre si. Vamos a algumas análises sobre esta freqüência: Pelo que me consta, há uns 2 anos atrás houve uma manifestação pelas listas eletrônicas de discussão sobre temas de rádio aqui no Brasil, de que havia uma emissora chamada Rádio Diário da Manhã em 7 MHz que tinha uma programação simples e ficou no ar a questão curiosa de se saber de onde provinham estes sinais. O assunto esmoreceu sem se chegar algum denominador satisfatório. Pois agora, creio que não seja muito diferente. Não há identificação do local de transmissão da emissora, não há anúncios comerciais, não há referencias outras. O que deu para se ouvir foi uma menção à cidade de Sobradinho, porém, com toda a certeza este não é um elemento conclusivo numa avaliação destas. ‘Sobradinho’ pode ser uma denominação de cidade, ou mesmo um bairro estabelecido no norte, oeste ou sul do Brasil. A emissora é pirata, sem dúvida. Não se conhecem registros de emissoras brasileiras transmitindo em 7840 kHz. Mesmo porque se assim o fosse, seria a primeira, pois não há dados de que o Brasil tenha tido emissoras oficiais de ondas curtas em 41 metros. E mesmo na atualidade. Mas, tudo aponta para uma emissora pirata. Quanto à denominação da emissora: Existem duas estações brasileiras que carregam o nome de ‘Diário da Manhã’ em sua estrutura, ambas em Santa Catarina. Uma trata-se da estação que está sendo usada pela CBN-Florianópolis, em 740 kHz (detalhe: as antigas ondas curtas desta, 9665 kHz, estão em domínio atual da Rádio Marumby, das Organizações Matheus Iensen. Mas isto é voltar ao início da década de 80!!). Outra ‘Diário da Manhã’ fica em Lages, planalto catarinense, que só atua em ondas médias. Portanto, conclusivamente a ‘Diário da Manhã’ que está em 7840 kHz pode-se dizer de que se trata de uma ‘terceira’ ‘Diário da Manhã’. A freqüência anunciada na transmissão informa 7840 kHz, porém, no receptor a freqüência é bem melhor captada entre 7842 e 7843 kHz. Ainda, pela intensidade de sinal recebido, esta emissora deve estar situada entre os Estados de Minas Gerais e o Paraná. Praticamente sem fading, o ponteiro do receptor lá em cima, e pelo sotaque do apresentador, tudo aponta para o interior de São Paulo. Enfim, esta não deixa de ser uma transmissão muito interessante, e digna de ser acompanhada. Com toda a certeza como diz o nome do programa transmitido, trata-se de algum ‘sertanejo apaixonado’, que, de posse de equipamentos comuns de transmissão estabeleceu-se na freqüência dos 7840 kHz. Também podemos concluir que devam existir ouvintes que permanecem ligados nos 41 metros, ouvindo a Rádio Diário da Manhã. Em madrugadas de insônia, compensa-se dar uma sintonizada nesta emissora. Como já informado, ouvida na madrugada, a partir da meia- noite, nosso horário. Talvez algum de nossos colegas tenha algo a contribuir, para que quem sabe, decifrarmos o local de origem destes sinais. Um abraço a todos, boas escutas, e até o nosso próximo encontro! (Rudolf W. Grimm, SP, @tividade DX Jan 23 via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. O primeiro programa gay do rádio brasileiro também pode ser conferido via ondas curtas. É o Calça Comprida, que vai ao ar, nos domingos, entre 22h30min e 00h, no horário brasileiro de verão [= 0030-0200 UT Mondays; after DST, 0130-0300], pela Rádio Mundial, de São Paulo (SP), pela freqüência de 4975 kHz. Na pauta, cultura, saúde, música, espiritualidade e comportamento gay. A apresentação é de Luiz Gasparetto, Dr. Alexandre Hilel, Marcelo Cezar e Shoichi Iwashita (Célio Romais, Panorama, @tividade DX Jan 23 via DXLD) ** CANADA. For those looking for other options for the Canadian election on the internet try the CITY TV coverage on http://www.pulse24.com with coverage from across Canada. You can stream the audio or audio and video by looking at the right side of the page. CPAC http://www.cpac.ca is also probably streaming as they normally do (Wade Smith, NB, UT Jan 24, dxldyg via DXLD) Both these crashed IE, for some reason, when I tried them, twice. Anyway, I was watching CBC via C-SPAN, despite a lengthy satellite outage, right thru new PM Stephen Harper`s victory speech. What a relief it was not to be plied with endless specific incomplete numbers of actual vote tallies (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CBC/RCI broke the law, apparently I was reading the Montreal Gazette's electronic edition late tonight, seeing how my old paper was covering the Canadian election. Waaay back on Page B10 is an article from CanWest News Service about how RCI's audio stream was flouting Canada's electoral laws, reporting results from the Atlantic region "a full two hours before it was legal to publish results." The article says the program was suddenly stopped just before 8 p.m. ET. Perhaps this snafu explains the difficulty some on this list had in connecting to CBC's audio streams last night when they were supposed to come back on at 10 p.m. ET. (Ricky Leong, Calgary (Who is listening to an Eastern-time feed of CBC on the Internet but should really go to bed now after a long night at work busy with election coverage!) Jan 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I have heard no sound from CBC audio since 0300 UT Tuesday 24 January 2006, by which the audio streams were supposed to have returned. I have tried many streams, ranging from St Johns in the east to Vancouver in the west, Iqaluit in the north to Windsor in the south, and other places between, but all have remained silent so far. I certainly had audio from CBC R1 shortly before the streams were turned off at 0000 24 January. I wonder what could be causing the delay in switching the streams back on (PAUL DAVID, Wembley Park, United Kingdom, 0335 UT Jan 24, ibid.) Having finally established connection to CBC audio at 0411 UT, I was able to stay with the service via Windsor until the programme ended abruptly at 0655. The hosts were in fact signing off at that time, but the programme had not properly finished when the service unceremoniously switched to Radio Netherlands, part of CBC Radio Overnight. I would have thought that the Election coverage would have continued up to the top of the hour before the networks returned to regular programming (PAUL DAVID, Wembley Park, United Kingdom, Jan 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I had excellent reception again this morning of CBNA St. Anthony (Newfoundland) on 600 MW around 0800 (Tuesday) and the CBC Radio-1 news is carried at that time during 'CBC Overnight'. The election result was announced and there was part of a speech from the new Conservative leader. And BTW - before 0800 and after the end of the CBC news c0805 BBC World Service is usually heard (Noel R. Green (NW England), dxldyg via DXLD) ** CANADA. Controversial French language radio host wins seat in Canadian Parliament. --- André Arthur is the projected winner in the riding of Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier in Quebec. Info from Wikipedia Arthur began his radio career at CHRC in 1970. He has also appeared on CJRP, CKVL, CJMF, CJMS and, most recently (until late 2005), at CKNU. He is known for his outspoken style and right wing politics, and earned the nickname le Roi Arthur ("King Arthur"). His career has been marked by a number of lawsuits and decisions by the CRTC and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. His most recent gig, as morning and noon host for CKNU in Donnaconna, Quebec, ended on December 22, 2005, soon after Genex Communications announced it was selling the station to Radio Nord, which declined to renew his contract (via Wade Smith, New Brunswick, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO HOST POISED TO TAKE QUEBEC CITY AREA RIDING FROM BLOC (He did) As I understand it he fancies himself a Quebec Howard Stern (There`s a thought --- Congressman Stern) (Fred Waterer, ON, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Martin Ouellet, The Canadian Press Published: Friday, January 20, 2006 QUEBEC -- A former controversial radio host who was known as King Arthur to his fans is poised to snatch a Quebec City-area riding away from the Bloc Quebecois. Voters in Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier seemed to be turning to Independent candidate Andre Arthur, bucking Bloc strength in the rest of the province and a resurgence by the Conservatives. "They know the country is being run by crooks,'' Arthur says of the voters in his riding, suggesting it doesn't matter which of the main parties is in power. "Do you think the Conservatives under Brian Mulroney were less corrupt than the Liberals? The people in Portneuf remember that government.'' A CROP poll conducted Jan. 11 to 15 in the riding indicated that Arthur had the support of 36 per cent of the 300 respondents, compared with 24 per cent for the Bloc. The Tories came third with 18 per cent and the Liberals trailed far behind at two per cent. http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=fd245ae1-2fab-48b4-9157-c73607c5585e&k=45875 Latest Numbers at: http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/riding/085/ --- CBC caught off guard; didn`t even post a candidate bio (Fred Waterer, ON, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) but did for all the losers ** CHINA. I fully agree with Mike Barraclough and you on China in general and China Radio International in particular. Indeed CRI sounds very different now than ten years ago. This is not necessarily impressive to me, since I feel that they are widely copying western models rather than developing their own style. But is CRI a source of unbiased and uncensored information about China itself? Do they "embrace public service principles" as stated in an earlier discussion just by adopting modern production styles and churning out their programs with many new shortwave transmitters (the ones not already in use for jamming)? Is broadcasting on shortwave a value in itself? In my opinion: No (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Jan 22, 2130 EST, Cuba-1100, the wobbler, which has to be the most bizarre sound I've ever heard on the radio in 30+ years of DXing. Probably a scheme by Castro to drive us all crazy. Imagine if he put this on all his frequencies. Sounds better (or worse) on USB (Mike Bugaj, Enfield, CT, ICQ# 33-140-101, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) Hi Mike, It's in loud in Illinois. Anyone have a clue what's up? I don't recall anything on 1100 that would cause Fidel much worry. BTW, news reports say he's livid over a scrolling electric sign we put up on the U.S. Interests Building in Havana. Maybe this is retaliation for that? (Curtis Sadowski, Paxton, Illinois, ibid.) Viz.: ** CUBA. RHC frequencies on the air at an unusual time, before and after 1600 UT Jan 24: interviewing somebody with an Italian accent, and R. Rebelde ID in passing. Turns out this is special coverage of a mass demonstration in Habana against --- the USA! Over the Posada Carriles affair, by a combined national network of the ICR including RHC. Heard on 6000, 9550, 11760, 11805, 12000, 15230, which normally sign off at 1500; also after 1600 on 11655, R. Rebelde, much weaker with co-channel (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Havana Cuba --- There appeared to be a rally of some kind with special programming from RHC on Tuesday, Jan. 24. I noticed that 15230, 12000, 11805, 9550 and 6000 were all on after their listed sign off time of 1500 UT and continued on until 1900. Noticed at 1845 that 11760 was on also. All strong signals. The Cuban National Anthem was heard at 1837 followed by the "International". Later named what sounded like the domestic stations that were relaying the special program. No shortage of energy in Cuba apparently with these six transmitters going extra time (not to mention all the jammers). (Bernie O'Shea, Ottawa, Ontario, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Remarkable as it seems, Radio Cadena Habana 1100 kHz, Havana Cuba, is back after less than 24 hours of silence. The signal is still weak for me at 2200Z 1/24 -- I heard it first around 2000Z -- but already the Wobbler which has returned right along with its host, is disrupting the channel. Barring another meltdown like yesterday, chances are good the Wobbler will be reaching out and touching folks across the land, again tonight. This is just a heads up for now, likely too early for anyone beyond south FL to hear anything. If and when things break loose I and no doubt others will posts the fact (W. Curt Deegan, Boca Ratón, (southeast) FL, Jan 24, IRCA via DXLD) ** CUBA [non]. I think there is something odd about the ``Central England`` DF Anker Petersen reported for R. República, since the only SW site fitting that description is Woofferton. Trouble is, WOF was originally for VOA relays to the eastern hemisphere, and looking thru the HFCC B-05 schedule, I find that the ``largest`` azimuth displayed for that site is 182 degrees, i.e. West Africa. Thus, unless of course, some changes have been made, it would appear that WOF does not have an antenna suitable for Cuba. The other two VT sites in the UK, however, Skelton and Rampisham, both have a number of non-secret transmissions aimed at South, and Central America --- so more likely one of those is in use for R. República 6135/6010/7110 (Glenn Hauser, OK, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DIEGO GARCIA. Still heard most evenings (just after sundown) on 4319 USB. Nothing yet on 12579 even when tuning in just before sunrise (Jerry Lenamon, Waco TX, ICOM R75, 60 foot sloper, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Re Anacaona item in DXLD 6-015, I didn't report this as USB (nor did Rich as I'm looking at his original report). The NASWA Flashsheet editor inserted that for some reason (John Herkimer, NY, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Glenn, Re DXLD 6-015 1440 unID, I appear to have heard this one in Bonaire last September - although I fear my logging only raises further questions: 1440 unID. Caught the end of a "Radio Impacto" possible ID 1440 giving location somewhere in Dominican Republic, and giving FM calls in Corona, California (?). Contemporary religious music format. Didn't log the date. from http://havana.yak.net/bonaire/ 73 (Jay Novello, Wake Forest, NC, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. The media authority of Saxonia received two applications for Wilsdruff 1431 and will make a decision in February. The information service SatelliLine specifies the applicants without mentioning a source as Truckradio and Voice of Russia, stating that an allocation to VoR can be expected since the invitation of applications called for information-orientated programming, if possible including foreign-language content. Speaking about Truckradio: They have a licence for Burg 531 and announced a launch of this frequency for autumn of last year, but nothing happened so far. Meanwhile they changed the remark concerning 531 on their website into an unspecific "under preparation", mentioning Frankfurt 1080 here as well (no allocation there yet, not even a plan for the actual transmitter site; hearsay has it that Hessischer Rundfunk already refused to host 1080). Today Jan 24 a mast from 1977 at the Mühlacker station has been dismantled: http://www.pz-news.de/muehlacker/77179/ On Jan 23 a local coverage DRM experiment started at Hannover, running 40 watts on 26045. See http://www.digital11.de --- pictures of transmitter site and antenna: http://www.digital11.de/3.html (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUATEMALA. January 23th, 2006. From: Dr. Édgar Amílcar Madrid, Radio Verdad (Radio Truth), Chiquimula, Guatemala [4052.5]. To: All our friends. ¿Did you know that we have our new Web Site of Radio Truth (Radio Verdad), the Friends' Short Wave Station? You can find much data about Radio Truth, like our history, photographs, beautiful hymns in English and in Spanish, news, the Back to Jesus Broadcast and many links from our listeners. Visit now, and let us know what you think about it. You can search for it at: http://www.radioverdad.org (Dr. Édgar Amílcar Madrid, Manager and Director, R. Verdad, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Beware; audio launches auto ** INDONESIA. GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE CONTROVERSIAL BROADCASTING RULES | Text of report in English by Singapore newspaper The Straits Times website on 23 January The Indonesian government will enforce a set of broadcasting regulations next month that will, among others, ban local broadcasters from relaying news provided by foreign stations such as the BBC. The rules will take effect on 6 February, exactly two months after the government agreed to postpone the enforcement following a meeting with legislators at the House of Representatives last month. "Come what may, we are going ahead with enforcing the regulations for the good of the public," said Dr Widiadnyana Merati, the director- general of Information at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI). The set of four regulations, issued by the MCI, had come under fire from media watchers and journalists, who described them as being repressive. "It is a setback for press freedom," said Mr Heru Hendratmoko, a broadcast journalist and chairman of the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI). The regulations are based on the Broadcasting Law of 2002 to put some semblance of order in the media industry, where more than 100 television and radio stations have been operating without official control since the fall of former president Suharto. The rules cover the licensing of broadcasting stations, allocating air waves, monitoring of programmes, imposing sanctions and limiting foreign ownership. But media watchers are irked by one clause that bans local broadcasters from relaying news provided by foreign stations. Many of the 160 radio and TV stations in the country carry news and current affairs programmes of the BBC, the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Australia, Deutsche Welle of Germany and Radio Hilversum [Radio Netherlands] of the Netherlands. "Millions of Indonesians throughout the archipelago will soon be unable to get alternative sources of information," said Mr Abdullah Alamudi, a university lecturer and member of the Press and Broadcast Society. Mr Abdullah said that the local stations were merely trying to meet their audiences "continuous demand for more international news and news about Indonesia as seen from a non-Indonesian perspective." For Mr Heru, having BBC and VOA programmes would be a benchmark for the private radio stations to learn from "the established foreign stations" in covering news. "The government should not be paranoid that the public would be misled by the foreign news programmes because the presenters are all Indonesians and the language medium is Indonesian," he said. But Dr Widiadnyana defended the ban, saying that it would serve to protect the public if the news items provided by the foreign stations were found to be objectionable or contain errors. He added that the public could still listen to Western news broadcasts on shortwave radio and cable television networks. Mr Heru said that the regulations would take Indonesia back to the days of Suharto, where there was no press freedom and the media was under strict government control. Source: The Straits Times website, Singapore, in English 23 Jan 06 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** INDONESIA. QSL[non], tri-folding combo, Merry Christmas/New Years/ frequency schedule/Asia and Europe coverage map card mailed in a nice VOI envelope with Indo stamps. Presumably for one of many reports of 9525 sent in the past. Did receive a n/d VOI e-mail reply last summer. Eventually I'll get the QSL --- I hope! (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale, NH, R75, 200' Beverages, MLB-1, DTS-4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN. BBC SAYS ACCESS TO ITS BBCPERSIAN.COM NEWS SITE BLOCKED Access to BBCPersian.com - the BBC's international news website and the biggest Internet site in the Persian language - is being blocked within Iran at the request of the authorities, the BBC announced today. Initial assessments of the level of traffic to the site within Iran indicate that they have dropped substantially on normal traffic levels over the last three days since reports of the country-wide blocking began. The BBC's international online news services in the English language remain unaffected. BBC World Service radio broadcasts in both Persian and English are being received by audiences in Iran as normal. BBC World Service Director Nigel Chapman said: "BBCPersian.com is a major source of news for Iranians, and has the biggest impact of any online site or newspaper in Persian. We are very concerned at this action and regret that it deprives a great number of ordinary Iranians of a trusted source of impartial and editorially independent news and information. We shall be making representations to the Iranian authorities with a view to reinstating access to our service for all Iranians. The appetite among Iranians to know more about what's going on – both in Iran and abroad – has never been greater. Online is an important part of life in modern Iran; there is a hugely active and engaged online community. The country is a world leader in terms of the proportion of the population engaged in 'blogging'. Many people in Iran have contacted us to tell us they believe the quality of information and debate in the country will be much poorer following this action." BBCPersian.com receives around 30 million page impressions per month. It is the most popular of the BBC's non-English language news websites. It is estimated that Iran has seven million internet users and BBC Persian.com attracts around one third of all users in the country. The BBC has been broadcasting radio programmes in the Persian language to Iran for more than 65 years. Its Persian Internet site started in 2001. BBCPersian.com http://www.bbc.co.uk/persian # posted by Andy @ 16:23 UT Jan 24 (Media Network blog via DXLD) Terry Krueger sent similar story ** IRAN [non]. Listen for higher pitched voices speaking Farsi. "The Persian service of Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty has been completely neutered. Is there a reason -- other than the "grand bargain" -- the United States doesn't have a surrogate radio service for a country President Bush calls one of the gravest threats we face in the world? Don't we want RFE-RL to develop an in-country network of sources (yes, it's dangerous) that can tell the Iranian people things the regime will not allow into the Iranian press? If the Iranian people deserve to live in freedom, and President Bush and Secretary of State Rice have both said that they do, why can't we fund and develop radio and television programs that continually reveal the ugly, corrupt, and violent side of clerical rule?" Reuel Marc Gerecht, Weekly Standard, via American Enterprise Institute, 23 January 2006 http://www.aei.org/publications/filter.all,pubID.23721/pub_detail.asp (from a much longer article, via kimandrewelliott.com Jan 24 via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. Kol Israel 13855 --- I emailed and then spoke to Moshe Oren. Here is his email response: ---- Hi, Yes this change was planned because the SSN [sunspot number] condition 13850 is our frequency for the summer to Iran 13855 is new and to avoid collision with American station on 13850 I am glad with the result, 15760 and 17535 did not gave any result. the 13855 is on the HFCC site and maybe [...] the IBA did not updated Thanks Moshe ---- From the phone call, I received the following information: From 1500 to 1800 UT (1700-2000 local Israel time) the 15760 frequency has been switched to 13855, aimed at North America / Western Europe. Thus, any languages broadcasting during those hours have had that frequency changed. The original schedule had 13850 as an alternative to 9985. 9985 is still broadcasting, aimed to Persia as originally scheduled. ==== Also, it seems that the WRTH schedule was taken from a Bezeq or IBA schedule, which lately is listed in local Israel time. I contacted someone at WRTH and was told that they'll be correcting it on the next web update (Doni Rosenzweig, Jan 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) So did I. What US station on 13850? You mean 13845? (gh, DXLD) ** ITALY [non]. IRRS NEW TIMES Mon-Fri 5 days/week : 0530-0655 UT on 5775 kHz 0700-1755 UT on 13840 kHz 1600-1730 UT on 5775 kHz Daily 7 days/week : 2000-2300 UTC on 5785 kHz All above is in addition to our regular broadcasts. Check http://www.nexus.org/NEXUS-IBA/Schedules/ Good Listening (Tom Taylor, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Would it not be courteous to warn listeners that most if not all of the new times contain that crackpot Brother Scare? As already delineated by Observer; see SOUTH CAROLINA [non] (gh, DXLD) ** JAMAICA. A Shift toward more Auroral conditions --- Noted this morning 0950-1000 UT: RJR-720 Jamaica loud & clear with minister with heavy Jamaican accent way over WGN & CHTN. Interesting slogan at 1000 "RJR, Rejuvenating Jamaican Radio." Most of this month prior to today WGN and all the Chicago clears have been strong here at that hour. Heard on Grundig S350 barefoot (Marc DeLorenzo, South Dennis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Jan 23, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) ** JAPAN. Radio Japan continues for three years, but then what? New business plan of NHK (Radio Japan's parent entity) "states NHK will discuss the future of its satellite TV and domestic and international radio broadcasts and will concentrate its resources in selected business fields. However, during the plan's three-year implementation period, NHK 'will maintain its five TV channels, three radio channels and international radio service.'" Daily Yomiuiri Online, 21 January 2006. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20060121TDY03006.htm (kimandrewelliott.com Jan 24 via DXLD) ** JAPAN. 01/24/06, Radio Nikkei 3925 at 1140. Good (Jerry Lenamon, Waco TX, ICOM R75, 60 foot sloper, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH [and non]. RAPID INCREASE IN NORTH KOREANS LISTENING TO FOREIGN RADIO - South website North Korean rules on listening to foreign radio stations are being relaxed, with punishment being far less harsh than in the past. As a result, more North Koreans are listening to foreign stations. the South Korea-based Daily NK website has interviewed three North Koreans living over the border in China about the trend of listening to foreign radio. The following is the text of a report in English by Kwon Jeong Hyun, carried by South Korean newspaper The Daily NK website on 23 January Recently, there has been a rapid increase of the listeners to the foreign radio broadcastings in North Korea while punishments for listening to radio other than government broadcastings have loosened. Lee Young Ho, (pseudonym, age 33) from Chongjin, North Hamkyung province, said, "the number of houses listening to foreign radio around the border area reaches up to five or six out of ten. It is easy to catch KBS (Korea Broadcasting System) and Keukdong Broadcasting, and those who have short wave radio usually listen to Radio Free Asia." "I listened to Open Radio for North Korea around 10 December last year. When I heard that there had been a conference on North Korean human rights, I started to have faith." Park Keum Chul, (pseudonym, age 26) said, "I listened to VOA broadcasting. They said it is Voice of America, but I was surprised to hear that it was in Korean. First I thought it was propagandistic radio, but I liked the contents." He also testified that he has seen some of the [South] Korean movies such as "The Son of the General", "Gangster's Wife" and "Joint Security Area" and Korean soap operas such as "All In." Joo Eun Ok, (pseudonym, age 48) from Hyesan, Yangkang province, said, "Those people who do business have to listen to radio if not we will go crazy being isolated." "When we are caught listening to radio, they confiscate all the electronics, but they do not go beyond that. Compare to past, punishment is not as harsh." Following is the interview with the three North Korean residents mentioned above in full text. Lee Young Ho, Chongjin, North Hamkyong Province - How many times did you visit China and for what purpose? "I visit "North Korea" 5-6 times a year since 1999, when I first defected. During my initial stay in China, Christian evangelists helped me and I converted to a Christian. Now I secretly evangelize in North Korea. Every time I visit North Korea, I take clothes, medicine, bible and radio mission organizations donate." - Which part in North Korea did you recently visit? "I went to North Korea on 23 November and came back out on 20 December. I went to Onsung, North Hamkyung province, Chongjin, then to Hamheung and Wonsan in South Hamkyung province." - Tell us about North Korean radio. "In North Korea, you are suspected if you keep a radio to "listen to radio." Nobody does that. There is no one who will buy a radio just to listen to the single broadcasting from the Korean Central Broadcasting, which has nothing interesting. Most of the radios people have also have recorders. In principle, you have to report your radio to the security office fix the channel. However, many take off the lock or never even report their radios at all." - What is the rate of radio distribution you predict? "It differs from region to region. Border regions have many more houses holding radios than inner regions. This is because many have had transgressed to China. Those who have radio with recorders may be about five to six out every ten houses. In Chongjin about three to four out of every 10 and in the regions in South Hamkyung about one to two. Those who are in city have more than those in rural areas. I do not know how many of those who possess radios actually listen to them paying attention, but increase of the number of those who possess radios also means increase of possibility that more people will listen to them carefully." - What do they mostly listen to? "It is easy to catch KBS and Keukdong broadcasting. Those who have short wave radio usually listen to Radio Free Asia. Those who like entertainment listen to KBS and those who have ever received help from church in China or have become Christians listen to Keukdong broadcasting. Those who like listening to recent issues listen to RFA, but it seems like more and more people listen to RFA because KBS is not satisfying. - People listen to the radio secretly. How do you know of their taste? "Among the people who trust each other actually talk about radio information as well. They talk about which programme is better these days, and when and how they listen to it. I have a few people I can trust in each region and they know of other people who listen to the radio." - What do you mean by "KBS is not satisfying"? "Those people more interested in current issues are mostly unsatisfied with the North Korean regime. These days, KBS does not broadcast anything about that issue. Before, many defectors came out on their programmes and broadcasted contents giving hopes (laugh) to the North Korean people, but not anymore." - What do you mean by giving hopes? "It is simply telling the facts about North Korea as it is. When people hear it, they know it is true, they discover the situation they are in, and are encouraged to overcome their difficulties. I listened to Open Radio for North Korea around December 10, which was full in contents." - Where did you listen to Open Radio for North Korea and what was it about? "I listened to it around 10 December in Hamhung, South Hamkyung province. I heard that a conference on North Korean human rights was being held and I started to have a lot of hope. Hearing that people outside are working for the North Korean human rights encourages us a lot." Park Keum-chul, North Hamkyung province - What is the rate of radio distribution in North Korea? "I do not know exactly, but I know that many people listen to radio in secret. When I was in college, eight people shared one room, the other seven except me were from the border area. They all had a radio each. I listened to radio with them." - Many people report on what others do in North Korea, is not listening to radio in a group like that dangerous? "We were young so we were loyal. We wrote blood vows and drank our blood mixed and vowed to each other to keep the secret before we listened to the radio together." - What did you mainly listen to? "We listen to anything we could catch on the radio. One of the roommates had a short wave radio made in Japan and that was the best. Another roommate had a radio from South Korea, and that one was pretty good too. We listened to KBS, Russian radio, and also VOA. They said it was Voice of America, but we were surprised to hear that they broadcasted in Korea. At first we thought it was propaganda from America, but the content was entertaining." - Did you listen to radio recently? "I was busy after I became a schoolteacher, but ever since I watched a Korean movie, I became curious about outside world, so I took out the lock in the radio and listened to the radio for few months. In my class, there are few very knowledgeable about outside news and I certainly believe they listen to foreign news on radio. We don't ask where they got the information from since we are all in the same situation anyway. In North Korea, there are many cases you ruin your life because of your tongue (words [as published])." - Which South Korean movies did you watch? "I saw "The Son of the General" when I was in college, and recently I watched movies such as "Gangster's Wife", "Nowhere to Hide", and "Joint Security Area" and soap operas such as "Full House" and "All In". I locked the door and put double set of curtain and watched them over one night, so the next day I slept the whole day." Joo Eun-ok, Hyesan, Yanggang province - It is said that there has been an increase of the people listening to radio in North Korea. "That is right. Those who own businesses, have to listen to the radio. Those people who have returned after transgressing to China become very curious about the outside world that they become nearly crazy if they don't listen to the radio. I listen to the radio too." - What do you mean by "Those who own businesses, have to listen to the radio"? "These days, if you wish to exchange dollars or yuan, in North Korea you have to know the exact rate. When you hear the exchange rate on the rate, you write it down and remember it. Especially you listen carefully about the future aspect, whether it is likely to appreciate or depreciate. When they report the rate of yuan increased in South Korea, we also think it will increase in North Korea, so we start to buy in yuan. That is important for those who run big businesses." - What happens when you get caught listening to the radio? "Before, you were considered as a political criminal. Now, it is not like that. They confiscate all the electronics you have and that's about it. They take your TV, refrigerator, recorder and also some amount of fine. Although this is also a heavy punishment, compare to before, this is not as heavy. However, if you are caught on the spot, you are charged of a political crime." - How much is the fine? "It depends. It is like bribing them. You give them some carts of cigarettes and give them about 15,000 Won, you could say you are through. They say, "don't do it again," and cough a few times and let you go." - Have you seen anyone getting catch recently? "A man in my People's Commune got caught last November. He was doing money business (money exchanger), so he had to listen to the radio to check the exchange rate. He gave them some money, and since he is still in one piece, it looks like the problem did get solved." Source: The Daily NK website, Seoul, in English 23 Jan 06 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** LATVIA. This weekend 9290 kHz relays: Sat January 28 Radio Six 0700-0800 UT Sun January 29 Radio Six 1200-1300 UT Good Listening (Tom Taylor, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LITHUANIA. 7325, R. Vilnius, 2255+, Jan. 22, English/Lithuanian, IS loop with "This is Radio Vilnius from Lithuania" in English. Listed Lithuanian at 2300 with ID, NA, YL and OM with news. Fair (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale, NH, R75, 200' Beverages, MLB-1, DTS-4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) & English at 2330 ** MALDIVE ISLANDS. Maldives: "Tango... Bravo... Red Alert" ------------xxxxxxxxxx Breaking News xxxxxxxxxx---------------- By Nick Grace, CRW Washington, January 24, 2006 The full online issue can be read at: http://www.ClandestineRadio.com/crw/crw.php?id=278 "TANGO... BRAVO... RED ALERT" reads the headline on the front page of the DhivehiObserver.com, an independent and pro-democracy Maldivian Web site based in the UK. Peaceful demonstrations are getting underway in the Maldives, an archipelago of 26 coral atolls that sprawl across the Indian Ocean to the southwest of Sri Lanka in a strategic location where US$200 billion of the world's maritime traffic passes through. As the political opposition, an opposition that has increasingly witnessed a state-sponsored campaign of fear, gears up to rally for change, the regime is unleashing its propaganda machine in an attempt to send a chill through the expected large turnout. The nationwide demonstrations are being organized by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main democratic opposition to the 28-year long dictatorship of Maumoon Gayyoom. Beginning at 2 pm local time in Male' (UTC+5) the demonstrations are expected to gain momentum later in the evening and will roll into Wednesday, when the MDP's chairman Mohammad Nasheed, also known as Anni, is scheduled to go on trial for treason and sedition - charges that carry a minimum of 20 years imprisonment. A source within the opposition told Clandestine Radio Watch (CRW) that the trial is expected to last one day if it is not, in fact, postponed and that Anni's guilty verdict is expected. CRW reached Anni through opposition sources by telephone and he said that the regime refuses to disclose its evidence against him. He was arrested in August 2005 while participating in a peaceful demonstration and is currently under house arrest. The next few hours, he said, are critical and the entire opposition remains unafraid. Article 26 of the Maldivian Constitution clearly provides for the freedom of assembly, stating that "Persons shall be free to assemble peaceably and in a manner that does not contravene the law." Yet the Maldivian Ministry of Home Affairs has released a press release warning the public from participating in the MDP's rallies. "The demonstration that the Party has planned is not permitted by the constitution," it states. "This demonstration will also undermine the peace and security of the nation. This is a public statement to inform all that any participation in the protest of demonstration is not permitted." As the MDP is beginning to warn its 40,000 members of potential violence and even mass kidnappings, opposition sources tell CRW that a 1,000-strong militia is being organized by the state security service, the NSS, to provoke violence that can be blamed on the demonstrators. A recent campaign of violence in Male' that included firebomb attacks on government buildings was orchestrated by the NSS in attempt to destroy the credibility of the MDP. There are also credible reports that the NSS has dispatched a team of 700 of its members to a large and extremely important island, Aduu, where turnout is expected to be high. State-sponsored violence, a source said, is "guaranteed on Aduu." Olhuala.com, an anti-MDP propaganda site that knowledgeable sources tie directly to the Maldivian Attorney General and Justice Minister, is already warning that the protests "will end in bloodshed." Presumably to set the stage for the expected militia attacks, the site carries photos of an alleged weapons stash of iron bars, knives and petrol bombs that the regime is attempting to tie to the opposition. This site, along with a site called FactMaldives.com that is tied to a son of the dictator, is also claiming that the opposition will use children as "human shields." The MDP, meanwhile, is encouraging its members to find inner courage and strength at this critical moment. The pro-democracy Web site MinivanNews.com quotes MDP Vice President IH Zaki calling "for your bravery to increase from day to day, for your resolve to become stronger and for your courage and spirit." Traffic on pro-democracy Web sites is already exceeding 100,000 visitors per day and the UK-based Friends of Maldives organization has resumed its daily short wave broadcasts, called Minivan Radio, to counter the messages of state-run media. While attacks and provocations are anticipated, credible reports indicate that Gayyoom is becoming increasingly isolated. Important state documents and records have been moved to a private island and there are rumors that millions of his dollars have been transfered to offshore accounts. There is hope that he will opt for an extended vacation outside of the Maldives. Nevertheless, sources confirm that the U.S. and British embassies that oversee relations with the Maldives are monitoring events on the ground and major news outlets in the United States and Europe are preparing to report on the crisis. The regime can be assured that what moves it makes will not go unnoticed (Nick Grace, Clandestine Radio Watch, via DXLD) CRW is more and more not about actual radio, e.g. the latest editions of Global Crisis Watch, judging from their content descriptions. CRW clearly has an anti-terrorism, pro-free press agenda which takes precedence over merely covering the clandestine radio scene (gh, DXLD) ** MEXICO. Periplo --- estimado Glenn: noté en la redacción de mi captación de Radio Insurgente que ponías signos de interrogación a la palabra Periplo. En castellano "Periplo" significa un viaje que va tocando varios puntos y se regresa al lugar de origen (del griego Peri= alrededor de, plo= desplazamiento). El llamado "Subcomandante Marcos" está realizando un periplo por varios puntos de la República Mexicana. El día de hoy en la columna "La Ventana Ciega" que escribe mi buena amiga Claudia Segura en el diario "Milenio" de esta Ciudad de México, presenta mi redacción de la captación que hice de "Radio Insurgente" Estaré pendiente este viernes. Por otro lado "Radio República" sigue interfiriendo a Radio Mil hasta el punto de no escucharse esta última ni en la Cd. de México. Un gran saludo y aprovecho para desearte un magnífico año 2006 lleno de salud y DX, (Julián Santiago Díez de Bonilla, DF, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Tnx; ``periplo`` is not in my paper dixionary, nor can Google translate it (gh, DXLD) ** MEXICO. Re 6-015: 94.1 Radio Zapote, La Radio del ENAH Hola amigos, Ayer 23 de diciembre del 2006, estuve sintonizando nuevamente a la transmisión en los 94.15 MHz. Alrededor de las 19:00 HCM (0100 UT) empezaron una transmisión en vivo desde la esplanada de la Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia (ENAH) en la cual estaban estrevistando a trabajadores, alumnos acerca de la decisión de las autoridades del ENAH de despedir a varios trabajadadores, e insistían en que no vayan a recontratarse el próximo viernes con menos salario. También estaban anunciando un mitin el viernes en la esplanada del museo de antropología. Después de entrevistas empezaron con su espectáculo con música empezando con canciones de la huasteca. Como las 0430 UT una muchacha entrevista a un trabajador y comenta "¿Qué le quieres decir a nuestra radio?"; el entrevistado le pregunta "¿Cuál radio?" con la que la muchacha le contesta "A la Radio del ENAH, Radio Zapote ..." Sí, se trata de Radio Zapote, que transmite desde las instalaciones del ENAH, ubicado a un lado de la zona arqueológica de Cuicuilco, en la Delegación de Tlalpan. Es la misma que transmitió cuando hicieron su gira los zapatistas por el DF transmitiendo sus discursos. Veremos ahora cuánto duran las transmisiones de Radio Zapote. En la mañana de hoy como a las 1300 UT estaban transmitiendo algunas grabaciones de la otra campañana del EZLN, bajándolo de la Internet. Saludos (Héctor García Bojorge, DF, Jan 24, condiglist via DXLD) ** MEXICO [and non]. BONILLA CHAPTER XVI It appears that Broadcast Company of the Americas ("BCA") has taken its September 29 pleading against Emmis Communications - a pleading already dismissed by the Commission - and has filed essentially the same highly distorted if not downright bogus claims against Lazer Broadcasting. This appears to be yet another retaliatory action by BCA against the Lazer/Emmis camp for Lazer's bold helicopter investigation of Mr. Bonilla's Mexican broadcast operations, and the discovery of numerous alleged engineering rule violations. BCA's Petition to Deny, and Lazer's response, are posted at the URLs below. The file sizes are 0.7 and 1.3 Meg respectively. http://earthsignals.com/add_CGC/BCA_Pet_Deny_1_13_06.pdf http://earthsignals.com/add_CGC/Oppose_BCA_Pet_1_20_06.pdf (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. 7285, RNW via Madagascar, 2220-2229, Jan. 22, Indo-?/English, Odd format with ID at tune-in with Indo talks re Malaysia and Pakistan over music, interspersed with English soundbites by GW Bush re War on Terror and Operation Desert Shield. English raps at 2226. ID at 2228 with mention of Indonesia. Wiped out at 2229 by co-channel R.Budapest IS. Fair (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale, NH, R75, 200' Beverages, MLB-1, DTS-4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OMAN. 17630, RSO, OMA, THU, in Arabic 0600-1000 UT noted around 0610 UT today, - much stronger than poor RFI GAB in French underneath (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That would be Africa Number One ** PAKISTAN. Three new MW stations --- Ref the report on new Pakistan 1332 kHz in DXLD 6-015: By coincidence, I arrived in Pakistan yesterday (23rd). I can confirm that the new transmitter in Lahore on 1332 is indeed on the air. Also active are two other new MW transmitters: 1134 Quetta and 1170 Peshawar, which are also not listed in WRTH 2006. As part of my pre-trip preparations, I had been briefed on Pakistan by experts Mauno Ritola, Olle Alm and Noel Green, who gave me details of these three new transmitters. They are said to be 100 kW each. No doubt I will have more to report from Pakistan later. The bands currently have a number of stations audible from both Pakistan and India providing commentaries in various languages on the test [= stupid ball game, for Glenn!!] between the two countries in Faisalabad. Regards, (Chris Greenway (in Islamabad), Jan 24, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SINGAPORE [non]. 9530, UAE, AWR, 1522-1546, Jan. 23, Nepali (listed)/English, OM in language over music, YL with URL at 1526. English service at 1530 with ID, OM and YL with religious pop music and testimonials. Fair (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale, NH, R75, 200' Beverages, MLB-1, DTS-4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) & Wavescan at 1530 Sundays ** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. Dear Glenn, Brother RG Stair is on 13840, hearing him at 1532 UT, fair signal, fair audio. He was announcing frequency schedule earlier in the transmission. Will check on the 5785 kHz later. [Later:] Also hearing Brother Stair on 15250 kHz, 1713. I have heard this man many times before, and even spoken to him, but the broadcast I heard this evening sent Chills up my spine. How many times has this man predicted the end of the world, 500,000? Thanks Glenn, (Christopher Lewis, England, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15250 = WWRB ITALY (non) Updated schedule for Brother Stair via IRRS-Shortwave from Jan. 24: 0530-0655 on 5775 ??? 030 kW / non-dir Daily to Eu/ME/NoAf 0700-1555 on 13840 ??? 030 kW / non-dir Mon-Fri to Eu/ME/NoAf 1600-1730 NF 5775 ??? 030 kW / non-dir Mon-Fri to Eu/ME/NoAf, ex 13840 to avoid RNW 2000-2300 on 5785 ??? 100 kW / non-dir Mon-Fri to Eu/ME/NoAf (Observer, Bulgaria, Jan 24 via DXLD) see also ITALY; via BULGARIA? ** SUDAN [non]. See U K [non] ** TAIWAN. Fu Hsing Broadcasting Corporation has officially announced in their revised website http://www.fhbs.com.tw that they are using new frequencies - 5995 and 9410 instead of former 15250 kHz for Chinese mainland service at 2300-0100, 0400-0600, 0800-1000, 1100- 1500. Each program for 1 hour segment. They also provide internet broadcast at http://www.fhbs.com.tw/broadcast.php (in Chinese). (Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN [non]. RTI Listeners' Clubs Meetings Announcement (24-Jan-06) Radio Taiwan International has decided to allow listeners without valid RTI passes to join the Listeners' Club Meetings in Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Dhaka. However, listeners with passes will be given the priority to enter. If you do not possess a pass, you may participate as well by showing a souvenir, a QSL Card or a postcard from RTI. 1. Scheduled meeting dates are as flows: February 18, 2006 at 11:00 AM in Delhi, India February 19, 2006 at 12 PM in Kolkata, India February 21, 2006 at 12 PM in Dhaka, Bangladesh 2. Venues will be announced on February 10, 2006 on the RTI English web page (RTI Wesite via MD. AZIZUL ALAM AL-AMIN, BANGLADESH, Jan 24, DXLD) The control freaks relent; perhaps they are no longer so concerned about being overwhelmed with unregistered listener fans (gh, DXLD) ** TAJIKISTAN. Re 6-015, UNIDENTIFIED. 9270.15, 13.1 1550, unID with talk and short parts of Asian music. Sounded like a distant Asian far away in the East, the language sounded like Kyrgyz. Faded away after about 15 min. 2 LRH (Leif Råhäll, Sweden, SW Bulletin Jan 22, translated by editor Thomas Nilsson for DX LISTENING DIGEST) As previously suggested, could be Tajikistan, 2 x 4635+ (gh, DXLD) Yes, Tajikistan signed on at 1400 on 4635.065 kHz and so did the 2nd harmonic on 9270.13 kHz. 73, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. Dear Radio Colleagues, Another unique opportunity is available for those who are collecting QSL cards from Adventist World Radio for the various relay transmitter locations. AWR via Skelton in England can be heard from 1500 to 1600 UT on 9530 kHz. Here in Indianapolis, the programming can be heard at a low level, with some low level interference, but clear identification is available (Dr Adrian Peterson, DX Editor, Adventist World Radio, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ex-UAE site on same frequency; including Wavescan on Sundays at 1530 (gh, DXLD) ** U K [non]. Re 6-015: Glenn, The BBC World Service Trust "Salaam Darfur" Arabic programmes to Sudan are as follows (all times UT): 0500-0515 11820 kHz from Cyprus 1700-1715 9640 kHz from Cyprus Best regards (Alistair Coleman | Chief Sub-Editor | Media Services, BBC Monitoring | Caversham Park | Reading | RG4 8TZ, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also IRAN ** U K. RADIO 4 OPTS FOR A MORE NEWSY START TO THE DAY http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=114862006 (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) Similar to stories in 6-015 There is now a website: http://www.savetheradio4theme.co.uk/ with links to a long article published today in Media Guardian. At the end of BBC2 Newsnight Jeremy Paxman commented: "But we leave you with the sad news ... the BBC UK theme played on Radio 4 is to be scrapped. It's been good enough for the past 33 years, but if you tune in, as they say in radioland, at half past five in the morning you will hear instead what's been described as a 'pacy news briefing' so enjoy it while you can. We've no idea what the head of Radio 4's playing at - we're thinking of using it every night. Goodnight." (Mike Barraclough, England, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. AFRTS SURVEY TO HELP MILITARY STATIONS TAILOR RADIO PROGRAMMING --- Survey forms will go out in the mail this week to 10,000 servicemembers and Department of Defense civilian employees overseas to determine what they're looking for in radio programming provided by American Forces Network. The survey will help American Forces Radio and Television Service, AFN's parent organization, provide better radio programming of music, news and talk that lives up to its audience's desires, Warren Lee, AFRTS plans and operations officer, said in an interview. The goal, he said, is "to serve our overseas audience with the information and entertainment that they want and need to hear - the way they want to hear it, when they want to do it." AFRTS last surveyed its worldwide audience in 2002, but this is the first audience survey dedicated specifically to radio listeners. "I expect the information we glean from this survey will enable us to update our radio services to provide programming that our worldwide audience thinks is important to them in their personal and professional lives," Melvin Russell, AFRTS director, said. "Radio provides an important service to our mobile audience overseas, so it's important to gauge their needs and desires." To meet that goal, survey forms are being mailed directly to DoD employees stationed or employed in countries where American Forces Radio and Television Service operates local radio stations, Lee said. Those asked to participate in the survey can fill out the form and mail it back at no cost in the postage-paid envelope that accompanies it or respond on the Internet using the access code provided with the hard-copy survey. AFRTS hopes to receive survey responses by mid-February and will provide feedback about results through local AFN stations during May. (Source: American Forces Press Service via EBU) American Forces Radio and Television Service http://www.afrts.osd.mil/ # posted by Andy @ 18:57 UT Jan 24 (Media Network blog via DXLD) ** U S A. It seems the UT Wed 0030 bonus airing of WOR on WBCQ 7415 is a past-thing; checked at 0044 Jan 25, some music was playing instead. Axually, it was a break in the EVM Jewish Radio Network, from Los Ángeles, with Rabbi Yakov Spivak, as announced at 0047, back to call- ins. This had already been announced on the WBCQ anomaly site but for only half an hour at 0000 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. There sure is a lot of ice skating on TV --- not only on major networks, but filling time on ESPN, and even some non-sports cable channels. This is fine with me, since this is one sport I approve of, not involving balls; that is, I appreciate the grace and beauty of it, even tho one seldom sees a really new move, much like ballet. Trouble is, I can`t listen to the music that invariably goes with it, since it`s invariably ruined by inane chatter of the commentators. The music track (alone) ought to be put on a secondary audio channel for those of us who wish to appreciate ice skating pro arte. Better yet, put the music on the main audio channel, and the inane commentary on the secondary. Yeah, sure, that`s gonna happen (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. UPN & WB to merge --- A number of sources are reporting the UPN and WB networks will merge in September, to become a single network known as "The CW". (radio hams: don't bother with the obvious jokes, I've already received several copies!) This move will obviously leave a pile of stations unaffiliated. I would not be surprised to see *another* network formed... -- (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, http://www.w9wi.com Jan 24, WTFDA via DXLD) Imagine it would run episodes of "Inspector Morse." Or, based on their fine programming attempts, one has to assume that CW stands for "Can't Watch" (Brock _... ._. ___ _._. _._ Whaley, DX LISTENING DIGEST) And since it's Fox that's the big loser in the deal, since it won't get to keep the UPN affiliations at WWOR-NYC, WPWR-Chicago, KCOP-LA and possibly WFTC-Minneapolis, one wonders if Fox will have something to do with it? s (Scott Fybush, WTFDA via DXLD) Partial list of affiliates of new CW network This is a list of the stations owned by CBS and Tribune that are listed in the press release as being part of the new CW network. Of course, many UPN and WB affiliates are not owned by either company, so CW will have many affiliates besides those listed below. WPIX-11 NYC KTLA-5 LA WGN-9 Chicago WLVI-56 Boston (Cambridge, Mass.) KDAF-33 Dallas WBDC-50 Washington KHWB-39 Houston WBZL-39 Miami KWGN-2 Denver KPLR-11 St. Louis KWBP-32 Portland (Salem, Ore.) WTTV-4 Indianapolis (Bloomington, Ind.) WTTK-29 Indianapolis (Kokomo, Ind.) KSWB-69 San Diego WTXX-20 Hartford (Waterbury, Conn.) WNOL-38 New Orleans WEWB-45 Albany (Schenectady, N.Y.) WPSG-57 Philadelphia KBHK-44 San Francisco WUPA-69 Atlanta WKBD-50 Detroit WTOG-44 Tampa KSTW-11 Seattle (Tacoma, Wash.) KMAX-31 Sacramento WNPA-19 Pittsburgh (Jeannette, Pa.) WTVX-34 West Palm Beach* WGNT-27 Norfolk WLWC-28 Providence (New Bedford, Mass.) unID Oklahoma City*** *CBS also owns WTCN-CA and WWHB-CA in this market, and it's *possible* - but unlikely - one or both of the -CA stations will be the CW affiliate, instead of WTVX. ***The press release says a CBS-owned station in Oklahoma City will be an affiliate. The CBS website says they don't own any stations in Oklahoma City. I think the station in question is KAUT-43 [43 currently UPN; WB being on KOCB-34; KAUT was recently purchased by the NBC station KFOR-4, and KOCB-34 is owned by the Fox station KOKH- 25. Clear? -- gh] -- (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, http://www.w9wi.com WTFDA via DXLD) ** U S A. Glenn, On Wed. Jan. 18 the US Department of Transportation made its decision on the time zones in Indiana, adding more counties to the northwestern and southwestern areas that observe Central time, leaving the remainder in Eastern. Nonetheless, Indiana will be doing the "spring forward fall back" dance with the rest of the country. I guess it's only a matter of time until Arizona and Hawaii follows suit (Steve Cline, Indianapolis, IN, Jan 22, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: WE'LL SPRING FORWARD THIS YEAR* *EXCEPT FOR 18 COUNTIES IN STATE'S WESTERN CORNERS By Mary Beth Schneider January 19, 2006 Eight Indiana counties will move to the Central time zone April 2, the same day most of the state will turn clocks ahead one hour to observe daylight-saving time. The decision Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation ends a yearlong debate that split communities and even neighbors. Under the change, Hoosiers in 74 counties on Eastern time will spring ahead one hour at 2 a.m. April 2, when daylight-saving time goes into effect. Hoosiers in the eight counties newly designated for Central time will join 10 other counties already in the Central zone and will not adjust their clocks. On Oct. 29, Hoosiers in all 92 counties will turn their clocks back one hour. The feds' final decision will move two northwestern counties, Starke and Pulaski, and six southwestern counties, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Pike, Dubois and Perry, to the Central time zone. The rest of the state's 74 counties will stay in the Eastern time zone, including St. Joseph County. The department reversed its earlier recommendation to let South Bend switch to Central time in order to keep the city in St. Joseph County on the same time with neighboring Elkhart. . . http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060119/NEWS02/601190422&SearchID=73233226529499 (via Steve Cline, IN, DXLD) ** U S A. FOREFEITURE WATCH - FCC NABS THE CASTRO PEAK PIRATE KWVE, 107.9 MHz, San Clemente, has been receiving highly intermittent but widespread co-channel interference from a pirate that the FCC located near Castro Peak (seven miles WNW of Malibu). The culprit had a habit of playing old radio dramas and assorted other programs, perhaps for his own amusement. We suspect that a fairly powerful transmitter had been used at the outset, and that the station was using reduced power when inspected by the FCC. The pirate has been identified as John R. Burroughs, and the FCC's Notice of Unlicensed Operation ("NOUO") issued to Mr. Burroughs is available at the URL below: http://www.fcc.gov/eb/FieldNotices/2003/DOC-263212A1.html (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) READER FEEDBACK ON SAN DIEGO'S 106.9 MHZ PIRATE "Just an interesting note on the story about Joni Craig and the pirate station [in San Diego] - use the following URL and scroll down the page to see who is being sponsored by Ms. Craig and [the San Diego] Foundation for Change. Enjoy." http://www.foundation4change.org/supported.htm "I thought you might find these pages interesting...." Notice the links to the pirate stations on 96.9 and 106.9 MHz in the right column. http://sandiego.indymedia.org/en/2005/11/111803.shtml (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** U S A. DX Test List (New Tests in Nevada & Maine!) --- Thanks to the hard work of members like Mary Anne Sanford, Paul Walker and Rick Shaftan, we have even more new DX Tests to announce. Latest additions include tests from Nevada and Maine, both prime targets for DX'ers. For those who collect QSL's we've also got updated news on QSL's from the WVNN/WUMP Test. And in the next few days, we should have the details worked out on a test from KEVT, 1030 khz in Cortaro, Arizona. They'll be doing a full power maintenance test on February 6th. This test is being arranged by IRCA member Paul Lotsof in conjunction with engineer Frank Luna. Look for more details on this test within the next couple of days. ====================================================== KXTO 1550 kHz Reno, NV DX Test Date(s): January 22, 2006-March 2006 Time: 01:00 PST (0900 UT) & 04:00 PST (1200 UT) ** Program format varies. Test will run as close to TOH as possible. :60 Second long tests in duration. "Inventory Insert" format. Modes of Operation: Normal-"Inventory Insert" 94 Watts, Non-Directional Programming: Morse Code ID's, Sweep Tones, Voice ID. Notes: Test will continue for an undetermined amount of time, possibly several weeks so hopefully many DX'ers will find favorable propagation at least one or two nights prior to the end of the test. The station has also stated that they will be doing transmitter maintenance at some point within the next two months, and may be able to accommodate a full power (2.5 kW) test at that time. More details as they become available. Nevada is a rare state for many of us in the East, so enjoy this rare chance! Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and snail mail (only if e-mail is not available) Station would prefer to receive recordings of the test (MP3, CD, or cassette). Submit reports to: les @ highnoonfilm.com Please put "KXTO DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to: Les Rayburn, High Noon Film, 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111, Birmingham, AL 35216 Thanks to José Pacheco, General Manager and the staff of KXTO for this test! Special thanks to member Paul Walker, Jr. who helped to arrange this test and is working with us to set up many more to come. http://www.walkerbroadcasting.com ================================================= WUMP 730 kHz Huntsville, AL DX Test Date(s): January 22-27, 2006 (Late Sunday Night starts the test) Time: 23:59 CST-0500 CST (0559-1100 UT) Spots will air at 1 minute prior to the TOH, 2nd spot will air each hour as close to the half hour as possible for the schedule. :60 Second long tests in duration. "Inventory Insert" format. Modes of Operation: Normal-"Inventory Insert" 129 Watts, Non-Directional Programming: Morse Code ID's, Sweep Tones, Voice ID. Notes: Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and snail mail (only if e-mail is not available) Station would prefer to received recordings of the test (MP3, CD, or cassette). Submit reports to: bill.shrode @ cumulus.com Please also CC: fred.holland @ cumulus.com Please put "WUMP DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to: Bill Shrode 1717 Highway 72 E Athens, AL 35611 Thanks to Fred Holland, Bill Shrode and the staffs of WUMP for this test! Member Rick Shaftan arranged for this test and we're all very grateful. ================================================= KDZR 1640 kHz, Lake Oswego, OR Maintenance Test Date(s): January 29, 2006 (Late Sunday Night starts the test) Time: 0000-0100 PST (0800-0900 UT) 1 Hour Duration Test Modes of Operation: Normal Programming at Full Day Power/Pattern. 10KW, Non-Directional Programming: Station will conduct one hour at full power to test transmitter components. Station format is Radio Disney. No codes, tones, or other test signals will be transmitted. There will be some potential for confusion with WKSH 1640 in Sussex, WI who also runs Radio Disney format. DX'ers are encouraged to listen for local ads, and station ID "KDZR, Lake Oswego, Portland". Reception Reports: Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and snail mail (only if e-mail is not available) Station would prefer to receive recordings of the test (MP3, CD, or cassette). Submit reports to: les @ highnoonfilm.com Please put "KDZR DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to: Les Rayburn [as above] Notes: Special thanks to IRCA member Mary Anne Sanford, KE7CGZ for arranging this test! ================================================= KKPZ 1330 kHz Maintenance Test Date(s): January 29, 2006 (Late Sunday Night starts the test) Time: 0000-0100 PST (0800-0900 UT) 1 Hour Duration Test Modes of Operation: CW ID's 5KW, Non-Directional On for one hour for transmitter testing only. Morse code and voice ID's. Programming: KKPZ 1330 (also Located on Mt. Scott, Portland, OR) will be on non-directional (normally very directional to the NW days) with CW ID during the same time. Reception Reports: Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and snail mail (only if e-mail is not available) Station would prefer to receive recordings of the test (MP3, CD, or cassette). Submit reports to: les @ highnoonfilm.com Please put "KKPZ DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to: Les Rayburn [as above] Notes: Special thanks to IRCA member Mary Anne Sanford, KE7CGZ for arranging this test! ============================================================ WJTO 730 kHz Bath, Maine DX Test Date(s): February 12, 2006 (Late Saturday Night-Early Sunday Morning) Time: Midnight to 01:00 AM EST (0500-0600 UT) Modes of Operation: 1KW, Non-Directional Programming: Morse Code ID's, Sweep Tones, Voice ID. Notes: Test will consist of a twenty minute audio CD prepared by the BTC. CD contains Morse Code ID's, phonetic voice ID's, various NRC Sweep Tones, etc. Reception reports are desired via e-mail (first choice) and snail mail (only if e-mail is not available) Station would prefer to receive written reports only. No cassettes or recordings needed. Submit reports to: Jibguy @ aol.com Please put "WJTO DX Test" in the subject line. All standard mail reports should go to: WJTO Radio 730 P O Box 308 Bath, Maine 04530 Thanks to Bob Bittner for this test! Special thanks to member Paul Walker, Jr. who helped to arrange this test and is working with us to set up many more to come. http://www.walkerbroadcasting.com (Les Rayburn, N1LF, NRC/IRCA Broadcast Test Coordinator, Please call anytime 24/7 if your transmitter will be off the air for maintenance. (205) 253-4867 in multiple lists including WTFDA-AM via DXLD) ** VATICAN. Out of Interest, do you, or any one else know the power of Vatican Radio on 5885 kHz? All the Best (Christopher Lewis, England, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) HFCC B-05 says the two different sites are used on 5885. From Vatican itself, it is 80 kW, alternating 10 and 330 degrees depending on the language, between 0405 and 1810, at which time it switches to the 100 kW at Santa Maria di Galeria, on a variety of azimuths until 2310 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thank you Glenn (Christopher Lewis) ** VIRGIN ISLANDS US. Ciao! Thanks to Roland Strautmalis personal remark about a problem he had with address WDHP 1620 kHz operating from US VIRGIN and quite often reported this winter in the whole Europe, I have realized in the US VIRGIN page of the WRTH 2005, 2006 there is a mistake. The ZIP CODE of the address of WDHP is written uncorrectly. The correct ZIP CODE is 00820 (instead of 06820 which belong to CONNECTICUT !!!! town called DARIEN...) so this explains why often the V/s: BEVERLEY MEYERS (Operation Manager) said "sorry we have not got your report" Probably many letter are going to Connecticut instead to go to US VIRGIN, just cause the wrong zip code, even if you write US VIRGIN, quite mad postal service in US do you have, hi. I hope in WRTH 2007 edition will be corrected. Good listenings, (Dario Monferini http://www.playdx.com to WRTH, cc to DXLD) ** ZIMBABWE [and non]. VOICE OF THE PEOPLE TRUSTEES CHARGED IN ZIMBABWE === Committee to Protect Journalists News Alert http://www.cpj.org/news/2006/africa/zim24jan06na.html New York, January 24, 2006 --- Six trustees of the independent news production company Voice of the People were charged today with broadcasting without a license, which carries a potential two-year prison penalty. Defense lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said her clients appeared in court this morning in the capital, Harare, after learning that police were seeking their arrest. Police had visited trustees' houses and had detained two household staff employed by trustee Arnold Tsunga, who is also director of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). The trustees were granted bail and told to report to police every Friday. Tsunga's driver and caretaker were released without charge after spending three nights in jail for allegedly obstructing an investigation. The six trustees charged today were: chairman David Masunda, Isabella Matambanadzo, Millicent Phiri, Lawrence Chibwe, Nhlahla Ngwenya, and Tsunga, according to CPJ sources. They are scheduled to appear in court on February 10. VOP Director John Masuku was charged with the same offense on December 23. VOP staffers produce programs on a variety of community and political issues but do not broadcast directly within Zimbabwe. The programming is transmitted via shortwave from overseas. Local sources say no new programs have been aired since police raided VOP's Harare offices on December 15, confiscating equipment and files. They also arrested three staff members, who were released after Masuku and Masunda reported to the police on December 19. ZLHR said the arrests of Tsunga's household employees represented a disturbing new tactic in which "innocent individuals are being detained in order to unlawfully secure the presence of human rights defenders who have been continually harassed by state authorities and/or individuals acting on their instructions." "Zimbabwe's international standing is eroded every time the government seeks to silence the ever-fewer number of critical voices," said Ann Cooper, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists. "It's sad to see so much time and resources devoted to quashing the sort of diverse viewpoints that would invigorate Zimbabwean society." Police last week arrested journalist Sydney Saize and accused him of writing a false story for the U.S. government-funded Voice of America. Saize was released without charge after spending three nights in police custody, according to the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) (via Mike Barraclough, DXLD) UNIDENTITIED. Radio "Borivo" on 830 kHz --- Hi there! During my recent Dx-pedition KIVES5 in Finland, on 12th January I was able to catch a Spanish language station on 830 kHz around 0300 UTC/GMT. It sounded like "Radio Borivo" to me. The station had lots of commercial announcements; one of them was "San Antonio de los Alto" [sic]. The program consisted of sports phone-in-talk and several commercials. Does anyone know, what this one could be? I also heard a Brazilian station on the same frequency later. Any clues are welcomed. Thanks. 73 (Hannu from Finland http://www.romppainen.net HCDX via DXLD) Hallo Hannu, On 830 a station from San Antonio de los Altos (Caracas) Venezuela is transmitting; however it identifies as Radio Sensación (Max van Arnhem, The Netherlands, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. Re 6-015, 6878: Me ha llamado mucho la atención esta noticia; el pasado 22 de enero a las 1940 pude captar en esa frecuencia una emisora, según mi anotación emitiendo música pop con un SINPO 33432. Confieso que no le hice caso; instintivamente realicé un par de comprobaciones restando 450 y 900 kHz para ver si se trataba de álguna recepción fantasma, pero cómo no tuve éxito en las comprobaciones lo dejé. Mi pregunta es si es posible que dos personas en lugares distintos escucharamos el mismo armónico, o en realidad se trata de una emisión pirata. Estaré pendiente en esa frecuencia los proximos días. Un saludo, (José Miguel Romero, España, DX LISTENING DIGEST) No parece ser fantasma; no hay nada en 6878 + 900 = 7778, ni en 6878 + 910 = 7788. Hablamos de armónicos en el sentido de emisiones transmitidas y no productos del receptor; sí, como no, dos personas en lugares distintos pueden escuchar el mismo armónico, igual que cualquier señal, pirata o no (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn! The unID on 6878 kHz is Pirate Music - a pirate station from Italy. Mostly with nonstop-music, sometimes with relays of FM- stations. 73 (Patrick Robic, Austria, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It's an Italian pirate relaying often FM networks or internet streamings and music with no ID. You can contact the operator Adriano to piratemusic @ hotmail.it (Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, DX LISTENING DIGEST and dxldyg) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hello Glenn! Happy New Year from all of your friends at the Sangean 803 club on Yahoo. We admire and make good use of your work quite often. I was very glad to see you joined our group a couple of years back. The growth there has been considerable. We started in 2003, and now have 650 members. Best of luck in the new year, and keep up the good work! (Matt, Owner and Moderator, Sangean 803 Club http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sangean803/ Jan 20, DX LISTENING DIGEST) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ TIM`S RADIO PAGE My DX web page is moving --- I'm rebuilding my DX web page at the following new address: http://members.cox.net/tim_hall_dx/index.htm (Note: This address is case-sensitive; I can't change that...) So far I have only posted my San Diego loggings page and my links page. Later this year I hope to publish some photos of QSL cards and verification letters from the 1970s and 1980s. My old pages at http://www.inetworld.net also known as http://www.simplyweb.net will disappear sometime after February 6th. Unfortunately, my old ISP (a local mom-and-pop company) has messed up their FTP site to the point that I can't publish any updates to my old pages to redirect people to the new page. 73, (Tim Hall, Chula Vista, CA, Jan 22, IRCA via DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ SENDING OUT NEW SIGNALS: RADIO CATCHES UP TO A CHANGING WORLD By Marc Fisher Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, January 22, 2006 As vehicles for bringing music to the masses, radio and records were born within a few years of each other, shortly after the end of World War I. From the start, there was a tension between the joy of being able to hear whatever music we wanted and the passion to discover new sounds that radio stations magically delivered through the air. Today's new music gadgetry has done little to ease that tension. The iPod, other MP3 players and a slew of new technologies just now coming on the market have shifted the balance of power away from radio as tastemaker and toward consumers' ability to select, hoard and arrange our own music. But try out a shelf full of new gadgets and you'll still search for a way to mold your own soundscape while also exposing yourself to new music. In recent weeks, I've spent time with three new toys that purport to create new kinds of listening: . . . http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/20/AR2006012000459.html (via Tom McNiff, DXLD) SATELLITE RADIO INTERFERENCE TO BROADCAST SIGNALS - PART II The FM broadcast band is beginning to be hit by a new type of "Part 15" radio frequency interference as explained below, and the problem is destined to grow. CGC #722 discussed the mini FM transmitters that are built into many XM & Sirius satellite receivers, and noted that our office had received a few complaints where authorized FM signals were being jammed out by the mini signals. Howard Stern audio was often mentioned as the culprit. CGC #722 invited any and all comments, especially those concerning whether the mini FM transmitters were FCC Part 15 compliant (compliance would be suspect if the mini FM signals could be heard for 100 feet or more on a vacant FM channel). The URL below links to our readers' responses where a number of important points are made. Since some of the Sirius receivers are capable of transmitting on 87.7 MHz, the matter should be of interest to TV Channel 6 engineers as well (CH-6 aural carriers are close to 87.7). Thanks to those who responded to our inquiry. Here, now, are the details: http://www.earthsignals.com/add_CGC/sat_interference.htm (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) CELL TOWERS CANNOT BE BANNED ON AESTHETIC GROUNDS ALONE This unanimous decision of the U.S. 9th Court of Appeals is being hailed by wireless carriers anxious to build out their networks, even if the proposed structures run cross-grain to local aesthetic concerns. http://tinyurl.com/b8scg (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) LIGHT EXPOSURE, NIGHT SHIFTS, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANCER The following Web address goes to a Science News article that many of you will find fascinating. For years we have heard that light exposure at night may play a role in the development of cancer, as odd as that may seem. The following article covers light exposure, and much more. http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20060107/bob9.asp (CGC Communicator Jan 24 via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) Re 6-015, 433.920 MHz It says: Remote controlled (power) sockets, can handle up to 1000 watts (of electricity) (3 receivers, 1 remote control). You see, these 'receivers' are put into the normal socket. And the range of the remote control is 25 meters. But I just found it interesting that the frequency used was mentioned. Vy 73, (Erik Køie, Denmark, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DIGITAL BROADCASTING ++++++++++++++++++++ AM SIGNALLING SYSTEM ARTICLE Just published in the EBU technical review: The AM Signalling System, AMSS --- does your radio know what it is listening to? --- Andrew Murphy and Ranulph Poole The AM Signalling System (AMSS) adds a small amount of digital information to existing analogue AM broadcasts on short-, medium- and long-wave, giving similar functionality to that provided by the Radio Data System (RDS) on the FM bands. The system has been designed within the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) consortium, primarily to ease the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. A suitably-equipped receiver will allow selection of the AM service by name as well as the choice of re-tuning to other frequencies carrying analogue or digital versions of the same or a related service. Several AMSS transmissions are already on air and some, if not all, of the first consumer DRM receivers will incorporate AMSS decoding. . . http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_305-murphy.pdf (507 KB) (via Mike Barraclough, UK, DXLD) RED BUTTON & UHF SPECTRUM Andy Duncan also announced that the channel (CH 4) will be switching off its "red button" interactive services, describing them as being the "emperor's new clothes", they cost the channel several million pounds per year, it is a "clunky and inefficient use of capacity" and that "it's not much loved or used by audiences, it's too expensive, and it has been rather overtaken by the opportunities offered by the internet and broadband. The BBC uses a relatively high percentage of its bandwidth on digital satellite and Freeview for its BBCi interactive services, yet they're hardly used by viewers and they're very expensive to run, which makes them a very poor use of licence-fee money. The BBC should follow Channel 4's lead and at least reduce their use of interactive services so that they can concentrate on providing their core TV and radio services at higher picture and audio quality, respectively. Ofcom has come to the conclusion that 14 UHF channels that are currently used for analogue TV will be freed-up once analogue TV is switched off on a region-by-region basis between 2008 and 2012. These channels represent a total of 112 MHz of spectrum. Ofcom's outline of the band plan for 470 - 854 MHz is as follows (the numbers represent the channel numbers): [lost formatting, this?] 21 22 23 23[sic] 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 available spectrum from digital switch-over - these channels will become free for new uses. Unavailable spectrum - 36 is radar; 38 is radio astronomy. Spectrum assigned to six DTT multiplexes, and resulting "interleaved" spectrum (source? via Gareth Foster, Jan 22, BDXC-UK via DXLD) DTV AND ANALOG CHANNEL-HOPPING We all know what will happen after 2009 with channels 52 up. But, what happens to the in-core allocations abandoned when the analogs go off. Example: When, say, WREG turns off their in-core analog and runs on just its in-core DTV, what happens on the in-core channel it abandoned? Is there a new hole to be filled? (Peter Baskind, Memphis TN, WTFDA via DXLD) Maybe. At the end of transition, the analog table of allotments will be deleted "without prejudice". I guess from a legal standpoint it will be as if the analog stations never existed. If someone can make a showing that a given old analog assignment can be used for DTV without interfering with other DTV stations, that channel will be reassigned. It is not necessarily a given that all the old analog channels *can* be used without interfering. Many DTV assignments are considered "interim" - acceptable only because they cause less interference than any other alternative. For example, channel 21 at Nashville is too close to analog 21 at Murray, Kentucky. The DTV assignment gets priority, so the Nashville DTV station on 21 stays, while the Murray station stays on its DTV assignment, 36. And the old analog assignment of 21 at Murray cannot be resurrected as a new DTV assignment in the Kentucky city. Nor do the old analog channels necessarily have to be reused in the same city. WKNO-DT in Memphis is remaining on channel 29, potentially making it possible to reallot channel 10 for DTV use. Channel 10 doesn't necessarily end up in Memphis. It could be snapped up in Jonesboro, Ark. or Greenville, Miss. or somewhere like that. I might suppose it's also possible that deletion of the analog assignment doesn't make *that* channel available, but might make *some other channel* available? For example, channel 21 at Murray cannot be reassigned due to Nashville's WUXP, but maybe the deletion of analog 21 makes it possible to assign DTV channel *20* at Murray? Here's the interesting thing for the DXer: Since so many DTV stations are trying to avoid using low-band VHF, there are probably more "reusable" analog assignments in channels 2-6 than anywhere else. Will someone try to reuse them? (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66, http://www.w9wi.com ibid.) MOVE OVER, HD-TV. NOW THERE'S HD RADIO, TOO. By ERIC A. TAUB Published: January 23, 2006 Traditional broadcast radio, the last bastion of analog entertainment technology, sees a bright future for itself. Its strategy for success is to become more like one of its main competitors, satellite radio. More channels and music formats, and less-intrusive advertising are critical to its growth, industry executives say. . . http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/23/technology/23radio.html?emc=eta1 (via Jim Renfrew, DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ RE: TA MW loggings last week --- Using my ICF SW07 I was able to detect a carrier on 684 and 1215. Nothing but splash and noise on 1314. Also, carrier detected on 162 and 198. TAs are tough out here in the middle. Thanks, JDL (Jerry Lenamon, Waco TX, ICOM R75, 60 foot sloper, Jan 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The geomagnetic field ranged from quiet to active levels with isolated minor storm periods observed at high latitudes. Solar wind speed ranged from a high of about 575 km/s late on 18 January to a low of near 375 km/s late on 21 January. The Bz component of the IMF did not vary much beyond +/- 5 nT for the entire period with the exception of a 12 hour period beginning early on 16 January. During this timeframe, the IMF Bz fluctuated between +/- 10 nT as a recurrent coronal hole wind stream became geoeffective. As a result, the geomagnetic field responded with unsettled to active conditions at middle latitudes, while high latitudes experienced minor storm periods midday on 16 January. Thereafter, the field was generally quiet to unsettled at middle latitudes, with isolated active periods observed at high latitudes late in the period. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 25 JANUARY - 20 FEBRUARY Solar activity is expected to be at very low to low levels. No greater than 10 MeV proton events are expected. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 25 January – 01 February. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to minor storm levels. Active periods are possible on 25 January, while active to minor storm periods are possible on 19 – 20 February, both due to effects from recurrent coronal hole wind streams. Otherwise, quiet to unsettled conditions are expected. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2006 Jan 24 2054 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center # Product description and SEC contact on the Web # http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2006 Jan 24 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2006 Jan 25 90 12 3 2006 Jan 26 90 8 3 2006 Jan 27 90 8 3 2006 Jan 28 85 5 2 2006 Jan 29 80 5 2 2006 Jan 30 80 5 2 2006 Jan 31 75 3 1 2006 Feb 01 75 3 1 2006 Feb 02 75 5 2 2006 Feb 03 75 8 3 2006 Feb 04 75 8 3 2006 Feb 05 75 5 2 2006 Feb 06 75 5 2 2006 Feb 07 75 3 1 2006 Feb 08 75 5 2 2006 Feb 09 75 5 2 2006 Feb 10 75 3 1 2006 Feb 11 75 5 2 2006 Feb 12 80 15 3 2006 Feb 13 85 5 2 2006 Feb 14 85 5 2 2006 Feb 15 85 5 2 2006 Feb 16 85 5 2 2006 Feb 17 85 5 2 2006 Feb 18 85 5 2 2006 Feb 19 85 15 3 2006 Feb 20 85 12 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio via WORLD OF RADIO 1302, DXLD) ###