DX LISTENING DIGEST 11-23, June 9, 2011
Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING
edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com
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Searchable 2010 contents archive see
http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid0.html
NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but
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WORLD OF RADIO 1568 HEADLINES:
*DX and station news on: Antarctica, Australia, Brazil, China non,
Colombia, Ecuador, Europe, Georgia, India, Italy non, Koreas, Libya
non, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, South Carolina non, Sudan non,
USA, mystery tone and music tests
SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1568, June 9-15, 2011
Thu 0330 WRMI 9955 [confirmed on webcast]
Thu 1500 WRMI 9955 [confirmed on webcast]
Thu 2100 WRMI 9955
Fri 0330 WWRB 5050
Fri 1430 WRMI 9955
Fri 2030 WWCR1 15825
Sat 0800 WRMI 9955
Sat 1600 WWCR2 12160
Sat 1730 WRMI 9955
Sat 1800 IPAR/IRRS/NEXUS/IBA 7290 1566 1368 [CANCELED]
Sun 0230 WWCR3 4840 [NEW maybe resuming this week?]
Sun 0630 WWCR1 3215
Sun 0800 WRMI 9955
Sun 1530 WRMI 9955
Sun 1730 WRMI 9955
Mon 1130 WRMI 9955
Mon 2130 WRMI 9955
Tue 1530 WRMI 9955
Wed 1530 WRMI 9955
Wed 2130 WBCQ 7415 [or 2115, or 2100]
Latest edition of this schedule version, including AM, FM, satellite
and webcasts with hotlinks to station sites and audio, is at:
http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html or
http://schedule.worldofradio.org or http://sked.worldofradio.org
For updates see our Anomaly Alert page:
http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html
WRN ON DEMAND:
http://193.42.152.193/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24
WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS VIA WRN:
http://www.wrn.org/wrn-listeners/world-of-radio/
http://www.wrn.org/listeners/world-of-radio/rss/09:00:00UTC/English/541
OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO:
http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html
or http://wor.worldofradio.org
DXLD YAHOOGROUP: Why wait for DXLD? A lot more info, not all of it
appearing in DXLD later, is posted at our yg without delay.
When applying, please identify yourself with your real name and
location, and say something about why you want to join. Those who do
not, unless I recognize them, will be prompted once to do so and no
action will be taken otherwise. Here`s where to sign up:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dxld/
** ANGOLA. 1088, 1/6 1940, R Nacional Angola, talks, weak (Giampiero
Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di Magra , Perseus & Eton E1, MW
Blog: http://radio-dx.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ANGOLA. 4 0 Y E A R S A G O I N C O N T A C T
r e s e a r c h e d b y M I K E B A R R A C L O U G H
=============================================================
The June 1971 edition of Contact: I wrote an article on Radio Diamang,
Angola. It operated from Dundo in NE Angola near the Congolese border.
It used to operate a 1 kW transmitter on 11685, a 500 Watt transmitter
on 4770 and a 1 kW transmitter on 9612. It was heard with good
strength worldwide on 11685 and was on the air 1800-1930.
Dan Henderson in Maryland commented in Sweden Calling Dxers that the
station`s signals were so good at his location that they sounded more
like those from a 25 kW transmitter. The station had not been reported
on the frequency since March 1969, when it was 33443 in West Germany.
Richard Ginbey advised that the frequency was not mentioned on an
official frequency chart he received from Angola that month and was
seldom heard in South Africa on its 31 and 60 metre band outlets.
It was a private station owned by the diamond mining company in
Angola. This is a remote area and there was very little entertainment.
The company bought a sound system to be used at local dances. Someone
arranged for this to be powerful enough to enable it to be fitted with
outside loudspeakers so that the music could be relayed almost all
over the small town where the company headquarters were. The staff
could then relax in the open air and listen to the music. Soon other
items, pieces of serious music, current affairs talks and even short
plays began to be broadcast.
The programmes became so popular that other company depots asked for a
similar system. The first plan was that the equipment should go on
tour but the distances involved made this impractical. Thus a radio
station was set up in July 1946. The transmissions were very
successful enabling the company to buy two more transmitters.
The station always verified reports promptly with a card written in
Portuguese, English and French showing a picture of the company
headquarters. No return postage was necessary, IRC's were always
returned.
Identification was: "Aqui Dundo, Angola, Província Portuguesa de
África, Rádio Diamang, Estação Emissora da Companhia de Diamantes de
Angola." (Mike Barraclough, 40 Years Ago in Contact, June 2011 World
DX Club Contact via DXLD)
** ANTARCTICA. Hi Glenn, I had a glance at 15476 both 1 and 2 June,
about 1800-1820 UT and there was nothing of Arcángel San Gabriel
around here. As I'm located at the south of Brazil, I think this
report may be useful for your considerations. 73 (Fabricio Andrade
Silva, PP5002SWL, Tubarão SC - Brazil, June 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
[and non]. 15476, LRA36 missing another day, June 2 at 1231, 1239,
1253, 1340, 1358 chex, not even a trace of a carrier. At 1258 the
Bronx-cheer ute QRM recurred briefly after three beeps (Glenn Hauser,
OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
15476, RN Arcángel San Gabriel. June 02 1438 no signal. June 03 1405
no signal (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles and
Longwire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
15476, LRA36 has now been missing since last heard at 1339 May 30:
June 3 chex without any carrier detectable at 1235, 1250 and several
more times until 1400. Or could it be that the `sweet spot` for
propagation has moved away from here? But no one else is reporting it,
either (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, June 3 checking from about 1330 to 1430 found nothing on
15476. Was a decent day for 19m band reception, so it was not the
result of poor propagation. Clearly off the air! (Ron Howard,
Monterey, CA, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
15476, no LRA36 on a weekend, of course, but there wasn`t any LRA36
either on Tue-Fri May 31-June 3. From his contact in Argentina, Robert
Scaglione explains as of June 3: ``Only FM these days; they have again
troubles with power generators``.
15476, June 6 at 1234, 1243, 1252, 1323, 1409 chex: still no LRA36,
can`t generate enough to run the transmitter at 2 kW.
15476, LRA36 still missing, June 7 at tune-bys 1236, 1254, 1312.
15476, no LRA36 carrier June 8 at 1231, 1309 chex (Glenn Hauser, OK,
WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Nor June 9 at 1300 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ANTIGUA. Re 11-22: 3 Comments on “Did Antigua relay station
increase cancer mortality?”
1. #1 Kim Elliott on Jun 2nd, 2011 at 14:09
Measures of incidents-per-100,000 are very nonlinear. Small
denominators, such as the populations of small island republics, can
produce distortedly high results on such a scale. This might explain
why Antigua has a higher cancer rate than the rest of Latin America,
but it does not explain the increase from 1996 to 2002. I’ve looked at
Pan American Health Organization data on cancer rates in small
Caribbean islands, and those of Antigua do not seem to be higher than
the others.
2. #2 Jonathan Marks on Jun 2nd, 2011 at 14:21
I agree with Kim. The field strength from such stations is much lower
than putting a 2 watt transmitter right next to your brain, i.e. a
mobile phone. Remember in the analogue days they were much higher
power. I wonder too about open power lines which have also been linked
to higher incidents of leukaemia.
3. #3 Keith Perron on Jun 2nd, 2011 at 15:22
Here in Taiwan there has been a plan in place to remove open power
lines and transformers and put them underground. The Taiwan Power
Company and the government have invested millions to do this. Here it
takes time because we are on an earthquake zone and the soil in many
parts of the island is not stable, so it takes time. As for the high
cancer rate on Antigua I also agree with Kim (Media Network blog
comments via DXLD)
** ARGENTINA. 11710.53v, RAE, 0015-0031, June 1. In Portuguese with
Tango music; 0059 IS and IDs; pips; into Japanese; fair.
15345.09-.15v, RAE, 2236-2258 + 2338-2348, May 31. Tango music; many
IDs; fair; drifting frequency (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA,
Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
15345.12, RAE, 2308-2345, June 2, local ballads. Spanish talk. Weak
but readable. // 6060 - weak in noisy conditions (Brian Alexander, PA,
DX Listening Digest)
Para los colegas argentinos --- Estimados colegas de la lista: Durante
más de 5 años he estando oyendo los servicios de la RAE y también
mando mis informes de escucha pero nunca he tenido ningún tipo de
respuesta. ¿Alguno de ustedes me podría ayudar a hacer llegar mi
informe a la RAE por su intermedio? Muchas gracias. Atte. (Luis
Vallebueno E., Durango, Dgo Mexico, June 5, condiglist yg via DXLD)
Arnaldo, ¿Se puede hacer algo por el colega? Es raro que en cinco años
RAE no le haya contestado ¿No? (Rubén Guillermo Margenet, ibid.)
Lo mismo pedí yo hace como un mes a ver si se puede lograr que le
contesten a este colega (Ernesto Paulero, ibid.)
Yo pasé el reporte hace tiempo y advierto que no lo han contestado.
Por cuestiones laborales y a pesar de tener mi oficina a tres cuadras
de los estudios y administración de RAE, me limito a mandar mi
programa por correo electrónico por lo que no suelo concurrir a la
emisora. No lo guardé en mi bandeja de entradas mas te pido por favor
Luis, si sos tan amable, me vuelvas a enviar a mi el reporte para
verificarte con tarjeta QSL. 73 (Arnaldo Slaen, ibid.)
RAE, 11710 via General Pacheco, full/data less site, ``RAE 50th
Anniversary 1958-2008`` card in 292 days. Also received a letter of
apology for the delay in answering my report. The letter and QSL were
actually signed by Luis M. Barassi, RAE`s Director, along with Mirian
Turkula and Fernando Farias, the English Language Team. Also received
program schedule and a reception report form. All for mint stamps,
post card and $2.00 (Kivell, FL, QSL Report, June NASWA Journal via
DXLD) First names are never published in this. Did Arnaldo Slaen, DX
program host, intervene as others have requested above? (gh, DXLD)
** AUSTRALIA. 1629, Rete Italia. Believed the Shepparton location as
location DFing was from the south. Italian news commentary 0715. 27/5
(Johno Wright, Cataract Dam DXpedition, near Appin NSW, Icom R8500,
Tony Magon pre selector and 100 metres of wire, June Australian DX
News via DXLD)
1638, 2ME & 3ME Sydney & Melbourne. Arabic stations. 27/5 0640
clashing, poor to fair (Johno Wright, Cataract Dam DXpedition, near
Appin NSW, Icom R8500, Tony Magon pre selector and 100 metres of wire,
June Australian DX News via DXLD) also 27/5 0635 same (Tony Magon, NRD
525 outdoor loop pre amp, ibid.)
1647, Unidentified Mandarin Chinese station. Playing mostly Mandarin
pop songs, no announcements, 0715 27/5 first noted. got better with
darkness. Could this by the old Goanna transmitter, 400 watts from
Canberra? (Wright, ibid.)
1656, Voice of the Australian Chinese, Sunnybank Qld. Poor level
Chinese talk, 0732 27/5. Note Not // to 1647! (Wright, ibid.)
** AUSTRALIA. 3210, Ozy Radio, Sydney. Back on air after an absence,
religious format 0718 with lecture // 5050, 9/5 (Craig Seager,
Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Dansk RX4000, Murphy B40, Horizontal Loop,
EWE, Longwires), June Australian DX News via DXLD)
3210, Good with religious comment, interrupted at 0731 with “Like what
you hear, send an email to Ozy radio at I Primus dot com dot Au”. //
5050 stronger on 5/5, also both good at 1925 (John Adams, Beech Forest
Vic (JRC NRD-535 Ewe and Folded Dipole), ibid.)
3210, Bible reading 1900, 27/5 (David Brown, Cataract Dam DXpedition,
near Appin NSW, June Australian DX News via DXLD)
3210 // 5050, 0845, 60, 70 & 80's pops. 28/5 (Johno Wright, Cataract
Dam DXpedition, near Appin NSW, Icom R8500, Tony Magon pre selector
and 100 metres of wire, June Australian DX News via DXLD)
5050, Ozy Radio, Sydney. Fair but noisy, Fifties & sixties music, 1200
14/5 (Frank Agius, Niddrie Vic (Sangean ATS-909, 15m longwire), ibid.)
5050, Brother Stair, heard preaching his words of (...............),
you can fill in the blank. Thanks to a phone call from Craig Allen,
who owns Ozy Music radio, we had a discussion about this programming,
and even Craig said that "Brother Stair is a bit over the top". I
responded with, well if you want the ACMA and everyone else all over
you, feel free to broadcast Brother Stair. Well, it was broadcast
11/12 May.
I left football training and went straight to the shed. 12/5 0945
Brother stair, The Overcomer ministry preaching his message. 13/5
back to the 80's music format, which I have feedback from Graeme Dawe,
Tony Magon, Brian Dann, Brian lane to name a few, who rather enjoy the
music! (Johno Wright, Peakhurst NSW, (Icom R-8500 and 100 metres
longwire), June Australian DX News via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
I was wondering why Brother Scare had not said anything about his new
nationwide coverage of Australia lately, nor on his station list (gh)
Ozy Music Radio 3210 & 5050, Schofields NSW. As per an e-mail from
Craig Allen, the station owner, plans to go off air for six months or
so to relocate the transmitters. The silent period will commence at
the end of June. New location believed to be closer to Penrith (Wayne
Bastow, John Wright & Phil Ireland, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, ibid.)
** AUSTRALIA. Reception above the norm June 1.
2368.5, Radio Symban (presumed), 1313, June 1. A quick check found
them better than usual with non-stop Greek music and songs; weak.
3210, Ozy Radio, 1229-1311, June 1. Format is correct for them;
clearly not ABC programming as recently heard here; 1950s-1960s songs
(Sonny and Cher “I Got You Babe”; Lloyd Price “Personality”; theme
music from “A Summer Place”; etc.); too weak to catch ID.
5050, Ozy Radio, 1335, June 1. With BBR (China) starting to fade down
was possible to hear some pop songs (seemed to be Len Barry “1-2-3”;
etc.); earlier at 1147 was able to confirm // 3210.
Reception June 2nd even better than yesterday!
2368.5, Radio Symban (presumed), 1245, June 2. Well above the norm
during a quick check; song in Greek.
5050, Ozy Radio (presumed), 1314-1340, June 2. QRM BBR (China); Bob
Dylan “Subterranean Homesick Blues”, song “The Girl From Ipanema”,
Beach Boys song, etc.; unable to confirm // 3210.
5050, Ozy Radio, 1305-1336, June 5. A first for me to hear two
positive IDs; “You are listening to Ozy Radio” given by OM and later
by YL; playing 1960s songs (The Beatles “Eleanor Rigby”, Major Lance
“Monkey Time", etc.); brief spot about a boxer who won a medal and
went to the University of Sydney; mixing badly with Beibu Bay Radio
(BBR) also on 5050; best in USB. MP3 audio posted at
http://www.box.net/shared/6bz9eovkle
with IDs and music; very respectable performance from the 909X. Very
nice signal for a 400W station! (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach,
CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, Sent a reception report and audio clip of yesterdays
reception of Ozy Radio to Craig Allen < ozyradio @ iprimus.com.au >
and received the following e-QSL:
“G'Day Ron, You found us ! on 5050 Khz we currently transmit with 400
watts with a half wave dipole 10 metres off the ground. At this stage
we are still testing but we plan to be a full time broadcaster
within a few months. Stay tuned. Craig Allen, Station Manager”
Am very pleased to receive this nice response directly from the
station (Ron Howard, Monterey, CA, June 6, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO
1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
5050, Ozy Radio presumed at 1251 June 6. Pop vocals, woman announcer,
1300 man with announcements, then back to music. Too weak to get any
specific details. Very poor (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia,
Listening from my car by the lake. Eton E1 and Sony AN1 antenna,
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Ron and Glenn: Ozyradio may have already gone off 3210. Nothing heard
lately although 5050 continues (Robin VK7RH Harwood, Norwood, Tasmania
7250, June 7, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** AUSTRALIA. 15400, June 3 at 1258, closing show until next week,
referencing http://planetsport.tv Sounds like a BBC announcer, but
this wouldn`t be on HCJB unless it had a stealth evangelical agendum.
Website shows it does originate in UK, emphasising cricket, rugby and
soccer, so hardly full-planetary! Seemingly secular but is a `Tip for
Real Living` required to be inserted? And: ``Planet Sport is produced
every Wednesday and broadcast between Thursday and Saturday on more
than 20 radio stations in countries including Australia, Ireland,
Kenya, South Africa and UK.``
1259 instrumental hymn fill music snippet, 1300 sign-off from ``HCJB
Global Voice Australia, until tomorrow morning at 2200 UTC on 15525;
good night.`` S9+18 signal here, then tuned to their other
transmitter:
15340, HCJB GVA, June 3 at 1300 with Hindi? hymn, well over Moroccan
15341 het. By 1402, SNRT had already shifted to 15345v clearing 15340
for HCJB.
15400, good June 5 at 1218 as I tune in, ID in English as HCJB Global
Voice Australia, postal address only, P O Box 691, Melbourne, then
gospel rock. They went out of their way to get the same box number as
in Quito and Walterboro, or vice versa. HCJB program timings must be
skewed, from the odd times IDs appear (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** AUSTRALIA. 16546-USB, June 5 at 0555, VMC sign-on(?), full list of
frequencies, 2201, 4426, 6507, 8176, 12365, 16546; then for sibling
station VMW: 2056, 4149, 6230, 8113, 12362, 16528. Was expecting
weather info to ensue, but then just silence (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, On June 5th heard VMW (Australia Weather West) in USB in the
clear, with good reception on 6230 at 1346, but one minute later the
very strong jamming noise started up again; this same jamming was also
heard earlier today and all of yesterday; assumed to be for North
Korea. Totally blocked VMW reception! So it is fortunate they are on
so many other frequencies. [see also KOREA NORTH [and non]]
They always give their full ID with VMW and VMC (Australia Weather
East) frequencies at a separate time than their reporting of the
marine weather conditions. They end the reports with a simple ID for
which service it is.
http://www.bom.gov.au/marine/marine_weather_radio.shtml
(Ron Howard, Monterey, CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See KOREA
NORTH
** AUSTRIA. History link - ORF Vienna, Austria --- Hallo! Vermutlich
wurde dieser Link hier schon einmal verschickt. Habe ihn gerade von
einem Funkfreund bekommen. Wer ihn schon hat möge das Mail einfach
löschen.
http://members.aon.at/wabweb/frames/radioafkw.htm
Schönen Feiertag aus Hallein. 73 (Eberhard, OE2IJL, June 2, via
Wolfgang Büschel, DXLD) Including antenna illos, diagrams (gh)
** BELARUS. 7255, R. Belarus. 1500 ID in BR "V ephire Radio Grodno"
(rather Khrodno they said), news and from 1506 pop songs on 30/5
(Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m Marconi antenna),
June Australian DX News via DXLD)
Photos of the Radio Belarus Transmitter site. I found these pictures
about two years ago. They were taken by a young man, a student from
Minsk, Belarus. He wasn't a hobbyist of the SW Dxing, but an amateur
photographer seeking some interesting objects, which were worthy of
taking. The antenna masts towering over the trees of the wood
attracted his attention. The photos were from some part of his photo-
reportage on his walking trip from the railway station near Kolodzicy
to the Tx site. Such an interesting turn of events! To my regret now I
can't find his blog to send him my thanks for his pictures. Here are
some of them.
[Minsk - Kalodzicy, Belarus, SW-MW masts. 2]
[Minsk - Kalodzicy, Belarus. 4]
[Minsk - Kalodzicy, Belarus. 5]
[Minsk - Kalodzicy, Belarus. 6]
[Minsk - Kalodzicy, Belarus. 8]
(Lev Lytovchenko, 07.June.2011, shortwavesites yg via DXLD)
** BELGIUM. BRT Radio World music? Hi Glenn, I know this is a bit of a
longshot but I wonder if you can help me. I used to regularly listen
to BRT's Radio World on 1512 MW in the mid 80s (when I was at school!)
and am looking for a recording now, as I'm trying to find a copy of
the link music the programme used to use, after 25 years I can still
remember it well! It sounded a bit like Jean-Michel Jarre (but I don't
think it was one of his). Any ideas if anyone can help me? Thanks!
(Paul Golder, London, June 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST via dxldyg)
** BENIN. 1566, 1/6 2145, TWR, Parakou, Benin, Bible talks in French,
fair (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di Magra, Perseus
& Eton E1, MW Blog: http://radio-dx.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** BOLIVIA. 4111, R. Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza. June 02 2117-2126
male in Spanish talks; very poor, 15322. June 04, 0036 no signal.
4111, R. Virgen de Remedios, Tupiza. June 05 0004-0018, male in
Spanish talks, sounding like once again they are relaying WEWN, able
to catch few words “mirando todo; la familia; porque toda la vida, y
recibirán”. At intervals, a pulse noise but when it was off, rating
was 25422. 73’s (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP Brasil, SW40 -
Dipoles and Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BOLIVIA. No much DXing during previous weeks: very busy plus I have
been travelling in the cloudy, rainy, windy and a bit sunny Ireland
last month (Dublin etc.), but, currently, conditions on Tropical Band
of 60 meters seem to be improved here in Roma. I hope to be more
regular in dxing for the upcoming weeks. Here some loggings:
4699.96, San Miguel Riberalta (Presumed), 05/28 2330-2339 possible
music and man unclear talk up-down; better heard in LSB with Nir 12
to avoid OM ham splat at times in USB; very strong statics crash; very
poor [There are not hams around 4700! gh]
4795.95, R. Lípez, Uyuni (tentative) 06/05 0048-0102* local music
chants; man unclear announcement at 0100; other man final unclear
announcement (caught only ".....banda tropical.... ") and s/off at
0102 circa; heard with Nir 12; best in USB to null strong het; QRM
utes at times; strong statics crash; poor (Giovanni Serra, Roma,
Italy, Equipment: JRC NRD 525; Alpha Delta DX-SWL Sloper-S; RG 8 mini
coaxial cable; JPS NIR 12 Noise & Interference Reducer-Dual DSP
outboard audio filter; Intek PS-35 5 ampere feeder; JRC – NVA 319
external loudspeaker unit; Yaesu YH – 77 STA stereo headphones; Oregon
Scientific radio controlled clock, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BOLIVIA. 4795.95, Radio Lipez, Uyuni, 0040-0100*, June 5, Spanish
announcements. Bolivian music. Rustic vocals. Weak. Poor in noisy
conditions (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** BOLIVIA. 5580.2 tentative, Radio San José, San José de Chiquitos
caught as fading out 1130 to 1135, unusual for this time to be heard
in South Florida. 2331 with música on 2 June (Bob Wilkner, 746 Pro,
R8, NRD 535D, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BOLIVIA. 6134.79, Radio Santa Cruz, 0050-0107*, June 4, Bolivian
music. Spanish announcements. IDs. Sign off with “Santa Cruz” song at
0104. Poor to fair (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
El aniversario de Radio Santa Cruz es el 25 de Octubre. Contamos con
un transmisor de 10 kW de potencia, aunque ahora está funcionando con
8 kW. Nuestra antena es dipolo cerrado (Ma. Yolanda Marcó Escóbar,
Secretaria de Dirección, from an undated QSL letter to Hohn [sic]
Sgrulletta, NY for reception on 15 April 2001, frequency not given but
now on 6134.8v, QSL Report, June NASWA Journal via DXLD)
** BOTSWANA. 909, VOA Relay, 2015, English, fair with nice hilife,
easily //'ed against 4930. (VOA São Tomé - 1530, also readable under
2VM.) 13 May.
1215, Radio Botswana, TENTATIVE, 2000, presume this is the one, with
news (or talk) in SeTswana (or similar southern African dialect). A
struggle to get any copy with two Aussies (presume 2TAB and 4HI)
dominating. If Radio Botswana, it would mark first-time reception
here. 13 May (uncredited! June Australian DX News via DXLD)
** BRAZIL. 4878.5, Brasil, Rdif Roraima, Boa Vista RR, 0950 call in
program, TC's but no ID, 2 June. Positive ID by Dave Valko in recent
log (Bob Wilkner, 746 Pro, R8, NRD 535D, Pompano Beach, South Florida,
US, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
4878.6, R. Difusoras Roraima, 0038-0208, Mostly non-stop ZY
contemporary pop music, although I did catch "I Want to Break Free" by
Queen at 0132 followed by "Billy Jean" by Michael Jackson. Ad block at
0106. Canned ID jingle by M at 0131 with repeated "Rádio Difusoras".
Another short ad block at 0205. Heard other probable ID jingles but
just couldn't copy. Decent strength but modulation seemed a little too
low. (3 June). 73 (Dave Valko, Dunlo, PA, USA, HCDX via WORLD OF RADIO
1568, DXLD)
Esta mañana (0950-1010 UT) he escuchado, en forma tentativa, a Rádio
Roraima con comentarios y canciones en portugués en 4878.5. No sé si
esta emisora ha estado inactiva o las condiciones de propagación eran
muy favorables, porque no recuerdo haberla escuchado antes por
Mendoza. Un abrazo (Miguel Castellino, Argentina, June 3, condiglist
yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
4878.61, 2300-2345 03+04.06, R Dif. Roraima, Boa Vista, RR (presumed)
Portuguese talk and music; carrier on already at 2225, but no audio,
14221, slight CODAR QRM (Anker Petersen, in Skovlunde, Denmark on my
AOR AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx
yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
4878.56, Rdif Roraima, 0310-0404*, June 8, Portuguese talk. Local pop
ballads. Some US pop music by Whitney Houston and others. Closing
announcements at 0404 sign off. Also heard earlier at 0115-0200 with
futbol coverage. Weak. Poor in noisy conditions (Brian Alexander, PA,
WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX Listening Digest)
** BRAZIL. 4885.01, R. Clube do Pará, Belém in Portuguese, 05/22 0209-
0224 Man talk with some mention "Do Pará," mentioning several numbers
and some brief chorus shouting till 0221; announcements by woman; man
ID and frequency quote (0221:55 - 0222:34); other man talking; heard
in SSB with strong statics crash; almost fair/poor (Giovanni Serra,
Roma, Italy, Equipment: JRC NRD 525; Alpha Delta DX-SWL Sloper-S; RG
8 mini coaxial cable; JPS NIR 12 Noise & Interference Reducer-Dual DSP
outboard audio filter; Intek PS-35 5 ampere feeder; JRC – NVA 319
external loudspeaker unit; Yaesu YH – 77 STA stereo headphones; Oregon
Scientific radio controlled clock, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BRAZIL. 5044.970 (Tentative), Weak ZYG850, R Guarujá Paulista, 0712
UT June 1, S=1-2 under threshold. Noted on remote unit in
CA[lifornia?] (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
?? If one is being tentative, 5045 should be the 24-hour R. Cultura do
Pará, commonly heard, only known Brazilian active on 5045. You must be
referring to Aoki which also shows Guarujá, but not listed elsewhere
such as WRTH. Aoki is notorious for keeping in long-gone Latin
American stations. Gotcha! (gh, DXLD)
Thanks, Glenn, accepted - the DXer scene need urgently an "Approved
List" of low power private national domestic stations, on air in
Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia etc. (Wolfgang Büschel, June 5, dxldyg
via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Doesn't the scene consider this as its authoritative list?
http://www.dswci.org/dbs/dbs13/13_index.html
(Kai Ludwig, ibid.)
Yes, and also this which one does not have to purchase:
http://www.mcdxt.it/LASWLOGS.html
It also goes into exact frequency/variations, and cites sources.
Please when logging unfamiliar Latin Americans, refer to one or both
of these to make an educated guess.
However, to get many more options, you now have to click on a separate
frequency list,
Former reports (inactive/spur/unid/irregular old stations, etc.)
http://www.mcdxt.it/LASWLOGS.html#Former_reports
where even harmonics, tho hardly former, are banished (Glenn Hauser,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BRAZIL [and non]. 5940, Tentative R Rossii in Russian via Okhotsk
Arman site, S=2 weak and additional 140 Hertz audio of tentative
5939.862 kHz - probably R Guarujá Paulista, Brazil (Wolfgang Büschel,
June 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
Time? There`s ``R. Guarujá Paulista`` again, but the 5940 Brazilian is
now R. Voz Missionária, Camboriú. See also RUSSIA (gh, DXLD)
** BRAZIL. 6059.93, Súper Rádio Deus é Amor, 0925-0935, June 8, usual
emotional Portuguese preacher. Weak but readable. // 9565.24 - weak
but readable. // 11764.95 - very weak/threshold signal (Brian
Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** BRAZIL. Gazeta novamente ouvida em 31m 9685 kHz --- Ontem a tarde
após muito tempo voltei a escutar a Rádio Gazeta de SP em 31m em 9685
kHz aqui em Lajeado, interior do RS; o sinal era bom porém a qualidade
de som não era boa assim como em 49m! (William Viu, 6 June,
radioescutas yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD) 5955 (WRTH) is it
really active there? (gh)
** BRAZIL. 9695.7, RADIO RIO MAR. Manaus, Brasil. 2146-2200* junio 4,
Pgm: Jornada desportiva Rio Mar. Con resultados deportivos en varias
disciplinas. Mención, http://www.riomaronline.com.br y fuera del aire
a las 2200 sin cierre (Rafael Rodriguez R., Bogotá D.C. - COLOMBIA,
Equipo Winradio G303i, Antena Dipolo 12 metros
http://dxdesdecolombia.blogspot.com/ via Yimber Gaviria, Cali, DXLD)
** BRAZIL. 11780, June 5 at 0605, RNA fair with Brazilian music.
Signal not so bad, S9+18, and now I realize it is undermodulated, no
longer loud, a sure sign of transmitter problems. It`s Sunday, so on
the air all-night (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** BRAZIL. 11925+, June 9 at 0503 noticed Brazilian accent, must be R.
Bandeirantes, but vanished at 0504* just as I was trying to estimate
the frequency offset (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** BRAZIL. 15190, R. Inconfidência, Belo Horizonte. Fair at best,
2125, with what seemed to be an ID, improving by 2135 when had excited
announcer with soccer commentary, including the obligatory histrionics
when a goal was scored. First time I’ve heard this in many a moon, and
in fact I think my last 19 mb Brazilian was R. Gazeta on 15325, also
heard at Cataract, at least a decade ago, also from Cataract, 28/5
(Craig Seager, Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Dansk RX4000, Murphy B40,
Horizontal Loop, EWE, Longwires [home rigs, but here?]), DxPedition at
Cataract Dam, near Appin NSW, June Australian DX News via DXLD)
15189.98, Radio Inconfidência, 0045-0115, June 8, Brazilian romantic
ballads. Portuguese talk. ID at 0106. Fair signal. In the clear after
0045 when WYFR signs off. Poor on // 6010 with adjacent channel
splatter (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** BURMA [non]. CLANDESTINE. via Yerevan, 11595, Democratic Voice of
Burma, *2330-0030*, June 2-3, sign on with local music and opening ID
announcements. Talk in Burmese. Many mentions of Myanmar. Short breaks
of instrumental music. Fair (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** CANADA. ALL-TRAFFIC RADIO: A $9-MILLION WASTE
May 24, 2011 – A report and commentary by Steven Faguy, editor
“Fagstein Blog” [see original for numerous linx]
http://blog.fagstein.com/2011/05/24/all-traffic-radio/
Last week, news came out that Cogeco and the Quebec government have
reached a deal that will see the creation of two new all-traffic AM
radio stations in Montreal set to open in the fall. The project will
cost taxpayers $9 million over three years. It's the most ridiculous
use of $9 million I've seen in a while.
The history of 690 and 940 AM
Montreal has had two giant holes in its radio spectrum since January
2010. Both frequencies - 690 and 940 kHz - started out as CBC
stations. CBM (CBC Montreal) moved to 940 and CBF (Radio-Canada
Montreal) moved to 690 in 1941. They were among Canada's oldest AM
radio stations and each had clear-channel status, meaning that they
could operate at 50,000 watts and did not have to reduce power
overnight to avoid interference.
Clear-channel status is highly sought - or at least it was. There are
only about a dozen such stations in Canada (CKAC is the only active
one in Montreal), and the clear-channel status means they can be heard
from very far away with a good enough antenna.
Despite this seemingly huge advantage, CBC decided in the late 90s to
move its AM stations in Montreal to FM - 88.5 and 95.1 MHz - where
they remain today as CBC Radio One and Première Chaîne). The argument
was that FM provided better quality audio and the signal would be
easier to capture in the city. The tradeoff - that the signal would no
longer be carried by skywave to neighbouring provinces and territories
- didn't seem to be such a big deal. It was a controversial move at
the time, particularly for CBC Radio listeners who had better
reception with AM than FM.
In 1999, the decades-old CBC transmitters were shut down and the
frequencies vacated. Métromédia (later Corus Quebec), which owned CIQC
600 AM and CKVL 850 AM, wasted no time in snapping the clear channels
up, and moved those two stations to the vacated frequencies. They were
reborn as all-news stations CINW (940 News) and CINF (Info 690).
We all know how that turned out. The anglo all-news station didn't
work out financially, so they changed it up into a news-talk format in
2005. When that didn't work either, they fired everyone and started
played music in 2008. (Info 690, meanwhile, kept going with their news
format). Then, in January 2010, Corus pulled the plug on both stations
and gave up. They returned their licenses to the CRTC.
Since then, the frequencies have remained vacant. Clear AM channels
that it seems anyone could have had just by asking. But no takers.
In 2010, Corus agreed to sell its Quebec assets to Cogeco. This
included the transmitters for CINW and CINF, even though they were
inoperative and had no broadcast license. The deal was approved in
December, giving Cogeco the equipment (and a lease on the transmitter
site in Kahnawake until 2021) but no idea how to use it in a way that
could make it profitable.
And here's where the Quebec government comes in.
Congrats, Cogeco lobbyists
According to documents they submitted to the CRTC (you can download
them yourself from here), Cogeco found out about the Quebec transport
ministry wanting to improve the way it communicates information about
traffic disruptions to the public. With all the construction work
expected to come (the Turcot Interchange, for example), they wanted to
minimize the pain to drivers by keeping them as well informed as
possible.
Cogeco went to them and proposed a ... let's call it a partnership.
Cogeco would provide the transmitter, the programming, the staff. The
government would provide access to traffic information and lots and
lots of money.
The government thought it was a great idea, and on April 14 they
published their intention to award a contract to Cogeco. The deal was
finally announced last week by the government and Cogeco (PDF) and the
CRTC announced it would hold a hearing on the proposal to give the
licenses back to CINW and CINF. News coverage was brief, most just
regurgitating the press release:
. The Gazette
. La Presse
. Rue Frontenac
. Les Affaires
. Métro
. Presse Canadienne
. Agence QMI
. Autonet.ca
. Infopresse
The station, which according to the deal must be operational by Oct.
31 (though the target date is Sept. 1 pending CRTC approval), would
broadcast live from 4:30am to 1am weekdays and 6am to 1am weekends and
holidays. This information includes:
. Traffic status on highways and bridges
. Road conditions
. Information on road work sites (it's unclear if this is just those
run by the transport ministry or all municipal sites as well)
. Highway safety tips
. Weather conditions
In other words, the kind of stuff you'd expect from any traffic
information radio station. Missing from this list is an item about
providing information on public transit service. It's unclear why both
sides left this out of their press releases, but it's contained in
their CRTC submission and in the contract between the government and
Cogeco, and I would imagine the intention is to include such
information in their broadcasts.
The deal also includes promotion of the station by Cogeco and 25
minutes a day of airtime for the ministry.
Cogeco says it plans to use CHMJ in Vancouver (owned by Corus) as a
template. That's also an all-traffic radio station, but with one major
difference: It's not funded by the government. You could also compare
it to The Weather Network and MétéoMédia, which provide all-weather
programming, funded mainly by subscriber fees that all cable
subscribers must pay for the channels.
Why this is a bad idea
I appreciate that the ministry wants to improve communication about
traffic and road work. But they're doing this by getting into the
broadcast business. The figure of $3 million a year might not be much,
but it represents about three-quarters of the stations' proposed
budgets. Cogeco also predicts that figure will rise if the contract is
renewed beyond three years (the CRTC asks for seven-year projections
for a station's finances) to $3.3 million a year for the next three
years.
Put simply, *this is a solution to a problem that does not exist*. I
mean, seriously, is the biggest complaint about commercial radio that
*there aren't enough traffic reports?* Just about every station does
traffic reports every 10 minutes during rush hours. CJAD does it all
day. All this without any specific funding by the government to do so.
Even CBC Radio One does traffic reports, including public transit
updates. (The CBC is funded by the federal government, but that
funding doesn't come with a requirement to do traffic updates. CBC
Radio does traffic reports because it knows that's what rush-hour
listeners want to hear.)
This isn't to say an all-traffic radio station wouldn't make sense.
CHMJ is trying that format. And it's a good idea for AM radio, because
most portable music devices these days can't receive AM radio, but
most cars can. But if there's a demand for it, then it can be done
without government funding. And if there isn't a demand for it, why
bother?
Cogeco's own submission to the CRTC says there are about 1.3 million
vehicles travelling in the Montreal area during the afternoon rush
hour (less in the morning), which means more than $2 per vehicle per
year spent on these stations. They expect their market share will be
1.5% for the anglo station and 1.6% for the francophone station. Based
on their estimated total weekly hours of listening, the English
station would expect about 1,000 listeners on average (more,
obviously, during rush hour) and the French station about 3,000
listeners. And CRTC submissions are usually pretty optimistic.
Why this is overkill
The other thing that bugs me about this is the choice of channel.
Cogeco wants to put both these stations on clear channels, and have
both running 50,000 watts day and night. The reach of these stations,
as you can see from the map at the top of this post, is not just the
greater Montreal area, but as far as Gaspé, Moncton, southern Maine,
Kingston, northern Ontario and even Labrador. The vast majority of its
listening area couldn't care less what happens on the Champlain
Bridge.
Then again, if nobody else wants the frequency, I guess it's better to
do that than nothing at all. But surely we can find a better use for
such a powerful signal than traffic reports for one city. There are
also some strange proposals, like having a roving reporter patrol the
city to report from the scenes of major traffic events. Compare this
to the private sector that has helicopters flying overhead to report
on traffic and other issues. It's a government employee doing a job
that the private sector is already doing better.
What the government should spend its money on
In the grand scheme of things, $9 million isn't a lot of money. But
rather than spend it on duplicating a service the private sector
already does for free, how about the transport ministry use it more
wisely. Spend it on adding more traffic cameras, providing better
real-time information to traffic reporters, better ways of getting
information to smartphones and other portable devices, improving the
Quebec 511 service. Create a database of road work (both provincial
and municipal) that can be integrated into Google Maps and used to
suggest better routes to drivers.
Or, you know, they could use it to improve the province's highways. At
least repave the kilometre or two closest to the Ontario border, which
will give the most psychological bang for the buck and end those silly
anecdotal cross-border comparisons.
*The CRTC will be hearing the two applications for all-traffic radio
stations on July 18 in Gatineau. Comments and interventions are being
accepted until June 20. The contract is contingent on CRTC approval
and would be cancelled if CRTC approval doesn't materialize before
Oct. 31.*
UPDATE (May 31): A Gazette piece says that there was a call for bids
in this deal. That's not entirely accurate.
On April 14, the transport ministry published its intent to give a
contract to Cogeco (a document that starts off by saying "this is not
a call for bids"), and gave competitors 10 days to indicate that they
could provide a competing offer for the deal - something that if
accepted would have led to a formal call for bids. After the deadline
passed, the ministry gave the deal to Cogeco (via June CIDX Messenger
via DXLD)
** CANADA [and non]. 6070, June 6 at 1204, CFRX with news of security
breach at ScotiaBank, ripple SAH presumably from usual N. Korea at
this hour; no sign of Voz de la Resistencia, FARC clandestine in
Colombia [q.v.], which Rafael Rodríguez in Bogotá had heard a day or
two earlier at this time on 6070, reactivated on SW after more than
seven years, previously circa 6239v. It may have been a one-shot
special for their 47th anniversary. Not that I would have expected to
hear it at 12-13 under these circumstances; let`s hope for further
broadcasts at more amenable hours or frequencies (Glenn Hauser, OK,
WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CHAD. 6165, 1/6 at 2011, Radio National Tchadienne, Chad, slow
talks in French, modulation a little low, fair (Giampiero Bernardini,
Milano, Italia, in Bocca di Magra , Perseus & Eton E1, SW Blog:
http://radiodxsw.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CHAD. 6165, RNT, *0427-0450, June 5, heard after Radio Nederland
0427 sign off with Chad signing on at 0427 with Balafon IS. National
Anthem at 0428. French announcements at 0429. African hi-life music at
0434. Weak. Poor with weak co-channel QRM from Radio Japan at their
0430 sign on (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** CHINA. Strangely at times early in the morning I can hear numerous
Chinese stations in the 21 MHz band (unlisted), some of them parallel
with 17 MHz transmissions. It's difficult to chase these China
transmitters at they chat a lot, with rapid fire sing-song delivery,
including ads, hopping from one announcer to another. Often heard
around 0700 to 0900.
In Spain, early April, I logged at 0635 Chinese on 15550, 15615,
17565, 17765, 17855, 17890, 21500, 21550 and 21690, all carrying the
same domestic type programming. Probably jamming Falung Gong as
Glen[n] Hauser mentioned last year. I did hear a brief sign-on on one
of the 21 MHz channels from Radio Free Asia for a few seconds once.
Other Chinese heard on 17625, 17625, 17650 and CRI on 17505 and 11710
kHz.
Lots of Chinese (and similar languages ) nowadays even on lower
frequencies, down into the noise, since so many other broadcasters
have deserted shortwave, but the S E Asian languages are
incomprehensible to me. The further you travel, the more different the
languages become. Anyone for a Chinese crossword? (Des Walsh, Ireland,
June World DX Club Contact via DXLD)
Are you sure you have sorted out which were RFA and which were CNR1
jamming? See report further below (gh, DXLD)
** CHINA. Tiananmen Square’s radio “Tankman” remembered
LongBeachReport.com has put online a recording of the now-famous
English announcement by an unidentified announcer on Radio Beijing’s
English broadcast to North America on the evening of 3 June 1989, the
day of the tragic events in Tiananmen Square.
The website says “In our opinion, this man is the radio counterpart to
the visually iconic Tiananmen ‘Tankman.’ Like the ‘Tankman,’ his fate
is uncertain. There are conflicting accounts over who he is and what
happened to him. In our view, it remains for journalists worldwide to
find out who he is and to use every opportunity to try and speak with
him. If that contact isn’t possible, all of us should insist on
knowing what happened to him and on whose orders.”
I recognise the voice. I’m fairly sure he was one of the station’s
regular English announcers at the time, but he didn’t sound Chinese.
So did he make any further broadcasts, or was he fired - and if so
what happened to him?
* Read the text/listen to the audio
http://www.lbreport.com/news/jun11/tien22.htm
(June 4th, 2011 - 10:57 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via
DXLD) Viz.:
(June 3, 2011) -- We provide access below to the work of a courageous
broadcast journalist. It aired almost exactly 22 years ago today.
His shortwave radio broadcast, captured on tape by us as well as by
others at the time, has become part of the history of the events it
describes.
Like many Americans, this writer spent much of June 3-4, 1989 watching
CNN's live coverage of events in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. That
night, I wondered how Radio Beijing's English language shortwave radio
broadcast (a one-hour program beamed nightly to North America) would
describe those events.
At 9:00 p.m. Pacific Time in the 25 meter shortwave band, I recorded
what you can hear below. Because the radio signals were on shortwave
(bouncing off the ionosphere on sometimes slightly differing paths),
you'll hear occasional fading and phase distortion. For reference, the
text is transcribed below.
Try to imagine what it must have been like for this man to enter the
Chinese government's broadcasting center that day. Tanks were in the
streets. The city was under martial law. He knew what had just
happened to his fellow citizens at Tiananmen Square.
Think of what must have gone through his mind as he wrote the script
below, entered a studio, watched a clock tick-off the seconds to the
top of the hour...and spoke words that he hoped the world would hear.
To launch audio, click here
http://www.lbreport.com/sounds/rbeijing/jun389.mp3
This is Radio Beijing. Please remember June the third, 1989. The
most tragic event happened in the Chinese capital, Beijing.
Thousands of people, most of them innocent civilians, were killed
by fully armed soldiers when they forced their way into the city.
Among the killed are our colleagues at Radio Beijing.
The soldiers were riding on armored vehicles and used machine guns
against thousands of local residents and students who tried to block
their way. When the army convoys made a breakthrough, soldiers
continued to spray their bullets indiscriminately at crowds in the
street.
Eyewitnesses say some armored vehicles even crushed footsoldiers
who hesitated in front of the resisting civilians.
Radio Beijing [sic] English Department deeply mourns those [sic]
died in the tragic incident and appeals to all its listeners to join
our protest for the gross violation of human rights and the most
barbarous suppression of the people.
Because of this abnormal situation here in Beijing, there is no
other news we could bring you. We sincerely ask for your understanding
and thank you for joining us at this most tragic moment (via DXLD)
** CHINA. 13625, "Firedragon" Jamming, May 23, 1720. Strong.
14950, "Firedragon" Jammer, May 24, 1720. VG.
15970, "Firedrake" music jammer, May 30 at 1630. Alone on frequency
and with good level. Ran quick bandscan with SP-600, only heard this
one jammer at this hour.
7970, May 31, 1015, Firedrake jammer music noted, fair (Rick Barton,
El Mirage, Arizona, June 1, Hammarlund SP-600 + HQ-140X, HQ-200,
Drake R-8, outdoor slinky and 70' lazy-L wire, ABDX via DXLD)
Do you draw a distinxion between Firedrake and Firedragon? (gh)
15900, Firedrake. Usual music selection 1245, good 28/5
15970, Firedrake. Music in the usual style 1250, // 15900 etc., 28/5
16100, Firedrake. Music 1247, also on 16980, 28/5 (Craig Seager,
Bathurst NSW (Icom R75, Dansk RX4000, Murphy B40, Horizontal Loop,
EWE, Longwires [home rigs, but here?]), DxPedition at Cataract Dam,
near Appin NSW, June Australian DX News via DXLD)
21580, China National Radio, May 31, 0430. M and F in Chinese. Fair
and with // noted on 17855. Checking higher bands for propagation on
good days (Rick Barton, El Mirage, Arizona, June 1, Hammarlund SP-600
+ HQ-140X, HQ-200, Drake R-8, outdoor slinky and 70' lazy-L wire,
ABDX via DXLD)
?? Any sign of R. Free Asia in Chinese from NMI, which these are
jamming? Unlike on lowerbands, RFA normally dominate here (gh, OK,
DXLD)
Firedrake June 2, under generally poor conditions:
16980, very poor at 1241; fair at 1341
16100, fair at 1241, better than 15970; JBA at 1341
15970, fair at 1241
14900, good at 1242 with flutter; very good at 1338, better than 13920
14700, good at 1243 with flutter, and a hint of talk underneath during
a brief pause in the music, presumably Sound of Hope
13920, good at 1246 with flutter; very good 1336: none in the 12s now
13130, fair at 1243
12600, very poor at 1246
12270, good at 1246 with flutter
10970, fair at 1248; fair-good at 1343
7970, very poor at 1251
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Only 4 Firedrake channels noted on June 3, 1200-1315 UT
14950 15970 16100 16980 kHz,
and V of Tibet 15547 (+ Firedrake both sides: 15545 and 15555)
73 de wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Firedrake June 3: bandscanning up from 1225, nothing from 7970 until
13130 at 1232:
10970, very poor at 1357, not earlier
13130, good at 1232
14900, very good at 1234
14950, very good but with ute QRM at 1233; good at 1351; none in 12`s
15280, fair at 1348 with het, // 13130. 15280 unusual, but Aoki shows
why: 15279, V. of Tibet via TAJIKISTAN at 1330-1400
15430, poor at 1347
15545, poor at 1320
15970, poor at 1237
16100, fair at 1237; very poor at 1359
16980, JBA with flutter at 1359
17170, I keep checking for this one, but not heard for some time
13830, fair at 1305 and 1352 with CNR1 jamming // 11990. Aoki shows
victim as R. Free Asia, Tibetan via Tajikistan at 11-14, inaudible
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
13800, Firedrake jammer. 1145 June 4, 2011. Good. Blocking a channel
that I was checking on for Iran (not to be). (Terry L Krueger,
Clearwater, Florida USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535; ICOM IC-
R75; Hammarlund HQ-180A; Aqua Guide 705 Radio Direction Finder;
Sangean PR-D5; Sony ICF-7600GR; GE SuperRadio III; RadioShack DX-399;
1 X roof dipole; 1 X in-room random wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
I heard 17170 this morning (June 4) on 17170 at 1145 GMT Fair. Also
heard it yesterday (June 3) at 1129 Fair. Last logging prior to that
was May 25 at 1154 Weak. In the After 1200 time slot last noticed on
May 20th at 1222 Fair, prior to that on May 14th at 1244 Good, at 1318
Good and at 1340 Good. Hope this helps, (Steve Handler, IL, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
Firedrake June 4 [hey, it`s TAM Square anniversary time!]:
10970, fair at 1343, not earlier
12270, good at 1251; 1312 retune with OC vs nothing, 1313:24 cut on FD
music; good at 1341
13500, very good at 1253; very good at 1341
13800, good at 1253 mixing with kidsing // 13695 WYFR
13850, very good at 1252
13920, very good at 1252
14700, very good at 1257
14900, very good at 1339
14970, very good at 1339
15280, poor with 15279 het at 1337
15430, fair at 1337
15545, very good at 1258; 1308 retune to open carrier, then FD cuts on
15670, good at 1258 atop CNR1 jamming too; 1305 still on but now under
CNR1 jamming which is // 11990, 15795, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc...
15970, JBA at 1336
16100, poor at 1259
16980, poor at 1259-1300*, weaker than 16100
At 1508 I bandscanned 10-18 MHz again, and no FD heard now.
15330, CNR1 jamming over something June 4 at 1310, i.e. BBC Uzbek via
Oman during this semihour only.
13640, CNR1 jamming at 1507 June 4, a reverb apart from // weaker
13675. HFCC and Aoki show what`s happening: the intended victim is R.
Free Asia in Mandarin, via Tinian on 13640, Tajkistan on 13675; EiBi
shows Tinian for both. CRI English via Kashgar, East Turkistan is
supposedly on 13640 during this hour too, tsk2.
Firedrake June 5 in subnormal conditions:
7970, very poor at 1213
12270, poor-fair at 1222; very poor with flutter at 1248
13500, poor with flutter at 1221; very poor at 1248
13920, very poor with ute at 1248; probably earlier but not for sure
16100, JBA at 1358
16980, JBA at 1358
Other usuals were probably on but propagation just too bad.
Firedrake June 6:
16980, JBA at 1252
16100, very poor at 1252; poor at 1324
15970, fair at 1252; fair at 1540
15430, JBA at 1332? Not sure it`s there at usual time
14950, very poor at 1252? Not certain it`s there vs DTV box jamming
14700, poor at 1218; fair at 1253; very good at 1329
13920, fair-good at 1329, not earlier
13130, fair at 1255; none in the 12s
10970, fair at 1220; fair at 1255
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
9855, Firedrake, 1348 June 6. Chinese opera vocals and music. Fair
(Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia, Listening from my car by
the lake. Eton E1 and Sony AN1 antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
June 6 at 1352 heard Firedrake and CNR1 echo jamming both used
against RFA broadcasting in Tibetan, on 15670. Perhaps an extra
effort to block news of the sentencing of Tashi Rabten, a Tibetan
writer, to four years in prison by China? Found guilty of “inciting
activities to split the nation”.
http://www.tibetanreview.net/news.php?&id=9020
June 6 at 1342 found there was no Firedrake on 14970, as Glenn heard
on June 4, but instead China used only CNR1 echo jamming (Ron Howard,
CA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Firedrake June 7:
16980, poor at 1238; fair at 1358
16100, fair at 1238; good at 1359
15970, fair-good at 1238; fair at 1359
14700, fair at 1245, some talk audible under, het; good at 1358
13920, very poor at 1358
13850, fair at 1236
13500, fair at 1248 vs CODAR; poor at 1358; none lower by 1400
10970, poor at 1249
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Jamming on June 7:
Firedrake on 15250, 15430, 15540 and 15970; all fair to good from 1340
to 1400*.
After 1400, heard SOH on only 15970; in the clear till again covered
by Firedrake at *1413.
15670 only had CNR1 echo jamming today, no FD heard.
BTW – 6030 no longer has Firedrake jamming of Ming Hui Radio from 1300
to 1400, as Glenn so often heard earlier this year. Now is exclusively
CNR1 echo jamming; no longer the combination of the two (Ron Howard,
Asilomar State Beach, CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Firedrake June 8:
7970, poor at 1158
10970, fair at 1158; poor at 1244
13500, very poor at 1159; none in the 12`s; fair at 1236
14700, very poor at 1159; no time for thoro scan before 1200; poor at
1234 and now definitely none heard higher in subnormal conditions.
Firedrake June 9:
12600, poor at 1133; none lower
13500, fair at 1133
13850, fair at 1134
13920, fair at 1135, and 1258
14700, very poor at 1136; none higher
15670, CNR1 echo-jamming fair June 9 at 1137. This is here every
morning, whether I bother to log it or not; vs R. Free Asia in Tibetan
via Tajikistan at 11-14, evidently never attempting to dodge it (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
CRI, frequencies heard at 1336-1345 June 6:
9570 via Cuba, very poor, mixing with KBS Korea
9650 via Canada, good
9730 via Beijing, good
9760 via Kumming, China, fair
15260 via Canada, good (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia,
Listening from my car by the lake. Eton E1 and Sony AN1 antenna,
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) All // in English, I think (gh, DXLD)
** CHINA [and non]. Exit DW, Enter CRI - Victor Goonetilleke comments
http://dxasia.info/features/exit-dw-enter-cri
written on 07 June 2011 by Victor Goonetilleke
CRI is on AIR on FM 102 MHz daily in Chinese and English. But also
having daily languages courses Chinese > Sinhala and Chinese > Tamil.
CCTV Chinese International Television Channel is competing with CNN,
BBC, and Al Jazeera and is 24h on AIR in Sri Lanka in UHF-Band.
This is part of expanding its international network.
CRI billboard [captions]
Giant billboard at Borella roundabout
Colombo CRI establishing itself
CRI starting this year 2011 is to expand its reach to international
audiences. This includes satellite broadcasts, taking over AM/FM
stations in the West, and expanding China`s use of short wave to the
Americas, Europe, Africa and South East Asia. China will also be
looking at taking over relay stations once used to broadcast to the
PRC by the West ``who have misinformed the people of China to create
an unstable society``.
In the space of 10 short years CRI has overtaken the BBC, the Voice of
Borella [sic] America, the entire West and Russia to be the world`s
leading broadcaster, expanding to 1550 hours daily where Deutsche
Welle is announcing a reduction of daily shortwave broadcast to an
insignificant 55 hours from 1st July 2011.
Sri Lanka is not the exception, since this has happened already in
other countries as well:
NEPAL:
http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/cri-expands-its-fm-coverage-across-nepal
KENYA:
http://www.gov.cn/misc/2006-02/28/content_212957.htm
http://www.journalism.co.uk/news-features/china-s-global-media-charm-offensive/s5/a543641/
In the backdrop of China's expanding media coverage in the domestic
Sri Lankan scene, it comes as a shock to see the German DEUTSCHE WELLE
closing down all their operations, from their ``state of the art`` and
strategically located Relay Station in Trincomalee.
Since DEUTSCHE WELLE, with approval of the German government, has
decided to close down the transmissions from their Relay Station in
Trincomalee, CRI might keep an eye on that well equipped German Short-
and Medium wave broadcasting centre, in the near future. The irony
would be a perfectly functioning relay station funded by the German
taxpayers is being handed over on a platter to broadcast to Germany
and counter German interests in the world. China appears to be well on
its way to winning the subtle silent war of information.
Keeping in mind that the funding of DEUTSCHE WELLE (German tax payers)
it seems absolutely astonishing how the German officials are not being
aware of the consequences by shutting down a perfectly located
Shortwave station. The broadcasts from Trincomalee can cover a vast
area from South-, Central- and North Africa, across entire Middle
East, Indian Subcontinent, China and all of Southeast-Asia up to
Australia. More then 50% of the world population is reachable from
Trincomalee via Shortwave Services and still depend on Shortwave,
since not even 25% of the above mentioned population has access to
Internet, please refer to: http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm
The entire scenario of cost cuttings, reduced budgets, almost no more
listeners, etc., is part of an alibi for something much bigger behind
the scene. Something is very much wrong somewhere.
The strategy of China is amazing! It started jamming all transmissions
beamed to China until the VOA announced that it was ending its Chinese
broadcasts as they are being jammed, bowing out to Chinese pressure.
In the meantime China increased its broadcasting time, number of
transmitters being used and even set up relay stations within China
and hired airtime in every possible country. Meanwhile they also
improved their programming to such amazing levels that at times it
becomes hard to identify whether you are listening to the BBC, VOA, DW
or CRI.
In addition without giving way to obvious noise jamming like for
Chinese broadcasts they started operating on the same frequency or
adjacent to western broadcasters with more powerful transmitters. The
West appears to be struggling with their budgets while China sores
high with their influence in the developing world and capturing the
Western markets.
For CRI, Shortwave is a powerful well established medium, even to
reach the remotest outposts in the developing world where internet
will take years to penetrate; for CRI definitely Short Wave as a
medium is not dead! If the Western world doesn`t reevaluate its
strategy of docile submission, China will teach the western world a
very big lesson, soon as to how to manage international media and the
world will soon lose its confidence in the West and look to China as
the superpower that can be relied on.
Victor Goonetilleke / Colombo / Sri Lanka / victorg@slt.lk (via WORLD
OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
14 Comments on “Exit DW, Enter CRI - Victor Goonetilleke comments”
[see GERMANY non]
1. #1 Keith Perron on Jun 8th, 2011 at 17:35
I remember in 2006 speaking at a conference in Hong Kong about China’s
plan to expand on HF and also to expand on buying up radio stations.
No one took me seriously, but yet all the predictions I made back in
2006 have happened.
I don’t believe that Germany does not have the money. These cuts I see
are political cuts. The same goes with the cuts suspected to be made
at RNW and the cuts that took place at the BBCWS.
I don’t believe the government don’t have the money. It is just
impossible. There are also some rumors floating around that the
Chinese are planning to expand broadcasts from a very well known
transmitter site in Europe (I won’t mention which one until I confirm
it with the tech staff at CRI).
Now being half European, I have to say I feel these cuts are in part
because of money EU states have had to send to other nations. From the
get-go I was never very supportive of the Euro zone. So if money needs
to be sent to some nations who mismanaged their affairs, where is one
of the areas you can cut? Public broadcasting and international
broadcasting.
The west complains about China all the time. My feeling is stop
complaining and do something about it. Your jobs moved to China, but
no one seems to care. I will bet anything that at some point CRI will
approach RNW to take over one or both of it’s relay sites, as well as
the DW, BBC and VOA. I say this because I remember a meeting I had
with the former VP of broadcasting at CRI who said this was something
that were always looking at, but they were just waiting for the right
moment (Media Network blog comment via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
2# Andy Sennitt on Jun 8th, 2011 at 19:36
It’s not just about supporting other Eurozone nations - the global
banking crisis has seriously weakened the economies of all countries
in Europe, such as the UK which is not in the Eurozone. So there is a
financial element to this, but I agree that there’s no longer a will
amongst politicians in this part of the world to maintain expensive
international radio services. Some countries have stopped such
broadcasts altogether. I think it will require CRI to actually carry
out its plan to take over one or more European shortwave sites before
anyone in power starts to take serious notice. Even then, they will
probably just shrug their shoulders and let them get on with it. Of
course, if domestic media start drawing attention to it and there’s a
lot of public opposition to it, the politicians will start to think
about the consequences at the next election. Even then, I’m not sure
what they could do.
Until the arrival of the Internet, most politicians accepted that it
was impossible to estimate how many people in total were listening to
shortwave, and they carried on financing the broadcasts because other
countries were doing it. Then the Cold War ended, and a few years
later the Internet arrived, and that changed everything. Unlike
shortwave radio, where you just pump out high power transmissions and
hope that they reach their intended destination, and that enough
people will be tuned in if they do, the Internet enabled international
broadcasters to produce accurate listings of how many people were
online, where they were located, how long they spent on a particular
website, what articles they read, or audio they listened to, etc. The
politicians now started asking for these stats because they could see
how the website was performing, and whether the numbers were going up
or down.
Suddenly, shortwave radio seemed like an expensive luxury because it
costs far more than a website, and yet its effectiveness is impossible
to measure accurately. The Chinese apparently believe that throwing
money at it will produce results - so let’s see if that works. I have
my doubts - I used to be an SWL, even an active DXer when I was
younger, but I was always more interested in the message than the
medium. I have no interest in tuning in to CRI because I can get all
the information I need about China from CCTV News. I have no emotional
attachment to shortwave. It was fun while it lasted, but life moves
on.
If SWLs want to sit for hours listening to CRI, that’s their
prerogative. But I don’t envisage a sudden upsurge of interest if they
start using even more shortwave channels/sites. It’ll be just like
Radio Moscow used to be before glasnost :-)
# #3 lou josephs on Jun 8th, 2011 at 20:44
They have money to buy time in large blocks on US radio stations, they
are on in Washington DC 1120 AM in Philadelphia they will be on 1540
and they have also leased time in Boston on another AM. Voice of
Russia is also spreading the cash to 1390 AM in DC, and 1440 in NYC.
As the VOA plans to close down SW. Hmmm, what do these guys know that
we can’t figure out… hmmm
# #4 Roy Sandgren on Jun 8th, 2011 at 20:46
By exact numbers of listeners by the net you have all info about
listenings. How many dozen are listening, not how many per 1000.
Internet can be blocked very cheap by the government, but jamming lot
of SW frequencies costs a fortune. Most web radio stations want to get
a broadcasting licence to local listening.
# #5 Andy Sennitt on Jun 8th, 2011 at 21:36
Yes, Roy, I understand all that - but I was trying to explain the
arguments used by the politicians in the Netherlands and other western
countries. The effectiveness of shortwave broadcasting varies hugely
in different parts of the world these days. Every piece of research I
have seen in the past five years, from numerous countries, points to
the same trend. The estimated cost per listener on shortwave is much
too high now in Europe, North America and parts of the Far East. You
make the point that jamming on shortwave costs a fortune - so does
delivering broadcasts on shortwave! It’s very easy to appreciate
something that comes free with every shortwave radio and doesn’t cost
the listener anything extra - provided you are the listener. If you
have to provide and finance the service, things look very different!
# #6 Roy Sandgren on Jun 8th, 2011 at 21:57
One day AM and SW will return. The one and only way of info when power
line is off to local FM/internet power an all band am fm SW wind up
radio is the last and best solution. SW will be there with the
listeners.
# #7 john on Jun 9th, 2011 at 00:20
The shift to the web is in part driven by accountability and in part
by a new generation of broadcasters. Andy nails it when he speaks
about it being political. The funders of international broadcasting
are, for the first time, in a position to be able to compare results
from competing internationally focused media. The web where audiences
may be smaller but with a lot of information known versus SW where
audiences are believed to be larger but are measured by inexact and
expensive means with considerably less known about them. They then
consider trends — web usage exploding, SW usage declining. All the
arguments in the world about what might happen if the web were
blocked, about who pays, broadcaster or listener and any of the other
propositions thrown up by proponents and supporters of SW count for
little when bean counters with very sophisticated abacuses start a
computer or pick up a mobile phone and get swamped with information.
There’s no room for nostalgia in the treasury.
# #8 Keith Perron on Jun 9th, 2011 at 02:55
If we take Radio Canada International for example. They have a relay
exchange with CRI, but the odd thing is the Chinese block RCI’s
website. The Chinese have blocked RCI’s website for years now.
China goes around buying up huge blocks of airtime on stations in the
US, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Personally I think they should
not let them do it. Just tell them you can only have access to our
airwaves if you let us have access to your airwaves. One of the
agreements that was made when China joined the WTO was that it had to
open its broadcast industry. But did it? No! But all the west is doing
is kissing the backside of the PRC.
Here in Taipei 4 years ago CRI tried to buy 18 hours of airtime on one
of the local stations. The owner said no. CRI even offered 4 times the
amount. The owner continued to say no. Finally he said to them, you
let me have access to your FM frequencies in Shanghai and Beijing. CRI
then said no! And he told them what they could do with their money. He
said at one point he would sooner close his station than let the
Chinese use it.
I remember my trip to Indonesia last summer and the time I spent in
West Java. People were telling me that some stations like the BBC are
so difficult to find now. But yet CRI has 12 frequencies in Indonesian
and up to 10 frequencies in English. You asked them who they listen
to. China. In Africa you`re seeing the same thing. As for the global
banking crisis. Who created that problem?
# #9 anthony on Jun 9th, 2011 at 05:24
CRI is too big for its boots taking over MW and SW stations. I wish
all these stations who are falling for it by bowing to CRI would think
again. If I were in charge of RTL group I would have dropped CRI by
now, got rid of the UK and Germany intended beams and reflectors,
modified 1440 from directional UK and Germany-targeted beams to
omnidirectional 360 degree pan-European transmissions and brought back
the 208 service that left us back end of 91.
For RTL to claim that ’if we didn`t carry CRI on 1440 we would have to
close it’, is a load of rubbish. 1440 kHz carrying a mix of RTL radio
and Radio Luxembourg on a new omnidirectional European 600 kW signal
day and night would have easily kept it going. RTL radio from 04.50
CET to 22.00 CET and Radio Luxembourg from 22.00CET to 04.00CET is a
better use of 1440 than RTL Radio/MS Heukelbach/CRI German French
English then KBS English to finish at 01.00 CET.
# #10 Victor Goonetilleke on Jun 9th, 2011 at 09:59
One relay station that China doesn’t have to buy up is DW-Trinco. As
far as I know, DW has an agreement with SLBC till 2020 and if DW
stops, the station has to be handed over to the SLBC. At that point,
SLBC is free to sell airtime or do whatever it wants with the station
and if CRI doesn’t move in using their MW and SWs, who will, taking
all the effort that it is putting in locally. Yes, everyone will know
that I am emotionally attached to SW. But I want broadcasters to use
new methods of delivering their message and fighting for freedom of
expression, but not at the expense of short wave or a total close
down.
What most of my friends cannot understand is that they are sure in one
month of engagement in Libya NATO has busted a budget enough to fund
DW, BBC for a couple of years, and mark my words, once Gadaffi is
kicked out --- they will say thanks and now we can run our affairs!
They even ask whether one day of engagement in the Middle East isn’t
costing the BBC/VOA the budget of one of their services for a year to
India? In Sri Lanka the only really outspoken media unit is 30 minutes
of BBC Sinhala and Tamil which the SLBC relays on the domestic SLBC
frequencies but many times have come close to shutting it down and
when we wanted the info most two years ago, it just pulled the plug
off.
Internet use in Sri Lanka is rated at 9%, but I have rarely come
across people who listen to radio podcasts on the internet or go into
the websites of radio stations. But there must be, but not any where
near the numbers on SW. As I lament the moment Swiss Radio went off SW
and so did Norway, Sweden, and many more, they went from one out of
hundred international broadcasters on SW, to become one website out of
a million or more. I would go to the website of a broadcaster to find
its programme schedule but I have other uses for my internet
connection, which anyway is nothing speed-wise compared to what the
decision makers in Bonn, Hilversum or London might have when they
decide the Internet is the way to go.
There are more cell phones in Sri Lanka than SW radios, I am sure but
they are not getting BBC, or any other broadcasters on them. Most
users can’t afford 5$ a month for their phone package and they use
their phones with what they call “missed calls” “Ring Cuts”. When your
wife is ready to be picked up she gives a buzz and cuts the call. Two
rings for something 5 rings for I love you!!! Talk of getting the BBC
news on the phone!
This is all self-deception, if one thinks that the Internet can
replace totally real broadcasting. Today there are more people
listening to CRI than in the glorious days of SW Radio. There are
local CRI clubs and 5 or 6 listeners meetings with CRI officials every
year in various parts of the country. Today I listen to Radio Romania
International thanks to a booming signal like never before and listen
to CRI a few times a week when I never listened to their crude
propaganda 20 years ago. The day RNW/BBC/VOA goes off the air, we
shall miss fine quality broadcasting but they will probably be
replaced by new emerging players like China, India and many more.
From Radio Netherlands I learnt that Holland was not just Edam Cheese,
windmills and tulips, just as much as I got to know that Germany was
not just Hitler, Nazis and a country that started two WW, but thanks
to DW I have some of the finest friends I have in Europe.
# #11 Mark on Jun 9th, 2011 at 11:43
Aren’t shortwave and internet more or less complementary? I can’t
really see how someone can even think of drawing conclusions on
shortwave listening by looking on web streaming statistics. Surely
doing so would result in absurd fallacies like “Nobody in Africa seems
to listen to RNW”.
# #12 Andy Sennitt on Jun 9th, 2011 at 18:58
You’re right, you can’t draw conclusions about one medium by looking
at another. But the politicians are happier spending money when they
can see where it actually goes. Let’s be honest, a great deal of money
is wasted on shortwave - there are stations that have had bad
modulation for years, but still come on the air every day pumping out
hundreds of kiloWatts even though their output is unlistenable. A few
years ago All India Radio admitted that one of its foreign language
services had received only two letters in three months!!
In some cases, the only mail shortwave stations receive is from DXers
who want a QSL card. These people probably tune in a few times a year,
but expect the broadcaster to be there when they do. I am a close
friend of Victor, and from a Sri Lankan perspective I understand
totally how he feels. In his part of the world, people do actually
listen to, and benefit from, the content. That’s why we still have
transmissions to South Asia.
But our politicians make their decisions on what they consider best
for their constituents - i.e. to get votes at the next election. I was
trying to be the devil’s advocate and explain things from their
perspective. Shortwave broadcasting isn’t something that excites the
average Dutch citizen. But every Dutch citizen with Internet (and
that’s practically everybody) can see our websites and listen to the
audio if they so wish. To a politician, it’s much easier to deal with
something like that. Telling people that you spend millions of euros a
year to broadcast to an unknown number of people thousands of km away,
while at the same time making cuts in services at home, isn’t an easy
sell.
I’m not saying I agree with this approach, but I understand why
they’ve adopted it.
# #13 Roy Sandgren on Jun 9th, 2011 at 18:59
Much more people than you believe listen to SW, but cannot count them,
like internet. Mediumwave and SW will have a come back in a few years
ahead.
# #14 anthony on Jun 9th, 2011 at 20:18
I agree Keith; if CRI refuse to allow a broadcaster to lease their
airwaves when you agree to give them access to yours, the answer
should be no. RTL should have put up a similar fight with CRI and KBS,
and if it got to the stage where RTL refused CRI and KBS access to
1440 kHz MW, then that would be a good thing. It would also give me
determination and reason to bring back 208. I would personally
transport the transmitter units minus the mast to Junglinster from
Marnach and connect up the two 600 kW Telefunken units to the
omnidirectional ex RTL France DRM mast for a wider daytime reach to
France, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and surrounding
areas at 600 kW and increase the power at 21.00 UK to 1200 kW to get a
European audience. 03.50uk (04.50cet) to 21.00uk(22.00cet) RTL Radio
at 600 kW ERP then from 21.00 to 03.00uk (22.00 to 04.00cet) Radio
Luxembourg 208 at 1200 kW thru the omnidirectional DRM mast using both
600 kW units in parallel for a paneuropean reach (MN blog comments via
DXLD)
** CHINA [non]. WILD Boston (1090) flips to brokered programming
After more than 40 years as an outlet serving the African American
community in Boston, heritage AM daytimer WILD-AM has flipped to
brokered programming, including a morning show called “Music Safari.”
According to BostonRadioWatch, there's China Radio International
programming the rest of the day. It is in English. On Sunday, WILD
announcer Larry Higginbottom announced it would be his last day on the
air at the station, due to the fact that Radio One was selling the
station. Then, Syndication One, which provides “The Warren Ballentine
Show” and “Keeping It Real With Al Sharpton”, announced those shows
would no longer be heard in Boston as of today, June 1. Users on the
Radio-Info.com boards report hearing “Music Safari” this morning.
(via Kevin Redding, TN, June 1, ABDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
4.8 kW non-direxional daytimer plus 1.9 kW critical hours (NRC AM log
via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
** COLOMBIA. 6010.04, LV de Tu Conciencia, 0405-0425, June 5, lite
instrumental music. ID at 0408. Spanish religious talk. Spanish
inspirational music. Weak. Poor in noisy conditions (Brian Alexander,
PA, DX Listening Digest)
** COLOMBIA [non non?]. 6070, VOZ DE LA RESISTENCIA. Clandestina.
1202-1258. Reactivación. A las 1202 con el himno de la FARC, para
luego una programación basada en música revolucionaria, opiniones
sobre el acontecer nacional, partes de guerra y saludos por 47
aniversario. Una señal fuerte y clara; en onda corta no había reseña
de emisiones del principio del año 2004, cuando por el Plan Colombia,
la guerrilla se replejó hacia zonas fronterizas donde empezó a
utilizar transmisiones en FM. Hubo poco detalles sobre algún horario
de transmisión aunque mencionaron próximas emisiones. Por alguna
mención, parece estar siendo operada por el Comando Conjunto de
Occidente "...al aire CRB, cadena radial bolivariana Voz de la
Resistencia, transmitiendo desde la cordillera de los Andes, rincón de
lucha por la dignidad y la libertad..."
Sorprende la utilización de una frecuencia dentro de la banda cuando
ha sido tradicion de este tipo de emsiones el utilizar frecuencias por
fuera de la banda, para el año 2004 utilizaban los 6239 kHz aprox.
http://dxdesdecolombia.blogspot.com/
6070, VOICE OF RESISTANCE. Clandestine. Colombia. 1202-1258.
Reactivation. At 1202 with the anthem of the FARC, then revolutionary
music-based programming, views on national events, parties of war and
47th anniversary greetings. A strong and clear signal; there had been
no shortwave broadcasts since the beginning of 2004y, when according
to Plan Colombia, the guerrillas withdrew to border areas and began to
use FM transmissions. There was little detail on any transmission
schedule of upcoming broadcasts, but from one mention it seems to be
operated by the Joint Command of the West "... on the air CRB,
Bolivarian radio network, Voice of the Resistance, broadcasting from
the Andes, a corner of struggle for dignity and freedom ... "
Surprised that they are using an in-band frequency; these kinds of
broadcasts are usually out-of-band. In 2004y they were around 6239
(Rafael Rodríguez, Bogotá, Colombia, undated, either June 4 or 5, via
Yimber Gaviría, translated by Google and gh for WORLD OF RADIO 1568,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CONGO DR. CONGOLESE STATIONS BATTLE ON
Radio stations in DRC, short of funds and equipment, are determined to
stay on air. --- By Mélanie Gouby
Radio, like print, requires little basic equipment, and most radio
programmess can be produced fairly cheaply. But even inexpensive
digital recorders, computers and mixers can be beyond the means of a
radio station in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The pictures above
were taken in Bukavu, South Kivu, during a visit to the RTNC Bukavu
radio station. Although it is supposed to be supported by the
Congolese state, it has to rely on foreign donors to finance and
modernise its equipment. Salaries are rarely paid.
Since the visit in November 2010, RTNC Bukavu has become an IWPR
partner and benefits from our development programme. One of the main
goals of the IWPR project in DRC is to develop the capacities of local
radio stations. We train reporters to give them the necessary skills
for the production of balanced reports on human rights issues and also
provide the stations with equipment. There is no use producing an
interesting report if the sound is inaudible.
Mélanie Gouby is IWPR’s DRC multimedia producer and a freelance writer
and photographer. http://melaniegouby.com/
**** http://iwpr.net/
ICC - AFRICA UPDATE details events and issues at the International
Criminal Court in The Hague, as they relate to Africa.
These weekly reports, produced by IWPR's human rights and media
training project, seek to contribute to regional and international
understanding of the war crimes prosecution process.
The opinions expressed in ICC - AFRICA UPDATE are those of the authors
and do not necessarily represent those of the publication or of IWPR.
ICC - AFRICA UPDATE is supported by the European Commission, the Dutch
Ministry for Development and Cooperation, the Swedish International
Development and Cooperation Agency, the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office, and other funders. IWPR also acknowledges general support from
the Ford Foundation.
ICC - AFRICA UPDATE: Editor-in-Chief: Anthony Borden; Managing Editor:
Yigal Chazan; Editor: Blake Evans Pritchard.
IWPR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT: Executive Director: Anthony
Borden; Head of Programmes: Sam Compton.
**** http://iwpr.net/ (via Dr Hansjoerg Biener, Germany, June 5, DXLD)
Future Plan for a 10 kW transmitter on 60m (WRTH 2011 via DXLD)
** COSTA RICA. 5954.2, Radio República (Guápiles), 0448-0454,
6/3/2011, Spanish. Talk by man. Good signal with heavy jamming, plus
low side interference from WYFR (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, IC-R75,
RX-340, 90' Wire, Wellbrook ALA100M Loop, Cumbredx mailing list via
DXLD) see also CUBA [non]
** CUBA. 1140, Radio Maybeque, Maybeque. 1250 June 4, 2011. Live male
ID, soft Spanish ballads, man at 1300 with phoned-in talk with lady,
ID. First Radio Mayabeque log for me, and certainly merely a daytime
random plug-and-play via the Radio Cadena Habana transmitter forever
on this channel. At least one other unidentified Cuban weakly under
this (not Rebelde). (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida USA,
27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535; ICOM IC-R75; Hammarlund HQ-180A;
Aqua Guide 705 Radio Direction Finder; Sangean PR-D5; Sony ICF-7600GR;
GE SuperRadio III; RadioShack DX-399; 1 X roof dipole; 1 X in-room
random wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CUBA. 5954.277, Jamming from tentative Cuba against R República(?)
noted at 0637 UT June 1, in signal strength S=9+20dB observed on
remote SDR unit in FL-USA (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Of course that is what it is, but 5954.277 should be the frequency of
R. República, while the jamming is generally around 5955 without such
a specific matching carrier (gh, DXLD) See also COSTA RICA
** CUBA. 11760, RHC in English, tuned in just in time June 4 at 0553*
to hear a few words, ``Cuba has a lot to learn`` before cut off 53
minutes later than scheduled in Spanish. Presumably had been missing
from 6010, but not checked immediately. By 0603 that was on // the
overkill three other 49m channels also in English (Glenn Hauser, OK,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
[and non]. 13820, June 5 at 1155, lite pulse jamming against an open
carrier, maybe listed YFR via Kazakhstan, while R. Martí does not
start 13820 until 1300 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
12000, June 7 at 1250, RHC in Spanish weakly audible, along with
traces of pulse jamming. // much stronger 12040 which is well atop the
Chinese jamming for a change. Is it a spur from 12040 or second
harmonic of 6000? Must be the former, since also audible on 12080, 40
kHz on the other side. And at 1310, not only 12080 but also 12000 are
still JBA after 6000 presumably closed at 1300, and inaudible there
tho would probably have faded into noise anyway by now. Also 12040 has
weakened vs CNR1 jamming. The Cuban jamming is leftover from attacking
VOA 12000 in the evening.
11930, June 9 at 0505 lo-pitched continuous tone with noise, presumed
leftover DentroCuban jamming against Martí altho not its usual sound
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** CUBA. 5-31 Es: 2, CMJF, Santiago de Cuba, 1943 [EDT?] P-F brief
fade ups Mesa Redonda & NOTICIERO ESTELAR; 2119 F-G CUBAVISION visual
5 kW? 1505 miles, #239 (farthest TV catch if I am correct) (Hepburn's
dxinfocentre site shows 4 stations on 2 in Cuba, CMJF is only one
listed Cubavisión; Havana & La Capitana are Rebelde, Ciego de Ávila is
? but Ciego de Ávila has Cubavisión on channel 8)
Magnavox TV, Sony VCR, Winegard HD 5030 VHF TV antenna, Yaesu G-450A
rotor (Michael Procop, Bedford, Ohio (Cleveland), AMFMTVDX mailing
list via DXLD) Timezone not specified, but from his other logs it
looks like EDT = UT -4 is more likely than UT (gh, DXLD)
** DJIBOUTI. A regular strong visitor here but have never recorded the
sign off before. 4780, Rdif. TV de Djibouti, Arta, 2100 UT local type
music, then YL with mention of Djibouti perhaps "Huna Djibouti" then
presumed national anthem
http://www.box.net/shared/q5ckqxh8qx
(Mark Davies, Anglesey, Wales, June 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ECUADOR. 4919, RADIO QUITO. Quito. 2320-0030 junio 4. Reactivación,
Prueba?? Música balada. "...con la mayor oferta de contenido, Radio
Quito, la voz en vivo de la capital 760 AM..." pgm: Por los senderos
de Quito. "...Radio Quito 760 AM, la voz en vivo de la capital, 24
horas de información, deportes, entretenimiento y música..." Continuó
la señal durante toda la noche y el domingo 5 hasta las 14 UT. Al
momento de publicar estas escuchas, aprox. 0000 UT, Lunes 6 no está la
señal al aire, haciéndome pensar de alguna prueba de funcionamiento
del transmisor (Rafael Rodríguez R., Bogotá D.C. - COLOMBIA, Equipo
Winradio G303i, Antena Dipolo 12 metros
http://dxdesdecolombia.blogspot.com/ via Yimber Gaviria, Cali, WORLD
OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
They turn it on every two or three months for two or three days, then
gone again (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
4919, Radio Quito (Quito) (presumed), 0508-0532, 6/5/2011, Spanish.
While tuning across a 60 meter band dominated by heavy Summer static,
found a poor to moderate strength Spanish language station on 4919.
Presume this to be reactivated Radio Quito. Program included long
Latin ballads with short announcements by a man. Static and heavy
CODAR interference made a definite ID impossible. My last log of Radio
Quito was in November 2010 (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, IC-R75, RX-340,
90' Wire, Wellbrook ALA100M Loop, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD)
4918.994, Radio Quito, 0935-0945 June 5, At tune in noted traditional
local type music that continue playing until 0941 when a canned promo
was heard. This was followed by more music, but more of a romantic
nature this time. Signal was fair during the period (Chuck Bolland,
Clewiston FL, 26N 081W, WR-G31DDC, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Quick note with full log later: 4918.975, Radio Quito, 1012, good with
local vocals, I'd by a man as "Radio Quito, la voz en vivo de la
capital." Slight CODAR QRM. 5 June (David Sharp, NSW Australia, dxldyg
via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
4919, Radio Quito, on now, 1020 per Charles Bolland Log, massive
signal here (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, South Florida, June 5, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
4919, Radio Quito 1000 to 1140 final fade out 5 June (Bob Wilkner, 746
Pro, R8, NRD 535D, Pompano Beach, South Florida, US, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Esto implica a todas luces una reactivación. Excelente noticia!
(Arnaldo Slaen, June 5, condiglist yg via DXLD)
Ojalá así sea; estuvo al aire desde ayer aprox 2100 UT y toda la
noche, hoy hasta las 1400; en // con los 760 kHz, presentando música
balada. Y con su nuevo eslogan "...Radio Quito la voz en vivo de la
Capital..." en las identificaciones cada hora no menciona la onda
corta. Buenos DX (Rafael Rodriguez R., Bogota D.C. - Colombia, ibid.)
Excelente Rafael! Radio Quito, otrora, emitia las 24 horas del dia en
OC 73 (Arnaldo Slaen, ibid.)
** ERITREA. 7165, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea - program 2,
0259-0325, June 5, heard on this frequency tonight instead of 7175.
Nothing heard on 7175. Tune-in to IS. Vernacular talk at 0300. Weak.
Poor with HAM QRM. No //s heard.
7204.98, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea - program 1, 0259-0325,
June 5, tune-in to IS. Vernacular talk at 0300. Horn of Africa music.
Fair. No //s heard.
7204.98, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea - program 1, *0257-0324,
June 6, sign on with IS. Vernacular talk at 0300. Horn of Africa
music. Fair. No //s heard (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
9830.03, at 1740-1754 UT, Voice of the Broad Masses, Asmara, May 29,
Arabic, YL talks with mention of Asmara, fragments of traditional Horn
of Africa songs - fair and even better with local noise, \\ 7175 kHz
good (Mikhail Timofeyev, Russia, DXplorer May 29 via BC-DX June 3 via
DXLD)
[and non]. Logs for 2-6: 9830, VOBM2 today is also QRMed at 0412
(Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece,
http://zlgr.multiply.com/journal/item/372
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
9820.03 NF, Voice of the Broad Masses of Eritrea - program 2, *0258-
0324, June 6, new frequency. ex-9830.03. Sign on with IS. Vernacular
talk at 0300. Some Horn of Africa music. Weak with QRM from a weak
unidentified station on 9819.87. Brazil? // 7165 - weak (Brian
Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** ETHIOPIA. 6030, Radio Oromiya, *0324-0350, June 6, sign on with
xylophone-like IS. Opening Oromo announcements at 0329:35. Horn
of Africa music at 0332. Some rustic local music. Local flute music.
Oromo talk. Fair signal strength at sign on but deteriorated to weak
levels by 0345. Poor overall signal quality due to possible noise
jammer on high side and adjacent channel splatter on low side. At
least no co-channel QRM with Radio Marti off the air on UTC Mondays
(Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** ETHIOPIA. 9705, Radio Ethiopia, 2015-2100:30*, June 5, wide variety
of Euro-pop, Afro-pop, local folk, and local Horn of Africa style
music. Amharic talk. Possible news at 2057. National Anthem at 2059.
Fair. No sign of Niger today.
9705, Radio Ethiopia, *0258-0315, June 8, sign on with short IS on
electronic keyboard followed by opening ID announcements in Amharic.
National Anthem at 0259. Time pips at 0300 and talk. Local Horn of
Africa style pop music at 0303. Fair (Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg,
PA, USA, Equipment: Icom IC-7600, two 100 foot longwires, dxldyg via
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** EUROPE. PIRATE. 6930.03, Irish Music Radio, 0025-0140, June 4,
very tentative with talk and pop music. Very weak/threshold levels
PIRATE. 6945.03, Laser Hot Hits, 0035-0140, June 4, very tentative
with talk by man with British accent. Pop music. Very weak/threshold
levels (Brian Alexander, PA, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX Listening Digest)
Pirate on 6945 AM, Euro? Laser Hot Hits?? Hearing a possible pirate,
OM with British accent, 6945 AM mode around 0115 UT. Lotsa static so
hard to ID. A Euro? (Chris Lobdell, Mass, UT June 1, WORLD OF RADIO
1568, NASWA yg via DXLD)
I've been informed that Laser Hot Hits from the UK is now using this
frequency, 6945, ex-4026; and the format I heard fits, so, I'd expect
it is LHH. Station heard again here last nite at a weaker level (Chris
Lobdell, June 2, ibid.)
** EUROPE. Radio Eldorado on Tonight 9 June --- Eldorado will be on
Air tonight, 9th june starting 0001 GMT (for one hour or two) on
frequency 3975 kHz. Tune in! (Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, 1602 UT June
8, shortwave yg via DXLD)
** FINLAND. 558 - The Helsinki transmitter has been on the air during
a few days. Digita OY in Finland has got permission to test until May
31st, 2011. Power is 20 kW. The tests seem to be during daytime and
have not been audible in Växjö, but heard by TK and MR in Finland.
(24.5.2011 Bengt Ericson)
963 - The lease of the Pori transmitter by China Radio International
is valid until 30.06.2013 (24.5.2011 Ficora, FIN)(ARC Information Desk
30 May via Olle Alm, DXLD)
** FINLAND. Scandinavian Weekend Radio is active right now! I hear
them with music on 11690 (actually 11689.91), barely audible, and
6170.0, S=2-3, suffers from Chinese QRM on 6175. Full schedule as on
http://www.swradio.net/schedule.htm for this broadcast that starts on
3 June 2011 at 2100 UT and ends 24 hours later:
6170 21-05, 08-14, 18-21
5980 05-08, 14-18
11690 22-07, 13-16, 18-21
11720 21-22, 07-13, 16-18
1602 21-21
Another broadcast is scheduled for Midsummer, "starts on Friday 24
June, Midsummer's Day and continues until the end of the next day,
25th of Juna [sic]". 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Leipzig/Germany, JRC NRD-525
+ DX-10 PRO, 2248 UT Friday June 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Deep fading but decent peaks on 11690 here in central Milan. Heavy
noise. Usual barefoot Tecsun PL-660, slightly off frequency. No go on
6170 at my location. Always nice, being able to listen to them.
Surprisingly difficult in Italy. 73s (Andy Lawendel, 2328 UT June 3,
ibid.)
** FRANCE. FRANCE RESTRICTS MENTIONS OF TWITTER AND FACEBOOK ON THE
AIRWAVES --- Global Post News Desk June 4, 2011
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/europe/france/110603/france-bans-mention-twitter-facebook-airwaves
French regulators have forbidden broadcasters to direct their
audiences to Twitter or Facebook, CBS News reported.
According to a ruling this week, French radio and television
broadcasters aren't allowed to mention either of the big social
networks on the air unless they are covering a story about the
specific network, Atlantic Wire said.
As a Business Insider article explained, citing expat blogger Matthew
Fraser, if Facebook or Twitter make the news, they can be mentioned on
a strictly "information" basis. But broadcasters are not allowed to
urge their audiences to connect via Facebook or Twitter to learn more,
ask questions, give their opinions, and all the rest of the things
that broadcasters and media outlets do with social networking.
Those wacky French, you might say. What were they thinking? Well, the
reasoning goes like this: citing a 1992 law that prohibits
surreptitious advertising, the ruling is meant to keep networks from
giving an unfair advantage to the two already very popular services,
Atlantic Wire said.
Christine Kelly, the spokesperson for the Conseil Supérieur de
l'Audiovisuel, the French entity that regulates broadcasting, said in
a statement:
"Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars,
when there are many other social networks that are struggling for
recognition. This would be a distortion of competition. If we allow
Facebook and Twitter to be cited on air, it's opening a Pandora's Box
- other social networks will complain to us saying, 'Why not us?' "
She added, according to CBS News, "We encourage the use of social
networks," she said. "There is no question of blocking."
Fraser has a possible explanation for the baffling move:
Facebook and Twitter are, of course, American social networks. In
France, they are regarded - at least implicitly - as symbols of Anglo-
Saxon global dominance - along with Apple, MTV, McDonald's, Hollywood,
Disneyland, and other cultural juggernauts. That there is a deeply-
rooted animosity in the French psyche towards Anglo-Saxon cultural
domination cannot be disputed; indeed, it has been documented and
analyzed for decades.
All of this is reminiscent of another august French body, the Académie
Française, and its decidedly interesting rules that are meant to
protect the French language. For the best part of its 376 years, the
Académie Française has fought to keep French as pure as it can, a
February article in the Los Ángeles Times reported. In recent years,
this has meant that the council's 40 members, those peer-selected
individuals that are known as "the immortals," have been waging war on
what the Académie sees as the pernicious influence of, you guessed it,
English.
The Los Angeles Times clarifies:
That means no English Trojan horses: The weekend must be fin de
semaine (end of the week); there are no cookies in your computer, only
témoins de connections (connection witnesses); and if you write a
blog, download a podcast or indulge in online chat, you'll have to
ecrire un bloc-notes, obtain a téléchargement pour baladeur or engager
un dialogue en ligne.
Jonathan Marks Director at Critical Distance:
Splendid! I hope they carry on with their stupidity. Why not extend it
to mention of (government) help-lines and make sure that France 24 and
RFI cancel their twitter, Facebook and iPhone apps. Splendid isolation
will then be complete, leaving the market open for the rest of us.
(via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD)
** GEORGIA. Noted on June 1st at 0735 UT on 9535 kHz with mourning
instrumental music and talks in Abkhazian. At 0800 UT in Russian
"Gavarit Sukhumi" and news in Russian mainly about the deceased of
their president and his bury on June 2nd. Heard first time since
January 6th (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, June 2, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June
3 via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
[Abkhazia] 9535 Abkhazia Radio, Sochumi, at 0715 UT June 2.
{classical} Ernste mx und mv, O=3 in AM. Auf 9495 kHz kein Signal.
(Herbert Meixner-AUT, A-DX June 2)
Noted S=4-5 signal at 0903 UT June 2 on remoted sdr unit in Ukraine on
exact 9535.000 kHz. 9495/9494.77 kHz unit is defunct for months now,
heard last time on Dec 2009 wb./15 Jan 2010 {Johann Wiespointner-
Austria}. I've my doubts, the 9535 kHz unit is even x.000 kHz, could
also be originate from a reserve unit at Armavir, Krasnodar, Caucasus,
Russia, close ties TX site (Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June
2, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
** GERMANY. [Re 11-22:] 873 AFN Frankfurt Weisskirchen. Das American
Forces' Network wird seinen Mittelwellensender in Weisskirchen bei
Oberursel fuer die Dauer des Monats Juni abschalten.
Nach eigenen Angaben wurde AFN hierum von "deutschen
Telekommunikations-Beamten" gebeten, da in der Naehe der Sendeanlage
vom 10. bis 19. Juni 2011 der "Hessentag 2011" stattfindet. Fuer die
Grossveranstaltung wird in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft des Senders ein
Parkplatz eingerichtet. Im Bereich der Buehnen selbst waere der Sender
nicht nur wegen moeglicher Einstrahlungen in die Tontechnik
problematisch, sondern auch fuer den vor und nach der Veranstaltung
laufenden Auf- und Abbau mit Kraenen, in denen hohe Spannungen
entstehen wuerden.
Als Ersatz betreibt AFN im Juni einen 1 kW-Stadtsender in Wiesbaden,
aber nicht auf der Weisskirchen-Frequenz 873 kHz, sondern auf 1143
kHz. Fuer amerikanische Pendler aus Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Hanau und
Giessen, fuer die der 150 kW starke Sender in Weisskirchen bis heute
beibehalten wird, gibt es in diesem Zeitraum keine
Empfangsmoeglichkeit fuer das Mittelwellenprogramm AFN Power Network
(Kai Ludwig, Germany, 29. Mai 2011 RBB, via ntt, Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-
D, June 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
** GERMANY. On Sunday, June 12, Hamburger Lokalradio will relay its FM
output for ten hours on shortwave. Programmes will be aired from 0600
to 1600 UT on 5980 kHz via Kall (1 kilowatt). The line-up of shows
will include, among others, "Swinging Hamburg Live" (0810-1000 UT),
"Radio Plattland" (in Low German, 1010-1140 UT), and "Radio Tropical"
(in Spanish, 1405-1500 UT). Correct reception reports will be verified
with a special QSL card. Hamburger Lokalradio broadcasts daily from
0900-1000 UT on 5980 kHz (Thomas Voelkner, Germany, June 9, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** GERMANY. MV Baltic Radio is on 6140 and 9480 this Weekend
Dear Listeners, MV Baltic Radio is on the air this Weekend the 4th and
5th of June 2011.
5th of June: 6140, and the time slot will be 0900 to 1000 UT.
4th / 5th of June: Test Transmissions will be on Saturday 4th, on
9480, at 8 to 9 UT and 10 to 12 UT.
MV Baltic Radio repeat programme will be on Sunday 5th, on 9480, at
1200 UT.
PS. MV Baltic Radio relay service Schedule for Summertime 2011/12
1st Sunday - MV Baltic Radio 0900 UT
3rd Sunday - European Music Radio 0900 UT
September - Later Transmission
4th Sunday - Radio Gloria International 1300 UT. Good listening and
good reception! 73s Tom (via Tom Taylor, June 3, HCDX via DXLD)
** GERMANY. Re 11-22, NETHERLANDS: ``In June 2008 the transmitter were
dismantled and transported to Wertachtal where (as far as I know) 2
transmitters were rebuilt. The rest is kept in store for spare
parts.``
If so the Wertachtal transmitter set-up should now be 1 x RIZ OR 500
(their current 500 kW model), 8 x Telefunken S 4005 (PDM 500 kW,
eighties), 2 x Telefunken S 4001 (PDM 100 kW, eighties) and 5 x
Telefunken SV 2500 (plate modulation 500 kW, seventies).
The two S 4001 have been moved in from Jülich and two of the S 4005
from Zeewolde/Flevoland. The single RIZ transmitter has been installed
as a prototype in preparation of a thorough modernization, it remained
the only one because the whole project had been terminated when it
emerged that DW will not prolong its contract for the transmitter
site.
These five newly installed transmitters replaced old SV 2500 units
from the seventies. The other five transmitters of this model that had
been installed until the new PDM technology was available for the
further expansion should still be in place for peak use with more than
ten frequencies with 500/250/125 kW on air at the same time, provided
that still enough of the Siemens TL 1490 (or identical substitutes)
tubes are available. I think it had been hinted some time ago that
this meanwhile becomes an issue at Meyerton.
I took the opportunity for putting some shots from 2002 to the
pictures section. At this time it was still just 10 x SV 2500 and 6 x
S 4005, and a number of other aspects are history now as well (Kai
Ludwig, Germany, June 4, shortwavesites yg via DXLD)
My visit to the Wertachtal transmittersite:
Friends, Last Friday I visited the Wertachtal transmittersite in
Ettringen, Bavaria, Germany. I was so lucky because a former engineer
from the Flevo-SW site whom I knew is working there. He gave me a 90
minute tour in the building and the antenna fields.
On Saturday I rented a bike and did a tour by bike along the site. It
was a tour of 12 kilometers in total. It gave me the opportunity to
take a lot of pictures. As a result in the coming days I will place a
batch of 125 pictures on the site in Album #02 SW: Europe sites so
stand by. Regards (Jan Osterveen, June 8, shortwavesites yg via DXLD)
** GERMANY [non]. Exit DW, Enter CRI - Victor Goonetilleke comments
Long-time media monitor and shortwave listener Victor Goonetilleke has
written a commentary for the DXAsia website in which he contrasts the
increasing use of shortwave by China Radio International (CRI) with
the decline in the use of shortwave by Western broadcasters such as
Deutsche Welle (DW), which recently announced plans to close its Sri
Lanka relay station at Trincomalee.
Victor writes: “Since Deutsche Welle, with approval of the German
government, has decided to close down the transmissions from their
Relay Station in Trincomalee, CRI might keep an eye on that well
equipped german Short- and Medium wave broadcasting centre, in the
near future. The irony would be a perfectly functioning relay station
funded by the German taxpayers is being handed over on a platter to
broadcast to Germany and counter German interests in the world. China
appears to be well on its way to winning the subtle silent war of
information.”
* Read the article
http://dxasia.info/features/exit-dw-enter-cri
[see under CHINA]
(June 8th, 2011 - 16:21 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via
DXLD)
** GREECE. Radio Filia and Voice of Greece observed on May 30-June 2:
0430-0450 7475 9420 15630 Greek
0455-0500 9420 11645 15630 Greek
0500-0600 9420 15630 Greek
0500-0505 Music & 0505-0550 Bulgarian on 11645
0553-0600 17705 in Bulgarian
0600-0750 9420 15630 17705 Greek
0750-0800 9420 15630 and 0755-0800 on 11645 Greek
0800-0840 9420 15630 Greek
0800-0805 Music & 0805-0840 German on 11645
0840-0935 not observed
0935 11645 French
Note: On Tuesday {maintenance day} 0800-1155 UT on 9420 & 15630 kHz
were not on the air. At 0500, 0600, 0700 etc. the ID is the very old
"Edho Athine, I phoni tis Ellados", or "Here is Athens, the Voice of
Greece" and on 11645 and 17705 kHz during their FS the ID is "Radio
Filia" (Friendship).
Only time 0840-0900 UT was not checked (today was silenced) on 11645
and 17705 kHz, so Radio Filia on 11645 kHz from 0800 (Mon-Thu now) was
heard as follows: 0805-0840 German, 0840-0900 ?, 0905-0930 Ru, and
0935-1000 Fr, 1000 UT close down (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, June 2,
wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
What became of Albanian during most of the 05-06 hour?? (gh, DXLD)
15630, June 5 at 1204 poor open carrier must be V. of Greece, minus
modulation, but musical by 1212 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** GUATEMALA. 4055, Radio Verdad, 0105-0120, June 5, Spanish
religious talk. Spanish ID announcements at 0110 along with xylophone
music. Chirping birds at 0111 and chimes. Surprisingly good, strong
signal despite thunderstorm static. (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening
Digest)
** GUINEA. 7125, R. Conakry. May 31 2054-2107 male and female in
French announcements seems to be a list of condemned persons and their
respective penalties, many mentions of “prison”, Afropop, Hilife
music. Stronger than usual, maybe by the gray line here and near
Conakry, 44434 (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles
and Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
7125, June 2 at 0621 hilife music audible, weaker than MAURITANIA
[q.v.] 7245 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
7125, Radio Conakry, 2230-2300*, June 2, hi-life music. Vernacular
talk. Abrupt sign off. Fair to good (Brian Alexander, PA, DX Listening
Digest)
7125, no signal from RTG June 4 checked as late as 0605 (Glenn Hauser,
OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
7125, RADIO TV GUINEE. Conakry, Guinee. 2225-2309* junio 4, Locutor en
francés presentando mùsica. Mencionan "RTG Conakry, la radio nationale
de la République de Guinée..." Luego de las 2250 con saludos a
personas en el gobierno. Fuera del aire sin cierre a las 2309,
excelente señal siempre por arriba del s9 (Rafael Rodriguez R., Bogotá
D.C. - COLOMBIA, Equipo Winradio G303i, Antena Dipolo 12 metros
http://dxdesdecolombia.blogspot.com/ via Yimber Gaviria, Cali, DXLD)
** INDIA. 9415, All India Radio G.O.S., Delhi (Khampur), 2011/05/31
tue 1825-1830* OM with classical song, tabla backing. Went off-air at
1830, contrary to Aoki (and not mentioned at all by HFCC and EiBi).
Poor. Jo'burg sunset 1525 (Bill Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
WRTH supplement shows 1745-1945 for 9415. Maybe a breakdown (gh, DXLD)
** INDIA. Special broadcasts by AIR --- The running commentary of
cricket matches between India and West Indies being played in West
Indies will be broadcast by many stations of AIR on MW & SW (60 MB
frequencies) on the following days till early mornings i.e. 2.30 /
3.30 am IST. So extended broadcasts will be there on the following
days:
Up to around 2100 UT (or till end of play) of 6, 8, 11, 13 June 2011
Up to around 2200 UT (or till end of play) of 16 June 2011
73 (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Raj
Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India, June 6, dx_india yg via WORLD OF
RADIO 1568, DXLD)
Special broadcasts by AIR monitored last night --- Last night at
around 1.30 am IST (2000 UT) I heard the following AIR stations with
special broadcasts consisting of Cricket commentary in English / Hindi
of the match between India and West Indies being played in West
Indies. India beat West Indies in this match.
4810 Bhopal
4910 Jaipur
The following 38 MW channels were also monitored:
531 576 585 603 612 621 630 666 675 684 747 765 792 801 837 848 900
918 927 936 981 990 999 1017 1026 1044 1089 1143 1215 1242 1251 1269
1287 1305 1377 1467 1593
For transmitter locations of these MW stations please click the link
below:
http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/mw/freq.htm
Maybe some more stations were there who were in skip with me.
Note: The next matches are scheduled on 11, 13 & 16 June 2011. So
watch out AIR on those days (nights). 73 (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS,
National Institute of Amateur Radio, India, June 8, ibid.)
Unid on 4910 --- Ciao a tutti, sto seguendo in questo momento una
trasmissione su 4910 khz (in parlato non identificato, forse
africano?). Spuria? (Leonardo Peppe, Italy, 1848 UT June 8, playdx yg
via DXLD)
Sono riuscito a fare una registrazione, ha spento alle 1901 UT.
http://www.box.net/shared/zc1bxc485d
(Leonardo, ibid.)
Ciao Leo, io al min 1 e 57 sento un "radio center", il s/off brutale
quindi potrebbe essere che sia semplicemente mancata la corrente. La
cadenza sembra africana ma non ci giurerei; un tempo su questo QRG
c'era lo Zambia (Alessandro Groppazzi, ibid.)
Ciao Alessandro, anche io avevo pensato allo Zambia, ma poteva anche
essere un extended schedule dell'All India Radio. Vediamo se si
ascolta anche i seguenti giorni, o se altri l'abbiano sentita anche
più tardi. Grazie della "decodifica"! A presto (Leonardo Peppe, ibid.)
** INDONESIA. 9526-, June 3 at 1311 perfunctory check for VOI reveals
off-frequency carrier is there registering S9+12 but JBM such that I
can`t be sure if it`s really in English. Meanwhile, 9680 RRI domestic
relay at 1312 hits S9+22 with good modulation during hyper commercial
in Indonesian including English terms ``opportunity``, ``and win``,
``International Expo``, none of which can apparently be expressed in
pure Indonesian? This shows where the priorities are at RRI/VOI.
9526-, VOI weakly audible in Special Japanese around 1249 June 4, but
by 1319 during presumed English, nothing but a JBA carrier (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
5 June: VOI, 9526 heard for at least 1½ hour as sleeping [napping?]
station in Litohoro with nice pop and rock songs at 1400-1500 in the
presumed Indo service with an IS in between "be the first, be the
best' motto then in the 15+ time English program with news, then
commentary. Signal started from poor to fair on 13+ being good on 15+
(Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Usually
cuts off the air a few minutes after 1500 at unpredictable times
during English (gh, DXLD)
9526, Voice of Indonesia, 1304 June 6. English, woman with news, 1306
ID. Not strong, but very copyable and no IADs. Poor (Harold Sellers,
Vernon, British Columbia, Listening from my car by the lake. Eton E1
and Sony AN1 antenna, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
9526-, Voice of Indonesia, 1301, June 7. In stilted Chinese till 1305
tuned away. Checked at 1324 and found the “Exotic Indonesia” program
in progress; this Tuesday was chatting between Jakarta and
Banjarmasin; segments “Today in History” and “Focus” (Ron Howard,
Asilomar State Beach, CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
9526-, as always these days, VOI is nothing but a JBA carrier, so I
reluctantly fire up the computer to listen to the webcast via
http://www.voi.co.id since it`s Tuesday. June 7 at 1328 YL is
presenting `Focus`; 1330 Banjarmasin guy discusses elexions coming in
2014y. 1334 lost contact with him, replaced by busy signal. Jak anchor
vamps without explanation or apology, but soon resumed, 1335 about a
religious event at a mosque in Banj. 1337 into pre-recorded talk about
this.
A Grand Mosque was built in 1981, accommodates 7,500 inside and 7,500
outside (a mega-mosque?), described architecture of it, has become
quite an attraxion. Couldn`t copy its name, but Google says Sabilal
Muhtadin and here it is: http://beautifulmosques.com/?p=1210
Caption agrees about the total capacity but not the year built.
1346 interrupted again by busy signal (as customary outside USA,
beeping more than buzzing). Dead air, then back to Banj guy just in
time to hear him say bye-bye, but then cut to live chat with Jak guy.
1350 Banj guy says he is a judge for Qur`an memorization competitions.
1354 closing songs from each studio; they always discuss which one to
play first, and Banj concedes to Jak this time. Starts with harmonica,
then joined by orchestra and vocalist. Other song runs over; 1402
Voice of Indonesia news in English by YL. Presumably now this is the
web-only feed, as previously monitored last Tuesday, but time for me
to quit, and I soon find there is TV and FM DX from Mexico underway
directly off antennas (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** INTERNATIONAL WATERS. FCC Busts RNI Radio New York International:
July 28 1987 [Allan Weiner`s `The Sarah`]
video report starting with the late Peter Jennings, ABC-TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OGqnj1w9Qo
(via Artie Bigley, DXLD)
** IRAN [and non]. 11920, Voice of Justice, Sirjan. 0346-0402 11/5,
news in English. End of news at 0355 followed by Topical Interview.
Blasted away by opening of Romania at 0400. Fair but fluttery before
Romania opened its broadcast (Richard A. D’Angelo, Wyomissing, PA
U.S.A. (Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B, Eton E1, Eton E5, Alpha Delta DX
Sloper, RF Systems Mini-Windom, Datong FL3, JPS ANC-4), June
Australian DX News via DXLD)
Nuova frequenza VOIRI --- Considerando la cattiva qualita` di
ricezione sulla frequenza di 7350 Khz, abbiamo deciso di sostituirla
con la frequenza di 9685 Khz, applicabile da domenica 5 Giugno del
2011. Quindi ti preghiamo di comunicarci la qualita`d'ascolto su
questa nuova frequenza. (Irib Radio Italia via Roberto Scaglione,
Sicily, June 2, shortwave yg via DXLD)
IRIB in Italian for the 1930-2000 broadcast is now on 9685 (ex 7350
KAM), in parallel to 5910 SIR. Not yet in the 3 June HFCC file. Not a
punch-up error as I just happened to catch the frequency announcement:
5910 and 9685! Both are very strong here. CRI in French and a utility
station are audible on 7350, probably the reason for the change. 6
June 2011, 1931 UTC. 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Leipzig / Germany, JRC
NRD525 + DX-10 PRO, June 6, dxldyg via DXLD)
New QRG due to bad reception on 7350 kHz, since June 5, they said
(Roberto Scaglione http://www.bclnews.it ibid.)
15555, June 5 at 1332, looking for Firedrake but instead heard poor
signal with Qur`an chant, i.e. Arabic; what`s this? Of course, VIRI`s
Japanese service at 1330-1430, 500 kW, 60 degrees via Kamalabad (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
21520 / 21750, Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sirjan. 1138
June 4, 2011. In parallel with male in unidentified language talk
(listed as Hausa at this hour) with brief instrumental fills. 21520
fair, 21750 weaker. Gone/off recheck 1203 as scheduled (1157-ish
closing time) (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida USA, 27.55.83 N,
82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535; ICOM IC-R75; Hammarlund HQ-180A; Aqua Guide
705 Radio Direction Finder; Sangean PR-D5; Sony ICF-7600GR; GE
SuperRadio III; RadioShack DX-399; 1 X roof dipole; 1 X in-room random
wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** IRAN [non]. 17695, R. Farda via Iranawila. A heart-rending ethnic
song at 1212, then a Persian ID before an English song by Pink. Heard
on 28/5 (Dennis Allen, Milperra NSW (Icom R75, Realistic DX160, Dipole
[at home but here?]), Cataract Dam DXpedition near Appin NSW, June
Australian DX News via DXLD)
** ITALY. MEDIA VENETA BROADCAST E ALTRE ONDE MEDIE
Continuano le prove tecniche di trasmissione di Media Veneta Broadcast
sui 1233 kHz; ringrazio chi lo ha già fatto e vi invito nuovamente a
segnalare alla mia email eventuali ascolti che farò in modo di far
giungere all'emittente. Inattiva al momento la catanese a 1503 kHz,
sarà invece attiva per tutto il fine settimana il trasmettitore in
provincia di Messina sui 1593 kHz in stereo Cquam. Per i più curiosi,
le due clip più fresche con l'identificazione di Media Veneta
Broadcast grazie a Massimiliano Giona
http://www.bclnews.it/VR0003.WAV http://www.bclnews.it/VR0006.WAV
(Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, http://www.studiodx.net June 3, shortwave
[sic] yg via DXLD)
** ITALY [non]. IRRS maintenance --- Glenn, We have some extensive
maintenance planned, affecting all broadcasts on 7290 on Fri, Sat &
Sun night (18-19 UT) June 3-5, 2011, including WOR. Sorry. Sat & Sun
broadcasts on 9510 kHz during the morning CET slots will be aired as
planned. We will resume regular operations on 7290 kHz as of Fri Jun
10. Our schedule has been updated at http://www.nexus.org/schedules
73s, (Ron Norton, NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting Association, June 2, WORLD
OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also SOUTH CAROLINA [non];
SUDAN [non]
NEXUS IRRS Shortwave via Romania --- FYI, ITALY (non), New summer A-11
of NEXUS IRRS Shortwave effective from June 4: European Gospel Radio &
International Public Access Radio in English to WeEu:
0800-0900 9510 TIG 100 kW / 300 deg Sat* weak signal in BUL on June 4
0930-1200 9510 TIG 100 kW / 300 deg Sun, weak signal in BUL on June 5
1800-1900 7290 UNID tx kW / ??? deg Fri-Sun deleted? no transmissions
June 3-4; *Radio Joystick 1st Sat of the month. 73! (Ivo Ivanov,
Bulgaria, June 5, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
ROMANIA, 9510, At present an US-CA program about technology in
progress till 1200 UT. Hide-and-seek play of IRRS organization.
#812 is a log-periodic antenna, I guess revolving antenna type at
Tiganesti-2 / rather Saftica site 100 kW power.
Former Radio España Independente radio station - against Generalísimo
Franco. 18 kW. Google Earth image of 2.8.2010, antenna looks like also
in direction of 298-300 degrees. ROU Saftica log-periodic revolving
ant (like Swedish Algon) 44 38'11.17"N 26 04'29.40"E
http://maps.google.de/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=de&geocode=&q=44%C2%B038%2711.17%22N++26%C2%B004%2729.40%22E&aq=&sll=51.151786,10.415039&sspn=19.619957,57.084961&ie=UTF8&ll=44.636935,26.075078&spn=0.00271,0.006968&t=f&z=18&ecpose=44.63503264,26.07502954,430.68,1.033,32.725,0
From 1200 UT in use for RRI Romanian
7300 1200-1300 28NW TIG 100 300 ant812
100 kW tx at Saftica also used for nearby transmissions of RRI in
Serbian, Ukrainian and Italian, even in DRM mode.
From AOKI xlsx file of June 3rd. see antenna type #812 !
9510 0930-1200 18-20,27-30,37-40 MIL 150 0 925 1 270311 301011 Eng
I ANT
9510 0930-1200 28W TIG 100 300 812 7 270311 301011 Eng
I ANT ROU
NEXUS IRRS 9510 ended today approx. 1155 UT, and appeared as RRI on
7300 kHz at 1156:23 UT, talk with Ernest Fazekas, Romania Aktualidad
[sic]. 73 (Wolfgang Büschel, 1041 UT June 5, dxldyg via DXLD)
Cf. this from three days ago:
"Glenn, We have some extensive maintenance planned, affecting all
broadcasts on 7290 on Fri, Sat & Sun night (18-19 UTC) June 3-5, 2011,
including WOR. Sorry. Sat & Sun broadcasts on 9510 kHz during the
morning CET slots will be aired as planned. We will resume regular
operations on 7290 kHz as of Fri Jun 10."
I did a quick check of 9510 today around 1030: It was on air, but
pretty weak here. Yes, perhaps Saftica instead of Rimavská Sobota, but
I would again not jump to conclusions too quickly (Kai Ludwig,
Germany, June 5, ibid.)
Ian Evans wrote on 05/06/11 15:22: Dear Nexus/IRRS, I tuned in to
listen to your relay of Glenn Hauser`s World Of Radio at 1800 UT on
Saturday 4th of June on 7290 kHz but there was no signal. Is this a
temporary technical problem or has this broadcast been discontinued
for economic reasons? Yours sincerely Ian Evans, UK (to and via
Alfredo Cotroneo, IRRS via DXLD)
Dear Ian, we are off the air for maintenance this weekend on 7290 (all
broadcasts on 9510 kHz were on as planned). We'll be back on 7290 next
Friday.
As for WOR, we may indeed suspend the program for economic reasons in
the next few weeks. WOR is unable to pay for the cost of airtime; we
received no financial support al all from listeners, and, honestly, we
have problems in continuing sponsoring WOR 30 minute weekly airtime,
and its repeats.
We'll keep Glenn Hauser informed, and I am sure that he will inform
his listeners in due time. Thanks for checking IRRS-shortwave today.
73s, (Alfredo E. Cotroneo, CEO, NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting Association,
email: alfredo @ nexus.org http://www.nexus.org cc to gh, DXLD)
Not buying airtime for WOR is a firm part of our ``business model``.
Instead offering stations carrying it some quality non-commercial
programming of particular interest to SW listeners, attracting an
audience rather than a cash flow. It could also be considered as
`penance` for foisting the likes of Brother Scare and Tony Alamo upon
the world. We are grateful that Alfredo invited us on (Glenn Hauser,
DXLD)
WOR cancellation --- Dear Glen[n], I am sorry having to report that we
have to discontinue airing WOR via IRRS-Shortwave and Medium Wave
effective immediately. NEXUS-IBA board met this week to revise our
financial plan for the coming months, and decided to enforce our
charter policy that dictates that every member of our association or
user of our services must share the cost of the airtime. NEXUS-IBA has
no other source of revenue or sponsorship to pay for its costs.
Free broadcasting of qualifying programs such as WOR has been possible
and will be hopefully again be possible in the future if and when
extra funds are available, on a lower priority basis with respect to
our members' requests. Unfortunately, no listener's donation has ever
been received to support the cost of your broadcasts.
You are welcome to use your ftp account and continue to upload your
program. If available, our system will continue to use it on a random
basis on our 24/7 streaming channels, and delete it after 6 days from
the date when you uploaded it.
Thank you very much for providing such valuable information to
listeners in Europe. I hope you also enjoyed being part of our
broadcasts, and wish you continued success with WOR.
73 (Alfredo E. Cotroneo, CEO, NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting Association
email: alfredo @ nexus.org http://www.nexus.org 1818 UT June 9, DX
LISTENING DIGEST) 20 minutes earlier:
IRRS Shortwave & Mediumwave update
Hello There, As of Friday June 10, 2011, European Gospel radio via
IRRS-Shortwave will be on the air daily with a live program on 7290
kHz to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East from 18:00-20:00 CET.
Our programs can also be heard daily on our new AM/Medium Wave
frequencies: on 1368 kHz from Padua (Padova, North East Italy), and
locally in Rome on 1566 kHz. We will be broadcasting daily on these
Medium Wave frequencies from 1700 to 0000 UT, i.e. from 19:00 to 02:00
CE[S]T. Reception on 1368 kHz during darkness has been reported within
a radius of approximately 700 km from Padua, i.e. in northern Italy,
southern France, Austria, Southern Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, and
under DX conditions also from Denmark, Sweden and Norway
We will also be streaming live 24/7 at http://www.egradio.org or
http://mp3.nexus.org
Our schedules are online at http://www.nexus.org/schedules
As always we welcome your comments on our programming, as well as your
reception reports. You write us or to our program producers to the
addresses mentioned on the air, or at: reports (at) nexus (dot) org
Thank you and stay tuned! 73s de (Ron Norton, NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting
Association, 1758 UT June 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** JAPAN. There are two transmitter sites of JJY (standard time and
frequency). There is transmitter site on 40 kHz in the vicinity of
nuclear power plant in Fukushima. The damaged area was beautifully
restored. Now 2 transmissions of JJY are normal (Tomoaki Wagai,
Wakayama, Japan, DSWCI DX Window June 1 via DXLD) Really?
** KOREA NORTH [non]. 6135, Shiokaze/Sea Breeze via Yamata, 1348,
June 1. In Korean; seems they have given up on English for Wednesdays;
moderate jamming. Glenn is probably correct, they might be changing
frequency fairly soon. They last stayed on former 6020 for about 32
days. Today marks their 34th day on this frequency and they are
regularly jammed here now (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón
E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
6135, Shiokaze/Sea Breeze via Yamata, 1427, June 3, Friday. In English
with sign off announcement; light jamming (Ron Howard, Asilomar State
Beach, CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** KOREA NORTH [and non]. 6230, June 6 at 1206, jamming consisting of
regular pulsing, tone and noise vs something underneath. June 5 Aoki
says there is N Korean jamming here at 0651-2301, vs an unID from S
Korea at 0700-0740 and 1200-1240. The only other entry for 6230 is YFR
via Taiwan at 22-24 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
June 6 at 1235 could faintly hear station under the jamming noise on
6230 that sounded like Korean, but the jamming was too strong to be
positive; 1236 started playing music; so assume was the un-named
S Korea clandestine. Of course still impossible to actually hear
anything of VMW (Australia Weather West) in USB. Via their website, I
sent them a message informing them of this jamming that is now totally
blocking VMW here (Ron Howard, CA, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
49 mb Superstrength jamming from N. Korea
s/off time on June 6 and s/on time on June 7.
6230/6348 -23:00'04"*, *06:50'55"-
6518/6600 -23:00'20"*, *05:00-
5890/6003/6015 -23:59'11"*, *06:51'04"-
In Jamming of 6230 kHz, it is done on air against 40-minute service of
the irregular more than 17 hours a day. de Hiroshi (S. Hasegawa, June
6, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Evidently he has correlated the exact jamming times on the different
frequencies as shown, 6230 matching 6348 against Echo of Hope, so is
that what is also on 6230 now? (Glenn Hasuer, ibid.)
** KURDISTAN [non]. V of Kurdistan "gone away" --- A letter to the
Voice of Kurdistan to their address listed in WRTH 2011, p. 504,
Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran
Storgarden 50
58644 Linköping
Sweden
was returned with the the remark "Gone away - Flyttat" by the Swedish
post office. 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Leipzig, Germany, June 2, dxldyg via
DX LISTENING DIGEST) That is (was?) the one on 3930v (gh, DXLD)
** KUWAIT [and non]. 21540, June 4 at 1332, subaudible heterodyne of
about 6 Hz between Kuwait and needlessly colliding Spain, both very
weak, but noting 13m is trying to recover a bit; poor signals also
audible from Saudi 21505, Spain 21610, better Rwanda 21780, but of
course no more Portugal 21655. WWV says yesterday`s solar flux was
107, and K indices today went from 0 at 12 to 1 at 15 (Glenn Hauser,
OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** LESOTHO. 1197, Family Radio relay. Maseru. 2011/06/04 sat *1600-
1802 Orchestral music and hymns. At 1730, Harold still M.I.A., music
continues. It's as though there is nobody at the Maseru site. Been the
same all week. Poor, irregular fades below noise level. Jo'burg sunset
1524 (Bill Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** LIBYA. 4 June: 8500, 0721 with signal S4 undermoded with Arab songs
S4 22342 (Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
17725, Voice of Africa. Sabrata. 2011/06/02 thu 1620-1632 French.
Snippets of western music (I'll be loving you, eternally?) but mainly
OM talking, mentioned Ghadafi. No ID heard. Poor, just readable.
Jo'burg sunset 1524 (Bill Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
17725, June 6 at 1412, hilife music with good modulation for a change,
S3 but peaking to S9+5. Good, at last we`ll hear Q`Daffy`s side, the
latest on what`s happening! Oh, no --- 1413 ID as V. of Africa from
the Great Jamahiriyah, and multi-n-th replay of the talk on the
African Union, ``a strategical development``, 9.9.99! (Glenn Hauser,
OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** LIBYA [non]. COMMANDO SOLO HEARD ON NEW SHORTWAVE FREQUENCY
Commando Solo, the US airborne radio station operating above Libya on
behalf of NATO, was heard on 1 June using a new shortwave frequency,
10125 kHz, USB mode, to transmit messages intended for Gaddafi’s
forces. This frequency is in the 30 metre amateur band, but is also
used by the Libyan army.
Commando Solo has previously used 6877 kHz and 10404 kHz. The change
in frequency is probably due to the jamming by the Libyan army noted
on 10404 kHz the previous day, and reported here (Source: signal-
monitoring.blogspot.com)(June 5th, 2011 - 13:01 UTC by Andy Sennitt,
Media Network blog via DXLD)
10124.5, new Psyop frequency, clips of it without and with Libyan
jamming:
http://www.mediasuk.org/iw0hk/libia.htm
Why 10124.5?
La frequenza di 10124.5 khz USB nonostante sia in piena banda
radioamatoriale è stata scelta dalla Nato perche' viene usata dalla
Libia in quando fa parte del network HF della GMMRA Great Manmade
River Authority che utilizza una rete in HF per comunicazioni in fonia
e dati e usa anche la tecnologia (Americana e Nato..) ALE per la
scelta automatica della frequenza migliore. La Gmmra e' la ”Authority”
creata dal Governo Libico per la realizzazione di un progetto di
trasporto dell'acqua fossile dal sottoscuolo del deserto sino alle
citta' della costa. Anche la frequenza di 10404 utilizzata dalla Nato
nei giorni scorsi sempre per trasmissioni psyop fa parte del network
HF della GMMRA (via Andrea Borgnigno, Italy, June 6, bclnews.it yg via
WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
COMMANDO SOLO NOTED BACK ON 10404 KHZ
Today Commando Solo noted at 1140 on 10404 kHz USB. The transmission
has the usual jamming and announcements in English and Arabic. The
transmission ended at 1149 UT and the jamming continues this time. At
1200 the transmission started again in Arabic and English.
Signal-monitoring.blogspot.com reported Commando Solo back on 10404
kHz as from 4 June. Checked again at 1300 UTC on 10404 kHz USB. The
usual transmission of 19 minutes, but no jamming anymore! (Source:
Ehard Goddijn in Almere, the Netherlands)(June 7th, 2011 - 12:07 UTC
by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
** LUXEMBOURG. Das Broadcasting Center Europe (RTL-Gruppe) hat seine
Kurzwellensendungen am 1. Mai 2011 eingestellt. Im Einsatz kamen in
juengeren Jahren zwei 250 kW-Sender (Telefunken), die um 1972 am
Standort Junglinster installiert wurden. Urspruenglich uebertrugen
sie, zu 500 kW zusammengeschaltet, auf 6090 kHz Radio Luxemburg,
dessen Kurzwellenuebertragung sich bis auf die letzten Jahre der DDR
dort groesserer Popularitaet erfreute.
Im Oktober 1990 wurde Radio Luxemburg zu RTL-Radio umformatiert.
Zunaechst lief es weiter auf 6090 kHz, wurde dann aber 1993-1994 fuer
zwei Jahre von franzoesischen Programm abgeloest.
Zu einer Neubelebung des Kurzwelle fuehrten Hoffnungen,
Hoerfunksendungen aus Luxemburg mit digitalen Ausstrahlungen in den
AM-Bereichen wieder im Markt positionieren zu koennen. Hierzu liess
sich RTL neue Mittel- und Langwellen autorisieren und begann mit DRM-
Kurzwellensendungen.
Nach ersten auf der alten Frequenz 6090 kHz gefahrenen Sendertests im
Jahre 2002 lief aus Junglinster ab 2003 RTL-Radio digital auf 6095
kHz.
2004 kam eine DRM-Uebertragung des franzoesischen Programms auf 5990
kHz hinzu. 2005 versuchte RTL eine Neuauflage seines englischen
Programms, hier aber ueber Juelich. Da sich die Hoffnungen nicht
bewahrheiteten, reduzierte RTL 2007 Radio Luxembourg wieder auf einen
Internetstream und beendete 2008 die digitale Ausstrahlung des
franzoesischen Programms.
Der Betrieb der deutschen Frequenz 6095 kHz wurde immer weiter
reduziert und letztlich auf Zeiten beschraenkt, zu denen Programme
externer Kunden liefen. Nachdem auch verschiedene
Missionsgesellschaften, die ihre Produktionen schon seit Jahrzehnten
aus Luxemburg verbreiten, die Nutzung der Digitalfrequenz wieder
aufgaben, gab es auf 6095 kHz (50 kW) zuletzt nur noch einen
Sendeblock 05.45-06.30 Uhr Weltzeit. Er enthielt eine auf 30 Minuten
gekuerzte Fassung der deutschen Sendung des Korean Broadcasting
System, deren Vollversion sonst analog am spaeten Abend aus
Grossbritannien ausgestrahlt wird (20.00-21.00 Uhr 3955 kHz).
Vermittelt hatte den Sendeplatz World Radio Network in London, das
gleichzeitig auch eine digitale Uebertragung auf der Mittelwelle 1440
kHz arrangierte. Hier hatte BCE zuletzt bereits darauf verzichtet, nur
fuer KBS die Sendeanlage noch in den Digitalbetrieb umzuschalten.
Damit war die Kurzfassung der deutschen KBS-Sendung zeitweise regulaer
auf Mittelwelle zu empfangen (Kai Ludwig, Germany, 22.5.2011 RBB, via
ntt, Dr. Hansjoerg Biener-D, June 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via
DXLD)
** MADAGASCAR. 5010, R. Madagasikara, Antananarivo. May 31 0354-0404
Malagasy (listed) female talks alternating Rap music, male
announcements on top of the hour, male talks. Some saturated audio,
34333 (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles and
Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** MALAYSIA. Recently I have been hearing a weak station in English on
7295 in the late afternoon, early evenings in English with mainly
western pop music and Asian news but was a little too weak to
identify, except a definite ;'tracks fm'. I then put; 'sw frequency
7295 kHz", into good old Google and got http://fmscan.org which shows
it as RTM Traxx FM Malaysia, with a full list of 12 stations using
7295 kHz throughout the day.
Going directly into fmscan.org however I have failed to get it to give
me access to search for other frequencies. This inflexibility with
internet sites I find widespread, time consuming and frustrating.
Basically I do not like keyboard-based communications! (Or for that
matter digital speedometers, so dangerous. Note in power generating
stations all the analogue meters on the walls, no flickering segment-
based digital meters !!) (Des Walsh, Ireland, June World DX Club
Contact via DXLD)
There are two useful and regularly updated shortwave by frequency
lists available on the net to save using Google that I regularly use:
Aoki: http://www1.s2.starcat.ne.jp/ndxc
then click on New SW schedule A11. I use the Perseus users list which
is a text file; the zipped file is a spreadsheet. The current domestic
and CRI schedules are also on that page.
Eike Bierwirth: http://www.eibi.de.vu
Again I use the text file in my browser
To check a frequency, click Edit then Find on Firefox, Edit then Find
on this Page in Internet Explorer. Put 7295 in the search box and
Traxx FM comes up. You can also find these links and more at the clubs
web page http://www.worlddxclub.org.uk --- click on other websites,
other general resource websites (Mike Barraclough, England, ibid.)
7295, Traxx FM via RTM, very brief opening from about 0036 to 0046,
June 1. In English; info about an event in Malaysia; pop/rap songs;
poor to fair, but faded down quickly (Ron Howard, Asilomar State
Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
7295, Traxx FM, 1148-1157, June 7. The daily program in English,
“Reflections”, with topic “communicating Islam the proper way”;
“brought to you by the Department of Islamic Development” (JAKIM); pop
songs before and after the program; fair (Ron Howard, Asilomar State
Beach, CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** MALAYSIA [and non]. Using the Degen 1102 outdoors at 1946 June 2:
RTM Sarawak on 9835 is heard with moderate signal and in clear!
RTM for Sarawak 9835 list of intruders. Reference to strong signals
only. Period tested: April and May 2011
9830: RL Turkmen 1500, AWR. Bulg 1600, YFR/Eng 1800, AWR/FR 2000
+2100, VOIRI Albanian 2030, then clear. Other times VoBM 2 with poor
signal which is now qrmed with white noise (as per 1-6)
9835: NHK 1700-1900 nearly same signal
9840: V of Turkey 1500-1600. RL Russian 1600-1700 strong, 1700-1900
fair to strong. Next times clear frequency.
Meanwhile, the internet stream is about 90 seconds later than the
radio transmission.
More analytical with deletions since April: please look at my page:
https://sites.google.com/site/zliangas/intruder-list-for-traxx-and-s-wak
and my multi page: http://zlgr.multiply.com/journal/item/371
(Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, June 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** MAURITANIA. [Re reactivated 7245:] R Mauritanie was last heard in
Mar 2011 (Ed. Anker Petersen, DSWCI DX Window June 1 via DXLD)
[and non] 7245, June 2 still chanting at 0621, quite stronger than
GUINEA [q.v.] 7125. By 0630 was in non-musical Arabic speech,
seemingly didactic
7245, no signal from R. Mauritanie, June 4 checked as late as 0605.
7245, June 5 at 0609, poor signal but usual chants from R. Mauritanie,
or rather, since it`s in Arabic, ID is given in WRTH as ``Huna
Nouakchott, Idha`at al-Gumhuriyati al-Islamiyya al-Mauritaniya``, or
IGIM for short. Our condolences to the Mauritanians who have to put up
with theocracy as well as slavery. No GUINEA 7125 yet (Glenn Hauser,
OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** MEXICO. 770, June 4 at 0405, ad in Spanish for a cervical cancer
doctor (quack?) whose address is on Oaxaca Street, but never caught
the city. He also sells books. Went on and on and on, so it`s an
infomercial, perhaps at least half an hour. Strong steady, dominant
signal which does not fit for any listed Mexican, except my prime
suspect, XEACH, R. Fórmula in Monterrey NL, running day power 25 kW
instead of 1 kW night. Later gave doctor`s appearance dates in June
all over Mexico, still no local clues about where this axually come
from (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** MEXICO. 2, June 4 at 1605 UT as soon as I turn on the analog TV, I
see a tit-parade, the Mexicans do so well, yet not sufficiently
distracted to miss the XHI-TV bug in the upper right, i.e. Ciudad
Obregón, Sonora by sporadic E. During following bihour, various
Mexican TV signals in and mostly out, seldom exceeding ch 2, with
antenna SSW to SW:
2, at 1610, net-13 bug in UR (the one with two vertical lines and to
their right three vertical dots, 5 + 5 + 3 = 13), i.e. Azteca 13, in
and out; 1617 during cartoon. Also very distorted audio, maybe from
something else. 1752, net-13 shows up again. The website
http://www.tvazteca.com/ reveals that the three dots from top to
bottom, are blue, red and yellow (instead of green!); my DX TV is B&W.
2, at 1621, `Sabadazo` program bug in LR, net-2 bug in UR, i.e.
Televisa, Canal de las Estrellas. Distorted audio definitely does not
match this video. Anyone know which Mexican on 2 has this problem?
Sporadic-E MUF poked above 55 MHz again June 4 at 2333 UT, ch 2 mix of
Spanish stations from the SSW to SW angle; 2358 a novela, with XHI-TV
bug in upper right. Above the tiny call-letters is a script 2 in a
slanted oval. UT June 5 at 0004 a promo with large letters on screen,
ANTENIZATE, apparently a new coinage urging direct off-air reception
capability. 0005, ZONA XHI-TV also arrayed across the full screen.
This Ciudad Obregón, Sonora independent station was also in earlier
that day as in previous report. It`s great to get something besides
all the generic net relays.
After watching snow on channel 2 most of the day June 5, i.e. no
analog DX signals, despite lots of 6m ham activity all over the
continent, I quit for a while; but turning it on again at 0220 UT June
6, now there is a sporadic-E opening, Spanish from the south up to
channel 5 or even 6, but multi-station even on 5 so nothing
identifiable. At 0225 there was soccer on 4; at 0303 ch 5 had net-2
briefly atop the mix; 0331 on 3, audio promo for canal 5, i.e. XHBQ.
0404 still CCI on 3 and 2.
Meanwhile, I tried FM for a while on the DX-398 portable, and
something Mexican was making it on 88.1 at 0309 UT June 6, interview
by W in studio with M on phone, about something going on in
Guadalajara. But there is no 88.1 in Guadalajara or anywhere in
Jalisco, and even if there were, this would not be enough for a
definite. Cantú by frequency shows only three Mexicans on 88.1, by far
the most likely being ``XHRED, Radio Red FM, México, DF, 95,128``
watts.
1544 UT June 6, Es is underway again, net 5 video only on channel 3,
briefly in the clear, therefore XHBQ Zacatecas, with cartoon, seems
Flintstones, // ch 2 also with audio but CCI there. Soon faded out,
but some signals in and out next hour+ on ch 2.
More sporadic E analog TV DX, but as always hard to identify anything
to a specific transmitter.
2, June 6 at 1725 UT fade-in with entertainment news in Spanish,
``desde Los Ángeles`` but certainly not KNXT. 1829 another fade-in on
2 mentioning `A Quien Corresponda``, show or segment title?
Es opening going strong again next morning as I tune in at 1409 UT.
Lots of co-channel QRM on most lower channels, with something
occasionally dominating on each.
2, June 7 at 1409 UT, talk show, overmodulated audio, CCI; 1415
discussion about sex. This is peaking from SSE rather than S or SSW,
so probably XHY-TV Mérida, Yucatán. Mentions offices in cities all
over the country, but starts with Mérida. Sponsored by
http://www.bostonmedical.com.mx ``world leaders in male sexual
health``. Leave off the .mx and you find a glove supplier.
2, June 7 at 1423 UT, Azteca net-7 with INFO 7 news, headlines as ``En
Breve . . .``, lower right time bug as 9:23 and temp as 27 --- is that
local somewhere or at DF HQ? There are several of these, most likely
Campeche XHCAM, or Tampico, XHTAU.
5, June 7 at 1449, talk show; 1452 ad for something called LG.
6, June 7 at 1527, weight loss infomercial, before-and-after
silhouettes of women amazingly reduced; alternating phone numbers at
bottom include 8311 8038 and 9151 5261.
5, June 7 at 1527 something about Los 5 Nacionales, CDT time bug
4, June 7 at 1530, toons from net-5
5, June 7 at 1537, promo for a show on canal 5 network
6, June 7 at 1537, CCI. When this reaches ch 6 you know FM is likely
opening too if not already.
88.1, June 7 at 1544, YL DJ mentioning ``Contacto Jalisco``, canned
non-ID just as ``88 punto 1``, also heard several times later, and
with CCI from a second 88.1 station. At 1548, ``Los 40`` slogan, on
88.2, adstring, including for Lavandería 7-10, address but no city
caught, then for Automotriz Valle de Zamora, a Ford dealer. Back to 40
Principales = Top 40 slogan for nationwide radio group. But the car
dealer googles directly to the town of Zamora de Hidalgo, Michoacán,
which is SE of Guadalajara about halfway to Morelia. So it`s
definitely 10 kW XHZN, per Cantú, and the slogan also matches.
Evidently it rimshoots into Guadalajara, or the city is close enough
to attract people in from Zamora. No doubt same station I heard a few
days ago also concerning Guadalajara.
88.1, CCI to above, June 7 at 1555 UT, brief fade-up mentions
something about the Estado de Guanajuato, so quite likely to be 10 kW
XHRE, La Comadre + AM 920 in Celaya, Gto. as in Cantú.
5, June 7 at 1606 UT, YL talkshow from net-2 per UR bug, and CDT bug;
then to man-in-the street El Chico searching for somebody or
something.
88.1, June 7 at 1610 UT, fade-in again now with PSA about the gobierno
municipal de Zamora`s activities, so XHZN again.
88.1, June 7 at 1619, fade-in with adstring including Pepsi for only
15 pesos, in no-return bottles. May or may not be the third of three
Mexicans on 88.1, tantalizing at 1625, ``Estás escuchando en 88.1 FM -
--`` fade! Try again at 1633: this time, they complete the ID to Radio
Red, and at 1638, live DJ with This Day in History feature about Chief
Seattle (and he tries two additional ways to mispronounce it), and
Alan Turing who died [in 1954], of ENIGMA and Bletchley Park fame. DJ
recommended we read more about him; then ``11:39, Radio Red-FM, 88.1
FM``, back to song in English. This is XHRED, in the DF, 95+ kW.
92.9, June 7 at 1642, I looked for some higher frequencies in Spanish
and found only this briefly with music. Visible analog MUF started to
fall down to ch. 4.
5, June 7 at 1712, back up to ch 5, with net-2 cooking demonstration
by two guys, steady video but audio below MUF; Televisa net-2 star bug
in UR, with 60 to its right for their anniversary.
4, June 7 at 1728, video MUF is still up to here weakly. Maybe more to
come but time for me to wrap up this report.
A bit more TVDX from June 7: at 1801 UT, channel 5 had two YLs with
tabloid talk, briefly; at 2116, channel 2 displayed +VISION and MAS
VISION, probably commercial for glasses?
Sporadic E was making 6 meters, and briefly faded in on channel 2,
June 8 at 1515 UT with net-7 bug in upper right along with 27 degrees,
10:16 clock. Two YLs chatting; low-contrast but large bug in lower
right DIMELO, show name? = ``Tell me about it``. Lower left explained
current tema: Violencia Intrafamiliar. Did not reach audio 4.5 MHz
higher, and soon faded; nothing much further into mid-afternoon.
Likely XHTAU Tampico or XHCAM Campeche (Glenn Hauser, Enid OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** MONGOLIA [and non]. 12015, Voice of Korea, Kujang. 1515 in Russian
with "bzz" sound plus Voice of Russia also in Russian plus Voice of
Mongolia in Japanese on 30/5. A paradox observed on 25/5 when at 1546
were heard V of Mongolia in English from Mongolia site and V of
Mongolia in Russian using the program of V of Russia in Russian, only
on Wednesdays (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m
Marconi antenna), June Australian DX News via DXLD)
** MOROCCO. By 1402 June 3, IMM/IW had already shifted to 15345v in
Arabic, clearing 15340 for HCJB AUSTRALIA, q.v. (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** MYANMAR. Again on 7186 kHz, Myanma Radio on May 31st at 2335 UT was
heard with two different programs in vernacular on 5986 and 7186.0
kHz. No any signal was on 7200 (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, June 2, wwdxc
BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
7185.75, Myanma Radio, 1317-1331*, June 1. Continues to be well heard
here causing QRM for hams; in vernacular with pop songs; ending with
the usual indigenous theme music (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach,
CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
7185.75, Myanma Radio, 1331-1415, June 3. As they occasionally do, was
running well past their normal 1330*; frequency via E1; series of 15
minute lectures (English, math, etc.) from their Distance Learning
Service. Myanmar is a country without many institutes of higher
learning, so these radio lectures are important to students unable to
attend regular classes. There are two main universities offering these
programs: Yangon University of Distance Education and Mandalay
University of Distance Education (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach,
CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Myanmar does indeed have separate programming on 7186.8 and 5985.9.
I think I may have become confused by similar music but not
identical. S/off on the former channel varies daily (Robin VK7RH
Harwood, Norwood, Tasmania 7250, June 7, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** NETHERLANDS. Re 11-22: Maintenance on the curtains of Flevo-SW
Has KPN Broadcast ever owned the antenna farm? In the Netherlands
there is a state-owned company (or authority?) called Novec that owns
not only towers for FM/TV, as Deutsche Funkturm does here in Germany,
but also all the AM antenna systems.
Thus at the Trintelhaven site KPN Broadcast took away its transmission
equipment and Broadcast Partners later brought in its own set. At the
Zeewolde mediumwave site, built together with the shortwave facility,
within some minutes on 1008 kHz the Broadcast Partners 200 kW Nautel
(if I recall correct) transmitter for Radio Tien Gold had been
disconnected and for Grootnieuws Radio replaced by the original KPN
Broadcast transmitter (for which gossip has it that it was recently
replaced by some 100 kW solid-state unit that Nozema, the predecessor
of KPN Broadcast, used in the nineties at Lopik on 1395 kHz; what
about 747 kHz, is it still the original S 4006, run at 160 kW, as my
last information went?).
See
http://www.novecbv.nl/producten_en_diensten/opstelpunten/opstelpunten_zoeken/
Enter "Zeewolde" into the "Plaats" field, then select "Zeewolde 3897
LK KG" (KG for koortegolf = shortwave). And "Zeewolde 3897 MA" is the
above discussed 747/1008 kHz site.
So the Zeewolde shortwave antennas are still available for your own
transmission equipment you have to bring in after KPN Broadcast
immediately withdrew when their contract with RNW run out. It should
be unnecessary to discuss how likely it is that anybody will do this
(Kai Ludwig, June 4, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) See also GERMANY
Re: Maintenance on the curtains of Flevo-SW ``I thought this site had
been dismantled. At least it has been off the air for a few years. So
what is really going on here? Why maintenance? 73, Glenn Hauser``
Hi Glenn and others, Because of all the questions here about what's
going on at Flevo-SW last week I called the press-office of NOVEC
which owns all the transmitter towers in the Netherlands. This morning
they called back. The answer was a surprise: The works going on is
maintenance. The maintenance is done by a specialized company by the
name of Alticom and Alticom is a part of TDF who owns (among others)
the Wertachtal and Issoudun sites.
The reason why they do maintenance on the towers is to keep them in
perfect condition because at present they are talking to a party that
intends to use the site again for shortwave transmissions in
in the near future.
At this time it was not possible to reveal further details, but as
soon more details could be published they would call me. So let's keep
our fingers crossed and hope the in the not to distant future
Shortwave transmissions will come again from the country that almost
invented shortwave (Jan Oosterveen, 0807 UT June 8, shortwavesites yg
via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
Great stuff Jan. Thanks very much for the enquiry & feedback (Ian
Baxter, NSW, ibid.)
And of course we are the first to publish this news (Jan, ibid.)
Hi Jan, I sent an sms to someone (you know where). The answer was not
surprising. This person who I can not name will be getting back to me
tomorrow or the day after. My sms to him was: "Hi ****. Is **********
planning to broadcast from another transmitter site in Europe?"
His reply: Hi Kaishuan (this is my Chinese name). Yes. ************
has been planning to take over the site in Flavo. I'm off work this
week but will be back to you by the weekend (Keith Perron, Taiwan,
June 8, ibid.)
I wouldn't hold my breath on a Flevo reactivation. Could very well be
yet another religious broadcaster, or some company that brokers time.
With all the cuts by government broadcasters, one would think SW
airtime might be getting a lot cheaper, but that also results in less
revenue for any operator/broker. Could be a lot of shuffling amongst
TDF/Babcock/etc. (Steve Luce, Houston, Texas, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** NETHERLANDS [and non]. Radio Netherlands Worldwide changes focus
excerpt .....
If RNW's new focus meets with government approval, the reduction would
be realised by winding down Dutch-language activities and short-wave
broadcasts (by closing two transmitting stations in Bonaire and
Madagascar, for example). About 100 jobs will probably be lost in
Hilversum and on these two islands.
Full story at :
http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/radio-netherlands-worldwide-changes-focus
Related story :
Radio Netherlands shaken by reports of far-reaching cuts
http://www.rnw.nl/english/bulletin/radio-netherlands-shaken-reports-far-reaching-cuts
--- (via Alokesh Gupta, VU3BSE, New Delhi, June 8, dxldyg via DXLD)
Viz., first story; see also discussion appended:
Radio Netherlands Worldwide is adjusting its journalistic focus to
concentrate more on informing people in countries where press freedom
is not a given. In addition, RNW will serve as the journalistic
calling card of the Netherlands. The new focus 'Free speech, Dutch
values', comes ahead of a cabinet decision about budget cuts to public
broadcasting.
RNW expects that a final, detailed version of the coalition's plans
for the media will be published in mid-June. The coalition agreement
states that "RNW will focus on its core tasks including freedom of
speech while funding will be provided by the foreign ministry."
Opportunities
Director General Jan Hoek clarifies: “This is a logical step. Many of
our activities mesh seamlessly with foreign ministry policies,
including the promotion of free speech and propagating Dutch values.
This makes RNW an important journalistic calling card for the
Netherlands as a trading nation and a champion of international law.”
Recent research shows that less than 30 percent of the global
population has access to the internet, which is strictly censored by a
number of countries.
“We reach the greater part of our audience via local media
organisations which re-broadcast RNW content. In this way, RNW reaches
tens of millions of people in their own language, meeting their
information needs. External research has confirmed that new
technological developments have not made RNW redundant, but rather
offer new opportunities to make a difference.”
New course
Jan Hoek expects that budget cuts will be part of the final cabinet
media plan. "With this new course, we will be ready. Because, just
like all other public broadcasters, we will have to make a
contribution to the necessary budget cuts. It is difficult, but with
this new course we are making a proportional contribution. We are
reducing our budget from 46 million euros to 36 million euros, or
about 20 percent.”
If RNW's new focus meets with government approval, the reduction would
be realised by winding down Dutch-language activities and short-wave
broadcasts (by closing two transmitting stations in Bonaire and
Madagascar, for example). About 100 jobs will probably be lost in
Hilversum and on these two islands. (gsh/as/imm/nc) (RN via WORLD OF
RADIO 1568, DXLD)
7 Comments on “Radio Netherlands Worldwide changes focus”
1. #1 Mark on Jun 7th, 2011 at 12:02
Sad news, but it seems to be a general trend in Western countries. But
the idea to have local broadcasters transmit RNW content in countries
where internet access is censored sounds like wishful thinking to me.
Certainly those countries will monitor their FM broadcasters as well.
2. #2 Andy Sennitt on Jun 7th, 2011 at 12:17
It’s not wishful thinking. It’s already happening, but we are busy
adding more partner stations. I don’t know what sort of content you
imagine we are producing for partner stations - but there’s generally
nothing in it that governments would want to censor.
In any case, it’s not just censorship but lack of Internet access
that’s currently the biggest problem in reaching many people in
Africa. Only about one in ten Africans has access to the Internet at
the moment. The arrival of broadband will potentially change that, but
currently the costs are too high for most Africans.
3. #3 ruud on Jun 7th, 2011 at 13:17
Do I read correctly that also the Madagascar relay station will be
closed?
4. #4 Andy Sennitt on Jun 7th, 2011 at 13:27
Yes, this was already announced some weeks ago, but no timescale has
been attached to it. In reality, it might not be closed, but sold. The
number of broadcasters using this facility is in double figures, even
though our own use of it has declined in recent years. It’s
strategically in a very good location.
5. #5 Mark on Jun 7th, 2011 at 17:14 >but there’s generally nothing
in it that governments would want to censor.
Excuse me for being blunt, but what exactly is the point in providing
censor-friendly programs if RNW wants to focus on _press freedom_ and
_free speech_?
The censoring issue aside, of course I totally agree that it is good
to have radio broadcasts, even more so in countries with limited
internet access.
6. #6 Andy Sennitt on Jun 7th, 2011 at 19:10
I wouldn’t use the term “censor-friendly”, but we have journalists on
the staff from about 35 countries and many of them are skilled at
preparing material for audiences in countries where censorship is a
problem. Neither did I say that we never have trouble, I said
“generally” there’s no problem. The key is knowing what words you can
use, and what words are likely to inflame the censors.
Censorship can be a problem anywhere - in war situations for example.
You may recall Brian Hanrahan’s famous sentence during a report for
the BBC from an aircraft carrier during the Falklands War: “I’m not
allowed to say how many planes joined the raid, but I counted them all
out and I counted them all back.” The families of those pilots back in
the UK knew immediately that their loved ones were safe, while Mr
Hanrahan avoided giving away any military information to the enemy.
It’s all about journalistic skill in choosing the right words that
won’t ring alarm bells in the censor’s head :-)
7. #7 mervyn hagger on Jun 8th, 2011 at 06:23
The trouble with world broadcasters is that in reality they have
little local impact. The message that gets through is on Coke cans and
t-shirts with corporate slogans. Food, drink, clothing and belief
systems are the vehicles of change on a local level. Because the world
is years away from where the United Nations can be used as a form of a
genuine world confederated government, power still resides with the
military prowess of each nation. This is why commercials are so
successful in spreading the consumer message worldwide and religions
can also cause change but with unpredictable consequences.
Unfortunately for RNW staff these are not areas that they are engaged
in. The media of the world is consumer orientated, like it or not and
geopolitical broadcasting remains way down the chain of priorities,
and in the present recession era it is something that most nations
cannot afford (MN blog comments via DXLD)
In some ways this new focus is not that different from that of the BBC
-- focus on serving people in places without free speech / free media.
This approach is somewhat risky in that, as folks have long said
around here, while it's great that local rebroadcasting partners can
help boost a station's audience, it also means the broadcaster can be
silenced by silencing the local partner. Shortwave, albeit jammable,
doesn't have this trait. Hopefully the economics are such that the
removal of fixed costs from mothballing Bonaire and Madagascar can be
used to fund the leasing of transmitter time from transmitter owners
with more efficient operations.
As my colleague John Figliozzi has long advocated, keep at least one
SW frequency going --- it might not be the optimal frequency all the
time, but at least it provides a backup outlet for audiences that are
otherwise unreachable, and can serve as a motivator for folks not to
throw out their shortwave radios.
The Dutch perspective has been an important component in the
International Broadcasting / shortwave landscape since the 1920s;
let's hope these 80 years of goodwill count for something as the
politicians and bureaucrats ponder the future of RNW (Richard Cuff /
Allentown, PA USA, June 8, ODXA yg via DXLD)
The RNW strategy shift is described in detail in Free Speech Dutch
Values Powered by de Wereldomroep (pdf), in Dutch:
http://sites.rnw.nl/pdf/nieuwekoers_rnw.pdf
Radio Netherlands' plans are somewhat perplexing. The "promotion of
free speech and propagating Dutch values" are not actually exercises
of press freedom. Radio Netherlands will have to decide if it will be
a news organization, or an organization that advocates for independent
journalism. If its activities include the latter, it cannot be the
former.
Radio Netherlands' plans to eliminate the remainder of its shortwave
facilities might not mesh with its free speech campaign. One of the
impediments to free speech and independent journalism is the growing
tendency of countries to censor or even shut down the internet. One of
the few ways to work around net censorship is shortwave, which can
drop information wirelessly into denied nations.
To be sure, people are not listening to shortwave to the extent that
they used to, but motivated newshounds will recognize shortwave as a
means to obtain information under difficult conditions. (See previous
post about Radio Netherlands purchasing Sweden's recently-
decommissioned shortwave transmitters for use at its Madagascar relay,
a move that contradicts the above-mentioned plan to close that site.)
When Radio Netherlands was primarily a shortwave broadcaster, it was
the only shortwave broadcaster from the Netherlands. An an internet-
based news provider, Radio Netherlands will have a fair amount of
company from Netherlands-based news sites, especially in English, but
also in some other languages (Kim Andrew Elliott, kimandrewelliott.com
via DXLD)
Second story linked above:
RADIO NETHERLANDS SHAKEN BY REPORTS OF FAR-REACHING CUTS
Radio Netherlands Worldwide was surprised on Tuesday evening by
unconfirmed reports that government cuts will leave the Netherlands'
international broadcasting service with less than a quarter of its
current budget.
In response to the reports from commercial television broadcaster RTL,
RNW Director General Jan Hoek said, "If this is so, it appears
decisions are being taken without due care. I can't imagine this
happening."
Earlier today, RNW announced its own proposals for the broadcaster's
future, set out in a document entitled "Free Speech, Dutch Values".
This would involve substantial cutbacks to RNW's Dutch-language
service. The proposed savings amount to 10 million euros, roughly 20
percent of the media organisation's budget.
RNW's own plans put greater emphasis on providing news and information
to regions of the world where press freedom is limited. Dutch-language
programming would be largely scrapped, although RNW would continue to
function as an emergency broadcasting station for Dutch nationals
abroad.
RTL says its sources are close to the Dutch government, which is due
to make key decisions on public broadcasting funding soon. It is
presumed cutbacks to Radio Netherlands Worldwide will be one of a raft
of measures.
Currently RNW receives 46 million euros from central government for
its activities, which presently include news and information services
for Dutch nationals abroad, emergency broadcasting during
international disasters, the provision of information in regions where
press freedom is limited, and the presentation of a realistic and
balanced image of the Netherlands. (nc/tf) © Radio Netherlands
Worldwide (June 7 via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
Needs some sorting out, it seems: The "change focus" thing was a plan
to save 10 million of 46 million Euro per year, about 20 percent of
the budget. Now last evening a report emerged in Dutch domestic media
that the Dutch government plans to leave only an annual budget of 10
millions and cut the other almost 80 percent. If this turns out to be
true all earlier plannings, including the latest "focus change", are
obsolete and instead the question is just which little remains of RNW
will stay (Kai Ludwig, Germany, June 8, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO
1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
The Dutch government, like many governments elsewhere, is facing tough
budget decisions. RNW funding is probably near the bottom of the
priority list. You are going to have a hard time convincing Dutch
taxpayers that they should continue to provide an international radio
service to overseas listeners that don't pay for it.
I think a limited shortwave presence will remain, but we are looking
at cuts on the same percentages as Deutsche Welle.
I agree with Andy Sennitt that the Madagascar facility would likely be
sold...still an attractive gateway into Africa and parts of Asia,
areas which a number of broadcasters still want to reach on SW. The
replacement transmitters from Sweden will possibly extend the life of
the facility by 10-15 years, and increase any sale value (Steve Luce,
Houston, Texas, ibid.)
THE WAIT GOES ON - FUTURE OF RNW NOT YET DECIDED
It looks as if we will have to wait until some time next week to learn
what the government has decided about the future of RNW. Reports this
evening from The Hague say that the Cabinet has not reached agreement
about the future budget, and discussions are now likely to continue
next week. On Tuesday, MPs received a brochure detailing RNW’s
proposals to save 10 million euro a year. Later that evening, a report
on RTL News, quoting a source close to the Cabinet, claimed that a
massive cut had already been agreed. That report now appears to have
been incorrect. (Source: NOS)(June 9th, 2011 - 22:57 UT by Andy
Sennitt, Media Network blog via DXLD)
FUERTE REAJUSTE EN RADIO NEDERLAND WERELDOMROEP
Más en: http://gruporadioescuchaargentino.wordpress.com/
08/06/2011 --- Radio Nederland Wereldomroep reducirá drásticamente sus
actividades en idioma holandés. Se suspenderán los programas
destinados a los turistas y camioneros holandeses en el extranjero. En
todo caso, Radio Nederland Wereldomroep continuará ofreciendo
información específica a los holandeses en el exterior en caso de
desastres naturales, accidentes o crisis.
Esta medida forma parte del nuevo rumbo que emprende la emisora
internacional de Holanda y que ha dado a conocer este martes.
Este cambio implica una reducción del presupuesto, concretamente de 46
millones a 36 millones de euros. Asimismo no se descarta que
desaparezcan unos cien puestos de trabajo (tomado de la pagina web de
la emisora) (GRA blog via DXLD)
HOLANDA: "EL FUTURO DE RN ESTARÍA EN PELIGRO"
Tema del chat del jueves, 1130 UT
Estimados miembros de la Comunidad y oyentes de Radio Nederland.
El noticiero del canal privado holandés RTL anunció el martes, basando
su información en fuentes del gobierno, que Radio Nederland
Wereldomroep sólo podrá disponer de diez millones de euros del actual
presupuesto de 46 millones que recibe cada año.
Según esa información: "El Estado sólo estaría dispuesto a sufragar
los gastos de las actividades de la radio tendientes a promover la
libertad de prensa y expresión"
Radio Nederland aún no ha recibido una comunicación oficial de los
ministerios de Relaciones Exteriores y de Educación, Cultura y Ciencia
por lo que todavía no puede confirmar por escrito esta noticia, pero
fuentes de la radio ya parece que confirmaron que efectivamente esos
son los planes del gobierno.
El director de la institución, Jan Hoek, declaró “que le parece
inconcebible. Hemos hecho una propuesta seria para emprender un nuevo
rumbo que incluye fuertes medidas de austeridad, por lo que de
confirmarse, sería un tratamiento desigual y desproporcionado”.
Este martes RNW dio conocer su propio plan, que contempla una notoria
disminución de sus actividades en idioma holandés, y el cierre de las
repetidoras de Bonaire y Madagascar, con lo que se ahorrarían 10
millones de euros.
Como ven el tema es bastante serio y queremos mantenerlos informados.
Queremos escuchar sus opiniones.Los convocamos al chat el jueves 9 de
junio, mañana, a las 13,30 horas de Holanda, las 1130 horas UT.
Dispondremos de una hora aproximadamente.
Visitar Cartas@RN en:
http://cartas.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network
(Via Yimber Gaviria, Colombia, DXLD)
CAMPAÑA INTERNACIONAL: "NO AL CIERRE DE RADIO NEDERLAND !!!"
URGENTE: REMITIR ESTE CORREO A SUS CONTACTOS PARA SEGUIR SUMANDO
VOLUNTADES. GRACIAS !!!
Estimados Colegas Radioescuchas y Diexistas del Mundo!!!:
Hoy acudimos a la solidaridad de todos ustedes para evitar el
inminente cierre de las transmisiones de Radio Nederland, la cual está
asediada por fuertes recortes presupuestarios que rondan el 75% de sus
gastos operacionales.
Por tal motivo anoche los colegas de Venezuela y Colombia nos reunimos
vía Skype en las Tertulias DX y concebimos un plan para activarnos y
hacer sentir nuestro rechazo a estas medidas tan drásticas!
Si te animas a ayudarnos, este es nuestro plan de acción:
1) Diseñamos un banner que contiene su antiguo logo que implícitamente
dice "YO AMO A RADIO NEDERLAND". Para enviarlo como archivo adjunto,
para pegarlo en blogs, facebook, twitter y en otras redes sociales.
Debemos generar la imagen y la matriz de opinión de nuestro afecto por
la emisora mundial holandesa.
2) Redactamos una CARTA ABIERTA en Holandes, Inglés y Español afin de
enviárselas a los correos electrónicos de Parlamentarios, Embajadores,
Cónsules, Primer Ministro, Ministros de Relaciones Exteriores y
miembros de la Familia Real Holandesa, para hacerles saber que nos
oponemos a esta decision y que no convalidamos el cierre de la
emisora. Allí concentramos nuestra campaña pues son los que tienen el
poder de decisión y pueden cambiar el rumbo trazado. No dejen de
enviársela también al personal de Radio Nederland, para que sepan que
estamos defendiendo su labor. En fin, una carta con un banner a través
de un correo masivo para hacernos sentir y demostrar que aún hay
oyentes de AM, FM, Satélites, Ondas Cortas e Internet interesados en
el trabajo de comunicación global de RNW.
Dicho Plan será un texto único y una bandera en común que con la ayuda
de ustedes enviarían desde sus respectivos países con su Nombre y
Apellidos, Dirección postal, Correos Electrónico y Teléfonos a los
correos que oportunamente se le van a facilitar para intentar revertir
los hechos antes mencionados.
La idea es hacerles saber de un plan orquestado por la audiencia de
Radio Nederland para evitar su cierre inminente y quede como evidencia
del rechazo a esta medida.
SI USTED ESTA DISPUESTO A APOYARNOS EN LA CAMPAÑA INTERNACIONAL "NO AL
CIERRE DE RADIO NEDERLAND, POR FAVOR HAGALO SABER A NUESTRO CORREO
PARA REMITIRLES LA CARTA ABIERTA A: cdxainternacional @ yahoo.com
El futuro de Radio Nederland está en peligro; dejemos la pasividad y
no esperemos que las cosas ocurran para luego lamentarnos. Es
supremamente grave la situación. Contamos contigo? Bien. gracias,
anímate y haznoslo saber!!
73 y NO AL CIERRE DE RADIO NEDERLAND !!!!
Econ. Jorge Isaac García Rangel
Teléfono Celular: 04245087816
Ing. Santiago Jesus San Gil Gonzalez
Telefono Celular: 04245837916
C.DX.A - INTERNACIONAL
http://diexismovenezolano.blogspot.com
V E N E Z U E L A
Nota: Para comunicarnos en directo, por Skype nos pueden ubicar en
Barinas Venezuela como: santiago.san.gil.gonzalez y
jorge.garcia.rangel (CDXA June 9 via DXLD)
The importance of Radio Netherlands Worldwide to the Netherlands as a
trading nation --- PETITION TO MEMBERS OF THE DUTCH PARLIAMENT
Staff at Radio Netherlands Worldwide are concerned about the survival
of part of our output. The Dutch government is planning to cut RNW’s
budget by as much as 25 percent - and possibly more. This decision
will be put to the Dutch parliament soon. It is already clear that
Dutch-language broadcasts are under threat, but cuts may also affect
the broadcasts and websites in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese,
Arabic, Chinese, Papiamento and Indonesian. Staff at Radio Netherlands
Worldwide are calling on you to lend us your support and make it
known. http://www.radionetherlands4u.nl/
Sign petition: http://www.radionetherlands4u.nl/en
(via Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, Jun 9, 2011, dxldyg via DX
LISTENING DIGEST) Also available in several other languages, linked
(via Yimber Gaviría, DXLD)
** NEW ZEALAND. 6224-USB, ZLM Taupo Radio, 0930 weather from New
Zealand 4 June (Bob Wilkner, 746 Pro, R8, NRD 535D, Pompano Beach,
South Florida, US, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** NEW ZEALAND. 15720, 1/6 2049-2050*, Radio New Zealand
International, DRM, good signal with perfect audio, just for 1 minute
before signal off (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di
Magra, Perseus & Eton E1, SW Blog: http://radiodxsw.blogspot.com/
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** NIGER. 9704.99, LV du Sahel, 2150-2301*, June 4, indigenous vocals.
Afro-pop music. Local tribal music. French/vernacular talk. Qur`an at
2255. Flute IS and National Anthem at 2258. Test tone at 2300, which
lasted about 65-70 seconds. Poor in noisy conditions. Not heard for
several months. Last time I heard these guys was back in March (Brian
Alexander, PA, DX Listening Digest)
** NIGERIA [and non]. 594, 21+22+25/05, 1915...2100, FRCN KADUNA, TX
JAJI, 100 kW, TALKS in HAUSA. HEARD THANKS TO A TX PROBLEM OF MOROCCO
GOING UP TO 595,56 kHz !!!! POOR/GOOD. BOC24
595.56v, 21+22+25/05, 1915...2250, RTM 1, OUJDA, MOROCCO. ABAB, TX
PROBLEM DRIFTING UP. SUFF/GOOD. BOC24
DX-NIGHTS BOCCA DI MAGRA (LA SPEZIA) GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES: 44
02,70' North/09 59,40' East. OFFICIAL WEB:
http://www.portoboccadimagra.it PARTECIPANTS: GIAMPIERO BERNARDINI
(GIB) & DARIO MONFERINI (DM) (Monferini, dxldyg via DXLD)
594, 1/6 1946, FRCN Kaduna, Nigeria, religious talks in African
language with some words in Arabic and short Holy Kuran pieces.
Fair/good, long fading, really good signal // 6090, much better on MW.
Morocco on 595 kHz (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di
Magra , Perseus & Eton E1, MW Blog: http://radio-dx.blogspot.com/ SW
Blog: http://radiodxsw.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
6089.85, 1/6 2023, FRCN Kaduna, talks in vernacular, fair // 594, but
on MW better signal! Stopped at 2030 by IRIB Iran (Giampiero
Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di Magra , Perseus & Eton E1, SW
Blog: http://radiodxsw.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** NIGERIA [and non]. 15120, June 5 at 0600, VON detectable in English
under mix of CRI theme music from Beijing site and presumed R. Free
Asia via TINIAN, terrible 3 or 4-way collision despite no other
signals audible below 15160 Australia.
15120, June 6 at 0518, VON must be the dominator tonight with hum but
very little modulation of intelligence, atop Chinese radio war (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** NORTH AMERICA. [Pirate]. 6925 USB, Wolverine Radio, 0325-0335, June
5, ID. Music by The Go-Go’s, The Waitresses, Wang Chung and others.
Good signal (Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA, Icom IC-7600,
two 100 foot longwires, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS. (USA)?? 11870, Radio Free Asia ?? Tinian
Island ?? 2011/05/29 sun 1655-1711 Chinese. Time pips at top of hour,
couldn't make out the ID. Followed by OM talking Chinese, with piano,
then a different stringed instrument, in background. At 1709, YL
singing in English. Fair, no sign of Firedrake. Jo'burg sunset 1525
(Bill Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
More likely you were hearing CNR1 jamming, Firedrake not needed and
not usually employed vs RFA inband (gh, DXLD)
21550, June 2 at 0618, RFA Mandarin via TINIAN, poor signal but
congrats as the OSOB in the nightmiddle, and // a couple syllables
behind strong 17855 which is SAIPAN in typical asynchronous operation,
even from the exact same site {This also rules out these being the
CNR1 jammers at the moment.} (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** OKLAHOMA. 1600, KUSH, Cushing OK, weak groundwave signal June 4 at
1517 UT with Amerindian chanting, outroed as ``Southern Thunder``,
song or singer? Then seemed about a minute of dead air, more Indian
music. Recheck at 1528, news in English about the Sac-Fox Nation,
Osage, gam(bl)ing. 1559 more chanting wrapping up, KUSH ID.
The program list here
http://www.1600kush.com/index.php?section=7
is obviously not a full schedule, but fortunately includes:
``Native Air with Hugh Foley
10-11 AM Saturdays
Native American News, Music and more!``
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** OKLAHOMA. OKC tropo was up UT June 4 after 0500, as signaled by
snowy but visible signal on 48 from KWDW-LP, our main remnant of
analog TV, with Univisión, but its unsynchronized DTV duplicate on 36,
KCHM-CA also decoding, rather than Bad at best. Reconfirmed their 36-2
is still slides and sound from co-owned KTUZ 106.7 La Zeta.
Ch 21 also decoding DTV from HSN, which is listed as KTOU-LP, but
their PSIP is blank! Is that legal? Just DTV 21-1. Maybe they do run
some kind of local legal ID on screen at hourtop, unseen yet then.
This was analog for a long time, finally flash-cut to digital a few
months ago (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** OKLAHOMA. 51, KSBI OKC, astounded to see and hear an harmonious
pop/country trio performing June 5 at 0135 UT, on a dark stage, almost
limbo lit, with lower right bug as: OK52 in red outlined letters,
above tiny KSBI AND YOU! slogan. Can it be a real local produxion?
Overhead banner on stage occasionally visible mentions KSBI; reaxion
shots of fans in an auditorium. Yes, schedule shows for 8-9 pm
Saturdays, `The New Face Showcase`. Axually I was watching it via
Suddenlink analog cable 16 in Enid. Then a duet; apparently local
talent show, of which OKC has plenty in this genre. Not live; the
commercial break transitions are too perfect (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** OMAN. 15140, R Sultanate of Oman, Thumrait, 1450-1502, May 28,
English ID, prayer, review of many memorial dates of May 28, Arabic
starting from 1501'55 - //
http://www.oman-tv.gov.om/rdeng/default.asp
as their Radio FM channel with 18 sec. Delay (Mikhail Timofeyev, St.
Petersburg, Russia, DXplorer via DSWCI DX Window June 1 via DXLD)
** PAKISTAN. Hi Glenn, 2-6-2011 1345-1545 UT, 7455 kHz. Radio Pakistan
Pushto and Dari services were monitored in Lahore today. Signal was
very weak and transmitter was noisy. The programme content was mostly
music. SINPO was 21111. I still wonder why this transmitter is still
on air despite its poor output. Regards (Aslam Javaid, Lahore,
Pakistan, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, A few years back it was being thought that shortwave
broadcasting in Pakistan is going to end soon in line with
international trend where more and more state broadcasters had opted
for closure of shortwave transmission and switched to internet live
broadcasting.
The regional services of Radio Pakistan from Islamabad, Peshawar,
Quetta and Radio Pakistan's News Channel were discontinued on
shortwave. Similarly the Balti and Sheena language services for Gilgit
Baltistan area from Islamabad were no more available. The external
language services were reduced to Hindi, Dari, Pushto, Farsi, Chinese,
Gujrati, Bengali and English. The duration of world service on
shortwave in Urdu was also reduced.
However the authorities at Radio Pakistan had second thoughts in
subsequent period and decided to retain shortwave for the coming
years. Accordingly Radio Pakistan initiated the project of
installation of two 100 kW shortwave transmitters at Karachi for
external service and a new shortwave transmitter at Islamabad.
Now Nepali, Sinhala and Tamil language service has been resumed and
there are plans to resume Russian, Arabic and Turkish language
broadcasts as well. Similarly Balti and Sheena language broadcasts for
Gilgit Balitistan has been resumed. Azad Kashmir Radio Trarkhal has
been provided new transmitter. Live audio of five channels is
available on Radio Pakistan website. The new shortwave transmitters at
Karachi are at the final stages of installation. In fact shortwave
broadcasting has gained a new life in Pakistan (Aslam Javaid, Lahore,
Pakistan, June 6, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PALAU. [The previous T8WH schedule via DX Mix News, under USA [and
non], has been elucidated by Wolfgang Büschel, presumably from the WHR
online schedule, which does not necessarily mean all these are really
on the air, altho T8WH info seems to be less imaginary than WHRI – gh]
T8WH Angel 3
0700-1100 9930 {various En religious, except
Sat 0800-0900 Jpn Preparing For Jesus,
Sun 1000-1015 Sp Truth For The World}
1100-1200 9945 IBRA Radio True Light, Chinese
1200-1330 9930 {various En religious, except
Tue 1200-1300 Jpn Preparing For Jesus,
Tue/Thu 1300-1330 Vn Radio Hoa-Mai}
1500-1800 9905 Radio Free Asia in Chinese
1800-1900 9955
1900-2200 9905 Radio Free Asia in Chinese
2200-2300 9930 Hmong World Christian Radio in Hmong 2200-2230 Fri/Sat
2230-2330 9930 Fri/Sat Family Radio in Hmong [not any more?]
T8WH Angel 4
0000-0200 15700 Sun only, En
{0030 Faith Christian Church, 0045 WHRI, 0130 Call of Worship}
0200-0700 17800 Sun only, En
{0200 Whole Truth Gospel, 0300 WHRI, 0330 Bringing a Message,
0430 The Bible Speaks, 0530 Call OF Worship, 0600 Truth Of God}
0300-0400 17800 Mon-Sat, En
{0300 Shepherd's Chapel}
0400-0430 17800 Radio Australia in Indonesian
0500-0530 17800 Radio Australia in Indonesian
0700-0900 17800 ?????
0900-1000 15700 {0900-0930 Lester Sumrall Teachings(Sun),
0900-0930 WHRI (Mon-Fri),
0900-0930 Walk in Supernatural (Sat),
0930-0945 Watchman Radio (Mon-Thur)
Mo-Hindi, Tu-Cebuano, We-Nepali,
Th-Punjabi
0930-1000 WHRI (Sat)
0945-1000 WHRI (Mon/Wed)
0945-1000 Waymaker Ministries (Tue/Thur)
1000-1100 15420 Radio Free Sarawak in Bahasa Malay, ex 1000-1200
1200-1300 ????? The Khmer Post Radio in Khmer 9960 cancelled!
1300-1430 9965 Radio Australia in Chinese
1430-1500 9960 Furusato no Kaze in Japanese
1500-1530 9975 Nippon no Kaze in Korean
1530-1600 9965 Nippon no Kaze in Korean
1600-1630 9965 Radio Australia in English, not Chinese
1630-2400 9930 (R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, May 31, via
wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3205, NBC Sandaun via Vanimo, West Sepik,
randomly from 1225 to 1327*, June 2. DJ in Tok Pisin with dedications;
many local IDs; mostly island pop songs plus Dire Straits “Money For
Nothing”; seemed over modulated audio; well above their normal level;
suddenly off in mid-song; so strong as to cause some QRM for Ozy Radio
on 3210.
5960, R. Fly (presumed), 1336, June 2. Quick check found Gary Lewis
and the Playboys with “This Diamond Ring”; mixing with PBS Xinjiang;
still have not reactivated the 3915 transmitter (Ron Howard, Asilomar
State Beach, CA, Etón E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 7325, Wantok Radio Light, Port Moresby. Weak
reception of an island song, then English station details and an ID at
0800 on 27/5 (Dennis Allen, Milperra NSW (Icom R75, Realistic DX160,
Dipole [at home but here?]), Cataract Dam DXpedition near Appin NSW,
June Australian DX News via DXLD)
** PARAGUAY. En 2100 KHz se escuchaba una emisora de Paraguay con
claridad, sin duda la segunda armónica de alguna emisora en AM 1050;
sin embargo en esta última frecuencia no llegaba. A ver si alguien
puede identificar de qué emisora se trata? Citaba la temperatura de la
localidad de Pilar (Alejandro D Alvarez, LU8YD, ENDEMAS DX Camp,
Argentina, June 6, condiglist yg via DXLD)
Pienso que es la 3a armónica de ZP12, R. Carlos Antonio López, de
Pilar (700 kHz). Esa la he escuchado en esa frecuencia varias veces;
creo que Horacio también la ha escuchado. Saludos (Moisés Knochen,
Montevideo, Uruguay, ibid.)
Tercera armónica entonces! Bueno gracias Moises, parece que los
muchachos de ZP12 tienen algunos problemas de filtros. Muchas gracias!
(Alvarez, ibid.)
** PERU. 4954.99, R. Cultural Amauta, Huanta, (tentative), 06/05 0108-
0108* just caught final announcement by man & sudden s/off some
seconds later; heard in USB; strong statics crash; poor (Giovanni
Serra, Roma, Italy, Equipment: JRC NRD 525; Alpha Delta DX-SWL
Sloper-S; RG 8 mini coaxial cable; JPS NIR 12 Noise & Interference
Reducer-Dual DSP outboard audio filter; Intek PS-35 5 ampere feeder;
JRC – NVA 319 external loudspeaker unit; Yaesu YH – 77 STA stereo
headphones; Oregon Scientific radio controlled clock, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** PERU. Radio Vecinal - Piura --- Amigos DX: CUIDADO: me sucedió esta
tarde aquí en Piura, estuve en los 5903 kHz y capté una estacion la
cual se identificó minutos después como "Vecinal" y luego verifiqué
que era un armónico de una radio piurana en MW. 5903 entre 1180 = 5.
Estuve captando el 5to armónico de Radio Vecinal. Creí que era de un
lugar mas lejano. Me sucedió, en fin queda en lo anecdótico. Cordiales
73! (DXSPACEMASTER, ALFREDO BENJAMIN CAÑOTE BUENO, June 1, condiglist
yg via DXLD) or 1180.6 to be precise, local harmonic (gh, DXLD)
** PERU. 6173.9, RADIO TAWANTISUYO. Cusco, Perú. 0050-0100 junio 5,
música folclórica. "...y nosotros siempre con lo mejor de nuestros
Andes desde Radio Tawantisuyo, el programa voces y canciones..."
menciona tel. 228411 para complacencias musicales (Rafael Rodríguez
R., Bogotá D.C. - COLOMBIA, Equipo Winradio G303i, Antena Dipolo 12
metros http://dxdesdecolombia.blogspot.com/ via Yimber Gaviria, Cali,
DXLD)
** PHILIPPINES. 15190, DZRM Radyo Magasin (1278 kHz.) simulcast via
R. Pilipinas, 1732-1822, June 1. The Wednesday only simulcast of DZRM
in Tagalog; mostly YL and OM in conversation and played a few songs;
IDs at start of program; no hint of Radio Africa here (Ron Howard, Big
Sur, CA, Etón E5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** POLAND [non]. 11980, June 5 at 1200 fair signal in English I
briefly hoped was PRES as scheduled, but soon dashed as the program
topix were all about China in `Heartbeat`. Yes, CRI does it again, co-
scheduling an English hour via Kunming, while Poland is 45 degrees
from Woofferton, UK, maybe capable of overriding it in Scandinavia. No
trace of it here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** PORTUGAL. Até final de Outubro p.f., continuarão as emissões da
RDPi em OC para a Europa, mas apenas via Pro-Funk, Sines, a saber:
2.ª-f.ª a 6.ª-f.ª, 0645-0800 11850 kHz 250 kW
sábado. e domingo, 0830-1000 11995 kHz DRM 90 kW
Esta é uma informação *deliberadamente* omissa na pág.ª
http://www.rtp.pt
que passou a referir ùnicamente a distribuição via satélite
http://www.rtp.pt/rtpi/?article=24&visual=3
mesmo antes da suspensão do serviço em OC, em 31 de Maio p.p.
De resto, nem a própria suspensão mereceu da administração qualquer
referência prévia na dita pág.ª internet.
_______________
The broadcasts to Europe will continue till end October next, but only
via Sines, viz.:
Mon-Fri 0645-0800 11850
Sat+Sun 0830-1000 11995 drm
This information is *missing deliberately* in the webpage, and the RTP
even erased its A11 schedule before the announced halt of the SW
operation, on 31st May.
Another missing announcement on the page was the temporary halt of the
SW service: the administration also chose not to advertise it;
instead, you'll find only what's explained in
http://www.rtp.pt/rtpi/?article=24&visual=3
73 (Carlos Gonçalves, PORTUGAL, Jun 2, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568,
DX LISTENING DIGEST)
PORTUGAL, RDPi. Re:
"(...)
And it is also undeniable that our economical situation is simply as
"good" as that of a handful of US states, which is something many
Americans possibly ignore or tend to ignore; as if the Federal
government had not a huge deficit in their hands which, again, is a
detail many of you may ignore (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, May 30,
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ignore = be unaware of? (gh)"
No, not "unware of", although it's only too logical to admit that may
be the case too, but I meant people simply know of the facts, but
"look away", pretend it's not true if you want.
_______________________________________________
You considered the picture in this URL below as "extravagant"
http://www.worldofradio.com/QSL.html
The adjective can have a few meanings: which are you referring to
exactly? 73, Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Carlos, I meant it only in the most positive sense, a wonderful,
intricate, historic design, why few stations would match (Glenn to
Carlos, via DXLD)
** PRIDNESTROVYE. MOLDOVA, 9665, Radio PMR, Pridnestrovye, 1931-2000,
June 2, tune-in to English news about Moldova and Pridnestrovye. ID,
schedule, and contact information at 1944. Local folk music at 1946.
Into French at 2000. Poor in noisy conditions. Fair on peaks. Mon-Fri
only. Weak co-channel QRM from possibly Spain in English (Brian
Alexander, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA, Icom IC-7600, two 100 foot
longwires, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ROMANIA. IRRS moved from SLOVAKIA to here: see ITALY [non]
** RUSSIA. 4831.00, 2050-2100 01.06, Voice of Russia, Tbilisskaya
Russian talk (Spurious signal: 5920 - 1089 = 4831) 35333 heard //
1089 MW (31431) (Anker Petersen, in Skovlunde, Denmark on my AOR
AR7030PLUS with 28 metres of longwire, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg
via DXLD)
** RUSSIA [and non]. 5940, tentative R Rossii in Russian via Okhotsk
Arman site, S=2 weak and additional 140 Hertz audio of tentative
5939.862 kHz - probably R Guarujá Paulista, Brazil (Wolfgang Büschel,
June 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
Time? 5940 has been known as Magadan for sesquidecades, not Okhotsk.
The site Arman is close to Magadan, not Okhotsk. I guess Okhotsk got
mixed into this because of surviving Soviet-era disinformation in
HFCC. I believe we have discussed this before. Or maybe some of the
programming comes from Okhotsk?? See also BRAZIL (gh, DXLD)
Okay re-5940 - is still a puzzle at this end. ITU call Okhotsk for
5940 kHz registration seemingly wrong. TX site is at Arman.
Distance Okhotsk - Arman 379 kilometers,
distance Magadan - Arman 38 kilometers.
I guess local bc-house located at Magadan, but transmitter site at
Arman??? (Wolfgang Büschel, June 5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
The transmitters are at Raduzhniy near Arman, 59 42'40"N 150 11'05"E
A photo of one of the shortwave antennas there:
http://www.rtrs.ru/data/bashi_p-radush.jpg
The shortwave transmitters are co-located with 1000 kW facilities for
234 and 549 kHz, with 234 kHz carrying the same feed if local
programming from Magadan is still on shortwave (I think some time ago
there were reports about the shortwave frequencies now carrying the
plain Radio Rossii feed from Moscow). (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.)
** RUSSIA [and non]. ARMENIA/TAJIKISTAN, 9430, Once again logged
terrible audio quality noted on Voz de Rusia in Spanish via Gavar
relay site, but discovered also similar bad audio via VOR other TJK
Orzu relay on odd 9944.911 kHz at 01-05 UT broadcast segment. So this
distorted Spanish broadcast audio originates by a much faulty
satellite feed signal from Moscow broadcast center, what a surprise!
S=9+10dB here in EUR. 0345 UT June 5. Female talked about São Paulo
Brazil cultural matter (wb, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 5, dxldyg via DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** RUSSIA. L I S T E N I N G P O S T b y A l a n R o e
33 Atbara Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 9PA alan.roe @ lineone.net
=======================================================
Your contributions or any comments on this column would be very
welcome.
VOICE OF RUSSIA
"Folk Box" on the Voice of Russia is among my favourite programmes.
The broadcast of 15 May at 0133 on 9665 started off with this
introduction:
"Imagine the following scene: a huge city with a traditional transport
hub, crowds of people all rushing about their diverse business. People
for the most part serious, intent and briskly businesslike. And all of
a sudden everything grounds to a halt as if in a cinematic still
frame. There comes a bell peal followed by another and people who were
just a while ago rushing somewhere stop. They grow silent raising
their heads skywards up to where in the ancient belfries a wondrous
ancient divine rite begins."
A very nice programme followed, dedicated to "Bell Chiming Week" in
Russia with lots of audio clips of bells from different churches.
The presenter continues, between clips, saying :
"An ancient Russian tradition [.] Bell Chimes Week: a tradition
several years ago returned to us from oblivion. [.] The St. Daniel
Monastary, one of the oldest (the 14th century). For two centuries it
took them to assemble the bells at the bell tower there, and the
ensemble is considered nothing short of an artistic miracle. In the
Thirties everything connected with religion was destroyed. These
unique bells could have been broken up or sent down for melting. What
happened was the best thing that could have, at that time: they were
sold. They were bought by American businessman Charles Crane. After
that they fell into the possession of Harvard University [.] they set
up a club of bell chime lovers there, and local bell ringers made
attempts to master the orthodox tradition of bell ringing. [.] In 2008
the unique bells were returned to Russia; specially made copies were
sent off to replace the original ones in Harvard.".
"Folk Box" is aired: Thu 2132; Sat 1232, and Sun 0132
- . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . -
RUSSIA - RADIO ROSSII
I often pause on Radio Rossii frequency for a while enjoying some
music programme or other. However, on 6 May at 1932 I listened for
some time to Radio Rossii on 7215. Not a music program, although music
is played, but just being hypnotised by the deep voice of the
presenter talking slowly and sounding like he was talking to each
listener personally. What's he talking about? - I have absolutely no
idea! Music played in the background can best be described as
"ambient" background music with sounds of nature included, together
with a mix of gentle, mellow jazz and some violin music with a child
talking, and later more meditative violin music with solo male choir
vocal. Weird stuff, but compelling. I looked up Radio Rossii on the
web. Unsurprisingly, the site is in Russian, but by opening
http://www.radiorus.ru via Google Translate, I find that the programme
currently on air is called "Silver Threads". Looking further, I find
the following description (I've slightly re-worded from the Google
translation)
"Silver Threads" - with Dr. Alexander Danilin, in which we learn to
understand each other cope with their problems, overcome fear and
despair, apathy and tiredness, learn to find their own path to harmony
and spiritual health.
Alexander G. Danilin - a psychotherapist, a physician-psychiatrist. He
has hosted the program "Silver Threads" on Radio Rossii since 2003.
Practitioners in psychotherapy for 20 years, a member of the
International Psychoanalytic Society and author of books, articles and
lectures on the psychology of addiction and existential psychotherapy.
"We each have our own medicine. Medications that help us get rid of
loneliness and being misunderstood, of the humiliation associated with
the fact that we left a loved one, the feeling of injustice, from
bouts of anger that we feel when we think that We do not understand. I
would like with you, dear listeners, to gather a collection of
psychological tablets ..."
The program airs Monday through Thursday at 1910. Repeated at 2310.
Times UTC
At 2000, I was called away for a while, returning at 2025 to find a
programme of Blues Music. OK, if you like that sort of music - but not
for me, so time to move on.
However, I did subsequently spend some time rooting around the Radio
Rossii website, courtesy of Google Translate. They have a large number
of archived programmes including one that I streamed and enjoyed. It
had originally been broadcast on 9 May 2011 and was called "Then I
went on a campaign. Songs for the Front" as part of the Victory Day
celebrations.
At the time of editing, it was still available at:
http://tinyurl.com/3e7s4ac
The translated script is available at the above link, so you can
follow the programme quite well.
Presented by Ludmila Osipova, she says:
"May - Month of the Great Victory, the most important of our holidays.
Hearty congratulations to veterans - those who defended our country,
who saved the world from fascism. It's you, dear veterans, gave us
life. And today, we would like to present you with a musical gift. Let
us remember the years of fighting, fierce battles, glorious hiking"
The first song is by the Song and Dance Ensemble of the NKVD. Yes! The
same organisation that became known as the KGB, which as described in
Wikipedia:
"[.] conducted mass extrajudicial executions, ran the Gulag system of
forced labor camps, suppressed underground resistance, conducted mass
deportations of entire nationalities [.] conducted espionage and
political assassinations abroad, [...] and enforced Stalinist policy
within communist movements in other countries.
This was followed by a song entitled "In the Dugout", sung by
Ruslanova:
The poem "In the dugout," the poet and war correspondent Alexei Surkov
wrote on Nov. 27, 1941, on the western front. In February 1942,
Surkov, transmitted the text of the composer Konstantin Laminated, and
he immediately wrote the music. The song quickly won the hearts of the
Red Army. True, the censors did not like here these lines: "Until you
get me hard, and before his death four steps." Lyrics cut. The
soldiers then sent a letter to Alexei Surkov: "Write a thank you for
those people that before the death of four thousand English miles, and
we leave it as it is - because we know how many steps to death."
Next was a song remembering the Defenders of Leningrad blockade
"All those who survived, persevered, kept the honor and dignity of all
people who worked at their machines, falling into the hungry and
fainting from lack of sleep ... In 1943 was created the song "My
Shadow", which was still known under another name - the "Night of
Leningrad." Sung by Claudia Shulzhenko. During the siege of Leningrad
Claudia Ivanovna Shulzhenko gave over five hundred concerts for
soldiers. Later, she was awarded the medal "For Defense of Leningrad".
Several other songs followed in this 25 minute programme, including a
comic song called "Merry Tanker" from 1943 designed to raise the
morale of the Red Army. Yes - a very enjoyable programme.
Whilst listening to the above programme, I compiled this selection of
music programmes broadcast over Radio Rossii from
http://www.radiorus.ru/ - again: with the help of translation via
Google Translate. It's not perfect, but you get the general idea!
Maybe you'll find something there worth listening out for ... and if
you do find something, then let us know what you recommend.
RADIO ROSSII SELECTED MUSIC PROGRAMMES
--------------------------------------
All days and times converted to UT. Number in brackets [ ], indicates
week of the month, e.g. Tuesday [2] = 2nd Tuesday of month, but
Tuesday [2]* = Tuesday before 2nd Wednesday of month (owing to
conversion to UT)
Avant-gard Mikael Tariverdiyev, Monday [2]* 2130. Tuesday [2] 1530
The program of music festivals and competitions Tariverdiev is always
experimenting. He dabbled in all genres, he experimented with acoustic
music, that is, normal music, [but] afraid to mix styles, genres,
epochs, to push them [...]. And like a true avant-gardist, he really
risked.
Balloon, Sunday 0910. Wednesday 2010 Thursday 0010. Program is devoted
to the history of rock music, from the 1960's to today
Baroque Practice, Saturday 2010. Sunday 2310 --- Devoted to historical
performance, the starting point of which was the Baroque period, gave
the world such geniuses as Bach and Handel. Leading musicians and
experts will be guests of the webcast. We will also hear and discuss
the recent entries, to talk about concerts and festivals of early
music.
Endless approximation. Friday 2010. Saturday 0010, Jazz music
There were on vinyl, Sunday to Thursday 2210
The program of popular musicians and songs of the 60's and 80's
In our harbor came the ships, Friday 1712 and 2310 and Monday 0010.
For all those who love songs, jokes, good company, communication, in
short, to cheerful and livelihoods. In the program are songs
courtyard, student, car, unofficial, military, middle-class,
merchants, prison, song of political prisoners, homeless, brutal
romance. (No, I don't know what that means either! I'll have to try
and listen one evening. - ar)
High Voltage, Saturday 1535. Sunday 0230 --- Musical program.
Familiarity with the history of music groups and various rock artists
Doctor Blues, Tuesday 2010 Wednesday 0010
The past, present and future of blues music
Eighth note, Thursday 1710. Saturday 2110 --- The program is devoted
to various aspects of rock music. It covers the latest rock events in
Russia and abroad.
Hello, my good man! Saturday, Sunday 0110
Morning concert at the request of listeners
Kalina Krasnaya, Sunday 0810
Music program for prisoners and their families
The vagaries of the operetta, Monday [1]* 21.30
Program for fans of the genre of operetta.
When you do not have enough of Jazz, Friday 2110 --- All about jazz,
interviews with prominent Russian and foreign musicians
Idols opera, Sunday 1140
The program of the outstanding opera singers of the world
The best country song, Everyday 1215; Saturday, Sunday 1810
Musical documentary project. Sound lyrical songs, patriotic wartime
songs. (so, not Country Music. - ar)
World music, world cinema, Monday 2110. Sunday 0610
The program of music of domestic and foreign movies
Music without Words, Monday: 2035 Tuesday 0035
The program of instrumental music
The music that never gets old Saturday [1,2,4]* 2230. Monday 1430,
Programme of work of the State Academic Orchestra of Russian Folk
Instruments RTR led Nekrasov
Music Hall, Tuesday 2130, Sunday 0530 and 1330 --- They say that a
musical can do everything. If this is an exaggeration, something quite
small. He immune to any genre. Musicals gave the world a huge number
of stars
Musical Europe, Sunday [1,3] 1910 --- Collaboration with the European
Broadcasting Union program of notable events in the musical life of
Europe
Night at the Opera, Thursday before last Friday of month 2010-2200,
In the air - a record for broadcast renowned opera productions of
famous operas, such as the Metropolitan Opera, Bolshoi, Mariinsky
Theatre, etc.
Paradise Lost, Thursday [1,3]* 2115
The program of sacred music
On the earth, Thursday 0125. Repeats Saturday 0330 --- Meetings with
famous musicians and bands - performers of Russian folk songs
Exotica, Sunday 2010 --- Program for real music lovers. Presenter
Andrei Borisov, as always, will try to please with the most fresh,
unusual and interesting music
Rock-program, Monday 1710
The program for fans of "serious" music
Sound-track, Thurs 2030. Friday 0030, Saturday 0230, Tuesday 0125,
Tuesday [2,4] 1330 --- Program in which the sound famous tunes and
songs from contemporary movies
With the home delivery, Sunday 1610
Concert at the request of listeners
Hey, soldier! Saturday 0630. Sunday 0330 and 2130
Concert at the request of the military
Going Beyond Three Seas, Tursday [sic, Tue or Thu?] 2010, Friday 0010,
20 minutes of folk music - traditional and modern
Summer A-11 schedule of Radio Rossii in Russian: (via DX Mix News,
Bulgaria, 4 April via DXLD):
0400-0800 12070;
0825-1300 13665;
1325-1700 9480;
1725-2100 7215
Also on-line at http://www.radiorus.ru/
(Alan Roe, England, June World DX Club Contact via DXLD)
** SAUDI ARABIA. 15250, BSKSA, Riyadh. IDs at 1000 "Radio Riyadh", at
1030 "This is the English language service of Broadcasting Service of
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia", at 1100 "Radio Jeddah's News and reports
program" 31/5 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m
Marconi antenna), June Australian DX News via DXLD)
BSKSA extra problem frequency --- BSKSA 1 can currently (5 June 2011,
0830- UT) be heard on 21505 // 17740, 17730. 21505 is registered only
for 1200-1500. The transmitter goes on and off, right now (0846) it is
on but just lost modulation. Modulation came back at 0847:30, became a
little scratchy at 0849:00, modulation gone 10 seconds later,
transmitter off at 0849:22. Testing or something dying? 17740 runs
normally. 73, (Eike Bierwirth, Leipzig / Germany, JRC NRD525 + DX10-
PRO, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SERBIA [non]. 6100, 1/6 2031, International Radio Serbia, French
program, news, strong signal but some QRM on the same frequency,
compressed modulation (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca
di Magra, Perseus & Eton E1, SW Blog: http://radiodxsw.blogspot.com/
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SEYCHELLES. 11860, BBC WS relay. Mahe. 2011/05/30 mon 1502-1503*,
Repetitions of "This is the BBC, there are no programmes on this
channel at present". Ended at 1503. Good. Jo'burg sunset 1525 (Bill
Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
BBC, 7445 via Mahé, partial/data letter. QSLing a ``Customized form
letter verifying time and frequency`` in 101 days for $3.00 and a
local post card. V/s Herve Cherry, Senior Transmitter Engineer. He can
be reached at herve.cherry @ babcock.sc (Kivell, FL, QSL Report, June
NASWA Journal via DXLD)
** SOUTH AFRICA. 7285, Surprisingly strong signal 'through' the gray
and dark prop zone via Atlantic Ocean noted from Sentec Meyerton site
at 0542 UT June 3. R Sonder Grense scheduled here 5-8 UT. Fair signal
of S=7-8, 'hard' Dutch language offshoot - Afrikaans program, partly
interspersed by English. Noted on SDR remote unit in FL-USA (Wolfgang
Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SOUTH CAROLINA [non]. 9385, tuning across WWRB, June 4 at 1236
Brother Scare is talking about new broadcasts in Europe, so I force
myself to stop, listen and take notes until 1244. In the next week,
Alfredo says he will be on AM in Rome 1566, which is just a block from
the Vatican but he will then be ``standing before Caesar``, evidently
a Biblical reference, which may appeal to him more than confronting
the Pope?? And also on 1368 in northern Italy reaching as far as
Germany and Sweden.
Furthermore, by a week after that he will be on 7290, a powerful
300,000-watt ``state-of the art`` SW frequency ``in northern Italy``,
capable of ``reaching two thirds of the world``! Says he has collected
$20 million (total over time?) and has spent every dime on broadcast
time, not on worldly things. But needs to cut expenses now and the new
7290 deal will give him better coverage of Europe, ME, N Africa (than
M&B via Germany, canceling it??) for somewhat less money, cost $10,000
per month. Payable in advance. He has to send the amount on Monday,
and of course wants major donors to pay up now.
This obviously refers to NEXUS-IBA/IRRS, or rather their European
Gospel Radio identity, and raises the question of what will become of
current public-service unpaid programming on those three frequencies,
including WORLD OF RADIO (which is supposed to resume next Saturday at
1800, after `maintenance` this week).
I never heard anything specific about how much time $10K/month buys on
EGR but it is surely a substantial number of hours per day. ``The only
safe investment today is to give to the cause of Christ``. I beg to
differ, or is that beg differently?
IRRS/IPAR may have lost Miraya FM, but are about to start milking the
cash cow of Brother Scare! Get it while the getting is good. Later
mentioned that he is 78, so ``Jesus will return in YOUR lifetime``,
but how about his??
If really 300 kW on 7290, it could no longer be a 250 kW SLOVAKIA
unit, allegedly run at 150 (unless two combined?? RSI certainly
doesn`t need any), but where? We know that IRRS will never tell us (or
even its monied clients?), but this will be figured out sooner or
later.
Retune at 1254, now via 9980 WWCR, BS was talking about this again,
and at first thought a playback, but the wording was slightly
different. I have mixed his later comments into the summary above. At
1325 he added that his total radio costs run to over $100,000 a month
including five different satellites for feeds. ``The bride is making
herself ready``, another sexo-biblical allusion.
Nothing yet of course about TOM on the IRRS program schedule starting
here,
http://www.nexus.org/NEXUS-IBA/Schedules/sun.htm
but I took the opportunity to search every day of the week for Tony
Alamo, and that monster is finally gone, some two years after entering
prison.
I also check TOM website, where it still says ``New Shortwave added,
aimed at Europe, Mid East and Africa. 14:00 to 22:00 UTC ----- WWRB --
--- 15.795`` with the frequency flashing, even tho it has been missing
for more than a week and was starting at 1300, not 1400. Nothing about
the above plans (Glenn Hauser, OK, June 4, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** SPAIN. 1359, 1/6 2106, RNE Arganda, Spain, DRM, only the label, no
audio (Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italia, in Bocca di Magra ,
Perseus & Eton E1, MW Blog: http://radio-dx.blogspot.com/ dxldyg via
DX LISTENING DIGEST) Did you try switching to AM mode? Has been
reported with both at the same time (gh, DXLD)
** SPAIN [and non]. 6055, R-Ext-d-Espana [sic], May 23, 0015. Underway
with English, only fair. will get worse as Solstice nears. I wrote and
asked them, can`t they find higher Summer frequency? Or should I shut
up and be grateful they haven`t joined the BBC/R. Netherlands/Deutsche
Welle stampede? (Rick Barton, El Mirage, Arizona, June 1, Hammarlund
SP-600 + HQ-140X, HQ-200, Drake R-8, outdoor slinky and 70' lazy-L
wire, ABDX via DXLD)
9570. At this morning 0430 UT June 3rd noted a Spanish language
"recensión" [?] on "Jóvenes and Aristóteles", S=9+10dB strong signal.
Checked all REE frequencies at this hour and missed scheduled 9535 kHz
outlet at 272 degrees towards NoAM & CeAM on this morning. Usual
remaining channels worked fine in \\ like 3350CTR, 5965CTR, 6055,
6125, 9620, 9630CTR, 12035 kHz. Seemingly the tx site engineer forgot
to switch the unit from 9570 African outlet to No/CeAM beam at 2300 UT
on June 2nd. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
9535 is scheduled 23-05 UT, so would have been a big collision with
CRI via ALBANIA at 00-04 on 9570 (gh, DXLD)
9630, REE via COSTA RICA back on correct frequency ex-9675, June 3 at
0533.
11880, June 5 at 1232, REE`s `Amigos de la Onda Corta` is back on
proper frequency via COSTA RICA after switching to 17850 last Sunday.
After ``DX news`` which was really non-SW media news, lengthy
interview with an starry-eyed enthusiast for digital broadcasting
eventually totally replacing analog on MW, SW and FM. I listened to as
much of that as I could take (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** SRI LANKA. 11905, SLBC, Ekala. In Hindi and English, 2 minutes news
in English from 1548 followed by the song "Cherish" sung by Kool and
the Gang on 30/5 (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria (Sony ICF-2001, 16m
Marconi antenna), June Australian DX News via DXLD)
15745, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, Ekala. *0130-0239 13/5, 2+1
time pips, English ID and TC: “This is the overseas service of the Sri
Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.” Program of big band music and vocals.
More time pips, ID and news at 0200. Poor to fair (Richard A.
D’Angelo, Wyomissing, PA U.S.A. (Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B, Eton E1,
Eton E5, Alpha Delta DX Sloper, RF Systems Mini-Windom, Datong FL3,
JPS ANC-4), June Australian DX News via DXLD)
** SRI LANKA. DW Closing Trincomalee relay station: see CHINA, GERMANY
** SUDAN [non]. [Re 11-22]: Some TDP changes:
Radio Miraya FM in English/Arabic, new from June 1:
0300-0600 NF 11560 SMF 250 kW / 180 deg to EaAf, ex 9670 via RSO, SVK
1400-1700 on 15710 SMF 100 kW / 180 deg to EaAf, ex same via RSO, SVK
(DX Mix News, Bulgaria, 1 June via DXLD)
These two broadcasts are indeed on the TDP schedule now,
http://www.airtime.be/schedule.html
which means that Miraya FM, from and back to SUDAN, has left IRRS;
that explains the extra frequencies heard testing several weeks ago.
SMF of course really means Mikolayiv, UKRAINE.
And the NEXUS-IBA schedule effective June 1 shows nothing but 7290 and
9510 for other transmissions:
http://www.nexus.org/NEXUS-IBA/Schedules/IRRS-SW_A11.html
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also ITALY [non] !
Effective June 1, 2011, UNMIS/Radio Miraya is not aired via NEXUS-IBA
transmitters anymore. They have been monitored on 11560 kHz (03-06
UTC, new freq) and 15710 kHz (14-17 UTC, same freq as before). Their
signal since June 1 is almost inaudible and very poorly modulated on
both morning and afternoon slots. When heard on or near the target,
their signal is very weak now and typically modulated at 60% or less,
with severe hum, very typical of old Russian (so-called "wooden")
transmitters ;-(
Our schedule has been updated at http://www.nexus.org/schedules
73s, (Ron Norton, NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting Association, June 2, WORLD
OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
``Wooden`` axually refers to registered transmissions which are not
really on the air, not the transmitters (gh, DXLD)
Check of 15710 around 1530: Pretty weak here, about the same level as
Sri Lanka on 15760 which apparently went off at 1530 as scheduled. No
surprise at a location outside the beam, close to the right angle to
it. The modulation is rather bassy and maybe lacks the last bit of
punch, but I would not call it really bad so far.
But something else is to be noted: I do not recall earlier instances
of such straight attacks on the competition in the shortwave airtime
business (Kai Ludwig, Germany, June 5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Mykolaiv outlets of 180 and 129 degrees are never well heard here in
central Europe. Azimuth is southwards! Comparison to monitor an
excellent 180 degree signal in Milan is not possible.
15710 R.MIRAYA FM 1400-1700 1234567 Arabic/English 100 180 Mykolaiv
(Nikolayev) UKR TDP UNMISS a11 Jun. 1
11530 Denge Mezopotamya 0400-1400 1234567 Kurdish 300 129 Mykolaiv
(Nikolayev) UKR MEZ TDP a11-Sep. 3
73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, ibid.)
On June 5th I took some recording on remote SDR/Perseus units around
Europe on 15710 kHz, and confirm an exquisite broadcast signal via
Mykolaiv as a testimony. I guess Ron Norton on IRRS organization in
Milan is wrong in his negative rating on this matter (Wolfgang
Büschel, June 5, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 10 via DXLD)
6 June: 11560 for Miraya: Nothing could be found in this frequency at
0420 (Zacharias Liangas, Thessaloniki, Greece, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Via Ukraine, 11560 NF, Radio Miraya, 0340-0415, June 7, Arabic talk.
IDs. Time pips and ID at 0400. English news at 0401-0411. African
music at 0411. Arabic talk at 0414. Weak but readable at tune-in but
deteriorated to very weak levels by 0415. Only heard with a threshold
signal the next day, June 8 (Brian Alexander, PA, WORLD OF RADIO 1568,
DX Listening Digest)
** SUDAN [and non]. Jamming vs R. Dabanga back to `normal`: 13620,
June 8 at 0522 atop continuous tone jamming; 13730, oscillating noise
jamming vs nothing audible, nor on 15550 where 13730 supposedly moved
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also UNIDENTIFIED 13730
** SUDAN SOUTH. SOUTH SUDAN DXCC STATUS ---> By Martti Laine, OH2BH:
"With great anticipation, DXers the world over are looking forward to
the 9th of July this year as the predicted day of South Sudan's
declaration of independence. Indeed, that declaration is set to
happen, but it will not yet guarantee the birth of a new DXCC entity,
at least at that time. The DXCC rules are written in such a way that
only a new country's membership in the United Nations and/or its ITU
country prefix will result in the anticipated DXCC counter. The U.S.
State Department Geographer's list of Dependencies and Areas of
Special Sovereignty obviously does not apply in this case.
The opinion from the ARRL is that no exceptions will be made in this
case. They state that the event date - i.e. declaration of
independence - will not cause potential QSOs to be counted
retroactively. Rather, Newington categorically assumes that U.N.
membership, which will most likely come first, followed by the release
of an ITU prefix by the U.N. telecommunications agency, will lead to
country status.
The prospect of a new country has taken an unexpected turn just
recently. The country's borderline has never been settled between
North and South Sudan in the area (Abyei) where most of the oil
reserves are located. It was agreed under the 2005 Peace Agreement
that the border issue will be resolved by the people in that province.
A referendum to settle the matter has not happened. Instead, the North
(ST2) has entered the disputed province with force. Additionally, the
North has stated that they will not support an independent State in
the south unless the contested region is theirs. The matter now
remains totally in limbo
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13560829
While the amateur radio project announced earlier this year by 5Z4DZ,
ST2AR, W3UR and OH2BH is well underway, it is not yet reasonable to
swing your antennas toward South Sudan, as we speak. The project has
two well-known DXers now permanently based in South Sudan: SM7PKK and
YI1DZ/ST2DZ. The knowledge and the professional presence are in place
to proceed with an immediate activation as soon as the above country
status matters are resolved. More news to follow". [TNX OH2BN] (425 DX
News 4 June via Dave Raycroft, ODXA yg via DXLD)
DXpedition to Southern Sudan --- Compartilho noticia a seguir que
recebi de Francisco Jose de Queiroz. QRV
PARA TODOS OS RADIOAMADORES e DEXISTAS
NOTÍCIAS DE DX - 06.06.2011 -
Press Release - DXpedition to Southern Sudan
O Intrepid-DX Group e o DX Friends/Tifari Gang continuam envidando
esforços para ativar o novo país - SUDÃO DO SUL, com uma grande
estação de radio operada por um grupo de radioamadores de várias
nacionalidades. Já foram efetuadas várias reuniões de trabalho com
representantes do Govêrno do Sudão do Sul, com a finalidade de ser
expedida uma licença de estação de radioamador específica para essa
DXpedition. Pretendem estar em Juba, nova capital do Sudão do Sul,
prontos para operar a estação na data de 09 de julho de 2011, quando
será declarada a independência do Sudão do Sul. Dispõem de 18
operadores prontos para operar em sete estações diferentes, durante 24
horas por dia. Maiores informações poderão ser obtidas no website:
http://www.dxfriends.com/SouthernSudan2011/
'73 - The Intrepid-DX Group and The DX friends (via Ulysses Galletti,
Brasil, radioescutas yg via DXLD)
The rumor is that South Sudan may soon declare independence from
Sudan. Don, what is [sic] the criteria to create a new country? UN
membership, de facto recognition of the new government? This would
presumably make Radio Peace a new radio country, assuming they ever
resume broadcasting (Bruce Churchill, CA, June 2, DXplorer via Don
Jensen, NASWA yg via DXLD)
The NASWA Country List Committee has already considered this issue and
has approved adding South Sudan (actual name will be decided when it
actually occurs) as a new country, on the basis of Radio Peace
operations.
It will become effective when independence actually occurs. I believe
that will be in early July. I seem to recall the 9th, but I could be
wrong on the actual date. It is a rare case where we can actually add
a country to the list, these days. I also am carboning Rich d`A with
the hope he will add this notification of the new country when it
actually happens and we know the appropriate name to assign. I will
offer a brief announcement for the NASWA Journal, probably for
appearance in the August issue. At that time, I hope that the powers-
in-charge of the website will add it to the on-line country list as
appears in the NASWA website. --don (Don Jensen, NASWA yg via DXLD)
** SWAZILAND. 7315, Trans World Radio relay. Manzini. 2011/06/04 sat
1432-1447 YL's talking Makasar ? as per HFCC, certainly not Portuguese
as per Aoki (but Makasar scheduled from 1455 to 1510). Fair - poor.
Jo'burg sunset 1524 (Bill Bingham, RSA, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
MAK = Makhuwa language per WRTH (gh, DXLD)
** SWEDEN. 9940 LSB plus carrier, R Nord Revival, Sala, in Swedish
from first tuning at 2017 through the present. Manageable signal on
LSB. Some 50s-style commercials, and reminiscences of how things were
in the good old days when something needed to be done, even if
illegally, to break the hold of the Sveriges Radio monopoly on the
minds of the Swedish population. Great stuff, even if the conversation
before 2030 reminded me of the old Goon Show line after a random
discussion on the top of a bus from Oldham to Cleethorpes: "This has
nothing to do with the program, but we thought you might want to hear
what a couple of real idiots sounded like." (John A. Campbell, Devon,
United Kingdom, DXplorer via DSWCI DX Window June 1 via DXLD) Date not
given whether May 27, 28 or 29 (gh, DXLD)
** SYRIA. Re 11-22: SOBRE RADIO DAMASCO. ESTIMADOS AMIGOS: RADIO
DAMASCO NO TIENE, NI HA TENIDO ULTIMAMENTE, LA IDEA DE SUSPENDER SUS
EMISIONES EN ESPAÑOL, SEGUN CONVERSACION SOSTENIDA POR EL SUSCRITO CON
EL PERSONAL DE LA SECCION EN ESPAÑOL; ESA NOTICIA FUE TOMADA DE UNA
INFORMACION SUMINISTRADA HACE VARIOS AÑOS, UNA NOTICIA DE VIEJA DATA.
ME ALEGRA MUCHO ESA NOTICIA (Guillermo Klapka, Venezuela, 3 June,
noticiasdx yg via DXLD)
** SYRIA. 9330, R. Damascus, Adra. Very weak with fades and noise, in
English, 2102 on 18/5 (Gavin Hellyer, Ararat Vic (Yaesu FRG8800,
Kenwood R2000, Realistic DX440, Long Wires & Inverted V, ATUs), June
Australian DX News via DXLD)
9330, Arabic vocal selections at 2150+ on 29/5. High level S-meter
reading but quiet audio (Dennis Allen, Milperra NSW (Icom R75,
Realistic DX160, Dipole [at home but here?]), Cataract Dam DXpedition
near Appin NSW, June Australian DX News via DXLD)
** TAIWAN. The 8 RTI Substation Sites ref. RTI 2011 Diary:
1) [Taipei] - Dan-shui, 2) [Changhua] - Lu-gang, 3) [Yunlin] - Bao-
zhong, Hu-wei, and Kou-hu, 4) [Chiayi] - Min-xiong, 5) [Tainan] - Tai-
nan, 6) [Pingtung] - Fang-liao (Tony Ashar, West Java, Indonesia, June
4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Wolfgang Büschel adds the coördinates:
TAIWAN
The 8 RTI Substn Sites ref. RTI 2011 Diary:
1) [Taipei] - Dan-shui
* TWN_RTI_Tanshui _ 4 curtains 1 MW mast
* 25 11'07.24"N 121 24'54.28"E
2) [Changhua] - Lu-gang
* TWN_transmitter house 603 / 1008 kHz Lugang Changhua
* 24 03'29.51"N 120 25'34.26"E
* 603 antenna masts
* TWN_MW_Lugang_603 kHz
* 24 03'59.34"N 120 25'17.99"E
* 1008 antenna masts
* TWN_MW_ Lugang_1008kHz
* 24 03'08.05"N 120 25'32.50"E
3) [Yunlin] - Bao-zhong, Hu-wei, and Kou-hu
* TWN_PAO Pao-Chung Bau Jong 6145, 7445 and others
* 23 43'29.10"N 120 17'58.68"E
* TWN_RTI_Hu-Wei_7 curtains (Yun-lin)
* 23 43'35.06"N 120 25'01.92"E
* TWN_Kouhu RTI-CBS 1098 kHz 250 kW
* 23 32'14.40"N 120 09'49.55"E
* TWN_Kouhu TWR 1557 kHz 250 kW
* 23 32'13.46"N 120 10'28.23"E
* TWN_Kouhu 3335 kHz SW
* 23 32'13.00"N 120 09'39.00"E
4) [Chiayi] - Min-xiong
* TWN_Minhsiung_Min Xiong_1206/1422 100kW
* 23 33'54.50"N 120 25'51.05"E
* TWN_Minhsiung_Min Xiong ex 7130 SW
* 23 33'52.55"N 120 25'45.75"E
* TWN_Minhsiung_Min Xiong_747 / 250 kW
* 23 33'51.03"N 120 25'36.01"E
5) [Tainan] - Tai-nan
* TWN_Tainan MW + SW
* 23 02'35.16"N 120 10'07.62"E
6) [Pingtung] - Fang-liao
* TWN Family Radio, Fangliao 1359 kHz 250kW
* 22 23'26.85"N 120 33'46.23"E
* TWN_CBS Fangliao 1503 kHz 600kW
* 22 23'17.25"N 120 33'59.58"E
(Wolfgang Büschel, June 4, ibid.)
These are official sites. There are a number of un-official sites that
can also be used (Keith Perron, Taiwan, ibid.)
** TAIWAN. 15290.144. R Australia via Tainan-TWN at 0600 UT, S=8
signal on remote SDR unit in Japan.
9725.0, Chinese language number station "XingXing Guangbo Diantai 3"
from Kuanyin, Taiwan, random numbers in Chinese at 0622 UT June 1. S=6
signal logged on remote unit in Japan (Wolfgang Büschel, June 1, wwdxc
BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
How do you know the numbers are random? Assumption should be that they
are anything but random, some kind of encoding. Only if they are a
total deception might they be random, and one would have to know how
to decode them correctly to find that out (gh, DXLD)
** TATARSTAN [non]. 15110, Tatarstan Wave/GTRK Tatarstan, via Samara,
*0410-0500*, June 3. Brief IS; first ID in assume Tatar; second ID in
Russian: “V efirye programa na volnye Tatarstana” (thanks again to Jim
Young’s wife, Karen, for providing this ID); segments with news,
interviews and music (ballads, folk, etc.); 0415 another ID; almost
fair. Was checking out my new receiver. Nice! (Ron Howard, Asilomar
State Beach, CA, Sangean ATS-909X, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** TIBET [non]. TAJIKISTAN, 15537.000, Voice of Tibet today here in
Europe with a fair signal S=5 up to S=8 in peaks. Transmission from
Dushanbe Yangi Yul, at 1310 UT June 8th. Jamming from Eastern part of
China on 15545 kHz - 7 or 3 kHz away next channel - noted very tiny
and poor this afternoon. At 1238 UT June 8th VoTibet noted on odd
15542 kHz. 73 wolfgang df5sx (Büschel, June 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** TUNISIA. RTT in Arabic (they are using also the ID "Radio
Nacional") A-11 schedule observed in April and in May 26-June 2:
0200-0510 9725 12005
0400-0630 7275
0600-0830 7335
1600-2010 9725 12005
1700-(2110) 7225 - not on the air at 2130-2200 UT.
1900-(2310) 7345 - no signal at 2330-0000 UT.
Note: The schedule published in BC-DX, DXLD etc. was not correct in A-
10 and now (Rumen Pankov-BUL, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 2)
```Nacional`` implies Spanish or Portuguese; I doubt it; maybe
Nationale as in French? It would sure help if you would cite which
issues had incorrect schedule. Instead, let`s look at the just-issued
May 27 version 2 update to the WRTH A-11 update, which has some
variations in the times but not frequencies. 0625 (or 0626) was always
the automatic cutoff time of 7275, but I have not caught it recently.
Are you saying it is now 0630 sharp as above??
RADIO TUNISIENNE (Gov)
kHz: 7225, 7275, 7335, 7345, 9725, 12005 Summer Schedule 2011
Arabic Days Area kHz
0200-0510 daily NAf, ME 9725sfa, 12005sfa
0400-0625 daily Eu 7275sfa
0600-0810 daily NAf 7335sfa
1600-2000 daily NAf, ME 9725sfa, 12005sfa
1700-2110 daily NAf 7225sfa
1900-2310 daily NAf 7345sfa
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** TURKEY. 11750, V of Turkey, Emirler. Weak but clear enough with
some fades & noise in Turkish 0614 on 16/5 (Gavin Hellyer, Ararat Vic
(Yaesu FRG8800, Kenwood R2000, Realistic DX440, Long Wires & Inverted
V, ATUs), June Australian DX News via DXLD) 06-09, 97 degrees (HFCC)
15450, fair June 3 at 1322, VOT sign-off by OM claims this has been
the ``1330-1430 broadcast on 15520 to Asia, 15450 to Europe``. More
than two months into A-11 they still haven`t a clue in the studio
about their real times and frequencies. Worse, these announcements are
obviously read live from script by different announcers, rather than
canned like on many stations, which would offer a minor excuse for
perpetuating such misinformation about their own operations. Then IS
played; I counted five boring times before losing interest as the
variations on piano have been eliminated; if you`ve heard it once,
that`s enough. Maybe went on for another minute before cutoff (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** UGANDA [non]. 17770, via Russia, R. Ndiwulira, Luganda. May 31
1700-1715 sudden sign on with male talks in vernacular, mentions of
Uganda; short deep fades, weaker than last week, 25433. June 04 1659-
1710 no signal (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles
and Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** UGANDA [non]. via France, 15410, Radio Y’Abaganda, *1700-1715*,
June 4, sign on with pop music. Short vernacular announcement at 1702
followed by Afro-pop music. African choal music. No other
announcements heard. Sat only. Poor in noisy conditions (Brian
Alexander, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA, Icom IC-7600, two 100 foot
longwires, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U K. Hi Everyone, This e-mail is to inform you that South Herts
Radio will be on air this coming Sunday 5th June from 12 noon to 8 pm
UK time / 1100 - 1900 UT.
We will be broadcasting on our internet live stream and on 87.8 FM to
parts of Hertfordshire. There is no intended shortwave transmission
this Sunday but we are happy if someone wishes to relay our internet
stream on SW or FM to other regions.
Our programme line up slightly amended will be as follows (BST) UT+1:
[but amended below]
12.00 - 13.00 The Happy Station Show
13.00 - 13.30 Glenn Hauser's World of Radio
13.30 - 14.00 Frequencycast
14.00 - 14.15 Voice of south Dublin
14.15 - 16.45 Our music with Brendan & Tim
16.45 - 17.45 Media Network Plus
17.45 - 18.45 Jazz for the Asking
18.45 - 19.45 Strange but True
19.45 - 20.00 Australian DX Report
Full details are on our website. Please join us and spread the word.
http;//www.southhertsradio.com
SHR - International radio from South Hertfordshire.
(Gary Drew, SHR, June 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
SHR Sunday broadcast final amendment.
12.00 - 13.00 The Happy Station Show
13.00 - 13.30 Glenn Hauser's World of Radio
13.30 - 14.00 Frequencycast
14.00 - 14.15 Voice of South Dublin
14.15 - 16.45 Our Music with Brendan & Tim (Jazz Show)
16.45 - 17.45 Media Network Plus
17.45 - 19.15 Gary Drew Show from Laser Hot Hits (January 2011)
19.15 - 20.00 Vintage SHR - The community access programme (repeated
from 07/11/2010)
Apologies to our other providers of sponsored programmes - your latest
shows will be available to listen again and if we missed you out this
time you will be added to the next live stream event. Join us and keep
spreading the word. http://www.southhertsradio.com (Drew, June 3,
ibid.) also filed previously under INTERNATIONAL INTERNET
** U K. CUTS AT THE BBC --- AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Britain’s main public-service broadcaster has to make drastic cuts.
They look set to be driven by politics not quality
May 31st 2011
THE BBC is having to play its part in Britain’s austerity programme,
and faces six lean years, in which its main source of income, the
“licence fee”—an annual levy on television-owning households—will be
frozen. The government will also stop providing separate funding for
the BBC World Service’s foreign radio broadcasts, and make the BBC pay
for S4C, a Welsh-language television service. The modest cost-trimming
the BBC has announced so far will be nothing like enough, so its
bosses are now drawing up more severe cutbacks. . .
See the full article
http://www.economist.com/realarticleid.cfm?redirect_id=18775017
(via David Cole, DXLD)
** U K. BBC Daventry - A tech's memories from 1940's era.
Just a little about Daventry & a couple of images
http://www.btinternet.com/~roger.beckwith/bh/misc/maynard.htm
More distant Daventry memories
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/memoryshare/worldservice/A28308413
(Ian Baxter, NSW, June 3, shortwavesites yg via DXLD)
** U K [non]. BBC HINDI RADIO NOW AVAILABLE ON MOBILE PHONES ACROSS
THE US
BBC Hindi radio and audio news content is now available on demand on
mobile phones in the United States of America, thanks to the BBC’s
agreement with provider of mobile phone radio distribution in North
America, AudioNowTM.
As part of this new service, Hindi-speakers in the US can access BBC
Hindi audio in two formats. By calling 712.432.6586, they can listen
to the BBC Hindi one-hour radio news programme which brings news,
analysis and interviews on a range of issues, from current affairs to
showbiz and sport. Plus, two-minute audio news bulletins in Hindi,
updated twice a day, can be accessed by calling 712.432.6585.
While the service is free to callers in the US, users should check
their mobile phone contracts for any additional charges.
Head of BBC Hindi, Amit Baruah, says: “This is an exciting
development. More than one in 10 weekly users of our website,
bbchindi.com, are from USA, and we are really glad that, thanks to
this new service, Hindi-speaking audiences in the US can now use our
audio content in such a convenient way.”
Jen Friesen, AudioNow's Director of Public Affairs, says: "Listeners
can now access their favourite content on any mobile device, which we
have seen builds tremendous loyalty for broadcasters. BBC Hindi's
content will now be available to every mobile-phone listener without
downloads or the need to access data services. This continues our
commitment to expand unique broadcasting content to North American
mobile listeners from around the globe."
The BBC World Service radio content in English, Arabic, Persian,
Somali and Urdu is available to US audiences via AudioNow by calling
dedicated numbers. Ends// Notes for editors:
BBC Hindi radio is available on shortwave, medium wave, FM and via
mobile handheld devices. Produced in Delhi, the interactive evening
programme brings news, analysis and interviews on a range of issues,
from current affairs to showbiz and sports. Hindi-speakers across the
world can access BBC Hindi content via the news site bbchindi.com. The
online content is also available via partners – Bhaskar.com,
Webdunia.com, Samachar.com and OneIndia.com. BBC’s special output for
India ’s FM market includes infotainment updates in Hindi and Tamil
languages. This programming is available in the USA via HumDesi Radio
in Chicago, Los Ángeles, New York City, San José and Wáshington DC
(BBC Press Release June 3 via DXLD)
** U S A. BOARD OUTLINES PROGRESS ON AGENCY REFORMS AND ANNOUNCES
STEVEN KORN TO BE RFE PRESIDENT
At the first ever public meeting of the Broadcasting Board of
Governors, the Board outlined progress on a series of reforms of U.S.
international broadcasting and announced the appointment of Steven
Korn, former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of CNN, as
President and CEO of RFE/RL, Inc.
“U.S. international broadcasting is facing some tough challenges, not
just from growing competition and tight budgets, but also from the
increasingly sophisticated crackdowns on free media in many countries
around the world,” said BBG Chairman Walter Isaacson. “Steve knows the
news business, and his experiences will be essential as we look for
ways to improve the efficiencies and increase cooperation among the
five networks of U.S. International Broadcasting.”
The announcement was made during a report by the Governors on the
state of U.S. international broadcasting. Governors outlined a series
of Board actions taken during their first year to drive greater
efficiency, and to reform Board operations and governance including
merging staff components of the Agency. Board members highlighted
changes in leadership and programming at Radio and TV Marti, the
Persian News Network of the Voice of America and the International
Broadcasting Bureau.
Citing the risks facing BBG journalists in repressive countries,
Governor Michael Meehan raised the case of Ershidin Israil, a Uyghur
source for Radio Free Asia, who fled persecution in China in 2009 and
whose bid for asylum was rejected in April by a Kazakhstani court. In
view of threats to Israil’s life in China, the Board called on the UN
to provide him refugee status and for Kazakhstan to refrain from
deporting him.
The Board also recognized the 2011 winners of the David Burke
Distinguished Journalism Awards. This award, named after the first BBG
Chairman David Burke, recognizes courage, integrity and originality in
reporting within the BBG broadcast entities. This year’s winners are:
Middle East Broadcasting Network’s Alhurra reporters Tarek El Shamy,
Akram Khuzam, Muslim Khadil, and Nayef Mashakba; Voice of America’s
Creole Service; Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Belarus Service;
Radio Free Asia’s Cantonese Service; and Radio Martí’s José Luis
Ramos. More information about their work and a video highlighting the
work of the winners is available here.
To watch the webcast of the full Board meeting, including questions
and answers with attendees, click here. Copies of additional
information and Board resolutions presented at the meeting will be
available in the coming days here (BBG press release June 3 via Clara
Listensprechen, DXLD)
** U S A. VOICE OF AMERICA OPERATOR PLANS "SUNSET" FOR SHORTWAVE RADIO
BROADCASTS
The sun is setting on Voice of America's shortwave radio service,
heard worldwide in dozens of languages for 70 years.
A strategic technology plan prepared by the Broadcasting Board of
Governors (BBG), the federal agency responsible for Voice of America,
Alhurra, Radio Free Asia and other international stations, concludes
that it should end many shortwave broadcasts in favor of "more
effective" media such as internet radio.
Full story at :
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/06/06/voice-of-america-ope.html
---
(via Alokesh Gupta, VU3BSE, New Delhi, India, dxldyg via DXLD; also
via Joe Burke, Kuwait, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD) viz.:
Rob Beschizza at 1:00 AM Monday, Jun 6, 2011
The sun is setting on Voice of America's shortwave radio service,
heard worldwide in dozens of languages for 70 years.
A strategic technology plan prepared by the Broadcasting Board of
Governors (BBG), the federal agency responsible for Voice of America,
Alhurra, Radio Free Asia and other international stations, concludes
that it should end many shortwave broadcasts in favor of "more
effective" media such as internet radio.
"The intrinsic high cost of operating high powered shortwave stations
is constantly being weighed against the rapidly diminishing
effectiveness of shortwave within a growing number of countries," the
report states. "... the cost effectiveness of shortwave transmissions
continues to wane and is expected to be circumscribed to a very small
number of target countries in the relatively near future."
The "sun-setting strategy" proposed will reduce the number of stations
owned by the BBG in favor of lease or sharing arrangements with — or
outsourcing to — independent broadcasters. A "long-term analysis" of
each country and language, and in-house research on shortwave's
effectiveness in each, would determine which areas retain service.
The report, released following a Freedom of Information Act request by
Government Attic, took six months to surface and it isn't clear to
what extent its recommendations have been implemented. In February,
however, Voice of America ceased shortwave broadcasts in China.
Its authors anticipate "political pressure" to continue widespread use
of shortwave radio broadcasts. The BBG's own 2012 Budget Request (PDF)
reported that it "must continue to broadcast via traditional
technologies such as shortwave [because] the impact of not investing
in infrastructure improvements will be the loss of capability and the
loss of audience." It noted Burmese listeners as particularly
dependent on shortwave service.
Titled 2010-2012 BBG Technology Strategic Plan, the report claims that
BBG-funded broadcasts reach 101.9m people worldwide by radio, 81.5m by
television, and 2.4m via internet. Internet broadcasts accounts for
1.4 percent of the unduplicated total audience.
The largest internet audiences are in Iraq, China and India, with
large percentages of the population listening online in Oman, Kosovo
and Morocco. The report notes that Voice of America's audience in Iran
was about half that of the BBC World Service during recent electoral
unrest there. A brief overview of anti-censorship software the BBG
supports, such as Freegate and Tor, was also offered.
Much of report, however, is dedicated to describing the upgrades and
management shake-ups required to address problems within the BBG's
apparently shambolic I.T. department, whose failures are covered in
detail and illustrated with photographs.
Throughout, the complexities of maintaining and staffing a worldwide,
multilanguage broadcast media network weigh heavily on the report's
author. But criticisms often fall upon particularly egregious lapses
such as servers hidden under nests of network cabling, major software
choices determined by the "dogmatic beliefs" of influential staffers,
and redundant systems standing idle.
"The most serious situation presents itself at the heart of the BBG IT
network," the report states. "Currently, the network is dependent on a
single enterprise-class Cisco core router whose failure would severely
cripple the entire agency for an extended period of time."
Adds the author: "Many other such situations exist ... such as servers
equipped with dual power supplies but with both power cords plugged
into the same electrical circuit."
While the engineering section is said to be well-functioning, disaster
recovery plans rely on "the presence of key individuals." The
department lacks "baseline operational discipline" and labors under
"several historical and personality-related 'accommodations' designed
to isolate certain individuals and maintain legacy reporting
relationships."
Even the email system is outmoded, according to the report, which
recommends platform consolidation, virtualization, systems colocation,
cloud computing to cut the number of physical servers in use, "clear
standards and expectations for interpersonal behavior," and adoption
of MPEG-4 for broadcast and archive use, as part of a two-year plan to
fix the problems while trimming costs.
The report was released after a FOIA request from Government Attic,
which posted it in full at its archives
http://www.governmentattic.org/IA-GC-SM-docs.html
early Monday morning. One paragraph of the report, concerning disaster
recovery, was redacted (via DXLD) Plus some good comments among the 22
so far (gh) (also via Radio-info.com via Dale Park, HI, DXLD)
Not unexpected, but one must ask. One thing these analyses never seem
to consider in any depth (or at all publicly) is what happens when
governments not pleased with what their stations are saying, decide to
interdict use of the preferred platform, be it internet, local FM,
whatever? One would think that the kind of service provided by a VOA
is most in demand and use during a crisis -- the very time when their
use of a "less costly" choice of delivery platform would be most at
risk. We've seen some instances where they've turned back temporarily
to shortwave. So maybe the lesson for listeners in such regions is:
Store that shortwave radio safely?
I guess they never heard the line, "You get what you pay for." It
would seem keeping at least one transmitter or one frequency active
indefinitely would be both affordable and prudent (John Figliozzi,
NASWA yg via DXLD)
John, Richard and all the subscribers, We know we are preaching to the
choir here. Look at what Chávez has done in Venezuela, he has almost
absolute control over the broadcast infrastructure, don't toe MY party
line and you won't have your license renewed, you may be imprisoned.
Internet was shut down or severely curtailed in Iran during the
elections a few years ago, foreign reporters could not go out to
observe the demonstrations. Same went for Egypt and well just name the
country during the so-called Middle East Spring.
Radio requires so little infrastructure on the far end, just a few
batteries or a hand to crank the radio or lots of sunshine for some of
the newer radios that have solar cells. We all know that a lot of NGOs
are providing these radios into various regions of the world to get
whatever word out to them. In my travels there are so many places
where there is no cellular coverage (of course then no internet via
cellular). Internet services are provided by a local mom & pop
company. I've even been across a few stretches here in Texas that FM
radio is non-existent during the daylight hours. AM is marginal until
the evening sets in. Yet SW would surely provide that service of
crossing political frontiers.
AND have any of you ever known political entity to fire up a closed
service? I truly doubt that would happen. A sad, sad day and certainly
lack of any foresight, Warmest regards, (John Chapman, Nacogdoches TX,
the oldest town in Texas, ibid.)
A NEW VOICE OF AMERICA FOR THE AGE OF TWITTER
DIGITAL RETOOLING OF VOA FACES POLITICAL HURDLES
By MARK LANDLER Published: June 7, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html?emc=eta1
WASHINGTON — When Walter Isaacson championed Voice of America’s
decision to shut down its shortwave radio broadcasts to China — and
shift those funds to the Internet, cellphones and other forms of
digital media — he viewed it as the sensible updating of a propaganda
playbook dating from the cold war.
But nothing is simple in the world of government broadcasting.
Representative Dana Rohrabacher, a California Republican and staunch
critic of China, condemned the move, saying it would deprive Chinese
listeners of unfiltered news. It amounted, he said, to an American
retreat in the face of Beijing’s growing global influence.
“Who knew shortwave in China was a land mine?” said Mr. Isaacson, a
onetime head of CNN who is chairman of the Broadcasting Board of
Governors, which oversees Voice of America and its four sister
networks.
With the Obama administration embarking on a fundamental overhaul of
Voice of America and other official broadcasters — one that seeks to
adapt their traditional diplomatic missions to the era of Facebook and
Twitter — Mr. Rohrabacher’s response could be a foretaste of battles
to come.
As part of its yearlong review, Mr. Isaacson’s board is seeking ways
to streamline and modernize Voice of America and its sister networks:
Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, Alhurra, and Radio and TV Martí.
Each service has its protectors in Congress — Cuban-American lawmakers
fiercely defend Radio Martí, for example — and they are likely to view
any change as a threat.
“It’s going to take some tilling of the ground,” acknowledged Mr.
Isaacson, who brings the perspective of both a media executive and an
aspiring diplomat (he has been in line for senior jobs at the State
Department).
While the need for the United States to get its message across to an
often hostile world is greater than ever, Mr. Isaacson said, digital
technology risks turning these services into relics of a bygone era,
when dissidents in closed societies huddled over their transistor
radios for scraps of information from the West.
To be sure, the broadcasters have made significant strides. Voice of
America is inviting listeners to file reports about the uprisings in
Bahrain on Facebook, while Radio Free Asia is aggressively developing
technology to circumvent firewalls that the Chinese government puts up
to block its transmissions.
Yet in a brutal budget climate, the money for foreign broadcasting is
shrinking. And the competition is relentless. In Egypt alone, 12 new
commercial television channels have sprouted up since the January
revolt.
“It’s not the neatly defined world of the cold war,” said Robert
McMahon, a former news director of Radio Free Europe, which reinvented
itself after the fall of the Berlin Wall by beaming into countries
like Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. “It’s a crowded, chaotic
media marketplace.”
Mr. Isaacson’s solution sounds like the blueprint for a state-owned
CNN: create a state-of-the-art global newsroom that would gather all
the programming generated by the five networks and send it out via
television, the Web, social-media services, mobile phones — even
shortwave, where it still makes sense.
To run Voice of America, Mr. Isaacson has recruited David Ensor, a
former CNN and ABC News correspondent who is finishing a stint as
director of communications and public diplomacy at the American
Embassy in Kabul. During his two years in Afghanistan, Mr. Ensor said,
one of his biggest achievements was helping set up an Afghan company
that offers SMS text messaging services.
“Whether it’s Voice of America or my previous employers, CNN or ABC,
they need to be on the Internet, on Flickr and on Twitter,” Mr. Ensor
said by phone from Kabul, where he was packing to leave.
The United States government may be the largest broadcaster that few
Americans know about. Although its networks reach 100 countries in 59
languages, they are banned from distribution in the United States by a
1948 law devised to prevent the government from turning its propaganda
machine on its own citizens. Mr. Issacson wants to rewrite that law,
saying it is obsolete in the Internet age.
In some countries, Voice of America and Radio Free Europe have iconic
brand names and loyal audiences. But other, newer government
broadcasters have a more checkered history. The signals of Radio and
TV Martí are jammed by the Cuban government and reach few people on
the island.
Alhurra, an Arabic-language satellite television service started by
the Bush administration in 2004 to counter the influence of Al
Jazeera, has struggled to build an audience in the Middle East. It has
also weathered criticism on Capitol Hill for airing the views of
militant leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah.
Still, officials said Alhurra had attracted record viewers and hits on
its Web site during the protests in Egypt, where it was the last
network to carry a live feed from Tahrir Square. And its reporters are
embedded with rebel fighters in Libya. A NATO airplane is beaming
broadcasts into the country.
“It has attracted a sizable new audience; the question is, can it keep
that audience?” said S. Enders Wimbush, chairman of Middle East
Broadcasting Networks, which oversees Alhurra and its sister network,
Radio Sawa.
The broadcasting board is also trying to reallocate money to take
account of shifting geopolitical realities. Radio and TV Martí, for
example, currently soak up the lion’s share of the total Latin
American broadcasting budget. Looking beyond Fidel Castro, the board
wants to use Radio Martí’s studios in Miami to broadcast all over the
region, said Michael Meehan, a board member.
The overall budget for government broadcasting in the 2011 fiscal year
is $748 million, down from $759 million last year.
China is emblematic of the difficult choices. The Mandarin- and
Cantonese-language shortwave broadcasts are closely identified with
Voice of America; shutting them down will mean letting go up to 45
longtime employees. But officials said they reach only one-tenth of 1
percent of China’s population.
Radio Free Asia — a so-called surrogate service that focuses on
delivering news about China rather than the United States — will take
over some of Voice of America’s better shortwave frequencies. That is
important, officials said, because some jailed political dissidents do
get news from the service on transistor radios.
Yet “China has moved dramatically from radio to Internet,” said Libby
Liu, the president of Radio Free Asia.
Ms. Liu said she spends most of her time trying to figure out how to
get around Chinese government firewalls that make it difficult for
young people to get Radio Free Asia’s broadcasts on the Internet or
their cellphones.
“We have to put circumvention technology on mobile phones,” she said.
“The key to reaching people electronically is breaching the firewall.”
(NY Times June 7 via Robin Dunnington, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
Same:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html?_r=1&src=tptw
(via Joseph L Burke, Kuwait, DXLD)
Same:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html?_r=2
(via Clara Listensprechen, DXLD)
Same:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html?ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print
(via Mike Cooper, DXLD)
Same:
http://nyti.ms/kJbCLd
(Via Yimber Gaviria, Colombia, DXLD)
Same:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html
(via Artie Bigley, DXLD)
Same:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/world/08voice.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
(via Zacharias Liangas, June 8, DXLD)
NY TIMES PIECE ABOUT US INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING COVERS THE BASES,
BUT INCLUDES SOME DISINFORMATION. Posted: 08 Jun 2011
This piece covers all the bases of today's US international
broadcasting, but it does not drill down into some of the more
important issues. For example, Mr. Landler refers to "the need for the
United States to get its message across," which is typical of US
domestic media's dismissal of US international broadcasting as
something other than a group of news organizations. The growing debate
about whether USIB should do news or get messages across will
increasingly be in the news.
Mr. Landler was taken in by disinformation apparently provided by an
official of US international broadcasting. He wrote, "Radio Free Asia
— a so-called surrogate service that focuses on delivering news about
China rather than the United States — will take over some of Voice of
America’s better shortwave frequencies." This implies that VOA's
content focuses on the United States. As anyone who listens to VOA
knows, this is not true. In order to attract an audience, VOA also
provides a great deal of news about its target countries. VOA and the
Radio Free stations therefore often cover the same stories. The
resulting duplication is another of the important issues that Mr.
Landler overlooked. It was the subject of my July 2010 op-ed, which
happened to be published in the New York Times.
I think this article is the first US media mention of the BBG's
planned global newsroom. With all the entities using each other's
news, USIB becomes more like General Motors. Chevrolet and Pontiac
shared basic platforms and engines, covered by somewhat different
sheet metal. As GM eventually learned, Pontiac had to go. Of VOA and
Radio Free Whatever, which will be the Pontiac, and which will be the
Chevy? (Kim Andrew Elliott, kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD)
It appears to be quite difficult, if not impossible, to log into a
continuous stream of programmes from VOA, (English) on the Net. This
is unlike Voice of Russia and BBC, etc. Western Europe is NOT shaded
in as a coverage area on their map on web-site (Ken Fletcher, CH43,
BDXC-UK yg via DXLD)
** U S A. MENDES REPORT SHINES LIGHT ON BBG TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
by Paul McLane on 07.00.2011
http://www.rwonline.com/article/mendes-report-shines-light-on-bbg-technical-operations/23650
(Alokesh Gupta, VU3BSE, New Delhi, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568,
DXLD) viz.:
Its attention-grabber is a recommendation to lay out a plan to
“sunset” U.S. shortwave operations, but there’s lots of interesting
reading for any engineer or technical manager in the “2010–2012 BBG
Technology Strategic Plan.”
A Freedom of Information Act request has led to publication of the
report, apparently written in early 2010 shortly after the top
engineer at the International Broadcasting Bureau came on the job. It
appears on nonprofit website http://governmentattic.org
André V. Mendes set out a two-year plan of how to “transform”
technical and IT operations for U.S. government international
broadcasting. If his recommendations have been made public in other
forms before, I’ve not seen them; regardless, they are fascinating
reading to any technically minded person interested in U.S. civil
international broadcasting.
André V. Mendes [caption]
Notably, he recommended that the organization create a strategy to
“sunset” shortwave operations, then implement that strategy starting
about now, in the second year of his plan — though the term “sunset”
appears to be a bit misleading in this context. He also pointed to
morale issues among the engineering staff and highlighted poor IT
practices, though generally praised the organization’s technical team.
Let’s take a closer look.
Shortwave questions
Mendes in late 2009 was named director of engineering and technical
services for the International Broadcasting Bureau, so he’s a member
of senior management there. The IBB provides engineering support for
the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which encompasses the Voice of
America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Middle
East Broadcasting Networks and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Mendes
is a former senior VP of Special Olympics International and former CTO
for the Public Broadcasting Service. In his plan he aimed to set out
strategic technological guidance for the BBG.
The future of U.S. shortwave has been a contentious one, of course;
but it is not immediately clear whether his shortwave discussion
represents a further change in thinking about SW at the organization,
or is merely a discussion by Mendes about how to carry out its
existing policy. It also was not immediately clear whether all of his
recommendations were adopted or whether this report is the most
current version; I e-mailed the BBG to ask, and a spokesman promised
to get back to me. I will share what I learn.
But we know the BBG has in fact been scaling back on its shortwave
infrastructure, as Radio World readers are aware. The question likely
to hover now is whether Mendes’ use of the term “sunsetting” indicates
a move to abandon that platform entirely.
“Sunsetting” generally is taken to mean “the end, turn out the lights,
it’s over.” But in other settings, the BBG has indicated that’s not
the plan; and beyond using the word “sunsetting,” the Mendes report
does not in fact recommend an utter end to the use of shortwave; his
language is more about continued reductions. So I suggest it be
interpreted with caution.
Clearly, however, it’s noteworthy that a top technical executive at
the organization is using this language, and it shows the direction
BBG media management continues to go. (And as we’re reported before,
we know BBG had proposed closing the last U.S.-based shortwave
broadcasting center, in North Carolina, in its 2011 budget request.)
Mendes wrote that despite “substantial” closings of transmitting
stations and other steps in the past, high-powered shortwave remains
costly in relation to the “rapidly diminishing effectiveness of
shortwave within a growing number of countries.” The cost
effectiveness continues to wane, he said, a reality acknowledged by
other international broadcasters. “Despite likely political pressures
to continue widespread use of shortwave, its thoughtful and targeted
reduction presents the best potential for cost savings and substantial
increases in price performance ratio for the entire agency.”
Mendes also noted that the organization continues to employ shortwave
as the most important transmission mechanism to many target areas, and
that so-called “surge activities” actually add transmissions, which
end up as a permanent part of the schedule without reductions
elsewhere.
“In essence, the decision process for station closing does not appear
to follow an overt decision and stated plan to reduce shortwave
usage,” he wrote.
Mendes lays out several possible paths for shortwave. In the second
year of his plan (which would be starting now, June 2011), Mendes
wrote that the organization should initiate deployment of the
sunsetting strategy by reducing BBG-owned and operated global SW
assets, or outsourcing more transmission operations; or exploring
resource sharing agreements with other broadcasters, or leasing
additional time and frequencies with third parties, or a combination
of the above. (Those underlines are mine.)
So whether a “sunsetting” strategy means the BBG has a real “end date”
to shortwave in mind would be a dubious conclusion. But again, the
direction is clear.
Much more than SW
Shortwave is just one part of his report about technical challenges at
the agency, though.
Interesting to any engineer or operations manager will be how the
report paints problems within each of its technology worlds —
traditional engineering and IT — and also how those worlds overlap,
not always smoothly. “Today’s effective separation and isolation
between engineering and IT constitutes a serious impediment to
progress,” Mendes wrote.
First he laid out the problems facing engineering staff. Mendes noted
the proliferation of platforms — AM, FM, satellite radio, satellite
TV, Internet and telephone-based content distribution — without cuts
elsewhere. He describes a “silent but ever-growing burden of a
burgeoning distribution methodologies portfolio.”
While BBG’s engineering operation generally functions well and its
personnel show commendable willingness to “go the extra mile on behalf
of the agency,” he said the engineering organization is “highly
reactive” and ends up ignoring important operational and risk
mitigation procedures.
He talks about the complexity of the systems BBG engineers must now
administer; declining financial resources; a disorganized and
incoherent Network Control Center; and lack of a solid business
continuity/disaster recovery plan.
He described a shift in job skill relevance among engineers as
dependence on shortwave shifts to third-party operations, satellite
and other “direct to consumer” platforms. “This issue is further
compounded by the relatively difficult transition from a traditional
RF, antenna, transmitter design and maintenance knowledge base to the
technologies involved in digital satellite and IP-based networking
systems,” an issue that will be familiar to many Radio World readers.
Mendes also identified a problem of low morale among engineers,
calling the mood “palpable and often present in conversations that
address historical perspectives on a particular station closing,
transfer of technologies around the network and any other such topics.
Precipitated by the long periods of employment that are relatively
standard in the engineering area and perfectly understandable, this
grieving process is a natural consequence of the pride involved in
creating a state-of-the-art technical facility only to see it being
dissected piece by piece as technology continues its relentless
creative destruction.” The lack of clear, BBG-approved plans for
future direction doesn’t help, he said.
Meanwhile, on the IT side of BBG’s technology operation, he also saw
problems. Even though IT “manages to deliver a relatively high level
of service,” he identified multiple single points of failure in
critical infrastructure; poor infrastructure layout and maintenance;
“nonexistent” business continuity and disaster recovery plans and
procedures; no overall platform standards; and other issues. He said
that at the time of the report, the organization’s network was
dependent on a single enterprise-class Cisco core router whose failure
would “severely cripple the entire agency” for an extended period.
“Although some of its systems are quite sophisticated and perform
admirably, they often do so as a by-product of employee dedication,
substantial expense and ultimately luck,” he continued. “Overall [IT]
systems design and coherence between project deployments is sorely
lacking and is reflected in a highly complex environment with poor
overall integration.”
He provided photos as evidence that “the cabling infrastructure that
supports the BBG network is in serious disarray,” criticized past
management of the agency’s e-mail platform and spoke of “blurry lines
of responsibility, finger pointing, morale issues and lower overall
performance” in the BBG’s IT operation. A brief discussion of business
continuity and disaster recovery was redacted from the report,
apparently for security reasons.
Without accusing individuals, he wrote in the summary that various
circumstances “conspire to create an organizational insularity that,
despite everybody’s best efforts and intentions, requires a reset of
expectations, priorities and operational imperatives to rejuvenate
itself, catch up with the industry at large, and return to a
perception of excellence. That time has come.”
Playing catchup
Mendes then laid out a plan to help BBG’s technology team address
operational issues and “catch up to the broadcast industry at large.”
On a broad level, he recommended that the organization consolidate its
platforms. “In the engineering arena, this approach will be mostly
focused on the usage of shortwave and the pragmatic analysis of its
expected lifespan and overall scope of global operations but also will
include continued migration to MPEG-4 compression technology and
steady introduction of IP transmission protocols. In the IT arena,
this process will endeavor to quickly reduce the number of computing
and storage platforms.”
He recommended use of server, storage and networking virtualization,
emulating other agencies in the government. He said BBG should
colocate systems into high-availability data centers with multiple
redundancy layers, and eventually should migrate much of its
application portfolio into a cloud computing scenario; he pointed out
that BBG is already using the cloud in some applications.
He also laid out immediate operational recommendations, starting in
the first year with changing the name of the Office of Engineering and
Technical Services (to Technology, Services and Innovation); setting
up a new organizational and tech management structure; creating an
application and database to manage all of the agency’s transmission
and content distribution assets; and create a Security, Business
Continuity and Disaster Recovery Office.
Also in the first year, he called for a continued migration to MPEG-4
content encoding; an upgrade of the Network Control Center;
outsourcing of station operations in Bangkok and Udorn in Thailand;
and applying what they learn from that outsourcing to other shortwave
operations. (This is the part of the report where Mendes describes “a
multi-year strategy for physical asset outsourcing, consolidation
within BBG’s network, schedule consolidation with other broadcasters
and third-party leasing” to optimize use of SW.)
He recommended a big IT consolidation effort; fixing the IT wiring
infrastructure; eliminating single points of failure; implementing a
hosted e-mail, IM, conferencing and Blackberry server system; and
expanding the use of internal intranet sites.
It’s not clear how many of his goals, if adopted, were accomplished in
the last 12 months. He also laid out broader goals for the second
year.
Mendes also referenced the BBG’s implementation of a Dalet digital
media system; he said that after “substantial initial difficulties
associated with poor requirements definition, insufficient budgetary
allocations, lack of end-user buy-in and lack of appropriate staff
skills, the project has made significant advances and is now
progressing at a relatively steady pace,” but said the Dalet project
would continue to receive “special attention and scrutiny” because
it’s so important to the organization’s mission.
I never met André V. Mendes; indeed I learned only after writing this
article that he is a former contributor to Radio World’s sister
publication TV Technology. But based on my own limited exposure to the
technical people and facilities that support U.S. international
broadcasting, his report seems an intelligent discussion of real
problems. His comments about engineer morale are poignant.
I can imagine he has upset some apple carts though. Who wants photos
of their bad wiring spread around the Internet? And whether Mendes and
the staff have the chops to change an entrenched technology culture
embedded within a federal bureaucracy is hard to predict. But if you
are interested either in U.S. international broadcasting strategy or
its technical implementation, it’s fascinating reading.
You can read the report here in PDF form.
http://www.governmentattic.org/4docs/BBG-TechStratPlan_2010-2012.pdf
Note that the report is followed by separate, apparently earlier
information about the organization’s technology and new media efforts.
André Mendes replied to this article with comments about his report’s
timing and the board’s use of shortwave. Read that here.
http://www.rwonline.com/article/mendes-comments-on-rws-bbg-report-story/23657
Paul McLane is U.S. editor in chief (Radio World via DXLD) Viz.:
André Mendes followed up on Radio World’s story posted yesterday about
the technology strategy of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. He’s
director of engineering and technical services for the International
Broadcasting Bureau. Here’s his reply:
“Thanks for your questions about the BBG 2010–2012 Technology
Strategic Plan. In response to your question about the genesis of the
report, it was written from March to June of 2010 after my first three
months of due diligence within the Agency. The report was submitted to
Senior Management and the Board in the late May/early June 2010 time
frame. Although it was made available on the Agency’s intranet site,
the report was not made available to the public before now.
“As for your question about the ‘sunset’ of shortwave broadcasting,
let me preface my answer by saying that the BBG is platform-agnostic.
The Board is constantly assessing the effectiveness of its media
platforms, and is fully committed to using the transmission medium
most effective in a given country or region. The Tech Strategic Plan
recommends that the Agency continually monitor the effectiveness of
its shortwave transmissions and then make pragmatic decisions about
whether or not that is the best use of taxpayer funds.
“In China, for example, the Board believes that the best approach is
not to select one medium over another, but rather to recalibrate our
media portfolio to improve the reach of our broadcasts among Chinese
audiences. As part of this realignment, the Board has proposed that
the Agency direct the Voice of America’s resources toward reaching
China's ever-growing Internet and mobile device audiences, while
maintaining contact with China’s declining shortwave radio audiences
(estimated at less than a percent of the population) by bolstering
Radio Free Asia’s broadcasts to China.
“Shortwave will remain an important medium for the BBG where it is a
viable one, but its use will be driven by audience habits and the
relative costs of transmission.” (Radio World via DXLD)
- Actually, VOA shortwave broadcasts to China are not slated to end
until October 2011, and Congressional objections could postpone or
cancel this decision (Kim Andrew Elliott, kimandrewelliott.com via
DXLD)
SUPPORT CONTINUED VOICE OF AMERICA BROADCASTING TO CHINA
Published on June 8, 2011 by Helle Dale WebMemo #3281
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Reports/2011/06/Support-Continued-Voice-of-America-Broadcasting-to-China
Proponents of U.S. international broadcasting to China got some reason
for hope last month when a group of congressmen, led by Representative
Dana Rohrabacher (R–CA) produced a letter in support of continued
funding for communication to the vast Chinese populace. The
congressmen propose to fence off a portion of the Broadcasting Board
of Governors (BBG) budget (part of the state and foreign operations
appropriations bill):
Of the total amount in this heading, $15,000,000 shall be provided to
Voice of America Mandarin and Cantonese language radio and satellite
television. Such funds may not be transferred, reprogrammed, or
expended for carrying out any other activity.
This approach makes sense. Millions of Chinese outside the major
cities are able to access shortwave transmissions and satellite
television broadcasts, and new digital technology allows shortwave to
become a far more effective medium than it has been in the past. And
broadcasting defies government control of the magnitude and
thoroughness that the Internet invites.
How Bad Is Chinese Online Censorship?
So complete is the filtering that when President Hu Jintao admitted
during his visit to Washington that China “has a long way to go in
improving human rights,” it was struck from Chinese official media
reports.
“The Great Chinese Intranet,” as some call it, is what the Internet
has been reduced to in China, so tightly controlled that it belies
conventional wisdom, which until recently held that cyberspace, a new
frontier, was impossible to regulate and control. Not so. Countries
like China and Iran have moved quickly to catch up with advances in
communications technology. In China, the Communist regime can and does
track individual Internet users; all cell phone and Internet
subscribers are required to register before signing up for service.
Only approved domain names are allowed to register with the physical
network.
The Chinese government employs the largest Internet censorship brigade
in the world, and social media Web sites like YouTube, Facebook, and
Twitter are beyond the reach of the Chinese Internet user, who is
being served by a parallel Chinese network of social media and search
engines. And any mention of “subversive” international news gets
effectively filtered out—such as the Arab Spring, the news of which is
non-existent on the Internet in China. Add the fact that nearly 1
billion Chinese have no access to the Internet—68 percent of the
population.
Cutting Exactly What Is Needed
All of which adds up to a strong case for not relying solely on the
World Wide Web in U.S. communications strategy toward China. Yet that
is the proposed direction of the BBG’s fiscal year 2012 budget, which
would eliminate Voice of America (VOA) shortwave radio and satellite
television transmission to China by October of this year at a savings
of $8 million. This would be achieved by cutting 45 positions from the
Mandarin and Cantonese services, a 66 percent reduction.
This cut should be seen in light of the total budget proposal of $767
million for international broadcasting and also the fact that the same
budget proposal proposes to increase management positions at the BBG
itself by 41 percent at a total cost of $24 million. “All head and no
tail” is the current direction this proposal suggests.
Paradoxically, by the BBG Inspector General argued against this
strategy last summer: “Since access to the Internet is more easily
controlled than access to shortwave radio, international radio, and
satellite—broadcasts such as VOA’s remain the only dependable source
of political news, especially during crises.”[1] How one gets from
this analysis to the decision in favor of a wholesale cut in
broadcasting remains a mystery.
Recommendations
The U.S. Congress should:
* Support continued VOA broadcasting to China, a country that has
announced a $7 billion investment in a global media campaign to match
its other global ambitions;
* Ask newly appointed VOA director David Ensor to undertake a
review of the BBG’s budget request, particularly regarding closing
down of radio capacity in favor of over-reliance on the Internet; and
* Exert vigorous oversight of the BBG’s strategic review, which is
currently in process.
Don’t Waste a Great Asset
Unless Congress steps in, there is a real danger that a strategic
asset of great value to the United States and to freedom-loving
listeners around the world will be wasted. The battle for hearts and
minds did not end with the Cold War (which broadcasting can help win,
by the way). Far from it.
Helle C. Dale is Senior Fellow for Public Diplomacy in the Douglas and
Sarah Allison Center at The Heritage Foundation (via Zacharias
Liangas, Greece; Artie Bigley, OH, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD)
** U S A. VOA DIRECTOR DAN AUSTIN DEPARTS THIS WEEK.
Twitter, 6 June 2011, VOA Public Relations @VOABuzz: "Farewell today
to #VOA Director Dan Austin. This week Austin wraps up more than 4 ½
years as VOA’s 27th director!" -- Over the years, VOA directors have
swung the pendulum between journalism and something less salubrious.
Dan Austin will be remembered for keeping VOA on the journalistic
side. See another Twitter, 6 June 2011, from @VOABuzz, with twitpic.
At VOA, Steve Redisch is acting, post-Austin and pre-Ensor. Twitter, 8
June 2011, VOA Public Relations, @VOABuzz: "With fmr Dir Dan Austin's
departure, VOA ExecEd Steve Redisch is Acting Dir til DirDesignate
David Ensor's Aug arrival." (kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD)
** U S A [and non]. 9875, June 7 at 0546, very strong carrier with
tones on and off, no doubt Greenville-B warming up to take over VOA
French after 0600 on 9880, already occupied by VOA French via Botswana
under this.
15780, June 5 at 1203 poor signal with pop music, 1216 in Arabic news,
so it`s R. Sawa, in fact the only station in HFCC on this frequency,
since 20 April at 08-13, 100 kW, 132 degrees from Lampertheim, GERMANY
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 5000, checking WWV for propagation info, June 9 at 1118, the
announcement about cancelling the prop minute in September has itself
been canceled, or at least nothing heard until 1119 when the prop info
ran at its now-usual time, having been displaced by the warning. A
fluke, or will they move it back to :18 past the hours for the
duration?
Anyhow, SF was 90, A-11, K at 09 was 3. ``Space weather`` has been and
will be minor. (I continue to cringe at ``weather`` being applied to a
near-vacuum.) For the rest I copy from the tri-hourly WWV e-mail at
0907: ``Solar radiation storms reaching the S1 level occurred.
Geomagnetic storms reaching the G1 level are likely. Solar radiation
storms reaching the S1 level are likely.`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. WORLD OF RADIO 1567 monitoring. First airing 1500 UT
Thursday June 2 on 9955 WRMI, but not confirmed. Second airing at 2100
not confirmed either, but after 2130, when Studio DX in Italian is
scheduled, 9955 was WONJ (wall-of-noise jamming) by the DCJC
(DentroCuban Jamming Command). Confirmed on WRMI webcast Friday 1430.
Next airings are Saturday 0800, 1730, Sunday 0800, 1530, 1730.
Also confirmed the new 1567 on ACB Radio Mainstream webcast at 0300
Friday, to be repeated 2-hourly thru 2330; and on WWRB 5050 webcast at
0330 Friday. Started very low audio level, but turned up within a
minute.
Ron Norton of IPAR has advised us that WOR will not air this Saturday
at 1800 on 7290, which will be off air all weekend due to maintenance,
but back next week. How about on the MW relays in Italy, 1566 and 1368
kHz?
WORLD OF RADIO back on Saturday nights, WaveScan
The June 1 WWCR program schedule
http://www.wwcr.com/program-guides/WWCR_Program_Guide.pdf
shows the Saturday night `DX Block` has returned, with different
composition, CDT on 4840 = 0145-0300 UT Sundays:
8:45P Ask WWCR WWCR Staff 0145
9:00P WaveScan Adrian Peterson 0200
9:30P World of Radio Glenn Hauser 0230
`WaveScan` is also shown at 1630 UT Saturday on 12160 after WORLD OF
RADIO at 1600, but that will knock out Ask WWCR at 1645 which is still
listed. It replaces the defunct 15-minute `DX Partyline`. The other
WORLD OF RADIO airings remain, Friday 2030 on 15825, Sunday 0630 on
3215 (Glenn Hauser, OK, June 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
WORLD OF RADIO 1567 monitoring: Confirmed on WWCR 12160 after 1600 UT
Saturday June 4, excellent signal. Next airings are UT Sunday 0230 on
4840 (revived!), Sunday 0630 on 3215. See also SOUTH CAROLINA [non].
Also confirmed AWR Wavescan added to WWCR schedule 1630-1659 Saturday
on 12160; at 1645 monolog by someone from WCBC talking about KNLS,
Spanish via WRMI, Madagascar World Voice (pending) and all their other
non-SW operations. Sounded as if prompt-questions by interviewer had
been outedited, to save time. Jeff White hosts; later the JSWC YL DX
report starting with curtailed hours at R. Nikkei. Wavescan repeats at
0200 UT Sunday on 4840. At 1659, WWCR ID announced that they ``will
broadcast on 9350 at 4-7 pm = 21-24 UT``, as if it were a change, but
it`s not.
[later:] Altho WaveScan did appear on WWCR for the first time,
Saturday June 4 at 1630 on 12160, oh oh, that`s not WaveScan at 0225
UT Sunday on 4840, despite the June 1 schedule listed repeat at 0200.
Silly me, relying on the updated schedule on WWCR website, which also
means that WORLD OF RADIO is NOT back at 0230. The gospel huxter in
progress after citing Malachi 3:16 played taps theme for a break at
0230, 0231 First Amendment Radio promo, ads for Berkey water. 0234
taps again.
Anyway, reception is only fair-poor here with a lot of fading. Maybe
next weeks the DX Block will return? We`ll have to listen to Ask WWCR
on demand to hear if they have any explanation
[Later:] No, Ask #340 airing until June 17 at 0145 UT Sundays had only
three topix: NASB will welcome everyone to the September 14 meeting of
HFCC in Dallas for a tour of Continental Electronix; a reception
report from Reunion, which really impressed them and fantasies of
visiting there; and getting V. of Russia to move off 13850, which was
severely QRMing WWCR/DGS 13845 in Europe. I doubt he cares anymore
(Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
15825, June 6 at 1408, WWCR at S9+18 has Es boost above the threshold
to audibilize its modulation spur spikes during YL preacher, peaking
around 15675, extending 15665-15685. Even stronger at 1540 now
expanding to 15650-15700.
WORLD OF RADIO 1568 monitoring: first airing confirmed on WRMI
webcast, UT Thursday June 9 at 0330 --- nothing but wall of noise
jamming audible on 9955 at 0355; tnx a lot, Arnie! Next airings on
WRMI: Thu 1500, 2100, Fri 1430, Sat 0800, 1730, Sun 0800, 1530, 1730.
On WWRB: UT Fri 0330 on 5050. On WWCR: Fri 2030 on 15825, Sat 1600 on
12160, Sun 0230 on 4840 (maybe starting this week??), Sun 0630 on
3215. On IPAR, Sat 1800 on 7290 via ?? supposed to resume this week
after missing last week. On WRN via SiriusXM 120: Sat & Sun 1730, Sun
0830 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also ITALY [non] !
** U S A. 13570, WINB, last heard May 25, is finally back on air June
2 at 1244, usual wobbling carrier with gospel huxter, so far stronger
than 13580 WEWN such that the latter`s 10 kHz slush was not yet a
problem. At 1309 a different g-h praying, plus a bad hum; maybe God
can filter it out. WINB signs off as usual at 1313, presumably not to
resume until 1900. See also KVOH.
13570, WINB hasn`t disappeared again, June 3 at 1232, but today WEWN
is very strong on 13580, slushing 13570 severely. When will these
gospel huxters ever learn to give WEWN a wider berth, as this defect
from one of her transmitters has been allowed to go on year after
year?
13570, WINB, this being Saturday, stayed on past 1313 June 4, gospel
huxter with horrible hum, plus WEWN 13580 slush, but WINB was off
again at next check 1507, instead of the continuous schedule they
claim (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Screaming preacher on 9265 --- Was bandscanning during the first
intermission of the hockey game tonight & came across some guy yelling
incoherently on 9265 at 0106 UT June 5. I caught the words "rock" &
"Jesus", so I'm assuming it was some sort of religious broadcast.
According to Eibi, WINB in Red Lion, PA broadcasts on this frequency
at that time. According to their website, the program was "Meat in Due
Season". Can't confirm that, as most of what I heard was the yelling.
Very poor signal, lots of interference. Here's a video I made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMOrmYxNdNU
(Nathan Adams, Clayton, NC, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
9265, June 5 at 1158, WINB ID at sign-off, usual hummy audio and
unstable carrier; by 1201, ``Call to Worship`` was underway on 13570,
not solid signal yet but soon building up (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 15795, WWRB still missing in morning, afternoon chex on May
31 at 1920; and June 1 at 2115; nor June 2 at 1628 while 15825 WWCR
was poorly audible.
15795, new frequency from WWRB remains absent, June 3 at 1303, just
China vs India radio war; last heard May 26 at 1333.
It did get registered with FCC and HFCC, dated from 27 March even tho
it was not even thought of until May!
15795 1000 0100 4,9,27,37 WRB 100 45 1234567 270311 301011 D USA FCC
CIRAF target numbers mean E Canada, W Europe, NW Africa
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A [and non]. 12100, WTWW, still missing around 1920 May 31, but
on the next morning June 1 around 1400 in Arabic as previously
reported; by 2115 the language was Spanish. Nothing but Bible
readings.
At 0612 June 2, the 12100 signal is still very good, S9+20 over summer
night-path, now in English, not Alex Scourby, citing chapter 34 of
something, in turgid KJV `spake` English, but hot stuff: ``lay with
her and defiled her``, apparently about father-daughter incest.
At 1247 June 2, again in Arabic. I wonder if the Christians are as
touchy as the Moslems about reciting in traditional Arabic, or will
any modern dialect do?
At 1628, off the air, however, while 12160 WWCR was inbooming.
12100, WTWW-3, which seemed finally to be in full operation as of June
1, gone again June 3, no signal at 1232 nor further checks until 1400
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
There is a male monologue going on on 12100 kHz (actually 12099.96)
which seems to be the new frequency of WTWW. The language sounds nasal
like Portuguese or French, but it's pretty weak at my QTH. Heard on 3
June 2011 since 2010 UT (current time 2048), SINPO 32322. It seems to
grow stronger now, and it's in French, not Portuguese. Splatter from
BBC 12095. Equipment: JRC NRD525 + DX-10PRO active antenna. 73, (Eike
Bierwirth, Leipzig / Germany, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Eike: This must be the new TX 3 acquired from The Seychelles that
George was speaking of in the video on youtube. I am hearing a weak
carrier and sloshing modulation at 2146 UT on 12100 (Noble West, TN,
ibid.)
12100, USA, WTWW (tentative). June 04-05 2353-0003 religious talks by
male in Portuguese “tu és nosso mestre; visitar o santuário e viver
com Deus”. Partially readable, 35433. 73’s (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec,
Embu SP Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles and Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
12100, WTWW is back on, with VG signal even in the nightmiddle, June 4
at 0549, Bible in stilted English about asses. Arabic at 1251, 1420
and still at 1508. Not sure if this Arabic is stilted, but surely
unQur`anic, not melodious at all, merely spoken. Have Christian Arabs
ever tried conveying their Bible that way? Or would that greatly
offend hyper-touchy fellow Abrahamists?
12100, June 5 at 0603, WTWW with Bible in English but only S9+5 with
fading, not enough to overcome CODAR. At 1222, poor in Arabic; by 1412
no longer audible, I think off, but maybe propagational fade.
Definitely off at 1621.
12100, WTWW-3 still missing at chex: June 6 at 0520, whilst Australia
was audible on 12080; and also absent at 1330.
12100, WTWW-3 back on the air June 8 at 2116 after missing a few days,
Spanish Bible readings. George McClintock explains what happened: a
storm with strong straight winds of 60 mph knocked over a tree Sunday
afternoon around 2:30, which in turn broke rhombic antenna wire. Got
it restrung today, altho two of the wires are still twisted, but
operable. On the air with Spanish at 2115 UT June 8, half power of 50
kW, to be increased. Unrelated to the wind, also lost a driver tube
and a power supply, probably due to jostling in shipping it all the
way from Guam.
Fund-raising for Bible readings is already more than enough to pay for
everything; except Russian is not ready yet. He`s dissatisfied with
the quality of the Spanish files.
As for WTWW-2 transmitter, the one from Seychelles, it`s 90% ready. Is
almost identical to WTWW-1. Waiting on parts from Continental, and
technician to work on it, who is sick. Had been modified for only two
frequencies instead of ten, needs to undo that. Fortunately, has
contact with consultant while it was in Seychelles, providing
documentation (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
12100, WTWW logged: June 9 at 0506, poor in Portuguese; circa 1130 JBA
if that`s what it was --- Hiroshi in Japan via S. Hasegawa logged the
mystery tone test on 12100 today at 1230-1324*, but on 11950 at 1125.
By 1305, WTWW has built up to good signal in Arabic (Glenn Hauser, OK,
WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 7415, since it`s UT Sunday, `QSO with Ted Randall` pushes
WBCQ late into the night, still on with rock music at 0610 June 5,
good signal.
9330-CUSB, WBCQ missing June 9 at 1125 and still missing at 1321 when
it would certainly be propagating if on; normally runs 24/7 with `Good
Friends Radio Network/Radio 2:11`, except on weekdays 23/5, with
`Money Talk` at 22-23 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGST)
** U S A. 9369.922, WTJC Morehead City, English news at 0700-0702 UT,
FBN - radio, S=7 (Wolfgang Büschel, June 1, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3
via DXLD)
This station is of absolutely no interest, except: measuring its exact
and variable off-frequency; when it goes out of whack with spurs up
and down the dial; when it goes out of English which it fails to show
accurately on its schedule (gh, DXLD)
** U S A. 15550-USB, WJHR (Milton, FL), 1719-1726, 6/4/2011, English.
Fundamentalist preacher describing his visit to Pensacola during gay
pride week. Good signal with fading (Jim Evans, Germantown, TN, IC-
R75, RX-340, 90' Wire, Wellbrook ALA100M Loop, Cumbredx mailing list
via DXLD) So did he have a good visit? (gh)
** U S A. 11715-, KJES missing June 2 at 1344, not even a carrier tho
it was inbooming yesterday during this hour.
11715-, the irregular KJES on the air June 3 at 1356 to S9+15 level
but JBM, singing with guitar (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. 17775, KVOH still missing June 2 at 1628 check; Dave Alpert
found out why from the FCC: KVOH neglected to renew their license!
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See 11-22
** U S A [and non]. Wolfy continues his survey of what`s really on YFR
frequencies, beyond the 15-22 UT hours, finished in time for DXLD 11-
22. Below segment is unedited further by gh. There may also have been
further changes to the 15-22 portion:
YFR relays 11-24 UT summary.
List shows TX relay site and meaned [previous/intended] program
language.
11-12 UT
6220 HUW-TWN S=8 Burmese
9460 P-K S=7 Ch
9865 P-K S=9+20dB Ch
11725 P-K S=9+35dB Ch
6239.984 BAJ-TWN S=9+15dB Ch
9279.977 JUN-TWN S=9+10dB Ch
12-13 UT
9865 P-K S=9+20dB Ch
11725 P-K S=9+35dB Ch
6239.988 BAJ-TWN S=9+15dB Ch
9279.979 JUN-TWN S=9+10dB Ch
11569.983 HUW-TWN S=8-9 Burmese
17515 UAE S=9+5dB Cambodian
11535.010 JUN-TWN S=9+20dB Ch
11520 PAO-TWN S=9 fluttery, Indonesian
9615 IRK S=9+20dB Indonesian 500kW powerhouse. QRM CRI BEI Mongolian
5970 K-A S=9+20dB Korean,
and heavy motorboot sound splatter jammer from KRE.
17545 UAE S=6 fluttery Lao
13820 A-A S=8 fluttery Tagalog-PHL
9465 IRK S=9+10dB Cebuano-PHL
11855 TJK S=5 Ru
15490 NVS S=8 fluttery Thai
7459.989 PAO-TWN S=9+10dB Vietnamese
11895 IRK S=9+10dB fluttery, Vietnamese
13-14 UT
17580 WER S=7 Bengali 500kW powerhouse
9364.900 A-A S=9+10dB Burmese 300kW
6239.988 BAJ-TWN S=9+15dB Ch
9279.970 JUN-TWN S=9+10dB Ch
9865 P-K S=9+20dB Ch
11559.980 HUW-TWN S=9+5dB Ch
11725 P-K S=9+35dB Ch
11519.992 PAO-TWN S=8-9 En
12154.987{May 31} 12160even{June 2} HUW-TWN S=9+20dB En
13820 A-A S=9+10dB fluttery En
[suffered by adjacent 13830 splatter RFA Tibetan / CHN
jamming]
9615 IRK S=9+20dB Indonesian 500kW powerhouse. QRM CRI BEI Mongolian
17735 UAE S=5-6 Kannada
15209.340{x.363 June 2} EKA S=6-7 Marathi 1330-1430
11570 EKA S=8-9 Oriya 1330-1430
17715 UAE S=6-7 Telugu
7259.958 TAI-TWN S=9 Vietnamese
9959.871 TAI-TWN S=9+20dB Vietnamese
11895 IRK S=9+5dB Vietnamese
14-15 UT
11570 EKA S=9 Oriya 1330-1430
11570 EKA S=9 Bengali 1430-1530
9615 IRK S=9+20 Ch?
9865 P-K S=9+20dB Ch
11559.980 HUW-TWN S=4-5 Ch
11725 P-K S=9+35dB Ch
9364.900 A-A S=4-5 En 300kW
15520 UAE S=9 Hi
15670 NAU S=9+30dB Hi 500kW powerhouse
15209.340 EKA S=6-7 Hi 1430-1530
15690 ISS S=6 Malayalam 500kW powerhouse
9595 UAE S=9+10dB Marathi [suffers QRM by Tokyo Nagara-JPN]
9900 TJK S=4-5 Nepali
15565 NAU S=4-5 Oriya 500kW powerhouse
9405 ARM S=4-5 Punjabi
17800 WER S=9 Sindhi 500kW powerhouse
17715.024 UAE S=5-6 Tamil
12065 ARM S=9+20dB Urdu 300kW
13730 WER S=4-5 Uzbek 250kW
2300-2400 UT May 31
9540 TAI-TWN S=7-8 in Japan Ch
9279.979 YUN-TWN S=7-8 in Japan Ch (Wolfgang Büschel, May 30/31/June
2, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
** U S A. EE.UU.: Harold Camping de Family Radio: "Sufrí una pequeña
equivocación"
http://diexismovenezolano.blogspot.com/2011/06/eeuu-harold-camping-de-family-radio.html
"Engáñase quien piensa que ésta es la tercera "profecía" de HC. Un
funcionario de Family Radio informó a "The Christian Post" que Camping
ya hizo al menos 10 pronósticos equivocados acerca del Juicio Final,
pero sólo algunos fueran conocidos por la gente." (via Lenildo Silva,
en "Diexismo", Facebook, via Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay,
June 3, condiglist yg via DXLD)
Yo no conozco mucho acerca de Family Radio, pero me vienen a la mente
algunas preguntas. ¿Es esta Family radio la misma WYFR de la década
de los '70, con transmisores en Okeechobee FL? ¿O es una "franquicia"
u otra figura por el estilo? El señor éste que acaba de ser
defenestrado, ¿era el propietario de la cadena o un simple empleado?
Saludos (Moisés Knochen, Uruguay, ibid.)
Respuesta afirmativa a todas tus preguntas: WYFR=FR, HC=WYFR=FR
(Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo, Uruguay, ibid.)
11830, June 3 at 1355, WYFR closing Bible study about Boaz --- sounds
like a much younger Harold Camping before his voice was cracking,
maybe sesquidecades ago. They must be dredging up old tapes like
University Network does with DGS, yet HC liveth. Also on many //
including 17555, which at 1357 outroed as ``Family Bible Study``, part
8 on Ruth (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, Have been hearing WYFR via FL on 7730 kHz between 0500-0800
UT, in English. This frequency is usually used for Polish and Romanian
transmissions. From info I gathered, translation work is being carried
out to, well, maybe re-structure the programming. I have been hearing
Mr. Camping's voice on air, but much of what I heard was older
material, his voice sounded stronger.
I have been hearing Nightwatch, Beyond Intelligent Design and other
"network" programs, including some ads for Dental Care tips and so on.
Apart from the grotesque waste of money over the May 21 date, one of
the saddest aspects of the whole thing is that fact the some people
have poured all their monies into it.
In my honest opinion, for a Christian radio station, which has been
providing programming for so many years, it is obscene that this May
21 went as far as it did. I am a Christian man, and I follow what the
Bible teaches, not some man's interpretation of it. I certainly
wouldn't quit my job, or empty my bank accounts. As for saying
millions are gonna die on May 21, well, that was disgusting too. The
man should have been taken off the air before scaring the sh*t of
thousands around the world. What about those RV's too? Best find a
dealership. What a joke (Chris Lewis, England, June 5, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
17795 // weaker 15770, June 6 at 1334, on WYFR a much younger Harold
Camping still discussing Ruth and Boaz, convinced that every word of
the KJV in English is direct from God, with hidden meanings behind the
history. They continue to dredge up ancient tapes of the Great
Authority, before he went off on his exact-date-of-rapture kick.
9865, June 9 at 1317 going from a violin/piano hymn to vocal hymn in
English, // 9280 which was a few sex ahead of it as best I could tell.
9865 is YFR via Petropavlovsk/Kamchatskiy, RUSSIA. 9280 via Paochung,
TAIWAN site, per Aoki, both scheduled originally as in Chinese (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. CHRISTIAN TALK RADIO JUDGEMENT DAY SCARE REAPS FAMILY
INHERITANCE --- About.com Guide By Corey Deitz,
Radio continually demonstrates the power that is created when a
message is coupled with the magnification of repetition and reach.
Such is the case with the family inheritance that Doris Schmitt
decided was going to go to Family Radio - not her actual family.
Schmitt was a follower of radio preacher Harold Camping and a believer
in his recent wrong prediction that Judgment Day was going to be May
21, 2011. Schmitt died prior to the May date but did leave her
inheritance to Family Radio, the network of 66 radio stations owned by
Camping's ministry.
Schmitt, who died on May 2, 2011 at age 78, left Family radio almost
$250,000 -, all but $50,000 of her estate. The remaining money is to
be split between two nieces.
One niece, Eileen Heuwetter, told CNN Money, "It’s just so frustrating
because I know there’s nothing I can do about it – this man (Harold
Camping) is going to get hundreds of thousands of dollars from my
aunt." According to Christianpost.com: "Her family members believe
that had she lived long enough to see the May 21 prediction fail, she
would not have left her inheritance to the Christian radio network
behind the failed doomsday claim."
Leaving money to the ministry probably pales in comparison to some
other ramifications of Camping's recent predictions. A 14-year-old
girl in Russia was so petrified of the coming end-of-the-world and
rapture, she committed suicide the same day.
The power of radio continues to be demonstrated. Media commentator,
Marshall McLuhan once said, "The medium is the message." What he
neglected to mention was the medium is unforgiving, as well (via Mike
Terry, dxldyg via DXLD)
** U S A. TERRY KLASEK --- I am passing on some news about the passing
of one of the more colorful characters in the hobby.
Terry Klasek was a noted DXer who lived in the St. Louis area. He DXed
from Normandy, Dellwood and, in recent years, Hazelwood, MO. He
reported to many DX bulletins during the 1970s and 1980s. During the
late 1970s and early 1980s, he led the St. Louis International DXers
(SLIDX), for whom he edited and published the club bulletin, ``The
Gridley Wave``. The SLIDX bulletin features the usual DX logs and
news. One of the things that made it stand out from the others was DX
humor, much of it written under the pseydonym of Alotto Carppolo. One
of the most poignant articles Klasek ever penned was his column, ``The
World According to Klasek``, about Dxer priorities, and told the sad
story of DXer Richard Pistek, who committed suicide in 1980.
Sadly, Terry Klasek died on April 26, 2011. Memorial contributions are
appreciated to the United Service Organization (USO) (Eric Bueneman,
N0UIH, Hazelwood MO, Musings, June NASWA Journal via WORLD OF RADIO
1568, DXLD) obit
** U S A. Tuning around MW, UT Saturday June 4 at 0440, came upon an
interesting discussion about exoplanets on 820, WBAP Fort Worth.
Usually a solid signal, occasionally went into deep fades to nothing,
but right back up. John Batchelor was interviewing a scientist in
Holland. Later researched on WBAP website to:
http://www.wbap.com/showdj.asp?DJID=52867
where he is scheduled UT Tue-Fri 04-05, Sun & Mon 02-05 (after news on
the hour?? Who cares about such details? And why would a talk format
use the term DJ??)
Above linx to his own website but WBAP retains framing unless
bypassed:
http://www.johnbatchelorshow.com/
And here are the details on this segment:
http://johnbatchelorshow.com/schedules/2011/06/friday-3-june-2011/
``Friday/Sat 1235A (935P Pacific Time): Govert Schilling, Science
magazine, in re: search for life on exoplanets; multiple-planet
systems abound; why a moon may not be needed to stabilize climate and
life``. ``In re`` is his favorite Latinism.
Apparently Batchelor originates at WABC, mentions ``(WABC, WMAL, WLS,
KSFO, WBAP and so forth)`` for streaming, live at ``01-05`` GMT with
conversions including ``8-12 CST``, as he apparently hasn`t figured
out that CST is not in effect and would be an hour apart from CDT.
Mentions both M-F and Sat-Sun as if really meaning 7 days at this
time, unlikely.
So WBAP only carries 25% of him on weeknights. He went to UTS and is
married to a reverendess; seems to have a particular interest in
space, exploration, so worth monitoring his topix. From this segment I
couldn`t really discern his politix, nor from his website.
Anyhow, an improvement from the farrightwingnutwackos WBAP pollutes
all day and evening M-F until 11 pm: Rush, Sean, Mark, Laura, plus a
Republican local show starting at 8:30 am CDT (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. Tonight on WABC at 6 pm EDT - NYC (11 pm UK/12 mid Euro),
There will be an interview with Rick Sklar, the old Program Director
that set up WABC, NYC years ago and developed into the music power
house in New York City. It is an old interview that the station found
recently and Rick Simone will have tonight on the online portion of
his 6-7 pm show (EDT-NYC). He does 6-9 pm, but the first hour is only
online. Once the show airs, you will eventually be able to listen on-
demand at the following link
http://wabcradio.com/sectional.asp?id=33449
(Facebook) (via Mike Terry, June 4, dxldyg via DXLD)
** U S A. 1280, FLORIDA, WIPC, Lake Wales. 2145 June 2, 2011.
Surprised to hear pieces of this 1 kWer weak under WTMY, Sarasota
(Talk format) with Mexican vocals. This one is in a small, dilapidated
(shocker) free-standing block building on the north side of Mountain
Lake Cutoff Road, just before entering Bok Tower's grounds as per my
noticing it awhile back when visiting Bok. And yes, this area --
located at about the center and peak of the disappearing and
environmentally unique Lake Wales Ridge, along the spine of Florida --
is about as close as you'll get to "mountains" in this state (Terry L
Krueger, Clearwater, Florida USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535;
ICOM IC-R75; Hammarlund HQ-180A; Aqua Guide 705 Radio Direction
Finder; Sangean PR-D5; Sony ICF-7600GR; GE SuperRadio III; RadioShack
DX-399; 1 X roof dipole; 1 X in-room random wire, dxldyg via DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
** U S A. NASHVILLE GETS A FULLTIME CLASSICAL FM, WITH WPLN'S $3.35M
PURCHASE OF WRVU --- Tuesday, June 7, 2011
http://www.radio-info.com/news/nashville-gets-a-fulltime-classical-fm-with-wplns-335m-purchase-of-wrvu
Nashville Public Radio The Vanderbilt University station inexplicably
changed call letters to WFCL on June 1, and that spurred rumors of a
sale or format change. Today comes the announcement from Nashville
Public Radio about its purchase of Class C2 WRVU (91.1) for
$3,350,000, and its almost immediate conversion from variety to
"Classical 91 One." The new format debuts Wednesday morning, June 8.
Vanderbilt, which has been talking about converting its broadcasting
program over to web-only, also gets the right to program the HD-3
multicast channel of the new classical WFCL. Vandy students will be
guaranteed internship opportunities. The purchase allows Nashville
Public Radio's existing WPLN (90.3) to focus on news and information,
like many other public radio stations around the country. WPLN has
recently been running all-classical on its own HD-2 signal (via Artie
Bigley, DXLD)
NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO BUYS VANDERBILT RADIO STATION
http://www.tennessean.com/comments/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607047/Nashville-Public-Radio-buys-Vanderbilt-radio-station
Vanderbilt University’s storied student radio station, WRVU, has been
sold to Nashville Public Radio, which will transform it to an all-
classical format, broadcasting as Classical 91.1.
The $3.35 million sale allows Vanderbilt Student Communications to
retain the WRVU name and to switch to an all-online format. The VSC
pushed ahead with the sale, despite protests from the station’s many
fans, arguing that college students today look to the Internet, not
the radio, for their music.
“The media industry is changing dramatically, a fact nowhere more
obvious than on a college campus where younger consumers and content
producers are gravitating to innovative technologies,” Mark Wollaeger,
Vanderbilt University English professor and chair of the VSC board of
directors, said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “This agreement will
help ensure for our students the opportunity to shape the future of
media for years to come.”
The proceeds from the sale will be used to establish an endowment to
support the VSC and its work with campus media.
Heartbroken WRVU fans greeted news of the sale like a death in the
family.
“It’s completely shocking. It happened so quickly,” said Sharon Scott,
a former WRVU DJ and station general manager, who helped organize WRVU
Friends and Family, a group that has worked for months to stop the
rumored sale. “WRVU gives — or gave, I need to start watching my
tenses — the community a voice in Nashville.”
WRVU began broadcasting in 1953, a constant presence at the bottom of
the FM radio dial for generations of Nashvillians. At any given time,
listeners might tune in and hear “everything from punk to Persian to
the Delta blues” playing, Scott said. Or just a Vanderbilt student or
professor speaking across the radio waves, getting a message out to
the community.
The sale of the broadcast frequency to WPLN will allow the public
radio station to switch to an all-news radio format, and broadcast
classical music on 91.1 FM. Nashville Public Radio also operates 90.3
FM, WPLN 1430 AM, WTML 91.5FM in Tullahoma, WHRS 91.7 in Cookeville,
WPLN HD2 and WPLN HD3.
For WPLN President Rob Gordon, the sale was a once in a lifetime
opportunity. The public radio station had long wanted to separate its
news and music offerings, but there were no open spaces on Nashville’s
radio dial.
“We’d have people call in and say, ‘It’s Saturday afternoon, I was
wondering if Mubarak had resigned and I turn on WPLN and you’re
playing opera,’” Gordon said. When rumors of a potential sale of the
Vanderbilt station began circulating two years ago, “We got very
excited. We just viewed it as an opportunity.”
WPLN has an agreement to purchase with the VSC and can file with the
Federal Communications Commission anytime in the next 18 months. When
that happens, the public will have the opportunity to share their
opinions, or protest the sale, directly to federal regulators (via
DXLD)
VSC – TRAITORS TO VANDERBILT STUDENTS RELEASE STATEMENT TO WRVU STAFF
Posted on June 7, 2011 by savewrvuradio
https://savewrvuradio.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/wollaeger-traitor-to-vanderbilt-students-has-released-the-following/
In typical mealy-mouthed and now trademark cowardly fashion that we
have come to expect, Mark Wollaeger, chair of the VSC, the
organization ostensibly charged with protecting WRVU, has issued the
following steaming pile:
Hello WRVU staff — this was held up by an attachment which I will
paste into a separate message. I‘m writing to let you know that the
board of Vanderbilt Student Communications has agreed to sell the
license of WRVU 91.1FM to Nashville Public Radio for $3,350,000.
WRVU’s programming format will continue online and, as part of the
agreement, will resume broadcasting on WPLN’s HD3 channel beginning
this fall. The agreement also guarantees Vanderbilt students will have
internship opportunities at Nashville Public Radio.
The new station, WFCL 91.1FM, will have a format focused on classical
music and the arts. It will promote local performances and events.
WRVU’s terrestrial signal will stop today at 2:30, switching to online
automation only. At midnight tonight, the 91.1 format change will go
into effect. (I apologize for the call letter confusion last night and
this morning; some signals got crossed along the way.)
If you’re a DJ with a show on WRVU’s summer schedule, please note that
automation will continue online through the summer. The station
facilities in Sarratt will be closed effective immediately. We plan to
use the time from now until the fall semester begins to upgrade
equipment, replace carpet and paint. We also believe that it makes
sense to pause and plan for what will be a highly promoted relaunch of
WRVU as an HD and streaming station on September 1. The VSC board
understands this change is disruptive to your summer plans, but it was
necessary in order to prepare for a successful fall semester of online
and HD broadcast programming.
To provide additional information about the sale, I’ve attached the
full press release to this email.
The VSC board has been evaluating the possibility of selling the 91.1
license since the fall of 2009. Board members have spent two academic
years engaging in meticulous research, soliciting outside ideas and
feedback, and talking with students, alumni, other Vanderbilt
community members and radio industry experts to consider numerous
options.
Student and faculty board members who served on the board during this
most recent academic year approved the sale of the license to
Nashville Public Radio. The previous year’s VSC board approved the
exploration of a sale.
It was critical to all board members that Vanderbilt students continue
to have the opportunity to gain radio experience, enjoy the
extracurricular benefits of their participation with WRVU, and offer
the WRVU listening audience valuable programming. The VSC board
believes these goals will be achieved through the continued online
WRVU stream, in-studio experiences using the latest technology, and
broadcasting on the new HD channel.
For those concerned that the terrestrial reach of WRVU programming
will be diminished, it’s worth noting that this fall our new HD
channel (which is being upgraded over the summer) will cover 4,400 sq.
miles, while 91.1 FM covers 2,700 sq. miles. We also have plans to
promote the new HD service, including a giveaway of HD radios to the
community.
The board has closely examined the changing financial framework of the
media industry and VSC, specifically. With new technology and media
industry changes making headlines almost daily, it’s clear to the
board the future of funding for collegiate student media is uncertain.
The $3.35 million VSC will receive as a result of the agreement will
fund an endowment we expect to grow over the years and provide a
reliable source of revenue for student media at Vanderbilt –
indefinitely. Our action has essentially guaranteed the viability of
all student media activities now and will make it possible to explore
new media opportunities in the future. I believe this accomplishment
is significant and tremendously beneficial to students and the
Vanderbilt community.
For WRVU, this new assurance provides VSC increased opportunities to
continue its investments in audio technology, studio upgrades,
marketing, special events, WRVU staff training and more. The VSC board
is looking forward to the various possibilities for WRVU in the near-
and long-term.
We’re working in partnership with Nashville Public Radio to
disseminate the news of the sale to the community. I met with WRVU
Station Manger Robert Ackley today to discuss the agreement. The
attached press release will go out to the media today. Alumni will be
updated on the agreement in the upcoming student media alumni
newsletter Tunnel Vision.
Thank you for your participation in WRVU. Please don’t hesitate to
contact me with any questions or comments. Best, Mark Wollaeger
Chair, Vanderbilt Student Communications Board of Directors (via DXLD)
more:
http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashvillecream/archives/2011/06/07/breaking-wrvu-purchased-by-wpln-will-become-classical-station#more
(via DXLD)
WRVU SALE CREATES STATIC
Thursday, June 09th, 2011, by Kim Green
Listen Now: More: MP3 Direct Link
old radioEmotions are running high this week following the sale of
WRVU to Nashville Public Radio. On the one hand, fans of college radio
are mourning the loss of another student broadcast channel on the FM
dial. On the other, Nashville Public Radio is hopeful that two signals
– one news, one classical, is the ideal combination.
WRVU is the latest domino to fall in a string of universities selling
their college radio stations—Rice University in Houston, University of
San Francisco, and Trevecca in Nashville have all sold in the last
year, as many colleges turn to online and HD broadcasts. WRVU was born
as a pirate radio station in a student’s dorm room sixty years ago,
broadcasting big band and country music. Over the years, it became a
legitimate, student-run service, and the one place where you never
knew what you might hear, from old blues to trance music to some
deejay’s favorite 70s song. . .
http://wpln.org/?p=27797
(WPLN News! via Artie Bigley, OH, DXLD)
** U S A. CLASSICAL MUSIC RADIO RETURNING TO R.I. AIRWAVES
http://www.projo.com/music/content/classical_music_returns_06-05-11_6UOEIJG_v12.ec6333.html
Classical music fans in Rhode Island will once again have access to
full-time classical programming on their radios thanks to a
partnership announced last week between Boston radio station WGBH and
Smithfield’s Bryant University.
Beginning in August, Bryant’s radio station, WJMF 88.7 FM, will re-
transmit the signal from WGBH’s All Classical service at 99.5 FM,
returning around-the-clock classical programming to the Providence
area.
Rhode Islanders used to get their classical music from both WGBH and
WCRB, a for-profit Boston station featuring an all-classical format.
But when WGBH bought WCRB in 2009, listeners here found themselves out
of luck. WGBH dropped its classical programs in favor of news and
talk, allowing WCRB to fill the classical niche.
WCRB switched its dial position from 102.5 FM to 99.5. The problem was
that the WCRB signal on 99.5 does not carry as well into the Rhode
Island area as the signal on 102.5 did.
Meanwhile, the Bryant station is boosting its signal from 225 watts to
1,200 watts by virtue of a recently awarded construction permit from
the FCC. Bryant spokeswoman Tracie Sweeney was unsure how far the
enhanced signal will carry beyond the Providence metropolitan area.
Bryant’s student-run station will continue to broadcast music, sports
and talk programs, but via a host of new technologies, such as HD,
smartphone applications and WGBH’s mobile DTV channels.
Sweeney said the partnership means that Bryant students will get
experience working with WGBH technicians on some of the most advanced
technologies in the field, which “looks pretty good to future
employers.” She said students will spend the next couple of months
working with experts from WGBH in preparation for the August
transition.(via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD)
** U S A. 6/1/11 - FCC FLEXING ENFORCEMENT "MUSCLE"
Radio industry trades and watchdogs have played up last month's raid
and seizure of pirate station Datz Hits 99.7 FM in Boston. According
to the FCC and Department of Justice, Datz Hits caused interference to
a licensed commercial radio station as well as an air traffic control
frequency at Boston's Logan International Airport. . .
http://www.diymedia.net/archive/0611.htm#060111
[with numerous linx] (via Artie Bigley, dxldyg via DXLD)
BOSTON PIRATE BUST IS A LESSON IN THE SLOW GRIND OF BUREAUCRACY
June 1st, 2011 by Paul Riismandel in FCC
http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/06/01/boston-pirate-bust-is-a-lesson-in-the-slow-grind-of-bureaucracy/
Datz Hits 99.7 FM [logo, caption]
It’s been quite some time since I can recall the FCC imploring a U.S.
Attorney to issue a warrant to shut down an unlicensed FM station. In
fact, it’s quite a rare action, usually reserved for long-running
stations that either have been utterly unresponsive to administrative
notices or have operated for a long time out in the open in civil
disobedience. However, on May 13 the FCC got Boston area U.S. Attorney
Carmen M. Ortiz to issue a warrant for the seizing of the transmitting
equipment used by “Dat Hitz” at 99.7 FM. While the press release
issued by the U.S. Attorney in Boston (PDF) might give the attention
that the bust was the result of swift action, the opposite is actually
true.
Though I hadn’t heard of the station before, it appears that the
broadcasters have been on the air for at least four years, and made no
attempt to be underground, maintaining a frequently updated website
and twitter feed. The website still features the FM frequency
prominently. As evidence for the station’s longevity I find published
complaints about “Datz Hitz” interfering with a commercial station on
99.5 FM going back to 2007. Interestingly enough, the twitter feed has
continued unabated since the May 13 raid, the only difference being
that on May 12 they were advertising the FM frequency, while on May 14
they were only promoting a web stream.
The FCC’s press release names none of the persons behind the
broadcast. Two separate Forfeiture Notices issued on May 17 (1, 2)
seem to be for the same station, listing the same 99.7 FM in the same
neighborhood as “Datz Hitz.” An earlier Notice of Apparent Liability
(NAL) from October, 2010 issued to the same individuals fill some of
the backstory left out of the FCC’s release.
FCC agents first investigated the station in October, 2009, and when
they found it they were allowed to enter the building where they saw
an unlicensed transmitter and left a Notice of Unlicensed Operation
(NOUO). Strangely, two men then contacted the FCC and invited agents
back to the station’s location and admitted to operating the station.
The agents then issued the men two NOUOs personally and the men agreed
to shut down the station.
Then, several months later in February 2010, FCC agents acted on
complaints and again investigated the station, finding it operating
from the same address. This time the broadcasters did not answer the
door. It then took the FCC until October to take further action,
issuing the NAL. After that, apparently the operators got a little
wiser and moved operations. It’s that second location that was the
site of the May 13 bust.
The story of this particular station serves as almost a textbook case
of how not to run an unlicensed station. First, don’t advertise your
station as if it were a licensed commercial station. Second, when the
FCC shows up, don’t let them into your building or studio. Three, if
they do leave a notice at your studio, don’t call them up later to
invite them over and admit to running it. Finally, if the FCC does
show up to your studio and leave a notice, don’t wait over a year to
move the station.
Of course the Commission is going to play up this action to give the
impression that it’s tough on pirate broadcasters and to scare off
other unlicensed broadcasters. But the truth of the matter is that the
FCC is really not equipped to be an enforcement agency. It’s
bureaucracy and procedures are designed to deal with people and
organizations that are licensed and want to keep their licenses, more
like the FDA than the DEA. Note that in this particular case how
months passed between FCC actions, and that the first action seems to
have taken place around a full two years after complaints were
published in the local newspaper.
This is not to say that the FCC cannot or will not take action against
an unlicensed broadcaster. Rather, the simple truth is that the
Commission is best at hitting sitting ducks, whether those ducks are
sitting due to complacency, an ethos of civil disobedience, naïveté or
simple ignorance (via Artie Bigley, DXLD)
** U S A. We visited a Seventh-day Adventist Church, at La Sierra
College, former licensee of KSGN *89.7, and saw the Heritage singers
in concert that night. They emanate from Placerville, near Sacramento.
I understand that KSGN has not really been sold, but its board of
directors has gradually changed from being Seventh-day Adventist, to
people of other religions. Still it is Christian contemporary, and
almost commercial sounding with all the underwriting. You would call
it a huxter operation!
I've also analyzed the TV dial, both digital and analog. The landlord
gave up Dish Network, and all they have is the set top box. Analog
exists on 45 (not 40, as it might have been before) in Moreno Valley
CA. They also have analog 69 in Moreno Valley, which I have only seen
as weak diagonal lines. There is an analog with foreign talking and
jewelry being shown, very snowy, channel 67, I have scanned in the
digital TV dial using different positions, but still fail to get KVCR-
TV, *26, San Bernardino, the next suburb up from Colton. KVCR tells me
they are on Bear Mountain, east of town, and wondered why I was
bothering with them, when there are channels 28 and 50 to watch! They
said if I try to get them the antenna will not get the other stations.
I told them the antenna is inside and repositionable. I wonder about
their attitude, and who they are trying to reach?
There are two Franken FM stations on 87.7 or 87.75 that have no video.
The analog on the TV tried to receive the Los Angeles one but due to
no TV carrier it would not lock on or in. I think the other Franken FM
-- both are Spanish, one mono, one stereo -- is in San Diego. The
stereo one, I believe, is Los Angeles.
Doug Smith has sent an e-mail with info on both the local TV and FM
stations for the coordinates where I live. That has proven helpful,
but there are numerous TV-LDs in nearby places like Redlands and
Redding that do not scan in, and there is or was a mysterious analog
TV 69 in San Bernardino. No phone listings exist for any of those;
otherwise, I would have phoned (Bruce Elving, Riverside CA, June 1, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
I have since found analog TV 27 from "Los Angeles," parallel to 67,
and coming in better. The FCC TV Query is not clear on any of this; I
think it needs basic upgrading, or is Hosnei not as good at analyzing
as Dale Bickel (FM query editor)? Perhaps it is because I keep
pestering Dale with updates that he is more on his toes (Bruce Elving,
June 5, ibid.)
** U S A. NJN New Jersey Network --- According to press reports, NEW
JERSEY IS GETTING OUT OF THE BROADCAST BUSINESS
Although New Jersey will retain the TV licenses, the TV stations will
be turned over to WNET-13 New York for the next 5 years. WNET already
promises to bring Charlie Rose to N.J. (I won't comment personally on
that). The TV stations will also change from 'NJN' to "NJTV".
The FM stations will be sold to either WNYC New York City or WHYY
Philadelphia. There are no guarantees for employment for NJN's 170
workers and it is possible all will be terminated (Joe Fela, NJ, June
7, amfmtvdx at qth.net via DXLD)
I have no dog in this fight, but how is it an improvement to turn over
a state`s public radio and TV stations to control by out-of-state
entities? It`s been hard enough for NJ to get its fair share of own
broadcast news, being sandwiched between those two major markets in
other states. The governor who pushed for this, compared the state
being involved in broadcasting to the Soviet Union. Go jump off a
chopper (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.:
NJ GOVERNOR BLASTS PUBLIC BROADCASTING AS SOVIET-STYLE
Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey has compared government funding
of public broadcasting to the former Soviet Union. He made this
statement before announcing a deal that will sell the state’s public
broadcasting network to New York’s WNET.
Fox News reports that “New York Public Radio will acquire four radio
stations under the agreement. At a press conference in Trenton,
Christie said the government ought to stay out of broadcasting, and
the relationship in New Jersey should have ended decades ago.”
Gov. Christie said, “in my view, that should have ended with the
Soviet Union. It’s ending here in New Jersey a little later than the
fall of the Berlin Wall. But we’re getting there.”
According to Fox News, “under the agreement, New Jersey will hold on
to the broadcasting licenses, but the TV arm of the NJN would be run
from New York and its radio station would operate from Philadelphia.
If approved, the deal would be effective July 1.”
Read more/view video at myfoxphilly.com
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/politics/local_politics/video%3A-christie%27s-%27soviet%27-remark-on-pbs-060611
(June 7th, 2011 - 11:20 UTC by Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog via
DXLD)
** U S A. 4369-USB, ALABAMA, WLO, Mobile. 1108-1127* June 4, 2011.
Compu-woman Caribbean weather, compu-ID, compu "Holding for traffic
for the following vessels..." at 1124, with a few compu-boat names
plugged in, then off. Clear and good, parallel 6519-USB (excellent);
8788-USB (weak); and 8806 (weak). (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater,
Florida USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535; ICOM IC-R75;
Hammarlund HQ-180A; Aqua Guide 705 Radio Direction Finder; Sangean PR-
D5; Sony ICF-7600GR; GE SuperRadio III; RadioShack DX-399; 1 X roof
dipole; 1 X in-room random wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** VANUATU. 3945, R. Vanuatu, 1210-1215*, June 1. In vernacular;
National Anthem and ended audio; stayed tuned to hear if they started
up the audio again as they sometimes do, but not today; transmitter
off at 1224.
3945, R. Vanuatu, 1150-1218*, June 2. In vernacular; news?; island
song; ID with frequencies; National Anthem and ended audio; stayed
tuned to hear if they started up the audio again as they sometimes do,
but that did not happen today; transmitter off at 1224; better
reception than yesterday (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, Etón
E1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
3945, R. Vanuatu, Port Vila. June 04 1001-1017 English pop ballad,
female in English talks, short music sounding like an Islands ballad,
male in English talks, music as a R. Vanuatu signature, talks outside
sounding like a drama. 35333. 73’s (Lúcio Otávio Bobrowiec, Embu SP
Brasil, SW40 - Dipoles and Longwire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** VATICAN [non]. 13730, June 5 at 1158, R. Vaticana via CANADA in
Spanish, quoting Pope past 1200 when lite CCI from Portugal starts
underneath; 1210 still Spanish since this is a Sunday, instead of
English. Now it`s vying with WINB for SSOB, tho before 1200, GUF 13640
would have won.
13730 via CANADA, Monday June 6 at 1213, back in English ending
``Vatican Radio World News`` with papal stuff, fair signal to open
carrier at 1214, still no IS. On Sunday this segment stays in Spanish
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** VENEZUELA [non]. Another Sunday, another week with no Hello from or
to the President who will never relinquish power voluntarily: checked
all 5 scheduled frequencies via Cuba at 1617 June 5 and only silence
on 11690, 13680, 13750, 15370 and 17750.
However, at http://www.alopresidente.gob.ve/ a `live` `Aló,
Presidente` *is* in progress at 1620 UT, No. 375 for June 5, details:
http://www.alopresidente.gob.ve/info/2/2122/inicia_%5Caluepresidente%5Cdesde_el.html
Annoyingly, if you navigate from one page to another on the website,
the embedded webcast is interrupted and has to be restarted. His
favorite color is red, no doubt in the Soviet tradition rather than
the contemporary American political sense. Not only he but his
audience are all wearing red shirts, which we would never have known
via RHC.
So why isn`t RHC carrying it? Perhaps they gave up trying after a
couple of months of no-shows.
And why does the website display time in UT-4 as 12:20 pm? Has Hugo
decreed that his Bolivarian fiefdom go back to normal standard time
instead of UT -4:30? Timeanddate.com still shows UT -4.5.
At 1630, El Hugazo said the program today would be short as he urged
his guest to hurry up (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** VIETNAM. 12000, June 8 at 1238 checking for the RHC spur heard
yesterday, instead there is Russian YL, altho maybe RHC underneath.
HFCC shows DW via Sri Lanka, and VOR does not start until 1300 via
Khabarovsk; also V of Vietnam at 1100-1300, 100 kW, 27 degrees from
VN1 site USward. Aoki refines this: VOV is in fact in Russian at 1230-
1300, alternating half-hours with Chinese; DW is in German, and VOR
not listed. VOV heard again June 9 at 1326, very poor, near the end of
Chinese broadcast, no RHC audible (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
** WESTERN SAHARA [non]. ALGERIA, 6297.160, RASD Saharan radio from
Tindouf Rabouni on shortwave was heard again on May 30 by A-DX ng
member Dominique Kremp in France, after absence in past 2...3 weeks.
Only MW outlet noted by Carlos Gonçalves in Portugal recently.
G.C. 27 33 11.34 N 08 05 55.77 W
(Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 3 via DXLD)
First is photo of self-supporting tower, really SASASAM?
Second is group of photos, including that one from `Sahara`.
Third is a huge sandstorm in the distance (gh, DXLD)
Carlos Gonçalves told me immediately, that RASD is only on MW 1550 at
evening/night broadcast, but v6297 used mornings only. Here in Germany
6297 is mostly heavily disturbed by UTE STANAG signal broad bandwidth.
Noted a Perseus image peak yesterday night on 1550.030 kHz, but
disturbed by 1548 powerhouses. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, June 5, dxldyg
via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** YEMEN. 9780.13, Republic of Yemen Radio, 0352-0445, June 7, Arabic
talk. Traditional Arabic music. Fair. Irregular. Not heard very often.
Nothing heard the next day, June 8 (Brian Alexander, Mechanicsburg,
PA, Icom IC-7600, two 100 foot longwires, dxldyg via DX LISTENING
DIGESTE)
** ZAMBIA. 9505, CVC Radio Christian Voice. 2033-2200* June 5, 2011.
Clear and good at tune-in (beam obviously shooting always to Florida
by default). Usual NZ-ish and white South African (very pro) show
hosts, with Christian-tinged patter, modern Christian rock, Matthew:
25 quote, ID, South Afro phone number, plug pulled on the SW feed
abruptly (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida USA, 27.55.83 N,
82.46.08 W, JRC NRD-535; ICOM IC-R75; Hammarlund HQ-180A; Aqua Guide
705 Radio Direction Finder; Sangean PR-D5; Sony ICF-7600GR; GE
SuperRadio III; RadioShack DX-399; 1 X roof dipole; 1 X in-room random
wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Axually aimed at Michigan (gh)
** ZANZIBAR [and non]. 11735, RTZ is reported by two people in a
recent issue of the International Shortwave League`s bulletin, one at
1646, the other at 1835 UT; the exact dates aren`t clear but probably
March-April of this year. We have seen NO other reports of this for a
few years, and have our doubts. The reason for its absence has been
discussed in DXLD long ago, an undersea power cable cut. Currently
there is nothing on the schedules at these times, but Romania in
English at 1700-1756. Maybe it will eventually come back, so let`s
check for it just in case.
ISWL publishes some other questionable logs, such as Caribbean Beacon,
Anguilla on 7375, where it has never been (tho DGS` Costa Rica station
used to be there); 6890 KNLS, not used recently; 7145, R. Hargeisa,
debunked; 13600, R. Sweden, which is long gone from SW except WRMI;
12050, R. Biafra, UK at 1911 in English, also long gone. Maybe that
was really V. of Russia in the B-10 season; now only WEWN in Spanish.
Altho we see a few reputable log reporters in ISWL who also contribute
to other UK clubs, it seems that ISWL is editorially isolated (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
** ZIMBABWE [and non]. Logs for 7-6:
http://zlgr.multiply.com/journal/item/375
4828, V of Zimb, 1816 talks by OM in Eng? S6/S3 QRN 232x2 in wide
filter
4880, SWR Africa, 1820 talks in vernacular with much of Arabic hears
[??] S9 35333
4895, ZWE Community, 1821 talks by OM in VN 1822 a hilife song, S7
352x3 (Zacharias Liangas, Greece, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. On Friday evening 20th May I noticed a very strong and
new jammer on two frequencies in the 49 metre band, at 6045 and 6185,
identical FM type sweeper at about 3 sweeps per second 'wuh-wuh-wuh'
sound, the strongest signals on the band at 1900 local for at least an
hour. Had to stop listening then and no chance in the last few days.
Scanned the other bands but no similar jamming heard. I've looked at a
number of Internet sites but cannot find what these two frequencies
carry at that time that merit deliberate interference. Of course as
mentioned before I notice a lot of other interlopers in the 6 and 7
MHz bands, mainly RTTY (Des Walsh, Ireland, June World DX Club Contact
via DXLD)
Like you, Des, I can't find anything on 6045 and 6185 at that time
that would be a target of jamming (Mike Barraclough, England, ibid.)
UNIDENTIFIED. Hello friends! Can someone tell me more about a possible
intruder into ham bands on 7170 kHz? I can hear it now. Sounds
Arabian, but i am not sure. Greetings (Thomas, Germany, 1733 UT June
2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
====>
http://www.muenster.org/uwz/ms-alt/africalist/africalist.pdf
tent: Voice of Broad Masses, Asmara, on my dipole: SINPO 45444, 1743
UT. nom: "Eritrea"... "Asmara"... now some numbers in Arabic... 73+55.
[later:] what I hear on 7170 kHz/ O=3-4, notching CW in realtime with
HDSDR:
http://www.rhci-online.de/HDSDR_20110602_172313Z_7170kHz_AF_Asmara.aac
Program was 1804 UT off air. 73+55 roger (Roger, Germany, ibid.)
Is it linked with the station using STANAG on this channel at 1200z?
I have heard it the past two local evenings and could be a form of
jamming like the North Koreans employ (Robin L. Harwood VK7RH,
Norwood, Tasmania 7250, Icom R70 to indoor antenna, June 7, ibid.)
Hi, Have heard the same signal, as Robin, for several nights now. With
all due respect to Thomas and Ham radio ops, I would NOT call this an
intruder. The number of SWBC stations operating on 40 meters is just a
handful. The few remaining, like Guinea, probably have fixed-frequency
transmitters and can't move. At least Hams can move to avoid these
stations (which is why I am amused, whenever a Ham "makes his point"
by tuning up, on top of Guinea, or some other station). This goes
hand-in-hand with the "bully tactics" of a European group of Hams, who
routinely e-mail "intruder" stations, telling them they will "be in
big trouble" if they don't vacate 40 meters. I know Radio Hargeisa,
was in receipt of such e-mails. Also, I'll remind everyone, that not
too many years ago, there were big clashes in this range, between Hams
and SWBC, so the situation today is much improved for the Hams.
Perhaps this was not the intention of Thomas' question; but it got me
thinking. 73s, (David Sharp, NSW, ibid.)
I should declare myself here. I was for a time Intruder Watch co-
ordinator for VK7 and so I am still interested in intrusions in
exclusive amateur allocations. FWIW the STANAG was not there last
local evening. Probably chose the channel due to extremely poor condx
of late. Anyway with the diminishing amount of stations on shortwave
there is going to be plenty of vacant channels for broadcasters to
use. Hams are entitled to have exclusive allocations (Robin L.
Harwood VK7RH, former IW co-ordinator for VK7 (1980's), ibid.)
UNIDENTIFIED. VERY STRONG AM STATION ON 7.195 MHZ. MUST BE A PIRATE!
(Tim Tomljanovich, K9SB, 0404 UT 29 May, NRC-AM via DXLD)
Was going to say it's perfectly legal for hams to transmit AM on
7.195, but it's not legal for them to broadcast music! They're
adjusting the modulation from time to time, including fading it all
the way out at least once. S9+40dB in Pleasant View with classic rock.
(Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, 0411 UT, ibid.)
Tim, it would be very helpful if you tell us where you are located
(Paul B Walker, Jr, Marion IL, ibid.)
Hi Paul: Sorry, located in Byron, IL. Have a directional antenna and
the AM station playing music is east of me! (Tim, ibid.)
Seaside OR it is S9+ and my antennas aren't really set for SW with the
matching transformers. Very strong with little fading (Patrick Martin,
Seaside OR, 0430 UT, ibid.)
Good signal into Calgary AB at 0430 UT (Deane McIntyre VE6BPO, ibid.)
It went abruptly off the air at 11:35 CT. -- (Doug Smith W9WI,
Pleasant View, TN EM66, ibid.)
All that was on a MW list – didn`t see it on DXLD or any SW list. But
it so happened I was also getting that on 7195, as previously reported
here: ``UNIDENTIFIED. 7195.0, May 29 at 0437, surprised to hear big
steady S9+20 AM signal with rock/soul music, good modulation, but cut
off the air as another song started, never to return tho I kept a
receiver on frequency past 0500. Could be a ham testing illegally, or
some broadcaster initially punching up the wrong frequency. While it
briefly lasted, better signal than just about anything else on 7 MHz
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)``
UNIDENTIFIED. Re tone tests earlier on 17870, etc.: on June 9:
1105 UT (tune in) 11850 kHz
1125 11950
1200 12000
1230-1324* 12100
de Hiroshi
I can receive a single tone on 11950 kHz today at 1215 tune in.
Hiroshi received on 11850 kHz until 1125* today (S. Hasegawa, Japan,
June 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
At present 1000 Hz tests on 11499 / 11500 / 11501 kHz, not much strong
in Austria. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, 1609 UT June 9, ibid.)
And AIR Bangalore similar 1000 Hz tone with strong 60 Hz BUZZ
accompanied, into AIR signature at 1613 UT, June 9, 73 wb
Wolfie: Is 11620 still available for them at that hour, UT? (Noble
West, TN, ibid.)
Maybe 11500 kHz coverage of 1000 Hertz tone audio has something to do
with jamming by Sudan against co-channel R Dabanga, latter in Sudanese
Arabic from RNW Madagascar relay site. 11620 Bangalore is regular here
in Russian, at present S=9+40dB 1644 UT. 73 wb (Büschel, ibid.)
I guess the 1000 Hz tone on 11500 mixing with R Dabanga until 1730
comes from the transmitter site itself as it seems to disappear just
at the same time the tx is turned off (Jari Savolainen, Finland,
ibid.)
And AIR Bangalore similar 1000 Hz tone with strong 60 Hz BUZZ
accompanied, into AIR signature at 1613 UT, June 9, 73 wb (Wolfgang
Büschel, ibid.)
UNIDENTIFIED. 13730, June 7 at 0544, the same unique jamming sound we
used to hear before 0530 when R. Dabanga was on via UAE, but why here
and now with RD supposedly moved to 15550 and over at 0527 anyway?
It`s a mixture of pulsing tones and noise, occasional brief breaks to
silence indicating the entire sound is coming from a single audio
source (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 13883, June 7 at 0548, open carrier. Could be ute or
broadcaster in this area, more likely ute (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 14422-SSB, June 3 at 1349 intermittent 2-way in Italian,
one side barely audible. Says ``cambio`` for ``over`` just like the SS
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. Balkan music today on 15100 --- At 1540 UT June 6 quick
check, sounded like the same stuff as before [15400 UNID, DXLD 11-22].
Earlier at 1410-1415* this frequency had continuous 1000 Hz tonetest
(Glenn, OK, 1605 UT June 6, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See 15445
This one is still on air at 1720 on 15100, and it's a very strong
signal at my location in NW England = 9+20db on peaks = with some
fading below S9 (Noel R. Green, ibid.)
Der - möglicherweise - RIZ Zagreb Ingenieur sendet wieder aus Ägypten,
Libyen oder Saudi Arabien? 15100 um 1735 UT mit
S=9+15dB in Island,
S=9+40dB in der Steiermark, Austria.
73 (Wolfgang Büschel, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
I assume the very strong signals as close as Austria rule out this
coming directly from Croatia due to skip zone? (gh, DXLD)
15099.998 measured against RWM Moscow 14996 and WWV Fort Collins 15000
kHz. 1805 UT ----
Re Balkan music today on 15100 kHz. {Probably} RIZ Zagreb engineer
plays music originate from "Slavonia - Eastern Croatia" [Kninska
Krajina], tentatively from transmission center in Egypt, Libya or
Saudi Arabia?
15099.998 kHz at 1735 UT n sdr remote units
S=9+15dB in Iceland,
S=9+40dB in Styria, Austria.
(Wolfgang Büschel, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews June 5 via DXLD)
15100, June 6 at 1410—1415* continuous 1000 Hz tone test; recheck at
1540 found `Balkan` music, like previous days on other frequencies;
RIZ Zagreb test? See also 15445 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Hello DXers, Here in Cairo, Egypt, I can hear a song around 1745 UT,
SIO 343; the language is a Balkan language. Been listening to non stop
music till 2045 UT, same style of music. All the best (Tarek Zeidan,
Cairo, Egypt, 1852 UT timestamp, so 2045 does not match, dxldyg via DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
Suddenly went off air at 1937 UT with a 'Windows closing down' sound
just as it quit, prior to that has been an excellent quality signal
(apart from a bit of QSB) here in NW England. ICF-2001D with Indoor
wire (Tony, UK, 1942 UT, ibid.)
UNIDENTIFIED. 15445, June 6 at 1232-1242.5*, 1000 Hz continuous tone
test, poor signal comparable to adjacent Turkey 15450. Still off at
1250. Nothing registered here between 10 and 15. A lot of these have
shown up the past few days (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 15480, June 2 at 0604 open carrier to S9+10 peaks, 0615
tone test on and off and on. HFCC shows CNR Beijing at 01-13, and VOR
Samara at 04-12. EiBi and Aoki list only CNR1 from Beijing 572 site,
but what became of the programming from this on a Thursday, not their
Tuesday siesta? Since it`s listed, this is a real CNR1 frequency, not
a jammer! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Or more of 15100 etc
UNIDENTIFIED. 15760, June 6 at 1215, VTC or rather Babcock, soporific
music loop fill. Long pauses of about 28 sex between repetitions of
the music which lasts almost 60 seconds. Cut off the air at 1249:14*
before the final repeat could complete. SLBC Sri Lanka is the only
HFCC registration at this time, probably wooden vs 15745 in Hindi; and
Israel later on 15760. Aoki also has Sound of Hope via Tajikistan at
1330-1400 only, but probably unrelated to this (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
15760: Glenn Hauser observed an UNID station on this channel June 7.
Today June 8 at 1245 UT noted a well heard broadcast station in
Chinese language, S=9+5dB, but at next check at 1255 UT was
disappeared then. My guess, SOH Sound of Hope from Dushanbe Yangi Yul
was listed at 1230-1300 UT already on 15745 kHz, so went up 15 kHz
now?
Aoki list:
15745 SOH Xi Wang Zhi Sheng 1230-1300 täglich Chinese 100kW 95degr
Yangiyul-TJK SOH
73 wolfgang df5sx (Büschel, June 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 17461, June 5 at 0552, S9+15 open carrier with some
regular fades, occasional chirps. Nothing that strong inside the 16m
BC band (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 17480, June 5 at 1308, S9+10 carrier with continuous
1000 Hz tone, past 1322, 1330, and went off by 1347, maybe a minute or
two earlier as it`s hard to maintain attention to such programming.
17480 is 5 kHz below the de-facto bottom of the expanded 17 MHz SWBC
band, where nothing is scheduled. At 1358, 17485 had open carrier,
1400 cutting on Brother Scare hymn // unsynchronized 9385 WWRB (Glenn
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
UNIDENTIFIED. 17600. I have been listening for last 15 minutes (since
1440 UT) to an unID station on 17600 playing back-to-back music.
Sounds Greek/Balkan music, or similar, although at 1458 the song
sounds more Arabic or Indian? I had heard a test/tuning tone on this
frequency at 1410 to gone 1430 when I tuned away. Tuned back at 1440
and found the music playing. Strong signal with no other co-channel
interference. There is no station shown as scheduled at this time in
HFCC/AOKI/EiBi. It sounds exactly the same as the unID station I heard
and was widely reported by others on May 29 on 15400. I'm guessing
it's the same station again, maybe? (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK, 1459 UT
June 5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Thanks Alan for a tip. Ditto here in Finland, strong signal. A bit
down of the nominal, about 17599.97, Balkan sounds, who knows the
language? 73, (Jari Savolainen, 1519 UT June 5, ibid.)
Thanks Alan, I can receive nonstop music station strongly in Japan.
I was able to receive 15400 kHz last week in Japan, too (S. Hasegawa,
1548 UT, ibid.)
Sei-ichi and Alan: I am hearing the unID station loud and clear here
in Tennessee. Strong carrier, full fidelity audio as of 1601 UT, no ID
given so far, playing mostly music, great selection if you like Greek
music. Could this be Athens testing a new transmitter or frequency?
Maybe Good Ol' GH knows and has his resources to come up with a
conclusion. It is my guess this is coming from either Athens direct or
brokered relay via UK or Sentech sites. 73's, (Noble West, BMSS, TN,
dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Others agree it is not really Greek music. Fat chance VOG would be
adding a new transmitter.
17600, June 5 at 1635, music test (``Balkan``?), fair signal with
nothing scheduled. Not // Greece 15630. First reported by Alan Roe,
England, from 1440, with tone test earlier in that hour. May be
related to the tone earlier on 17480, and the mystery music test on
15400 last Sunday.
In BDXC-UK, Peter Wilde identified some of the music as in Croatian,
leading Dave Kenny to speculate it`s the transmitter-maker RIZ in
Zagreb testing a new unit (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Thanks for the tip, Alan. It does indeed sound the same as the unID
transmissions which I heard last Sunday 29 May on 15400 kHz in the
1600-1800 UT period. That also carried back-to-back Arabic and Balkan-
sounding music - same as what is currently on 17600. There is also
quite a loud hum in the modulation today.
I wondered last week if it might be the Croatian transmitter company
RIZ testing a transmitter, just a guess. At least they are not causing
interference to the BBC on 15400 today! 73s (Dave Kenny, UK, 1534 UT
June 5, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD)
Playing the station into the SoundHound app on my iPod, it has
cleverly identified the last few songs played as Kninska Kraljica by
Anica, Na Obali by Jasna Zlokic (both Croatian) and Katar Khayre by
Sherine (Egyptian). A useful tool, if not giving a definitive answer
in this case! (Peter Wilde, Harrow, 1610 UT, ibid.)
Re 17600 test. as Dave Kenny and "Peter Wilde" explained, seemingly
RIZ Zagreb testing new TX unit? Listen to recording, noted at remote
Perseus on Iceland and at Regensburg Bavarai with S=9+20dB signal.
73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büshel, ibid.)
17600 Sendertest --- Dave Kenny wird schon Recht haben, da testet RIZ
Zagreb einen neuen Sender, gespielt mit kroatischen Liedern. Wer
Kroatisch (ex YUG Sprachen) versteht / übersetzen kann, sollte mal
hinein hören. Ich habe hier auch ein Recording vorliegen. Kann ich
übersenden. S=9+20dB in Island, Regensburg. 73 wb (Büschel, June 5, A-
DX via BDXC-UK, via DXLD)
Test on 17600 in progress as I am still intuned at 1706 UT. Good
Reception this hourtop, noted delightful melody, in Arabic(?). This as
you state could be Zagreb testing new transmitter or 17600 frequency.
Been awhile since I noted hearing them on SW. Best Listening to all
DXLD members on this one! 73's, (Noble West, BMSS, TN, Sangean
ATS818ACS, Radio Shack 23 foot reelout antenna for shortwave, dxldyg
via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Alles an einem Tag beobachtet: vor einem Vierteljahr gab es auch eine
Meldung über neue DRM Sender für Saudi Arabien. Warum sollten die
Continental Amis den Auftrag nicht 'unter-vergeben' haben, in
Wertachtal steht auch ein 500 kW RIZ Zagreb Sender. Sogar zu FJS
Zeiten in 1968 war der Ismaning 1602 kHz Sender aus Zagreb (über
Siemens Wien) geliefert.
EGY - zur Zeit der Unruhen liefen 2 Monate nur die Abis Sender,
160 km nördlich Cairo gelegen.
Alle Sender beim Groß-Gefängnis Abu Zabaal sehr nahe Cairo waren
ausser Betrieb. Das kann die Firma RIZ/Ingenieure in Ägypten, Libyien,
oder Saudi Arabien sein ... Eike Bierwirth hat heute früh auch über
Unregelmäßigkeiten in Saudi Arabien [q.v.] auf 21 MHz berichtet.
Und Sonntag ist ja ein normaler Werktag in der Moslem-World ...
17480 tone test / 17600 / 15400 ist alles gleiche Sosse.
73 (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.)
Very strong signal on 17600 since 1709, 5 June tune in, still
continuing at 1855. Non-stop Croatian pop vocals; very pleasant
uptempo mostly. Brief man talking, laughing, in Croatian, but was only
a recorded intro to the song by the male vocalist, seemingly a
recording of a live performance recording, not a radio announcement.
Alerted to this by Jari, with a lot of additional info via Wolfy in
Germany. Apparently has been heard, various frequencies in past week
or so, similar programming. Sources in Europe suggest that it is a
test of an RIZ Transmitter Co. unit. RIZ is in Zagreb, Croatia. RIZ is
known to have sold transmitters previously to both Egypt and Libya.
Could this be an new installation in either? Somewhere else? From the
Zagreb factory? I have an inquiry out to RIZ but will they answer??
Interesting mystery (Don Jensen, WI, June 5, NASWA yg via DXLD)
UNIDENTIFIED. MYSTERY TEST ON 17870 TODAY --- From 1241 tune-in past
1331, continuous 1000 Hz tone on 17870, but another station is
underneath producing SAH. If pattern holds as on previous frequencies,
later on this may present Balkan/Croatian music (Glenn Hauser, OK,
1333 UT June 7, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Open carrier until 1430 UT, after still single tone on 17870 kHz (S.
Hasegawa, Japan, 1706 UT, ibid.)
This one tuned at 1500 UT and still(?) with test tone only. It is not
as strong as yesterday - if still the same one - averaging S9 with
occasional peaks to 10 dB over and fades to below S5. Similar
reception here from the great Jamahiriyah on 17725 - now seemingly
somewhat overmodulated with studio echo in English (Noel R. Green (NW
England), 1517 UT, ibid.)
Yes, just switched on at 1515 UT June 7, and when checked 16 mb noted
also this 17870 kHz outlet, and two peaks on 17869 and 17871.000 kHz,
when heard via remote sdr unit Greece noted S=9+25 ... +30 dB.
[S=+35dB in Vienna, same in Braunschweig; S=9+20dB in Holland]
HFCC list:
17870 1215-1330 41,49 ABZ 250kW 90deg Eng EGY ERU
My guess, RIZ engineers reshuffle EITHER Egyptian units at Abu Zabaal,
or overhaul the 3rd unit at Sabrata in Libya?
Libya 17725 at same time with much less S=9+5dB
[S6 in Vienna, S=9+10dB in Braunschweig; S=9 in Holland]
signal, and unclean audio compared to 17870 kHz.
Similar field strength noted in 16 mb on Greek unit at 1545 UT,
like 17540 IBB Sawa Kuwait, 17615 Ar and 17660 French from Riyadh.
73 wolfy (Wolfgang Büschel, 1546 UT, ibid.)
17870, June 7 at 1241 tune-in, today`s frequency for the mystery 1000
Hz tonetests, S8 to S9+10, and with SAH, still same at 1254, 1309,
1331. The understation must be R. Cairo`s English as scheduled 1215-
1330 to SE Asia, never readable here, so that presumably rules out
Egypt as source of tests. At 1352 now in clear, has improved to S9+12,
only lite fading. Curious to hear if and when this would switch to
Balkan/Croatian music like other frequencies previous days, I leave a
receiver on 17870 all morning, but nothing but tone continues past
1715, except for an open-carrier break at 1415 until 1430:40 when tone
resumed; at 1521:30 there was a split-second break in the tone. I may
have missed some others but generally constant toning. Finally went
off about 1725, never having switched to music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
S/off a 1721 UT. Cordialmente, (Tomás Méndez, Spain,
http://www.amarantadx.net dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Busy DXing TV, noise instead of tone must not have registered with me
for a few minutes (gh, DXLD)
UNIDENTIFIED. 18041, June 7 at 0549, another open carrier, with some
fading so not internal. Probably utility (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX
LISTENING DIGEST)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Without DXLD, I don`t think that I would bother any more with our
hobby. Thanks again for your professional and informative approach
(Mark Davies, Anglesey, Wales)
Thanks to Franklin Seiberling for providing easy-to-remember redirects
to the latest issue of DXLD: http://dxld.org and http://dxld.net as
well as http://worldofradio.org to worldofradio.com (WORLD OF RADIO
1568)
PUBLICATIONS
++++++++++++
WRTH A-11 UPDATE UPDATE
The WRTH Update#2 for A-11 is dated 27 May, but we didn`t see it until
June 2, while checking for it almost every day. It shows changes in
red, mostly what we previously reported right after #1 came out.
We have spotted red under: AUSTRALIA, CUBA, CZECHIA, GERMANY, GUAM,
ISRAEL, JAPAN, PAKISTAN, PALAU, PORTUGAL, SLOVAKIA, SPAIN, UKRAINE,
UK, USA-Farda, USA-VOA, USA-Overcomer, USA-University, USA-WINB, USA-
WWRB, USA[sic]-TDP, USA-WBCQ, USA-WRMI, VATICAN; Clandestine KOREA
NORTH, SUDAN, UGANDA, VIETNAM. Some appropriate deletions have also
been made without specification. So throw out #1 and refer now to #2
only (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
WRTH ON FACEBOOK
This is the new WRTH Facebook 'fan' Page. This has been created
because Facebook has changed the group settings and this should be a
more efficient means to deliver news and information about WRTH and
broadcasting.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/WRTH-World-Radio-TV-Handbook/208899345815073
(via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD)
Set up by Sean Gilbert, International Editor. Currently it`s just a
plug for the 2012 edition. Then you keep getting prompted to log in.
What if you don`t want to participate in Facebook? Another institution
with a perfectly good website of its own falls into the Facebook trap
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
NEW LINK TO FCC HIGH FREQUENCY BROADCAST SCHEDULES
Anyone still using the FCC's old link to the seasonal schedules:
http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sand/neg/hf_web/seasons.html
which now takes you to:
http://transition.fcc.gov/ib/sand/neg/hf_web/seasons.html
should know that it does not take you to the latest version:
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/high-frequency-stations-seasonal-operating-frequency-schedules
where the A11 schedule was updated June 2, 2011.
And I'll note that the new FCC website probably will generate great
bonuses for the programmers, unless it's the users who get to vote.
df (Dan Ferguson, June 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
NASB 2011 --- PPT FILES OF USA DRM MEETING
Some files are very large!
Power Point Presentations are slides only [some are pdf or jpg]
1. Connecting Radio to the Classroom - paper by Cui Litang of China
about his use of shorwave radio broadcasts to teach English in China
2. Radio in Days of Isolation - PowerPoint by Cui Litang of China
about the difficulties with jamming and Internet blockage in his
country
3. Shortwave Listener Survey Results - PowerPoint by Dr. Jerry
Plummer with results of the NASB 2010-2011 survey of shortwave
listeners
4. TDF Presentation - by Jerome Hirigoyen of TeleDiffusion de France
about his company's transmission services and shortwave relay sites,
including Montsinery, French Guiana
5. WYFR History - history and background of NASB member WYFR in
Okeechobee, Florida
6. WYFR Antennas - Diagram of WYFR's antenna farm in Okeechobee,
Florida
7. WYFR-WRMI - PowerPoint about NASB's two member stations in
Florida: WYFR in Okeechobee and WRMI in Miami
8. DRM Receiver Buyer's Programme - Presentation by Michel Penneroux,
Chairman of DRM Commercial Committee, about a plan to stimulate mass
production of low-cost DRM radio receivers
9. Reaching Latin Americans - PowerPoint by Rex Morgan, Senior
Producer for Latin America of World Christian Broadcasting
[All available via:]
http://www.shortwave.org/mediafiles.htm
(via Alokesh Gupta, dxldyg via DXLD)
Same page has files mostly mp3 from previous years skipping 2010 and
2009 (Glenn Hauser, DXLD)
LANGUAGE LESSONS
++++++++++++++++
ENGLAND'S REGIONAL ACCENTS --- Geordie's still alreet
Some accents are becoming more distinctive and others more widespread
Jun 2nd 2011 | from the print edition [with maps]
A FIERCE pride in one’s regional roots can be found throughout
England. Increased mobility and the ubiquitousness [sic] of television
and radio have done surprisingly little to homogenise the distinctive
accents and dialects that characterise the different parts of the
country. Some are spreading; some retreating. Some are mutating; some
are even getting stronger. But, overall, the pronunciation and prosody
of spoken English seems to vary as much as ever across the country of
its birth. . .
http://www.economist.com/node/18775029
(via Gerald T Pollard, DXLD)
POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS
++++++++++++++++++++++++
"LA MUERTE DE LA ONDA CORTA ES INMINENTE" - Esto es muy preocupante...
La radioafición tal como la conocemos, podría extinguirse para el año
2020. Esta es la única conclusión posible a extraer de un documento
privado de política de la UE que se ha filtrado a varios bloggers
radioaficionados.
El documento propone que las normas vigentes de protección de RFI de
las frecuencias de onda corta sean derogadas, aludiendo que:
“La prevención de la utilización o el aumento del costo de la
tecnología esencial para proteger las actividades de un pequeño número
de aficionados no tiene sentido político.”
Esta política ha sido ya extraoficialmente discutida en Ofcom del
Reino Unido, que fue uno de los principales contribuyentes al informe.
El informe sugiere que la retirada de las normas relativas a la onda
corta RFI ahorraría costes significativos al eliminar la necesidad de
ocuparse de las quejas sobre la interferencia.
También sugiere que en el Reino Unido la Ley de Telecomunicaciones (y
leyes similares en otros países de la UE) sean modificadas para
eliminar cualquier derecho a la protección de la interferencia de la
emisión, amateur o servicios CB.
Para apoyar sus recomendaciones, el informe afirma que:
“la radiodifusión de onda corta está en rápido declive, con la mayoría
de los organismos de radiodifusión móvil e Internet” y que “el uso
previsto de banda ciudadana como un servicio de comunicación personal
ya ha sido reemplazado por el uso de teléfonos móviles.”
Los Radioaficionados, dice, llevan “poca comunicación de cualquier
importancia que no se podía hacer uso del teléfono, red de telefonía
móvil o Internet”. El principal uso de la radioafición, sugiere, es
“en gran medida de recreo” y podría ser sustituido por “las
simulaciones en línea y servicios VoIP o de chat”. Los
radioaficionados también podrían hacer un mayor uso de las bandas en
gran parte libre de interferencias por encima de 400 MHz que podrían
ser vendidos a los usuarios comerciales. Los radioaficionados que
“puede todavía experimentar con la radio en la forma consagrada por el
tiempo, simplemente no deben esperar para poder disfrutar de recepción
libre de interferencia en las ondas cortas.”
La razón de la voluntad de eliminar la protección de nuestras
frecuencias se hace evidente al leer la parte del informe que describe
las tecnologías futuras que se espera que cause problemas con el
cumplimiento de RFI. Con el fin de cumplir con los objetivos de
emisiones de carbono y hacer frente a la escasez de energía causada
por la espera que el cierre anticipado de las plantas de energía
nuclear en países como Alemania, la UE tiene previsto introducir redes
inteligentes en todas las naciones europeas en 2020. Estas redes
inteligentes haran uso de la tecnología PLC para comunicarse con los
medidores inteligentes en cada hogar individual.
Los contadores inteligentes, a su vez, utilizaran la tecnología PLC
para comunicarse con dispositivos inteligentes con el fin de regular
su uso. Cuando la demanda de electricidad es alto, los cortes de
energía o la puesta en funcionamiento de cara estaciones de energía de
reserva se puede evitar mediante el corte de los dispositivos no
esenciales en su lugar.
Ejemplos de dispositivos no esenciales que figuran en el informe
incluyen amplificadores lineales de radio aficionados - suponiendo que
todavía es posible oír nada en onda corta en la PLC y QRM PLT en el
primer lugar.
La UE también propone que el 80% de las propiedades en los Estados
miembros deben estar equipadas con paneles solares para el año 2020.
Para lograr este objetivo, los costes de instalación será fuertemente
subsidiado por los gobiernos, lo que claramente quiere reducir los
costes de la medida de lo posible. Las estimaciones producidas por un
fabricante chino de sistemas de energía solar, sugieren que el ahorro
de costes que se derivarían de la eliminación de la necesidad de
circuitos de supresión de RFI en los convertidores de potencia
ascendería a 4 millones de euros para el conjunto de Europa.
El informe concluye que “el costo de proteger el espectro de onda
corta de la interferencia de las tecnologías que son esenciales para
ser instalado en toda Europa en la próxima década para alcanzar los
objetivos de las emisiones y mantener el bienestar de todos los
ciudadanos europeos es simplemente prohibitivo”, e insta a que los
Comisarios de la UE aprueban las leyes necesarias.
publicado en
http://www.radioaficion.com/ según
http://aer-dx.org/eldiald/a-mas.php
(aunque no encuentro el enlace original). (via Horacio A. Nigro,
Montevideo, Uruguay, June 1, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See OKLAHOMA
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See also CHINA; ITALY; LUXEMBOURG; NEW
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ZEALAND; PORTUGAL; SPAIN; UNIDENTIFIED
17600; PUBLICATIONS; DIGITAL IBOC below
``DRAM``
Re DX LISTENING DIGEST 11-22, June 1, 2011”
AUSTRALIA (...) Also I'm not sure if anybody in the group knows this,
but from around May 20th or so, the VL8T new transmitter has
reportedly been running DRM tests. (...).
I've heard a "rumour" that VL8T was running DRM signal simultaneously
with AM (analogue) signal. I'm not sure it there is truth to this or
not, nor if even possible. I heard that there is something about a
technology that enables this on the DRM website (I haven't looked
yet). (...)
Gosh, this topic could go for a while. I think I have to look at the
DRM website; perhaps DRM can be carried as a sub-carrier on a SW
carrier like RDS can on FM? I'm over my head on this I have to check
this out later. I need enlightenment --- other than that offered by
Harold on Family Radio :-P G'Night, all. 73's (Ian Baxter, NSW,
ibid.)"
It seems this is actually done; I have spotted RNE, Arganda del Rey,
1359 kHz doing just that, but managed to hear them with both DRM
& AM just once so far, as reported in DXLD yg this year.
The explanation as provided by a Carlos Mourato, CT4RK, who works at
the Pro-Funk managed DW relay down in Sines after I asked him for a
comment on that log of mine:
"RNE is using simulcast with the same transmitter. DRM is attached to
an AM modulated carrier.
The idea was that no mutual QRM existed, but unless the transmitter is
very carefully adjusted, especially if the OFDM (*) modulation has its
Q component modulated at a high level, it is very difficult, if not
impossible that both modes actually cause no QRM to each other. In my
opinion, you'll have either one or the other, not both, at least in
the present time.
RNE's DRM isn't much interfered by AM. I receive RNE's DRM mainly at
night via NVIS, the signal is very strong and steady, which translates
into a fairly good Signal to Noise Ratio. The quality is very good, no
dropouts, and perfectly compatible to FM."
*) Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing as explained for
instance at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthogonal_frequency-division_multiplexing
I have no recording of that "DRAM" as I call it, but what I heard gave
the impression of an AM signal being jammed though perfectly readable.
At that time, I was unsure about whether it was coming from two
separate transmitters or just one as it seems to be the case. 73,
(Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, June 9, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> The only thing I wouldn't like about DRM is that, apparently, the
mediumwave codec is incapable of stereo audio transmission.
That would kill it for me - I'd rather just have wideband mono analog
than digital with no stereo. Too bad - lack of forethought there in
developing the DRM standard. Digital Radio Mono = no good for music.
HD AM is so hard to receive that I doubt few people would enjoy the
advantages, if there are any. I did some reception tests and got
alarming results on it - KMKI C-Quam = 290 miles daytime. KMKI IBOC =
20 to 30 miles. Also limited their analog signal severely. WBAP soon
dropped IBOC because it was affecting their analog coverage, and they
are a station that really does care about their distant listeners.
KAAM C-Quam = 290 miles daytime. KAAM IBOC = less than 10 miles, which
had series implications over their target market.
AM IBOC - no starter - DOA. Even Tom Ray abandoned advocacy of it.
FM IBOC - also severely cuts into analog FM coverage. 130 miles
before, 80 miles after. That lost the station a secondary market and
portions of their primary market. Madness, and insanity - all the IBOC
stuff AM and FM. The lemmings rushing off the cliff when major market
stations are willing to give up portions - sometimes large portions -
of their affluent suburban markets to accommodate a flawed standard
that no listener really cares about. Someone is a heck of a snake oil
salesman with the high pressure sales tactics. Because if I owned a
station, I'd kick iBiquity out on its rear (Bruce Carter, TX, June 8,
ABDX via DXLD)
Not to mention the poor range of AM HD I have read about. A 50 kW AM
station is lucky to have listeners 20 miles away without dropouts.
Plus add the terrible adjacent-channel hiss and no way HD AM will
ever be widely accepted. A poor idea forced onto the AM band by
profit minded salesmen, not engineers.
Plus I have always wondered why AM stations seem to be afraid to
promote anything technical to their listeners? The ones that do run AM
HD seem to never bother to tell their listeners they are broadcasting
in AM HD. I have never heard KCJJ AM 1630 ever announce on the air
that they are broadcasting in AM Stereo. Why not promote or celebrate
the extra effort they are making to their listeners? I would think
that would be a selling point to mention they are in AM Stereo plus
generate a little excitement among their listeners? Most of their
listeners probably don't realize they are broadcasting in AM Stereo
unless they took the time to look up AM Stereo on Google to find out
if anyone was still broadcasting in AM Stereo these days. Do they
think all Americans are technical dolts and would "freeze" or be
totally confused if they ever mentioned they were broadcasting in AM
Stereo on the air? They seem to avoid mentioning the "S" word,
Stereo, like the plague. 73 - (Todd WD4NGG Roberts, ibid.)
Here in Seattle our airwaves are "graced" with a Radio Disney
affiliate on 1250 whose main channel audio sounds like a 5 kHz phone
line. But the good news is they have IBOC. How does _it_ sound? You
guessed it: they're using it to broadcast 5 kHz sound. It's been this
way for at least five years. Unless they got the equipment for free, I
can't understand the point of even _having_ IBOC if your audio is
restricted to 5 kHz. It isn't the CC-sounding rolloff, it actually
sounds like an old-fashioned network line. -- (Rick Lewis, ibid.)
Most of this discussion, of course, has been rehashed here and on
numerous other mailing lists and message boards ad infinitum for the
last decade.
I'd just add one data point here: AM-IBOC *is* effectively dead, even
if it hasn't quite stopped twitching yet. Barry McLarnon's list of AM
stations running IBOC tells the tale: out of nearly 5000 AM stations
in the US, fewer than 300 ever ran IBOC at night, and that number has
been on a very steady decline for several years now.
I've attended every NAB Show in Las Vegas since 2001, and can testify
that at the most recent shows, there has been no - and I mean zero,
zip, nada - buzz about AM IBOC. No new product introductions, no
discussions about AM digital at the engineering sessions, and most of
the new radios being touted at the Ibiquity booth don't even offer AM
reception capability.
The handful of stations still using the AM IBOC system are doing so
largely because their ownership groups made early commitments to the
system and don't want to lose face by dropping it. Even within those
groups, though, equipment is not always being repaired as it fails,
and stations that weren't part of the original push for AM IBOC aren't
being converted now.
Most of the stations still causing serious interference at night are
owned by one particular group, and that group's director of
engineering has a lot invested in the system, having been a former
Ibiquity executive. Those stations won't be turning off IBOC as long
as he's running the show...but I'll bet that when he's gone, the IBOC
will go, too. (Yes, radio engineering is often as much a game of
politics and personalities as it is of actual engineering.)
Even within the business, AM IBOC is already being treated by many as
an interesting historical footnote on a par with AM stereo --- no
matter what you might read in some of the trade magazines that have
vested interests in reporting otherwise. s (Scott Fybush, NY, ibid.)
RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM
+++++++++++++++++++++
FM TRANSMITTING POLARIZATION
Just for your amusement, I relate the following story: Once many, many
years ago I had a long telephone conversation with Dr. Andrew Alford
(he was manufacturing a very critical FM directional antenna I'd
specified for one of our clients) and he told me that he had been on
the original committee which made the recommendation to FCC regarding
the choice between horizontal and vertical polarization as the
standard for FM (and TV) sometime around the change from "high
frequency broadcast" stations (as FM's were then known back in the 45
MHz days) to the 100 MHz band.
He told me that he had voted for horizontal, and that the split was
only one vote apart, and that if he had had the chance to do it over
again he would have changed his vote to vertical, which would have, of
course, changed the standard adopted by the Fearless Confusion
Conspiracy.
(Our office library has a copy of the old "high frequency broadcast"
rules from 1939 and they don't specify AM or FM or antenna
polarization.)
In much of the world, FM transmitting stations are quite likely to use
vertical polarization rather than horizontal or mixed polarization. I
don't have any statistics, but I would not be surprised based on my
observations in obscure places (as well as in W. Europe!) to find that
vertical polarization is more common than horizontal. For one thing,
it is somewhat easier to manufacture a satisfactory vertically
polarized antenna to produce more or less omnidirectional radiation
than one that is horizontally polarized. If given a good set of
drawings, the average bicycle repair shop can make perfectly useable
low power FM transmitting antennas, particularly vertically polarized
arrays of dipoles! (Ben Dawson III, Hatfield-Dawson, WA, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
EAS INTERRUPTIONS TO TV PROGRAMMING
Would you PLEASE move the `required monthly` EAS tests from the middle
of your programming (11:48 am today [during Oklahoma News Report final
playback]) to the breaks between programs? Thank you! I understand
that there is a provision in the rules for doing this (Glenn Hauser,
Enid, May 3, to Mark Norman, OETA, via DXLD)
Dear Mr. Hauser, The EAS tests are run at random as required by the
FCC. Since the EAS message is a chain of messages started by the
primary EAS station in the OKC market, OETA and all other stations
have to air the EAS breaks when they come down. It is an automatic
interruption of the programming on these test because we do not know
when they will happen.
A weekly test that is presented by OETA as a TEST can be between
programs and we see to do this. If a test airs during a program it was
a test that was triggered by the primary EAS station in the market and
OETA has no control over when this message airs.
I hope this makes clear our FCC and EAS limitations (Mark Norman,
Deputy Director, Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, 7403 N.
Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73113-4160, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Just checking with you. Is he correct that monthly required EAS tests
HAVE to interrupt programming? (Unlike weekly ones) (Glenn to Doug
Smith, via DXLD)
As he says, a monthly test is originated by a "Primary Entry Point".
If OETA isn't that PEP, then they have no control over when the
monthly test happens.
"Secondary" stations such as OETA may delay the relay of a monthly
test by up to 60 minutes.* It is not unusual for a station to delay
the relay of a monthly test to a natural break in programming.
However, some lesser-staffed stations allow these tests to be relayed
immediately. I suppose delays are more difficult to schedule on non-
commercial stations like OETA, which have far fewer breaks.
EAS test planning is on a state level. Here in Tennessee, we're
informed in advance of when the monthly test will happen (but have no
control over when that will be). It is possible that Oklahoma EAS
authorities do not inform stations of the monthly test in advance (to
be honest, that policy would make for a more effective test...). I
suppose it's also possible Oklahoma EAS policy does not allow for
delaying the relay of a monthly test (I am not familiar enough with
the rules to know whether a state EAS plan can prohibit this delay).
The other difference with OETA is that its coverage extends into
multiple TV markets -- into multiple EAS operational areas. The
monthly test may happen on Tuesday at 3:15 pm in Tulsa, but on Friday
at 9:45 am in Oklahoma City. If OETA suspends programming long enough
to keep the OKC monthly test from interrupting programming, they leave
a gap in programming on the Tulsa and Eufaula transmitters.
* a *real* Presidential alert may not be delayed (Doug Smith, TN, May
3, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Dear Mark, OK - but :: Tonight June 7 Tavis Smiley on OKLA was
interrupted somewhere in the middle for EAS.
BUT, I happened to be watching KOCO, and they managed to insert the
EAS test, apparently delayed by them, neatly just before the late
start of Nightline at 11:26. Just as if it had been programmed in like
a commercial, not interrupting anything. Regards, (Glenn Hauser, Enid,
to OETA, via DXLD)
Glenn, Thanks for your note. EAS has always been an issue with
viewers. No one likes them and broadcasters do not like them. The only
time we have really needed the system on a national basis, it did not
work. It works poorly on a local basis. The FCC requires us to do
random test.
What Channel 5 did is in many broadcasters eyes not legal because they
recorded and played back the EAS message just like you said. This
makes it not random and not directly a test of the system which is
supposed to be a message that is from a chain of stations that is
designed to repeat an emergency message from a national source. Many
stations monitor for the EAS test and once one airs, then they air
theirs sometime later when they want, maybe 15 minutes later.
All I can say is you had better not be watching one of these stations
for a real national emergency or you might get the message 5 to 10
minutes after the atomic bomb explodes over Enid or you get gassed by
some source. The EAS came out of the 1950's and 1960's scare that we
would be bombed or gassed. Thanks for asking; this is my opinion.
(Mark Norman, Deputy Director, Oklahoma Educational Television
Authority, 7403 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73113-4160, June
8, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
I'm obviously not a lawyer but I would dispute Mr. Norman's
interpretation of the legality of delaying a RMT. By my reading of the
rules it's clearly legal to delay a *test* by some amount of time. FCC
regulation 11.61 clearly allows a 60 minute delay.
http://louise.hallikainen.org/FCC/FccRules/2011/11/61/
11.51 also allows this:
http://louise.hallikainen.org/FCC/FccRules/2011/11/51/
and also requires that EAN messages ("you're about to get nuked") must
NOT be delayed (scroll to the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs from the end of
the document).
KOCO is by no means the only station that delays RWT (Required Weekly
Test) messages; indeed, in my experience that's the norm, not the
exception (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
Glenn, This subject has many who have opinions on it. Too many
commercial broadcasters do what they want and not what is "right". IF
THE EAS SYSTEM IS GOING TO WORK broadcasters cannot build or use it in
a way that sets it up for failure.
In my opinion, depending on an operator to see that AN EMERGENCY
MESSAGE HAS BEEN RECEIVED and then playing back their version of the
message, real or a test, is certainly a formula for failure.
OETA passes the test as we feel is the intended of the FCC and for the
safety of the viewer. I was a commercial broadcaster and because I did
not want to make the viewers mad, I did the same as others and delayed
the message. The FCC relaxed the rules to ALLOW for this because
broadcasters complained but it is not the intent and it sets the
system up for failure, in my opinion.
I guess we all have opinions and some are right and some are not. I
will always put the safety of the viewer in the OETA service area
first vs. what I think might offend a viewer by a once a week short
message that interrupts programming. We have had no other complaints
about our EAS messages that I am aware of. It is kind of like the
tornado coverage by commercial stations. If you have no tornado in
your area you do not want to miss your programming. If you have a
tornado a few miles from your house you want live coverage. Thanks for
the information (Mark Norman, Deputy Director, Oklahoma Educational
Television Authority, 7403 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73113-
4160, June 8, ibid.)
FCC SETS NATIONAL EAS TEST
Inside Radio June 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 9 at 2 pm eastern time [by then, 1900 UT] is the
date the FCC and FEMA have picked to conduct the first-ever national
EAS test. “Without a test, we’re all just hoping the system works as
planned,” FEMA’s Damon Penn says. The test may last as long as three
and a half minutes. The FCC says a national dry run is likely to
become “routine” in the years to come (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via
DXLD)
WIDEBAND SLOW PULSER
Gone for the last five days is the very wideband slow pulser across
much of HF that so far I have not been able to get any solid
information on in over four years. Only in a very quiet RF location
could it be heard across much of HF from about 6.7 to over 26 MHz, in
three varying bands around 8, 12 and 22 MHz, the latter virtually 24
hours a day. Caused much difficulty with weak stations on 7 MHz,
including amateurs and on 21 MHz including the amateur band but I
never heard anyone complaining about it except mention from a Canadian
listener a few weeks ago in Glenn Hauser's column that mentioned 6800
to 7000 kHz (DXLD 11-13).
Characteristics are (were?) about 4 pulses per second, soft like a
chuff-chuff-chuff sound and weak but varying in strength by about 6dB
every 40 kHz (very slightly less ca 39.5 kHz spacing, tune across say
a 4 MHz sweep and count the number of peaks, do a bit of calculation,
takes time!). Despite letter to magazines never got any positive
responses, suspect some form of OTH radar, but certainly not like the
French NOSTRADAMUS that hammered the 31 metre broadcast band with
massive 1 MHz-wide pulses two June mornings for a few hours a couple
of years ago, also heard around 13.8 MHz and into the 14 MHz ham band
Recent events in the world, from the Haitian earthquake, the Japanese
earthquake/tsunami, the North African/mid East movements with shutting
off of digital communications, shows how vulnerable modern society is.
But shortwave and medium wave, the dinosaurs of broadcasting as some
smart-alecs call them, are a positive useful tool in emergency. Such a
shame to see them being held in such low regard by the powers that be,
mesmerised by the digital world. Save our shortwave (Des Walsh,
Ireland, June World DX Club Contact via DXLD)
This project might also be useful to locate shortwave broadcast
jamming sites. Posted: 06 Jun 2011
Military & Aerospace Electronics, 5 June 2011, John Keller:
http://www.militaryaerospace.com/index/display/article-display/0591105378/articles/military-aerospace-electronics/executive-watch-2/2011/6/pinpointing-hf_radar.html
"Surveillance and reconnaissance experts at the U.S. Intelligence
Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) in Washington will brief
industry June 23 on a project to enhance signals intelligence
capability to pinpoint high-frequency (HF) [shortwave] radar and
communications systems anywhere in the world. ... HF radio waves -- as
any Ham radio operator or shortwave radio listener can tell you -- are
particularly difficult because they not only follow line-of-sight
paths, but they also bounce off of layers Earth's upper atmosphere
called the ionosphere and come back to the Earth's surface where
antennas tuned to HF frequencies -- roughly 2 to 30 MHz -- can pick
them up. ...
The IARPA HFGeo program seeks to capitalize on advances in high-
dynamic-range receivers, antenna techniques, adaptive signal
processing, and ionospheric ray path prediction, and improved
measurement and modeling techniques to geolocate HF emitters around
the world, as well as determine if these signals are involved with
benign commercial activity, or are part of hostile communications and
radar systems." (kimandrewelliott.comm via DXLD)
Navy: Reprieve until June 3 for garage door signal foulup
2:21 PM Thu, May 19, 2011 | Thomas J. Morgan
http://newsblog.projo.com/2011/05/navy-reprieve-until-june-3-for-1.html
NEWPORT, R.I. -- Naval Station Newport announced Thursday that it will
cease testing the recently installed Enterprise Land Mobile Radio
System until June 3 to allow neighbors who may be experiencing
interference with their garage door openers time to make necessary
corrections.
Complaints had been received from a number of communities, as far off
as Narragansett, that garage door remote control devices suddenly had
ceased to work, coinciding with the launch of the new system. One
company, Overhead Door, of Warwick, said Wednesday that it would
replace and install parts at no cost to its customers.
The Navy said in a news release that the Enterprise Land Mobile Radio
System is being fielded at most U.S. military installations and uses
radio frequencies between 380 and 399.9 megahertz, a range long
reserved for use by the Department of Defense but underutilized until
now. Some radio-controlled garage door openers operate on an
unlicensed basis on these same frequencies. Such devices operate
legally under Part 15 of Federal Communications Commission rules, at
very low power, with the requirement that they do not interfere with
government communication systems, the Navy said.
The Navy said that base commanding officers do not have the authority
to modify their system because of local complaints, or to offer
compensation to unlicensed users affected by the new system. The Navy
said that affected homeowners should contact their garage door
manufacturer or installer for more information (via Terry Krueger, FL,
June 9, DXLD)
SW RECEPTION WITH THE SANGEAN ATS-909X
FYI - - - posted to ATS909X yahoo group by Ron Howard:
June 2nd received my 909X from Amazon, which will supplement my Etón
E1. First evening with the 909X was focused on just casual reception.
My listening was done from my car, which was parked at a nearby beach.
I stretched out 100 feet of antenna wire along an adjacent fence and
attached it via alligator clips to the whip antenna of the 909X.
Found Argentina (RAE) on 11711 kHz. to be very pleasant; listening to
their tango music and songs after 0200 UTC (June 3). MP3 audio posted
at http://www.box.net/shared/52ncm7scvv
with a nice song heard during my reception.
On June 3rd, in the evening, started looking for more serious
reception from my beach location. Used LSB to hear Dominican Republic
(Radio Amanecer) on 6025 kHz. in Spanish and playing some religious
songs after 0245 UT (June 4). Comparable to some of my past receptions
with my E1 here.
Then on to some real DX. At 0333 UT (June 4) on 6015 kHz. Heard
presumed Zanzibar playing some African Hi-Life music; seemed to be
their usual sports(?) coverage (announcer somewhat excited) and the
unmistakable signature drums played at 0358. Presumed to be them based
on many past receptions when I was able to hear their distinctive
xylophone sounding Interval Signal (IS) at 0257 UT, all the way
through to the drums theme music. Today’s reception was certainly
comparable to some of my past receptions with my E1 here, which is
always a tough copy, with poor reception.
Finally went up to 15110 kHz. to check out the sign on at 0410 UT
(June 4) of Tatarstan Wave/GTRK Tatarstan, via Samara (Russia). Brief
IS followed by IDs: first in assume Tatar; second in Russian: “V
efirye programa na volnye Tatarstana” and played some nice music. MP3
audio at
http://www.box.net/shared/rb9k2sxis6
with IS, ID and a song. Heard at a decent level.
Based upon these limited receptions, I am happy with the overall
performance of the 909X so far. Most noticeable is the fine audio it
has. In many ways the performance seems comparable to my E1, which I
have been very pleased with for many years now. Am glad I bought the
909X! Recordings made via iPod and edited with Audacity software.
(Ron Howard, Reception at Asilomar State Beach (Pacific Grove),
California, ATS-909X + 100 feet of antenna wire, via dxldyg via DXLD)
NEW SOFTWARE DEFINED RADIO
Hi All, I was at a local radio rally yesterday and one of the stands
was a display of single band SDR models for the amateur bands.
What was more interesting was the company owner told me that work
is well advanced on a 'general coverage' model 1 - 30 MHz. It is hoped
to launch this unit around August at a price in line with their other
models. Initial details have been posted at
http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/sdr-4.htm
Regards, 72 [sic], (Brian, BDXC -1262, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD)
PIXEL TECHNOLOGIES AND WELLBROOK ANTENNAS COMPARED
Guy Atkins performs the Pixel Technology - Wellbrook Antenna shoot-out
with interesting results...
http://tinyurl.com/3wrz9v6
On the DXer.ca Website -- (Colin Newell is the editor and creator of
Coffeecrew.com, DXer.ca and BobHarris.com Amateur Radio VA7WWV -
Victoria B.C. Canada | HCDX via DXLD)
OVER MOD ON THE INCREASE?
I have been watching this "overmodulation" thread and think that there
may be a problem with observation. I suspect strongly that
junky/bad/unwanted/splattery sidebands are being observed and the
problem is being immediately (and incorrectly) blamed on
overmodulation.
I suspect that the REAL problem is simply distortion in the modulating
circuitry in the transmitter, not actual overmodulation. Just because
a signal splatters over one or more adjacent channels does not mean
the station is overmodulating. Distorted modulation (caused by a dead
modulator tube, for example) can easily cause such trashy sidebands.
Knowing how little maintenance is being pulled on transmitters
nowadays, this seems perfectly logical to me. Or an RF amplifier tube
that has low emission and simply can't produce the required positive
peaks. The list goes on.
To flush out the answer about whether the station is overmodulating or
not, simply watch the output of your receiver I.F. strip on a scope.
Don't look at the demodulated audio. Look at the "RF" being applied to
the demodulator. I point out this little tidbit because even my
Collins 51J4 has distortion on the negative peaks at modulation levels
considerably below 100% and most radios do the same thing.
And while I have your attention, you would do yourselves a favor by
giving a brief look at an appnote on this subject of why demodulators
distort. To see it go here
http://tonnesoftware.com/miscellany.html
and click on Demodulator. I suspect you will find the paper to be an
eye opener. 73, JimT W4ENE (Jim Tonne, TN, May 7, NRC-AM via DXLD)
I've not noticed an overall "cranking up", but I know of two stations
that have mod set to 99% negative, and 130-135% positive. Sound wise,
you don't hear distortion, except in the nulls of the DA. I guess they
figure that the fine is not that severe if you don't hit/exceed 100%
negatives. If they are running a narrower filter, (8 kHz), sometimes
it's real hard to notice the difference (Fred Vobbe, Lima OH, ibid.)
PROPAGATION
+++++++++++
CHANCE OF MAGNETIC STORMS
3 June 2011
SpaceWeather.com - NOAA forecasters estimate a 45 percent chance of
geomagnetic activity on 4 June when an incoming solar wind stream and
a CME might deliver a double blow to Earth's magnetic field...
http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=03&month=06&year=2011
(via Mike Terry, June 4, dxldyg via DXLD)
MAGNIFICENT SOLAR FLARE ON JUNE 7TH
Space Weather News for June 7, 2011 http://spaceweather.com
MAGNIFICENT ERUPTION: This morning around 0641 UT, magnetic fields
above sunspot complex 1226-1227 became unstable and erupted. The blast
produced an M2-class solar flare, an S1-class radiation storm, and a
massive CME. A recording of the blast from NASA's Solar Dynamics
Observatory ranks as one of the most beautiful and dramatic movies of
the SDO era. Must-see movies at http://spaceweather.com
AURORA WATCH: High-latitude sky watchers in both hemispheres should be
alert for auroras during the late hours of June 8th or 9th when a CME
from today's eruption could deliver a glancing blow to Earth's
magnetic field. Aurora alerts are available from
http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice) or
http://spaceweathertext.com (text).
(via Mark Coady, Peterborough, ON K9J 6X3, ODXA yg via DXLD)
'DRAMATIC' SOLAR FLARE COULD DISRUPT EARTH COMMUNICATIONS
AFP By Kerry Sheridan | AFP – Tue, Jun 7, 2011
http://beta.news.yahoo.com/unusual-solar-storm-could-disrupt-earth-communications-194814480.html
An unusual solar flare observed by a NASA space observatory on Tuesday
could cause some disruptions to satellite communications and power on
Earth over the next day or so, officials said.
The potent blast from the Sun unleashed a firestorm of radiation on a
level not witnessed since 2006, and will likely lead to moderate
geomagnetic storm activity by Wednesday, according to the National
Weather Service.
"This one was rather dramatic," said Bill Murtagh, program coordinator
at the NWS's Space Weather Prediction Center, describing the M-2
(medium-sized) solar flare that peaked at 1:41 am Eastern time in the
United States, or 0541 GMT.
"We saw the initial flare occurring and it wasn't that big but then
the eruption associated with it -- we got energy particle radiation
flowing in and we got a big coronal mass injection," he said. "You can
see all the materials blasting up from the Sun so it is quite
fantastic to look at."
NASA's solar dynamics observatory, which launched last year and
provided the high-definition pictures and video of the event,
described it as "visually spectacular," but noted that since the
eruption was not pointed directly at Earth, the effects were expected
to remain "fairly small."
"The large cloud of particles mushroomed up and fell back down looking
as if it covered an area of almost half the solar surface," said a
NASA statement.
Murtagh said space weather analysts were watching closely to see
whether the event would cause any collision of magnetic fields between
the Sun and Earth, some 93 million miles (150 million kilometers)
apart.
"Part of our job here is to monitor and determine whether it is Earth-
directed because essentially that material that is blasting out is gas
with magnetic field combined," he told AFP.
"In a day or so from now we are expecting some of that material to
impact us here on Earth and create a geomagnetic storm," he said. "We
don't expect it to be any kind of a real severe one but it could be
kind of a moderate level storm."
The Space Weather Prediction Center said the event is "expected to
cause G1 (minor) to G2 (moderate) levels of geomagnetic storm activity
tomorrow, June 8, beginning around 1800 GMT."
Any geomagnetic storm activity will likely be over within 12-24 hours.
"The Solar Radiation Storm includes a significant contribution of high
energy protons, the first such occurrence of an event of that type
since December 2006," the NWS said.
As many as 12 satellites and spacecraft are monitoring the
heliosphere, and one instrument in particular on board NASA's lunar
reconnaissance orbiter is measuring radiation and its effects.
"Certainly over the (two-year) lifetime of the mission this is the
most significant event," said Harlan Spence, principal investigator
for the cosmic ray telescope for the effects of radiation, or CRaTER.
"This is really exciting because ironically when we were developing
the mission initially we thought we would be launching closer to a
solar maximum when these big solar particle events typically occur,"
Spence told AFP.
"Instead we launched into a historic solar minimum that took a long,
long time to wake up," he said. "This is interesting and significant
because it shows the Sun is returning to its more typical active
state."
The resulting geomagnetic storm could cause some disruption in power
grids, satellites that operate global positioning systems and other
devices, and may lead to some rerouting of flights over the polar
regions, Murtagh said.
"Generally it is not going to cause any big problems, it will just
have to be managed," he said. "If you fly from the United States to
Asia, flying over the North Pole, there are well over a dozen flights
every day," he added.
"During these big radiation storms some of these airlines will reroute
the flights away from the polar regions for safety reasons to make
sure they can maintain communications.
"People operating satellites would keep an eye on this, too, because
geomagnetic storming can interfere with satellites in various ways
whether it is the satellite itself or the signal coming down from the
receiver."
The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and aurora australis (Southern
Lights) will also likely be visible in the late hours of June 8 or 9,
NASA said. (via DXLD)
Note in the solar report "last observed in 2006..." which is another
journalistic way of saying this particular one (for which Planet Earth
alignment appears poor) is the FIRST opportunity to write about this
subject in around 5 years. Memories are short and data bases seldom
properly explored before doing this sort of story - if this was a
'normal' solar cycle, this particular event would probably have earned
two sentences ("Ho Hum - another eruption from the sun's surface BUT
not aimed at us.") (Bob Cooper in NZ, WTFDA via DXLD)
An Es killer ??? (Mike Bugaj, CT, WTFDA via DXLD)
Actually during the first couple of hours of such an event, it can
have the effect of raising the MUF. As the K index rose rapidly from
K=2 to K=6 last Saturday, just as the K index began to rise we hams on
the East Coast had a massive opening to Hungary on 6 meters. I have
a .wav file from HA5JI which makes it sound like I was just down the
street from him. My friend W3LPL worked 28 Hungarian stations on 6
meters during that opening (Fred Laun (K3ZO), Temple Hills, MD, ibid.)
I see a 6m station at 44N is reporting Auroral returns (reflections)
which suggests the edge of the "curtain' was between 55 and 58N.
Potentially this is a "Chicken Little" report - The Sky is Falling.
The story said:
""This is really exciting because ironically when we were developing
the mission initially we thought we would be launching closer to a
solar maximum when these big solar particle events typically occur,"
Spence told AFP.
"Instead we launched into a historic solar minimum that took a long,
long time to wake up," he said. "This is interesting and significant
because it shows the Sun is returning to its more typical active
state."
The resulting geomagnetic storm could cause some disruption in power
grids, satellites that operate global positioning systems and other
devices, and may lead to some rerouting of flights over the polar
regions, Murtagh said." ...
All of which might be true IF such an event occurred on the solar
surface with sufficient energy AND with the right alignment to Planet
Earth.
So they created a special satellite to provide HD images of eruptions
and this is the first one they have seen: "the high-definition
pictures and video of the event, described it as "visually
spectacular". So here are these guys with a multi-million dollar toy
staring at a solar surface which refuses to act as predicted and
planned. They have their doctoral thesis already written just waiting
for something to happen that will justify the cost of the device, the
launch, and their sitting around since 2006 drawing a salary! (Bob
Cooper in NZ, 0327 UT June 8, WTFDA via DXLD)
:Product: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt
:Issued: 2011 Jun 08 0300 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction
Center
#
# Geophysical Alert Message
#
Solar-terrestrial indices for 07 June follow.
Solar flux 96 and mid-latitude A-index 8.
The mid-latitude K-index at 0300 UTC on 08 June was 4 (58 nT).
Space weather for the past 24 hours has been minor.
Solar radiation storms reaching the S1 level occurred.
Radio blackouts reaching the R1 level occurred.
Space weather for the next 24 hours is predicted to be moderate.
Solar radiation storms reaching the S2 level are likely (WWV via DXLD)
Movies of the SDS and SOHO are uploaded for "Space weather news" of
Japan Space Weather Infomation Center(SWC)-National Institute of
Information and Communications Technology(NICT).
http://swnews.jp/ News in Japanese.
SWC http://swc.nict.go.jp/forecast/
NICT uploads fx-Esp data of Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kagoshima and Okinawa
every 15 minutes. These data are useful for Japanese VHF-DXer.
http://wdc.nict.go.jp/IONO/
http://wdc.nict.go.jp/IONO/fxEs/latest-fxEs.html
(S. Hasegawa, NDXC, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to major storm levels
during the period. Activity was at quiet to active levels during 30
May - 01 June as CH HSS effects persisted. A CME passage occurred on
01 June which caused a brief period of active levels. Activity
decreased to quiet to unsettled levels on 02 June as CH HSS effects
subsided. Quiet levels occurred during 03 - 04 June. A geomagnetic
sudden impulse (SI) occurred at 04/2045 UTC (54 nT, Boulder USGS
magnetometer) associated with the CME observed on 02 June and was
followed by active to minor storm conditions on 05 June with major
storm conditions observed at high latitudes.
FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 08 JUNE - 04 JULY 2011
Solar activity is expected to be at low levels throughout the period
with a chance for an isolated M-class flare from Region 1226 until
it departs the west limb on 10 June.
The greater than 10 MeV and 100 MeV proton flux at geosynchronous
orbit are expected to be above alert threshold levels through 11
June due to a fast moving halo coronal mass ejection (CME) observed
early on 07 June. A return to background levels is expected on 12
June and is expected to stay below threshold for the remainder of
the period.
The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is
expected to be at high levels from 08 - 15 June due to the effects
from both the 02 June CME and the 07 June CME. Normal to moderate
levels are expected to return until 27 June following a recurrent
coronal hole high speed stream.
Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be at quiet to unsettled
levels during 08 June as coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS)
effects begin to wane. Active to major storm conditions are expected
on 09 June due to the effects of the halo CME observed on 07 June.
Activity is expected to decrease to unsettled to active levels
during 10 - 12 June due to residual effects of the CME and another
CH HSS. Activity is expected to decrease to mostly quiet levels on
13 June as CH HSS effects subside. Quiet levels are expected during
14 - 22 June. Quiet to unsettled levels are expected from 23 - 26
June due to another recurrent CH HSS. A return to quiet conditions
is expected on 27 June as the effects of the CH HSS subside.
:Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt
:Issued: 2011 Jun 07 1756 UTC
# Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction
Center
# Product description and SWPC contact on the Web
# http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/wwire.html
#
# 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table
# Issued 2011-06-07
#
# UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest
# Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index
2011 Jun 08 96 20 4
2011 Jun 09 95 35 6
2011 Jun 10 94 17 4
2011 Jun 11 94 7 2
2011 Jun 12 98 7 2
2011 Jun 13 100 5 2
2011 Jun 14 100 5 2
2011 Jun 15 95 5 2
2011 Jun 16 95 5 2
2011 Jun 17 95 5 2
2011 Jun 18 95 5 2
2011 Jun 19 92 5 2
2011 Jun 20 92 5 2
2011 Jun 21 92 5 2
2011 Jun 22 95 5 2
2011 Jun 23 100 12 3
2011 Jun 24 110 15 3
2011 Jun 25 110 15 3
2011 Jun 26 110 10 3
2011 Jun 27 112 5 2
2011 Jun 28 115 5 2
2011 Jun 29 112 5 2
2011 Jun 30 110 5 2
2011 Jul 01 105 5 2
2011 Jul 02 105 8 3
2011 Jul 03 100 5 2
2011 Jul 04 100 5 2
(SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1568, DXLD) ###