DX LISTENING DIGEST 3-028, February 19, 2003 edited by Glenn Hauser, ghauser@hotmail.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 HTML version of this issue will be posted afterwards at http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldtd3b.html [note change] HTML version of all January issues: http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldtd3a.html For restrixions and searchable 2003 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html For restrixions and searchable 2002 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid2.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn FIRST AIRINGS of WORLD OF RADIO 1170: WWCR: Thu 2130 9475, Sat 0700 5070 WJIE: M-F 1300 7490... RFPI: Fri 1930, Sat 0130, 0730, 1330, 1800 15039 and/or 7445 WRN: rest of world, Sat 0900 WRN ONDEMAND from Fri: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO: Check http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html [Low] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1170.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1170.ram [High] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1170h.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1170h.ram (Summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1170.html ** ABKHAZIA. GEORGIA: Frequency change for Abkhazian Radio Sukhumi: v0400-0800v and v1400-1800v NF 9494.7*, ex 9489.7 *totally blocked 1445-1600 TWR in Russian on nominal 9495.0 1700-1800 DW in Urdu/Dari/Pashto on nominal 9495.0 (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) ** AFGHANISTAN. GERMAN SIEMENS COMPANY OUTLINES PLANS FOR AFGHANISTAN The German company Siemens has resumed its business in Afghanistan and has signed agreements for power, medical, transport and telecommunications projects. Interviewed by the Afghan newspaper Anis, the company's manager for Afghanistan said Siemens had a master plan for radio and TV in particular. Siemens is also to establish a national network of sales and service centres in cooperation with local partners. The following is the text of the newspaper interview, published on 16 February: The Siemens company was founded 150 years ago by Mr Siemens in collaboration with six technicians at that time. This company operates in 155 countries of the world and has around 430,000 staff. The above information was provided by the country director of the Siemens company, Mr Gholam Sakhi Hasanzada, in an interview with the reporter of the daily Anis. Mr Gholam Sakhi Hasanzada added that Mr Siemens's policy was not to do business and earn money. It was rather a technical service to the peoples of the world. The Siemens company has resumed its activities in Afghanistan after 23 years... When Mr Sakhi Hasanzada was asked what activities this company would start now it has resumed its operations in Afghanistan he said: We decided in Germany last year on how to reactivate the company in Afghanistan. Its activation is based on a short-term plan aimed at assisting the government of Afghanistan as soon as possible and repairing the Khanabad, Mahipar, Sarobi and Kajaki power generation projects. We also aim to make the transmission of Afghan radio and television nationwide. We have an accurate master plan for this and have discussed it with the Ministry of Information and Culture and have signed an initial agreement... Another protocol was signed on cooperation in the areas of telecommunications, fax and Internet and this technology will be developed by the Siemens company. We wish to have a nationwide communications system established by Siemens. Source: Anis, Kabul, in Dari 16 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD; gh excerpted portions about telecommunications, not about power generation) ** ANGOLA. RADIO ECCLESIA RESPONDS TO "BROADCASTING TERRORISM" ACCUSATION | Excerpt from report by Angolan Radio Ecclesia web site on 10 February [It has to have an accent, Ecclésia; otherwise would be pronounced Ecclesía; but even in Portuguese they leave it out --- gh] Minister of Social Communication Hendrik Vaal Neto has accused Radio Ecclesia of carrying out "broadcasting terrorism" against the Angolan government. Minister Vaal Neto put across these views in an interview with the National Radio of Angola, RNA, today. In the course of it, he criticized this Catholic radio station for "carrying out a kind of broadcasting terrorism that would not be acceptable in any other country of the world". He further complained that Radio Ecclesia uses its aerials "as vehicles to outrage, besmirch the good name and put out false and harmful propaganda against the individuals and institutions of this country". Minister Vaal Neto did not think however, that the aims underlying this editorial approach will bear any results. From his point of view, these aims are manipulate innocent people, and to induce the government to take measures that would provide good ground for accusations of a lack of freedom of the press. By way of conclusion, and in a subtle reminder of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) victory in the 1992 elections, this government official made it clear that "at the appropriate time, (the people of Angola) will know what stand to adopt". Radio Ecclesia's response The management of Radio Ecclesia responded with an editorial at the opening of its 1830 news service, after engaging in consultation with the highest ranks of the Catholic Church, the proprietor of the above mentioned radio station. In its editorial, Radio Ecclesia stressed that it had noted "the minister's remarks with astonishment and indignation," having found them to be "grave in the extreme" in light of the senior post he holds in the Angolan Government. It was also concerned because this "appeared to be a very well orchestrated strategy, taking into account the tone of its presentation, which suggested that this was something both premeditated, and well defined". The management of Radio Ecclesia also found that, in describing it as terrorist, Minister Vaal Neto was by extension describing the Catholic Church of Angola as a terrorist institution, even though he is a member of its congregation. The editorial further pointed out it was odd that such remarks should come from a minister at a time of national reconciliation and reconstruction, the foundations of which should be the minds of government officials. "Through such pronouncements His Excellency the minister elected to go down the road of intimidation as a way of achieving these goals. In the process, he caused much uncertainty and insecurity among the staff of this radio station," the document stressed. Finally, the management of Radio Ecclesia called on Minister Vaal Neto to engage in "frank and open dialogue with the management and workers of Radio Ecclesia". Source: Radio Ecclesia web site, Luanda, in Portuguese 0000 gmt 10 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. Praise God that we have now had five nights without incident for the Asian release, still at low power 25 kW, but at least we have been back on the air. Work still to be done on the antenna to get back up to 100 kW. On the whole, 11770 to SPac is working out reasonably well (Dennis Adams, HCJB Australia, DX Partyline Feb 15, notes by gh for WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. G'day Glenn, Yesterday, mailman arrived with my first QSL in a decade. Full detail confirmation letter by snail mail in 4 days for e-mail reception report. Letter from Richard Daniel, Corporate Relations Manager, stating transmission was from Cox Peninsula site, transmitters of 300 kW capacity but 250 kW output into 4x4 curtain array. Handwritten note to letter said my report was the first from Brisbane. Letter gave postal address for Voice International as P. O. Box 1104, Buderim, Australia 4556 and Richard's e-mail address as Dxer@voice.com.au Nice to have an international broadcaster based in your own backyard, better yet that it be studios only with actual transmitter site very remote and beamed in the opposite direction, (Brandon & Shepparton are borderline 1 dB compression overload on my receivers when beamed this way). You would think Voice would take a Brisbane mailing address though, can't imagine a high percentage of Asian listeners knowing how to spell Buderim, Kunda Park or Maroochydore. 73s gd dx de (Sam Dellit, VK4ZSS Tamborine, Australia, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. GOVERNMENT ADMITS RADIO TOWERS, UNITS WERE TOO CLOSE By Anne Davies, Urban Affairs Editor, February 18 2003 [Follow-up to story in last issue] Eastern Creek has emerged as a possible site for Sydney's five commercial AM radio transmitters as the NSW Government admitted yesterday it approved residential development too close to the Homebush Bay towers. The Opposition has said the 1998 decision to allow Payce Constructions to build a 1200-unit residential development within 200 metres of the tower used by 2SM and 2UE was "a first-class bungle". But the Minister for Planning, Andrew Refshauge, said his department had acted with the best evidence before it and that no one had raised the issue of electromagnetic radiation from the towers when the masterplan was advertised in 1998. "There was no information to suggest radio broadcasts would cause any problem despite the fact the proposal was advertised widely. There was no submission made that would suggest that there was any problem." The Herald reported yesterday that the Australian Communications Authority had warned PlanningNSW 14 months ago that there were concerns about electromagnetic radiation from the tower, which could cause serious interference with electrical and electronic equipment. The authority also raised potential health risks associated with exposure to high-powered electromagnetic radiation. Waterside, being built in Bennelong Road, is so close to the tower used by 2UE and 2SM that it is within the "drop zone" - the area usually kept clear in case a tower falls. This occurred recently in Brisbane, when DMG's tower was sabotaged and toppled, putting the station off air for several days. The Opposition spokesman on planning, Andrew Humpherson, yesterday accused the Government of trying to cover up the debacle which he said had exposed taxpayers to substantial costs and claims for compensation, not just from the radio stations, but also from the developer and people who had bought the units. "We need answers. Just what was the Government aware of in 1998?" Mr Humpherson said. Dr Refshauge's office said yesterday that there had been no submission from the broadcasters when the 1998 plan for residential development was exhibited. But the chief executive of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said the industry had commented on the plan. PlanningNSW, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, broadcasters and the Australian Communications Authority are studying Eastern Creek as a relocation option. This story was found at: http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/02/17/1045330538774.html (Sydney Morning Herald Feb 18 via Wolfgang Bueschel, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) To put this in context, the two stations mentioned are on MW, 2SM and 2UE and per 2003 WRTH are only 5 kW each --- in fact, with a sole exception in Adelaide (10 kW) there are no private MW stations in Australia over 5 kW --- tho ABC has a number of 50 kW in remoter areas (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I used to live 700-800m from the 2GB site. Also of note re drop zone of MW towers, the 2GB tower came crashing down after a huge storm during the 90's. I recall looking out of the window of my residence shortly after the storm thinking where's the 2GB tower gone?? If the site does move from Homebush Bay to Eastern Creek then DXers and long distance listeners wont enjoy the same signal levels as is presently the case as this site has excellent soil conductivity, being essentially swamp land surrounded by lots of salt water from the Parramatta River/Harbour (Ian Baxter, Australia, Feb 17, ARDXC via DXLD) It would be hilarious if it wasn`t gunna cost us all $$ in tax bucks! Still wonder if it wouldn`t be cheaper to buy out the developers and turn the units into storage or something. Guess that`s too logical. Can just imagine the govt minister in charge. "Ohhh themmm big transmitter towers" (slaps forehead) "I thought they were just big trees" Yes, my friends we did vote for these people, the best and smartest in the land! (not being politically biased, I don`t see any better worse or different in any of the federal state and local mobs and oppositions anywhere in the country or many others! heaven help us all) Sorry I`m having a bad day (Jem Cullen, ARDXC via DXLD) ** AUSTRIA. A TECNOLOGIA MAIS MODERNA NO CENTRO EMISSOR DE MOOSBRUNN 15/02/2003 Viena - Rádio Áustria Internacional (ROI) emite sua programação em OC desde o Centro Emissor de Moosbrunn. Se trata de um terreno de uns 800.000 m² que se encontra no Estado federado de Baixa Áustria, a uns 25 km ao sul de Viena. ROI emite também para a Europa por dois transmissores de 100 kw e um de 300/500 kw através de antenas orientadas e unidirecionais. Atualmente, para seus programas próprios e os que retransmite a emissora ORF-Ö1, ROI só dispõe de um transmissor 300/500 kw, pois o segundo está sendo arrendado. A maior antena é de cortina rotatória. Está instalada numa base circular de 85 metros de diâmetro e mede 76 metros. Pode-se girar por motor para qualquer direção e ser dirigida com mais exatidão possível. Devido a sua construção, se pode utilizar em todos os espectros das Ondas Curtas. O programa para a Europa chega aos ouvintes através da antena vertical de jaula, a horizontal de quadrante e, em parte também, mediante a longa horizontal. Desde setembro de 2000 está funcionando, ademais dos já acreditados transmissores automáticos de 300/500 kw, da AEG-Telefunken, dois novos transmissores de 100 kw com ajuste automático de frequência da empresa Thomcast. Está sendo concebidos já para o futuro procedimento de modulação digital. Assim, será possivel dentro de alguns anos transmitir em OC com uma qualidade de recepção perto do nivel de CD, e isso, com potência relativamente baixa y amplo de banda normal. Ao mesmo tempo poderá transmitir-se a identificação da emissora, assim como informações sobre detalhes dos programas e outros dados. O serviço emissor se realiza com a ajuda de um comando central SPS, de programação eletrônica e dotado de visualização gráfica do processo, de Siemens. Para o serviço, a manutenção e as reparações deste centro emissor, o mais potente de ORF, conta com seis engenheiros. O serviço transmissor consome eletricidade de 1.000 kw quando está em plena utilização. ROI presta ampla atenção a proteção do meio ambiente. O calor de escape das turbinas é empregada para a calefação e da água para todo o edifício. Ademais, o espaço entre as antenas é aproveitado pelos agricultores da vizinha localidade de Moosbrunn. Há um projeto para colocar a maior parte do terreno debaixo do regime de proteção da natureza (SRDXC-News - no. 156, Semana: 10/02 a 16/02/2003, Produção: Jorge Silva, Boletim Semanal Eletronico do Santa Rita DX Clube - Brasil, via DXLD) ** BHUTAN. NEW BROADCASTING CHIEF APPOINTED | Text of report in English by Bhutanese official newspaper Kuensel web site on 18 February The royal civil service commission has announced the following appointments and transfers. The Dagana dzongda [governor], Mingbo Dukpa, has been appointed as the new executive director of the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS). The Gasa dzongda, Sangay Dorji has been transferred as Dagana dzongda, and Chencho Tshering, internal auditor of the ministry of communications has been appointed as the new Gasa dzongda. BBS executive director, Kinga Singye, has been transferred back to the ministry of foreign affairs. Source: Kuensel web site, Thimphu, in English 18 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 4716.83 RF, Radio Yura presumed the one, 1042 OM with music selections, 1043 flutes, 1044 OM over music, sounds like the same announcer as several months ago, 1055 flutes but fading (Robert Wilkner, Pompano Beach, FL, Feb 18, R75, NRD 535, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. Olá Amigos da lista; tenho uma notícia. A Rádio Difusora Acreana está transmitindo progrmas em espanhol, nas sextas e sábados; o nome do programa é Antônio Fiori, a frequência é 4885 kHz, às 0100 á 0200 UT na sexta-feira, e no sábado no mesmo horário; é bom conferir. 73's ! A todos, (Saulo Gomes de Sousa, Porto Velho - RO, Feb 18, radioescutas via DXLD) Olá amigo Saulo, Mas que informação interessante a sua. Lembro de uma listagem muito interessante publicada no ADX sobre emissoras brasileiras que emitiam em outros idiomas. Eram principalmente em regiões onde o número de imigrantes era alto. Aqui mesmo em Jundiaí tivemos programas da colônia em italiano. Creio que no caso acreano deva ser a proximidade da fronteira com o Peru ou mesmo outros países próximos. Por favor, me diga se é esta razão e se outras emissoras daí também emitem em outros idiomas. Vc conhece alguma emissora que emita em idioma indígena? Muito obrigado pela informações (Ark, PY2ZX, ibid.) ** CANADA [non]. Frequency change for RCI in Arabic via HB 350 kW / 135 degrees effective from Feb. 13: 2015-2045 NF 13840 (55444) to EAf/ME, ex 11600 to avoid Kol Israel on 11605 (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) That would be Hörby, Sweden, I think. Not IRRS (gh) ** CANADA. MORE SUBSIDIZED HOUSING IN SOUTH-CENTRAL MONTREAL WebPosted Feb 17 2003 04:20 PM EST http://www.montreal.cbc.ca/template/servlet/View?filename=qc_housing20030217 about the CBC property development (via Ricky Leong, DXLD) ** CHINA. Frequency change for China Radio International in French: 1830-1927 NF 7350*, ex 7190 to avoid RTTunisia in Arabic *co-ch 1830-1900 Radio Rossii in Russian 1900-1927 Voice of Russia in Greek (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) ** COLOMBIA. R. Melodía, reactivated 6139.9 or so, suffered from heavy adjacent channel on both sides at 0558 Feb 18, but DW closed 6145 at 0559, BBC/Delano closed 6135 at 0600, leaving HJQE in the clear, with a very good signal and modulation. Usual florid ID giving its address, etc., greatest coverage in Colombia, with its 100 kW on 730 (sorry, but WRTH 2003 shows several 100 kW stations on lower frequencies, which everything else being equal would have greater groundwave coverage! -- 570, 590, 650, 680, 700 (120 kW). If Melodía lies about this, can we trust their news? And it`s not very melodious, excessive in self-promotion running the same promos within a few minutes of each other; a bit of news on the hour, 0604 same ID again, then a thankfully brief sermon by Hermano Pablo, more promotion, a bit of music, norteña in this case, taking calls from listeners including one at 0628 from Rodolfo Hernández on the Siboney Highway in Cuba (cellphone??? What`s the third world coming to?) who reported fine reception on 730, and that things are `tranquil` in Cuba compared to Colombia and Venezuela (more countries should have ruthless dictators to maintain order; God knows Hugo is trying [don`t want to get Don Rodolfo in trouble: this is my remark, not his]). 0640 timecheck for 1:39, so we can`t even rely on Melodía for the correct time. After 0630 there was a very weak het from some station which managed to attain an accurate frequency 6140.0 (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Melodia on 6139.8 kHz again here in Milano, Italy, February 18, at 0100 and later with good signals. News, songs and many announcements. But this time they didn't mention short waves, only medium wave 7-30 (Giampiero Bernardini, AOR AR5000 + T2FD, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** CONGO DR. Missed the segment about R. Okapi on CBC Radio One`s The Current, Feb 18? Segments available here: http://cbc.ca/thecurrent/2003/200302/20030218.html Where upon later checking, we found they forgot to put in a direct audio link to section 3, but we found and heard it at: http://media.cbc.ca:8080/ramgen/cbc.ca/thecurrent/media/200302/20030218thecurrent_sec3.rm It`s the first 13 minutes of this 28 minute file (Glenn Hauser, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. RESULTADOS DE CONCURSO SOBRE "LA HISTORIA DEL RON CUBANO" Radio Habana Cuba, El Museo del Ron Havana Club , La Línea Aérea Cubana de Aviación y El Grupo Hotelero Gran Caribe le ofrecen los resultados del concurso sobre "La Historia del Ron Cubano." La Habana, enero del 2003. FECHA DE LANZAMIENTO: 31 DE DICIEMBRE 2001 FECHA DE CIERRE: 31 DE DICIEMBRE 2002. TIEMPO DE DURACION: 12 meses PATROCINADORES: - RADIO HABANA CUBA - HAVANA CLUB INTERNACIONAL - GRUPO HOTELERO GRAN CARIBE - CUBANA DE AVIACION PREGUNTAS: ¿QUÉ SABE USTED DEL MUSEO DEL RON HAVANA CLUB? MENCIONE LOS RONES QUE CONFORMAN LA MARCA HAVANA CLUB. PREMIOS: LOS PRIMEROS PREMIOS EN DOS VIAJES GRATIS A CUBA, CON UNA SEMANA DE ESTANCIA. TAMBIÉN HABRÁ DIEZ MENCIONES, CONSISTENTES EN SOUVENIR Y OBSEQUIOS DE LOS PATROCINADORES. CANTIDAD DE CARTAS RECIBIDAS: 3273 CANTIDAD DE PAISES REPRESENTADOS: 41 RELACION DE PAISES REPRESENTADOS: 1- ESTADOS UNIDOS 507 2- ARGENTINA 380 3- FRANCIA 301 4- ESPAÑA 171 5- BELGICA 134 6- MEXICO 127 7- CANADA 126 8- COLOMBIA 123 9- ITALIA 116 10- VENEZUELA 111 11- PUERTO RICO 104 12- ALEMANIA 100 13- BRASIL 97 14- ECUADOR 96 15- URUGUAY 93 16- AUSTRALIA 87 17- INGLATERRA 70 18- GUATEMALA 59 19- CUBA 58 20- PANAMÁ 52 21- CHILE 42 22- PERÚ 35 23- NICARAGUA 32 24- EL SALVADOR 27 25- COSTA RICA 26 26- HONDURAS 23 27- SUIZA 21 28- BOLIVIA 21 29- PARAGUAY 20 30- RUSIA 18 31- REP. CHINA 17 32- NIGERIA 13 33- JAPON 12 34- POLONIA 12 35- GHANA 10 36- BIELORUSIA 9 37- REP. CHECA 6 38- INDIA 6 39- SAINT KITTS 4 40- LIBANO 4 41- ISRAEL 3 GANADORES - ROLANDO ARIEL PEPE REGGIARDO, CALLE ENTRERIOS 4269, ROSARIO, ARGENTINA. - JOSE ALFREDO PINEDA DUBÓN, SAN ISIDRO DE EL GENERAL, SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA. MENCIONES 1. ENRIQUE JOSÉ DANTAS FELINTO, RUA PROFESOR BARTOLOMEU FAGUNDES 371, BAIRRO PETRÓPOLIS, 59014-010, NATAL / RN, BRASIL. 2. CESAR AGUADO DE LA ROSA, VACCEOS 3, ESC 1 4º A, 34003 PALENCIA, ESPAÑA. 3. ESPERANZA ANDRAGO, GERONIMO CARRIÓN 1288, QUITO, ECUADOR. 4. MIGUEL MENDEZ, LA PEDRERA 27004, ROCHA, URUGUAY. 5. JOEL MARRERO GUERRA, CALZADA A, UNIDAD 53, No. 19, REPARTO LENIN, 70500 CAMAGÜEY, CUBA 6. NEEL TRAVIS, 29 BOYCE LANE, FAIRMONT WV 26554, ESTADOS UNIDOS 7. ORLANDO SANTANDER, 1101-260 NASSAU ST.N. WINIPEG-MAN, R3L2J2, CANADA 8. HEAD COACH, FRANCIA. [sic] 9. VOLKER WILLSCHREY, ROSENSTRASSE 15, 66763 DILLINGEN (SAAR), ALEMANIA. 10. DING QI, 1-5-1 # 66, QI SHAN ZHONG, RD, SHENYANG 110031, R.P. CHINA (via Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, Feb 18, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** EL SALVADOR. En los últimos dias he recibido con muy buena señal la emisora salvadoreña Radio Imperial, 17835.4, presentando programas evangélicos y música. Anuncian dirección callejera en Cantón Punta, Colonia El Águila. La señal es muy buena inclusive desde las 2000 UT. Presentan también anuncios para Ferretería El Itarqueño, y Funeraria El Huerto (Rafael Rodríguez, Colombia, Feb 18, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** ETHIOPIA [non]. V. of Ethiopia, 7560: Sunday only, per TDP website. Democracy Frontiers website is http://www.democracyfrontiers.org/ (J. Berg-USA Feb 15, 2003 in DXplorer-ML via CRW via DXLD) Viz.: There is one, and only one, thing in modern society more hideous than crime-namely, repressive justice.' -- Simone Weil (1909-43), French philosopher Special Announcements The Voice of Ethiopia is a radio service for the world community. It is produced by Ethiopian academicians and professionals, residing in Ethiopia and in the Diaspora. The organizers of this radio program do not belong to any political organization, and do not have any political ambition. We are priests, pastors, scientists, Engineers, doctors, nurses and businessmen and women. We are too a group of people who are ashamed by what has become of our beloved Ethiopia! Our only prayer and desire is for dictatorship to vanish from the sacred soil of Ethiopia, and in its place we pray and work very hard for Lady Liberty to reign tall in the Christian Island that is Ethiopia! The mission of the radio service is to alert the international community about the current tragedy in Ethiopia from the perspective of Ethiopians. We want to share with the world community our views on the absence of democracy in Ethiopia, and to draw attention to the massive famine and horrendous human rights violations this absence of democracy has brought upon the citizens of Ethiopia! It is also our hope that through this radio service we will be able to alert the international community of the massive corruption, embezzlement, transfer of public monies to foreign bank accounts of the ruling regime of Ethiopia, and the monumental mismanagement the regime of Meles Zenawi has brought upon Ethiopia. We, the organizers of the Voice of Ethiopia believe that the massive famine raging in Ethiopia today is the result of the Stalinist policies and dictatorship, which has been the hallmark of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for the past twenty nine years. We believe that the Stalinist pie in the sky coupled with administrative incompetence and corruption are responsible for the famine, and never a bad weather as claimed by the disciple of Stalin, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Meles Zenawi. We have no doubt whatsoever that Ethiopians are paying a heavy price not only due to the massive corruption and administrative malpractice so boldly obvious in Ethiopia today but also because of Mr. Zenawi’s long held and currently hidden communist agenda for Ethiopia. We believe that Mr. Zenawi has not changed. He is still the same Stalinist hardliner he has been as the General Secretary of the Marxist Leninist League of Tigray (MLLT), the main power broker within the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), which Mr. Zenawi heads to this day! We further believe that Mr. Zenawi is hoodwinking the international donor community by his rhetorical lip service to democracy and free market economics. We believe that Mr. Zenawi’s Marxist ideological addiction and his strong attachment to the communist thought and gridlock, is responsible for the current economic woes and massive human rights violations in Ethiopia. We believe that democracy is the cure for all the ills of Ethiopia. In our view, development without the rule of democratic law is a dream, which can never be attained. We believe that freedom secured by institutions of democracy is not only the mother of all inventions but also the mother of all development! We are convinced that only free people can think freely, and development is possible only when a democratic law guarantees freethinking! The reason why Ethiopia is in such a dire situation is not because of bad weather but because freethinking has been smothered by the disciples of Stalin currently at the helm of power in Ethiopia. We have another reason why fifteen million Ethiopians are in a life and death predicament too. We believe that the top echelon of the Ethiopian regime is not only in the business of massive human rights violations but also it is engaged in a massive money laundry into its foreign bank accounts! We believe we have embarked on a sacred and worthy cause. The cause is massive; it needs the help and good will of good people the world over. We need volunteers of all kinds. We specially need volunteers in the fields of international law and intelligence (detectives) in order to address the massive human rights violations, massive embezzlement in Ethiopia in the Courts of Europe and the United States. It is our hope that the information we provide in this radio program will help ordinary people throughout the world, governmental and Non- governmental, and civic organizations to make informed decisions on Ethiopia. There is only one thing the Ethiopian people want. Ethiopians do not want charity but they desperately need democracy. They want a government accountable to the people! A government of the people, by the people for the people, and never a run away regime clueless of the sanctity of life, and the importance of the rule of democratic law. We hope that good people the world over will help Ethiopians in their quest for democracy. We seek your feedback on how our newly formed radio program is doing. Please send us your constructive feedback to: info@democracyfrontiers.org Democracy Frontiers is currently under construction http://www.democracyfrontiers.org/ Please check back again soon. (via Glenn Hauser, DXLD) VOE, Sun 2000-2100 on 7560 in English: Transmitter site not advised, but a little tweetie-tweet tells me that this is at Samara (Bob Padula, EDXP Feb 19 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** GERMANY [and non]. Deutsche Welle DX program in English on last Sat of the month at 0935-0945 UT, repeat Sats at 2335-2345, and following Sun 0235-0245 UT. [i.e. Feb 22-23 this week!] 0900-0945 AF 11785 KIGALI 0900-0945 AF 15410 KIGALI 0900-0945 AF 17800 KIGALI 0900-0945 SEAS/OC 17820 TRINCOMALE 0900-0945 SEAS/OC 17845 TRINCOMALE 0900-0945 EAF 17860 TALATA VO. 0900-0945 AF 21560 WERTACHTAL 0900-1000 EUR 6140 JUELICH 0900-0945 OC 6160 ANTIGUA 0900-0945 OC 9510 ANTIGUA 0900-0945 N/CAM 9510 ANTIGUA 0900-1000 Rwanda 96 MHz KIGALI 0900-0945 FE 9770 IRKUTSK (Roland Schulze Pangasinan, Philipines, Feb 6, BC-DX via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** GERMANY. The new DW A-03 program and frequency guide can be downloaded at this URL: http://tinyurl.com/5xqz This links to a PDF file. It appears the best chance for us in North America to hear DW via shortwave will be in the service targeting West Africa at 0600 and 2100 UT. However, the transmitters and bearings aren't shown in the guide, so this is just a guess. Services targeting West Africa tend to originate at Wertachtal or Sines and have bearings that reach North America reasonably well (though frequencies might not propagate). I would expect the full 24/7 schedule to be available via live webcast, as well as on-demand download. One nice feature of Deutsche Welle's approach to on-demand webcasting is that you get the most recently aired full program -- even if a new edition is "in progress". This is more useful to me than the BBC's approach -- which is to have an on-demand link point to a live stream if the program is airing at that time (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA, Feb 16, swprograms via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) 7225 at 0400 likely will be out of Kigali, Rwanda (as it was last summer) which (if not QRMed by ham traffic) puts a decent signal into at least ENAm. So, too, 9700 at 0500. In midsummer, the 25m frequencies --- 11945 (0400 from Germany) and 11925 (0500 from Portugal) --- also may work, especially the latter if there is adequate backscatter [sic]. If 15205 at 2000 and 2100 turns out to originate from Kigali (as 15135 had in the past --- this frequency apparently not to be used now [they even admitted NAm as a secondary target --- gh]), this would be very good news for NAm listeners. If from Sri Lanka (as currently listed in PWBR), there will be much less cause for celebration here. The main impression this schedule makes on me is its sharply restricted use of shortwave. Only 12 hours of transmissions to areas outside of Europe. 9 further hours only to Europe (which is curious in itself). 3 hours with no shortwave at all. At least DW really has serious budgetary issues, unlike the other prominent broadcaster which went this route in 2001. However, I don't understand the decision to use of shortwave to Europe 9 hours a day (unless there are still a significant number of automobile radios which have an "Europa" (49m) band) and no use of shortwave to NAm and Australasia. First, it seems to be this could have been better balanced out. Second, why the use of any shortwave in English to Europe? (John Figliozzi, NY, ibid.) ** GUAM. Winter B-02 Schedule of KTWR Agaña: Balinese Khmer 0900-0915 Fri-Tue 15200 248œ 1300-1330 Daily 11720 278œ Burmese Korean 1300-1415 Daily 15365 285œ 1100-1200 Daily 11765 345œ Cantonese 1500-1530 Daily 9430 345œ 1400-1415 Sat 9500 285œ Madurese 1400-1445 Mon-Fri 9500 285œ 0915-1000 Daily 15200 248œ 1400-1500 Sun 9500 285œ Mandarin 2200-2215 Sat 11875 293œ 0915-1100 Daily 9910 320œ 2200-2245 Mon-Fri 11875 293œ 0930-1100 Daily 9865 315œ 2200-2300 Sun 11875 293œ 1100-1700 Daily 7455 320œ English 1300-1330 Daily 9500 315œ 0715-0900 Mon-Fri 15215 278œ 1530-1700 Daily 12130 305œ 0745-0930 Mon-Fri 15330 165œ 1600-1645 Daily 15190 315œ 0800-0930 Sat/Sun 15330 165œ 2115-2200 Daily 9465 305œ 1445-1545 Daily 15330 285œ 2200-2315 Daily 12130 305œ Hakka Sgaw Karan 2230-2300 Daily 12105 285œ 1415-1445 Daily 15330 285œ Indian Sundanese 1330-1400 Daily 15395 293œ 1030-1100 Daily 15200 248œ Indonesian Swatow 0930-1100 Daily 15330 255œ 1330-1400 Daily 9500 285œ 1100-1230 Daily 15200 248œ Torajanese 2200-2230 Daily 15195 255œ 0900-0915 Wed/Thu 15200 248œ Japanese Vietnamese 1200-1300 Daily 9465 345œ 1100-1200 Daily 9430 285œ 2100-2200 Daily 11690 345œ 1400-1445 Daily 9430 278œ Javanese 1200-1300 Daily 11850 255œ (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) ** HAITI. HAITIAN RADIO STATION OBSERVES NEWS SILENCE IN PROTEST AT THREATS AGAINST STAFF | Text of report by Haitian Metropole radio on 18 February The directors and the news staff of Radio Metropole have decided not to broadcast any news today because of all the threats and attacks to which the news staff has been subjected. Here at Radio Metropole, we always try to avoid protesting publicly against the intimidation attempts, the threats and the physical and verbal attacks against members of the broadcasting office by intolerant sectors which claim to be government supporters. But after the 14 February attack on our colleague Jean Numa Goudou, which was the last straw, we have chosen to protest and to tell the public about the various threats and aggressions of which the journalists are victims. On 14 February, unidentified armed individuals went to Goudou's house at Lamentin 54 [in Carrefour] and asked to see him. Later that night, the bandits went back and set fire to one of the vehicles parked in the garage. The neighbours had to intervene to contain the fire and prevent further damage. Goudou was forced to go into hiding out of fear for his life and the lives of his family. This decision only adds to the list of Radio Metropole journalists who are already in similar situations or who have chosen to go into exile. Since 17 December 2001, several of our reporters in the provinces have had to leave the country in order to escape the threats of the Lavalas People's Organizations. Francine Leonard of Les Cayes, Jean-Marie Maillard of Saint-Marc and Manio Colas and Techler Dimanche of Mirebalais are now in exile in the United States. In November 2002, our correspondent Jean-Robert Francois was forced to leave the town of Gonaives, along with four other colleagues, in order to escape the fury of the Cannibal Army. The fugitive and powerful People's Organization leader, Amiot Metatyer, has recently broadcast threats over the radio against Radio Metropole News Director Rotchilde Francois Jr. In November 2002, the home of our editor-in-chief, Louis-Marie Achille, was attacked on three occasions by unidentified armed individuals who opened fire on his vehicle. Our colleague Nancy Roc has also been the target of acts of intimidation. On 16 February, armed individuals fired shots in front of her mother's house. There are also the cases of Romney Cajuste and Roosevelt Cossy, as well as Radio Metropole driver Jean Rene Chery, who were threatened while on duty. As a result of all these threats and acts of aggression against the members of this radio station, we protest once again at the attempts against freedom of speech, which is guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution, by observing a day of silence with regard to news. We want to point out that, after more than 30 years in the service of the country, Radio Metropole is, and remains, a private, commercial and independent enterprise. We take advantage of this occasion to reaffirm our firm determination to inform honestly and with objectivity. Source: Radio Metropole, Port-au-Prince, in French 1145 gmt 18 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** INDIA. AIR, 9445, just caught closing of GOS at 2229* giving frequencies for next transmission; better than 9425 with lots of flutter, which continued in domestic service, 2230 news in English, 2235 another language, 2240 nice Indian classical music, continuing past bottom of hour at 2300 UT Feb 18 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN. VOIRI SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA AND ASIA Effective Mar 30, VOIRI proposes to use this schedule for English transmissions to Australia: 1530-1630 7115, 2130-2230 9870 and 13665. The morning service in Malay, to Asia, is planned 2230-2330 on 9685 and 11965, and the evening broadcast 1230-1330 is listed for 15200 17555 and 21745. Mandarin is planned 2330-0030 on 11750 15570, and 1200-1300 17535 21490 and 21630. Japanese 2100-2130 is planned for only a single frequency of 11855 - currently two channels are used. The evening service in Japanese, currently 1300-1330 is proposed to be discontinued (Bob Padula, EDXP Feb 19 via DXLD) ** IRAQ [non]. WEB SITE OF IRAQ SATELLITE CHANNEL HACKED The Web site of the Iraq Satellite Channel, Iraq's international TV service, has been hacked. A check of http://www.iraqtv.ws by Media Network at 1600 UTC on 18 Feb revealed that the content had been replaced by a Christian fundamentalist message (see screenshot on right). The hack was not done anonymously: the hacker reveals his E- mail address and links to his other sites (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 18 February 2003 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) .ws = Western Samoa? Geez. Just muddying the waters by injecting Jesus into this. Whoopee!! Viz. still hacked at 1925 check, and at 1830 UT recheck Feb 19! : (gh) Message to the Iraqi People! Saddam is a liar and murderer who holds you all hostage! Saddam is a false prophet who spews the sewage of hatred and fear to keep you in poverty and despair! Saddam and the false god of evil that he personally follows is going to lose again to the loving God of Jevohah and his son Christ. Join us now in the promised land of milk and honey by turning away from Satan's Saddam! [caption] The U.S.S. Saratoga upon which I served In 1978 and 1979. Iraqi People Wake UP! You have been deceived. Your false god of Saddam cannot stand up to the loving, mighty God of Jehovah and his son Christ! USS Saratoga - I served on in 1978. Iraqi People Be Smart. Reject Saddam! Learn More to Earn More! Thanks to God! rpoole@techtrainingaudio.com http://www.techtrainingaudio.com http://www.beachbumnews.com (via gh, DXLD) ** IRAQ [non]. From the SAAG (South Asia Analysis Group) Forum Web Site: http://www.saag.org/Bb/view.asp?msgID=271 Jan. 18, 2003: U.S. aircraft, with possible British involvement, aircraft dropped informational leaflets over southern Iraq . The leaflets were dropped at approximately 3:45 a.m. EST over Al Kut, about 100 miles southeast of Baghdad . The coalition dropped a total of 180,000 leaflets. The leaflets referred Iraqis to radio frequencies where coalition forces are broadcasting information about UN Security Council Resolution 1441, UN weapons inspectors in Iraq , Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s reign and other topics. (CENTCOM) (via Pete Costello, DXLD) ** IRAQ [non]. SAUDI ARABIA: Frequency change for clandestine Voice of People, in Arabic to Iraq: 1300-0300 NF 9750*, ex 9570 \\ 9563 and 11710 * co-ch 1300-1500 NHK World in Japanese 1500-1600 NHK World in English 1600-1800 NHK World in Japanese 1800-1830 BBC in Azeri 1830-1900 VOA in Azeri 2030-2125 VOIROI/IRIB in Spanish (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) ** KASHMIR [non]. Radio Sadayee Kashmir is now heard at 1500-1600 also on 6135. It sounds like repeat of the morning transmission at 0230- 0330 on the same frequency. Signals are fair/poor at my end mainly due to interference. 73 (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS/AT0J, Feb 18, dx_india via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. JAPAN PROBES NK SPIES Updated: 2003-02-10 11:38:22 MYT [excerpt from much longer article] ...Another reason for beefing up the surveillance of Korean agents was the increasing difficulty in obtaining information on secret agents from North Korea in Japan - which has been described as a "spies' paradise". The Security Bureau calls North Korean radio transmissions "A3 broadcasts". The "A" refers to amplitude modulation. There are two other kinds of transmission: A1, which is ordinary Morse code, and A2, which is Morse code that can be heard with a medium-wave radio. A3 broadcasts are 5- digit numbers read out in Korean. Police authorities assume that the 5-digit numbers are coded instructions to North Korean secret agents who have infiltrated Japan. Police suspect the existence of 100 codes indicates the presence of 100 North Korean secret agents in the country. The number of codes per A3 transmission has been gradually increasing since the 1970s. The number exceeded 600 in the latter half of the 1990s. However, police radio-intercepting facilities nationwide have failed to tap into the A3 transmissions since January 2001. Many senior police officers think North Korea has stopped using the coded radio transmissions as police decoding capabilities have improved.... http://e.sinchew-i.com/content.phtml?sec=4&artid=200302100000 (via J. Dybka, TN, Feb 10, 2003 for CRW via DXLD) ** LATVIA. EUROPEAN MUSIC RADIO plans its next broadcast on 5935 at 1500 on Sunday Feb 23 from a transmitter which it declares to be in Latvia. "New Look" QSLs are offered, with E-mailed reports to emr@blueyonder.co.uk (Bob Padula, EDXP Feb 19 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** LIBYA. LJBC LAUNCHES ENGLISH LANGUAGE WEB SITE The Libyan Jamahiriyah Broadcasting Corporation has launched a Web site http://en.ljbc.net/ in English. The site seems to be mainly intended as a Libyan news and information portal, with no information about LJBC radio services. However, LJBC television is streamed live, and includes a news bulletin in English at 1000 UT (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 18 February 2003 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** NIGERIA. VON in English is on 11770 \\ 15120 at 0500-0700 at least. Heard Jan 29, 30 31. Using AOR AR7030 receiver with outdoor antenna. I just happened to land on their frequency, and I measured it. Good strength but there is interference by other stations. Best wishes. Yours, (David Crystal, 19125 Israel, Feb 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Not any more after a few days of tests. But who knows what`s next? It is an ancient VON frequency and if they ever get new transmitters going, it, and 9690, might be back (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA/INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Re the OKC TV stations now coming to Cox Cable, Enid via satellite: more have been added. On Feb 18 at 1638 UT there was a 4-minute outage, with black screens from 4, 5, 9, 25, 34 and 43, in some kind of satellite or up/downlink failure. Did Cox immediate default to antenna pickups, which was adequate for sesquidecades under most circumstances? Of course not (Glenn Hauser, Enid, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA [and non]. CONCERT PIANIST-HAM`S 700-MILE RUN TO BENEFIT CANCER RESEARCH NEWINGTON, CT, February 17, 2003—Combining music, athletics and Amateur Radio to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, Martin Berkofsky, KC3RE, is set to run from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Arlington Heights, Illinois, this spring and summer. An internationally known concert pianist and music scholar, Berkofsky plans to celebrate his 60th birthday and his recovery from cancer with the 700-mile ``Celebrate Life Run.`` Along the way, he`ll operate with a hand-held quad-band transceiver and hopes to contact as many hams as possible on VHF and UHF as he navigates the back roads of the Midwest. ``The plan is to cover 10 miles a day, six days a week,`` Berkofsky said. ``Of course, there will be days of bad weather and stubbed toes, but there is more than sufficient time allowed.`` The run starts on his birthday, April 9, at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Hospital in Tulsa, where he was treated. Berkofsky expects to reach his destination--the headquarters of the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation in Illinois--in late August. He plans to kick off his run with a free piano concert in Tulsa. He`s also set to perform in St Louis while en route as well as to celebrate the end of his run in Illinois. ``All are invited to run along with me for as much or as little as they would please,`` Berkofsky said, assuring that he`ll be managing only ``a mild jogging pace.`` He said he`s obtained a copy of ARRL`s TravelPlus for Repeaters CD-ROM to determine the locations of repeaters along his route. Berkofsky will raise funds through donations at his three performances and through per-mile sponsorships from groups and individuals. All proceeds from the events go to the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation. Details on fund raising are still emerging, he noted, and suggested those interested should check the Web site of his Cristofori Foundation http://cristoforifund.tripod.com/ Once the run is under way, Cancer Treatment Centers of America plans to track Berkofsky`s progress on its Web site. Berkofsky wants to operate FM on 6, 2 and 1.25 meters, and 70 cm, while running. ``Perhaps local clubs can suggest the best repeater frequencies for each leg of the run,`` he said. ``I suspect I will also be using the simplex calling frequencies and then QSY to an adjacent simplex frequency.`` Berkofsky is hoping that other hams will be able to help him along his journey. He can be reached via e-mail crisfund@yahoo.com Throughout his life, Berkofsky has enjoyed a parallel fascination with electronics and music. A child prodigy at the piano, he was licensed as a ham in 1957 at age 14, first as KN3HDW and later K3HDW. Berkofsky has performed, taught and operated from more than 25 countries and is renowned in the music world for his Liszt performances and scholarship. In 1982, he survived a motorcycle accident so severe that doctors believed his injuries were career-ending. During a four-month hospital stay and amazing recovery, Berkofsky decided to recast his life and career, leaving the commercial and political music world to dedicate his regained abilities to the benefit of others. From that decision was born the Cristofori Foundation, conceived by Berkofsky as a vehicle to aid and support charitable and cultural causes through music (ARRL February 14 via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DXLD) ** OMAN. Dear Glenn, At the moment Radio Sultanate of Oman FM is very strong on a clear frequency in English at 14-15 UT on 15140 kHz. They probably have improved their antenna. Attached, please find their opening as of this Tuesday, Feb. 18: 'Interval signal', switch to their home service with short pop music before chimes and the English ID, followed by news headlines at '18 p.m.' = 14 UT. All the best, (Erik Køie, Copenhagen, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, with his recording, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PHILIPPINES. 1583.9, Bahai Ministry 1584 kHz (1 kW) San José noted under different call sign, WRTH mentioned DZDF, but is wrong. Correct call is DWBR, Radio Bahay, observed approx. 1100 am - 0140 pm local time, mostly children education programs, music, station ID's in Tagalog, S=2-3. Addr: Radyo Bahay, Pula, Talabera. Nueva Ecija /or P. O.B ox 27, San José City 3121, Philippines. Splatter QRM from distorted audio on 1548 kHz, DZSD Dagupan City, Pangasinan, wrong call in WRTH as DWDP, noted mornings and afternoon with S=9+60 dB. ID in dialect: "Ito ang estasiyon ng bagong milenyo may lakas na 10.000 Watts Super Radio Quince Kwarenta'y ocho (1548) rainbow na media Radio RGMA - Super Radio DZSD 1548 ..." in English about: "This is the station of the new millennium with 10.000 watts of power, Super Radio 1548 rainbow ... media Radio RGMA, Super Radio DZSD 1548 ..." (Roland Schulze, Pangasinan, Philippines, Feb 6, BC-DX via DXLD) ** PORTUGAL. Frequency change for RDP International, Radio Portugal via SIN 250 kW / 055 degrees to Eu: 0930-1100 Sat/Sun NF 9815 (55555), ex 11995. Noted on Feb. 15 and 16 (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Alô amigos da lista, Hoje, quarta feira, para aqueles que tiverem interesse a Voz da Rússia transmitirá durante a sua emissão em português, o programa ONDA DX. A transmissão da voz da Rússia, em português se inicia às 0000 e termina às 0100 UT. A transmissão ocorre nas seguintes frequências: 9965 - 9480 - 7570 - 7440 - 7410 - 7390 - 7350 - 6195 e 6185 kHz. Como no site da A Voz da Rússia o horário do programa estava confuso (de 0000 às 0000 UT) enviei um E-Mail pedindo informações e eles me responderam com o seguinte: "Estimado Adalberto, Atendendo o seu pedido, enviamos o horário do programa Onda DX. Onda DX - Quarta-feira por volta de 00:40 (UT). O serviço em português começa a transmitir os seus programas para o Brasil às 0000 e acaba às 0100 UT. Em breve você recebe o nosso boletim informativo atual. Atenciosamente, Serviço em português da Voz da Rússia." Vale a pena conferir, pois sempre se aprende um pouco mais quando o assunto é dexismo, existe uma boa possibilidade de escuta muito fácil pois existem nove opções de frequências e além do mais a Voz da Rússia está com alguns concurso bem interessantes. Ás 2100 horas de Brasília (0000 horas UT), eu estarei na freqüência que estiver captando melhor a Voz da Rússia. Se ouvir alguma informação útil, apresento aqui na lista. Um abraço, (Adalberto, Barbacena, MG, Feb 19, radioescutas via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. NEW RUSSIAN DEVICE TO SPOT SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES ON TV | Text of report by Russian news agency RIA Moscow, 18 February: Specialists at the Russian Press [and Media] Ministry's State Inspectorate are planning to use a new piece of equipment this year to spot hidden frames in video material, Marina Terekhina, the Inspectorate's deputy head, told RIA-Novosti. Russia's National TV and Radio Broadcasting Research Institute has developed a device that can identify the so-called 25th frame, she said. This was needed because there have been cases recently of hidden messages in filmed material. In particular, she said, the 25th frame was used in commercials by a TV station in Yekaterinburg. It was this that prompted development of the device, Terekhina said, stressing that specialists in several areas of science, including medicine, had noted the adverse impact of such hidden frames on the human subconscious. The device is now ready for use and will soon be installed at the Inspectorate's television monitoring department but it has yet to be tested in practice, she said. She anticipated it would enter service this summer. Russian legislation prohibits the use of hidden video material. For example, Terekhina said, Article 4 of the federal media law explicitly bans the use of concealed inserts that affect the human subconscious and are detrimental to health in televised, video and cinematic products and also in documentary and artistic films and computer files and computerized textual information. The federal law on advertising contains a similar prohibition, she added. Source: RIA news agency, Moscow, in Russian 1529 gmt 18 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** TAIWAN. What do you have against Androo? I think he and Ellen are a good combination. Plus, "Groove Zone" is (to me at least) the sort of program we don't get to hear much of on SW radio. From time to time I hear unscripted banter on some of the listeners' letters programs ("Sincerely Yours" comes to mind), but not like this. And it's certainly much better than Radio Japan's call-out on "Hello from Tokyo". I miss "Instant Noodles". For those who don't know about this program, think of RA's "Asia/Pacific", but with all of the stories being News of the Weird. I remember one story about a Phnom Penh museum being invaded by bats; another story from the Philippines reported on how some Catholics would actually spend the night of All Saints' Day sleeping *over* their loved ones' graves (yes, at the cemetery). (Ted Schuerzinger, swprograms via DXLD) ** UKRAINE. Re Bob Padula`s report that RUI would be using 1000 kW to Australia for A-03: That is the style of RRT specialists on frequency management. These frequencies were given to registration in HFCC annually (see a02allx2.doc) for any case when the Lviv transmitter for Australia will be used. But obviously this transmitter is used now for relaying V. of Russia programmes to North America on 7240 kHz 0200-0400. It is noteworthy that no one from Ukraine (both from RRT & NRCU) has been sent to A03 HFCC Conference this year - no money (Alexander Yegorov, Ukraine, Feb 18, BC-DX via DXLD) I thought the megawatt was being used by RUI on 7375 including English to NAm and 0100 and 0400, with Ukrainian in between. Or is it? The English hours would sandwich the VOR relay mentioned above. So are you saying that the 1000 kW will not be used at all in the service to Au?? Sorry, but it should NOT be necessary for a bunch of people to gather in a remote place, like South Africa, at great travel expense, or even at a more convenient place, to work out frequency coördination. Not with the Internet. But hey, if it doesn`t come out of the individual`s pocket but from his administration/taxpayers, a great way to see the world and meet your colleagues (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U A E. ANALYSIS: NEW SAUDI-BACKED SATELLITE TV CHANNEL TO RIVAL AL- JAZEERA | Text of editorial analysis by Peter Feuilherade of BBC Monitoring's Foreign Media Unit on 19 February On 20 February the pan-Arab satellite TV pioneer MBC launches an all- news channel from Dubai to compete directly with Qatar-based Al- Jazeera TV in the battle for Arab viewers. MBC's director-general Ali al-Hadithi says the new channel, known as Al-Arabiya, will offer what he calls a balanced alternative to Al- Jazeera, which has ruffled feathers among many governments in the Middle East. MBC has teamed up with Saudi, Kuwaiti and Lebanese investors to invest 300 million dollars in the new service, which will employ 500 journalists. It will be available in Europe and the US as well as the Middle East, initially for 12 hours a day before moving to 24-hour operation. The Saudi government will be able to exercise its influence on the channel through MBC's owner Shaykh Walid al-Ibrahim, a brother-in-law of King Fahd. "Respect for audience and guests" Independent pan-Arab satellite TV began in 1991 with the launch of MBC, which broadcast from London before moving to Dubai in 2002. Salah Nejem, a BBC veteran and chief editor of Al-Jazeera until 2001, is head of MBC News. In an interview in a specialist journal published by the American University in Cairo, Nejem said the new Al-Arabiya channel, with staff from 12 different Arab countries, was like a melting pot of Arab cultures. He outlined Al-Arabiya's offering: "News with quality production and editorial values, as well as a look on the screen and the provision of opinions that respect the reason and mentality and dignity of both the audience and our guests and provides a broad range of opinions, rather than going for the easy solution." Salah Kallab, a former Jordanian information minister who will serve as Al-Arabiya's director-general, added: "We are not going to make problems for Arab countries... We'll stick with the truth, but there's no sensationalism." Al-Jazeera "welcomes competition" Al-Jazeera TV launched in 1996 and has come to dominate satellite TV news in the Middle East. For its first five years, the channel was bankrolled by the Emir of Qatar. It has only recently begun to show a profit, from the syndication of Usamah Bin-Ladin video tapes as well as advertising. But it says it welcomes the competition from MBC "without fear". Al-Jazeera's own plans for expansion include launching an English- language counterpart to its Arabic web site next month. Next year, the channel hopes to start English-language TV broadcasts. Other stations target pan-Arab audiences Apart from Al-Jazeera, there are currently two other all-news free-to- air channels aimed at Arabic-speaking audiences: the London-based Arab News Network (ANN) and Khalifa News Channel, owned by Algerian businessman Rafik Khalifa. ANN has achieved only a limited audience share, and is believed to be up for sale. Khalifa, for its part, retains a North African focus. And a merger of the news departments of the Lebanese channel LBC and London-based newspaper Al-Hayat, owned by Prince Khalid Bin Sultan, Fahd's nephew, has prompted speculation about another all-news station. The US administration, meanwhile, has asked Congress to allocate 30 million dollars for the setting up of the Middle East Television Network, an Arabic-language TV station aimed at boosting the US image in the region. Room for more stations? Ali Jabir, executive director of Lebanon's Future TV, says: "All the stations are competing to be the one to watch in an Iraqi war. Many of the new ventures are aimed at reducing the influence of Al- Jazeera. With 35 million viewers, the Qatar-backed channel has the largest audience figures among pan-Arab satellite TV channels. But its new Saudi-backed rival will be welcome to report from Arab countries where Al-Jazeera is not. In recent years Al-Jazeera has upset Jordan, Kuwait, Algeria and the Palestinian National Authority, among others. It's currently in bad standing in Saudi Arabia, which banned Al-Jazeera crews from covering the annual Muslim pilgrimage, following reports by Al-Jazeera that the kingdom found insulting to its royal family. MBC director-general Ali al-Hadithi is convinced the market can absorb even more than two all-news Arab satellite channels. He says: "People should have a choice, options, like elsewhere in the world. There shouldn't be a monopoly." Source: BBC Monitoring research 19 Feb 03 (via DXLD) ** U K. MAJOR INCIDENT AT BBC WORLD SERVICE Management at BBC World Service have confirmed a report in today's issue of The Guardian that a major incident took place at the weekend exposing serious security lapses at the Service's Bush House headquarters. Sources told The Guardian that between 40 and 50 intruders entered Bush House early on Saturday morning, easily overcoming security guards. The sources say the intruders were allowed to move around freely for up to an hour before being rounded up by security staff and police officers who had been called in. They're said to have entered the offices of one of the foreign language services, but they didn't succeed in entering the newsroom or studio areas, as these are protected by security-coded doors. It's not yet clear whether the incident was connected with Saturday's anti-war demonstration, but according to one source some of the intruders managed to climb on the roof and replace the BBC flag with an anarchist ensign. Management have ordered an urgent review of security procedures. Bush House is said to be a "soft target" as it has neither turnstiles nor security doors, and staff merely have to display a security pass. The BBC has declined to comment, other than to confirm that an incident took place. But coming at a time when its own news bulletins have been stressing the need for extra vigilance in the light of terrorist threats, it must be a major embarrassment for the Corporation (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 18 February 2003 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) BBC WORLD SERVICE TO IMPROVE BUSH HOUSE SECURITY In the wake of last Saturday's security breach at Bush House, BBC World Service director Mark Byford has told staff that security arrangements are being reviewed "as a matter of priority". "While the protest was peaceful, the demonstrators were able to disperse around the floors of the central block. They were all escorted away by police within half an hour," said Byford in an E-mail. "However, clearly, we are reviewing our security arrangements here at main entrance points as a matter of priority. This may well include enhanced physical security arrangements like at Television Centre". In 1999, an intruder gained access to the television newsroom simply jumping over the turnstiles. They have been replaced by glass security doors manned by uniformed guards. Mr Byford urged staff to wear their ID cards at all times (Radio Netherlands Media Network 19 February 2003 via DXLD) BBC REVIEWS WORLD SERVICE SECURITY Claire Cozens, Wednesday February 19 2003, The Guardian The BBC is considering installing glass turnstiles to improve security at its World Service headquarters after 60 intruders broke into the central London building. Mark Byford, the director of the World Service, said security arrangements were being reviewed "as a matter of priority" after the safety breach, in which anti-war demonstrators with banners and loud hailers were able to roam the building for half an hour before being escorted away by police. "While the protest was peaceful, the demonstrators were able to disperse around the floors of the central block. They were all escorted away by police within half an hour," he told World Service staff in an internal email. "However, clearly, we are reviewing our security arrangements here at main entrance points as a matter of priority. This may well include enhanced physical security arrangements like at Television Centre," he continued. Security measures at BBC Television Centre in White City were tightened after an intruder entered the television newsroom by vaulting over the turnstiles in 1999. The turnstiles were replaced by glass security doors manned by uniformed guards. The terrorist bomb that exploded outside TV Centre in 2001 led to another security review, with the BBC facing criticism for failing to maintain CCTV cameras. Police investigating the bomb said CCTV cameras had not been cleaned for weeks and were recording images on videotape that had been used several times. The World Service's headquarters at Bush House has neither turnstiles nor security doors. Staff merely have to show their security pass to guards as they enter the main reception area. Mr Byford today called on staff at Bush House to be vigilant and wear their ID cards at all times. "Dave Cooke and the security team are studying the video of the incident taken by the camera at reception. "They are reviewing our security here in the light of the incident in liaison with the BBC's security team," he added. Copyright Guardian Newspapers Limited (via Bill Westenhaver, DXLD) ** U K. BBC WORLD SERVICE ANNOUNCES FOUR SENIOR APPOINTMENTS | Text of press release by BBC World Service on 18 February BBC World Service has announced the appointment of new regional heads for Africa, Eurasia, the Americas and Asia and Pacific region. Lucio Mesquita has been appointed Head of the Americas region. He has been acting head of the region since October. Born in Brazil, Lucio joined the Brazilian Service as a producer in 1991. He worked on Newshour and The World Today and became editor of the Brazilian Service in 2000. As Head of the Americas, he is responsible for BBC World Service broadcasts in North, South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. Jerry Timmins, the former Head of the Americas, who for the past three months has led the Make It Happen project at BBC World Service, will shortly take up his new post as Head of Africa and Middle East region. Jerry joined the BBC in 1979 as a journalist. In 1988 he was appointed head of a newly re-established Caribbean Service and later joined BBC TV's current affairs programme Newsnight before he returned to BBC World Service in 1992. The current head of Africa and Middle East region, Barry Langridge, will become Head of the Asia and Pacific region. He was previously a diplomat in Africa. He has lived in India, working in a village health project and as Christian Aid's project officer for Pakistan, northern India and Bangladesh. During his BBC career Barry has also worked as a television current affairs producer. He was appointed Head of Africa and Middle East region in 1997. Behrouz Afagh-Tabrizi has been appointed Head of Eurasia region. The region encompasses Russia, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Central Asia and the Caucasus. Behrouz was born and brought up in Iran and has lived in Britain since 1978. He joined the BBC Persian Service in 1983 and later became editor. In 1994 he set up the BBC Central Asian Service and was its head until 1999, when he was appointed news and current affairs editor for the Eurasia region. Last year he spent six months in Afghanistan advising the new Afghan government on devising a policy for the future of media in Afghanistan. All five Heads of Region at BBC World Service are members of the World Service Management Board. BBC World Service Press Office 0207 557 2941/2942 Source: BBC World Service press release, London, in English 18 Feb 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** U K. From Waveguide: http://www.waveguide.co.uk A new four-part series from BBC World Service, starting on Tuesday, February 25, looks at the role of television around the world. I Love TV looks at television consumption, how and why people watch, and the impact of television on family, community and society. Presenter Ed Butler said: "TV stations, especially the more dynamic cable and satellite operators, have become more available to viewers in developing countries. "Millions of ordinary people have been given a window onto an outside world they are unlikely ever to have to opportunity to see in person." The first programme looks at soaps and how different audiences experience them (via Mike Terry, DXLD) This series is getting big promotion from BBCWS --- it`s on the cover of March BBC On Air (gh, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ** U K [non]. UK (non). BFBS Radio 2. On 12040 from 1700 to 1800 UT Tuesday Feb. 18. Opening at 1659 with the last few seconds of The Archers (also on 15530) and announcing that they would be back at the same time tomorrow afternoon on BFBS Radio 2. Time pips at 1700 then "It's 5 o'clock. Good evening. This is PM with..." Interesting news and discussion etc., and no pop music!! The transmission ended with Big Ben followed by "BBC Radio 4. It's 6 o'clock. The news with Patrick Muirhead. Good evening.." Off at 1800. Excellent reception here, S9 or 10 (Bernie O'Shea, Ottawa, Ontario, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 15530 UK (non?) BFBS 1645-1700* 02/18 EG. R&B pop music. ID "You are listening to the BFBS, Radio 2" Soap opera, "The Archers". Cut-off at 1700 sharp to RFI IS. Very Good! 12040 UK (non?) BFBS *1700-1713 02/18 EG. End of soap opera, originally heard on 15530. ID, TC (5 PM local). News program "This is P.M." re Tony Blairs stance on Iraq, report on S. Korean subway fire. Good (Scott R Barbour Jr., Intervale, NH, Sangean ATS 811, RF Systems MLB-1, RS longwire w/ RDA balun, hard-core-dx via DXLD) Today BFBS had no countdowns prior to 1700 and 1800 on 12040, instead the transmitter crash-started into what appeared to be BBC Radio 4 and was cut off just after the Radio 4 ID (no any insertion from BFBS) a few seconds after 1800. Are these countdowns really made especially for the shortwave transmissions? Unfortunately I do not know anybody within the range of the BFBS Radio 2 outlets here in Germany who could check. The BBC Radio 5 Live rebroadcasts belongs to the BFBS Radio 2 program line-up, so it appears that they put 0200-0500 BFBS Radio 1 but 1500-1800 BFBS Radio 2 instead on shortwave now, after first having Radio 1 on 5945, too. Interestingly there were weather forecasts just before 1800. According to the BBC website they go out on 198 only, not on FM, so apparently BFBS takes the longwave version of BBC Radio 4, probably especially for these weather forecasts (they include the Middle East)? I was not able to match the 12040 audio with the traces of Droitwich modulation I could hear underneath the horrible noise floor on 198, but this needs another check (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Feb 18, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Supplement to my report from yesterday: I could not match 12040 with 198 simply because the Russian Olgino and Noginsk transmitters dominated over Droitwich. That's what I found today when checking at an HF-wise quieter place at 1700. I am aware of my eastern location, almost halfway between Jülich and Kaliningrad, but to find Russia dominating 198 was nevertheless a surprise (Kai Ludwig, Feb 19, ibid.) It seems clear that all these new frequencies represent at least several sites, and in this early testing phase it may well be that some of them are once off unique usages. Anyone seriously chasing station/site combinations really needs to log every frequency/time period usage until actual sites are clearly identified. Merlin has such wide access to international transmitting facilities and satellite programme feeds that almost anything is possible. May God give Marina.Haward strength. By the way, 13720 is a great signal here in SEQ, at least in the last hour of its transmission to sign off 0459, no need to burn zzzzs 73s gd dx de (Sam Dellit, VK4ZSS, Tamborine, Qsld., ARDXC via DXLD) BFBS Radio 1/2 in English again on short waves as follows: 0200-0300 on 6025 (55444) 0200-0500 on 13720 (35433) 0300-0500 on 6135 (54444) 1500-1700 on 15530 (55555) 1500-1800 on 5945 (55555) 1700-1800 on 12040 (55555) 73 from (Ivo and Angel! observer, Bulgaria, Feb 19 via DXLD) +9820 BFBS has moved from 5945 to 6035. Other frequencies have also been observed globally, apparently on a test basis, with Wolfgang Bueschel (Stuttgart) reporting 9820 0400-0500, 15530 1500-1700, and 12040 1700- 1800. Transmitter sites are not yet known (Bob Padula, EDXP Feb 19 via DXLD) No change from 5945 to 6035 noted here (Wolfgang Bueschel, Germany, Feb 19, DX LISTENING DIGEST) It`s about time someone pinned down the transmitter sites for all the BFBS frequencies. So far we only have Popovka, Russia for 5945. Here`s an unofficial BFBS site which might provide some info, not including SW, as the `latest news` there is almost 3 years old, courtesy Timo Newton-Syms (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) http://www.w2s.co.uk/timo/bfbs.html (via Arnaldo Slaen, Conexión Digital via DXLD) TELIC: According to "Private Eye", issue 21 February 2003, "There has been much speculation in military circles as to the provenance of the name." One suggestion is "Tell Everyone Leave Is Cancelled" while "another favourite is 'Tinpot Evangelist Leads Islamic Crusade'". (Paul Kennett, Herts., England, Feb 19, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [non]. Subject: [ntexpress] SW Test Feedback Hi Everyone, I thought that I would tell you about the feedback received from the MediaSound test on 5935 kHz last Sunday. We received a total of 10 reception reports from the following places: Germany, Finland, Wales, Dudley, Manchester, Essex and the 4 other places in the south of England. The reports from Germany and Finland were favourable but in general the other listeners reported a strong signal with a lot of co-channel interference making the speech parts of the program impossible to listen to. We were disappointed that the program did not go out at 3 pm as promised because there was no interference at this time. This was a worthwhile exercise but it will not be repeated on this frequency. Since MediaSound would like to produce speech only programs the interference makes this channel unusable. We very much appreciate the participation of members of this group and the reports received but were disappointed that we only received 10 reports in all. We are continuing to investigated other legal relay services, some of which provide services on short wave and one provides a high power signal on medium wave. We'll keep you informed. On a final note I would like to thank you all for the support that has been given to MediaSound by NTE. Kindest Regards, Alan Maylin, MediaSound (via Paul David, DXLD) Is Russia deliberately trying to spoil Latvia`s only SW frequency? q.v. (Glenn Hauser, OK, WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. U.S. REACHES OUT TO YOUNGER READERS, IN ARABIC February 17, 2003 By AMY CORTESE Is there room for yet another magazine that hopes to attract the 18- to-25 audience? The State Department apparently thinks so, if the audience is Arabic. Editors working under the former advertising executive Charlotte Beers, who is now under secretary for public diplomacy, are planning a "consumer lifestyle" magazine, to be published in Arabic and sold at newsstands in the Middle East. The magazine, as yet unnamed, and a companion Web site will avoid politics and instead focus on topics of common interest to American and Arab cultures, including education, careers, family, technology, music and health, according to Jane Ottenberg, president of the Magazine Group, a custom publisher in Washington that has won a State Department contract to produce the publication.... http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/17/business/media/17PROP.html?ex=1046508809&ei=1&en=d84eed8fc83b9400 (via Ricky Leong, DXLD) ** U S A. RADIO FARDA LAUNCHES FIRST OF THREE PROGRAMS SPOTLIGHTING DEVELOPMENTS IN IRAN --- Washington, D.C., February 19, 2003— Radio Farda, a new Persian-language radio station aimed at Iran’s young listeners, has launched, "This Week in Iran," a 30-minute roundtable discussion program that will explore political and social topics each week. "This Week in Iran," which runs every Friday, is the first of three half-hour programs that Radio Farda http://www.radiofarda.com will introduce this month. The others, "Democracy and Human Rights Roundtable" and "The Youth Scene," will air later in February. "Our Iranian listeners – all those people who want to see freedom and democracy introduced to their country – will be well-served by the news feature programs that we’re introducing on Radio Farda," said Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which oversees all U.S. international broadcasting, including Radio Farda. In its inaugural Feb. 14, 2003 show, "This Week in Iran" featured experts from Tehran, Paris and Geneva evaluating the legacy of Iran’s 1979 revolution on the 24th anniversary of the event. In addition, Radio Farda broadcast a two-hour special live program on the United Nations’ inspectors’ report on Iraq’s weapons and the U.S. and international reactions. Correspondents from Washington, New York, Moscow and Rome contributed to the report, along with prominent Iranians in Tehran. Radio Farda, which debuted on Dec. 18, 2002, has attracted wide listenership in Iran with its round-the-clock programming... (BBC press release Feb 19 via DXLD) ** U S A. Would that be WRNO on 7355, very poor modulation at 2335 Feb 18? (George Thurman, IL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes; fair signal here but hardly audible modulation, and not worth the strain of trying to pull out a definite ID, still past 0000. This time it was a smidgin on the high side of 7355 instead of low (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. In looking through the FCC database I noticed that they are still renewing the old remote pickup licenses within what is now the AM expanded band. For example, Garrison City Broadcasting has a license (KGZ975) on 1622 kHz in Dover NH. The license is for 30 watts using AM modulation. They have held this license since 1966 and last renewed it in 2000. It expires in 2006. It seems odd that the station would renew it if they aren't using it and it seems odd that the FCC would allow them to. I also noticed that both Phillips and Shell hold licenses on 1614, 1628, 1652, 1676, and 1700 kHz. These are all for 50 watts and they appear to be homing beacons. While the Shell licenses all specify off- shore use, the Phillips licenses all specify continental US. Might be something to keep in mind if we hear odd signals in between the expanded band channels (Patrick Griffith, CBT, Westminster, CO, USA, Feb 16, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. PORTLAND BECOMES RADIO DISNEY'S 54TH MARKET: 1640 AM http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2003/02/17/daily21.html (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U S A. INFINITY DROPS LETTERMAN SIMULCAST http://www.radioandrecords.com/Subscribers/TodaysNews/homepage.htm Company spokesman Dana McClintock tells R&R that the Infinity stations that had been airing a simulcast of CBS-TV's Late Show With David Letterman — including WNEW/New York and KLSX/Los Angeles — are no longer airing the program because of added fees associated with the rebroadcast. "Everybody thought it was a success and loved airing it," he says, "but ultimately the residual payments that had to be paid to the Directors' Guild did not make it financially viable to continue it." The stations began airing Letterman's show in November 2002 (Was on WZCG 92.9 in Atlanta. Via Brock Whaley Feb.19, 2003, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. KMOX MORNING NEWS ANCHOR NAN WYATT FOUND MURDERED AT HOME TWIN OAKS, Mo. (AP) __ Nan Wyatt, a personality with St. Louis radio powerhouse KMOX, was found slain in her home Tuesday night, St. Louis County police said. A suspect was in custody. Wyatt, co-host of the ``Total Information A.M.'' program on the station known as ``the Voice of St. Louis,'' was found shot to death in a bedroom of her home in this St. Louis suburb, police spokesman Mason Keller said. He declined to immediately discuss the relationship between victim and suspect and whether the suspected weapon was found. ``This investigation is going to continue. This is still a fresh scene,'' Keller said outside Wyatt's home, deferring additional comment until Wednesday. Keller said St. Louis County authorities fielded a call about 6 p.m. about a possible homicide, then responded to Wyatt's home and found her body. Wyatt hosted the St. Louis' top drive-time morning radio show since 1996 after holding several other KMOX jobs and working briefly at Chicago's WBBM-AM. Wyatt, known for her in-depth political reporting, has won several awards, including the National Associated Press Award for Enterprise Reporting. Karen Carroll, who recently stepped down as KMOX's vice president and general manager to pursue other interests outside the industry, eulogized Wyatt as a charitable colleague who read voraciously to stay up to date on news, events and issues as the station's go-to journalist. ``I've watched her grow into an incredible newswoman,'' said Carroll, who spent almost three decades in St. Louis radio. ``I am in shock (about Wyatt's death). I just have a hard time believing it. Nan was the strength and backbone of KMOX News.'' ``She was in love with this area, she was in love with this town,'' added Charles Jaco, a former CNN correspondent who was fired by KMOX radio in November. ``She was the consummate pro behind the microphone __ skeptical without being cynical.'' (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) (via Ray T. Mahorney, WA4WGA, Rocky Mount, NC, DXLD) Another story on this: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/19/entertainment/main541105.shtml (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) And another; seems she was involved in a messy divorce: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/DocID/AEAC47613FCCA42786256CD200165773?OpenDocument&story (via Brock Whaley, DXLD) ** U S A. Spoke with Gary Richards, Chief Engineer of WJLD, 1400 in Birmingham yesterday afternoon. Mr. Richards was very friendly, and spoke for almost a half hour. According to Mr. Richards, WJLD was the first "non-testing" station in the US to broadcast IBOC transmissions. They installed their system in late Novemeber of 2002, with about three days of testing in mid- December to verify correct audio processing, and antenna tuning. He explained that currently the system does not transmit IBOC mode, and has no plans to do so for several months. He stated that the station was looking into a turn-key system that would provide text based programming, and also since receivers were not yet available, they had decided not to transmit IBOC until later this year. But the station is able to transmit this mode just by throwing a switch. The transmitter is a modern, solid state device...and was already transmitting AM-Stereo so the conversion for them was painless. Mr. Richards seemed quite impressed with IBOC, and seemed dismayed that anyone would have objections to it. He stated that the station owners planned to file a request with the FCC to allow 24 hour operation of the IBOC system. His reasoning was that GY stations already had to accept any interference caused by other stations, so allowing GY stations to operate IBOC at night would have no real impact on other stations. Can you imagine what a GY frequency would sound like at night if even half the stations on frequency transmitted IBOC? Ouch! Mr. Richards further explained that they had rushed to be on the air by December of 202, as all licensing fees for the IBOC system were being waived for any station that could meet the end of the year deadline. He promised to keep my number handy, and call me to let me know when they started transmitting IBOC full time. He expected that to be sometime late this year. 73, (Les Rayburn, N1LF NNN0HSI Navy MARS/SHARES, Helena, AL, Feb 19, IRCA via DXLD) ** U S A. TV STATION TOWER COLLAPSES An ice-encrusted 1,500 foot broadcast tower collapsed today, knocking a Fox television affiliate and a radio station off the air. The tower collapsed at about 11 am in a remote area along the Putnam-Kanawha County line in West Virginia. No one was injured, but a building housing the transmitter was destroyed. The tower broadcasts signals for WVAH-TV and WKLC radio. WVAH serves northeast Kentucky while WKLC's radio signal also serves northeast Kentucky. Terry Cole is news director for WVAH and its sister station, WCHS-TV. He says the signal for WCHS was not affected by the collapse. The tower was designed to collapse on itself and fell straight down. Cole says the tower was coated with football-size chunks of ice left over from this past weekend's storm. WKLC business manager Lisa Parr says the station had rented space on the tower for about 20 years. Parr says the station is trying to find an alternative way to broadcast its signal. WVAH is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which also owns Lexington Fox affiliate WDKY. WKLC is owned by Lexington-based LM Communications (WKYT 27 news, Lexington KY, Feb 19 via Jilly Dybka, DXLD) ** U S A. Note accompanying the Y2WTKO CD in last issue adds: Y2WTKO was a project of a small affinity group from the Radio Free Cascadia collective based in Eugene, OR. During the WTO protests we operated an FM micro-radio station from a platform in a hemlock tree on the Olympic Peninsula with yagi antennas for two alternate frequencies aimed at downtown Seattle. Our signal was received well enough in Seattle for recordings to be made off the air. In September of this [sic] year, elements of the Y2WTKO affinity joined forces with Free Radio Olympia (WA) to operate a much more powerful transmitter, again from a tree on the peninsula aimed at Seattle for the Electronic Mosquito Fleet, a swarm-cast of FM micro- radio operators from around he nation who took over the empty spaces and cracks of Seattle`s dial for 5 days to protest the National Association of Broadcasters` annual Radio Show which was held in Seattle. Our operation was called Justice Airwaves Mobilization, or JAM 101.1 FM. We had a studio in Seattle with a studio-to-transmitter link. JAM repeated its broadcasts for two nights on shortwave at 6.955 MHz, including coverage of Amy Goodman`s keynote address (miskreant, Feb 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [non]. LUISTEREN NAAR AMERIKAANSE VLIEGTUIGEN Hallo allemaal, Wellicht luisteren jullie wel eens naar Amerikaanse vliegtuigen op HF/VHF/UHF. Vaak worden dat "tailnumbers" doorgegeven. Hiermee is de kist te identificeren. Op de volgende link staan de lijsten: http://www.globemaster.de/tailcodes.html Veel plezier, (Cornel van Ravenswaaij Feb 18, BDXC via DXLD) ** VANUATU. Does anybody hear Vanuatu on 7260 kHz these days? No carrier heard last week when I tried it three times, always between 0700-0730 UT. This morning (17 Feb, 0720) I heard a very weak carrier but also another one off channel... Thanks for your info, GOOD DX, (Karel Honzik, the Czech Republic (Czechia) AOR AR-7030 30 m Long Wire, hard-core-dx via DXLD) On now at 0817 UT on 7260 with programme of local music in pidgin, 18th Feb. Regards (David Norrie, Auckland NZ, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Vanuatu came through this morning on 7260 with news in E, yellow bird IS, 0703-0711, poor signal with considerable interference from adjacent channels. 73, (Enzio Gehrig, Denia /Spain (38.50N-000.07E) NRD535D/IC-R8500/IC-R75/R5000 Dipole/ALA1530/RF Systems MTA, Feb 19, hard-core-dx via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 9620.6: Hallo mensen, Al sinds enige weken hoor ik zo tussen 2100-2200 UT een zwak draaggolfje op 9620.6 kHz. Twee weken geleden was er éénmaal een zwak audiosignaal te horen. De taal zou Spaans geweest kunnen zijn, maar zeker ben ik er niet van. Rond 2200UTC was de ontvangst dan iets beter, maar was er alleen gitaarmuziek - geen ID. In mijn TBL staat SODRE, Montevideo op 9620.7kHz. Ik vermoed dan ook dat het dit station betreft. Heeft iemand anders dit ook wel eens gehoord (indien niet - proberen!!!)? Zo ja, had iemand hier al meer geluk dan ik? In mijn ervaring zijn in Februari/Maart de kondities voor Z Amerika op 25&31m nog vaak uitstekend, dus de echte LA freaks kunnen er nog eens lekker tegen aan gaan om dit uit te pluizen. Groeten, (Aart Rouw (ACR), Bühl, Duitsland, AR7030+20m Longwire/MLB Feb 17, BDXC via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ WWDXC DX AND MEDIA PROGRAM LIST Update in .PDF format, see link on our homepage http://www.wwdxc.de (Wolfgang Bueschel, Feb 18, DX LISTENING DGIEST) LATEST WRTH UPDATE FILE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD The latest WRTH update file will shortly be available for download from the WRTH website at http://www.wrth.com/WRTHUPDATES.pdf [note caps! Clarification not in time for initial WOR 1170 summary] This latest update contains the following: Alaska: KNLS frequency changes Albania: R Tirana updated schedule Angola: Radio Nacional Angola schedule and contact details Armenia: Voice of Armenia updated schedule Australia: HCJB Australia frequency change Austria: R. Austria International updated schedule and contact details Cambodia: National Voice of Cambodia Updated contact and schedule details Costa Rica: RFPI updated contact details Cyprus: R. Bayrak International full contact and schedule Eritrea: Voice of the Eritrean People Schedule Finland: YLE Finland updated schedule including languages. Germany: Deutsche Welle frequency changes Greece: Voice of Greece updated contact details Iraq: Information Radio schedule Lebanon: Voice of Charity schedule and full contact details Lithuania: Radio Vilnius schedule and full contact details Moldova: Radio PMR contact and schedule details Northern Marianas: KFBS updated schedule Saudi Arabia: Voice of Reform contact and schedule details Syria: Arab Radio schedule update Turkey: Voice of Turkey updated contact details USA: Radio Marti and address schedule update Radio Farda contact and schedule Vietnam: Radio Free Vietnam updated contact details (California) Radio Free Vietnam updated contact details (Louisiana) Other Information: STFT - VNG closure DRM - Long Term Tests full schedule and contact details details. The file is a PDF document, so you will need Acrobat Reader to open it. I hope you find the file a useful complement to the printed WRTH. Regards, Sean D. Gilbert Editor: Shortwave Guide International Broadcasting Editor: WRTH World Radio Tv Handbook - THE Directory of International Broadcasting Email:- wrth.skeds@ntlworld.com Web:- http://www.wrth.com Tel +44 (0) 1908 281521 Fax +44 (0) 709 2332287 Mobile/Cellphone +44 (0) 778 6100321 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Gilbert, hard-core-dx Feb 18 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) RECEIVER NEWS +++++++++++++ An extract from rec.radio.shortwave: Tuesday, 18 February, 2003 The BBC reports that the world's first Gravity Wave receiver is ready to start picking up signals. (the link is below). GRAVITY WAVE DETECTOR ALL SET By Jonathan Amos, BBC News Online science staff in Denver The hunt is well and truly joined. Scientists report here that one of the greatest observatories ever constructed works as expected and is now ready to go for goal. The Ligo facility, built at a cost of nearly $300m, is trying to detect gravity waves, the ripples created in the fabric of space-time that occur every time a star explodes or black holes collide... http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2003/denver_2003/2774163.stm [However this point is disputed on another posting to the newsgroup - Not the world's first by a long shot. The first was built at the University of Maryland in the 1960's and is the biggest and most expensive...] What will DXing be like? We've pretty much exhausted the electromagnetic spectrum, so what will the gravomagnetic spectrum do? (Mike Terry, Feb 18, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Rather difficult to modulate, I should think (gh) DIGITAL RADIO MONDIALE ++++++++++++++++++++++ DRM proposed transmissions effective from Mar-30: 5975 0815-1500 CIRAF 28 Julich 40 kW DTK 6015 0500-0700 27S Flevo 100 kW (commencing Jun-02) Dutch RNW 7150 1030-1230 27S Flevo 100 kW (Jun-02 to Jul-07) English RNW 7150 1200-1500 27S Flevo 100 kW (Jul-07 to Jul-27) Dutch RNW 9760 1100-1300 27,37 Julich 40 kW DTK 11870 0600-0700 18,27,28W Bonaire 50 kW Dutch RNW 15425 0700-0757 18,27,28W Bonaire 50 kW Dutch RNW 15440 0800-1400 27N,28N Sines 250 kW English DWL 15525 2130-2300 18,27,28 Bonaire 50 kW English RNW 15525 2300-2325 18,27,28 Bonaire 50 kW Spanish RNW 15565 2030-2125 18,27,28 Bonaire 50 kW English RNW 15715 0900-1400 18,28 Julich 40 kW DTK (EDXP Feb 19 via DXLD) BROADCAST ENGINEERING PLANNING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The HFCC meeting at Sandton, South Africa, has completed its work in development of the Master Schedule for the A03 period, commencing on Mar-30. Unfortunately, several administrations were unable to attend, mostly due to financial and distance constraints, and the interactive, participative process for resolving frequency incompatibilities was not as effective as for previous Meetings. Frequency planning for the seven-month A03 period has become difficult, due to wide fluctuations in solar activity, ranging from daily sunspot counts as low as 41 and up to 190! We are at present on the downward slope of Solar Cycle 23, which is expected to bottom out sometime over the next four years. A smoothed sunspot count of 68 is predicted for March 2003. Cycle 23 officially started in 1996, and two peaks have been observed so far, firstly in April 2000 (120.8) and then in November 2001 (115.6) In reality, Cycle 24 will start even before the present Cycle has "officially" ended, and for the remainder of 2003, we should expect to see decreasing monthly average counts. Overall it means that transmission on the higher frequencies (17 MHz, 18 MHz, 21 MHz, and 25 MHz will not be very reliable for long-haul paths traversing darkness regions. Propagation on those bands will be satisfactory for daylight routes, acknowledging "blackout" skip effects up to 3500 km from the transmitter. For A03, only one broadcaster plans to use the 11 metre band - RFI on 25820. Only a few stations plan to use the newer 18 MHz band (17 metres), but this band has not proven very popular. It seems strange that administrations collectively are vigorously seeking additional spectrum space, such as to be decided at WRC-2003, which is inconsistent with the steady downturn in HF broadcasting and the many kHz of unused spectrum resource capacity which exists within the current allocated bands. (Bob Padula, EDXP Feb 19 via DX>D) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ ARNIE CORO`S PROPAGATION OUTLOOK [ellipses as published] Item one: VERY, VERY LOW solar activity surprises scientists, as the number of sunspots went down to just 16, yes, you heard it right, optical solar observations made Monday showed no more than 16 sunspots, and a rather easy to spot coronal hole located at a geoeffective position.... Item two: The very low solar activity will make AM medium wave broadcast band DX to be much better IF the effects of the solar wind subside... And now amigos as always, at the end of the show our exclusive, not copyrighted in the public domain , HF plus 6 meters propagation update and forecast... Extremely low number of sunspots seen yesterday and again today... the daily optical sunspot count was as low as 15 and that's a record low for this solar cycle amigos... It is now an almost spotless Sun what solar observers are watching. The solar flux is moving down, and the effective sunspot number is around 60 and also going down. Planet Earth is affected by a high speed solar wind coming from a geoeffective coronal hole, and that will continue to disrupt the geomagnetic field at higher latitudes. As the effects of the coronal hole subside, we will very probably witness the best AM medium wave band DX conditions of the past 7 years amigos, so be ready to catch those nice DX signals reaching your radios from 520 all the way up to 1700 kiloHertz!!! Expect much lower daytime maximum useable frequencies during the next five to seven days also... (Arnie Coro, CO2KK, RHC DXers Unlimited Feb 18 via Bob Chandler, ODXA via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 19 FEBRUARY - 17 MARCH 2003 Solar activity is expected to be at low levels early in the period. Activity and growth of Regions 276, 280, 282 and 284 as they transited the west limb, would indicate the potential for continued growth of these regions as they transit the backside. With the return of these regions around 28 February, there is an increased potential for isolated moderate activity. No greater than 10 MeV proton events are expected during the forecast period. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach high levels on 19 – 25 February due to recurring coronal holes. The geomagnetic field is expected to be at quiet to isolated minor storm levels during the period. Minor storm conditions are possible on 19 -22 February due to the large southern coronal hole and on 03 March due to a returning coronal hole. Isolated active conditions are possible on 03 - 05 March and 13 - 17 March due to returning coronal holes. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2003 Feb 18 2211 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Environment Center # Product description and SEC contact on the Web # http://www.sec.noaa.gov/wwire.html # # 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table # Issued 2003 Feb 18 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2003 Feb 19 110 20 4 2003 Feb 20 110 15 3 2003 Feb 21 105 15 3 2003 Feb 22 105 15 3 2003 Feb 23 110 12 3 2003 Feb 24 115 12 3 2003 Feb 25 115 12 3 2003 Feb 26 120 12 3 2003 Feb 27 120 15 3 2003 Feb 28 125 10 3 2003 Mar 01 125 8 3 2003 Mar 02 135 12 3 2003 Mar 03 135 20 4 2003 Mar 04 140 15 3 2003 Mar 05 145 15 3 2003 Mar 06 150 12 3 2003 Mar 07 150 12 3 2003 Mar 08 150 15 3 2003 Mar 09 145 12 3 2003 Mar 10 140 12 3 2003 Mar 11 135 12 3 2003 Mar 12 135 8 3 2003 Mar 13 130 12 3 2003 Mar 14 125 15 3 2003 Mar 15 125 15 3 2003 Mar 16 120 12 3 2003 Mar 17 115 12 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio 2/18 via WORLD OF RADIO 1170, DXLD) ###