DX LISTENING DIGEST 17-06, February 8, 2017 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits For restrixions and searchable 2016 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html [also linx to previous years] NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn WORLD OF RADIO 1864 CONTENTS: *DX and station news about: Afghanistan non, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Europe non, Germany, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Liberia, México, North America, Philippines, Puntland/Somalia, Sudan, Tonga, USA, Zambia SHORTWAVE AIRINGS of WORLD OF RADIO 1864, February 9-16, 2017 Thu 1230 WRMI 9955 6855 [confirmed] Thu 2130 WRMI 11580 [confirmed] Fri 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Fri 2230 WRMI 5950 6855 11580 [all confirmed] Sat 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB [confirmed] Sat 0630 HLR 6190-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio Sat 1531 HLR 7265-CUSB Hamburger Lokalradio [confirmed in UK] Sat 2030v WA0RCR 1860-AM Sat 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Sun 0410v WA0RCR 1860-AM [confirmed] Sun 1130 HLR 9485-CUSB Mon 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Mon 0400v WBCQ 5130v-AM Area 51 Mon 0430 WRMI 9955 Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 6855 Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB Wed 1000 WRMI 5850 6855 Wed 1415 WRMI 9955 6855 Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB 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 WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: Tnx to Dr Harald Gabler and the Rhein-Main Radio Club. http://www.rmrc.de/index.php/rmrc-audio-plattform/podcast/glenn-hauser-wor ALTERNATIVE PODCASTS, tnx Stephen Cooper: http://shortwave.am/wor.xml ANOTHER PODCAST ALTERNATIVE, tnx to Keith Weston: http://feeds.feedburner.com/GlennHausersWorldOfRadio NOW tnx to Keith Weston, also Podcasts via iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/glenn-hausers-world-of-radio/id1123369861 AND via Google Play Music: http://bit.ly/worldofradio OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org DAY-BY-DAY ARCHIVE OF GLENN HAUSER`S LOG REPORTS: Unedited, uncondensed, unchanged from original version, many of them too complex, minutely researched, multi-frequency, opinionated, inconsequential, off-topic, or lengthy for some log editors to manage; and also ahead of their availability in these weekly issues: http://www.hard-core-dx.com/index.php?topic=Hauser NOTE: I have *resolved* to make DXLD leaner, more selective, as I seriously need to reduce my workload, much of which has been merely editing gobs of material into presentable form. This makes it even more important to be a member of the DXLD yg for additional material which may not make it into weekly issues (gh) 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/ ** AFGHANISTAN [non]. USA(non), The only station in 19 MHz in B-16 is Radio Free Afghanistan = Radio Azadi 1030 & 1132 19010 KWT 250 kW / 070 deg WeAs Dari/Pashto schd 0830-1230 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/usanon-only-station-in-19mhz-in-b-16-is.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Once again in the A-season, plans for 19 MHz instead: 11-14 UT, RFA Tibetan via KUWAIT on several frequencies, 18930 to 19010, depending on which hour and which day of the week; more likely to hear CNR1 jamming, which doesn`t have any problem keeping up with the publicized jumparound; so why bother? To pretend you are combating jamming? Meanwhile confusing listeners (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGST) ** ALBANIA. Reception of Radio Tirana with distorted audio on Feb 2: 0800-1000 on 7390 SHI 100 kW / 310 deg to WeEu Albanian HomeSce 1 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/albania-reception-of-radio-tirana-with.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7475, Feb 7 at 0229, NO signal from R. Tirana; propagation remains degraded, but Romania is audible on 40m. Expect English to North America in A-17 at 0130 to resume 9855 or so (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Possibly Radio Tirana is back on 1395 kHz. Strong signal with middle Eastern music at the moment. 1610 UT 7/2. 73s (Nick, Buxton, Rank, UK, Sent from Samsung Mobile on O2, BDXC-UK yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Radio Tirana interval signal heard [from] 1643, then signed on in Greek, broadcast scheduled in WRTH Monday to Saturday 1645-1700 on 1458, good signal. So presumably what Nick heard was the Mon-Sat Albanian broadcast 1500-1630 also shown in WRTH as on 1458 (Mike Barraclough, ibid.) Tuned in 1643 and heard the Radio Tirana interval signal, then signed on in Greek at 1645. This is the 1645-1700 Monday to Saturday broadcast WRTH has listed as on 1458. Presumably Nick heard the Mon-Sat Albanian broadcast 1500-1630 which WRTH also has on 1458. (Mike Barracloough, Letchworth Garden City UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Drita, I just heard Radio Tirana sign off on 1395 kHz instead of 1458 kHz, at 1658. Is that a permanent move or a test? Thanks, (Mauno Ritola, Finland, Feb 7, via DXLD) cf. > What I suggest is that Fllaka 1395 kHz should be tested for - say - a week or ten days before making any decision, and it will be possible to determine if the stations in the Netherlands cause undue interference, or if they decide to switch off again. If the use of 1395 is agreed then I would further suggest that at the end of March - for the summer schedule - all four broadcasts could be transmitted between - say - 1900 and 2100 UT which would allow for better reception during the summer months. If just one transmitter is in use at Fllaka, then Greek and Turkish and Serbian could be retimed accordingly before 1900 or after 2100 UT and using 1395 khz - the clearest frequency. I hope my suggestions are of some help and assistance Drita, and by using medium wave your audience should be larger. Greetings and Regards from (Noel Green, Blackpool, England, Jan 18, via Mauno, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Thanks Nick for the tip. Today, Radio Tirana replaced usual 1458 kHz 500 kW non-directional broadcast via antenna F-05, transmitter #2, according to their operational schedule by their other 1395 kHz channel, heard at 1650 UT on Feb 7 on exact 1394.961 kHz, noted on remote SDR in Greece and near Rome Italy as S=9+35dB powerhouse signal. Their afternoon schedule is as follows 1500-1630 UT Radio Tirana channel-3 in Albanian language, followed by Greek language section at 1645-1659 UT, latter when closed also at 1658-1659 UT with their interval signal in progress. The 1458 kHz channel at same time is totally covered by Asian emigrants radio Sunrise near London, England played Asian strange music, and the Romanian 1458 kHz channel radio too, heard in central, eastern Europe and Balkan area. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) But Turkish at 1930 on normal 1458 kHz, so maybe an error or a test? (Mauno Ritola, Finland, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) re Radio Tirana via Fllaka site. 1500-1659 UT Feb 7, 1394.961 kHz Albanian / Greek 1930-1959 UT Feb 7, 1457.652 kHz Turkish - very ODD frequency QRM co- channel BBC Asian R5 from Ashton M. London-UK, and SRR R România, Constantsa. 0800-0959 UT Feb 8, 1394.972 kHz Albanian service {but also other co-channel signal peaks 'seen' all over Europe: weak low power 1395.008 S=9 in Holland, 1394.983, 1394.997 kHz. } Nothing on air of RT Shijak morning Albanian service on 7390v kHz today Feb 8. 73 wolfie df5sx (Büschel, ibid.) 7475v, Nothing noted of RT English transmission from Shijak site on Wed Feb 8th at 0231 UT. Was NOT ON AIR. Checked various SDR, in southern Germany, Belgium, Doha Qatar, and at remote SDR in Hanson Massachusetts. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) "Head of Fllaka has just now explained me that could be by mistake at Fllaka r/station tonight on 1395 kHz instead of 1458 R. Tirana Ch.3., ~ following morning transmission on 1395 Albanian Program, without frequency change accordingly." (Drita Cico, Head of Monitoring, Radio Tirana, WRTH Facebook group, February 8 via DXLD) Albanian programme back on 1458 today, heard via a SDR receiver near Alessandria, Italy at 1604 (Mike Barraclough, Feb 8, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) Hello xxxxx, I didn't hear this transmission yesterday, but I've tried today from around 1500 and nothing heard that resembles Fflake on 1395. It's 1545 now and there is still no signal. I can hear Hungary at good level on 1188 so think I should hear ALBANIA if on air. I wonder which transmitter was used yesterday - the actual frequency suggests it was the one usually operating on 1395. I'm sure that 1395 is the MW frequency they should be using due to QRM on 1215 and 1458 kHz. Let us wait for any further events. 73 from xxxx (via Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) Hello, on Tue Feb 7, the technician at Fllaka did FORGET to set the fq of the 500 kW unit b a c k to 1458v kHz, after switch-off 1395v kHz at 1000 UT in the morning. Feb 7 the afternoon service at 1500-1659 UT k e p t the channel 1395v kHz, with very good signal reception results also in central and northern Europe, using the 033 degrees azimuth directional antenna. 1395 kHz is the FAR BETTER SOLUTION to spread out Radio Tirana on mediumwave. This Wednesday Feb 8 morning 08-10 UT RT was on 1394.972 kHz, when checked at 0850 UT. This Feb 8 afternoon 1500-1659 UT RT is on 1457.653 kHz, when checked at 1620 to 1640 UT. 1458v kHz on non-directional F-05 antenna signal, IS NOT as STRONG AS the 1395 kHz 033degr directional signal heard here in central and northern Europe. 73 wolfie (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DXLD) ** ALGERIA [non]. FRANCE, Updated schedule of Télédiffusion d'Algérie: 0400-0458 on 5865 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 0500-0558 on 5865 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 0500-0513 on 7295*ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf French news bulletin 0513-0558 on 7295 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Nat. Chaîne 1 0600-0613 on 5865*ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf French news bulletin 0613-0651 on 5865 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 0651-0658 on 5865 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 1800-1858 on 11660 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 1900-1958 on 9635 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 1900-1913 on 9810*ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf French news bulletin 1913-1958 on 9810 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Nat. Chaîne 1 2000-2013 on 9710*ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf French news bulletin 2013-2058 on 9710 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Nat. Chaîne 1 2000-2058 on 9810 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px 2100-2113 on 6155*ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf French news bulletin 2113-2158 on 6155 ISS 500 kW / 160 deg to CEAf Arabic Nat. Chaîne 1 2100-2158 on 9710 ISS 500 kW / 194 deg to NWAf Arabic Holy Qur`an px *French news bulletin now is only xx00-xx13, ex xx00-xx09 & xx51-xx55 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/francenon-updated-schedule-of.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ANGUILLA [and non]. 6072-6108, Feb 4 at 0440, splash from still distorted University Network 6090 audible out this far, i.e., plus/minus 18 kHz, and really bothering 6080 V of Turkey attempting English to North America (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6090, Caribbean Beacon 2/7, 0610. DGS lecture, muffled and scratchy audio. Strong carrier, poor audio. Still bad on recheck at 0915 (Rick Barton, Logs from Peoria/Sun Cities Arizona, English unless otherwise stated. 73 and Good Listening...! : ))) dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 6090, Feb 8 at 0426, CB/TUN/PMS/DGS is unusable, extremely suptorted, yet S9+45 of signal, and splatter bothering 6080 Turkey (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA [and non]. 6059.74, Feb 5 at 2342, very poor signal, no mod audible, probably SRDA Brasil, on its usual offset. Slightly stronger, I think in Spanish, another carrier close to 6060.0, must be Radio Nacional, rarely heard here, and nothing on its other possible frequencies 9690, 11710.6v, 15345v. 11710.6v, Feb 7 at 0220, NO signal from RAE; it`s never strong but usually detectable on weeknights; and ought to be, compared to Brazil 11780 propagating at S9+25, and the other much weaker 25m ZYs. I also have not heard anything recently on 15345v in the afternoons. So is RAE off completely, Arnaldo? But see my 6060 log (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARMENIA. QSLs: YEREVAN, 6145 “Greetings on Board” special Xmas program via Norddeutscher Rundfunk, via Yerevan Transmitter. F/D (with site) NDR ‘Bas Beste arn Nordem” [sic] QSL card for an e-mail report, with reply in 26 days via mail. 6145, Radio Menschen & Geschichten, Sunday special via Noratus site. Nice .pdf E-mail QSL showing the antenna and radio towers of the transmitter site, also sent a cover letter in German. This for an e-mail report, with reply in 18 days, via ingo@shortwaveservice.com v/s: Christian Milling (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Test broadcast of Radio Menschen&Geschichten via CJSC Gavar, Feb 5: 1500-1600 on 6055 ERV 100 kW / 305 deg to WeEu German via Shortwaveservice: http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/test-broadcast-of-shortwaveservice-via.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ivo, from where you took this WRONG information of 6055 kHz 1500-1600 UT, on CJSC Yerevan Gavar Armenia and/or SLBC Trincomalee Sri Lanka broadcast relay sites? 73 wolfie df5sx wwdxc (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) Another test transmission of Radio Menschen & Geschichten, Feb 5: 2000-2100 on 6145 ERV 100 kW / 305 deg to WeEu German via Shortwaveservoce http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/another-test-transmission-of-radio.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also GERMANY [non] ** ASCENSION. 11810, Feb 8 at 2102, BBCWS news in English, poor signal but enough to hear that tell-tale hum, just like on 6005 at night, but not on all ASC transmitters (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. (Officially now a 'rare' country!) 9580, R Australia with "Big country" features about a crocodile hunter, including details of how they do this (you can't just shoot the things because they are so tough, you have to get in there mano a mano so to speak and use a knife. I think that is just a machismo Aussie thing....) and talking about fishing in Northern Australian Lakes. Radio Australia ID and into 'Australia Country Style' at BoH. 3+4444 1015-1045 27/Jan DX-375 + whip. 9580, R Australia with ABC Saturday Nite County show, news at ToH. This programming is all from RA National, so the total cost to the Aussie taxpayer is whatever Broadcast Australia charges for transmitter time --- just saying! 44444 fading to S2 by 1445. gone shortly after 1500 recheck. 1320-1445 28 Jan, SB-310 +ANC-4 + randomwire. 9580, R Australia final day. News features before 1200 ToH including item re LGBT prisons in Thailand. Fanfare and into ABC English news and silly sports highlights at 1203. Dead air after news like they were supposed to insert announcement re end of SW but didn't, then into talx re international relations between the US and Mexico (mentioning that Mexicans are calling it the 'wall war' as well as taxes etc. Best comment was an attempt to distinguish 'reality' from 'Trumpism'! News again at 1300 ToH and then feature about a woman walking through the Sahara alongside a camel. It starts out with her walking with her husband of 9 years and they decide to break up during the trek. A VERY long story, that managed to hold my interest as I got dressed and got ready for the day. At 1359 Radio National promo re stillbirth in Australia to be talked about in "Background Briefing" after the news. After ABC news at 1400. News included an item about a new poll showing 48% of Americans agree we should stop immigration to prevent terrorism. Silly sports news again at 1403. "Editors Choice" beginning after news despite the promo for Background Australia. Actual story was about an albino boy in Australia and his life experiences. Sounded interesting, but I had to get to work! 4454+4 THROUGHOUT the time I listened -- no daylight fade out as is often the case 1150-1415 30/Jan, SB-310 + ANC-4 +randomwire (Kenneth Vito Zichi, Williamston MI, MARE Tipsheet Feb 3 via DXLD) Last hours of ABC Radio Australia on shortwave, Jan 30 1358 & 1459 on 12065 SHP 100 kW / 355 deg to EaAs English weak to fair http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/the-last-hours-of-abc-radio-australia.html (DX RE MIX NEWS #991 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, February 4, 2017 via DXLD) Much more was in DXLD 17-05 Final RA switch off at Shepparton - YouTube Video Hopefully some further videos, pics or links appear shortly. From RA TX site: Shepparton - January 31, 2017 as it happened on site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln-Aj6kGXK0 Also some interesting videos from Peter - VK3YE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8_0IAGm0B4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIE8bH5w2nk (Ian, Feb 2, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. WORKERS UPSET BY ABC'S DITCHING OF SHORTWAVE RADIO TOLD TO COMPLAIN TO SENATE INQUIRY https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/feb/02/workers-upset-by-abcs-ditching-of-shortwave-radio-told-to-complain-to-senate-inquiry The Guardian Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie wants to strengthen ABC’s obligation to deliver services for regional Australia A worker on a cattle station A Nationals senator says she was told more than 200 cattle stations in the Northern Territory were affected by the loss of the ABC’s shortwave radio service. Photograph: Getty Images/Cultura Exclusive Comments 49 Helen Davidson in Darwin Wednesday 1 February 2017 22.21 EST Last modified on Wednesday 1 February 2017 22.47 EST People upset or affected by the ABC’s scrapping of its shortwave radio service have been urged to approach a federal inquiry into the national broadcaster’s regional services. The Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told Guardian Australia the ABC charter doesn’t adequately ensure all Australians have a guaranteed service, highlighted by the end of its shortwave service to the outback. On Tuesday transmitters in the Northern Territory were switched off, ending the broadcast of ABC local radio over the frequency that can be picked up in remote areas, including where AM and FM aren’t available. 'It's essential': outback workers fight ABC decision to ditch shortwave radio. The ABC has said it would reinvest the $1.2m saving into expanding digital radio services in Darwin and Hobart but faced a backlash from residents and workers in the outback who were not consulted and who said the service was vital for emergency broadcasts as well as their wellbeing and connection with the world. The ABC also faced bipartisan criticism from government members. “They’re already so isolated and not having access to radio, it’s an important part of them staying connected,” said McKenzie, who met with the NT Cattlemen’s Association on the issue while in Darwin as part of a parliamentary joint committee. “For a public broadcaster that should be one of the key mandates.” A Senate inquiry, by the standing committee on environment and communications, was announced in December after the introduction of McKenzie’s private senator’s bill to “strengthen the mandate on the ABC” to deliver services to rural and regional Australia. The bill would legislate the establishment of a rural and regional advisory board, and mandate the ABC board include as least two directors who live in rural areas. It would also require regional consultation ahead of any relevant policy decision, and for the results to be published annually. “Right now there’s no need, no imperative for the ABC ... to do any consultation before making decisions which affect service provision,” McKenzie said. “They are an independent body and government can’t come in over the top. “But I argue that their charter doesn’t cover specifically enough service provision promise guaranteed to rural and regional Australia.” The ABC has also faced criticism for ending broadcasts of Radio Australia to the Pacific via shortwave. McKenzie said she had spoken with a number of stakeholders across the NT and the Pacific and urged them to provide submissions to the inquiry. However, she was unaware if any of them had also made a complaint direct to the ABC. The managing director of the ABC, Michelle Guthrie, has previously said just a handful of complaints had been received. McKenzie said she was told more than 200 cattle stations in the NT were affected by the loss. “That aside, a public broadcaster’s role should be to take high- quality news, current affairs, emergency service announcements and entertainment to all citizens,” she said. “The second job should be competing with Kochie and Mel for ratings.” On the weekend the ABC announced a package of “transitional measures” for shortwave listeners, including an information service and how-to guides for content-on-demand, and a donated Vast system to the Royal Flying Doctors Service. In statement on Sunday it said more than a third of the ABC’s budget went to servicing rural and regional Australia, and the broadcaster was “deeply committed” to its residents. Among the inquiry submissions already published the Friends of the ABC group urged the committee to prevent “the creation of “two ABCs” – that is, one for regional and rural Australia, and a separate organisation catering for metropolitan needs”. Another, written by Stephen Dowding, said statements by the ABC in defence of cutting shortwave were “nonsense”. The FM spectrum is too precious to waste on Fitzy and Wippa | Geordie Guy [link] Progressive thinktank the Australia Institute said it was “problematic” the inquiry had been brought by the National party. “The Australia Institute advocates that the ABC equitably serve regional and rural communities and be adequately funded to do so,” it said. “However, changing the ABC Act is not an appropriate mechanism for enforcing granular decisions on operational matters. The ABC’s strategy needs to evolve faster than federal legislation can.” The ABC has been contacted for comment (via Bruce MacGibbon and Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. NTCA CEO TRACEY HAYES INTERVIEWS WITH BBC RADIO 5 LIVE ABOUT THE DISAPPOINTING CUTS TO SHORTWAVE RADIO http://www.ntca.org.au/news/2017/feb/1/ntca-ceo-tracey-hayes-interviews-bbc-radio-5-live-about-disappointing-cuts-shortwave "Shortwave radio is the only option for people living, working and travelling throughout rural and regional areas in Australia," Tracey Hayes tells Rhod Sharp of BBC UK. Listen to full interview [Feature begins from 03:48:39] http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08bzn7s "The issue that is of concern is that the ABC has failed to have a discussion with people in the bush to consult and provide any reasonable notice or explanation [about the intended cuts to the shortwave radio service in the NT]". "ABC will be providing digital radio to people in the city (who already have a magnitude of options to connect) and taking away the only option for bush people - people who don't have reliable internet access, mobile reception or radio; they are left with zero options," Tracey said. "The majority of members working in the bush spend most of their waking hours listening to the radio in their vehicles, or mustering camp... where satellite and mobile technology is not available." Tracey asks, "Is the ABC listening to us?" The situation has been incredibly disappointing to date states Tracey. "ABC's inability to come to the table sends a strong signal to community listeners that ABC have forgotten about their grass roots." NTCA will continue to stand up for members on this issue. #saveourshortwave (Northern Territory Cattlemen`s Association, via Artie Bigley, DXLD) Interesting discussion here among Territorians, Aussies and others including availability of SW caradios [gh]: http://swling.com/blog/2017/02/continued-public-support-for-restoration-of-abc-shortwave-services/#comments (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. A SHORT-SIGHTED CUT- by Barclay White February 03, 2017 http://www.sheppnews.com.au/2017/02/03/72172/a-short-sighted-cut [with video] https://youtu.be/5c2GYeQlSi8 Senator Nick Xenophon answered the SOS call to force the government and the ABC to Save Our Shortwave. The South Australian politician and NXT party leader was in Shepparton yesterday for the senate inquiry into the dairy industry and took time out to visit the Shepparton shortwave broadcast station. The facility went offline on Tuesday, putting an end to more than 70 years of Radio Australia broadcasting via shortwave radio to around the globe. The senator said there had been anger across the political aisle at the ABC decision to end domestic and international shortwave broadcasting. ‘‘This is not just a national embarrassment, it’s an international embarrassment,’’ Mr Xenophon said. ‘‘The excuses coming out of the (ABC) head offices in Sydney are smug and insulting.’’ He believed the decision was borne from budget cuts inflicted on to the ABC by the Coalition Government, but that cutting shortwave was the wrong decision. ‘‘I know the ABC has done it tough in terms of budget cuts,’’ he said. ‘‘But we need the ABC to be strong and be able to deliver the news and deliver services to all of Australia, whether they are in metro areas or in the bush.’’ Mr Xenophon said he would introduce legislation to parliament to override the ABC management decision and reinstate domestic and shortwave services. The issue was of particular importance in his home state of South Australia, as it was used to deliver ABC broadcasts to truckers driving to the Northern Territory in areas not covered by FM or AM broadcasts. The ABC has stated that the shutdown of shortwave will save the broadcaster $1.9million, which would be reinvested in new technologies. ‘‘Surely the ABC can find other savings,’’ he said. In a statement from the ABC about the shutdown last year, shortwave technology was labelled as ‘‘outdated’’ when compared to digital radio and online services. Mr Xenophon disputed this and said other players in the Asia Pacific region were increasing their broadcasts as Australia retreated. ‘‘In a sense we are picking on our neighbours by depriving our neighbours of fair and unbiased information,’’ he said. As to if shortwave technology was outdated or redundant as the ABC claimed, he said there were plenty of people still listening to the broadcasts. ‘‘You know what should be made redundant? The ABC management that make these stupid decisions,’’ he said. ‘‘If you are in a remote Pacific island or in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, your access to a mobile phone app or a cafe latte is somewhat limited.’’ By Barclay White February 03, 2017 (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) Re: Final RA switch off at Shepparton - YouTube Video --- Thanks for this, Ian. I had been given the green light to visit on that day by Station Manager Steve Ashmore. But ongoing illness has meant that I was not able to travel up from Mount Evelyn, which I was very disappointed about. I had to pull out the day before. Bummer. So I enjoyed seeing VK3EB's historic recording. Cheers, (Rob VK3BVW Wagner, Feb 2, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) Sorry to hear you couldn't attend, Rob. Hope you are on the mend with your health. I would have loved to have attended as well, but living too far away these days. The RA Shepparton site holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in the area as a youngster. The family would drive to Shepparton several times a year and I would always look out the car window in wonderment & fascination at the curtain arrays, spotted through the pine trees. Another 8-10 years later I would dabble in CB & SW radio. A little later study electronics, shortly followed by my first visit to RA Shepparton site. I've never worked directly in radio, but I do sometimes wonder if those mighty curtain arrays might have been a flickering light in my youth that ignited my interest in radio & the electronics tech field. I've seen some changes to the Shep site infrastructure over the years and it is disappointing to know that the transmissions have ended. Let`s hope some common sense prevails via government intervention and the broadcasts resume for our targeted Pacific friends. In the very least the site should be heritage listed (Ian, ibid.) [non] Hi All, With regard to the possible preservation of anything connected with HF or in fact broadcasting per se, if it follows the UK's, well BBC attitude, I would not hold your breath. The BBC were happy to let Alexandra Palace fall apart after cessation of TV broadcasting and even after it's use as a studio centre for the Open University. The HF stations fared no better with Daventry being stripped even in BBC times in 1992. After privatisation in 1997 RMP is a total mess with 90% of the masts felled and sender wreckage left in the halls following an abortive attempt to run a solar farm on the site. Skelton C is in mothballs since 2013 but to restore it now would be a major task, do-able but not easy. The stations` sites only stay if other uses can be found, for example SKA [Skelton A] with MoD [Ministry of Defence] work. Orfordness has been sold to a local Orford businessman, so it will be interesting to see what transpires with that site. Maybe Shepparton could be used as a downlink/uplink satellite site as has been suggested for certain UK former and running transmitter sites? 73 (Dave Porter, G4OYX, ibid.) Not even a Goodbye or Thank You to their listeners on SW...! Just a program promo, followed by Waltzing Matilda. What a sad ending to a great station on the SW bands. I feel sorry for the many listeners in the outback and Pacific Islands who, for no fault of their own, do not have access to satellite or Internet, and live out of range of an FM relay. If they were unaware of what was happening, they were probably wondering why there was no ABC or Radio Australia on the air. Obviously this was not a "live" broadcast, just an automated computer controlled program run. The only "live" people around were probably the technicians at Shepparton who switched off the transmitters. I wonder how long it will be before Radio New Zealand closes its lone SW transmitter? (Colin Miller, VE3CMT, ibid.) Not sure about this one, Colin. RNZ seems to have found a ‘good use’ of DRM — replacing expensive satellite feeds with live DRM broadcasts to the Pacific. Kind of like the old days when we used to use HF feeds here at VOA except that you don’t need quite the same equipment to receive so long as the signal is pretty good (Bill Whitacre, Alexandria, VA, ibid.) At one stage I remember reading that there were plans to replace the original now mothballed (I suspect for good because if I recall correctly there were part procurement issues) with a second DRM capable TX to restore a full RNZI service. Maybe a couple of "low milage" Continental 418DRM TXs on the market shortly that would fit the bill nicely?? (Calvin, Sent from my iPhone, Melen, ibid.) See NZ > The BBC were happy to let Alexandra Palace fall apart Even better: Television Centre final look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIYtenjkLeQ BBC Television Centre - February 25th 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvYDW1mdfS0 As I just pointed out elsewhere: Meanwhile this had to be seen at other places than Berlin, too. > Orfordness has been sold to a local Orford businessman Can you perhaps add to the chronicle the dates, or just years, when it had been switched on the last time and when it had been officially declared dead? [see UK] > Maybe Shepparton could be used as a downlink/uplink satellite site > as has been suggested for certain UK former and running TX sites? But who should now have a need to set up a large teleport from scratch? I just don't see any other use Broadcast Australia could have for this station. Have any hints been given whether the equipment will be kept for the time being or has already been permanently decommissioned? (Kai Ludwig, Germany, ibid.) > RNZ seems to have found a ‘good use’ of DRM — replacing expensive satellite feeds with live DRM broadcasts to the Pacific. It's just the other way round: "By working with partners like the BBC World Service (Pacific stream) and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) (which includes the former TVNZ satellite service) we've been extending our content delivery via satellite. We'll be continuing to focus on this as a complimentary delivery to the DRM digital short-wave service. [...] During cyclone season, RNZI has the flexibility to choose to broadcast entirely in analogue if we need to temporarily provide a fulltime service to individual listeners." http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/307195/rnzi-moves-to-a-one-transmitter-operation And they just published a statement that "Remote parts of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who may be feeling the loss of the ABC can rest assured RNZI will continue to provide independent, timely and accurate news, information and weather warnings as well as entertainment to its Pacific listeners." http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/323555/rnzi-remains-essential-voice-of-the-pacific PS. Here's a short item about turning off 4835 kHz, with glimpses of the actual transmitter (is this really still the original one?) and something that was presumably meant as expression of protest but will certainly be liked by ABC management very much: https://twitter.com/ABCNews24/status/826377379958317056 (Kai Ludwig, ibid.) SHORT-WAVE FIGHT AMPS UP --- By Gary Shipway Northern Territory News (Darwin) Saturday, February 4, 2017, page 11 Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has held talks with the NT Cattlemen's Association and will be lobbying to bring the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications to Darwin to listen to submissions from Territorians impacted by the ABC's decision to end short-wave radio transmission. Senator McKenzie said the decision by the ABC to end short wave services to the Northern Territory was shortsighted and another example of the Corporation ignoring regional Australia. She said it reinforces the reason she introduced the Australian Broadcasting Amendment (Rural and Regional Advocacy) Bill into the Senate in September 2015. "It was because of the lack of services by the ABC to regional areas," Senator McKenzie said. "The intent of the Bill is to ensure that as the public broadcaster, the ABC considers the needs and interests of rural and regional Australians when making decisions regarding its operations and that is clearly not happening in the Territory. "I share the concerns of the NT Cattlemen's Association. I will be lobbying to have the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications come to Darwin to hear first hand the impact the ABC short-wave radio decision has on Territorians. "The ABC should have asked remote Territorians their views before making this decision as it will have significant impact in remote pastoral and indigenous communities in the NT. "It is clearly wrong and ill-advised but for what end? It saves the ABC very little money and snubs the corporation's bureaucratic nose yet again at people who don't live in the capital cities. "I have spoken with ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie today about this issue as well as taking it up with the Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield and others. "I urge all Territorians affected by the ABC's decision to end short- wave radio transmission to write to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications and make their concerns heard." "This is of vital concern for Territorians, with the decision made to axe the service without any consultation locally."I urge all Territorians affected by the ABC's decision to end short-wave radio transmission to write to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications and make their concerns heard." (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. Radio Australia Shortwave Station VL8A Signs Off in CW ARRL 02/07/2017 http://www.arrl.org/news/radio-australia-shortwave-station-vl8a-signs-off-in-cw In an apparent nod to radio amateurs who may have tuned in, Radio Australia’s VL8A transmitter in Alice Springs signed off on January 31 in CW. The station sent “73 de VL8A QRT,” before pulling the big switch. Radio Australia announced last fall that it planned to cease its shortwave transmissions this year. The broadcaster shut down its Katherine, Tennant Creek and Roe Creek (Alice Springs) transmitters at the end of January, but it said it would continue to broadcast on FM and AM bands, via satellite, and online streaming and mobile applications. The move has not been popular with those who live and work in the vast area the shortwave broadcasts reached, with some saying it was the only reliable broadcast outlet, and that its demise could deprive Northern Australian listeners of emergency and critical weather information. Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association President Tom Stockwell, who lives on Sunday Creek Station with no access to AM or FM radio or mobile phone service, isn’t buying the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s explanation. He said the decision to focus on digital transmission ignored people in the bush. “It affects a big area of Australia, and it affects those people that are remote from other forms of communication that rely on radio network,” he said. Mark Crocombe of the indigenous Thamarrurr Rangers in the remote community of Wadeye said his group members spend days and sometimes weeks at a time away in the bush and out on sea patrols and had relied on the ABC’s shortwave radio for weather reports and emergency information, including cyclone warnings. “Sure, it is expensive to keep the shortwave radio service going, but during cyclones, for the bush camps and people on boats, that is their only way of getting the weather reports,” he said. “It could be life threatening, if you are out and you don’t know a cyclone is coming.” Radio Australia has said the move was in line with its commitment to dispense with outdated technology and to expand its digital content offerings and FM services. The ABC said it would put the money saved from ending shortwave broadcasting into other program distribution technology (via Mike Terry, Feb 8, dxldyg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. Radio Australia Shepparton sign-off video Here's a nice video of the Shepparton site during the final shutdown of a transmitter used for Radio Australia shortwave. Nigel Holmes came out of retirement to "pull the trigger" ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKUsl7PZNr4 (via Kim Elliott, dxldyg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. Good signal of Reach Beyond Australia, Feb 2 1300-1400 on 9645 KNX 100 kW / 305 deg to SoAs English 1405-1435 on 11980 KNX 100 kW / 305 deg to SoAs English http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/good-signal-of-reach-beyond-australia.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BHUTAN. 6035.001, Bhutan BS from Thimpu Bhutan heard at 0132 UT on Feb 4, S=9+10dB signal. Male presenter and string instrument played. noted at New Delhi India remote SDR unit: [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Feb 4, 2017, dxldyg via DXLD) ** BOTSWANA. 11850, Feb 8 at 2058, VOA Hausa, fair, 2059 sign-off in English, 2100 YDD and off (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. Tupi volta à programação normal --- Olá a todos da lista, Hoje recebi a notícia de que a Super Rádio Tupi voltou com sua programação costumeira, após um mês e meio de greve. Estou ouvindo agora pela internet o programa Haroldo de Andrade, apresentado por Cristiano Santos. Eles estão evitando falar sobre o tempo que a Tupi ficou em greve. Será que eles receberam os atrasados? 73's a todos, (Ian José Silva, Fronteiras - Piauí - Brasil, Feb 4, radioescutas yg via DXLD) Olá a todos, Pelo que eu fiquei sabendo da internet, nem todos os comunicadores da Tupi voltaram a trabalhar. Na verdade, a grande maioria deles permanece em greve até que os Diários Associados paguem os atrasados deles. Muitos estão considerando a atitude de alguns locutores e funcionários de voltar ao trabalho como um desrespeito para com seus colegas. Na minha opinião, desrespeito é privar o público do rádio de um mês e meio de programação de qualidade. Eles se esquecem que só estão lá porque o povo os consagrou como emissora de alto nível. 73's a todos, (Ian José Silva, PS8023SWL, Fronteiras - Piauí - Brasil, Feb 6, ibid.) ** BRAZIL. 4885.020 endless speech of male presenter / pastor?, noted at 0210 UT on Feb 8, probably Rádio Dif. Acreana, Rio Branco, AC. BrasPortuguese, S=7-8 signal -82dBm. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) R. Clube do Pará normally dominates (gh, DXLD) ** BULGARIA [and non]. SECRETLAND, Updated schedule of Brother HySTAIRical TOM via SPL: 1700-0200 on 9465 SCB 100 kW / 306 deg to ENAm English, ex 1500-0200 1700-2000 on 15325 SCB 050 kW / 195 deg to WeAf English, ex 1600-1800 1805-2000 on 9700 SCB 050 kW / 306 deg to WeEu English, ex 1800-2000 Full updated winter B-16 schedule of Brother HySTAIRical TOM is here. http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2016/11/brother-hystairical-overcomer-ministries.html Note: Not including WBCQ 9330 & 5130 kHz, mentioned as 24 hrs mostly! http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/updated-schedule-of-brother-hystairical.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, Feb 5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CAMBODIA [non]. UZBEKISTAN(non) Voice of Khmer M'Chas Srok via RED Telecom, Feb 2 1130-1200 on 15600 unknown tx / unknown to SEAs Khmer Thu/Sun, fair 1130-1200 on 17860 TAC 100 kW / 122 deg to SEAs Khmer Thu/Sun, poor http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/voice-of-khmer-mchas-srok-via-red.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. 800, Feb 2 at 0549 UT, on E-W antenna without even trying I can copy CKLW atop CCI from KQCV OKC, with Bell`s Canada ad, and something in Windsor/Essex (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. 1610-UnID Spanish Blaster --- During early morning antenna testing at 1145 on 12-17 a mystery Spanish station calling itself "La Voz de la Comunidad" pounded in at awesome strength on 1610 kHz -- which is normally a pretty sedate frequency here in western Washington state. At S9 strength for several minutes, the station featured an English-language public service message at the beginning of this MP3, followed by the Spanish "La Voz de la Comunidad" ID. https://app.box.com/s/ln29rp40nn5ypyyp9kgoi265bgsq70lb Any ideas who this might be? Walt often mentions 1610-CHHA in Toronto, but Mexico also has a 5 kW station on the frequency. Either one would seem pretty unusual to manage such a potent signal on the 5 inch Mini- FSL that was being tested. 73, (Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA, IRCA mailing list via DXLD) At :53 and 1:07, clear "Voces Latina" IDs and an ad with a telephone number for the Departamiento de Ventas of 416 182 2953 (Chuck Hutton, ibid.) I.e., it`s just CHHA Toronto (gh, DXLD) The phone number in Spanish at the end of the MP3 was translated by Andy Gardner (of New Zealand) as the number of the Anglican diocese of Toronto, Ontario, so the recording is indeed from 1610-CHHA. The huge signal was a quite a surprise on a 5" mini FSL, which apparently happened only because of enhanced propagation around sunrise at the transmitter site in Toronto (Gary DeBock, IRCA via DXLD) ** CANADA. 2749-USB, Feb 4 at 0454, YL robotic English marine weather, VP S7 at same level as noise. 2598-USB, Feb 4 at 0455, sounds like same YL with robotic marine weather, gale warning, mentions times in EST, and then AST; slow fades past 0458. Surprised to find this stronger than 2749, not usually the case with NS vs NL distances. Don`t have two receivers at hand to match them, but at this hour may well be // and both from Québec as per Canadian CG listings, from most recent start times, and nothing further after these for a few hours: 0437, 2598, VCF Les Escoumins, site: Natashquan QC 50 08 40 -61 48 00 0437, 2749, VCF Les Escoumins, site: La Vernière QC 47 21 26 -61 55 36 I report logs like this to MW clubs and lists, but editors are not interested in them, even tho MW goes up to 3000 kHz, and these are broadcasts, not 2-way (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Hey Lee: Any update from Engineering on whether 6160 kHz will return to air? (Colin Newell - CoffeeCrew.com - VA7WWV - Victoria - BC, Feb 1, via DXLD) Nope, no word yet. I can ask again, will let you know if I hear anything (Lee R., CBC Vancouver, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CKZU still off ** CANADA [and non]. 6754-USB, Feb 4 at 0435, CHR with Thule aviation weather, VG at S9+30, surprising since I just noticed 7850 CHU inaudible. What a difference a MHz of MUF makes. Or rather, CHU seems to be OFF, as at 0452, nothing audible on 3330 either! Yet 3485-USB New York Radio is in well. 7850-CUSB, Feb 5 at 1410, CHU is nominal, trace on 14670-CUSB, and inaudible but presumably active on 3330-CUSB. 7850 and 3330 had been missing Feb 4 at 0435/0452. 3330-CUSB, Feb 6 at 0025, CHU is absent when it ought to be well audible, like NY Radio on 3485-USB. But 7850-CUSB is S9 of CHU. Inaudible on 14670-CUSB but could be on, not propagating. 3330-CUSB, Feb 7 at 0255, CHU is AWOL again, and maybe from 7850, or is that a JBA carrier from it? 7850-CUSB, Feb 7 at 0715, CHU is on and audible now at S9+10, unlike at previous check 0255. 3330-CUSB, Feb 8 at 0416, CHU is on and audible here but not on 7850 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) CHU 3330 kHz at S=9+15dB signal in MA-USA, at 0225 UT on Feb 8. ID at full minute in English and French. Tone at +1000 Hz, and also high- speed CW ? between at +2150 Hz. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) Rather binary code (gh) ** CANADA. 6030, CFVP - Calgary, AB in English, 1653–1656, February 4, 2017. Comedy routines as in a variety show. Positive ID, domestic broadcast with intended audience of “local” listeners. Great signal, armchair copy (Vince Henley, Anacortes, WA, Equipment currently in use: Tecsun PL-380, JRC NRD-525, Drake R8B, Sony ICF-2010, Ten-Tec RX- 340. Antennas are half-meter whip on PL-380, 1.2 meter whip on ICF- 2010, and Alpha-Delta DX-Ultra installed broadside east-west, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) How close/far do you need to be to hear CFVP so well in the daytime? In his case, 675 km = 420 statute miles (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** CANADA. CBC transcripts --- It was mentioned on this evening's "As It Happens" on CBC Radio 1 that full transcripts of each day's broadcast are now being posted on the web, along with audio links (Mike Cooper, Feb 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Sold! Mi'kmaq group confirms purchase of CBC land --- Land near Sackville where 13 Radio Canada International towers once stood has been sold CBC News Posted: Feb 03, 2017 12:27 PM AT Last Updated: Feb 03, 2017 2:02 PM AT [sic:] http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/rdi-tower-site-sold-1.3965475 CBC dismantles towers on Tantramar Marsh land in March 2014 after Radio Canada International site fails to sell as is [caption] A Mi'kmaq group has bought the land outside Sackville where 13 Radio Canada International towers stood for decades, CBC-Radio Canada confirmed Friday. Five years after the Tantramar Marsh site was put up for sale, the New Brunswick non-profit Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn bought it for an undisclosed price. "This transaction closes the book on an interesting chapter for CBC/Radio-Canada and Canadian broadcasting in the world of international shortwave broadcasting," CBC's Martin Marcotte wrote in an email. A long broadcast history The shortwave service ran for 67 years, and the site's towers facilitated the service around the world until budget cuts in 2012. The 90-hectare property was initially listed with the towers, to avoid the high cost of dismantling the facility, but in 2014, CBC began dismantling the towers in hopes the blank slate would entice more buyers. "It's tough to take something down that served such a purpose for the country, you know, during the Second World War," Larry Wartman, CBC's senior manager of transmission operations for Western and Atlantic Canada, told CBC News in 2014. "There's just not that many of them around the world anymore." Building the future The New Brunswick Mi'kmaq group Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn purchased the land Thursday but has yet to announce any plans or comment on the purchase, other than to confirm it. The non-profit group's members are the nine Mi'kmaq communities in the province. Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn means "how we govern ourselves" and the group's mission is to "to promote and support the recognition, affirmation, exercise and implementation of the inherent Aboriginal and treaty rights of its member First Nations, including the right of self- determination." The purchase price is still unknown (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** CHILE. 5825, R. TRIUNFAL EVANGELICA. Enero 30. 2247-2259 UT. Música de coros pentecostales. Luego predicación. SINPO: 45444. (RX: TECSUN PL-660; ANT: Hilo de 40 metros de largo; QTH: Ovalle, Chile). También, la emisora avisó hace unos días que ocupa la aplicación de mensajería instantánea llamada: Wire – que igualmente es accesible vía web - con el nombre de Radio Triunfal. La emisora fue reportada, también por Jorge Zúñiga desde Padre Hurtado, Santiago de Chile con SINPO: 33222. Comentario: Señal con mucho fading pero con momentos medianamente buenos. RX: COBY CX-CB12 con antena de hilo largo de siete metros. 5825, R. TRIUNFAL EVANGELICA. Febrero 1. 2309-2326 UT. Predicación. SINPO: 55544 (RX: TECSUN PL-660; ANT: Hilo de 40 metros de largo; QTH: Ovalle, Chile) 5825. R. TRIUNFAL EVANGELICA. Febrero 3. 2327- UT. Identificación de la emisora, luego saludos y bendiciones a diversas personas. Y luego música. SINPO: 45444. A las 2345 SINPO: 45333. (RX: TECSUN PL-660; ANT: Hilo de 40 metros de largo; QTH: Ovalle, Chile) 5825. R. TRIUNFAL EVANGELICA. Febrero 6. 2300-2327 UT. Predicación acerca de las iglesias sin sana doctrina. Luego música. A las 2328, se dan datos de la emisora como el correo electrónico. SINPO: 55444 aunque con momentos en que la señal se desvanece de modo completo. Aunque desde las 2311, SINPO: 45444 aunque el desvanecimiento no se produce de modo completo, solamente a las 2318 por 28 segundos y a las 2325 por 14 segundos. A las 2327, SINPO: 35443. Audio sobremodulado. (Claudio Galaz; RX: TECSUN PL-660; ANT: Hilo de 40 metros; QTH: Ovalle, Chile, condiglista yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** CHINA. UNIDENTIFIED. 4900, Feb 4 at 1350, very poor signal with music vs CODAR swishes. 4900 strikes me as a non-reported broadcast frequency from Asia or anywhere. Also a carrier on 4895, so figure it`s not AIR off-frequency. 1358 intermittent interruptions by noise bursts sounding like DRM; definite 5- or 6-pip time signal to 1400. Uplooked later, indeed, no 4900 listings at all in Aoki or HFCC, but EiBi shows the V24 Korean Numbers Station, 1500-1510 UT only, from S Korean site g-Goyang, Gyeonggi-do / Kyonggi-do, 37N36-126E51, to Oceania (??). So could the S Korea numbers station be on at this hour playing music and timesignal, or what? (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4900, Feb 5 at 1405, music at S4 vs CODAR peaking S7, talk unseems Mandarin. Similar but not // programming and signal to 4940, V. of Strait, Fuzhou. Ron Howard replies to my previous unID 4900: ``FYI - UNID 4900 kHz. http://radio.chobi.net/DX/bbs/?res:1707#2105 Note; MAUNO(Finland), Thanks very much for examining it together! -1110- 6115 kHz Voice of Strait(tent.), fair to good signal 9505 kHz Voice of Strait(tent.), // 6115 kHz same program Live stream : http://www.zuiaishiting.com/radio/fj/28.html same program "News station" and "Minnan station". Special schedule for Chinese New Year's Spring Festival ?? -1145- still no-signal both 4900 and 4940 kHz ... 1200- QSY both frequency; 4900 <--- 6115 4940 <--- 9505 It is not the same program but a separate program. Expected schedule: *1000(?)- 1200 6115, 9505 1200 - 1600* 4900, Minnan program 1200 - 1600* 4940, News program RE: Chinese New Year's Spring Festival/Holiday: Most employees in China have at least seven days off work, while students take one month absence from school. It's the longest Chinese holiday! Chinese New year was on January 28. Ron, San Francisco`` Well, Feb 5 is nine days after January 28, so is 4900 here to stay? Notably it`s in the local different language, Amoy, than 4940. And what does Minnan mean? It`s now in Aoki of Feb 5: ``4900 VOICE OF STRAIT 1200-1600 1234567 Amoy 50 140 Fuzhou CHN 2606N 11924E VOS Amoy b16 Meanwhile, the old frequency is listed as, from same coördinates: 4940 VOICE OF STRAIT 1200-1600 1234567 Chinese 50 140 Fuzhou CHN 4940 VOICE OF STRAIT 1500-1530 ......7 English "Focus on China" 4940 VOICE OF STRAIT 2230-0400 1234567 Chinese 50 140 Fuzhou`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 4900, Feb 6 at 1400, 5+1 timesignal about a sesquisecond late, S6-S8, and not // 4940. At 1503, still VP carriers detectable on both, 4940 slightly stronger. These are Voice of Strait, Fuzhou, 4900 being a new frequency, cf. my previous report. The referenced Japanese forum has had further info about this, unclear about total schedule, languages: http://radio.chobi.net/DX/bbs/?res:1707#2105 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [Further posts from above source:] Re: CHINA : Voice of Strait 9505kHz/6115kHz - XYZ Feb 05, 2017 09:44 UTC No.2109 Note; Today's s/on : 6115kHz 0938- c/on 0939- opening music, SA 9505kHz 0938- c/on 0939- opening music, SA Yesterday was the same program, but a different program began today. ( -1003- Different program) ** There are also the same programs such as "Strait Fishery Meteorology" and "Fishermen's Club", etc... The time of night broadcasting : -------------------------------------------------------- News program (Chinese, Hakka, English) *0940-1200* 9505 kHz new! *1200-1600* 4940 kHz Minnan program (Amoy, Hakka, Chinese) *0940-1200* 6115 kHz *1200-1600* 4900 kHz new! -------------------------------------------------------- ** There are new schedule since Feb 2017. [WORLD OF RADIO 1864] Note; 1100- 9505 kHz // 6115 kHz, maybe relay of "Voice of Strait - General Radio" (Sat, Sun) 1100-1155 "Fishermen Club" // Live : http://www.zuiaishiting.com/radio/fj/34.html add:; -1151- still parallel 9505 // 6115, Chinese 1155- different program from each other 9505 / 6115 -1200* s/off, c/off 1200 4900/4940 kHz both carrier on, s/on Hello! Hiroyuki-san. 4900 kHz, 1300'09"-12" Female Minman language ID - "Haikiap chi sia kongpo tiantai Banlam gu kongpo" 4900 kHz is Minman language program, and 4940 is Chinese language program. Both the frequencies start at 1200. Thanks AMANO !! very helpful information !! http://radio.chobi.net/bbsasia/?res:3565 I can not distinguish Minnan language. Chinese is difficult (via DXLD) ** CHINA. 6100, Feb 5 at 2348, song in Chinese? S8, then M&W DJs, uncertain language; 6100, Feb 6 at 0000, S Asian song. The latter would be CRI Sinhala service, 150 kW, 234 degrees from Kunming, but AT 2330-2430 it overlaps with CRI Portuguese at 2300-2400, 500 kW, 318 degrees from Beijing site (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. 6125, CNR1 in Chinese, 1657–1702, February 4, 2017. Music and talk, ID at top of hour with F announcer. Time pips at top of hour, followed by pop music, some in English. “One Hundred Miles” song played. Excellent, and very strong signal at this location. Definitely armchair copy. I have local AM and FM stations that don’t sound this good. 9455, Firedrake jamming, 2132, 2/4/17. Traditional Chinese music jamming loop targeting Radio Free Asia in Mandarin via Sitkunai, Lithuania. RFA and the jammers tussle for dominance on this frequency here (Vince Henley, Anacortes, WA, Equipment currently in use: Tecsun PL-380, JRC NRD-525, Drake R8B, Sony ICF-2010, Ten-Tec RX-340. Antennas are half-meter whip on PL-380, 1.2 meter whip on ICF-2010, and Alpha-Delta DX-Ultra installed broadside east-west, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) See also LITHUANIA ** COLOMBIA. I haven`t heard 5910 in several weeks of bandscanning past it at various evening hours, altho I`ve seen a few reports of Alcaraván Radio. The only B16 blockage times are 01-03 Romania, 0430- 0500 Lithuania (Glenn Hauser, OK, Feb 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CONGO DR. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 5066.4, R. Candip (unheard for several months) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. NUMBERS STATION, Reception of Cuban Spy Numbers HM01 on Feb 8 0658-0749 9330 secret / hidden tx ?Bejucal? Spanish Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri 0758-0849 9065 secret / hidden tx ?Bejucal? Spanish Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri 0858-0949 9240 secret / hidden tx ?Bejucal? Spanish Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri 0958-1049 9155 secret / hidden tx ?Bejucal? Spanish Sun/Mon/Wed/Fri http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/reception-of-cuban-spy-numbers-hm01-in_8.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 890, Feb 2 at 0544, romantic song in Spanish on E/W antenna without needing to null WLS, same // two syllables later on weaker 900. This means it has to be R. Progreso, 890 per WRTH being 200 kW from Chambas-Centro 6 in Ciego de Ávila, mid-Cuba; 900 being 50 kW at San Germán, far Holguín. 900 delay must be caused by a satellite hop or two to Holguín beyond Ciego de Ávila. So I also try to detect a // on 880 beneath KRVN/KHAC and whatever: almost positively. That would be 12 kW at nearest Pinar del Rio-San Juan. 900 is one of Cuba`s most powerful single MW transmitters, the other 200 kW being the main Rebelde on 710 but lots of relays also there to block ``wacky`` WAQI, Miami. 0545 segué to a more upbeat song, and on 890 I can tell the modulation is distorted. Soon WLS fades back up overtaking (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 1080, Radio Surco, Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila. 0914 February 4, 2017. Cuban folk vocals, parallel 1140 kc/s in passing (Terry Krueger, Clearwater FL, NRD-535, IC-R75, wires, active loop, All times/dates GMT, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 5025, Feb 3 at 0215, Rebelde still AWOL at this hour (while 4765 Progreso is nominal, also 5040 RHC). But at next check 0716, 5025 is back on. 5025, Feb 4 at 0445, R. Rebelde is still off, while 5040 RHC is on and so is 4765 R. Progreso. 5025 is back on at 1349 check, per typical behavior lately (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hello Glenn, In regards to what I heard you mention about Radio Rebelde on your last WOR, I have noticed as well it seems to be absent in the evening and present in the morning (local EST). I made it a point to check and sure enough Friday, and Saturday evening it was missing here, but at least Sat, Sunday morning it was present. I will continue to monitor (Dave Pete, Old Town, Maine, 1143 UT Feb 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Well I missed checking earlier due to the silly super bowl, but at 0445 Rebelde is on. And now at 0500 it`s gone (Dave Pete, Locations in Bangor and Ellsworth, UT Feb 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 0147-, It's here this evening (David Pete, UT Feb 8, ibid.) 5010, Feb 5 at 2353, S7 JBM signal, enough to make it // 5040 RHC. Also, 5055, Feb 5 at 2354, S8 with R. Rebelde // 5025, so these are up and down 15 kHz leapfrog mixing products between 5040, and yes, Rebelde reactivated 5025 in the evening now, and must be from same site to do this, contrary to Aoki which guesses 5025 is Quivicán, 5040 is Bauta. 5040 & 5010 are in `En Contacto`, Arnie Coro rapid segment. 15230, Feb 6 at 0018, RHC is S9+25 but JBM with music (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Feb 8 at 0125 UT noted Creole sce of RHC Bauta with power strength of S=9+25dB on 5040 kHz, but Radio Rebelde in Spanish on 5025 kHz at little stronger S=9+30dB level. Heard on remote SDR installation at Hanson Massachusetts-USA. But there is to note an INTERMODULATION at Bauta center between both transmissions 5025 / 5040 kHz at S=7 signal level strength, R Rebelde heard also 15 kHz away distance on upper side 5055 kHz, and RHC Creole observed on symmetrical lower side of 5010 kHz. 4765 kHz Radio Progreso from Bejucal site ?, at 0142 UT on Feb 8, played nice Latin AM music program, also S=9+10dB signal, 16.5 kHz wideband signal, and in background noted CODAR reception, 'swish, swish ...' in ranges 4405-4595, 4737-4827, and 4888-4915 kHz. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) 5055 & 5010, Feb 8 at 0431, R. Rebelde audio is dominant on both leapfrog mixing products over 5040 RHC from same site, as well as 5025 Rebelde fundamental. (One would expect 5010 modulation to favor 5040 from the opposite side.) 4765 Progreso is also on now (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. 6060, Feb 4 at 0440, RHC Spanish is AWOL; and so is RHC English at 0644 check. [and non] 6165, Feb 4 at 0443, RHC is very strong at S9+50, better than usual, so the undermodulation is not so much of a drawback. Also splashing plus/minus 14 kHz to 6151-6179, so forget about pulling 6160 CKZN past this as used to be possible. (BTW, CKZU is still off and inquiry by Colin Newell to someone at CBC Vancouver gets no definite word about its status). 6100, Feb 5 at 0711, RHC only frequency still on, for weekly Esperanto, during song, S9+40. BTW, Claudio Galaz has confirmed by monitoring that the third airing on Sundays has been shifted an hour earlier to 2130 on 15370. Perhaps the French department complained about getting preëmpted at 2230? This makes sense as there had been a one-hour break on 15370 between 21 and 22 [WORLD OF RADIO 1864] 17580, Sunday Feb 5 at 1446, RHC is S9+20 of dead air; 17730 overmodulates Arnie at S9+20, while 17750 has lighter more pleasant modulation at S9+10. This is during `En Contacto` at 1435-1449. I`ve noticed that Arnie is speaking Spanish extremely rapidly now, altho I can still understand him, evidently hustling to cram as much info as possible into the 2 minutes or whatever allotted to him, a bit of this, a bit of that, propagation info. 5040, Feb 7 at 0240, NO RHC, only weak S8-S6 carrier. Yet 5025, R. Rebelde is active again in evening, at S9+40 with music. I can`t see how 5040 could be anything but RHC transmitter, perhaps on exciter only, as it never has any CCI. 5040, Feb 8 at 0705, RHC carrier is still on late, presumably after a previous hour of English; so the leapfrogs with 5025 upon 5010 and 5055 are also on, but only 5025 is left at 0708 recheck once 5040 has gone off (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [and non]. And now for something completely different. http://www.local10.com/news/cuba/havana-radio-personality-remembers-american-tv-in-50s WPLG hasn't stopped boasting about their bureau. cd (Chris Dunne, Pembroke Pines FL, Feb 4, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) Sorry Chris, but the local10.com website is horrendous with trying to continually load Google Ads. It almost locked Firefox up a couple times. I was finally able to get it to stop momentarily and close the page. Didn't get to finish reading the article because the page kept freezing up. Got a link to a basic text page for that story? (Jim Thomas, Springfield, MO, ibid.) You're right --- my smartphone won't stop with excessive non-text stuff. Lemme look. cd [later:] Sorry, Jim. I tried with a text-only page, but WPLG apparently doesn't have it. Maybe somebody here knows how to convert the above page, but I can't. Anyway, it's a story on Arnie Coro of Radio Habana, and the WPLG story even mentioned DXing. Arnie showed a photo of his catch of ch 10 when it was WPST-TV. It appears in the April 1959 Popular Electronics. WPLG now has a bureau in Havana, and they remind us of it constantly. cd (Dunne, Feb 4, ibid.) ARNIE CORO INTERVIEW ON WPLG-TV One of the advantages of running on Linux -- some of those scripts won't run on my machine, so the page is actually readable Yikes. Just yikes. There are over 13,000 lines of code on that page. The story text occupies ONE line. Two more lines for the headline & sub-headline. There are THOUSANDS of blank lines in the code! (be aware that web browsers ignore carriage returns, but still...) I saved the page source to my hard drive & tried to load it into my word processor -- it took TEN MINUTES to load & ignored all the story text (Doug Smith, W9WI, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) HAVANA RADIO PERSONALITY REMEMBERS AMERICAN TV IN 1950S Cuban radio personality says he watched Local 10 News for decades HAVANA - "Hola amigos...y radio aficionados," he said from his cluttered desk at his Havana home. Arnie Coro, 74, then quickly switches into English. "And here is our first and sad news item," Coro said, while making sure he stays on script on his pre-recording show for Radio Havana Cuba. He does a radio show several times a week but he has competition passions that date back several decades. He's proud of the greeting cards [sic] he holds as proof and memories of his second love: amateur radio. "Ireland...Germany" are just some of the country names he reads out loud. These are fellow amateur radio fans who have sent him greetings from all over the world. "I have thousands of them," he said. The old radio transmitters, different in age and sizes, remain tucked away in the corner of his small kitchen of his home that sits in a nicely manicured street in Nuevo Vedado. "Engineering, communications systems," Coro read from the book cases filled with all kinds of information, mainly about radio, television, history and communications in general. From the age of 12, he remembers being intrigued by the new television medium. "My dad bought the best TV set that was available at that time," Coro said. That's when he remembers getting into what was called TV DX-ING or long distance reception. It became a hobby that taught him how to build antennas. And to prove his knowledge, Coro showed us an old issue of Popular Electronics published in April of 1959 -- historically significant to Cubans. But for Coro, it was the year the American magazine published his article on DX-ING. He was only 17 years old. "We picked up on a more or less regular basis WPST station from Miami, Channel 10 which is now I understand WPLG. They changed the call signs," Coro said. The article has several pictures, one of them an image from his TV screen showing the images he was able to get on his screen coming directly from Miami. Part of the caption under the picture reads, "The signal was picked up with a standard conical antenna during peak sunspot activity." [which was surely irrelevant for tropo reception –-- gh] Coro remembers writing the article in English, then handing it over to his mother, who was an English teacher. He also attended an English speaking school. "At that time, American television was very interesting," he recalls fondly. In the new age of Internet, Cubans are just starting to get a taste. "I think it's very important to use whichever technology you have available to generate good communications between the peoples," Coro said. He is talking about U.S.-Cuba relations and WPLG employees living in Havana temporarily to cover Cuban life. It's a good starting point for a respectful, professional dialogue that should continue, he said. "Your presence here I think marks...is a landmark," Coro said. (via Doug Smith, ibid.) I can't retrieve the photos intact; they use scripting to bury the location of the video. Here's a screengrab of Coro's 1959 screengrab of WPST-TV. Sorry about the play logo in the middle... Click image for larger version. Name: wpst1959.png Views: 5 Size: 332.2 KB ID: 20002 http://forums.wtfda.org/showthread.php?11193-And-now-for-something-completely-different I find it amusing: Coro correctly notes the call letters were WPST when he took the photo, and have since been changed to WPLG -- the reporter then insists the calls have changed again to "Local 10" (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, http://www.w9wi.com ibid.) Don't forget, WLBW was between WPST and WPLG. Good going on the conversion, Doug; you can imagine what happens to my iPhone... cd (Chris Dunne, Pembroke Pines, ibid.) ** CUBA [non]. From the Isle of Music, Week of February 13-18, 2017 This week, the conclusion of Una Mecanica Diferente and an excellent mix of multiple other genres of Cuban music. Three options for listening on shortwave: WBCQ, 7490 kHz, Tuesdays 0100-0200 UT (8-9 pm EST Mondays in the Americas) Channel 292, 6070 kHz, Fridays 1100-1200 UT (1200-1300 CET) and Saturdays 1200-1300 UT (1300-1400 CET) See the From the Isle of Music Facebook page for more information about the program. (William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer, Tilford Productions, LLC 5713 N. St. Louis Av, Chicago IL 60659-4405 email: bill@tilfordproductions.com phone: 773.267.6548 website: http://www.tilfordproductions.com DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DENMARK [non]. QSL: 5850, “the last AGM of DSWCI” via WRMI Okeechobee Transmitter. Full data .pdf showing photos of locations/attendees of the members. This for an e-mail report sent to Rhein-Main Radio Club, with reply in 10 hours, from Michael Haun QSL Manager (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Dominican Republic moves up apagón to 2019 from 2021 http://mediatelecom.com.mx/index.php/agencia-informativa/noticias/item/130544-rep%C3%BAblica-dominicana-planea-adelantar-el-apag%C3%B3n-anal%C3%B3gico Looks like two fewer years for analog in the RD (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, Feb 8, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) DTV ** ECUADOR. Radio Super K 800, Guayaquil has been heard on 799.9081 by Fredrik Dourén of Sweden, with non-stop music format. Noted at 0530 UTC 25 January (Timo Klimoff, Finland via MW Offsets Yahoo Group, via Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) ** EGYPT. 9515.279, Feb 3 at 1535, poor signal with negligible modulation except for lite whine, presumably R. Cairo Albanian hour, from Abis NW also USward. I also detect even weaker JBA carriers about 9515.55 and 9514.95, suspected parasitic spurs from same transmitter. It is fitting that broadcasts TO Albania are as pointless as broadcasts FROM Albania (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EL SALVADOR. X-BAND UPDATE: 1630, YS.. new R Elohim, San Salvador. ”Misión Cristiana Elohim” first heard on 19/11 at 0256 with fiery preaching by Swedish DXer Fredrik Dourén and identified with help from Henrik Klemetz. On 20/11, closedown with identification and National Anthem at 0555 UT was logged by Hasse Mattisson (via Arctic Radio Club’s MV-EKO magazine 21 November via Feb NZ DX Times via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) NEW X-BAND COUNTRY! (NZDXT ed.) Not in WRTH 2017 on 1630, but instead on 1120 as YSLR, 3 kW, 1045-0500 from San Salvador. Website http://www.radioelohim.net gives only these cities and frequencies: San Salvador 1630, San Miguel 1150, Santa Ana 890 --- latter two listed with other Christian stations, apparently overtaken by Elohim (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** ERITREA. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 7146.5 + 7175 VoBME (or any other name this broadcaster may have, neither on any other frequency) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ETHIOPIA [and non]. 7236.491 ... 7236.518 very unstable frequency transmission noted on remote SDR Doha Qatar around 1310 UT on Feb 2nd. Heavy QRM of both sideband adjacents: 7235 kHz VoA Korean sce from the Mariana Islands. and MUCH STRONGER BSKSA Riyadh Persian language outlet on 7240 kHz, of TREMENDOUS S=9+55dB or -19dBm audio powerhouse. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7234.56v, Feb 8 at 0421, R. Ethiopia presumed in variable split- frequency range, S9 with suptorted modulation. 7236.366v, Feb 8 at 1406, weak carrier now here by longpath. So it varies almost 2 kHz? Thorsten Hallmann says it varies from 7234 to 7237 during the day (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EUROPE [and non]. European Music Radio Transmissions on 18th & 19th of February via: WBCQ to Central & North America on 5130, 18th February [Sat] between 2300 to 0000 UT Shortwave Station Göhren on 9485, 19th February [Sun] between 0900 to 1000 UT Channel 292 on 6070, 19th February [Sun] between 1600 to 1700 UT Contact email: emrshortwave@gmail.com For outside the listening area please try the Twente/Netherlands Web RX at http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ You can also hear many European free and alternative stations via the Internet at: http://laut.fm/jukebox European Music Radio: website: http://www.europeanmusicradio.com email: emrshortwave@gmail.com (Tom Taylor, Feb 4, HCDX via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** FAROE ISLANDS. Members, Extreme patience has paid off. The Akraberg site now has 3 different ways of seeing it through Google Earth. The "original" method only gives an imprecise view of the site but it is far better than it used to be. http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/62990299.jpg gives a much better view. Even though the final view is from the edge of the coastline the new 360 Cities link gives the best resolution of all. My conclusions are as follows. There are 2 masts both of which are insulated via guy wires. The masts are 340M apart. The "North" tower looks to be significantly taller than the "South" tower. All of the online references point to Akraberg being omnidirectional from a single mast. Either the other mast is a reserve one, part of an array, or TV/FM. If the latter then isolating the mast makes no sense - I can see no sprouting dipoles though. If both masts are used, then presumably the protection would have been for ‘Wilsdruff’ and ‘Beromünster’. In a word - HELP! I look forward to replies. 73 and 88 Dan [later:] Members, I have uncovered another photo which now points to this being a T-Shape http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/570800.jpg I think that this may be settled. It would explain why the classification of the site is stated so firmly as being omnidirectional. 73 and 88 (Dan Goldfarb, mwmasts yg via DXLD) Members, The online editor of Kringvarp Føroya wrote back to me recommending that I write to the technical team leader. I have now written to Hjallgrím Hentze in both Danish and English. I will tell you the result. Thanks go to both Mauno and Ydun who have been particularly helpful on this question. 73 and 88 (Dan, Feb 8, ibid.) ** GERMANY. HLR relay PCJ Media Network Plus/World of Radio/Radio Tropicana on Feb 5, on 9485 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu: 1100-1123 no program, open carrier / dead air 1123-1153 English Sun CUSB Media Network Plus [!] 1153-1222 English Sun CUSB World of Radio WOR [!!] 1200-1222 Eng/Spa Sun CUSB WOR & R. Tropicana mix [!!!] 1222-1300 Spanish Sun CUSB Radio Tropicana B16 instead of 1100-1130 Media Network+, 1130-1200 World of Radio, 1200- 1300 R. Tropicana http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/pcj-media-network-plus-world-of-radio.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. Radio Ohne Namen --- Dear listeners, You are invited to my birthday shortwave broadcast! On 13 February 2017 at 9 UT = 10 CET it will be on air for three hours. There are records (no shellac) from different decades played. To support the microphones, a record "DJ" (mobile disco) is invited, which should make its first shortwave experiences. We apologize for any inconvenience. We want to try to speak international. The broadcast is entered under "Irgendwas mit Medien” (something with media) in the schedule, and is broadcast via the shortwave transmitter Radio Channel 292, 6070 kHz - 49 meter band. On Thursday 16 February 2017 is a repeat from 12 UT = 13 CET. For listeners without radio at the time, the Web Software Defined Radio is recommended in Twente Nederland. http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/?tune=6070am Kind regards (Radio Ohne Namen (radio without name) Ron, RusDX Feb 5 via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** GERMANY. Tuesday 21 February: Annual SW broadcast of Radio Öömrang Amrum Island, German North Frisian Islands. Issoudun or Nauen in Frisian dialect, German and English. QSLs via transmitter operator Media Broadcast: qsl-shortwave@media-broadcast.com Tentatively 1600- 1659 UT on 15215 kHz via Nauen (Feb BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** GERMANY. QSL: 6070, Goldrausch 6070 via Channel 292 Rohrback. Received a verie .pdf full data QSL sheet with nice graphics! Sent a cover letter, with confirmation details. Reply in 6 days, with a report sent too: goldrausch6070@yahoo.com v/s Eckhard “Hannibal” Heuermann (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Channel 292, Transmission schedules on 6070 (on the air every day): http://www.channel292.de/schedule-for-bookings/ Radio Mi Amigo Transmission schedules: http://www.radiomiamigo.es/shortwave Good Listening! 73s (Tom Taylor, Feb 4, HCDX via DXLD) ** GERMANY [non]. Re: Shortwaveservice Testtransmissions coming up Christian Milling has announced on Facebook that the test transmissions postponed from last weekend will occur this weekend with a change of frequency for the Sunday transmission: Sat, 04.02.2017 1500-1600UTC 6015 kHz Europe Sun, 05.02.2017 1500-1600UTC 6065 kHz Europe (Richard Langley, NB, Feb 4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Both 6015 and 6065 kHz are channels of much co-channel QRM; I checked the 49 mb at 15-16 UT past week here in Europe. 6015 kHz has terrible 3 Korean/jamming co-channels, 6065 is covered by CNR 2 Beijing, strong during winter months also in Europe, S=8-9 level. 5835, 5930, or/and 6055 kHz for example would be MUCH BETTER CHOICE. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) It is 6055 kHz both days (Mauno Ritola, Finland, Feb 4, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, it seems that whoever is transmitting the test decided to use 6055 kHz today instead of 6015 kHz as previously announced by Christian Milling. Reception is o.k. but not that great using the U. Twente receiver. Signal not as strong, I think, as the previous tests. Perhaps the U. Twente receiver is too close to the current transmitter. Correction: Sun, 05.02.2017 1500-1600 UT 6055 kHz Europe (-- Richard Langley, NB, Feb 4, ibid.) It's a very poor signal into the North West of England at 1530 UT on 6055 today Feb.5. The signal is only peaking to 2 on the S meter, and dropping regularly to nothing. I can hear music, and just about tell the language is German in the local noise level (Noel R. Green, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Good signal in Sofia plus QRM PBS Xizang on 6050 and PBS Sichuan on 6060 -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Bulgaria, 1549 UT, ibid.) Test broadcast of Shortwaveservice via unknown tx, Feb 5: 1500-1600 on 6055 unknown / secret tx to WEu Music and announcements http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/test-broadcast-of-shortwaveservice-via.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Menschen & Geschichten in German 1500-1600 on 6055 Yerevan --- Videos will be added later today -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov QTH: Sofia, Bulgaria Feb 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio. Menschen & Geschichten heute in der Wiederholung mit u.a. dem Thema "DAB in Norwegen" ab 19 Uhr UTC und danach das Feature über den Stadtfunk Leipzig; wie immer auf 6145 kHz mit 100kW ümmselchens Und um 15 UTC auf 6055 kHz unser Tests für Europa aus Weitweitweg. Schönen Sonntag (Christian Milling, shortwaveservice, A-DX via DXLD) ``And at 15 UTC on 6055 kHz our tests for Europe from very far away.`` Since he also says 6055 is not Armenia, presumably that means it`s Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, like on 9900 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) From 2000, Radio Menschen & Geschichten is via CJSC Gavar on 6145 as previous Sunday Jan 29 (Ivo Ivanov, Feb 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I would call it fair as monitored using the U. Twente receiver today, Sunday. Signal improved slightly toward the end of the broadcast. Stronger signals for the previous weekend tests using the same receiver. Someone reported the transmissions coming from Gavar, Armenia. Are we sure? Christian Milling wasn't able to divulge the identity of the transmitters used for the previous tests (-- Richard Langley, NB, 0357 UT Feb 6, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GOA [and non]. It is noted that one SW transmitter of AIR Panaji is off air lately. Hence, some of their services are now transmitted from other sites. Yours sincerely, (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad, India Mobile: +91 94416 96043, http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos Feb 7, dx_india yg WORLD OF RADIO 1864, ** GREECE. Reception of Voice of Greece on 9420 and 11645 kHz, Feb 2 0700-0810 on 9420 AVL 170 kW / 323 deg to WeEu Greek*tx#3 and off 0700-0810 on 11645 AVL 100 kW / 182 deg to NoAf Greek*tx#1 and off *including 3 min. news bulletin in Arabic and Serbian 0752-0758UTC http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/reception-of-voice-of-greece-on-9420_2.html Reception of Voice of Greece on 9420 kHz on Feb 3 0700-0831 on 9420 AVL 170 kW / 323 deg to WeEu Greek*tx#3 No signal on 11645 AVL 100 kW / 182 deg to NoAf Greek tx#1 or alternat. 9935 AVL 100 kW / 323 deg to ENAm Greek tx#1 * including news in Arabic/Serbian 0755-0801 & off at 0831 UT http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/greece-reception-of-voice-of-greece-on.html Voice of Greece on 9420 kHz and 9935 kHz, Feb 4-5 from 1900 on 9420*AVL 170 kW / 323 deg to WeEu Greek tx#3 from 1900 on 9935 AVL 100 kW / 285 deg to WeEu Greek tx#1 from 0700 on 9420 AVL 170 kW / 323 deg to WeEu Greek#tx#3 from 0700 on 9935 AVL 100 kW / 285 deg to WeEu Greek#tx#1 *till 2000 on 9420 ABS 250 kW / 005 deg to EaEu Ru R. Cairo #Voice of Greece relay Sunday Liturgy & off air at 0802 UT http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/voice-of-greece-on-9420-khz-and-9935.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUINEA. 9650, R. Guinea, Feb 01 0715-0725, 33333-34333, French, Afro pop and talk, ID at 0717 (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I suppose blocked by VOK *0730 (gh) ** HONDURAS [and non]. FM BANDSCAN IN ROATAN http://forums.wtfda.org/showthread.php?11195-FM-Band-Scan-Roatan-Honduras (via DXLD) Tourist spot, with lots of English, also from Belize? (gh) ** INDIA. HYUNDAI MOBIS & NXP INDIA DEPLOY DRM CHIPS AND RECEIVERS DESIGNED IN INDIA The development and deployment, showcased at a DRM Round Table conference on January 31, was made possible by a regional collaboration between All India Radio, NXP Semiconductors, Hyundai Mobis, and the DRM Consortium. NXP Semiconductors, the world’s largest supplier of automotive semiconductors and Hyundai Mobis, the world’s leading tier-1 automotive supplier, have announced the successful completion of field trials of MOBIS DRM receivers and NXP chips designed in India. The chips and DRM receivers are now deployed in DRM-fitted car infotainment receivers in a newly launched vehicle in India by a leading carmaker. Source & full story at: http://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/aftermarket/hyundai-mobis-nxp-india-deploy-drm-chips-and-receivers-designed-in-india/56936989 --- (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, Feb 2, dx-india yg via DXLD) ** INDIA. 4950, AIR-Srinagar, Feb 04 1409-1433, 45433-44433, Kashmiri, Talk and news, ID at 1413 and 1430, ID as "Radio Kashmir Srinagar. 4970, AIR-Shillong, Feb 04 1434-1444, 45333, Hindi, News and music, ID at 1434 and 1440 (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. Reception of AIR Uttarakhand program & AIR Voice of Kashmir, Feb 4 1330-1430 6030 DEL 250 kW / 102 deg to SoAs Hindi AIR Uttarakhand prgr 1430-1530 6030 DEL 250 kW / 102 deg to SoAs Hindi AIR Voice of Kashmir http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/reception-of-air-uttarakhand-program.html (DX RE MIX NEWS #992 from Georgi Bancov and Ivo Ivanov, February 8, 2017 via DXLD) What is Uttarakhand? No such name in WRTH lists of AIR stations. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: ``Uttarakhand State Nickname(s): Devbhumi Location of Uttarakhand in India Map of Uttarakhand Coordinates (Dehradun): 30.33 N 78.06 E Country India Statehood 9 November 2000 [a] Capital Dehradun [b] Largest city Dehradun Districts 13 Area • Total 53,483 km2 (20,650 sq mi) Demonym(s) Uttarakhandi Languages[1] • Official Hindi • Additional official Sanskrit[2] Time zone IST (UTC+05:30) ISO 3166 code IN-UT Vehicle registration UK 01—XX Website http://uk.gov.in [usw.] Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal,[5] is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Devbhumi (literally: "Land of the Gods") due to many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centres found throughout the state. Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. On 9 November 2000, this 27th state of the Republic of India was created from the Himalayan and adjoining northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh.[6] It borders the Tibet on the north; the Mahakali Zone of the Far-Western Region, Nepal on the east; and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh to the south and Himachal Pradesh to the west and north- west as well as Haryana to its south-western corner`` WRTH does not show any MW station for AIR in Dehradun either (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDIA. 7360.0 UNIDENTIFIED / Urdu service of \\ 7520 AIR Khampur noted 0015-0430 UT, co-channel Talata-Volonondry Vatican Radio program from 0300 UT. 7360.0 "Very good morning" told the lady announcer, and has given phone-#, but some subcontinental Vernacular language heard. Traced the 41 mb and found \\ 7520 kHz AIR Khampur Urdu outlet. But no intermodulation found on upper side symmetrically. At 0242 UT both S=9+5 level in Germany, also on New Delhi and Doha Qatar remote SDR units too, but though little rough audio quality. Jose Jacob's list show this entry of AIR Mumbai in Urdu service: 7340 100 Mumbai 0015-0430 Urdu, 0830-1130 Urdu, 1130-1140 HS, 1230-1500 Sindhi, 1500-1600 Baluchi (Pakistan) (Irregular) So seemingly AIR Mumbai uses 7360 kHz today morning instead, at 0015-0430 UT in Urdu language. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) ** INDIA. INDIA INAUGURATES THE NEXT STAGE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DIGITAL RADIO ROLL-OUT --- ABU 3 February 2017 http://www.abu.org.my/Latest_News-@-India_Inaugurates_the_Next_Stage_of_the_Worlds_Biggest_Digital_Radio_Roll-out.aspx The DRM Consortium, in collaboration with BECIL, hosted a high-level round table meeting in New Delhi on January 31st. The aim of the event was to update and stimulate the interest of key Indian stakeholders in the public phase launch of the project to digitise radio in India, following the successful installation of 35 DRM digital radio transmitters by All India Radio (AIR). The event was inaugurated by the Honourable Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Indian Minister for Information & Broadcasting, who congratulated All India Radio and Prasar Bharati on the successful completion of the first phase of the DRM project. “AIR has re-invented itself through its digital transmitters based on the International ITU standard Digital Radio Mondiale, fulfilling the vision of ‘digital India’ laid out by the Prime Minister”. Looking to the future, he went on to say that: “…this is the time for all stakeholders in India to work together – from public and private Broadcasters to radio and automotive manufacturers to retailers – to make digital radio in India a big national success for the benefit of all Indians, and to turn it into a beacon project.” The event was attended by over 120 participants representing several government ministries and agencies; radio receiver manufacturers; automobile manufacturers; private FM broadcasters; the Indian Association of Cellular Manufacturers; the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA); BECIL; and DRM experts. All those present enjoyed the various receiver demonstrations and listened to a live DRM broadcast on the latest in-car receiver presented by Hyundai. Posted by: (Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** INDIA. AIR REGIONAL SW STATIONS TO BE REVIVED -- Via Alokesh Gupta: Sharing this good news --- responding to a query during DRM India Round Table conference Engineer-in-chief, All India Radio confirmed that regional services of All India Radio on shortwave will be revived and a proposal has already been submitted to Government. [nothing further about SW in the rest of this story:] Trai recommends shutting down of analog transmission by 2023 The broadcast regulator Trai today recommended introduction of digital terrestrial transmission for broadcast services in a phased manner and complete shut down of analog transmission by end of 2023. The broadcast regulator Trai today recommended introduction of digital terrestrial transmission for broadcast services in a phased manner and complete shut down of analog transmission by end of 2023. “Digital terrestrial transmission may be implemented in the country in three phases with complete migration and analog switch off by December 2023,” the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India said in its recommendations on the “Issues related to Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting in India”. At present, terrestrial TV broadcasting in India is under the exclusive domain of Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati), the Public Service Broadcaster and it is predominantly analog. While a large number of TV channels are available to the consumers through various delivery platforms such as DTH, Cable TV, IPTV, HITS etc, Trai said, the existing terrestrial TV platform provides only a few channels which do not offer a value proposition to the viewers. “This is a move that may lead a combination of multiple DTT transmitters at a location, which can provide a rich bouquet of SDTV, HDTV, UHTV, mobile TV channels, radio service and other value added services,” Trai Chairman RS Sharma said. Trai has said that private players should be permitted to provide DTT services along with the public service broadcaster. Public broadcaster may be permitted to operate maximum three transmitters at a given location out of which one may be exclusively used for provision of mobile TV services, the regulator said.“Private broadcasters may be permitted to operate maximum four transmitters (with spectrum capacity of 8 MHz each) at a given location subject to availability of spectrum,” Trai said. The regulator has also suggested that maximum number of DTT providers may be capped at five (one public broadcaster and four private broadcasters) as per availability of spectrum. Sharma said that in the digital era, consumers prefer to have access to number of TV channels on various devices such as mobile phones and other handheld devices.“…terrestrial viewers are deprived of such benefits due to non-availability of digital terrestrial broadcasting services. Terrestrial television broadcasting is the preferred method for providing free-to-air TV services to the people in most of the countries,” he added. Trai has recommended that DTT should be deployed in metros by December 2019 in phase 1, cities having more than 10 lakh population as per Census 2011 should be covered by December 2021 and rest of India by December 2023. “In order to create a supportive eco- system, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting along with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology may devise policy framework to make available DTT compliant devices,” Trai said. Yours sincerely, (via Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad, India, Feb 2, Mobile: +91 94416 96043, http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos dx_india yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** INDIA. Listening Post with Alan Roe listeningpost@bdxc.org.uk Welcome to Listening Post for February. ALL INDIA RADIO On Tuesday 3 January, I tuned to AIR on 9445 kHz for over an hour of enjoyable programming, starting with Indian Heritage at 2120 UT which this week was focusing on New Year in India. “Whilst 1 January rings in the New Year the world over, we in India have the unique distinction of celebrating multiple New Years – almost one for every region. Our numerous New Years symbolize the diversity of language, region and culture of our land. Interestingly, the celebrations for the New Year marked by the Gregorian Calendar that is followed globally begins on New Year's Eve 31st December. In India, however, festivities herald the first auspicious day of the New Year that is designated by specific regional calendar. [;] “As Indians, we often get the best of both worlds, the East and the West. We party with friends, go dancing and feasting, and welcoming in the New Year on January 1st with the countdown of the midnight clock. But traditional New Years in India are mostly family occasions with Punjab prayers being an integral part of the celebrations that bond the community together.” The programme continued by talking about different New Years’ dates for different regions and communities, and all along was illustrated with music excerpts from each region or community being referred. “India being an agrarian country, harvest festivals link it in one common stead of festivities. The harvest festivals in mid-April also mark the New Year in these regional States, so while farmers in Punjab in North India celebrate Vaisakhi,” [ excerpt of Punjabi music ] the Assami celebrate Bihu performing the graceful Bihu dance” [ excerpt of Assami Bihu music ] and the Malayalis of Kerala rejoice in the abundance of the harvest bringing in the New Year as Vishu” [ excerpt of Keralan/Malayali music ]. It was a very pleasant programme and gave a good feel for traditional life in India at New Year – whenever that day falls in India. I have often previously enjoyed Indian Heritage, and it is recommended. Indian Heritage is scheduled on Tuesdays at 1030, 1430, 1830, 2120 and 2330 UT. This programme was followed at 2130 UT by Artist of the Day – this time featuring film music written by lyricist Indeevar: “; a leading song lyricist of the 1960’s and he wrote over a 1000 songs in over 300 films in a career spanning four decades.” There is nothing quite like Indian film music; the film industry is very big in India, and film music is such a main part of the film industry and I really like the fact that All India Radio regularly features this music in its programming. This was another very enjoyable 20 minutes up to 2150 which continued at 2210 for a further 5 minutes. Artist of the Day is scheduled on Tuesdays and heard in either one or two sessions of varying length within each broadcast. Best times to try are 1345 & 1440, 1840 & 1920, 2130 & 2210, and 2350 & Wednesday 0015 UT. At 2150 (following the first session of Artist of the Day), the music continued with Indi-Pop featuring Rabbi Shergil, which was 10 minutes of pleasant modern pop/soft rock music. Finally at 2215 (following the second session of Artist of the Day) was another excellent programme Destination India “; an audio tour of a mesmerizing place of an incredible India.” Today with a tourist guide to Sikkim which concluded with folk music of Sikkim. Destination India is heard several times a week at various times, such as Monday to Wednesday at 1425, 1935 and 2210 and Tuesday to Thursday at 0035 UT, but it does also pop-up seemingly randomly at other times and days. I very much enjoyed my 70 minutes with All India Radio this day, and I happened to tune again to AIR the following day, Wednesday 4 January, again at 2120 UT on 9445 kHz and was treated to another 70 minutes excellent programming up to 2230. The first programme that I listened to this day was Movies on the Radio with a detailed look at the rather complicated plot of a 1960’s film, Mera Saaya, and included some music from the film. For me, this programme is maybe of limited interest. I’m unlikely ever to see the film and am not a student of Indian films, but it does help provide background information into the culture of films in India, and was pleasant enough listening. Movies on the Radio is scheduled on the first Wednesday of the month at 1400, 1830, 2120 and 2330 UT. This was followed at 2140 by One Film – a programme of film music from the film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, another of the many film music programmes broadcast on AIR – and as enjoyable as always. However, for me the highlight of this transmission was From AIR Archives at 2210 which comprised an AIR archived short play based on a story called The Letter based on a Gujarati short story. The story revolves around an old coachman, Ali, who for five years walks miles every day to the post office waiting for a letter from his daughter who had left home. One day the post master makes fun of the old coachman. Ali goes home and is not seen again and in a twist the post master finds that he is waiting every day for a letter about his ill daughter living miles away. It is at this time that a letter finally arrives for Ali, but it transpires that the coachman had died some time ago and the post master for the first time knew the suffering of another human heart. It was a sad tale – but the presentation was superb and I was quite gripped by the story. From AIR Archives is scheduled on the first Wednesday of the month at 1030, 1430, 1910, 2215 and Thursday 0015 UT. It has been said that AIR is rather boring and I recall complaints that its schedule is complicated and hard to follow. I agree that the schedule is hard to follow, but not that the programmes are boring. They do have a certain “old-fashioned” approach to their presentations, but for me that is part of their charm. The complicated schedule I think derives partly from the fact that many programmes do not necessarily stick to a strict time slot. A programme that is generally scheduled for 10 minutes (for example) may run under or over time depending on content for that day. Of course, over or under runs then have knock-on effect on other programmes which then either start earlier or later than generally scheduled. To enjoy AIR programming to its fullest, it is well worth checking the daily online guide at http://airworldservice.org/cuesheet/cuesheet.pdf (Alan Roe, England, Feb BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** INDIA. Again unscheduled English broadcast of All India Radio Feb 7 0830-1135 on 11620 DEL 250 kW / 334 deg to SoAs Urdu, as scheduled B16 1135-1140 on 11620 DEL 250 kW / 334 deg to SoAs English unscheduled px http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/again-unscheduled-english-broadcast-of.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INDONESIA. Reception of Voice of Indonesia on Feb 2 1301-1401 on 9525 JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs English http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/reception-of-voice-of-indonesia-on-feb2.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9524.940 kHz VOI Cimanggis exact measured on Feb 3 at 1635 UT. S=7-8 in Arabic. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** INDONESIA. Voice of Indonesia was back on 9525.9 kHz, Feb 7 1000-1100 on 9525.9#JAK 250 kW / 135 deg to AUS English 1100-1200 on 9525.9#JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs Chinese 1200-1300 on 9525.9#JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs Japanese 1300-1400 on 9525.9#JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs English 1400-1500 on 9525.9#JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs Indonesian 1500-1600 on 9525.9*JAK 250 kW / 010 deg to EaAs Chinese 1600-1700 on 9525.9 JAK 250 kW / 290 deg to N/ME Arabic 1700-1800 on 9525.9 JAK 250 kW / 290 deg to WeEu Spanish 1800-1900 on 9525.9 JAK 250 kW / 290 deg to WeEu German 1900-2000 on 9525.9 JAK 250 kW / 290 deg to WeEu English 2000-2100 on 9525.9 JAK 250 kW / 290 deg to WeEu French # QRM Voice of America in Chinese on 9530 * strong co-ch China Radio Int in English http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/voice-of-indonesia-was-back-on-95259.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) So back on the almost-9526 off-frequency they had used for a long time, before dropping a kHz; complete change of transmitter? (gh) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. WRN: See RUSSIA [and non] ** IRAN. 9900, Feb 5 at 1427, weak Qur`an and then talk at S5. Thought it might be Cairo, but at this hour it`s VIRI in Hindi, 1420-1520, 500 kW due east from Sirjan (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRELAND. Save RTE LW 252 Facebook group 3 February 2017 Billy Lawless gave a great speech in the Dáil yesterday about the importance of longwave to the Irish in Britain. He is a very strong supporter, and we are grateful for his work. In an encouraging response, Minister of State for the Diaspora Joe McHugh also spoke positively of the continuing need for longwave, noting that he was well aware of its importance: "While any decision on the future of long wave services in Britain is ultimately an operational matter for RTE, it can..., as a result of the study, now be informed by awareness of the role that the service plays in preserving and enhancing links with Ireland and keeping our people in Britain informed of important events and developments, such as the UK’s vote to leave the European Union and the Irish Government’s position." He added that the consultative group involving RTE and representatives of the Irish in Britain would meet next week: "A meeting of the consultative group will take place in London next week in order to discuss the next steps, explore possible ways forward In the context of maintaining the link with audiences in Britain, and of keeping the Irish community involved in decision-making. I am hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved." [following link is NOT the same story:] CALL FOR RETENTION OF RTÉ’S UK LONG-WAVE RADIO SERVICE Senator Billy Lawless cites survey revealing 92% of Irish in UK listen daily to service --- Thu, Feb 2, 2017, 20:33 Michael O'Regan http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/call-for-retention-of-rt%C3%A9-s-uk-long-wave-radio-service-1.2961495 Posted by: (Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) Hello, Here is an item for the daily digest/news to members of BDXC: The monthly Wireless programme on community station Flirt FM in Galway this month features the campaign to save RTÉ Radio 1 on 252 kHz long wave. The Co. Meath transmitter is due to close in May but there has been a vigorous campaign by Irish groups in Britain for it to be maintained and for full power to be restored. You can hear an interview with Richard Logue, a spokesperson for the campaign, in this month's edition of Wireless: https://wirelessflirt.wordpress.com/2017/02/06/wireless-on-flirt-fm-programme-6/ Regards, (John Walsh, Galway, Feb 7, BDXC-UK yg via DXLD) ** IRELAND [non]. QSL: 5820, RTE Radio One Ireland via Talata- Volonondry [MADAGASCAR] Full data (with NO site) Globe Image of Ireland, with attached photos of Ireland, nicely done, in 50 days. This for an e-mail report sent to info@rte.ie (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Service since canceled (gh) ** ITALY. Please be advised that Marconi Radio International will be on the air Sunday, 5 February 2017, from 0930 to 1230 UT on 7700 kHz AM and from 1315 to 1615 on 7700 kHz USB Mode. Reception reports with audio clips (mp3-file) are welcome and confirmed by QSL verification. Some lucky listeners will ALSO receive our printed QSL card, so don't forget to include your postal address. E-mail: marconiradiointernational (at) gmail.com Last but not least, we need your help! If you are a DX blogger, or use social networks, please post an announcement on your own blog and/or Facebook or send out a tweet. You can also forward this message to a friend. This should help increase our potential audience. We hope to hear from a lot of shortwave listeners about our transmissions. Best 73's (Marconi Radio International (MRI), Feb 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) These announcements always come at short notice, but someone posts them to the DXLD yg; details not the same from one week to the next. Reception unlikely in North America, low power, obviously not even attempting to reach here by the hours chosen (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. 6170, Voice of Korea in German, 1702–1730, February 4, 2017. Target was obviously Central Europe. Music, including the usual stirring choral music, with M&F announcers with commentary and/or harangue. This broadcast was a very strong signal, nevertheless, it was jammed by a very strong, clean carrier as of 1725. If there was any modulation it was a constant low-frequency tone, but I suspect that it was just a clean and very powerful carrier. The jamming persisted and was effective in blocking the signal at this location. I had not heard that before (Vince Henley, Anacortes, WA, Equipment currently in use: Tecsun PL-380, JRC NRD-525, Drake R8B, Sony ICF- 2010, Ten-Tec RX-340. Antennas are half-meter whip on PL-380, 1.2 meter whip on ICF-2010, and Alpha-Delta DX-Ultra installed broadside east-west, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) Why do you jump to the conclusion that the carrier is jamming (deliberate interference)? Who would care about blocking VOK in German, and the carrier unlikely to be from Europe. 6170 is an RNZI frequency not currently scheduled, until A-season; possibly test of other mothballed transmitter? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. 5935, Feb 8 at 1358, Shiokaze music as about to close, and with pulsing het from 5936, jamming? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5935, JAPAN, Shiokaze, 2/8, 1420. Long talk by M, then W in Japanese. Male vocal music. Today, noted both better reception (compared to yesterday) and presence of a jamming transmission. Off at its usual 1435. Fair/Good. 5935, 2/7, 1345. Caught in progress, W talking over soundbed of soft music. Due to condx, was unable to determine language (Ron Howard in CA has this pre-1400 in Chinese and/or Korean). Off at 1400, then resuming the (reported) Japanese language segment to 1435 close. Poor/Fair and choppy (Rick Barton, Logs from Peoria/Sun Cities Arizona, English unless otherwise stated. 73 and Good Listening...! : ))) dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA SOUTH [and non]. KOREAS, 6134.996 kHz, probably KBS Chun Cheon carrier signal and also same strength North Korean ditter / bubble jamming of frequency distance of 2225 Hertz apart each, a like garden fence covered wideband range from 6041.85 to 6277 kHz strings ... S=9+10dB in remote Korea SDR unit, at 0111 UT Feb 4 [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Febr 4, 2017, dxldyg via DXLD) ** KURDISTAN [non]. 11600, Feb 6 at 1425, no signal from Denge Kurdistane during the segment allegedly via PRIDNESTROVYE, so off the air? We`ll see what happen when FRANCE is supposed to start at 1500. Already at 1454 recheck I do get a JBA carrier on 11600; then *1459:55 cut on a strong open carrier at S9-S7. Not until 1502:02.5 is presumed Kurdish talk faded up, JIP (joined in progress). As per previous logs, when KCH is on, the transition at 1500 is virtually seamless. 11600, Feb 7 at 1452, Denge Kurdistane is VP at S3-S5 during presumed PRIDNESTROVYE site segment; 1500 to dead air when presumed FRANCE site takes over, slightly weaker S2-S4 until resuming modulation at 1501.7 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LAOS. 6130, Lao National Radio – Vientiane, 1150-1206, Jan 31, noted with nice local music features until seven gongs at 1200, apparent ID by a man announcer, brief talk and apparent choral anthem of some sort. Woman announcer with news at 1203. Poor and beginning to rapidly fade out by tune out (Rich D’Angelo, French Creek State Park DXpedition No. 53 (January 29, 30 and 31, 2017). Equipment: Ten-Tec RX-340, Drake R-8B and an Eton E1, 500-foot wire essentially north for the RX-340 and 250-foot wire essentially northeast for the R-8B and a whip antenna for the E1, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) ** LIBERIA. 6050, ELWA possibly the one at 2202 with a male preacher with upbeat Christian vocals – Fair Feb 3 – HCJB is never in English on this frequency so this leads me to think this is the one in English especially considering the good signals from the Voice of Hope in Zambia (Mark Coady, Selwyn, Ontario, Drake SPR4 Receiver, Drake TR7, Kenwood TS440S, and YouKits TJ5A Transceivers, AEA AT-300 and MFJ-941E Manual Tuners, LDG Z-100 Plus Auto Tuner, 40 meter and 80 meter off centre-fed dipoles, ODXA yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) 6050, ELWA Radio, Monrovia, 0545-0615, 05-02, English, religious songs and comments. 24322 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun PL-880, Sangean ATS-909X, cable antenna, 8 meters, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LIBYA. 675.002, Tripolis {or rather Benghazi site ?} is back on their powerful service transmitter, noted this morning in Greece island remote unit as S=9+35dB, at 0845 UT on Feb 8. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LITHUANIA [and non]. 9455, Radio Free Asia – Sitkunai (Presumed), 2157, 1/31/17, in Mandarin. Music, off 2200. Poor. Not // CNR 1 jammer on 9410 at the same time (Mark Taylor, Madison, Wisconsin, Perseus, SDRPlay, RTL2832 V3 dongle; Eton e1, Grunding Satellit 800, Tecsun PL 660, and various other portables; 40 meters dipole, 100’ long wire, Mini whip, NASWA Flashsheet Feb 5 via DXLD) ** LITHUANIA. QSL: 6165, NHK Radio Japan Russian Service via Sitkunai Transmitter. Received a nice QSL package with full data card with site, postcards/cover letter and reception report in 113 days, for an e-mail report to the Russian Service. V/s: illegible (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MADAGASCAR. QSL: Radio Itahuka, Kiranda broadcast to Uganda via Talata-Volonondry transmitter. Full data Media BC .pdf QSL statement / QSL showing the buildings/curtain aerial of Media BC in 11 days for an e-mail report, with audio file web link. V/s: Michael Pultz (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It`s Kirundi, to Rwanda, from Pütz = Puetz (gh) ** MADAGASCAR. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 5010v, Radio Madagasikara (neither anywhere else) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Its widely varying carrier 5008vv had been heard here several times around 0230. Now there is Cuban leapfrog on 5010 (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** MEXICO. 700, Feb 8 at 1328, Indian drumming and fluting vs WLW. Presumed the indigenous station often audible around sunrise here, XEETCH, Etchojoa, Sonora, 5 kW daytimer, La Voz de los Tres Rios (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. THE END IS NEAR...FOR ENGLISH ON XETV FTVLive was the first outlet to break the latest twist in what's quickly become the most uncertain market in television: San Diego. http://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2017/1/26/san-diego-station-going-dark Their report this afternoon, soon bolstered by one from TVSpy, http://www.adweek.com/tvspy/san-diego-station-to-shut-down-after-losing-cw-affiliation/184920 says that after more than 17 years in its sort-of-current form, Bay City Television is throwing in the towel. The final XETV newscast will air on March 31. The Bay City operation closes May 31 with the station to be converted to Gala TV (or, as GM Chuck Dunning called it in his statement to TVSpy, the "Channel Nine Network from Mexico City"). The decision ends more than 60 years of English-language programming on XETV (Raymie Humbert, WTFDA Forum, DXLD 17-06 via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD 17-07) ** MEXICO. AMENAZA HUELGA A RADIO Y TV 31/01/2017 Periodistas de EL UNIVERSAL Ciudad de México [this predates Raymie`s coverage last issue of resolution of strike] Un conflicto laboral está en proceso entre los mil 200 concesionarios de radio y TV con los tres sindicatos de la industria y que podría llevar a bajar el switch a las trasmisiones en la programación de todo el país. Nos explican que las organizaciones sindicales han solicitado aumento salarial 10% y los empresarios ofrecen 0%, ante caída de audiencias y sobre todo por la impugnada reglamentación del Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones. Y de no llegar a un acuerdo hoy a la medianoche, los sindicatos estallarán la huelga. Las negociaciones se han trasladado con carácter de urgente a las oficinas centrales de la Secretaría de Trabajo, nos comentan. Enviado por: ("Carlos J. V.", México via Juan Franco Crespo, Spain, DXLD) ** MEXICO. RAYMIE`S MEXICO BEAT this week --- [including DTV] One of ACIR's few franchising relationships might have ended. In Aguascalientes, Grupo Radiofónico ZER took over XHDC and its Amor format. The FB pages have removed the logo and even the Grupo ZER site lists it as "Amor Es 104.5" (Love Is 104.5) — which sounds really improvised. The same has happened at XHZAZ Zacatecas, and the logo for XHLK Digital 106.5 in that city (the last Digital station in the country, as ACIR's own pop stations went Radio Disney) has also vanished from the site. The changes appear to have taken effect yesterday, at least if the "Amor Es" FB pages are any indication. The XHLK page is still up but has no posts (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, Feb 3, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) It's time for another roundup of business at the IFT: 1. Technical modifications to XHLIA-FM. This one passed with Estavillo Flores and Cuevas Teja concurring except on the details of the contraprestación, or concession renewal fee (basically a lump payment). 2. Repacking: XHNON to 26, XHBC to 14, XHLAT to 33 (the first Azteca station - will also change ERPs), XHMEE to 15, XHCBO to 17, XEFB to 15. 3. A station transfer in Tampico: XHON-FM has been transferred to Multimedios Radio, S.A. de C.V. (so it is a full station sale, not merely an LMA). 4. New stations: -Comunidad Indígena Purépecha de Ocumicho, social indigenous FM (Ocumicho, Michoacán, about 20 km SSE of Zamora) -Gobierno del Estado de Michoacán, public TDT at Huetamo (for some reason the minutes say "Huertana de Núñez" but it's Huetamo, the 13th station in the state network that was put out for construction with the rest of them last year) -New concession but not a new station: Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, AM at Texcoco, Edomex -Radio Cultural Monver, A.C., social FM at Boca del Río, Ver. -Universidad Autónoma Intercultural de Sinaloa, public FM at Mochicahui, Son. On the last one, intercultural universities are those that are more explicitly indigenous, in this case Yoreme. Here's the UAIS website. http://uais.edu.mx/joomla15/ This is the first of the intercultural universities to get into radio. While its acronym is UAIS, its online station is Radio UAIM http://uais.edu.mx/joomla15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=392:radio-uaim&catid=79:programas&Itemid=87 — the old name of the university until July was Universidad Autónoma Indígena de México. It is the second station in Mochicahui, after XHORF 99.7 FM (which is in the Los Mochis media market). The indigenous station in Michoacán is going to be the first of many, for sure. 5. We finally, after some eight months, finally know more about thr expansion of Radio Universidad San Luis Potosí to Matehuala. The callsign is XHUASM-FM, and it will broadcast on 91.9 with 5,000 watts from a transmitter site at the UASLP Matehuala campus (to the north of the city, just south of Highway 62). Last edited by Raymie; 02-04-2017 at 02:33 AM. (Raymie, originally Feb 3, ibid.) I'm posting this separately not because it's terribly exciting or new, but because someone here will be extremely interested. [Gargadon] XHBCC-FM Ciudad del Carmen was approved for HD Radio in 2015. http://rpc.ift.org.mx/rpc/pdfs/141015-TECNICA_IBOC-011423.pdf (Raymie, Feb 5, ibid.) Is there any typical type of programming aired on these university stations? In the U.S., when I think of a university station I think of music popular with the students -- underground rock, hip-hop, etc... Is that the kind of thing one would expect on a Mexican university station as well? (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN, Feb 5, ibid.) Most college stations act as public radio stations since the absence of Radio Educación, IMER, SPR radio stations or something like NPR. The typical programming scheme is like this: -Promotion of cultural and sports events -Morning shows for kids -Afternoon shows for students -Radio Educación and other public radio programming (XHUACC has VOA's shows) -Informative shows (Business, health promotion, etc.) -Regional and old-school music (not bandas or grupera) -In selected spaces, underground Mexican rock and CHR, or even heavy metal (Gargadon, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Feb 5, ibid.) Gargadon's right. Most university stations are more traditional public radio offerings, though certainly more daring than the rest of the dial. In some cases, the only stations that are public or noncommercial in a given area are university stations. Some notable cities that lack other public or even any other noncommercial radio in general outside of universities: Mexicali and Ensenada Ciudad del Carmen Durango (which is the Mexican capital of university radio with no less than four schools in broadcasting, though two are private) León, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende (as the state of Guanajuato actually spun off its FM transmitters to the Universidad de Guanajuato) Iguala, Guerrero (with XHUTG which signed on last year on an expired permit, though XHDOM is coming) That's just off the top of my head (Raymie, Feb 5, ibid.) Quote Originally Posted by Raymie: ``A station transfer in Tampico: XHON-FM has been transferred to Multimedios Radio, S.A. de C.V. (so it is a full station sale, not merely an LMA).`` Hi Raymie, where did you find that information? In the RPC the concession is still at Fórmula Flores (SnoopyFan93, Tampico, ibid.) El RPC no se actualiza de manera tan rápida; La cesión se presentó ante el Pleno el 25 de enero. http://www.ift.org.mx/conocenos/pleno/sesiones/iii-ordinaria-del-pleno-25-de-enero-de-2017 Busca el acuerdo P/IFT/250117/35 en esa página. A veces el Instituto hace cosas en sesiones de Pleno pero no emite un comunicado, o no lo emite hasta unas semanas después. En este medio fui el primer en dar la noticia sobre algunas estaciones por estos motivos. El RPC aún tiene registrados algunos concesionarios viejos, por ejemplo para la XHSJ-FM de Saltillo todavía dice Radiocomunicación de Saltillo cuando hasta se incorpora el documento de cesión a la empresa Herciana Frecuencia, S.A. de C.V. Cabe destacar que casi todas las acciones detalladas en ese post surgen de acuerdos de Pleno aprobadas en aquella sesión ordinaria. La excepción es la XHUASM-FM de San Luis Potosí que se aprobó hace casi 8 meses en junio del año pasado, pero por fin se subió el acuerdo correspondiente con la información técnica (Raymie, ibid.) Today might seem like a quiet Tuesday, but it's also the start of the presentation of offers phase of IFT-4. Today, presentation of offers opened for the FM stations; next Tuesday, they open for the AM stations. The auction periods run 48 hours each, unless there is bidding activity in the final half hour in which case the auction is extended in that lot for 30 minutes. We may have the publication of results later this month or even at the end of this week for the FMs. ——— We did get something this evening: point totals for each of the leading bidders through 24 hours in the FM bidding. http://www.ift.org.mx/sites/default/files/ift-4_concurso_fm_primer_reporter_7_feb_2017_12hrs.pdf This isn't much, but it shows that some of the strongest bids have been made for stations in Quintana Roo (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Holbox and Tulúm), as well as for stations at Calvillo, Chignahuapan, and Cadereyta de Montes in Querétaro. Note that cities repeated have stations with varying classes up for bid (for instance, B1 and AA). These are separate lots. We can gather that the following went unclaimed, a total of about 32: -one of two at Candelaria, Camp. -Villa Ahumada, Chih. -Acala, Arriaga, Cintalapa x2, Escuintla, Mapastepec, Ocosingo, Pijijiapan x3, Siltepec, Tonalá, Villaflores, all in Chis. -Iguala x2 and Eduardo Neri, Gro. -one of two at Cd. Hidalgo, Mich. -Ixtepec-Juchitán, Juchitán, Santo Domingo Tehuantepec, Oax. -Tihosuco x2, Q. Roo -Guamúchil, Sin. -Jonuta, Tab. and its 124 communities -Ángel R. Cabada, Naranjos, Ozuluama, Potrero del Llano, Tamiahua, Ver. -Sotuta, Yuc. -one of two at Concepción del Oro, Zac. Last edited by Raymie; 02-07-2017 at 09:26 PM (Raymie, Feb 7, ibid.) As the IFT-4 auctions continue on, the latest activity report: http://www.ift.org.mx/sites/default/files/industria/espectro-radioelectrico/radiodifusion/2016/4/ift-4primercuartopp07feb20172200hrs.pdf 157 participants have presented 477 valid bids in 90 localities as of 10pm last night. The biggest activity is in coastal cities: La Paz, San José del Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Cancún and Playa del Carmen, each with 19. The highest bids by point score are Puerto Morelos (4,140), Playa del Carmen (3,363), Holbox Q. Roo (3,304), and San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, with 2,587. Additionally, bids have now been placed in all localities. Last edited by Raymie; 02-08-2017 at 09:33 PM (Raymie, Feb 8, ibid.) Ñuc ñuc... I've found a missing piece to the story of XHÑUC-FM (the one in Oaxaca). The legal representative for the station is Mario Omar Cortés Ramírez. I found one news story from a local paper in Chalcatongo mentioning that he runs a radio station, Radio Raza 91.1 FM. https://www.facebook.com/notes/la-voz-de-chalcatongo/firma-y-avala-lider-del-stirt-oaxaca-nombramiento-del-gerente-general-de-radio-r/152156398311657/ Still does not explain the weirdest-looking broadcast callsign in the world. That's worth an award to the IFT for "Innovations in Broadcast Call Signs" (Raymie, Feb 8, ibid.) In case it get garbled for you, we are talking about a tilde-N as a letter in callsign (gh, DXLD) Another radio auction could happen at the end of the year. The IFT is seeking to put up 53 additional stations for bid, http://www.especialistas.com.mx/saiweb/viewer.aspx?file=4ejBjxeato5yStCGOR9vKro6v6Ro7Ievzf8q6qd8lyJb6fX5Kql6ESwin8dcCH4B0jPKsU4yudbMynS7VIFb9g==&opcion=0&encrip=1 according to Reforma, 42 AMs and 11 FMs. They come from the 2016 PABF. The stations in the 2016 PABF can be consulted here on page 12. http://www.ift.org.mx/sites/default/files/anexo_1_pabf.pdf Particular prizes are a Class B1 in Tepic and a Class B1 in Matehuala, two of five stations with that class. There's also a Class A in Ciudad Obregón and Class As in Ciudad Victoria and Ciudad Mante. The 11 AMs are considerably less interesting. Four are in Acámbaro, Guanajuato, three in Piedras Negras, and the rest in Jalisco, Guanajuato and Zacatecas (Raymie, Feb 9, ibid.) The points keep going up in IFT-4! http://www.ift.org.mx/sites/default/files/industria/espectro-radioelectrico/radiodifusion/2016/4/acfrogauav9qzti2sv4sql60nvfpmylzyl6ocim.pdf A huge increase has hit the Tequisquiapan, Qro. station, with a point total as of 6:30 last night of more than 12,000. The lowest high bid is Nicolás Bravo, Q. Roo, at 126.5. The town is due west of Chetumal which probably explains the low interest (Raymie, Feb 9, ibid.) ** MOROCCO. 9575, R. Mediterranee Int., Feb 01 0706-0715, 45433-45444, Arabic and French, News and talk, ID at 0710 and 0712. 9575, R. Mediterranee Int., Feb 02 0739-0748, 44444, French, News, ID at 0741 and 0748 (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MYANMAR [and non]. Quick Myanmar Radio log at 0120 UT on Feb 4th, noted at New Delhi India remote SDR unit: 5914.990, MR from new capital site at Naypyidaw, S=6-7 in India remote post only. 5985.000, back on EVEN frequency again. Yangon Radio is much stronger at S=9+15dB level at 0126 UT, Xylophone hill tribe SE Asian music type. 6029.994, Thazin Radio from Pyin Oo Lwin site in northern Myanmar, S=8 signal at 0128 UT on Feb 4. 9589.989, Thazin Radio in Burmese from Pyin Oo Lwin site in northern Myanmar, noted at 0150 UT on Febr 4, S=9+10dB signal strength. Co- channel heavy QRM by CRI Spanish 9590 kHz from Kashgar western China site. 9730v nothing from Myanmar at 0156 UT, but 9729.994, TAIWAN, SOH Chinese language service, S=4-5 level, hit by lower strength China mainland jamming on 9730 kHz even [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Febr 4, 2017, dxldyg via DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND. 11725, Feb 2 at 0535, RNZI is the SSOB at S9+25, way more than 11780 Brasil S6. RNZ CEO has assured Pacificans that its SW service is secure, now that Radio Australia has abandoned them. No better time than now to remind us beyond of RNZI`s schedule: 30 Oct 2016 - 25 Mar 2017 (* = best in North America) UTC kHz Target Days 0000-0258 17675 AM Pacific Daily 0259-0458 15720 AM Pacific Daily 0459-0758 *11725 AM Pacific Daily 0759-1058 * 9765 AM Pacific Daily 1059-1258 11610 AM NW Pacific, PNG Daily 1259-1758 * 7355 AM Pacific Sat 1259-1650 * 7355 AM Pacific Sun-Fri 1651-1745 7285 DRM Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa Sun-Fri 1746-1950 11690 DRM Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga Sun-Fri 1759-1958 11725 AM Pacific Sat 1951-2050 15720 DRM Pacific Sun-Fri 1959-2258 15720 AM Pacific Sat 2051-2258 15720 AM Pacific Daily 2259-0000 17675 AM Pacific Daily 11725, again Feb 2 at 0644, RNZI is the SSOB at S9+10. With BFO I notice a slight beat and measure it on R75 at 11725.012. Good music show, outro at 0659 as Klezmer edition on `New Horizons`; had played ``Heart Belongs to Daddy``, jazz by the Auckland Jews Brothers Band. 7355, Feb 2 at 1345, more good music, classic rock, 1400 news, 1405 story reading introed by Ravel`s Bolero (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1863, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEW ZEALAND. RNZI REMAINS VOICE OF THE PACIFIC Pasifik --- By Pasifik/RNZI February 1, 2017 https://pasifik.news/rnzi-remains-voice-pacific/ Following the ABC’s decision to cut shortwave radio transmission in the Pacific, Radio New Zealand International has reassured listeners that it is committed to its Pacific broadcasts. “Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) continues to serve people across the Pacific region, delivering essential day to day news and information and providing a vital lifeline in times of natural disaster,” it said in a press release. RNZ CEO, Paul Thompson, has confirmed that there will be no reduction in Radio New Zealand’s commitment to its Pacific broadcast partners. His reassurance came as Radio Australia closed its international shortwave transmission service to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. Mr Thompson emphasised the importance of RNZI’s 25-year relationship with New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours. “Remote parts of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu who may be feeling the loss of the ABC can rest assured RNZI will continue to provide independent, timely and accurate news, information and weather warnings as well as entertainment to its Pacific listeners,” he said. RNZI has been broadcasting since 1990 to the Pacific. It can be heard across the region and has proven to be a vital lifeline during times of disaster. In 2007 RNZI was named international Radio Station of the Year by the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB). “RNZI broadcasts timely cyclone and tsunami warnings via shortwave and can continue to be heard should local broadcasters go off-air due to a cyclone or other disaster,” said the press release. Mr Thompson said the essential nature of Radio New Zealand’s role in the Pacific has been regularly underlined by the positive feedback to RNZI following cyclone and tsunami alerts. “A Vanuatu villager has told our reporter Koroi Hawkins that he knew to take shelter during Cyclone Pam just because of the warnings broadcast on RNZI. At times like this we are the essential voice of the Pacific.” RNZI’s coverage of the aftermath of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2015 won RNZI’s Koroi Hawkins a silver medal at the prestigious New York Festival Radio Awards in 2016. RNZI broadcasts in digital and analogue short wave to radio stations and individual listeners across the Pacific region. Around 20 Pacific radio stations relay RNZI material daily, and individual short-wave listeners and internet users across the world tune in directly to RNZI content. Posted by: (Mike Terry, Feb 5, dxldyg via DXLD) See also AUSTRALIA ** NIGERIA. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 6089.8, R. Kaduna (not since september 2016) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA. 7254.92, V. of Nigeria, Feb 01 0656-0706, 35433, French, Drums IS from 0656, 0658 opening announce, News. 7254.92, V. of Nigeria, Feb 02 0656-0707, 35433-34433, French, IS from 0656, 0659 Opening announce, News. (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7254.92, V. of Nigeria, Feb 03 *0557-0613, 35333-35433, Hausa, 0557 s/on with Drums IS, 0600 Opening announce, News (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA [non]. CLANDESTINE, 7415, Dandal Kura, Feb 01 0646-0659*, 33443-34443, Kanuri, Talk, ID at 0647, 0659 s/off (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Long path from Ascension? UK (non), Radio Dandal Kura Int via BaBcoCk Ascension/Woofferton, Feb 8 0500-0700 7415 ASC 250 kW / 055 deg to WeAf Kanuri, very weak signal 0700-0800 15480 WOF 300 kW / 165 deg to WeAf Kanuri, very good signal http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/radio-dandal-kura-int-via-babcock.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA [non]. FRANCE, 17765, Manara Radio via Issoudun Transmitter, with WRMI the broker. Full data QSL with name of the station, for a e-mail report posted on their website. Total time of 47 days for a Postal reply (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. PIRATE-NA. Radio Ga Ga, 6935 DSB, 2252-2310*, 02-04- 17, SIO: 333 Rock tunes by Soft Cell, John Fogerty, Steely Dan, Stevie Ray Vaughan. ID by OM at close. [Lobdell-MA] PIRATE-NA. UNID., 6940 USB, 2208-2218+, 02-05-17, SIO: 454. Tunes by Rick James, Japan, Haysi Fantayzee. No announcements noted (Chris Lobdell, Tewksbury, MA USA, Receivers: Eton E1, JRC NRD-535, Aerial: G5RV Dipole, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NORTH AMERICA. 7615, Feb 7 at 0226, here`s Station YHWH on another new frequency, at S9-S7; still at 0246 but fading down past 0255+. Bob LaRose, San Diego had also discovered this, and also heard by Walt Salmaniw, BC (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) YHWH on 7615 tonight: Noted here in San Diego around 0240 7 Feb UT with usual. Relatively good signal but low scratchy modulation (Bob LaRose, CA, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bob, thanks for the heads-up on YHWH. Only fair at best into Victoria, BC. Low modulation, despite a decent signal. The big OC I'm getting is on 7597.425 or so. 73, (Walt Salmaniw, 0310 UT Feb 7, ibid.) ** OKLAHOMA. ANNIVERSARY OF PROF JOHN BRYANT'S DEATH --- A reminder to stop and remember a wonderful individual, and superb DXer, teacher, and tinkerer, Professor John Bryant, who died tragically 7 years ago, tomorrow, on February 9th, 2010. R.I.P, my friend! You'll never be forgotten (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, Feb 8, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Bryant was head of the architecture dept. at OSU, Stillwater. He died from a fall off a ladder while working on his antennas; caution. He also was building a home he designed in the Pacific Northeast near Victoria on Orcas Island, WA. Funeral home still has obit: http://www.strodefh.com/book-of-memories/1390665/Bryant-John/obituary.php (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 1600, Feb 8 at 2110 UT, KUSH Cushing with several classic country and classic rock tunes; 2116 UT ad string including promo for News9 (KWTV)`s latest weather gadget coming soon; 2118 UT ``Oklahoma`s Americana Station KUSH 1600 and KUSH.com, The Kush``. No longer with talkshows in afternoon, such as the sparsely-affiliated Marilu Henner show. Upgrade from 1 to 5 kW ND daytime was completed some time ago, resulting in slightly better groundwave signal here; with 70 watts at night, we`d never know it exists vs the skywave from Denver, St Louis, Dallas, etc. In fact, during above log occasional fades produced SAH of 5 or 6 Hz, probably from Vietnamese Metroplexer KRVA, which is its major nemesis once skywave starts to kick in (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. 9120, Feb 2 at 1303, JBA talk at S2-S3, another Sound of Hope/CNR1 jammer? No, fortunately fades up a bit so I can hear Brother Scare mixing with // 1390 local KCRC equally stupid sports talk. So it`s a mix with 7730 WRMI, 1390 kHz below, which is still on, and there should be another 1390 kHz above 7570 WRMI: and so there is, on 8960: in other words, overload mixing products in the R75, which go away if I switch from normal Preamp 2 to 1 or none (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. I previously wrote about What`s the Deal? Fun show on OETA, but noted presenter was never identified by name. Now she is: http://www.oeta.tv/watch/whatsthedeal/ ``What’s the Deal? is a show about finding out how things work. We ask the questions and find the answers that will help you understand more about our world! So if you’ve ever looked at the world around you and thought, “What’s the deal with…,” then this is the show for you! What's the Deal? is an OETA-produced digital series hosted by Jessi Crino. [short for Jessica?] This series is designed to teach fourth through eighth graders science, mathematics, engineering and technology concepts in a curious way. What's the Deal? is made possible by the Oklahoma Asssociation [sic] of Electric Cooperatives (OAEC).`` She`s also all over social media; search on her unique name. Also mentioned in this story: OETA CELEBRATES 60 YEARS ON AIR AS IT FACES NEW CHALLENGES By George Lang | November 4, 2016 http://okgazette.com/2016/11/04/oeta-celebrates-60-years-on-air-as-it-faces-new-challenges/ Behind the scenes, Jessi Crino is also credited as director of the Oklahoma News Report (Glenn Hauser, Enid, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. RF 42, 20, 11, Feb 5 at 1702 UT, with fog this morning not yet burnt off, check for locally-enhanced tropo. Full UHF/VHF DTV bandscan finds Bad signals on these channels, all of which correlate with Tulsa/Muskogee, altho at least one other OK station is on each of them, mostly translators or LD. FCC`s repacking will soon shake up the entire TV bands, eliminating everything above 36. Hedging bets, e.g. KWTV OKC ``9`` on RF 39 already owns KSBI RF 23, which is where I bet KWTV will wind up (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA [non]. Tonight's broadcast of Broad Spectrum Radio on WBCQ 7490 khz, 0030 UT, Feb 3, 2017 --- Show notes for tonight's program: BSR Magazine Show Feb. 2, 2017 1. Activism News from Oklahoma A. UCO #NoBanNoWall Protest B. Indigenous Restance to the Diamond Pipeline https://ia601504.us.archive.org/27/items/20170130stopdiamondpipeline/20170130stopdiamondpipeline.mp3 C. So-called School-choice conference excludes many public school teachers who held tickets --- but some were able to make it in and here is what the corporate education world has in mind when it comes to public school. --- Full story at https://spoonvision.wordpress.com/ written by my friend Aaron Baker, an OKC metro area Middle School teacher My own take is that Oklahoma public schools have plenty of problems, most notably meager funding. But the solution is not handing them over to corporations to run. For-profit education in the post-secondary world has been decidedly a disaster, as seen by the many recent bankruptcies of for-profit vocational colleges. So why would we let them take over K-12 education, especially with taxpayer money. And as for private schools, I personally think that any kind of state funding will always come with strings attached. Good private schools serve a place in our society, especially when it comes to special needs children, who are often woefully underserved in one-size-fits all education. But I think the good kind of private schools need to be free and independent and not funded or managed by the government. D. Fairview Baptist Church in Oklahoma City to hold screening of anti- vax/anti-autism documentary. 2. Lighter news. A. Caribbean Series of baseball being played in Culiacán, México Follow all of the action on ESPNdeportes.espn.com and on radiohc.cu/en I'm cheering for Cuba's national championship team, Granma Caribbean Series schedule [. . .] Tuesday, Feb. 7 Championship game, 3 p.m. ET 3. News about our future at BSR --- Low success in fundraising, so we will have to downsize broadcast schedule. A. Local shows on KTLR 890 am are cancelled. We hope to resume them in March or April, but it will all depend on our fundraising between now and then. [was 1700-1715 UT Fridays] B. Weekly shortwave program on WBCQ 7490 will probably be replaced by a monthly program. Details are still be worked out and will be posted at BroadSpecrumRadio.com as soon as we have something firmed up. We will of course also send an announcement to some of the Shortwave DX listener groups. C. Online programs will continue to be produced and aired as we can afford to do so, but we also will be exploring possibilities to get our programming syndicated in some way, possibly via a public service like PRX, so that stations looking for low or no cost content can air our programs. D. And of course fundraising continues, especially at some potential grants. Music by David Rovics (St. Patrick Battalion), Woody Guthrie (Deportee) and MelodySheep/Charlie Chaplin Mashup (James Matthew Branum, 0026 UT Feb 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OMAN. Radio Sultanate of Oman, English was back on shortwave Feb 8 1400-1500 on 15140 THU 100 kW / 315 deg to WeEu, after 2 days of break http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/radio-sultanate-of-oman-in-english-was.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 4774.9, Radio Tarma, Tarma, 2248-2312, 04-05, Peruvian songs, Spanish, comments: "Buen fin de semana", "Radio Tarma, nuestra música". "Cinco y cuarenta y ocho". 14321 (Manuel Méndez, Lugo, Spain, Logs in Friol, Tecsun PL-880, Sangean ATS-909X, cable antenna, 8 meters, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. 5980, R. CHASKI. Enero 30. 2315- UT. Programa “El camino de la vida” y desde las 2320 en adelante se emiten cánticos, ID: “Red Radio Integridad”. SINPO: 42442 con heterodino de la emisora china en la misma frecuencia. (RX: TECSUN PL-660; ANT: Hilo de 40 metros de largo; QTH: Ovalle, Chile) 5980, Feb 4 at 0103, JBA carrier from R. Chaski detectable despite pointless Cuban pulse jamming, on R. Martí frequency which doesn`t come on for another six hours! Until Chaski autocutoff at 0107:18.5*, which is 40.0 seconds later than last catch 6 nights ago, Jan 29 until 0106:38.5*, or averaging 6-2/3 seconds later per, right on slippage schedule (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PHILIPPINES. 17700, R. Pilipinas, Feb 02 0223-0234, 45444, English, News, ID at 0224 and 0231, // 15640, 17820 kHz 17820, R. Pilipinas, Feb 03 0241-0251, 45444, English, News and music, ID at 0242 and 0243 and 0244 (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15640 // 17700 // 17820, R. Pilipinas. Recently these frequencies have had very poor reception (unusable), but Feb 2, had excellent reception; close to 100% readable; 0235-0252; programs heard - "DFA Online, news and events from different Philippine embassies and consulates around the world," "Songs and music from ASEAN," "Philippine Trivia," "It's More Fun in the Philippines," etc.; promo for PBS, "70 years of broadcasting"; countless IDs. In my opinion, this station provides some of the best programming on SW. Almost everything they broadcast deals locally with the Philippines, which I find very entertaining. My four minute recording of this exceptional broadcast is at http://goo.gl/mo3Qsr (Ron Howard, Calif., dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PUNTLAND. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 13800, R. Puntland (nor on 6160 nor on 7700, though there have been some suspicious logs for the latter frequency in the mornings; definitely nothing there in the evenings) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) [tent.] Radio Puntland back on 13800 --- Currently (1111, Feb. 7) heard in CUSB, usual (fair-good) strength on Twente SDR/Enschede, regional music, now talk by male. Not heard since late December 2016 despite frequent checks. 73 (thorsten hallmann, Feb 7, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Thanks for this, Thorsten; I'm surprised to be able to hear it here in the NW of England at 1130 UT playing what sounds to be local style music. Unfortunately, the signal is weak - not registering on the S- meter - and in local noise, but still audible (Noel R. Green, Feb 7, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, ibid.) Heard also in Indonesia at 1135 man talk mentioned Somali several times, then later conversation also mentioned Parliament, at 1207 man reading Al Qur`an before silent and signal degrading. Regards (Tony Ashar, West Java, Indonesia, Feb 7, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED: 7700 kHz: First noted on 18 September 2016, an unidentified radio with Muslim sermon in Arabic (or similar language) at 1846 UT on 7700 kHz AM and heard often, for example on 25 September rumbling with IBC or Marconi Radio on 7700.1 USB. It was again confirmed on 5 January 2017 on 7700.2 at 0355 with talk in presumed Arabic and sermon at 0415 and tiny signal at 0448. The programme is similar to Puntland Radio which was not observed at the same time on 13800 kHz (Rumen Pankov, 12 January, Feb BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Front cover: QSL received recently, unofficial pro- Communist station broadcasting from Voronezh, Russia. Franck Baste in France heard it on 6210 kHz at 1645 UT on 8th January. It is on the air most days on 6210 kHz with 1 kW, although the signal is very weak in this part of Europe (Feb BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** RUSSIA [and non]. Moscow ----------- On February 1, the World Radio Network schedule was changed. Details can be found on the station's website. Changes were also format and exit time on the air program "Radiopanorama": increased duration to 28 minutes, and the broadcast is now following (UT): Sat 1230, 2030, 2330; Sun 0730, 1500; Mon 0430, 1800; W 0200. The new broadcast schedule of the program "Radiopanorama" through WRMI (time - UT): Sun 0630-0700 - 5850, 7730 to the Far East [and surely 6855] Mon 2000-2030 - 11580 for Eastern Europe (http://dxing.ru/ via RusDX Feb 5 via DXLD) ABOUT WRN! http://wrn.ru does indeed exist, and leads to a program schedule. And the homepage http://www.wrn.org has reappeared, but the linx to various language services from there still don`t work. Link to Corporate site still goes to BaBcoCk, where you won`t find anything about WRN in particular. Likewise the other site http://www.wrnbroadcast.com (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RWANDA [non]. Reception of Radio Itahuka via MBR Madagascar Feb 4: 1800-1900 on 15420 MDC 250 kW / 320 deg to CeAf Kirundi Sat, very poor http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/reception-of-radio-itahuka-via-mbr.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SIKKIM. 4835, Feb 2 at 1328, JBA carrier, presumed AIR Gangtok now that Alice Springs is gone. However, note this from Brian Powell, Sydney, DXLD yg: ``According to news via my local 2m repeater, I heard that Melbourne ham Peter VK3YE reported a pirate taking over 4835 kHz a few hours after VL8A left the frequency. He has posted a YouTube video of the transmissions. Please see the following link for more details. Strong language warning: https://youtu.be/y8_0IAGm0B4 Regards, Brian Powell`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SIKKIM. 4835, Feb 8 at 1357, JBA carrier, presumed AIR Gangtok in lieu of VL8A; what else could it be? Also lots of carriers on 60m AIR and other Asian frequencies (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SLOVAKIA [non]. 6855, 0540, USA, Radio Slovakia International via WRMI Okeechobee, unscheduled Slovak program till closing with ident in Italian or similar at 0556, then WRMI ident, fair 18/1 (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai, Northland, North Island, New Zealand, WinRadio G33DDC and AOR7030+, EWEs to North, Central & South America, Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) 6855, Feb 2 at 0531, stilted Spanish from R. Eslovaquia Internacional, which means this WRMI is on System B this hour, and // 9955 where REI is scheduled daily, but inaudible there, only pulse jamming (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SOLOMON ISLANDS. 5020, SIBC relaying Wantok Radio, 1345 UT, February 5. Popish gospel music and imaging for Wantok FM. Abrupt off 1452 UT. Fair to good (Mick Delmage, Alberta, Perseus SDR; Wellbrook loop, NASWA Flashsheet Feb 5 via DXLD) ** SOMALIA. Warsan Radio was heard on 5 January starting in mid sentence at 0435 on 7750.1 kHz in AM (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria, 12 Jan, Feb BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) See also PUNTLAND ** SOUTH CAROLINA [and non]. 9980, USA, Overcomer Ministries in English from Nashville TN [WWCR], 1601–1605, February 2, 2017. Fire and brimstone religious harangue from preacher NOT Brother Stair, but one as demented as he (Vince Henley, Anacortes, WA, Equipment currently in use: Tecsun PL-380, JRC NRD-525, Drake R8B, Sony ICF- 2010, Ten-Tec RX-340. Antennas are half-meter whip on PL-380, 1.2 meter whip on ICF-2010, and Alpha-Delta DX-Ultra installed broadside east-west, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) 7315, Feb 4 at 0640, S9+30 halting robotic voice about Israel, attributed to Breaking Israel News. Not hoarse, and not emotional, which is a pleasant respite from Brother HyStairical himself, as this is merely the TOM disservice via WHRI, and // not synchro with 7570 WRMI, etc. (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9955, WRMI, Radio Miami Int’l (presumed); 2142, 8-Feb; Bro HyStairical said that God told him he would become the most hated preacher on the face of the Earth & referred to mockers & scoffers, but no mention of those who refer to him as Bro. HyStairical. SIO=4+33+ w/buzz-pulse jammer QRM; has Raúl gotten tired of hearing B.S.” (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' & 60' RW + 125' bow-tie, ----- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! -----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15770, WRMI Radio Miami Int’l (presumed); 1627, 5-Feb; Tuned by to hear Bro. HyStairical chastising “Mr. Glenn Hauser” & said he didn’t read “DXLD”. SIO=454 (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' & 60' RW + 125' bow-tie, ----- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! -----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Must be replay of his attack last April/May which pops up from time to time, tnx a lot (gh, DXLD) ** SPAIN. 9690, Feb 7 at 2134, NO signal from REE to North America, which ought to be well audible by this hour in winter; yet 15390 & 15500 beamed elsewhere are fairly audible. It`s not unusual for at least one transmitter to be down, as 9690 was for a week recently (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11685, Feb 8 at 2103, REE audible poorly talking about a pelota, on the frequency for West Africa, but no signal on 9690 for North America. A17 plans to resume 17855 for us, if and when on (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA [and non]. 9775, Feb 5 at 1422, hymn by choir, unknown language but recognizable as ``Wonderful Words of Life``. Surely a missionary station, BUT per Aoki --- only thing on 9775 at any time, is CNR2, China Business Radio, at 0900-1605 & 2055-0200, 150 kW at 270 degrees from Beijing 491 site. A.k.a. Voice of the Economy, per WRTH 2017. In this case, better info in HFCC: 9775 at 1330-1430, SLBC, Trincomalee, SRI LANKA, 125 kW at 345 degrees in Hindi. Must be one of their gospel-huxter clients, never such detail with HFCC. Let`s try EiBi: Here we go: it`s FEBA India at 1400-1430 daily in a variety of languages, NOT including Hindi! Only English being Mondays 1415-1430. Also with weak USB 2-way QRM at 9775.5. I`m always looking for a carrier on 9774, which if I ever hear it, will be Fu Hsing BS, Taiwan, per Aoki only 10 kW ND from Kuanyin, in Chinese at 04-06, 08-10, 11-13 and 23-01 --- but I believe Ron Howard has been reporting it inactive, and hardly active on its other frequency, 9410 at same hours, which clashes with China, and several other stations; and per Aoki from same transmitter also Chinese numbers at 0400-0430 daily, XingXing GBD2 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN. Voice of Africa Sudan Radio resume its evening transmissions on shortwave frequency 9505 kHz. But modulation is very low on Feb 2 1600-1700 on 9505 ALF 100 kW / 210 deg to CeAf French, ex 1630-1730 1700-1800 on 9505 ALF 100 kW / 210 deg to CeAf English, x 1730-1830 1800-1900 on 9505 ALF 100 kW / 210 deg to CeAf Hausa, ex 1830-1930 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/voice-of-africa-sudan-radio-resume.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) V of Africa 9505 carrier only today – fair in SoCal, very strong in Netherlands (Zaanstad). Very weak in E. Finland, Fair+ in Brisbane. No modulation at all from 1615 tune. Carrier off suddenly at 1649 (Bruce Churchill, CA, Feb 3, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) From monitoring observations here, the Voice of Africa schedule on 9505 kHz seems to be nominally: 1600-1720v French, 1720-1830v English, 1830-1930v Hausa. NB Times are variable! Voice of Africa used to also have a morning transmission on 9505 between about 0700-0900 including English. Is anyone hearing that and able to confirm the schedule? (Dave Kenny, England, Feb BDXC-UK Communication via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** SWEDEN [non]. 6070, SDXF Special via Channel 292, Rohrbach Waal [GERMANY] transmitter. Nice full data (with site) .pdf QSL depicting Swedish Lxor Receiver Model 825AW with details on the reverse. This for an e-mail report with audio file web link via Box.com, reply within six hours. V/s: Gert Nilsson SDXF QSL Manager (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAHITI. Checking the Radio Polynésie Première website on 10 January, 738 MHZ AM (sic) is still listed but my monitoring confirms the frequency is no longer in use (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai, Northland, North Island, New Zealand, WinRadio G33DDC and AOR7030+, EWEs to North, Central & South America, Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) ** TAJIKISTAN. 4764.99, Tajik R., Feb 02 1152-1202, 35343, Tajik, Talk and Tajik music, ID at 1200 (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAJIKISTAN. 7245, Excellent S=9+15dB signal noted here in Germany at 0240 UT on Feb 8, Tajik Radio Dushanbe Yangi Yul, talk by two male in Tajik language. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) ** THAILAND. 17639.96, R. Thailand, Feb 06 0542-0552, 35333, English, News, ID at 0546 (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET [non]. QSL: 15215, Gaweylon Tibetan Radio via Dhabbaya UAE transmitter. Received an e-mail response within 24 hours of posting my e-mail report, sending a verification statement, with full data (plus site) and indicated QSL Package via mail to follow. V/s: Anil R. Alfred, Director (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TIBET [non]. TAJIKISTAN, Frequency change of Voice of Tibet, Feb 8 1230-1304 NF 11508 DB 100 kW / 131 deg to CeAs Tibetan, ex 11507 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/frequency-change-of-voice-of-tibet-feb8.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TONGA. Funds to repair Tonga AM transmitter http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/323647/tongan-broadcaster-boosted-by-cash-injection == START OF QUOTE FROM Radio New Zealand International == 2 February 2017 The head of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission says a new injection of cash will help the state broadcaster strengthen its signal to the outer islands of the country. The broadcaster is to receive more than US$91,000 and Nanise Fifita said it will bring great benefits to the people of Tonga. She said Radio Tonga's AM service would be able to be heard reliably throughout the kingdom which is necessary, particularly during cyclone season, and Television Tonga will be able to purchase an analogue transmitter. "It will have a lot of impact positively, [on] the operation of both Radio and Television Tonga. It was a request that we made to the government of Tonga for some assistance because we have some equipment issues. We need to replace some and also source spare parts." == END OF QUOTE == You can listen to the full interview on the Dateline Pacific podcast: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/201831849/tonga's-tbc-to-be-heard-and-seen-more-clearly-after-cash-boost Among others, the RNZI host underlines how the Radio Tonga AM boost is particularly important now that ABC has stopped their shortwave service, upon which Ms Fifita replies that they are grateful to have RNZI (she pronounced it Renzee) as a fallback coverage should Radio Tonga's transmitter go off air during a natural disaster. 73 (Eike Bierwirth, Wiesbaden, Germany, Feb 6, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Must be referring to the only MW, 1017 kHz, 10 kW, DXable at least on west coast N America; boost should make it easier (gh, ibid.) ** TURKEY [and non]. 9785+, Feb 5 at 1425, VOT IS prior to Kazakh, poor at S3-S5, so today TRT has failed to prolong wrong frequency 12035, which is off as it should be by now after English. Also a second 9785 signal slightly different frequency with SAH, double het with BFO. It could be triple: HFCC and Aoki show CRI Thai until 1427 from Kunming site; and also CNR8 in Korean until 1500 from Beijing site (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UGANDA. Not heard for at least two weeks, though regular checks: 4750, Dunamis (not for at least a year, CNR1 signs off around 1730, not a trace of a carrier afterwards) 73 (thorsten Hallmann, Germany, Feb 3, Of course I could have posted logs, but I do not have that interesting ones, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UGANDA [non]. 15240-, Sat Feb 4 at 1752, JBA carrier, presumed R. Munansi via WWRB. Slightly on low side as measured previously but not now (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UKRAINE. Just a quick note to advise you that in Pesaro (Marche Region, central Italy) on 837 kHz at 1630 UT, I heard for the first time and using a simple car radio, the news in Russian language transmitted by Radio Krim Realnii. This is related to the RFE/RL network. On the same frequency I usually hear UR-1 Persha Programa (Ukraine) and COPE (Spain). (Alberto V., Pesaro, Italy - mediumwave.info 26 January via Feb BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** UKRAINE [non]. 11580, Thu Feb 2 at 1333, RUI via WRMI in well, so I listen for a while. News item mentions ``today January 26``, 1335 into `Ukrainian Perspective`, mainly about Russian interference in Crimea, eastern Ukraine. Also at 1342 about January 27 to be Holocaust Remembrance Day. By now I have concluded this is a week-old broadcast! WRMI server has a different file name for RUI each day of the week, and indeed the Thursday file is not replaced until 1735 Feb 2. So if one is late, we get a week-old show rather than a day-old show. I wonder if this be a regular problem for the 1330 broadcast? 11580, UT Fri Feb 3 at 0210, RUI via WRMI, fading down but // 6855 is S9 to S9+20. About Russian aggression, too generic in a brief check to decide whether it`s a week old, but probably not at this hour (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. “Crisis at the BBC” --- THE MEDIA SHOW - BBC Radio 4 The BBC management was already in trouble over the way it struggled to handle revelations about Jimmy Savile. It was then thrown into chaos when Newsnight broadcast a child abuse survivor's story, pointing at a senior Conservative politician, that turned out to be completely false. It was a failure of the BBC's most prized possession - its journalism. The new Director General resigned and the Chairman of the BBC Trust Lord Patten is in danger of following him out of the door. So how did the BBC get it so wrong? What is the future of investigative journalism at the BBC and elsewhere? And who - or what - next for the top job? Joining Steve Hewlett for an hour-long Media Show special are Richard Tait, a former member of the BBC's board of governors and more recently a member of the Trust, Sian Kevill former Editor of Newsnight, Richard Peel, a former Controller of Communications for BBC News for 10 years up until 1998, veteran investigative journalist John Ware, Tim Suter of Perspective Consulting but formerly of Ofcom, the DCMS and at one time a senior BBC executive. Professor Stewart Purvis whose past roles have included: Partner for Content and Standards at Ofcom, Chief Executive and Editor in Chief at ITN. Claire Enders of Enders Analysis and Richard Sambrook - the one-time director of BBC news who lost his job as a result of the last major crisis to hit BBC News - the Hutton Enquiry and after a stint running the world service is now head of journalism at Cardiff University. (58”) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ntgsw __ __ A monthly compendium of these newsletters, plus on occasion additional pertinent material, is now published in The CIDX Messenger, the monthly e-newsletter of the Canadian International DX Club (CIDX). For further information, go to http://www.cidx.ca Good listening! (John Figliozzi, Editor, "The Worldwide Listening Guide", 7th edition available from Universal Radio, Amazon, W5YI.com and Ham Radio Outlet, Podding Along #84, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. Re: Update on ORFORDNESS -- Here's the exact date of ORF 648 going. Follows The end of BBC World Service on 648 kHz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qndmk6Yx_kg Which was not the end for 648 kHz, because in August 2011 a temporary relay of the Dutch Radio 1 started, as an emergency measure after two large FM facilities failed at once. They already had trouble to get the Telefunken transmitter running again at this point, found the PA tube unusable, thus first started with one of the old Doherty transmitters if things had been correctly described back then. When it finally was running there still were problems with distorted, overprocessed audio due to heavy multiband compression already being applied to the Astra signal (which reportedly had been taken in the complicated way to pick it up at Woofferton, then feed it to London [probably still Bush House back then?] where it had been put on the program circuit to Orfordness). NPO had, a Dutch source reported, been charged 250 Euro per hour or 180,000 Euro per month for this. They cancelled it on 22 Sep 2011 which thus was the final 648 kHz switch-off. Unless there had been some further tests afterwards, but this indeed does not appear to be the case. 1296 kHz: BBC DRM ceased on 27 March 2012 (end of B11 season). After this date only RNW relays remained until RNW bid its farewell with a 24 hours marathon (had 1296 kHz ever been on air for 24 hours continuously before?) on 10/11 May 2012, which was the last regular programming on this frequency. In late August 2013 test transmissions with music and generic announcements had been reported on 1296 kHz. I have not heard them myself, and no recordings of this can be found online, but it seems that these had been presentations to potential customers. Which, of course, led to nothing. Due to these presentations the exact date of last transmissions for this frequency (any, whatever the modulation) is unclear, beyond being likely in the second half of 2013. And while we're at it: 648 kHz went, contrary to other descriptions, English-only not before 1999, when the German service ceased. I listened to its very end on this very frequency. See also: https://vimeo.com/20996209 PS. I find it a bit eerie to become as a German the record-keeper of British broadcasting history. The speed with which all this is forgotten is breathtaking (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Feb 5, shortwavesites [sic] yg via DXLD) Hi Kai, Yes, you are correct about the 648 kHz service cover for the Dutch broadcaster who has lost those FM services outlets. (To be strictly speaking though BBC service on 648 did stop on the occasion of the Ian Tickle / Andy Matheson video.) The programme source was as you suggested, i.e. fed from Woofferton but quite how we derived the programme feed I can't recall. It would have been unusual to take an Astra feed; more normally it would be dedicated interbroadcaster feeds or occasionally Hotbird. Thanks for keeping records of all this, Kai; as you say, it's amazing how quickly we forget otherwise. Bush House closed for BBC use in mid- July 2012 and external services transferred to the West One development. Hope we have got all the points now. 73 (Dave Porter, G4OYX, Engineering Manager ORF (and WOF) Dec 1999 to March 2001 and again in 2002 for 6 month period, ibid.) See also AUSTRALIA [and non] ** U K [non]. BBC changes from Feb 1/4 1400-1430 7565 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg SoAs Hindi till Feb 4 & cancelled 1400-1430 9510 SNG 100 kW / 320 deg SoAs Hindi till Feb 4 & cancelled 1400-1430 7600 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg SoAs Hindi continues the air 1400-1430 11995 SNG 250 kW / 315 deg SoAs Hindi continues the air 2000-2200 3255 MEY 100 kW / 000 deg SoAf English Wed/Thu from Feb 1 2000-2200 6145 MEY 100 kW / 015 deg SoAf English Wed/Thu from Feb 1 2000-2200 7435 MDC 250 kW / 315 deg CEAf English Wed/Thu from Feb 1 2000-2200 9495 DHA 250 kW / 225 deg SoAf English Wed/Thu from Feb 1 http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/bbc-changes-from-feb14.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Why only Wed/Thu??? (gh) Frequency changes of BBC in Hindi from Feb 7 1400-1430 NF 5885 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg to SoAs, ex 7565 1400-1430 NF 9740 NAK 250 kW / 300 deg to SoAs, ex 9510 1400-1430 on 7600 TAC 100 kW / 141 deg to SoAs parallel 1400-1430 on 11995 SNG 250 kW / 315 deg to SoAs parallel 1600-1630 on 7485, 9490, 9540 and 11755 kHz is cancelled http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/frequency-changes-of-bbc-in-hindi-from.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 212 kHz, Feb 4 at 0521, NDB Morse ID repeating CFV which per http://www.dxinfocentre.com/ndb.htm is Coffeyville KS. (Seems to me to be on 213, but listed at 212). 521 kHz, Feb 4 at 0525, beacon INE. (Seems to be on 520 but listed as 521). Location: Kona AP near Missoula, Montana. Well, that`s not bad. But I have had zero luck hearing any European LWBC, not even carriers, when others are reporting them from various parts of North America. I guess the NRD-545 plus Wellbrook ALA-330S antenna are inadequate for them. But at least I log a few beacons during such descents (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. BROADCASTING BOARD OF GOVERNORS CEO: US, RUSSIA NOT IN STATE OF INFORMATION WAR Politics 05:26 08.02.2017 (updated 07:08 08.02.2017) https://sputniknews.com/politics/201702081050450238-usa-russia-information-war/ Broadcasting Board of Governors CEO and Director John Lansing says that the United States and Russia are not in an information war. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) -- The United States and Russia are not in an information war, Broadcasting Board of Governors CEO and Director John Lansing told Sputnik. "I wouldn't call it an information war," Lansing said on Tuesday. "I would say that our interest is in US international media being professional, independent, and objective, and truth telling in its approach." The US local media reported on Monday that US policymakers are preparing to wage an information war against Russia through the Global Engagement Center (GEC), initially created to fight Islamic State (Daesh) propaganda. The Daily Beast said that the initiative is led by Senators Rob Portman and Chris Murphy and envisages $160 million to counter what is perceived as foreign propaganda Everyday life of the Russian air group at the Hmeymim airfield in Syria. File photo (c) Photo: Russian Defence Ministry [caption] Alleged 'Close Calls' Between Russian, US Jets Above Syria Part of Obama's 'Information War' According to the news website, legislation on Russian sanctions, proposed last month by senators Ben Cardin and John McCain will give an additional $100 million for the GEC to support the information warfare research as well as Russian-language journalism. Commenting on what should and will the main efforts of the United States be, Lansing said, "To tell the truth, to do truthful, factual, independent, professional journalism." "That's what we've been doing for 75 years and now we're expanding our effort in the Russian language but our mission is the same," Lansing claimed. When asked whether he believes that the United States should counter Russian propaganda, the Director said, "I don't believe we should counter anything, I think we should do professional, independent journalism." Former US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Victoria Nuland said in June that since 2014, Washington spent $100 million to counter what it calls Russian propaganda, from BBG's Russian programming to support for civil society, independent media, journalists training, including outside Russia. When asked if the BBG intends to request a funding increase, Lansing stated, "As much funding as we can get to do good, professional, objective journalism we will seek to get." "It's too premature to discuss [specific amounts], we still are waiting to get off a continuing resolution for the year that we're in. There's been no discussion about next year," he added. US authorities have repeatedly accused Russia of using its media outlets, including RT and the Sputnik news agency, to influence the outcome of November's US presidential election. The claims took up a significant part of a recent US intelligence report published amid the Democratic Party hacking scandal. The report claimed Russia attempted to swing the election in favor of Trump. Trump said the election outcome was not affected by anything related to Russia, while Russia dismissed the claims as absurd (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A. Upcoming on AP - UNITED STATES-RUSSIA-MEDIA - U.S. government-funded news outlet launches a new Russian language network broadcasting around-the-clock TV station in an attempt to counter the influence of what it describes as a robust Russian propaganda machine. UPCOMING: 700 words by 4 p.m., photos. (via Mike Cooper, Feb 8, DXLD) This? ** U S A [and non]. MEDIA RELEASE CURRENT TIME NETWORK LAUNCHES REAL NEWS, FOR REAL PEOPLE, IN REAL TIME http://www.insidevoa.com/a/current-time-network-launches-real-news-for-real-people-in-real-time/3708373.html Washington, D.C., February 6, 2017 -- Current Time, an up-and-coming player in the Russian media market, will mark on Tuesday, Feb. 7 the formal launch of its 24/7 digital and TV stream. With a mission to bring real news to Russian-speaking audiences everywhere, Current Time is engaging audiences from Lithuania to Kazakhstan and providing an alternative to Kremlin-sponsored media. The day-long video stream builds on the successes of individual daily news programs started in 2014 and 2015. First and foremost a digital news and current affairs network, Current Time's daily lineup features hourly live newscasts and sharp political debate, in addition to innovative programs covering business, entrepreneurship, civil society, and culture. It is also a leading destination for documentary films that are otherwise unavailable inside Russia. "Led by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in cooperation with the Voice of America (VOA), the Current Time digital network is a signature accomplishment of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG)," said BBG CEO and Director John Lansing. "Current Time embodies all of the priorities I set forth to maximize the agility, efficiency and impact of the BBG networks and allow us to more effectively address the rapidly evolving global media environment." Public demand for Current Time's content is reflected in its wide distribution network, comprising 32 cable affiliates in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Germany, and Israel. Its live video stream is available across Eurasia, to more than 7.3 million subscribers to 36 satellite, cable, and IPTV services. The stream is also hosted on the digital platforms filmon.tv and MeGoGo, with more than 100 million monthly users, and on the Eutelsat Hotbird-8 satellite, which reaches 135 million households from Iceland to Turkey. While TV remains the dominant media platform in much of Current Time's target region, the network's innovative digital unit takes the network's content direct to growing mobile and web audiences, who have viewed its clever social videos on corruption, politics, and the ordinary challenges of daily life more than 160 million times in 2016 on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, and Russian social networks such as VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. An average of 1 million people per month visited the network's website and mobile news and video apps. The network's Russian name, "Nastoyashchee Vremya," has a triple meaning that aptly describes Current Time's purpose -- to provide its Russian-speaking audience content that is truthful, current, and real. RFE/RL is a private, independent international news organization whose programs -- radio, internet, television, and mobile -- reach 27 million people in 26 languages and 23 countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus, and the Baltic states. VOA delivers news and information in more than 45 languages to a measured weekly audience of more than 236 million people. With 75 years of experience, VOA is a trusted source for accurate information about news events, freedom of expression, civil society, and change. VOA and RFE/RL are two of the five networks of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, an independent federal agency supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international media. Media inquiries in the U.S. can be made to Martins Zvaners in Washington at zvanersm@rferl.org or +1.202.457.6948 or to Bridget Serchak at VOA in Washington at bserchak@voanews.com or +1.202.203.4959. In Europe, contact Joanna Levison at RFE/RL in Prague at levisonj@rferl.org or +420.221.122.080. For more on VOA's journalism and journalists, check out our website, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 330 Independence Ave., SW Washington, District of Columbia 20237 202-203-4959 Broadcasting Board of Governors, 330 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20237 (VOA PR via DXLD) US-FUNDED NEWS CHANNEL IN RUSSIAN OFFERS KREMLIN ALTERNATIVE JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) â?? Two U.S. government-funded news outlets are launching a global Russian-language TV network aimed at providing an alternative to slick, Kremlin-controlled media that critics say spread propaganda and misinformation. Current Time, run by Prague-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty with help from Washington-based Voice of America, is targeting Russian speakers across the globe with round-the-clock programming intended to offer the type of fact-based news that its leaders say is sorely missing in the Russian market. The network formally launched this week after quietly starting operations last year. "In a complicated world, it can be difficult to tell what's real. But Current Time tells it like it is," a narrator says in a flashy promotional video for the network. "Current Time serves as a reality check, with no 'fake news' or spin." The network, beamed into Europe by cable, satellite and online, reflects an American attempt to diminish the dominance of what the U.S. government has long warned is a growing Russian propaganda machine, epitomized by state-run outlets like Sputnik and RT, formerly known as Russia Today. The U.S. and others have raised concerns that such outlets distort Russians' perceptions about their government while drowning out the limited sources of independent news available to Russian audiences. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. Current Time's executives say that despite the network origins within a wing of the U.S. government, offering balanced, accurate information is a far different mission than what Kremlin-run news outlets seek to do. "This is not designed as propaganda or counter-propaganda," said Tom Kent, president of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. "We do not intend to be involved in reacting to an agenda set by anyone, in Russia or elsewhere." Still, the undertaking unavoidably plays into the roiling debate in the U.S. about President Donald Trump's flirtations with a more conciliatory approach to Russia. Trump has emphasized the advantages of a more cooperative U.S.-Russia relationship while leaving open the possibility the U.S. could roll back penalties imposed on Russia for its actions in Ukraine. Current Time, on the other hand, broadcasts a weekly show called "Crimea Realities" and another called "Donbass Realities." The Obama administration's sanctions were enacted after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, and the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine remains at the heart of the conflict between Kiev and Russia-backed rebels. Those two shows join an eclectic mix of documentaries, human interest programming and traditional news shows that fill the network's 24-hour schedule. There's also a fact-check show, "See Both Sides," that occasionally challenges Kremlin-fueled messaging more directly. Roughly six hours per day are live news broadcasts, including an hour- long show broadcast from Washington and another from Prague. The network's leaders said showing news events such as the U.S. inauguration live, rather than on tape delay, had proven a particularly effective way to assure audiences that what they are watching is truthful and undistorted. The two outlets behind Current Time, RFE/RL and VOA, are U.S.-funded broadcasters whose mission is to support free speech and democracy around the world. They broadcast in dozens of languages but have their roots in Cold War efforts by the U.S. to present alternative viewpoints to audiences in the Soviet Union and its satellite states. Both RFE/RL and VOA have long had Russian-language programming targeting viewers in specific countries, but Current Time marks a new attempt to market broadly to Russian speakers wherever they live. In much of Europe â?? including former Soviet states with large Russian-speaking populations â?? Current Time has negotiated contracts with local cable providers that allow viewers to tune in from their home TVs. In Russia, distribution is more difficult, forcing perspective viewers to watch via satellite, web-TV apps or a livefeed on the network's website (AP via Mike Cooper, Feb 8, DXLD) ** U S A. [Re 17-05:] I'm sure Trump's first choice for the VOA job would have been Ann Coulter -- but she isn't nearly as pliable as a couple of idiot golden-boys would be. I dare not speculate on exactly how our boys got the gig; suffice it to say the pictured scenario is rather crude in nature. Posted by: (Greg Hardison, CA, Feb 6, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. 17895, Sat Feb 4 at 1745, VOA is good with discussion of early Mercury astronaut program; some deep fades, on BST-1 caradio. TG for SMG relaying VOA, violating Separation of Church & State. Sked 16-18 UT, 250 kW, 144 degrees toward ME/EAf, but plenty signal back to here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. With VOA Radiogram via DIGIDX/WRMI there are now pictures in "stream quality": http://www.rhci-online.net/radiogram/VoA_Radiogram_2017-01-28.htm#DIGIDX Wavescan 414 (20170129) is not yet available for podcast: https://awr.org.s3.amazonaws.com/audio/podcasts/ENGMI_WAV.xml But here is a short audio recording: http://www.rhci-online.net/mp3/2017-01-29_wavescan_414_cut.mp3 This is a good explanation for these sounds: http://www.rhci-online.net/mp3/2017-02-04_VOA_radiogram_MATILDA.mp3 And in Italy, a tender for synchronous transmitter networks is running, on the medium wave: http://www.rhci-online.net/radiogram/VoA_Radiogram_2017-02-04.htm#BCL (roger, Feb 5, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) "With VOA Radiogram via DIGIDX/WRMI there are now pictures in 'stream quality'." Have to agree. Here in NB, images come through with very few noise speckles -- sometimes none (-- Richard Langley, ibid.) Do you know what the regular closing music for VOA Radiogram is? I didn't until I used SoundHound to identify it: "Future Worlds" by Matt Norman on the album "Science and Discovery" (Richard Langley, NB, Feb 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. 7490, WBCQ Monticello ME; 2226-2230+, 1-Feb; Glenn Hauser’s World of Radio #????, cut off at 2228:45 with fill music; BoH WBCQ & Goddess Irina promos. S20 peaks (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' RW + 125' bow-tie, ---- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! ----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Glenn: Great signal for WOR on 11580 [WRMI] 2130 UT today. Only slight fading with slight atmospheric noise, never enough of either to make content unintelligible. Central New Jersey. Charlie (Charles Harlich, Sent from my iPhone, Thu Feb 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed Thursday February 2 at 2130 on WRMI 11580, good. Also confirmed UT Fri Feb 3 after 0030 on WBCQ 9330v-CUSB, poor (strangely, stronger than 9265 WINB JBAC). Next: Fri 2230 WRMI 11580 to NE, 6855 to WNW, 5950 to S Sat 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 0730 HLR 6190-CUSB to SW Sat 1530 HLR 7265-CUSB to SW Sat 2030v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sun 0410v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1130 HLR 9485-CUSB to SW Mon 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0400v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0430 WRMI 9955 to SSE Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed Friday February 3 at 2230, on 3 x WRMI: 11580 VG, 6855 good, 5950 JBA. Not confirmed the Sat 0030 on WBCQ 9330v-CUSB, but a JBA carrier at 0055 (while 9265 WINB and 7490 WBCQ are audible). Not confirmed Sat Feb 4 at 1531 on HLR 7265- CUSB: via UTwente SDR, I strain to hear even a snatch of the WOR theme, but two other weak stations only, CRI Hindi via East Turkistan, and Azad Kashmir Radio? BUT, let it play and at 1556 recheck, now WOR is in well atop the QRM! Did HLR come on late, or was there a drastic change in propagation the last few minutes? However, my audio is looping and skipping. I HOPE that`s the UTwente or internet connexion fault to here, rather than transmitted that way. Only a few seconds overlap with crash start of CRI Russian at *1600. Next: Sat 2030v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sun 0410v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1130 HLR 9485-CUSB to SW Mon 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0400v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0430 WRMI 9955 to SSE Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) GERMANY, Hamburger Lokalradio relay World of Radio #1863, Feb 4: 0730-0800 on 6190 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg to CeEu English Sat CUSB http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/hamburger-lokalradio-relay-world-of.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed UT Sunday February 5 at 0030 on WBCQ 9329.84v-CUSB, very poor. Also confirmed Sun Feb 5 starting at 0428:10 on WA0RCR, 1860-AM: Vern introduces, WOR opening edited out the country list allowing as little music as possible. Good S9+30! And no CWQRM this week. Next: Mon 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0400v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0430 WRMI 9955 to SSE Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) HLR relay PCJ Media Network Plus/World of Radio/Radio Tropicana on Feb 5, on 9485 GOH 001 kW / 230 deg CeEu: 1100-1123 no program, open carrier / dead air 1123-1153 English Sun CUSB Media Network Plus 1153-1222 English Sun CUSB World of Radio WOR 1200-1222 Eng/Spa Sun CUSB WOR & R. Tropicana mix 1222-1300 Spanish Sun CUSB Radio Tropicana B16 instead of 1100-1130 Media Network+, 1130-1200 World of Radio, 1200- 1300 R .Tropicana http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/pcj-media-network-plus-world-of-radio.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed UT Monday February 6 after 0030, on WBCQ 9329.79v-CUSB, JBA. Also confirmed UT Mon Feb 6 around 0415 on Area 51 via WBCQ 5129.71-AM, also JBA, but enough to tell I finish at 0431:35, on to Hobart, so WOR must have started at 0402:35. Also confirmed UT Mon Feb 6 after 0430 on WRMI webcast, while 9955 is a JBA carrier. Next: Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed UT Tue Feb 7 at 0030 on WRMI, 7730, S9+40; also on WBCQ 9329.9v-CUSB, poor. Next: Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed Tuesday February 7 at 2130 on WRMI 15770, and also confirmed on new // 6855, but both JBA here -- - one too high, one too low and neither aimed this way. Also confirmed Tue Feb 7 at 2300 on WRMI 9955 (no //), vs wall-of-noise jamming left over from R. Libertad; by 2318 recheck jamming has diminished to light pulsing underneath; tnx a lot, Arnie? Also confirmed UT Wed Feb 8 at 0030 on WBCQ 9329.8v-CUSB, poor. Also confirmed Wed Feb 8 at 1415, gh WRMI ID and from 1415.5 WOR 1863, good but with some pulse jamming, still so at 1442; and // 6855 detectable at start with no jamming. Next: Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW WORLD OF RADIO 1863 monitoring: confirmed Wednesday February 8 at 2200 on WBCQ; 7490`s webcast only checked amid my recording 1864. Missed checking the next one, UT Thu Feb 9 at 0030 on WBCQ, 9330v-CUSB, but probably as it`s confirmed on later at 0105. WORLD OF RADIO 1864 monitoring: confirmed first SW broadcast Thursday February 9 at 1230 on WRMI, 9955, S9+10 over pulse jamming; much louder than // 6855 at only S9. Also confirmed Thu Feb 9 at 2130 on WRMI, 11580, fair with fades. Also confirmed UT Fri Feb 10 after 0030 on WBCQ, 9329.85v-CUSB, poor-fair. Next: Fri 2230 WRMI 11580 to NE, 6855 to WNW, 5950 to S Sat 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sat 0730 HLR 6190-CUSB to SW Sat 1530 HLR 7265-CUSB to SW Sat 2030v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sat 2330 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Sun 0410v WA0RCR 1860-AM ND Sun 1130 HLR 9485-CUSB to SW Mon 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Mon 0400v WBCQ 5130v Area 51 to WSW Mon 0430 WRMI 9955 to SSE Tue 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Tue 0030 WRMI 7730 to WNW Tue 1200 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2130 WRMI 15770 to NE, 6855 to WNW Tue 2300 WRMI 9955 to SSE Wed 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW Wed 1030 WRMI 5850 to NW, 6855 to WNW Wed 1415.5 WRMI 9955 to SSE, 6855 to WNW Wed 2200 WBCQ 7490v to WSW Thu 0030 WBCQ 9330v-CUSB to WSW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 7490, Feb 2 at 0100, WBCQ with special booking instead of a default repeat of `Allan Weiner Worldwide`, tnx to Jan 31 notice I received and published on the DXLD yg well in advance: ``Hello Glenn, My former colleague's program The Global Research News Hour produced at CKUW-FM in Winnipeg as a collaboration with globalresearch.ca will be on WBCQ in a one time set of transmissions: 7490 Khz Wed Feb 1 8-9 pm Eastern (0100 UT [Thu] Feb 2nd) 5130 Khz Fri Feb 3 9-10 pm Eastern (0200 UT [Sat] Feb 4th) My Xmas/New Year's present to him also marks an item off of my bucket list. Hope all is well (or well enough), David Tymoshchuk`` I am in the middle of recording WOR 1863, so can`t listen now but check the opening at 0100 to find it`s about the most censored news of 2016. Catch the second airing if you hear about this in time (Glenn Hauser, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1863, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7490.1-AM, Feb 4 at 0428, WBCQ is VP at S6, and off-frequency to the high side recently rather than low. Should be `Financial Survival` [sic] at this time, but then more BS until 0800*. The WBCQ Program Guide *still* hasn`t been updated to show all the additional Overcomer hours. 5129.62-AM, Feb 5 at 2332, WBCQBS is further off-frequency than before. 7490.11-AM, Feb 5 at 2334, WBCQ is up to here on hi side after having been close to .00 or on low side. After 0000 Feb 6, I listen to most of `Le Show`, where Harry Shearer has been given plenty of satirical fodder by acting president Thump`s subministration. Fairly good with some fading, weakening by end of hour. 9329.79-CUSB, Feb 5 at 2336, WBCQBS is much lower than it had been. So all three transmitters are wandering. Also in short term, with BFO I can hear them wobbling slightly. Is this due to fluxuating commercial power supply? (7490.1), UT Tue Feb 7 at 0100-0200, since I`m at the computer, listen to WBCQ online for `From the Isle of Music`. Bill Tilford is adding another program come March 3, UT Fridays 0000- 0030 on 7490, `Uncle Bill`s Melting Pot` of American musical variety, he tells the MARE Tipsheet; and of course shifting an hour earlier one biweek later due to DST, Thursdays at 2300. I think I have converted the times correctly, unlike MARE (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5129.627, WBCQ Monticello, Maine, heard tiny signal in skip zone receiving point at remote SDR in Hanson Massachusetts-USA. At 0220 UT on Feb 8, S=6-7 signal fluttery. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) ** U S A. Radio Mi Amigo International North American Tests From an e-mail: "Radio Mi Amigo International will do some tests the next days to North America, here are the times and frequencys: The tests are as follows: 7490 kHz Sunday (Feb 12) 4-5 pm Eastern -> 9-10 pm UT [21-22 UT] 7490 kHz Wednesday (Feb 15) 8-9 pm Eastern -> Thu (Feb 16) [01-02 UT] 9330 kHz Saturday (Feb 18) 5-6 pm Eastern -> 10-11 pm UT" [22-23 UT] That would be WBCQ. (-- Richard Langley, Feb 7, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. MARE William "Bill" Tilford, Owner/Producer of Tilford Productions, LLC announced that beginning Thursday, March 2, he will launch a new half-hour music variety program, "Uncle Bill's Melting Pot", on WBCQ 7490 kHz every Thursday night from 7 to 7:30 PM Eastern US (UTC will vary depending on Eastern time so it will be 0000 during EST and 2300 Wednesdays during EDT). [sic: no, if it is Thursday local time, it will first be 0000 UT Fridays, and then 2300 UT Thursdays! - gh] Bill says "While it will occasionally wander offshore, most of the program will be music from all of the various ethnic groups that make America what it is - Polkas, Bluegrass, Zydeco, Blues, Norteño etc. along with Novelty/Comedy songs. Unlike our other program, From the Isle of Music, which previews each show, Uncle Bill's Melting Pot will be a mystery box - you'll have to listen to it to learn what's in it. But it will make you tap your feet, dance, laugh, and amaze your friends and neighbors." [Cool! And rumour has it there will be the occasional fart noise too so those who are Mighty KBC fans will have a second source of fun farts! Well, I bet the show will be better than that too though! :o And I'm not just saying that because Bill is a MARE member. Although it IS nice to know of a broadcaster who doesn't look down his nose at us because we are 'turd DXers'.... (and yes, one SW personality who shall remain nameless here did actually call us that!) We will look forward to the new show Bill and will keep enjoying "From the Land of Music" too! -kvz] (Kenneth Vito Zichi, MARE Tipsheet Feb 3 via DXLD) ** U S A. Feb 3 at 0222+, very strange propagation from American SW signals. The WRMIs on 7 MHz are attenuated, 7570 at only S5-S7, and 7730 weaker, 7780 JBA. Yet these are much stronger, VG signals: 7520 WWCR, 7385 WHRI. Also good: 7505v WRNO. 7305 Vatican/Greenville poor; 7490 WBCQ inaudible, 7850 CHU inaudible. 9330 WBCQ inaudible. 9395 WRMI SPRN JBA, 9955 WRMI inaudible. 9475 WTWW good. 11520 WEWN good at S9+; By 0228, 12105 dead air from WTWW- 3, S9-S6. By next check around 0700, conditions have normalized at least for the WRMI 7s (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. WRMI on 11580 kHz Sunday Night (29-30 January) --- A little behind with my postings but here is a list of the programs from WRMI on 11580 kHz last Sunday night from my 6-hour or so recording (all nominal times UT). Propagation on 11580 kHz is lasting longer into the night as we get further from the winter solstice. 2023 The Holy Gospel, in progress 2030 VOA Radiogram 199 repeat, replacing DigiDX 2100 Radio Slovakia International in English 2130 Walking in Power 2200 Main St. Church of Christ 2300 Wavescan 414, first of two programs on the history of Radio Australia (podcast should soon be available) 2330 VOA Radiogram 200*, replacing DigiDX 0000 Radio Slovakia International in Slovak 0030 Radio Slovakia International in English, repeat 0100 Viva Miami (repeat of item about Czech Republic in Spanish) 0115 Made in Italy in Italian 0130 Evangelical Outreach 0200 Radio Ukraine International in English 0230 Radio Prague in English (during this program, propagation deteriorates) (Richard Langley, NB, Feb 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 15770, Fri Feb 3 at 2132, WRMI is re-re-re-re-re-playing the CDXA special yet again, 6 months after original airing! In Spanish but English ID at the moment; marked different anniversaries of club, of Ecos del Torbes, Venezuela, ex-4980, and of `América en Antena` show. Guest English announcer manages to mispronounce Cristóbal and Táchira. This bumps `Studio DX` in Italian, scheduled for Fri 2130 on 15770. 6855, Feb 4 at 0432, WRMI in Spanish with a fin-de-año special, announcing it will also be repeated Jan 1 at 0500 on 9955, for ``Noche de San Silvestre``, música, S9+10, and // 5985 as usual at this hour, which is S9+35. Two guys in Colombia are hosting; 0439 the only ID they give is for Radio Miami Internacional. I had no advance notice of this whatsoever before NY Eve, but mitigates not hearing much of special interest at that time. Perhaps this too will keep repeating for six months? On the 5985 sked for Sat 0430 is Frecuencia al Día. Later, looking thru WRMI`s FB, I come upon this which seems like what I heard Feb 4 at 0430, Angloparade, altho not normally scheduled then: ``December 29, 2016 ESPECIAL DE ANO NUEVO - WRMI NEW YEAR SPECIAL Despida el 2016 y reciba el 2017 en compañía del equipo de Angloparade y Las 15 con Chemas desde Bogotá, Colombia en exclusivo para WRMI Radio Miami Internacional. Escúchenos este 31 de diciembre y 01 de enero con una selección de tradiciones, saludos y música latinoamericana para celebrar esta nostálgica y alegre época del calendario. Todos los informes serán verificados con QSL. Déjenos su mensaje a info@angloparade.com o a nuestro WhatsApp +57 3014745658`` (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) QSL: 9955, Anglo Parade Program “las 15 con Chemas” via WRMI. E-mail response after posting a f/up to angloparade@gmail.com with an e-mail report and audio file web-link. Indicated a QSL to follow from Colombia. Reply in 24 hours, total of 3 months waiting for a reply (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9395, Feb 4 at 0501, WRMI with `TruNews` discussing a CFR article by Rosa Brooks in Foreign Policy about ``3 ways to get rid of Trump before 2020``, allegedly culminating in a military coup as last resort. Thanks for drawing this to our attention! https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/01/30/3-ways-to-get-rid-of-president-trump-before-2020-impeach-25th-amendment-coup/ 11580, Sunday Feb 5 at 2330, WRMI is now a VOA relay station, with Radiogram #201, introed by Kim to feature Saturn rings, VOA 75th anniversary. Axually just substituting for DigiDX on hiatus. Good S9 signal. 11825, Feb 8 at 2100 I notice that this WRMIBS transmitter is off. Back on the next day sometime (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 3215, UT Mon Feb 6 at 0024, no signal yet from WWRB which is normally on by now UT Sun/Mon/Tue, with a Dave rant if no paid wacko politico-gospel huxters yet. Unchecked later. Try 0200 whether switch to 3195 in time to avoid colliding with WWCR. There was a 45-minute collision UT Jan 29 caught by Lou Johnson, Atlanta, as in DXLD 17-05, WOR 1863. 3195, Feb 7 at 0246, WWRB is still on with usual paranoid politico- gospel huxters, and usual lo-fi audio, hum and breakup. It`s UT Tuesday, so should soon be off completely until UT Sunday (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 5059.1, Feb 7 at 0241, approx. center of second-order spurious hash out of 5085 WTWW, i.e. 2 x 12.95 kHz away, along with the much stronger with some modulation even audible first-order on 5072.05; matched on hi side by 5097.95 and 5110.9. Ted is playing music on one of his sporadic broadcasts, and this time 5085 is about the strongest signal I have ever had on SW, almost pinning the NRD-545 meter at S9+65! 12105, Feb 7 at 2033 check, WTWW-3 is off, no Bibling Worldwide; still blasting on WTWW-2 9930, WTWW-1 9475 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) WTWW: Spurs heard much tiny level at remote SDR in Hanson Massachusetts-USA: at 0340 UT on Wed Feb 8 noted 12911 Hertz away distance on approx. 5097.911 and 5072.090 kHz. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) ** U S A. Reception of WINB, Feb 2: till 2000 9265 INB 050 kW / 242 deg to CeAm strange test tone of WINB from 2045 9265 INB 050 kW / 242 deg to CeAm English WINB Red Lion PA (Ivo Ivanov, B`lgariya, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 9265, Feb 3 at 0034, JBA carrier presumed WINB, but usually it`s stronger than neighbor 9330 WBCQ, not tonight. Anyhow, no multi-het 660-Hz separated carriers ringing transmission (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Was that the same tone Ivo referred to?? See also UNIDENTIFIED 9258-9272! ** U S A. 7505v, WRNO, Feb 2, Thursday. An anomaly or a new schedule for their Chinese language program? In the past was Thursday & Saturday, about 0400-0500, but today tuned in at 0335 to find them already in Chinese; break at 0353 for a request for reception reports be sent to WRNO, given in both English and Chinese; then back to preaching again in Chinese; played some songs; 0430 brief "This is WRNO 75 05 kHz."; WRNO contact info in Chinese and in English; English ID for this program - "Praise for Today"; 0434 into the “Maranatha Radio” program with Pastor Ray Bentley preaching. So is the new schedule about 0330-0430, on Thurs. & Sat.? (Ron Howard, Calif., dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7504.9, Feb 4 at 0428, WRNO is on at S7-S9, but just barely modulated. It`s often something. 7505.01, Feb 7 at 0228, WRNO with YL huxtress, seems unreasonably steady rather than wandering as I listen, so impatiently move on and don`t get back to recheck it in the next semihour (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) /INDIA, Equal signal level terrible mixture of AIR and WRNO S=9+10dB signal noted in Doha Qatar and southern Germany at 0256 UT on Wednesday Feb 8th, 7505 kHz even AIR and some 250 Hertz interference heterodyne of odd frequency WRNO USA on 7505.228 wandered upwards to 7505.249 kHz. 73 wolfie df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, HCDX via DXLD) ** U S A. 14770, WHRI second harmonic at 0210, 2 X 7385, Christian male musician discussing his music. - Good, almost as strong as 7385, Feb. 5 (Harold Sellers, Vernon, British Columbia. CommRadio CR-1a and 50 ft wire connected to a Sony AN-1 active antenna. Editor of World English Survey and Target Listening, available at the Ontario DX Association Facebook and Yahoo groups and www.odxa.on.ca. dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Harold, I`ll have to look for that one. Do you rule out receiver overload? 7385 is always blasting in here, but just checked at 0215 Feb 6 and nothing on 14770. Of course you are better positioned for that farther away. 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) Thanks Glenn, This was first time that I noted 14770. I just happened to pass by that frequency. It will be interesting to see if anyone else hears it (Harold Sellers, ibid.) 14770, Feb 7 at 0231, no signal from WHRI second harmonic, while 7385 is S9+50. Harold Sellers, BC had heard 14770 Feb 5 at 0210, almost as strong as 7385. Nor could I hear 14770 when checked 24 hours after that. I`d not expect much signal if any at this distance from SC at that hour, but maybe BC would get longer skip from it, altho I wonder if he really had receiver overload. Can anyone else hear 14770 anywhen? If it`s very strong, see if it remain with attenuation (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 17775, Feb 8 at 1504, no signal from KVOH. Hard to know whether off or just not propagating yet an hour after listed sign-on. Recheck at 1758, now at least S9 with Spanish ID, modulation somewhat muffled (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 15555, WJHR Milton FL; 1916-2003+, 4-Feb; English program re UFOs, ETs, etc. from WW2 era onward; apparently a TV show audio; incorrectly referred to a P-51 as an F-51 in an incident. Program cutoff abruptly at 2002:35 to gospel tune, cutoff for full ID, “You’re listening to WJHR Int’l; WJHR is located near Pensacola FL…” and back to gospel tune. Best program ever heard from these folks! Nice departure from the usual religihuxterage. USB, SIO=3+54 (Harold Frodge, Midland MI, USA, Drake R8B + 185' & 60' RW + 125' bow-tie, --- -- All logged by my ears, on my receiver, in real time! -----, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 770, Feb 3 at 0248 UT, plugs for ``promo code W-A-B-C`` to some 800 number, vs CCI, presumably including KKOB/KKOB. Unusual for WABC NJ to make it ~1315 miles out to here. In case you think it`s in New York, check this coverage map http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WABC&service=AM&status=L&hours=N which shows it not even reaching Scranton at night from just east of Clifton NJ; never mind skywave (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 770, Feb 8 at 1334 UT, extended weather forecast, ``Newstalk 770 and 92.5, WVNN, where Alabama talks, depend on it``, 1335 UT on to `live & local Dale? Dave? Jackson Show. I was expecting to hear bleed from KKOB/KKOB already, 8 minutes after sunrise here, but WVNN is in full daytime, not faded out yet, 7000/250 watts U2, Athens AL. 92.5 is not a mere translator, but 3.1 kW WVNN-FM licensed to Trinity AL, which is way down the other side of Decatur. Too bad Athenians can`t listen to WABC at night. NRC Pattern Book indicates WVNN is the closest non-daytimer 770 to WABC, i.e. 817 statute miles by air, per distancefromto.com --- that`s enough for no ``clear channel` protexion (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 880-CUSB, Feb 8 at 0455 UT, KHAC Tse Bonito NM is dominant with no LSB, as always running 10 kW day power at night, and at :55 past most hours for about 2 minutes, interrupting programming for `American Family News` which is anything but, pushing far-right agenda, pro-Gorsuch & pro-DeVos (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1060+, Feb 8 at 1338 UT, KIJN Farwell TX, Spanish ad with heavy gringo accent for a pro-beef cattle-feeder in nearby Hereford TX, back to praise music; off-frequency on hi side making usual fast SAH with anything else (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1210, KHKR, Washington UT granted program test authority to use CP for U1 10 kW days, 231 watts nights, from new site 37-04- 06/113-31-04 (NRC DX News via Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) ** U S A. 1590, Feb 8 at 1352 UT, KVGB Great Bend KS with `News from the Oil Patch` by guy with non-radio voice; ads for petroleum businesses such as fishing lost equipment out of wells (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. 1710, KHMB Half Moon Bay CA (on the Pacific Coast 32 km south of San Francisco, -Bryan Clark) is a “Part 15” low power broadcaster” which is understood to be running five 200 milliwatt transmitters in parallel on the frequency, for an estimated 1 watt output at best. Bill, DXing near Florence in Oregon (about 800 km away) has heard it (Guy Atkins via Coastal Roundtable Yahoo Group via Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) KHMB presumably an unofficial call, altho there are no known really licensed KHMBs on AM (gh, DXLD) 40 watt TIS stations at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport were heard in NZ in the early days of the X-band, so perhaps this might be a possibility?? (Bryan Clark, ed., NZDXT via DXLD) ** U S A. Two days now into February and the 2130 kHz harmonic is still cutting their carrier 0127 UT, just like in January. Never quite strong enough to catch an ID. I really need to check against 710 during sunrise when I usually hear WTPR, maybe this weekend. 73, (-Tim Tromp, MI, UT Feb 3, IRCA via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Now confirmed the 2130 kHz harmonic is coming from 750 watt daytimer WTPR Paris, TN. with Abba's "Mamma Mia" right now at 1237 UT parallel to 710 where WTPR is currently dominating the channel here in West Michigan on the South D-KAZ. Mystery solved! 73, (Tim Tromp, Feb 4, harmonics yg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) ** U S A. [Re 17-05, KVJY 840 TX siblings:] Voz y Visión has KIKO radio and its FM xltr at 102.9 reaching the East Valley. KIHP, a Catholic station, also has set up shop there. The two mix for quite a lot of interference here (Raymie Humbert, Phœnix AZ, Feb 2, WTFDA Forum via DXLD) ** U S A. SHOCK WAVES: LOW-POWER FM STATIONS STRUGGLING TO HIT THE AIR by Ashley Archibald | February 8th, 2017 [SEATTLE] Longtime radio journalist Mike McCormick is concerned about how the current administration might treat new LPFMs, given its hostile stance to the media. Photo by Matthew S. Browning [caption] Belltown. Rainier Valley. The Central District. The distinct character and issues of these neighborhoods make Seattle, a middle-sized city that punches above its weight in regional and national politics. Try as they might, it’s rare for any mainstream news outlet to accurately reflect these distinct communities. A group of journalists, media junkies and artists mean to do so, and their eyes are trained on the sky. Seattle is poised to host to seven low-powered FM radio stations, LPFMs for short, many of which release content in a dizzying array of programs in multiple languages that speak directly to the nooks and crannies of the city in which they operate. . . http://www.realchangenews.org/2017/02/08/shock-waves-low-power-fm-stations-struggling-hit-air (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U S A. NEW SPORTS NETWORK IN SPANISH COMING Univision will début a new Spanish Sports network to compete against ESPN Deportes Radio. Univisión Deportes Radio will debut in early 2017 on stations in ten markets: 1280 WADO New York, 1020 KTNQ Los Ángeles, 1200 WRTO Chicago, 1270 KFLC Dallas, 1010 KLAT Houston, 1140 WQBA Miami, 105.1 KHOV Phoenix, 870 KLSQ Las Vegas, 1350 KCOR San Antonio, and 1530 KGBT McAllen. WADO and KTNQ will be dropping their current local Spanish News/Talk/Sports format. WRTO, WQBA, and KLSQ air the remnants of the Univisión América brand. KFLC, KLAT, KCOR, and KGBT are currently Spanish Christian “Amor Celestial.” Juan Carlos Rodríguez, President of Univisión Deportes, states that the network will focus on soccer much like the company’s television and digital brands (Radio Insight via NRC via Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) ** U S A. CBS TO SELL RADIO ASSETS TO ENTERCOM http://www.radioworld.com/business-and-law/0009/cbs-to-sell-radio-assets-to-entercom/339082 The combined company will be known as Entercom and will be headquartered in Philadelphia February 2, 2017 By Emily M. Reigart Entercom Communications Corp. and CBS Corp. announced early Thursday morning that Entercom will take over CBS’ radio assets in a “tax free merger.” CBS had long been rumored to be looking for a buyer for its radio business. The price was not disclosed in the announcement. Industry observers have been watching for months to learn the fate of the historic CBS radio holdings and brand. Now, according to the announcement, “the combined company will be known as Entercom and will be headquartered in Philadelphia, with a significant ongoing presence in New York.” In total, the new company will have 244 stations as well as digital assets and events; it said it will have stations in 23 of the top 25 U.S. markets. However, Entercom President and CEO David Field noted in a conference call to investors that the company expects to make approximately 15 divestitures in markets where the combined entity will own more stations than the FCC allows. According to field, the sales or swaps will occur in Los Angeles, Boston, Sacramento, San Francisco and Seattle. Field also noted that, given the size of the companies, “there aren't that many stations that come into play.” When the deal is completed, the new board of directors will consists of five current Entercom directors, including Field as chairman of the board, and four directors nominated by CBS Radio. Andre Fernandez will continue as president and CEO of CBS Radio through the closing of the transaction. The sale of CBS’s radio business to Entercom will be effected through a “Reverse Morris Trust” transaction, according to the announcement. The transaction is subject to approval by Entercom shareholders. Entercom Chairman Joseph M. Field, a controlling shareholder of Entercom, has agreed to vote in favor of the transaction. CBS shareholders will have the opportunity to exchange their CBS shares for CBS Radio shares. Immediately following the completion of this offer, CBS Radio will merge with an Entercom subsidiary, with the new CBS Radio shareholders receiving Entercom shares in exchange for their CBS Radio shares. After the merger, CBS Radio shareholders will receive approximately 105 million Entercom shares, or 72% of all outstanding shares of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. Existing Entercom shareholders will own 28% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis. In the announcement, Field cited “scale-driven efficiencies and opportunities to compete more effectively with other media” as reasons for the merger. For example, the new combined sales force will be "1400 strong," according to Field. Also, Entercom CFO Steve Fisher says the company expects to realize $25 million dollars in efficiencies, mostly through elimination of corporate overhead and combining radio facilities in overlapping markets, in the 12-18 months after the deal closes. The combined companies’ pro forma revenue on a trailing 12 months basis was approximately $1.7 billion, which, according to the release, makes the combined companies the second-largest radio owner by revenue. Related Articles --- Remembering CBS Radio’s Beginnings The transaction is expected to close during the second half of 2017, subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions (via Allan Dunn, K1UCY, Feb 2, NRC-AM via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Hi Allen [sic], This is Dave Hascall from Central Indiana. Wasn't CBS Radio a huge player in IBOC? If I recall that right. Wonder if Entercom will continue to push for it? 73 (Dave in Indy (Noblesville), WTFDA gg via DXLD) Yes. I can decode WBZ-AM during the day (I live 60 miles NW of their Hull transmitter). At night with good skywave reception of CBS AM's, only WINS [1010] decodes. CBS turned off night IBOC on some. Scott Fybush more than a year ago pointed out how he when driving in the PIttsburgh suburbs could not copy KDKA audio due to the IBOC subbands from WBZ and WINS. Since then WBZ dropped IBOC at night. They [Entercom] were smart to not embrace AM IBOC. I don't see any value to it for a talk station (Allan Dunn, NRC-AM via DXLD) I highly doubt we'll see any FM stations drop IBOC anytime soon. All of Entercom's here in Boston/Providence run it. Maybe you'll see some AMs drop it, as they never installed it on 680 or 850 (Jeff Lehmann, WTFDA gg via DXLD) Hey, Check it out: CBS Radio finally has a buyer. http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2017/02/02/denver-radio-station-owner-entercom-to-take-over.html?ana=fbk&ed=2017-02-02&j=77263751&s=newsletter&t=1486050017 I think some stations will have to be a divested, but here is a list of CBS Radio stations from across the country. * WAOK-AM Atlanta * WVEE-FM Atlanta * WZGC-FM Atlanta * WJZ-AM Baltimore * WJZ-FM Baltimore * WLIF-FM Baltimore * WWMX-FM Baltimore * WBMX-FM Boston * WBZ-AM Boston * WBZ-FM Boston * WODS-FM Boston * WZLS-FM Boston * WBBM-AM Chicago * WBBM-FM Chicago * WCFS-FM Chicago * WJMK-FM Chicago * WCSR-AM Chicago * WUSN-FM Chicago * WKRT-FM Chicago * WDOK-FM Cleveland * WKRK-FM Cleveland * WNCX-FM Cleveland * WQAL-FM Cleveland * KJKK-FM Dallas * KLUV-FM Dallas * KMVK-FM Dallas * KRLD-FM Dallas * KVIL-FM Dallas * WDZH-FM Detroit * WOMC-FM Detroit * WWJ-AM Detroit * WXYT-AM Detroit * WXYT-FM Detroit * WYCD-FM Detroit This is only a partial list of CBS Stations. (----Paul Armani, CO, ABDX via DXLD) I`ll say; must be a lot more after Detroit in alfabetical order. BTW, AM stations DO NOT have -AM as a suffix in their call letters, whatever the ignorant broadcast media press may imagine (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) In a related area: I'm reading Entercom has told the FCC they will return the KDND-107.9 license (Sacramento) for cancellation. The station had been in trouble with the FCC over a 2007 contest in which listeners were asked to drink as much water as possible without urinating. One listener died of water intoxication as a result. The KDND call letters and format will move to 106.5. == (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, WTFDA gg via DXLD) ** U S A. MEET JOSHUA JOHNSON, DIANE REHM'S SUCCESSOR -- AND A BOLD MOVE FOR WAMU - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/meet-joshua-johnson-diane-rehms-successor--and-a-big-gamble-for-wamu/2017/02/01/6ad4eb26-d8d4-11e6-9f9f-5cdb4b7f8dd7_print.html (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A. STEVE LARE OBITUARY I haven't seen mention of it here, and thought I'd pass it along --- Per info from his sister Kriss on rec.radio.shortwave, Steve R Lare, W6SWL formerly N8KDV and long-time 'ace' DXer/SWL passed away in Holland Michigan sometime in late January. He was found at home on January 30th. She arranged services through Dykstra Funeral Home. No obit has been published. Steve was a long-time member of the Michigan Area Radio Enthusiasts, and his health had been troubling him for some time, but his passing was a bit of a shock to all of us here. I'm sure he'd rather be remembered for the good stuff, so since his 'DXer trading card' revealed his favorite ice cream flavor was Budweiser, mayhaps we need to hoist a glass in his memory. We'll remember you fondly whenever we erect a "beverage" antenna, Steve. Or tell the not-so-tall tales about 'the hunter's beverage' etc. SO many tales of MARE-Lore to recall! ("With God as my witness, I didn't think chairs could spontaneously explode." And who can forget dancing to JJY and the Pips? Or the DX Penalty box?) Thanks to another Long-time MARE Don Hosmer for pointing this out to us -- (Kenneth V Zichi, Feb 6, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RIP, Steve. Too many of us are passing on these days. Sorry that I never met Steve, but sounds like he was an interesting bloke (Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC, ibid.) He was also a DXLD contributor (gh) ** VANUATU. 3945, Radio Vanuatu from Empten Lagoon, Port Vila, 0750– 0900, January 31, 2017. ID at 0800 and 0900. Continuous pop music, song after song, mostly in English. Listenable weak signal, with considerable QRN and some locally sourced pulsed noise, probably spillover from NAS Whidbey Island radar. Not scheduled and not heard on // 7260. No QRM (Vince Henley, Anacortes, WA, Equipment currently in use: Tecsun PL-380, JRC NRD-525, Drake R8B, Sony ICF-2010, Ten-Tec RX-340. Antennas are half-meter whip on PL-380, 1.2 meter whip on ICF- 2010, and Alpha-Delta DX-Ultra installed broadside east-west, NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD) What about Radio Nikkei 2?? I know he says IDs, but needs to explain why Japan was not heard as scheduled, and confirm 3945 was not // RN2 on 6115, 9760 --- the first thing I would do upon hearing something on 3945. Also, Vanuatu is off-frequency to low side, and some of his receivers could split that (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 7259.96, R. Vanuatu, Feb 02 0753-0803, 35433-34433, Bislama, Music and talk, ID at 0758 and 0759 (Kouji Hashimoto, RX, IC-R75, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VATICAN. Hello, this morning I discover that Vatican Radio has removed the two HF log periodic antennas still present inside the Vatican Garden. Here are same photos of these antennas http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/stato_vaticano/stato_vaticano.html Now there are only FM & DAB transmission from Vatican State. HF and MW are mute. The HF transmissions are still on-air from Santa Maria di Galeria. 73 (Andrea Iw0hk Borgnino, shortwavesites yg via DXLD) ** VIETNAM. 9839.823 odd fq measured on Feb 2nd at 1035 UT, noted some S=9+20dB strong signal on remote SDR post installation at Brisbane Queensland. 177 degree azimuth favours this direction at this hour. VoVTN Son Tay has four transmitters on air at 10-11 UT slot. 9840 kHz scheduled 1000-1530 UT at 57 degrees (JPN / KOR / TWN target) or 177 degrees (INS /MLA / SNG / PNG target): En, Ins, Jpn, En, Jpn, En, Ins, En, Jpn, Ins, and finally English language sections. Aligned SDR measurement against WWVH 10 MHz from Hawaii, and Radio Nikkei-JPN 9595 kHz. [selected SDR options, span 12.5 kHz RBW 15.3 Hertz] (Wolfgang Büschel, df5sx, wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Febr 2, BC-DX Feb 2 via DXLD) ** YEMEN [non]. 11860, Feb 2 at 1330, nothing but a JBA carrier, maybe from Republic of Yemen Radio via SAUDI ARABIA(?) (or spur from 11840 CUBA). Hope its absence is only due to poor propagation today. Nothing at 1411 recheck when it`s often inbooming. Its winter-season peak may be receding (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, It was there last night. Feb 2, possibly not as strong as usual. 11860 Country ??? Radio Yemen / Sana'a. Location ??? Feb 2, 2017 Thursday. 1954-1957. OM with talk in Arabic, followed by song. Fair. Jo'burg sunset 1659 (Bill Bingham, Johannesburg RSA. Drake R8E, Sony ICF2001D. dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 11860, Feb 3 at 1437, Republic of Yemen Radio is back in at good S6-S9 level, after missing yesterday, triumphal music, but with some IADs, mixed with urgent exhortations about Yemen. Via SAUDI ARABIA? In case they should ever resume Qur`anic vespers, sunset in Sana`a is now 1503 UT, creeping later by 3 minutes per week. At this time before 1500 we have a nice choice of exotic music on 25m, not only this but 11580 WRMI World Music [except Sunday], 11600 Kurdistan [non], 11815+ Turkey (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZAMBIA. 5915, Zambia Nat. BC. Feb 03 1600-1607, 22432, vernacular, Fish eagle's IS, Announce by man, Local music (Kouji Hashimoto, JAPAN, RX, IC-R75, NRD-525+RD-9830, ANT, 130m Sloper Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 5915, Feb 7 at 0237, 1 kHz tone at S8-S5, must be ZNBC Radio 1 about to sign on. By 0242, Fish Eagle interval signal is playing and continues until 0251; nice to hear, but can`t get rid of splash from 5910 Romania and 5920 WHRI, equally on both sides even tho they are only slightly stronger. 0251 choral NA, 0253 non-English announcement, drumming and chanting. This morning transmission is often cut off early in an hour or so (WRTH shows continuous until 2205), due to power outages. This ``load shedding`` problem is discussed in detail by Ray Robinson and Bill Bingham in DXLD 17-04. Electricity rates are also higher in the mornings [sic], which caused VOH Africa to drop its morning broadcasts completely in favor of evenings. And more in 17-05 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I haven't lived in Zambia for many years, so can't be sure. But I don't think Ray was suggesting that electricity from ZESCO is more expensive in the morning hence the move to evenings. I think he was suggesting that Voice of Hope had to use their own diesel generator to stay on air during load shedding, and running one's own diesel generator is extremely expensive, hence the move to evenings. I may be wrong about this, perhaps Ray will contact you himself to confirm. Regards, (Bill Bingham, RSA, Feb 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Exactly right, Bill (Ray, Sent from my HTC One max on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, ibid.) QSL: 9680, Voice of Hope via Lusaka. Nice full data photo of curtain array at the transmitter site. This for an e-mail report to: reports@voiceofhope.com Reply in six months time. V/s: Ray Robinson Vice President (Edward Kusalik, Alberta, Canada, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZAMBIA. 24-HOUR AG RADIO STATION IN ZAMBIA Hello Glenn, hope you've been well! I just learned that one of the employees in our group of stations is helping establish a 24-hour agricultural radio station in Zambia; here is a link: http://www.neuhoffmedia.com/2016/12/12/december-12-2016-neuhoff-media-lafayettes-bryan-mcgarvey-to-help-establish-zambias-first-24-hour-agriculture-radio-station/ Take care! (Eric Loy, Sports Director, Neuhoff Media Danville, WDAN D102 K-ROCK, Feb 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Presumably on FM ** ZANZIBAR. 6015, 0404, TANZANIA (ZANZIBAR), ZBC a summer surprise with Swahili news till 0430 when chanting & HOA rhythms heard 7/1. Reception varies greatly from dayto day (Bryan Clark, Mangawhai, Northland, North Island, New Zealand, WinRadio G33DDC and AOR7030+, EWEs to North, Central & South America, Feb NZ DX Times via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Trans-Pacific JBA MW carrier search February 8, UT, all looping WSW from down-under, except 1566-NW, surely Korea: At 1317, 774, 702 At 1318, 684, 657 At 1320, 702, 792, 828 At 1322, 837, 882 At 1325, 1566-NW Local sunrise here: 1326 UT, now earlying 1 minute per day. I`m not always awake in time to check for these, but my neighbor Richard Allen near Perry always seems to be, and reported today to IRCA: ``Pre-sunrise carrier signals heard on 612 and 702 kHz from DU direction, both strong at times. What's going on? There appears to be no correlation between solar activity and propagation!`` WWV had reported at 1200: solar flux 72, K-index 1, no storms (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 2520, Feb 2 at 1313, open carrier at S9 fading to S6, maybe a trace of modulation, presumably from 2 x 1260, WOCO Oconto WI. They really need to boost their harmonic mod to normal (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 3272-USB, Feb 3 at 0231, MARS-like net, radiochex called for by JO7BG, call fonetikaly as if from Japan. I`ve had Army MARS here as in DXLDs 16-47 and 16-52. Googling on that call gets a wide variety of non-radio hits, including drugs, rappers, women`s turtlenecks, shipping, and several things in Vietnamese. MARS calls often lead to license plates (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 4036-USB, Feb 2 AT 1317, MARS?-like net with abbr`d calls fonetikally, 5MN, poor, and others almost too weak to copy, 5R7, M5A (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 4070.36, Feb 4 at 0448, slow JBA CW beacon repeating ID in Morse as ZN. I was checking for GT which I heard two nights ago on 4070.5, and surprised to hear this different one instead on slightly different frequency. Both remain unlisted here or anywhere at: https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/High_Frequency_Beacon So something new? Whence? Second one I`ve heard in ages on this band, 4070.34, Feb 7 at 0257, JBA beacon sending ZN over and over, --.. -. Previously logged Feb 4 at 0448 as on 4070.36, but maybe my estimates are varying rather than the transmitter. So where is it? (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 4070.5, Feb 2 at 1321, CW beacon GT in slow Morse about 18x per minute, JBA, then fadeup to S6-S8. This seems to be the most comprehensive listing, including several in the 4.0+ MHz area but none on this frequency and no GT on any frequency: https://www.hfunderground.com/wiki/High_Frequency_Beacon So something new? Whence? First one I`ve heard in ages on this band (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, There’s been a burst of new activity with respect to the unlicensed hobbyist beacons often found around 4 and 8 MHz. There is also a dasher that I have heard mornings around 4111 kHz, although I don’t think anyone else has reported it. From what I understand, these beacons are typically very low power, often in the 100 mW range. So they often require very good conditions to hear them, and I have noticed that there are very narrow windows of time when a particular beacon will be heard at my QTH. You might also want to try for the A beacon on 2097 kHz, apparently it runs significantly more power. I can hear it almost every morning. 73 (Chris Smolinski, Westminster, MD USA, Black Cat Systems http://www.blackcatsystems.com UDXF io group via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Tnx, Chris. I hear beacon A on 2097.3 just about any time at night I check it (Quartzsite AZ). Do none of the thousands of UDXFers know about ZN and GT? I`ve already tried searching the archives on calls and frequencies. 73, (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 4739.0, Feb 3 at 0213, open carrier again, S9+25 vs CODAR. 4739.0, Feb 4 at 0445, the strong open AM carrier heard several days and times is gone again. What was it? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 7597.4, Feb 7 at 0227, open carrier at S9+25; as I previously reported twice: ``7597.4, Dec 8 at 0532, S9+30 open carrier, equal to my previous log Nov 14 at 0042; utility accomplishing nothing other than occupying frequency?`` Perhaps it`s on once a month, but I missed it in January? This time, also heard by Bob LaRose, San Diego, and Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, measured it on 7597.425. 7597.4, Feb 8 at 0418, the mystery open carrier is here again around S8 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 7700 kHz, See PUNTLAND, SOMALIA UNIDENTIFIED. 9258-9272, Feb 1 at 0444 and still 0457, S9 multi- carrier ringing sound producing a single hi-pitched tone when tuned in AM, centered on the only WINB frequency, 9265, which is normally off the air by now. What in the world? Are they testing something new, or is this something else? Another check for this 25 hours later, Feb 2 at 0523, not heard. 9265, Thu Feb 2 at 1302, there it is again at totally different daypart, whine at S9+10. If this were Sunday, WINB would be on already. Will be interesting to see whether this ever QRM WINB during its normal schedule. Still going at 1420 past 1442 during which I try to locate the carrier peaks on the hi side at least, approx. 9265.5, 9266.1, 9266.8, 9267.5, 9268.2, 9268.8, 9269.4, 9270.1, 9270.7, 9271.3. Then I pull out the keyboard and find a close match at E above hi C = 659 Hz, within a very few Hz of that. Any ideas what and whence this is? It`s similar to some others I have heard, such as circa 17450 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1863, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Thanks for the logs. I've noticed that ringing, multi carrier signal you heard on 9265 on 2/1/17. I've never logged it & don't really remember details since I figured it was something QRN and local. I'll log it if I hear it again (Mark Taylor, Madison WI, Feb 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also USA: WINB UNIDENTIFIED. EGYPT [sic], Station with Egyptian music Feb 3: 1110-1125 on 9400*unknown tx / unknown to UNID, very poor * co-ch FEBA 9400 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs in Chinese http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/unidentified-station-with-egyptian.html EGYPT, Unidentified station with Egyptian music Feb 7: 1105-1120 on 9400*unknown tx / unknown to UNID, fair/weak * co-ch FEBA 9400 IBA 100 kW / 330 deg to EaAs in Chinese http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/unidentified-station-with-egyptian_7.html EGYPT, station with Egyptian music on Feb 8: 0900-0921 on 9400 unknown tx / unknown to UNID, fair/weak http://swldxbulgaria.blogspot.bg/2017/02/unidentified-station-with-egyptian_8.html -- 73! (Ivo Ivanov, Sofia, Bulgaria, Equipment: Sony ICF-2001D 30 m. long wire, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 11739.15, Feb 7 at 0219, JBA carrier. Seems stable unlike the slightly wandering birdies the NRD-545 produces, so maybe really there. Certainly not a spur out of weak Cuba. No Brazilians on 11740v; maybe missing ARGENTINA, q.v.? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 14362, "Rasper", (UNKNOWN LOCATION) (Unknown Utility) 2/5 1830. Intruder alert, 20 meters. Raspy dot dash pattern this one with 3 dots and a half dash at the end. Still on at 2050 recheck - Very strong. note: gone on 2140 recheck (Rick Barton, Logs from Peoria/Sun Cities Arizona, English unless otherwise stated. 73 and Good Listening...! : ))) dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Not intruder, as 20m boundary is 14350, but certainly annoying (gh) UNIDENTIFIED. 15670, Sunday Feb 5 at 1411, S4-S2 open carrier. KSDA Guam finishes at 1400 daily, maybe that; OR VOA Greenville testing 62- kW transmitter in preparation for Radiogram, Sunday only at 1930. Such tests are often suspected after 14 UT, probably when day shift starts at GB (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ ACKNOWLEDGED ON WORLD OF RADIO 1864: Hi Glenn, thanks for all you have done over the years. Wish you all the best in 2017! (Ron Howard with a check to P O Box 1684, Enid OK 73702) Always enjoy listening to you Glenn (Robert May, with a contribution via PayPal to woradio at yahoo.com) TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED FUTURELY, one or two a week: Note from Frank Orcutt, BallisticProse Trading Company: ``Thank you for all your years of selfless service to the DXing community, Glenn`` with a contribution via PayPal to woradio at yahoo.com Donation to WOR, Glenn, pls keep up the great work. Tnx much. 73, Bob New Jersey (Robert Zerilli, with a contribution via PayPal to woradio at yahoo.com) Dear Mr. Hauser, here is a donation toward World of Radio. I enjoy your show very much. I listen to WOR on WBCQ almost every week. No acknowledgment of my donation is necessary (anon.) Query: those who listen to you via audio, how do they manage to write down all the info? Maybe use shorthand, or able to write very quickly!!! (Jon Collins, Birmingham UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I never receive any complaints or even questions like yours, so I assume people are copying/satisfied? Only they can answer. I would assume not everyone is interested in copying every detail, so only make note of certain items. I developed a quick notation method when copying other DX programs (not shorthand). Afterwards or during a pause one could fill in some remembered details. Formatted info like Propagation Outlook can be copied using abbrs. Of course, anyone who needs everything mentioned (and well beyond!) can find it in the next DXLD. Or audio only one can replay/back up podcasts/files (gh) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ WRTH UPDATE FILE NOW AVAILABLE Sean Gilbert shared a link to the WRTH Facebook group 7 February 2017 The B16 International broadcasting schedules update file is now available for free download from http://www.wrth.com - click on the 'latest PDF updates' link and follow the instructions. The file details the latest frequency and station changes from both international and clandestine/target broadcasters. We hope you find this file a useful accompaniment to the printed WRTH. Posted by: (Mike Terry, dxldyg via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) Updated: DX/SWL/MEDIA PROGRAMS http://www.worldofradio.com/dxpgms.html WORLD OF RADIO SCHEDULE http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html ALAN ROE`S HITLIST OF SWBC STATIONS http://www.w4uvh.net/hitlist.htm (Glenn Hauser, Feb 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) RADIO STATIONS IN THE UK & IRELAND A brand new 2017 (26th edition) of Radio Stations in the UK & Ireland is hot off the press. Produced every couple of years by the club since 1978 it is a must for anyone interested in tuning to UK and Irish radio stations. Many members buy a second copy to keep in the car and as always we have a special offer price for two copies thanks to a big saving on postage costs. An order form should be enclosed with this month's Communication or see the Publications section for full order details. BDXC is pleased to announce the publication of the 2017 (26th edition) of Radio Stations in the UK & Ireland, which the club has been producing regularly since 1978. Full details may be found at http://www.bdxc.org.uk/rsuk.html (Feb BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ HFCC A-17 STARTS IN SECRET HFCC.ORG tells the P U B L I C area no A-17 conference meeting LOCATION at all [but] in the Arab world!!! seemingly for safety reason? [somewhere ``in ASBU Region``] But the ITU Geneva HFBC website says ASBU meeting held in Jordan from next Monday 6 February http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/terrestrial/broadcast/HFBC/Pages/default.aspx Next meeting: HFCC/ASBU/ABU A17 Global Coordination Conference, 6-10 February, Jordan. 73 wolfie df5sx, (Wolfgang Büschel, Feb 3, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) This is quite amusing as Jordan has been silent on SW for many years, yet continues to register imaginary schedules, as in public HFCC B-16: 9830 1745 2000 27,28,37 AKA 500 300 0 156 1234567 301016 250317 D 9000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2921 11775 0500 0715 28,29 AKA 500 350 0 146 1234567 301016 250317 D 9000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2922 11810 0400 0710 39-41,54,55,58 AKA 500 94 0 156 1234567 301016 250317 D 15000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2923 11810 1030 1300 39-41,54,55,58 AKA 500 94 0 156 1234567 301016 250317 D 15000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2924 11960 0500 0715 28,29 AKA 500 350 0 146 1234567 301016 250317 D 9000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2925 15290 1030 1130 27,28,37 AKA 500 300 13 218 1234567 301016 250317 D 9000 Arb JOR JRT JRT 2926 (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Now that it`s over, perhaps they will make public where and what happened, including extracurricular activities, touring, dining, etc. Decalcomania/I.R.C.A./N.R.C. Convention 2017 initial announcement: The 2017 Decalcomania/IRCA/NRC Convention will be held Thursday August 17-Saturday August 19 (checking out on Sunday) at the Best Western Airport Plaza hotel, 1981 Terminal Way, Reno NV 89502. For reservations use phone number 775-348-6371 and request International Radio Club of America rate of $100 per night plus tax. Major credit cards accepted. (Attendees are encouraged to double up, share a room and save). Airlines serving Reno include Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and Volaris. Amtrak passenger train service is available as well. Registration fee (not including banquet) is $25 payable to Mike Sanburn, po box 1256, Bellflower CA 90707-1256. Or, by PayPal (add $1 to cover fee) mikesanburn @ hotmail.com Include contact info and club affiliation( s) if any. Information on activities, banquet, and station tours will be announced shortly. Visitors information can be found online at http://www.visitrenotahoe.com 73 (Mike Sanburn, Feb 3, ABDX via DXLD) Good to know that I can plan on this. Now I just have to figure out where I need to head, afterwards, to see the solar eclipse. At least there should be some very obvious destinations in the West, and it IS August which helps, because it's sort of a dry season (Frank Merrill, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Is WTFDA included? They are not. I got a copy of an e-mail that Mike Bugaj sent to Ernie Wesolowski, and WTFDA has respectfully declined IRCA's invitation to be a part of the gathering in Reno. MY personal 2 cents: this may be a response to the fact that WTFDA has had poor representation at joint conventions over the past 6 years. I was a part of the planning group for the Omaha NRC/WTFDA convention in 2011, and had Frank Merrill not shown up, WTFDA would not have had ONE member there. There were no WTFDA business meetings in either Minneapolis (2013), Fort Wayne (2015), or Kansas City (2016), the other joint conventions since 2011 that I've attended. Personally, I'm glad to see that WTFDA is "going it alone", as it means they will probably get more people to attend at a standalone convention. I've been to one of those (Omaha, 2004, hosted by Matt Sittel), and enjoyed it immensely. I've already stated to a number of DXers not on any of the listservers that I belong to (this one, NRC, and IRCA) that I won't be in Reno. Last year's convention in Kansas City was my last convention as an attendee. 73, (Rick Dau, South Omaha, Nebraska EN21af, ABDX via DXLD) I was among a handful of WTFDA members at the 2016 KC con (gh, DXLD) WINTER SWL FEST We're gearing up for the 30th annual Winter SWL Festival in Plymouth Meeting, PA, March 2, 3 and 4. We will have our CIDX exhibit set up as usual. CIDX members Alan Roberts and Janice Laws will be joining me at the event. We will also be seeing Mickey Delmage and, quite possibly, Nigel Pimblett, in attendance this year as well as CIDX celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. We hope to see many of you there. Please stop by and say hello. Best wishes, (Sheldon Harvey, Canadian International DX Club, DX LISTENING DIGEST) One of the most popular events at the Winterfest each year is the Saturday evening banquet. In addition to an annual presentation by a keynote speaker, everyone looks forward to the awarding of the incredible selection of prizes given out each year at the Winterfest raffle. The organizers this year are pleased to announce this year’s Grand Prize. This year it will be the new ICOM IC-7300 Transceiver! This is the first transceiver to offer a direct-sampling and up-converting SDR architecture, as well as the first to offer a large real time full color touch screen TFT frequency and spectrum display with waterfall. It covers 30 kHz to 50 MHz and is very much “at home” whether used as a transceiver or as a receiver alone. http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/7300/default.aspx The transceiver will come with the ICOM IC-7300, a Samlex SEC-1235M switching power supply with dual meters. TOTAL RETAIL VALUE of this Grand Prize: US$1869.05. The prizes however are only awarded to those who have attended the Fest and who have purchased raffle tickets at the event (BOD Report, Feb CIDX Messenger via DXLD) WORLD OF HOROLOGY +++++++++++++++++ World Radio Day will once again be held on Feb. 13 The theme for the 2017 edition of World Radio Day is “Radio is You!,” a call for greater participation of audiences and communities in the policy and planning of radio broadcasting. More than simple on-air interaction, public participation should include mechanisms such as audience engagement policies, public editors and ombudspeople, listener forums and complaints resolution procedures. World Radio Day 2017 Is Now Live http://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/0004/world-radio-day-2017-is-now-live/338972 Home | World Radio Day 2017 [Spanish URL really goes to the same site in English only below it] http://www.diamundialradio.org/ http://www.worldradioday.org/ Posted by: (Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) History of WRD page mentions that it came about ``further to a propsal from Spain``. Individual SW/DXers there have taken credit for the original idea, but are not named here (gh) DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DRM See AUSTRALIA; CHINA; INDIA; NEW ZEALAND; ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ UK DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DAB See GERMANY; VATICAN ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- IBOC See MEXICO; USA: CBS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DIGITAL BROADCASTING --- DTV See also DOMINICAN REPUBLIC; INDIA; ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ MEXICO; OKLAHOMA SPECTRUM AUCTION SHAKE OUT BEGINS??? Estimates are roughly four weeks for results. (Doug Smith W9WI, Pleasant View, TN EM66, Feb 1, WTFDA gg via DXLD) DTV STATIONS IN SPECTRUM AUCTION CAN NOW TALK Today, the FCC waived the requirement that DTV stations who participated in the Spectrum Auction not talk about it. They can now divulge if they are going off the air, or if they are vacating their channel to pair up with another licensee. All stations (those in the auction and those not in the auction) can disclose their new channel assignments once they get them. The wireless bidders for the vacated spectrum are still prohibited for saying anything about their involvement until the auction is complete. Hopefully we'll be hearing some "results" real soon, and I hope you will post what you find out here (Chris Lucas - Poughkeepsie, NY - FN31bs, Feb 6, WTFDA gg via DXLD) Some information is beginning to come out: FOX TELEVISION STATIONS EXPECT $350 MILLION FROM FCC’S SPECTRUM AUCTION, TRIBUNE GRABS $190 MILLION http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/fox-television-stations-spectrum-auction-350-million-1201981537/ FOX TELEVISION STATIONS EXPECT $350 MILLION FROM FCC’S SPECTRUM AUCTION, By Cynthia Littleton The results of the FCC’s broadcast spectrum auction are starting to roll in, now that the gag order preventing s... http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/fox-television-stations-spectrum-auction-350-million-1201981537/ (via Steve Rich, Indianapolis, IN, ibid.) Well, the whole thing, I'm going to honestly say, has turned into a joke, and cell providers didn't wanna spend much to go with the plans; also not many other providers like Comcast, Frontier, Verizon, wired line and others didn't want to invest into a much more diverse wifi setup as then there would have to be also a much larger IPV level as current IPV's are already maxed almost, with more smartphones and tablets so the spectrum is limited. Sent from my iPhone (Lee Molineux II, Feb 9, ibid.) Fox owns two stations in my home DMA, NYC, on RF 38 & 44. Since they have for a long time carried each other's signal on a sub-channel (albeit in SD), this makes a lot of sense for "pairing up". I'll be watching this closely to see the results. Also, Univisión owns RF 30 & RF 40, and they carry each other (in full 1080 HD) so this a likely pairing also. It will come down to who was successful in the bidding. It looks like the wireless bidding is nearing a conclusion, with just a few small markets left to resolve. So the auction is moving along quite well (Chris Lucas, Poughkeepsie, NY, ibid.) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ GEOMAGNETIC INDICES – Compiled by: Phil Bytheway E-mail: phil_tekno @ yahoo.com Geomagnetic Summary January 1 2017 through January 31 2017 Tabulated from email status daily (K @ 0000 UTC.) Flux A K Space Wx 1 73 14 2 no storms 2 73 7 1 no storms 3 73 12 3 no storms 4 72 11 4 no storms 5 73 18 4 no storms 6 72 16 3 no storms 7 72 20 3 no storms 8 72 16 4 no storms 9 71 12 3 no storms 10 73 10 3 no storms 11 75 8 2 no storms 12 76 5 1 no storms 13 75 4 1 no storms 14 77 4 2 no storms 15 78 5 1 no storms 16 78 2 1 no storms 17 79 4 1 no storms 18 79 17 4 no storms 19 80 11 2 no storms 20 83 11 3 no storms 21 86 11 4 no storms 22 87 9 2 no storms 23 84 4 2 no storms 24 82 3 1 no storms 25 85 6 1 no storms 26 83 13 3 no storms 27 80 21 2 no storms 28 79 9 3 no storms 29 77 7 1 no storms 30 77 6 3 no storms 31 76 24 5 minor, G1 Gx – Geomagnetic Storm Level Rx – Radio Blackouts Level Sx – Solar Radiation Storm Level (IRCA DX Monitor Feb 11, published Feb 7 via DXLD) :Product: Weekly Highlights and Forecasts :Issued: 2017 Feb 06 0538 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/weekly.html # # Weekly Highlights and Forecasts # Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 30 Jan - 05 Feb 2017 Solar activity was very low through the period with only two B-class flares observed from Regions 2631 (S05, L=113, class/area Bxo/010 on 31 January) and 2632 (N14, L=085, class/area Dao/060 on 02 February) on 04 February. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections were observed. No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at normal to moderate levels on 31 January and reached high levels on 30 January and again on 01-05 February. The largest flux of the period was 22,414 pfu observed at 04/1820 UTC. Geomagnetic field activity ranged from quiet to G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions. The period began with solar wind speeds near 400 km/s. By 30/1138 UTC, total field and solar wind speed began to increase indicating the arrival of a co-rotating interaction region followed by a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). By 31/1153, total field reached a maximum of 17.2 nT while the solar wind speed reached a peak of 796 km/s at 31/2041 UTC. By 31/1600 UTC, total field had decreased to 5-6 nT while the solar wind speed began to decline early on 02 February until early on 05 February when another increase to near 630 km/s was observed. The geomagnetic field responded with quiet to unsettled levels on 30 January and 04 February, quiet to active levels on 02-03 and 05 February, and unsettled to G1 (Minor) storm levels on 31 January through 01 February. FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 06 FEBRUARY - 04 MARCH 2017 Solar activity is expected to be very low levels throughout the period with a chance for C-class flares on 11-24 February with the return of old Region 2628 (N12, L=174). No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at normal to moderate levels with high levels likely on 06-13, 16-19, 22-26 and 28 February - 04 March due to recurrent CH HSS influence. Geomagnetic field activity is expected to be quiet with unsettled to active levels expected on 06-09,14-18, 22-25 and 27 February - 04 March with G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms likely on 27 February and 01-02 March and G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm levels likely on 28 February due to recurrent CH HSS activity. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2017 Feb 06 0538 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 2017-02-06 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2017 Feb 06 72 10 3 2017 Feb 07 72 12 4 2017 Feb 08 72 12 4 2017 Feb 09 72 8 3 2017 Feb 10 72 5 2 2017 Feb 11 75 5 2 2017 Feb 12 75 5 2 2017 Feb 13 75 5 2 2017 Feb 14 75 15 4 2017 Feb 15 76 10 3 2017 Feb 16 77 10 3 2017 Feb 17 78 8 3 2017 Feb 18 80 8 3 2017 Feb 19 80 5 2 2017 Feb 20 82 5 2 2017 Feb 21 82 5 2 2017 Feb 22 81 10 3 2017 Feb 23 79 15 4 2017 Feb 24 77 10 3 2017 Feb 25 77 10 3 2017 Feb 26 75 5 2 2017 Feb 27 75 25 5 2017 Feb 28 75 30 6 2017 Mar 01 75 25 5 2017 Mar 02 74 20 5 2017 Mar 03 74 15 4 2017 Mar 04 73 12 4 (SWPC via WORLD OF RADIO 1864, DXLD) GLENN`S PROPAGATION OUTLOOK FOR MEDIA NETWORK PLUS, AS OF FEB 9, 2017 Keith, From IPS in Australia, the global HF propagation forecast thru February 11: normal at all latitude bands. From Spaceweather South Africa thru February 11, magnetic conditions quiet, shortwave fadeouts unlikely, MUF unstable. From Met Office UK thru February 12: Solar activity very low, no significant flare activity. Geomagnetic field mainly Quiet to Unsettled. No Earth-bound CMEs expected. From F K Janda in Prague of the Czech Propagation Interest Group, the Geomagnetic field will be: mostly quiet on February 10 - 11, 13 - 14, 22 - 23 quiet on February 12, 26 active to disturbed on February 15, 18 - 19, 24, March 1 - 2 quiet to active on February 16 - 17, 20, 25, 28 quiet to unsettled on February 21, 27 From Space Weather Canada, the long term magnetic activity forecast calls for peak DRX nanoteslas in the auroral zone on February 14, 23 and 28. From SWPC in Boulder: Geomagnetic field expected to be quiet; with unsettled to active levels on Feb 14-18, 22-25 and 27 to March 4. G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storms likely on February 27, March 1 and 2; and G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storms likely on February 28 with A and K indices reaching 30 and 6. Lowest A`s and K`s of 5 and 2 on February 10-13 and 19-21. Solar flux rising from 72 February 10 to a peak of 82 on the 20 and 21, down to 73 by March 4. William Hepburn`s VHF UHF Microwave DX maps show extreme tropospheric ducting thru February 13 off the west coast of Mexico including Baja California Sur. Off the coast of West Africa February 11 to 14. Off New South Wales February 10 and 11, a possible link to New Zealand the evening of February 12 (via DXLD) ###