DX LISTENING DIGEST 3-118, July 4, 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 later at http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldtd3g.html For restrixions and searchable 2003 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn CONTINENT OF MEDIA 03-04 new edition available from July 3: {Download} http://www.dxing.com/com/com0304.rm (Stream) http://www.dxing.com/com/com0304.ram (Summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/com0304.html Also via http://www.worldofradio.com Via SIUE Webradio http://www.siue.edu/WEBRADIO Wed 1830 COM on RFPI: Sat 2130, Sun 0330, 0930, 1530; Thu 2000, Fri 0200, 0830, 1430 on 7445 and/or 15039 NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1189: RFPI: Fri 1930, Sat 0130, 0800, 1400, 1730, 2330, Sun 0530, 1130, 1830, Mon 0030, 0630, 1230, Tue 1900, Wed 0100, 0730, 1330 7445 15039 WWCR: Sat 1030, Sun 0230 5070, 0630 3210, Wed 0930 9475 WINB: Sun 0030 12160 WBCQ: Mon 0445 7415 WRN: rest of world Sat 0800, Europe Sun 0430, North America Sun 1400 WRN ONDEMAND: 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/wor1189.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1189.ram [High] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1189h.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1189h.ram (Summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1189.html UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL: See TURKEY ** AUSTRIA. Acabo de visitar la página de Radio Austria en español y acabo de bajar completo el último programa del buzón internacional. Para los colegas que lo quieran tener, deben visitar la siguiente dirección y bajar el programa antes de que lo quiten. Aparte de lo comentado hay tres programas más que pueden ser bajados. Traten y luego me dicen. http://roi.orf.at/hispano/sp_demand.html En la siguiente dirección podrán encontrar todavía mucha información en nuestro idioma en la página de Radio Austria Internacional. Estuve visitando la galería de fotos y me pareció muy bonita. http://roi.orf.at/sp_infocenter.asp (José Elías, Venezuela, July 2, noticiasdx via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. R Panamericana, La Paz, shortwave 6105, mediumwave 580, and FM 96.1, with a new website since June 27. RealAudio between 1130 and 0330 only. http://www.panamericanabolivia.com (Henrik Klemetz, Sweden, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 4845.24, Radio Cultura Ondas Tropicais, 1006-1015 July 3. Came in at opening ID canned as "...Radio Cultura Ondas Tropicais..." This followed by music. Signal was fair (Bolland, Chuck, Clewiston Florida, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA [and non]. Hi Glenn. Happy Fourth. "FREE SPEECH: How to declare your independence from the media giants," is a comprehensive guide to media outlets, published in several New England newspapers on 4 July. The article includes this recommendation: "Radio Canada International. Generally more level-headed about international incidents and jingoistic news opportunities than much of the U.S. media. RCI comes in pretty clearly on a short-wave radio in the mornings. The station, which took over the BBCs short-wave frequency when the Beeb maddeningly abandoned its worldwide radio audience a few years back, also offers illuminating ethnic programming, like the early-morning Korean report." (sic, probably refers to KBS Sackville relay.) http://westchesterweekly.com/gbase/News/content?oid=oid:23020 (Kim Elliott, DC, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Hi, Ian! Been enjoying hearing the Mailbag program every week! Wanted to drop you a line there at RCI with a little suggestion for the summer programming. We listeners really appreciate the way you carry the CBC's Quirks & Quarks science program. It is most interesting and rewarding. Now that it has gone into summer re-runs, the CBC is carrying two different Q&Q programs each week, one on Tuesdays and one on Saturdays. RCI, in the North American/Caribbean service, transmits two airings of Q&Q, one at 1505 UT and the other at 2305 UT, both on Saturdays. What do you think about carrying the two different Q&Q programs in those two timeslots? Air the Tuesday rerun at 1505 UT and the Saturday one at the 2305 UT transmission. This gives the RCI listenership the same flexibility as the CBC listeners in hearing all the repeats. I put this suggestion out on the SW Programs Internet discussion list and it got some support (and no objections). It shouldn't be a difficult task; just set the digital program-playback system to point to two different audio files in your database. Please give this suggestion some consideration. Regards, (Will Martin, St. Louis, Missouri USA, to RCI, cc to DXLD) ** CANADA. 6030, CFVP relaying CKMX, 1210 July 4, time check for 10 after 6. Temperature 11 degrees, high will be 23, chance of showers. News of the Calgary Stampede, one ad, then ID as AM 1060 CKMX. Beach Boys music followed (Hans Johnson, WY, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** CANADA. PRIVATE RADIO BROADCASTERS SCORE BIG HIT FM STATIONS SEEN DRIVING ROBUST PROFITS By JOHN PARTRIDGE, Friday, July 4, 2003 - Page B1 Wanna make big bucks in private broadcasting? Buy an FM station in Calgary or Ottawa-Gatineau. That's one of the messages from the latest Statistics Canada survey of the radio business. The agency said yesterday that in 2002, private radio broadcasters outperformed private conventional television broadcasters -- and other electronic media -- in revenue growth and profitability for the fourth year in a row, and FM stations again were the driver.. . http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPPrint/LAC/20030704/RADIO/TPBusiness/ (via Bill Westenhaver, DXLD) RADIO BIG MONEY-MAKER COMPARED TO NEW MEDIA http://tinyurl.com/g16a (Toronto Star via bill Westenhaver, DXLD) PRIVATE RADIO BROADCASTING 2002 -- THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2003 At a time when digital television networks, direct-to-home satellite service providers and new media companies are struggling to make ends meet, the oldest electronic medium is steadily generating profits. . . You can access the full text and charts of this article at: http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/030703/d030703b.htm (via Bill Westenhaver, QC, DXLD) ** CANADA. LAVAL QC 1570 TO BE REACTIVATED http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2003/db2003-193.htm (via Doug Smith, July 3, NRC-AM via DXLD) This is great news! 1570 is still open here and if the CP goes with 50 or 10 kW I should hear it, when conditions improve, that is. Thanks for the info. 73s, (Patrick Martin, Seaside OR, ibid.) Drat! Double Drat!! I hate to see more 1570s on the band. Oh well... just kidding. Will they be NDA? I would think so being a Mexican Clear Channel. Is it a Canadian Clear as well??? That I'm not sure of, but would assume it is (Ron Gitschier, Palm Coast, FL, WGSR 1570, ibid.) CRTC says 10 kw fulltime (it doesn't say anything about directional antennas but it's probably U4) (Doug Smith, ibid.) For us DXers in the NW, 1570 right now is a great frequency with both BC & AB gone. Laval will be U3 or U4 probably as most are (Patrick Martin, Seaside OR, ibid.) ** CHECHNYA [non]. LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL RULES TO SHUT DOWN CHECHEN SEPARATIST WEB SITE | Text of report by Radio Russia on 2 July The Kavkaz-Tsentr web site has been shut down in Lithuania. The decision was taken by the external policy coordination council led by the country's president, Rolandas Paksas. Experts have established that the web site disseminates information that promotes terrorism and entices ethnic and religious tension. Reports from foreign special services were also taken into account while taking the decision. Source: Radio Russia, Moscow, in Russian 1100 gmt 2 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** CHINA. Re 5-echo jamming against BBC Mandarin: Hello Glenn and Wolfgang, In my opinion this is nothing new. It is well known that more than one jammer site is normally used on each jammed frequency jammed by China, and since each site has its own delay you will inevitably hear an echo if you hear more than one jammer at the same time. I have noted this regularly during the 0300-0700 period when the jamming on several RFA frequencies is strong here. The only thing that singles out the jamming on 15285 BBC is that all transmitters are perfectly spot on frequency, so that there is no SAH to tell you that you are hearing more than one transmitter. The same effect is commonplace on MW frequencies of synchronized nets. Sometimes it is like listening in a tunnel. 73s (Olle Alm, Sweden, July 1, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. BPM, Lintong, time pips, ID in Chinese on 10000 June 6 at 1655, clear after spur from Sveiø [see NORWAY] went off the air; SIO 243 (Tony Rogers, Birmingham, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** CHINA. RELAYS OF OVERSEAS STATIONS ON SW FOR A-03: 0000-0100 RCI English 15205-X 0100-0200 RFI French 17710-B 0200-0300 RCI English 17860-X 15510-X 1000-1200 REE Spanish 9660-B 1100-1200 RFI French 11600-B 1200-1300 RFI Khmer 11600-X 1200-1400 REE Spanish 11910-X 1400-1500 RFI English 11610-X 1500-1600 RCI English 17720-X 15455-X 1500-1600 VOR English 11500-X 1600-1700 RFI French 6090-K B = Beijing, K = Kunming, X = Xian (NDXC, re-arranged by Tony Rogers for July BDXC-UK Commmunication via DXLD) ** COLOMBIA. Glenn, Saludos desde Catia La Mar, VENEZUELA. Quisiera que me informaras más detalladamente sobre una estación colombiana que capté el pasado 15/04, a las 2256 UT, en los 4975 kHz. La radio en cuestón mencionó indicativos como HJKA 4975 kHz y HJAU 1130 kHz de la OM. Te hago esta solicitud ya que creo que otro colega ha captado la misma estación en días recientes. Cabe destacar que sólo la monitoré por pocos minutos, ya que a las 2302 UT, luego del himno nacional, salió del aire. 73's y buen DX (Adán González, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See 3-116, Ondas del Orteguaza. BTW, this is among Björn Malm`s recordings on this week`s WOR 1189 (gh) ** COLOMBIA. Esta noche regresó Conciencia en la frecuencia de 6009.78 kHz. Tambien ID en inglés. 73s de (Björn Malm, Ecuador, July 3, Conexión Digital via DXLD) I thought so, hearing that het on 6010 when I tuned by around 0600? July 4. What about their plans to broadcast in English to North America on 5910 by now? (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Les envío el enlace a la página renovada de la organización Fuerza de Paz que opera la Voz de Tu Conciencia 6010 (en el momento fuera del aire); allí hay una sección sobre las emisoras y sobre otras actividades que desarrollan. Vale la pena visitarla. http://www.fuerzadepaz.com/ (Rafael Rodríguez R., Bogotá, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** CONGO DR? 9550, unID African music and announcements at 0035 June 4, SIO 242, unable to determine language, weak but clear and seemingly \\ to something audible on 6030, no ID heard (even after recording playback). R. Okapi? Heavy splash from 9555 RFE/RL Kavalla *0200 (Tony Rogers, Birmingham, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** CUBA [non]. I have it on good authority that the R. Martí tests on 1020 kHz were (are?) from the Turks & Caicos station. Since they were also heard to mention AM tests via Cayman Islands, I wonder if another as yet unknown frequency was involved for that. There has been no MW from there for a few years, since both 1205 and 1555 kHz closed down. I wonder if those facilities are still operable and if so would still be on the split frequencies?! Worth keeping an ear out for them, anyway; they were only 1 and 10 kW, respectively, no match for Cuban jammers, and no doubt rather weak in Cuba even if in the clear (Glenn Hauser, July 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EL SALVADOR. Através de la página del amigo salvadoreño Humberto Molina http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Lab/7104/ pude navegar por distintos sitios de internet de su tierra natal. Una de ellas, la que pertenece a la Radio Nacional, aunque en realidad ya no se llama así sino Radio El Salvador [96.9 FM, tu Radio Nacional] me llamó la atención por varias cosas, no solo por el cambio de nombre de la emisora (¡ojo WRTH!) sino también por el contenido de la página así como por la programación, rebozante de merengues y cumbias que uno se sentía casi desplazado a la Colombia de antaño. Como quiera que había un problemita con el audio y puesto que por la página se pedían comentarios acerca del RealAudio, les envié un correo diciéndoles que los oía como si estuviera con el transistor a orillas del mar, es decir con un ruido "blanco" considerable, similar al de las olas del mar. Con una cumbia sonando no había problema, pero cuando hablaban no era tan fácil. Media hora más tarde noté, un tanto sorprendido, que arreglaron el sonido al vuelo, en el transcurso de la emisión y pude disfrutar en lo sucesivo de un sonido estéreo de muy aceptable calidad. Tres minutos más tarde me saludaron al aire y por internet el director de la emisora me envió una nota agradeciéndome el haberles indicado el problema. El director, Salvador Rivas Larrave, se ha hecho acreedor de "el micrófono dorando", una distinción que otorga anualmente la Asociación de Periodistas Independientes de El Salvador al mejor ejecutivo del ramo. Emisoras amigas, como la TGW, de Guatemala, la Illimani, de Bolivia y las radios de la Universidad de Santa María, en Chile, mandaron cada una sus felicitaciones grabadas para el Sr. Rivas. ¿Quién puede afirmar pues que por internet no se puede conseguir pasar un buen rato, escuchando una programación amena, reportarla y recibir, casi de inmediato, tanto una QSL escrita como hablada? Yo si alcancé a escuchar la onda corta de la Radio Nacional de El Salvador en los 9555 kHz antes de que fuera retirada del aire para siempre en 1976. La reporté y me respondieron gentilmente con el envío de una tarjeta QSL y un banderín. Guardo todavía la grabación que hice en su momento y pienso guardar la que hice en el día de hoy. Ambas experiencias me han dado mucha satisfacción, la de hoy quizás más que aquella (Henrik Klemetz, Sweden, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ¡Hola Henrik! y amigos de la lista. Felicidades, siempre son agradables los incidentes como el que narras. Por cierto que haz tenido bastante suerte, ya que yo no he tenido respuesta a algunas solicitudes, por ejemplo la confirmación o no de un reporte para algún colega, a pesar de haberme comunicado por teléfono localmente. Ciertamente la radio nacional se hace llamar Radio El Salvador, pero el nombre de Radio Nacional es difícil de olvidarlo y me parece que aún está vigente, inclusive en sus identificaciones; además el sitio web puede accederse tanto por http://www.radionacional.gob.sv como por http://www.radioelsalvador.com.sv El sitio web no ha sido actualizado desde hace bastante tiempo, porque aún aparece el logo del extinto Ministerio del Interior, ahora en realidad pertenece al Ministerio de Gobernación. El servicio de realudio es proporcionado por la empresa "Genesis Technologies", una empresa local de servicios por internet que atiende a varias emisoras. En los últimos años el personal ha hecho un gran esfuerzo por sacar a la radio de su monotonía; sin embargo, según mi opinión, todavía hace falta mucho para que se convierta en una de las radios más importantes del país. La radio ha sido autorizada a incluir publicidad en su programación para financiarse, pero creo que todavía no es suficiente. Un poco antes de los últimos terremotos, publicaron en un periódico la noticia acerca de los planes para reactivar la onda corta, pero eso obviamente se frustró. Saludos a todos (Humberto Molina, San Salvador, El Salvador, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** FINLAND. SWR'S 3 YEARS BIRTHDAY-TRANSMISSION Starting 21 hours UT today Friday 4th July. Celebrate whole 24 hours with us with special Birthday programmes. We have live bands on stage at 11 to 15 hours UT: Relention (Ruovesi -heavypop), Hughman Tutsh feat. The Mighty Christine (Mars&Venus -Rolling Rock), Wäre (Vantaa - Finnish pop-rock), and with minisets also Mental HoSpital (Tre- NoisePopRockBlues) and Swr All-Stars Group. We have repaired our 48 mb cage-dipole and put it to new higher position. So, please check what kind of reception you might have there. And of course we are on 25 mb as well. We like to receive your comments during transmissions to our gsm/sms-phone +358 400 995 559 or bu e-mail. More info: http://www.swradio.net Best Regards, Alpo Heinonen, Scandinavian Weekend Radio SWR 3v.-synttärilähetys 5. Heinäkuuta . . . (Alpo Heinonen, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, dxing.info via DXLD) Esquema [Subject to change]: 2100-2200 5990 y 11720 khz 2200-0500 5980 y 11720 khz 0500-1000 6170 y 11690 khz 1000-1400 6170 y 11720 khz 1400-1600 5980 y 11720 khz 1600-1900 6170 y 11720 khz 1900-2100 5900 y 11690 khz (via Gabriel Iván Barrera, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** GAMBIA. Former offshore station Radio Syd (now land-based in Banjul on 909 kHz) is off the air. The aerial mast collapsed in a storm last year and the station will be off the air until it can get planning permission for a new mast further inland (Chris King, Banjul, Offshore Echo`s [sic], May, via Medium Wave Report, July BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** GUINEA. Sembra che la radio nazionale della Repubblica di Guinea abbia riattivato la frequenza dei 6155 kHz, ormai inattiva da anni. E' stata notata in Australia fino allo spegnimento delle 0000 UT al sabato sera. Probabilmente attiva soltanto nella sera del fine settimana (via EDXP via Roberto Scaglione bclnews.it July 2 via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Thank you for your email. The C-SPAN network has recently decided to stop taking the BBC World Service feed (via Satcom C3). Despite our best efforts to encourage C-SPAN to reconsider their decision, they have now ceased carrying BBC programming. We regret that there is now no other direct-to-home satellite listening option for BBC World Service in North America. We are still available in the USA, however, via the subscription digital radio services XM Radio (24-hour mixed programme stream) and Sirius Radio (24-hour news channel and 24-hour BBC Mundo in Spanish). Regards Audience Relations, BBC World Service (via Mike Cooper, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. I was channel-surfing on the bird tonight and stumbled upon the descriptive video channel for WGBH Boston (Bell ExpressVu channel 74). The only program scheduled for DV service was Nova, which started at 8 p.m. Before and after that, the audio that was being played over the images was that of the BBC World Service (Ricky Leong, QC, July 2, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DX LISTENING DIGEST) -- At its best, the Internet can educate more people faster than any media tool we've ever had. At its worst, it can make people dumber faster than any media tool we've ever had. - Thomas L. Friedman, NY Times (Ricky`s tagline) ** IRAN [non]. BBG LAUNCHES NEW TELEVISION PROGRAM FOR IRAN Washington, D.C., July 03, 2003 -- Voice of America (VOA) debuts a new, nightly, Persian-language TV program, News & Views, on July 6, aimed at reaching millions of Iranians who watch satellite television. News & Views, a daily, 30-minute show, will be broadcast from 9:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. in Iran. It will feature original news reporting from Iran, where pro-democracy protesters have been active. Additionally, the show will include world news round-ups, analyses of issues and events and special interest and cultural features. Radio Farda reporters will contribute to the show. "By reporting what's happening in Iran today, we can help further the struggle for freedom and self-determination in Iran," said Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), which oversees all U.S. nonmilitary international broadcasting, including VOA. "If ever there was a time when the people of Iran need sound, factual reporting on their country, it is now." Key participants include managing editor Fereidoun Farahandouz, veteran TV anchor Hossein Kangarloo, and lead anchor Setareh Derakhshesh. VOA's Persian Service is led by Ahmad Baharloo.The new show will feature reports contributed from inside Iran, Washington, New York, Los Angeles and around the world. The show's première will include the first of a special series of reports leading up to the fourth anniversary of the Iranian government's July 9, 1999 crackdown on student uprisings in Iran. Scheduled to run through at least September 30, News & Views is expected to cost up to $500,000. Satellite television is a leading source of news in Iran, where some 70 percent of the population, estimated at 67 million, is under 30. Satellite dishes are available in many homes throughout Iran. Until now, VOA has produced two television programs, Next Chapter, a weekly newsmagazine, and Roundtable With You, a 90-minute discussion show. The shows complement VOA Persian's daily radio service; and Radio Farda, a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week, youth-oriented radio program that is a joint project of VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). (BBG press release via DXLD) ** IRAN. IRANIAN SECURITY FORCES SWOOP ON SATELLITE TV OWNERS IN TEHRAN --- TEHRAN (AFP) Jul 03, 2003 http://www.afp.com Iranian security forces have carried out a series of raids targetting private owners of banned satellite dishes in areas of Tehran that were the scene of recent anti-regime protests, witnesses and reports said Thursday. The official Iran newspaper said that for several days there has been "a new wave of dish seizures, particularly in districts that were the theatre of recent troubles," a reference to the June 10-20 student-led unrest. The protests swelled after many residents of Tehran were urged to take to the streets by foreign-based opposition satellite television broadcasts. The ownership of satellite equipment is illegal in the country, and the paper said offending households received court summons and fines ranging between one and five million rials (120 and 600 dollars). Witnesses in one neighbourhood near Tehran University, the epicenter of the virulent protests, said many of the raids were carried out by plainclothes men who could be seen throwing dishes from rooftops. Around a dozen opposition television stations beam Persian-language broadcasts into Iran. Most are run by sympathisers of the monarchy that was ousted in 1979. The struggle by Iran's clerical leaders against the broadcasts also includes attempts to jam reception of the stations in the capital, where hundreds of thousands of people are believed to own dishes and receivers. All rights reserved. © 2003 Agence France-Presse (via Mike Terry, DXLD) Why The World Needs Shortwave Radio (Joe Buch, swprograms via DXLD) ** IRAQ. FIRE AT IRAQI RADIO AND TV BUILDING WAS ARSON | Text of report in English by Egyptian news agency MENA A fire broke out in the Iraqi Radio and Television building in Baghdad late Tuesday [1 July], Al-Jazeera reported. Columns of smoke have been seen billowing up from the multi-storey building, said the channel. Iraqi police managed to arrest the arsonists. Obviously (former Iraqi president) Saddam Hussein's loyalists are the perpetrators of violent acts that take place in Iraq and not the demonstrators, Paul Bremer, Chief of the US Civil Administration in Iraq, said in a press conference. Building a new Iraqi army has yet to start with the formation of the first Iraqi unit which is expected by mid July, Bremer added. Source: MENA news agency, Cairo, in English 2037 gmt 1 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** IRAQ. Re: TELEVISION BACK ON THE AIR, DXLD 3-117: Well, they don't only broadcast Iraq media network TV only; I noticed as well on the same satellite and the same frequency they broadcast 1 hour of "Towards freedom TV" one hour at 1300-1400 UT with news, views and interviews mainly about Iraq. As I recall it , this station was the first one to go on the air in Iraq via the Commando Solo project, we all remember the statement done by G.W Bush and Tony Blair on that network right after the fall of Saddam's regime. The ID of the station is "television nahwa el hourya min London --- Towards freedom TV from London". They have only one announcer who's reading the news, mainly the programs are about the current situation in Iraq; interviews with Iraqis living abroad talking about the future of Iraq. Yesterday 1/7/03 I saw an interview with an Iraqi bizman living in UK having some ideas about getting back to Basra his hometown and building some projects over there; one of the projects is --- having a new TV station!!! By the end of the transmission you get the logo of the station and a statement "the materials of this broadcast produced and edited in London-UK and brought to you by the coalition media.`` All the best from HOT Cairo, yours (Tarek Zeidan, Cairo, Egypt, July 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) TOWARDS FREEDOM TV ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ here's the main logo of the network --- and here's the main announcer of that network --- and here's the Bizman who said he wants to get back to Basra and have a new TV network there! --- I put everything [3 screenshots] on this page: http://www.geocities.com/su1tz2003 (Tarek Zeidan, Egypt, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAQ. Iraq Media Network (a.k.a. V. of New Iraq or V. of Free Iraq), which the US is trying to establish as the new Iraqi national broadcaster, is reportedly now on air from 0400 to 2100 on 756, 909 and 1026 kHz as well as on FM, including 98.3 MHz in Baghdad (Jeff Weston, Medium Wave Report, July BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** IRAQ [non]. I have not reported this until I could listen to the recording a number of times. I don't have the best ear for Arabic: Voice of the Iraqi People (``Sawt al sha`ab al Iraqi``). 6/29/03; 11710 kHz, 0008-0125; Talk by OM until 0015, Alternating OM and YL announcers with 5 - 7 min. pieces, ID sequence 0030, OM with long talk 0043-0107, Arabic music, OM talking w/ musical bridges, off 0125 (Mark Taylor, Madison, WI, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That`s really early in the morning in Iraq (gh, DXLD) ** IRELAND. Info on the ex-LW transmitter on 252 kHz: output 500 kW. Continental 2 x 300 kW. Tower 248m high. Site: Summer Hill, Co. Meath (W J J Duvall, Medium Wave Report, July BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** IRELAND. NEW HOPE FOR DUBLIN PIRATES The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has placed adverts in today's newspapers seeking expressions of interest from groups interested in operating new FM radio stations in the Dublin area. A reorganisation of frequencies has created space for several new ones. A number of the pirate stations that were raided and shut down in May are expected to apply. Some had applied unsuccessfully for licenses in the past. BCI chief executive Michael O'Keeffe says the Commission is "open to suggestions" on the nature of the services to be provided. Interested parties will have to provide a general description of the service and the target audience and details of the ownership structure and the capacity to provide the service. "[The BCI] will take into account... the rationale for the service, together with a statement of how such a service will add to the diversity of services already in existence throughout Dublin city and county," O'Keefe said. The closing date for the receipt of expressions of interest is 12 September and the BCI anticipates that a report will be presented to the board by October (Radio Netherlands Media Network 4 July 2003 via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. If you were wondering why you couldn't listen to the Kol Israel news for some time today, some workmen cut through a cable in the street in Jerusalem linking Heleni Hamalka (where most of the non- Reshet Bet radio studios are) with a Bezeq building and many services were off... They were very busy getting things repaired and couldn't even take a moment to report which things were impacted. I haven't checked myself yet - but Joel Rubin sent me a mail that the 1630 UTC was available on the web. At this point. I don't know if that means that things were fixed, or they were able to get the feed from elsewhere (Daniel Rosenzweig, July 1, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ISRAEL. ISRAEL DEMANDS TV LICENCE FEE EVEN TO WATCH VIDEOS! Mike Brand reports: A recent ruling in an Israeli court handed down the following decision: even if your television is not hooked up to any sort of cable, satellite or external antenna , but is a working set, then by law, you have to pay your TV licence. Recently, a TV owner sued the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, asking not to pay the yearly licence fee, because his television is used only for watching his VCR. He stated that he is not connected to any antenna, and does not belong to any cable or satellite service. His suit was dismissed by a Jerusalem judge, giving the reason that any television in working order has to pay the licence fee, and not only those who watch television broadcasts (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 2 July 2003 via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH. NORTH KOREAN AGENCY BLASTS US PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE AS PRELUDE TO ATTACK | Text of report in English by North Korean news agency KCNA Pyongyang, 4 July: The United States is resorting to a despicable and mean psychological warfare aimed to destabilize the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] by mobilizing even riffraff to attain its sinister goal to isolate and stifle it. It is contemplating sending balloons to fly over the military demarcation line to reach the North carrying transistor radios and pamphlets etc, agitating its internal change. The Bush administration is leaving no stone unturned to carry out its psychological operation, saying that transistor radios are secret weapons more destructive than any conventional weapons and they will help change North Korea internally by sucking up all information from outside just as cactuses do water in deserts. Timed to coincide with this, the CIA allotted a huge amount of fund to let the Voice of Free Asia [presumably US-funded Radio Free Asia] broadcast its programmes round the clock. This goes to clearly prove that the US is channelling all its efforts into the psychological warfare to break the single-hearted unity in the DPRK and destabilize it. The US psychological warfare can be called a prelude to a military attack. The US spent a colossal amount of money for such operation before starting wars of aggression in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US is working hard to lay an international siege to the DPRK over its nuclear issue in a bid to increase pressure upon it from outside and, at the same time it seeks to destabilize the DPRK and bring it to its knees by mounting a pre-emptive attack on it. But this is as foolish an act as trying to sweep the sea with a broom. Our single-hearted unity is strongest and unshakable as neither nuclear weapon nor any crafty operation can ever break it. It is common sense that man's ideology and faith are formed only through life experience, not under someone's coercion or by any preaching. The Korean people have cherished their ideology as their faith in the course of their protracted revolutionary struggle and chosen the most advantageous man-centred socialist system of Korean style which they value more than their own lives. It is a tragedy of the Bush administration that it does not know this fact. The US mean act might have proved successful in other countries but that will never work on the DPRK. The US is resorting to such a psychological warfare by use of transistor radios and pamphlets, expecting that they would prove "effective". But that only reveals more glaringly its mental poverty and vulnerability. Its psychological warfare only helped the army and the people of the DPRK renew their will and faith to consolidate the single-hearted unity in every way, the precious gain of our revolution and the eternal foundation of our system, touched off stronger hatred against the US and hardened their determination to annihilate enemies. Source: KCNA news agency, Pyongyang, in English 0647 gmt 4 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** KURDISTAN [and non]. Rumen Pankov made these observations 20-30 May, updating lists in May and June editions of Communication. 3900, R. Freedom, nothing heard when checked at 1400-2000, 0200-0500 3900, V. of the Iraqi People, same as last month (Communist Party of Iraq, pro-Chinese) 4025, V. of People of Kurdistan, heard only on 27 May, an unID station, poor in Arabic at 0215 4085, V. of Iraqi Kurdistan, same as last month 4120, R. Kurdistan, 1600-1700 4160, V. of Independence, 1630-1700 in Arabic 4235, V. of Kurdistan Toilers, same as last month (Rumen Pankov, Sofia, Bulgaria, June 8, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** KUWAIT. 11990, Radio Kuwait; 1818-1842+, 3-Jul; Drama "The Ancestors". ID at BoH, news 1830-41, then program notes. All in English. Send reports to kwtfreq@hotmail.com SIO=3+43 (Harold Frodge, MI, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) ** LIBERIA. GOVERNMENT RADIO HEARD AGAIN ON SHORTWAVE Radio Liberia International (which also often refers to itself as the Liberia Communications Network or LCN), which broadcasts from Monrovia in support of President Charles Taylor, is now being heard again on shortwave. It was heard at 1200 gmt on 1 July on 6100 kHz, a shortwave frequency that it has used in the past. Prior to 1 July it had not been heard on shortwave for over three months and transmissions from the station had been erratic even before then. Source: BBC Monitoring research 1 Jul 03 (via WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DXLD) ** MADAGASCAR. New transmission from Madagscar: As of 3 July, the Radio Netherlands Madagascar relay station has started the daily transmission of Radio Feon'ny Filazantsara at 1630-1655 on 3215 kHz via the 50 kW Siemens transmitter. This is a programme of the Lutheran World Federation (Media Network Newsletter July 4 via DXLD) No doubt the reason for 60 and 90m tests recently (gh, DXLD) ** MEXICO. Después de más de 10 años se reactiva XEXQ Radio Universidad de San Luís Potosí, México; 6045 kHz. Desconozco la fecha exacta de su reaparición pero la escucho desde el 1 de Julio, todo el día y parte de na noche. Aunque con poca potencia (0.250 kw), buena calidad de audio y modulación (JESÚS MARTÍNEZ MIRANDA, Uruapan, Michoacán, México, XE1HMW, July 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 9705, Antena Radio 1400. RMI seems to be using this name now. Heard in EG with YL giving address at 1400 7/1; then at 1402, M with "Antena Radio news summary". Heard next day (7/2) around 1310 UT in SP with talks and using the same nomenclature. // 11770v (John Wilkins, CO, Cumbre DX via DXLD) This is nothing new. RMI`s newscasts from IMER have been called Antena Radio for a long time (gh, DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS. The DRM transmissions of our English service via Flevo are suspended for the time being, but between 5 and 27 July Radio Netherlands has DRM coverage of the Tour de France. The transmission is on the air daily at 1300-1600 on 9615 kHz beamed to C+S France, N+C Italy and NE Spain. Further details, along with other recent changes and additions, are on our DRM schedule page at http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/html/drm_latest.html (Media Network Newsletter July 4 via DXLD) ** NORWAY. Spurious signal on 10000 from Sveiø transmitter on 9920 at 1647 June 6, also audible on 9840, -/+ 80 kHz, uncovering BPM China [q.v.] at 1655* (Tony Rogers, Birmingham, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** PAKISTAN. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been allocated a sum of Rs 548.037m for the completion of various projects in the budget 2003-04y. PBC has been allocated Rs 41m in the financial year for its ongoing projects that include the installation of 300 kW MW radio transmitters at Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. Also included is the ongoing project of a 100 kW MW transmitter and BH [broadcasting house??] at Mirpur and the shifting of a 100 kW SW transmitter from Mipur to Rawat, Rs 5.000m. A 100 kW MW transmitter will be set up at Turbat at a cost of Rs 30m (http://www.paknews.com 8 June via Alan Pennington, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA [and non]. HCJB-Australia has been active in helping a consortium set up a Christian FM radio station in Port Moresby. Wantok Radio Light broadcasts in English and the local lingua franca, Pidgin, at 5 kW to 200,000 people in the area. The station has government permission to install a 100 kW SW transmitter to reach more remote areas of the country. There are also reports that the consortium will set up similar SW facilities in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Wantok Radio light is at http://www.missionaryradio.info (Greg Baker, ACT, Bandscan Australia, June Short Wave Magazine, UK, via DXLD) Wantok = One Talk? (gh, DXLD) ** PARAGUAY. Adán Mur, desde Radio América, me comentó en un correo electrónico enviado ayer, que a partir del próximo lunes 07 del corriente la emisora cambiará su frecuencia de 9983 khz por la nueva de 9905. Les brindaré más detalles en estos días (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, July 4, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** SAO TOME. 1530, SÃO TOMÉ E PRÍNCIPE, VOA Pinheira, JUN 27 0309-0345 - Loud and clear burying WSAI with VOA news in English parallel 7290, 9575, and 9885 kHz. News items included violence in Liberia, famine relief, conflict in Iraq. Numerous VOA IDs. At 0335 US stock market and business news. Signal lost under WSAI after 0345. + JUN 29 0259- 0359 - Fair battling WSAI with VOA news, sports, and discussion on Israeli-Palestinian situation. "This is VOA News Now" IDs. No local São Tomé announcements whatsoever. Do they ever broadcast a local announcement? If indeed São Tomé it would be medium wave country #89 heard. Very exciting! (Marc DeLorenzo, MA, NRC IDXD via DXLD) VOA never makes any local IDs on any MW or SW (or FM?) relay, AFAIK. But what else could it be? (gh, DXLD) ** SAUDI ARABIA [and non]. NEW SAUDI-BASED RADIO STATION TO LAUNCH Reports from Saudi Arabia say that the pan-Arab radio network MBC FM is to launch a second radio network at the weekend. According to the newspaper Okaz, the station - whose name was not disclosed - will broadcast 22 weekly political, economic, social and entertainment programmes, including a programme called "Live Poll." Launched in June 1994, MBC FM is the only Pan Arab FM Station, and the only independent commercial radio network based in Saudi Arabia. It is also available in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and the Palestinian West Bank. Its broadcasts are also carried on Arabsat (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 3 July 2003 via DXLD) ** SERBIA & MONTENEGRO. Hi Glenn, I did make a small change to the item you quoted after I listened to the 1600 UT transmission in French, the first one I could check (the online audio is temporarily unavailable). Seems they ID on air just as the international radio of Serbia and Montenegro, without mentioning RSCG. The Web site is as clear as mud on that :-) Same interval signal and theme music as before. 73, (Andy Sennitt, Netherlands, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: SERBIA & MONTENEGRO'S EXTERNAL SERVICE CHANGES NAME The station formerly known as Radio Yugoslavia has dropped that name and now identifies only as the international radio of Serbia and Montenegro. The station had been using that name as a slogan for some months previously. A new logo has also been unveiled on the station's Web site. The old RJ (Radio Jugoslavija) is replaced by RSCG. That's an abbreviation of the station's name in Serbian: Radio Srbija i Crna Gora. The old URL is still in use, and there is no change to the schedule. The station's interval signal also remains the same (© Radio Netherlands Media Network 1 July 2003 via WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DXLD) Serbia and Montenegro: Hi Glenn, 7/3/03; 0001 - 0035 UTC; 9580 kHz; SINPO 44333; "This is the International Radio to Serbia and Montenegro." News, articles (including one about relationship between Serb. / Mont. and Croatia); Balkan music. To probable Serbo - Croatian at 0030 (Mark Taylor, Madison, WI, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA. Dear Friends, SLBC is noted for the last one week on 7302.5 rather than the usual 7300. The sked is 0020-0400 and 0800-1530 in Indian languages. The parallel frequency is 11905. 73 (Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, ATOJ, July 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) same happened a few months ago (gh, DXLD) ** SWEDEN. RADIO SWEDEN -- Coming up on Radio Sweden: Thursday: "Nordic Lights" Friday: Our weekly review Saturday: "Network Europe" Sunday: "In Touch With Stockholm" Don't miss our continuing series "The Bernadottes: Portrait of a Dynasty" about the history of Sweden's royal family, on Tuesdays. And on the next four Mondays during July "SportScan" will be asking "Is it a sport?" (SCDX/MediaScan July 2 via DXLD) ** TURKEY. Dear Glenn, I have been constantly following your column on the internet. However, as you probably have found out, the quake in Algeria ruined our internet reception for about a month but now everything is back to normal. You have a great column which is a joy to read. As for myself, well I have been making icons in line with the project, 'Faith Tourism'. Turkish radio and television has a new six part series in the making which will be a great success for it covers Antakya and its environs. It may well be qualified as a region of brotherly love and in the film which will be aired on television not only in Turkey but throughout the world, the viewer will see how members of different faiths cooperate to make Antakya an even better place to live. Antakya is the ancient Antioch of Biblical fame. It was in Antioch that the Gospel according to Saint Matthew was written and also where St. John Chrysostom and St. Luke the evangelist were born. Reshide Morali and her sister have not disappeared from the airwaves for our voices will be heard in an interview on the subject of faith tourism and also in an English narration. In addition, the icons that I have made of Saint Luke, the Holy Mother, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul and Saint John Chrysostom will be in the film. Incidentally, Saint Peter lived in Antioch for 7 years and Saint Paul, who was from Tarsus, Turkey, another viable city, stayed at length in ancient Antioch. I hope that sometime in the future we can show you around the area. Have a wonderful summer and keep up the good work --- as for myself, I shall go on painting more saints of Anatolia and Istanbul. Clergymen visiting our sacred sights have qualified the land within Turkey's borders as the second holyland and the incubater of Christianity. Warmest regards and have a nice summer, Reshide Morali, Turkey, June 26, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. Two oddly related items, plus one: The House of Lords has voted to overturn a government ban on religious bodies owning national TV or radio stations... http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,990896,00.html LORDS OVERTURN OWNERSHIP BAN Owen Gibson, Thursday July 3, 2003 The House of Lords has voted to overturn a government ban on religious bodies owning national TV or radio stations, theoretically opening up ITV or Classic FM to bids from Christian, Muslim or Jewish groups. Following months of vocal lobbying from religious bodies, a cross- party body of peers voted through last ditch proposals to allow religious bodies to own a national terrestrial TV channel or radio station. In a move that was overshadowed by yesterday's compromise between rebel Labour peer Lord Puttnam and the government on cross media ownership, the Lords overturned the government's plans to retain the ban on religious bodies holding national TV and radio licences. The culture secretary, Tessa Jowell, has continually argued that the limits placed on the number of national radio stations by the amount of spectrum available justifies retaining the ban, even though it is in contravention of European human rights legislation. There are currently only three national radio stations and three national commercial terrestrial TV channels. The government argues that it would be unfair to grant a licence to one religious body and not another. But Baroness Buscombe, who brought last night's amendment, argued that Ms Jowell's arguments were flawed. "What little water is held at present by this logic will certainly be eliminated in the future due to technological advances. As future- proofing is something we are striving to do with this bill, I do not see why it should not apply here," she said. While she did not believe that spare spectrum should be handed to religious broadcasters, she argued that they should be allowed to bid for the licences like everyone else. Ofcom could then be charged with deciding whether the bid had sufficient merit to proceed, she added. The Lord Bishop of Manchester added his support to the amendment, saying that strong content regulation would guard against the kind of evangelical religious broadcasting found in the US, while allowing a level playing-field for genuine religious applicants. The Lords voted to accept the lifting of the ban by 115 votes to 99. A spokeswoman for the department of culture, media and sport said that no decision had yet been taken on whether to accept or oppose the amendment ahead of next Tuesday's third reading in the Lords. However, it may be that the government is prepared to accept the amendment in the belief that lifting the ban would have little practical effect. "The government will have to go away and consider the effects of the amendment and our response. However, our policy has always been to have as a few restrictions as possible," the spokeswoman said. (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) Alan Bookbinder, the head of the BBC's religion and ethics department, called on church leaders last night to become more courageous and passionate in using the media or risk losing their broadcasting slots... http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,989911,00.html The BBC is preparing to sell the virtues of an £800m bond to investors over the next week to fund a revamp of its London broadcasting headquarters. ... The revamped headquarters will house the BBC's news, radio and World Service arms as well as 140 studios. . . http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,990155,00.html (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) Viz.: BBC USES BOND TO FINANCE NEW HQ Annie Lawson, Thursday July 3, 2003, The Guardian The BBC is preparing to sell the virtues of an £800m bond to investors over the next week to fund a revamp of its London broadcasting headquarters. The roadshows are expected to start in London and Edinburgh, marking the public broadcaster's first foray into the capital markets. Morgan Stanley, which is handling the 30-year issue, is expected to conclude the deal by the end of July. The bond does not carry a government guarantee but has attracted an AA credit rating, placing the BBC well above its commercial rivals. Credit agency Standard & Poor's said it had taken into account the licence fee funding regime and the level of indirect government support provided by the BBC's sponsoring department, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Bondholders will receive leasing income from the redevelopment, and the issue is expected to pay close to 5% a year. BBC finance director John Smith said the broadcaster examined several fundraising options and found bonds to be comparatively cheap. "That's savvy because it won't last," Mr Smith added. The revamped headquarters will house the BBC's news, radio and World Service arms as well as 140 studios. The bond will be issued through a special purpose vehicle backed by Morgan Stanley and developer Land Securities. Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2003 (via Daniel Say, DXLD) ** U K [non]. I happened to be awake during the 2 AM (local) hour here (0700 UT) and heard the local St. Louis FM relay of the BBC on KWMU-FM (90.7) carrying the science programs line-up at that time instead of what is on my printed or the on-line BBC schedules! This has been over a couple days so far; I don't know how long it's been happening. "Go Digital" was on July 1 at 0705 UT and "Discovery" was on this morning (7/2/03) at 0705 UT. I just checked the BBC Worldservice web page and they still list "World Briefing" and "Sports Roundup" for that timeframe in both the regular Americas SW stream listing and the special FM-relay stream listed under KWMU (if you use "St. Louis" as the selected city). I checked several weeks and all were the same. This is no complaint! I have long wanted the science programs to get on the overnight FM relay; they used to be there. So I am afraid to write to Write On to ask about this -- if it is a mistake, they would probably take them off again. But I would also like them to know that listeners WANT them on there then! What to do, what to do??? I can only guess that this is another instance of the streams getting mixed in the distribution process; anybody have any explanations? 73, (Will Martin, MO, July 2, swprograms via DXLD) Something is always out of kilter with BBC programming/streaming (gh) ** U K. STUDY DEALS A BLOW TO CLAIMS OF ANTI-WAR BIAS IN BBC NEWS http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,991295,00.html BIASED BROADCASTING CORPORATION: A survey of the main broadcasters' coverage of the invasion of Iraq shows the claim that the BBC was anti-war is the opposite of the truth http://media.guardian.co.uk/iraqandthemedia/story/0,12823,991215,00.html WHY I LOVE DIGITAL RADIO http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/story/0,12636,991291,00.html 73 (all via Kim Elliott, DC, DXLD) ** U K. You may be interested in this excellent site featuring BBC Radio jingles as well as landmark events in Real Audio: http://www.nascr.net/~rgwill/audio.htm (Tony Boreham, Communication Webwatch, July BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** U K. A grandfather, fed up with the mediocrity of modern music, set up his own pirate radio station to broadcast rock classics from the 1950s and 1960s. The 60-year-old, who bills himself as Ricky Rock, is now facing investigation by authorities. Hits by Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Beach Boys and The Beatles have been heard on 1602 kHz MW by listeners to Rockin` Radio Royston, which can be received across the Wakefield area. ``Ricky`` spent 1.3 kilopounds on a transmitter and erected a ``camouflaged`` 32 ft mast in his back garden. He said his decision to become a pirate was made because of the ``talentless boybands and monotonous dance music`` featured on today`s radio stations. Neighbours however complained that the station interfered with telephone and internet connexions (The Times via Mike Terry, BDXC-UK Communication, July via DXLD) ** U K. A new station for London takes to the air on 3 July, 2003. Club Asia take over the frequency of 963 and 972 kHz from Liberty Radio having secured an eight year license from the Radio Authority. A total of 8 applicants, including Liberty Radio applied for the license. The station promises "the sound of a new generation of Asian Londoners, a contemporary Asian/urban music-led service primarily targeting British Asians aged 15-34." The station address is Asia House, 227-247 Gascoigne Road Barking Essex IG11 7LN, and their web site is http://www.clubasiaonline.com (John Williams via MWC E-Mail News via NRC IDXD via DXLD) ** U S A. The precise schedule for VOA at 1900-2000, correcting mistakes in both their official schedule and station announcements: 1900-1930 daily Teaching Program 7260 9550 9680 11780 13685 1930-2000 daily Special English as above 1900-1930 M-F Border Crossings 1197-Eu 6180-Eu 9525-As 9760-Eu 9770-Eu 9840-ME 11770-As 11970-ME 12015-Af 15180-As 15235-As 1900-1930 S-S Sports 1197 6160 9525 9760 9770 11770 15180 1930-2000 M-F Border Crossings 9840 11970 12015 15235 1930-2000 M-Th Border Crossings 6160 9760 9770 Eu, 9525 11770 15180 As 1930-2000 Fri News Review as above 1930-2000 Sat Our World as above 1930-2000 Sun Issues in the News as above (Rumen Pankov, Bulgaria, June 8, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** U S A. VOICE OF AMERICA A History, by Alan L. Heil, Jr. Hi Glenn. Re: DXLD 3-098 and the above book published by Columbia University Press -- the ISBN is 0231126743 and is available via both amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. Book description (via Amazon): "For more than sixty years the Voice of America has served as the nation`s largest publicly funded overseas broadcasting network. VOA is heard by more than 93 million people in more than fifty languages. This book is an "insider`s story," reflecting the transformation of VOA from a propaganda organ to a respected source of information, from shortwave in World War II to multimedia in the twenty-first century, from a wartime base of relatively few listeners in its first weeks to a global network combining radio, television, and the Internet. From civil rights to human rights, from nuclear proliferation to AIDS, the book shows how VOA reflects as well as confronts the challenges of our times." (Alan Roe, Teddington, UK) ** U S A [non]. ARMY'S 'PSYOPS' MEDIA CENTER A SPECIAL KIND OF WEAPON By JAY PRICE, Raleigh News & Observer, July 02, 2003 http://www.knoxstudio.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=PSYOPS-07-02-03&cat=AN FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Except for the woodland-camouflage dress code and a discreet lack of windows, the new building - with its state-of-the-art digital television and radio production rooms, studios and printing presses - could easily belong to a sophisticated marketing firm. In a way it does. But the "firm" is the U.S. Army's 4th Psychological Operations Group, and its "products" are whatever messages the Defense Department wants to sell. The group held an open house Monday to show off its new $8.1 million Special Operations Forces Media Operations Complex. It was a rare look inside the Pentagon's central production facility for "psyops" products such as fliers, posters and television and radio segments aimed at the hearts and minds of, well, those the military wants to persuade. Since 9/11, those have included civilians and enemy troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 150 million fliers, all of them produced at Fort Bragg and many of them printed there, have been spread over those countries, said Col. James Treadwell, the 4th POG's commander. About 16,000 hours of radio messages produced by the group were transmitted to Afghan listeners and another 4,000 hours to Iraqis, he said. The psychological-operations campaign in Iraq reportedly cost tens of millions of dollars and has been called the biggest in history. It centered on Arabic-language leaflets and radio and television scripts designed by the 4th POG to encourage mass surrenders and erode support for Saddam Hussein. Psyops troops are still in Iraq, but their efforts have shifted to calming and winning over civilians. Like a marketing company, psyops soldiers often perform marketing studies before designing products. They also conduct detailed analyses of results. Army officials say it still may be a few months before the official report on the Iraq effort is complete. Civilian experts say the campaign probably had mixed results, but still likely saved thousands of lives on both sides by taking some of the fight out of the Iraqis. Psyops has been busy lately, and not just in Iraq and Afghanistan: The staff of the media complex is supporting nearly 900 psyops troops spread across 13 countries, Treadwell said. Until now, the psyops troops had to make do with facilities scattered around the base in several buildings, many of them predating the Vietnam War. The Pentagon's willingness to invest in the new media complex is a sign of its growing confidence in the value of psyops, he said. "This facility marks past success and emphasizes our potential for future contributions," Treadwell said. Lots of future contributions: The four new presses can churn out 1 million leaflets in a single day. The new, fully digital presses and audio and video equipment could cut the amount of time it takes to produce a given product by 20 percent or more. (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.shns.com via David E. Crawford, Titusville, Florida, DXLD) ** U S A [non]. June 24, 2003 Dear Friend: I have a favor to ask. We are International Broadcasters who are considering utilizing a transmitter in Europe to broadcast to the people of India. We have been allocated the following frequencies and times for our programming. What we would like to know, of course, is if these frequencies at the designated times produce a good signal into India. 1430-1600 UT on 17655 kHz, 2330-0200 UT on 9435 kHz. Any information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Gene Bernald, Pan American Broadcasting (via Jose Jacob, DXLD) Guest what kind of ``international broadcasters`` -- Christian evangelists. I understand India already has several religions (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. DIFFERENT KIND OF OLDIES SHOW UPDATE We've updated our news page AND we now have our own domain! Connect to us at http://www.dkosmedia.com The Dorsai address will remain up for a few more weeks ("Big Steve" Coletti, July 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. As of Saturday July 5th, Oliver North will no longer be broadcasting. He has decided to leave radio and pursue other interests (Art Blair, Folsom, CA, July 4, IRCA via DXLD) Yay? ** U S A. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT's Travelers Information Station at 530 AM is seeking a power boost from the FCC maximum TIS power of 10 watts to 100 watts, increasing the station's coverage to 10 miles, but the change is being challenged by a local broadcaster. SAUL LEVINE's MOUNT WILSON BROADCASTERS says that the change, which LAX claims is necessary to broadcast information in case of a terrorist event at the airport, contravenes national policy on TIS operations and is unnecessary because other stations would undoubtedly carry such information in case of attack. LEVINE also operates Adult Standards XESURF-A (K-SURF)/TIJUANA-SAN DIEGO at 540 AM, which would receive additional interference on the west side of LOS ANGELES if the LAX station boosts its power. A ruling is expected from the FCC by the end of 2003 (allaccess.com via Brock Whaley, June 30, 2003, DXLD) ** U S A. Here's the latest in the ongoing NIMBY fight in the Denver area from today's edition of the Rocky Mountain News: 780 MINUTES OF HEARINGS ON 730-FOOT TV TOWER By Owen S. Good, Rocky Mountain News, July 2, 2003 GOLDEN - An epic, eyelid- drooping 13-hour public hearing on a proposed television broadcast tower came and went Tuesday without a decision from Jefferson County Commissioners. Another five hours will be needed to finish up next week, and even then there are no guarantees commissioners will approve or deny a 730- foot tower that four TV stations want to build on Lookout Mountain. "It's definitely the longest public hearing I've ever been a part of," Commissioner Rich Sheehan said during a break Tuesday afternoon, swirling a 20-ounce chai tea he was counting on to get him through to 10 p.m. He'd been in his chair since 9:30 a.m. The lengthy meeting was necessary to handle the onslaught of testimony against the project, much of it repeating every detail of a comprehensive opposition statement given to the county's planning board more than a month ago. And even that sounded familiar, as this is the sixth request to build a "supertower" that Jeffco officials have had to consider since 1997. "Have I heard the same things before?" Sheehan said. "Obviously I have a general understanding of some (issues), such as the effects on health, interference, alternative sites." But the county is obligated by statute to hold a public hearing, and speakers have a right to three minutes at the lectern, and homeowner associations get 10 minutes. That means a group representing more than 30 homeowners associations was entitled to hours of time, and it dominated the hearing with a three-hour presentation. The broadcasting consortium Lake Cedar Group got 90 minutes to make its case. It would consolidate antennae hanging from three towers on Lookout Mountain and bring in digital TV transmitters for Denver's three major network affiliates. Opponents say the tower poses health risks from radio frequency emissions, would mar the view and would lower nearby property values. Hundreds signed a list opposing the tower. More than 60 signed up to speak. At 5 p.m. at least 200 people lined U.S. 6 by the Jefferson County government center and unfurled 730 feet of yellow tape, to dramatize the tower's size. The second hearing is scheduled for 5-10 p.m. Tuesday (via Patrick Griffith, N0NNK, CBT CBNT CRO, Westminster, CO, USA, july 2, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. HOME SICK --- THE ADDICTIVE ALLURE OF HOME AND GARDEN TELEVISION. By Joshua Green http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2003/0307.green.html (via Fred Waterer DXLD) ** U S A. IS WSAI RUNNING IBOC? Normally, 1530 WSAI in Cincinnati comes in pretty good here in Memphis at night. I've noticed that when it is coming in strong enough, 1520 and 1540 have a loud hissing sound on them nearly drowning out everything. Does anybody know if WSAI is running IBOC? If so, aren't they supposed to shut it off by sunset? Are there any comprehensive lists of stations that are running IBOC? (Adam Myrow, July 2, NRC-AM via DXLD) WSAI has special authorization to test IBOC at night. They're very interested in hearing reports like yours - and not necessarily for the reason you might think. (Hint: not every big broadcast group is firmly supporting Ibiquity's digital scheme...) s (Scott Fybush, NY, ibid.) Take the hint, and write them and let them know what you're hearing! Send your letter to Dan Allen, Program Director, or Andrew Costa, Engineer. WSAI Clear Channel Radio, 1111 St. Gregory St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 Anybody in KXEL or WWKB's coverage areas noting the interference? Those would probably be reports of exceptional value to WSAI and Clear Channel (Gerry Bishop, Niceandsoakedville, FL, ibid.) ** U S A. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS ON MEDIA OWNERSHIP VOTE COMMISSIONER ADELSTEIN DISSENTS FROM MEDIA OWNERSHIP DECISION. News Release. News Media Contact: Johanna Mikes 202-418-2300 CMMR http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-236095A1.doc http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-236095A1.pdf http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-236095A1.txt (via Fred Vobbe, July 3, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. Since the 4th of July is a holiday in the United States, I thought I would remind some of the audio collectors that there are two MP3 files of interest in the MP3 directory. "The Americans", both versions, can be found at http://www.nrcdxas.org/mp3 File 1: byronm~1.mp3 File 2: gordon~1.mp3 (Fred Vobbe, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A / U K. SEE YOU ON 60[sic]! FIVE CHANNELS OPEN FOR USE JULY 3 NEWINGTON, CT, Jul 2, 2003 -- US amateurs have been counting down the weeks and days. Now it's down to a matter of hours. The five new 60-meter "channel center" frequencies -- 5332, 5348, 5368, 5373 and 5405 kHz -- become available to US Amateur Radio operators this evening after midnight (12 AM) local time July 3. Given the constraints imposed on the five lightly used government frequencies, ARRL has been advising members to demonstrate their best operating behavior and to use common sense when operating under the new rules. The channelized allocation at 5 MHz marks the first new HF amateur band since the 1980s. The only legal mode is upper sideband voice (USB), with a maximum bandwidth of 2.8 kHz (centered within each channel). The FCC has imposed a 50 W effective radiated power (ERP) limit, which its rules -- §97.303(s) -- define as the transmitter output in peak envelope power (PEP) multiplied by antenna gain relative to a half- wave dipole or the equivalent calculation in decibels. The Commission presumes that a half-wave dipole on the 5 MHz allocation has a gain of 0 dBd -- technically its "free-space gain." This means that if you use a half-wave dipole -- about 87 feet 3 inches for the "middle" channel -- setting your transmitter's power output power at up to 50 W PEP should ensure compliance. The FCC rules neither invite nor suggest creative ways for hams to justify running more than 50 W PEP transmitter power on the 5-MHz domestic, secondary allocation. The rules also impose a new record- keeping requirement on amateurs using antennas other than half-wave dipoles or their equivalent. "Licensees using other antennas must maintain in their station records either manufacturer data on the antenna gain or calculations of the antenna gain," the newest addition to the FCC's Amateur Service rules says. Amateurs can safely ignore feed line losses. In most typical ham installations, feed line loss at 5 MHz will be so small as to not have any practical effect on signal. Under no circumstances may amateurs on 5 MHz radiate more than 50 W ERP in any direction, so those choosing to employ gain antennas will have to "do the math" and calculate their ERP. When in doubt, think simple, not complicated. The bottom line for most hams will be to erect a wire dipole, set their transmitter to 50 W PEP output and enjoy the new band. Maxim Memorial Station Manager Joe Carcia, NC1J, says W1AW has no special plans to be on the air for the allocation's debut on July 3, but the station does expect to have 60 [sic]-meter capability within the week. For more information, see the 60[sic]-Meter FAQs posted on the ARRL Web site http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/faq.html Working Stations in the UK Amateurs in the US and the United Kingdom share one 5-MHz channel -- 5405 kHz. While it will be legal for US hams to work UK amateurs, US hams should keep in mind that UK operators are on the air specifically as part of an experiment and not for routine contacts. UK licensees must obtain a special Notice of Variance (NoV) to use the 5-MHz channels available to them--5260, 5280, 5290, 5400 and 5405 kHz -- and their access to the frequencies is temporary, ending in 2006. The RSGB's 5 MHz Working Group explains that the Radiocommunications Agency in the UK -- in cooperation with the UK military -- gave amateurs access on 5 MHz to enable propagation and equipment experiments to "assess and optimize inter-UK links rather than to provide additional spectrum for general amateur operation." As UK amateurs are being told, UK-US contacts "need to be carried out in the context of experimentation and care taken to maintain transmissions within the channels allocated to UK amateur usage, whilst operating frequency offsets, where appropriate, to receive US amateur transmissions. UK amateurs are limited to 3.0 kHz bandwidth. The RSGB 5 MHz Working Group says it neither encourages nor discourages international contacts on 5 MHz but emphasizes that -- at least for UK NoV holders -- such contacts need take place within "the context of experimentation." Starting July 29, the RSGB's GB2RS began transmitting Amateur Radio news on 5 MHz as part of the continuing propagation investigations in the UK. The news transmission at 1130 UTC are on 5405 kHz. For more information on the UK experimental activity on 5 MHz, visit the 5 MHz page on the RSGB Web site http://www.rsgb-hfc.org.uk/5mhz.htm Copyright © 2003, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved (via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. FCC ACCEPTING COMMENTS ON OCCUPIED BANDWIDTH PETITION (Jul 3, 2003) -- The FCC has put on public notice and now is accepting comments on a Petition for Rule Making from two amateurs calling on the FCC to establish SSB and AM bandwidth standards. The FCC has assigned RM-10740 to the petition, filed May 27 by Michael Lonneke, W0YR, of Round Hill, Virginia, and Melvin Ladisky, W6FDR, of Camarillo, California. Comments are due in 30 days. Referencing four Enforcement Bureau letters (one of which is included in the petition as an exhibit) sent to amateurs and alleging overly wide SSB signals (sometimes called ``Enhanced Single Sideband``), the Lonneke/Ladisky petition asks the FCC to ``remove the ambiguity`` in the Part 97 rules and establish SSB and AM transmission bandwidth standards. On HF frequencies below 28.8 MHz, it recommends a maximum 2.8 kHz bandwidth SSB (J3E) emissions and a maximum 5.6 kHz bandwidth for AM (A3E) emissions. Amateurs may read and comment on this petition via the FCC`s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). To read the petition and filed comments, click on ``Search for Filed Comments`` under ``ECFS Main Links.`` To file a comment, click on ``Submit a Filing.`` In either case, enter ``RM-10740`` in the ``Proceeding`` field. When commenting, also complete the required fields. Comments may be typed into a form or you may attach a file containing your comments. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail, per instructions on the ECFS page (ARRL via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** WESTERN SAHARA [non]. National R. of the SADR, 1945 June 1, Saharan music, 2100 Arabic ID, good on 1550 kHz (Dave Kenny, Treen Campsite, Cornwall, 150m unterminated southerly beverage, BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) ** ZAMBIA. ZNBC on reactivated 4910, booming in here, overriding the Australian, at 2030 July 1 with time check for 22:30 local (Chris Hambly, Victoria, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Ref. Zambia's reactivation of 4910: This is only being used during the evening and early morning. 5915 is still being used as Radio 1's daytime frequency. Meanwhile, Radio 2 is sticking to 6165 throughout. Strong signals here from 4910, though spoilt by KBC on 4915. Regards, (Chris Greenway, Nairobi, Kenya, July 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ZANZIBAR. Glenn, Yes, the 1800 English bulletin is definitely from the Zanzibar studios, not a relay of Dar es Salaam, which is heard with its own programmes (in Swahili) at that time (Chris Greenway, Kenya, July 2, WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Original Message From: "Joseph Strain Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 10:40 PM Subject: [HCDX] Another UNID from July 1 tape Statement and music repeats unendingly, 0042, 11670 kHz, music (violin solo) ``you are listening to a test transmission by VC Merlin communications``... ``Vincent [it`s ``VT`` for Vesper Thornycroft, which bought them out --- gh] Merlin communications a provider of broadcast radio services`` ..."www.VCPLC.com/merlin`` (this URL FAILS IN us), virtually "all fives" SINPO, probably origin from Antigua as the Ascension relay is rarely this strong. IS BBC putting up a new antenna? See URL given BELOW. Same endless loop heard on 15525 kHz at 0600-0700 UT daily during last week, BUT due of signal strength, came NOT from United Kingdom MERLIN sites. 73 wb ``please visit www.VTPLC.com/merlin [former http://www.merlincommunications.com to relink, I guess] But my URL access failed so far, this morning. Server not found (Wolfgang Bueschel, June 24, DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ RADIO HISTORY IS MADE AT WRC-03 WITH 7-MHZ REALIGNMENT COMPROMISE NEWINGTON, CT, Jul 3, 2003--There`s good news from World Radiocommunication Conference 2003 (WRC-03) for 40-meter enthusiasts. In an 11th-hour compromise, delegates to WRC-03, which wraps up officially July 4, agreed to move broadcasters out of 7100 to 7200 kHz in Regions 1 and 3 to make room for the Amateur Service. The agreement eventually will mean a 200-kHz worldwide allocation at 40 meters. Although the change does not go into effect until 2009, that`s considered speedy in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) terms. Some of the timelines proposed during discussions on the 7 MHz agenda item would have held off the changes until 2033! The WRC- 03 action on 7 MHz makes no change in the exclusive US 40-meter allocation. US amateurs will continue to enjoy the full 7000 to 7300 kHz band they now have. ``History was made today,`` said International Amateur Radio Union Secretary (and ARRL CEO) David Sumner, K1ZZ, who called the agreement a big change over the status quo. ``Never before in the history of radiocommunication has an HF broadcasting band been shifted to accommodate the needs of another service. But that`s what happened at WRC-03 this morning.`` Sumner said a ``carefully crafted compromise`` was approved on first and second reading in the WRC-03 Plenary. It calls for broadcasters to vacate 7100 to 7200 kHz by March 29, 2009, and it allocates the band to the Amateur Service from that date forward. Sumner cited ``the extraordinary efforts`` of Jan Verduijn of the Radiocommunications Agency, The Netherlands, the CEPT Coordinator for Agenda Item 1.23 -- the 7 MHz issue. ``Jan was totally committed to finding a solution, not only for radio amateurs but for broadcasters and the fixed and mobile services as well,`` Sumner said. ``This provides a worldwide amateur allocation of 200 kHz less than six years from now,`` noted Sumner, speaking on behalf of the IARU observer team headed by IARU President Larry Price, W4RA. Sumner pointed out that the compromise cuts in half the incompatibility between amateur and broadcasting use of the 7 MHz band and doubles the 40-meter spectrum available to amateurs in Regions 1 and 3. While the result falls short of the IARU`s goal of a 300-kHz worldwide exclusive band for amateurs, Sumner explained that ITU conference decisions are reached by consensus. ``Building consensus requires give and take,`` he said, ``and we didn`t have much to give.`` Sumner said the historic 7-MHz compromise ``took the cooperation of broadcasters and many, many others to enable us to bring this home for radio amateurs.`` He credited delegates and other conference participants -- not all of them radio amateurs and including some who were strongly opposed to the proposal at the start--with making the compromise possible. A number of countries -- mostly in Region 3 and the Arab States -- also have allocated 7100 to 7200 kHz by ``footnote`` to Fixed and Mobile services, shared with amateurs on a national basis. None of the countries is in Region 2. More than 2600 delegates and other participants have been attending the four-week conference, chaired by Dr Veena Rawat of Canada. For WRC-03, the IARU fielded its largest team of observers at an ITU conference in more than a decade. The Geneva International Conference Center where WRC-03 took place is adjacent to International Telecommunication Union headquarters in Geneva. ``Good ITU compromises -- and virtually every decision made here is a compromise -- are sometimes described as leaving everyone equally unhappy,`` Sumner remarked. ``Your Geneva team is tired and pretty happy.`` [this portion also via Bill Smith, W5USM, DXLD] Other Amateur Radio-Related Actions at WRC-03 WRC-03 delegates also agreed to an extensive rewrite of Article 25 of the Radio Regulations, which defines the Amateur and Amateur-Satellite services. Article 25 had included a requirement that an amateur applicant ``shall prove that he is able to send correctly by hand and to receive correctly by ear texts in Morse code signals`` but permitted administrations to waive the requirement for operation for ``stations making use exclusively of frequencies above 30 MHz.`` The reworded Article 25.5 now says, ``Administrations shall determine whether or not a person seeking a license to operate an amateur station shall demonstrate the ability to send and receive texts in Morse code signals.`` Sumner said edits to the Article 25 rewrite -- including the Morse issue -- continued right up to the proposal`s first reading in the Plenary. That included agreement upon a Canadian proposal to replace the word ``prove`` with the word ``demonstrate.`` The practical difference is that the wording change now leaves it up to radiocommunication regulatory bodies in each country to determine if they wish to require a Morse code test for amateur applicants. Some US observers predict that the revised wording of 25.5 will spark a flurry of petitions for rule making to the FCC to eliminate Element 1, the 5 WPM Morse code examination, as a requirement for HF operation. An additional Article 25 change calls on administrations to verify ``the operational and technical qualifications`` of amateur applicants, using ITU Radiocommunication Sector Recommendation M.1544 as guidance. Other revisions permit international communication on behalf of third parties only in case of emergencies and disaster relief, but it leaves up to administrations to determine the applicability of the provision to amateur stations under their jurisdiction. In addition, an administration may determine whether or not to permit those granted an amateur license by another administration to operate an amateur station while that licensee is temporarily in its territory, ``subject to such conditions or restrictions it may impose.`` A more detailed explanation of these and other Article 25 changes is included in the article ``New Regulations for the Amateur Services,`` by Michael Owen, VK3KI, a member of the IARU team at Geneva, is available on the IARU Web site http://www.iaru.org/rel030703att3.html In other Amateur Radio-related items, WRC-03 okayed revisions to Article 19 of the Radio Regulations to provide more flexibility for administrations to assign amateur call signs. Administrations will be able to assign amateur stations call signs with suffixes containing up to four characters -- the last of which would be a letter. The prefix would be the national identifier and a single numeral (the ``call district`` in some countries) specified in the Radio Regulations. For special events, the revision provides for even more than four characters for temporary use. Delegates also provided a secondary allocation for satellite-borne synthetic aperture radars (SARs) within the 70-cm band (432-438 MHz), subject to limitations designed to protect the Amateur and Amateur- Satellite services, among others. A ceremonial signing of the Final Acts of the Conference is set for the afternoon of July 4. Articles 19 and 25 take effect on July 5, 2003. In general, the other Final Acts take effect on January 1, 2005. Planning Under Way for Next WRC Planning already is under way for the next WRC, tentatively planned to be held in 2007. Two items of significance to the Amateur Service are on the WRC-07 agenda being recommended by WRC-03 to the ITU Council. The first calls for a review of ``the allocations to all services in the HF bands between 4 MHz and 10 MHz`` with a number of exclusions, including the band 7000 to 7200 kHz that WRC-03 just reviewed. Since spectrum requirements for HF broadcasting are among the factors to be taken into account, this item either could present a threat to 7200 to 7300 kHz, or it could provide an opportunity for further realignment. ``For both reasons it merits our close attention,`` Sumner said in his final report from WRC-03. ``Unfortunately, the agenda item does not include a clear `pointer` toward the desirability of trying to complete the [7 MHz] realignment.`` The second item would ``consider a secondary allocation to the Amateur Service in the frequency band 135.7-137.8 kHz.`` The low-frequency allocation is in the common table of frequency allocations used by European administrations, and Canada has been pressing for such an allocation in the international Table. Earlier this year, the FCC went along with objections from utility companies that use the band for power line carrier (PLC) communication and denied a sliver allocation at 136 kHz to amateurs. Copyright © 2003, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved (via John Norfolk, OKCOK, Mike Terry, DX LISTENING DIGEST) INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AGREES EXPANDED AIRWAVE AL[location?] By JONATHAN FOWLER, Associated Press Writer GENEVA (AP) -- Negotiators at an international conference have agreed to allocate more of the world's airwaves to wireless Internet users, U.S. and European Union officials said Wednesday. The 180-nation World Radiocommunication Conference, which sets the standards for countries' use of airwaves, decided to expand by 455 megahertz space available to wireless local area networks, or WLANs. Final approval is expected before the meeting ends Friday. The decision will be a particular boost for Wi-Fi, or wireless fidelity, a type of radio technology used for WLANs, a spokesman for the U.S. delegation to the conference told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Wi-Fi -- which is like an advanced version of a baby monitor or a cordless telephone -- lets a broadband Internet connection be shared by several computers, generally in a short range. Wi-Fi "hot spots," or cable-free access points, have sprung up in offices, cafes, airports and hotels around the world. Most governments do not require Wi-Fi and other WLAN operators to have a license, but authorities worldwide recognize that frequency guidelines are needed and should be brokered by the U.N. telecommunications agency, the International Telecommunication Union. Earlier, the U.S. delegation said in a statement that without agreement "the world's airwaves could quickly become a chaotic jumble of competing and interfering signals." Most Wi-Fi networks operate in the 2.4 gigahertz range on the world's airwaves -- or spectrum -- which is largely unregulated by governments and was not under discussion at the conference. However, the latest Wi-Fi technology uses the 5 gigahertz spectrum, which is expected to dominate in the future -- something that pushed policy-makers to discuss it, officials said. Under the deal, WLAN operators will be able to offer services in two frequency bands, 5150-5350 and 5470-5725 megahertz. WLANs in the United States currently operate in the 5150-5350 and 5725-5825 megahertz bands, while the EU allows them in the 5470-5725 megahertz band. Most EU governments restrict outdoor WLAN use -- which can be as simple as taking a laptop onto a balcony -- fearing it can interfere with radar, aircraft navigation systems and earth-sensing satellites. Under a compromise deal agreed at the conference, in exchange for expanded frequency options, countries are asked to ensure that most WLANs operate indoors. EU officials said they were happy with the agreement. More than 20 million people are expected to be using WLANs worldwide by 2007, officials from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission said. Global sales of WLAN technology are increasing fast, from US$1.1 billion in 2001 to a predicted US$5.2 billion by 2005. Because WLANs bypass traditional cables, they are seen as an ideal solution for Internet access for isolated communities and people in poor countries who have never been linked to the telephone network. U.S. officials noted that a Wi-Fi system is used by 7,600 American Indians scattered across San Diego County, California, to document and preserve their cultural and linguistic heritage. On the slopes of Mount Everest, fees paid by climbers to access a WLAN weather information and emergency service fund trash collection and pay for Internet access in several Nepalese schools. The agreement also is expected to reduce confusion for traveling wireless users because frequencies will be standard in different countries. Separately, conference participants also are expected to increase the allocation of frequencies in the 14,000-14,500 megahertz band to airlines that want to offer their passengers inflight e-mail and other Internet services. In 2002 the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certified Boeing's Connexion wireless service. The certification was the first of its kind for a broadband network linking satellite and ground networks to commercial aircraft during flight, Boeing said. On Wednesday, Scandinavian Airlines Systems said it had signed a contract with Boeing to install Connexion aboard its planes. German airline Lufthansa also signed a similar deal (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) RECEIVER NEWS +++++++++++++ GRUNDIG S350 After a few hours of using a borrowed Grundig S350 I can say I did like the receiver a lot. For the price (about $100 USA) it delivers excellent performance considering its limitations. By juggling the RF gain and BW switch you can ferret out elusive signals on both MW and SW, it does take some practice. I did find that even a relatively short antenna (60 feet) was too much and the overload / image problem got out of hand. It is a single conversion receiver and is also strictly analog with a digital display. Sensitivity is high and remains so right up through the CB band at 27 MHz. This single conversion "analog" mode does result in some slight inaccuracy in the readout but for casual DXing and SWLing it is not a factor. There is no user adjustable "zeroing" control. Separate treble and bass tone controls allow you to adjust the audio to your preference and also minimize noise response to some limited extent. The filtering is adequate and the BW switch does have some effect in reducing adjacent channel strong signals. The IF skirts are probably a bit shallow, however cost is a factor here. After all, it's not a Drake R8B! The fixed AGC is OK but could be a little faster, but that is a personal opinion and it does work fine holding signals well in check from blasting. FM reception was fine on our locals and the AFC is switchable, a big help in DXing. I did not care for the "PAL" connector on the FM antenna input but an "F" adapter is available. There are spring clips for the AM/SW antenna and ground. This receiver did not outperform my Sony ICF-S5W but then I have never found a portable yet that does. What is does do is give great value for the price and a fine addition to anyone's shack as a back-up or travel companion although at well over 4 pounds with four "D" batteries it is not light! The supplied 6 volt AC adapter creates some slight hum, barely noticeable. The radio does have a constant low level audio "hiss" which is not uncommon on many of these Chinese imports and does not detract from the general overall usefulness of the receiver. I liked it and would seriously consider buying one if I didn't have my Sony ICF-S5W. There are supposed to be two other models of higher pricing under another brand name, one for $150 and one for $200 but I have no information on them at this time. 73 and Aloha, (Chuck Boehnke, Keaau, Hawaii, June 29, IRCA via DXLD) Faint praise. Later: Thanks to all of you who commented on my somewhat casual review of the Grundig S350. There is one additional point I want to make regarding the tuning mechanism on the receiver. The 350 is single conversion and uses a "dial cord" set up to tune the variable capacitors, a step back in time. The digital readout extracts further down the line and is dependent on the dial mechanism being tight and backlash free. I do wonder how this will hold up with continual use. Also the knob tuning shaft is of the coaxial or as they call it "concentric" type whereas the outer rim of the knob is for fast tuning and the inner for fine tuning. If the shafts become misaligned or bent there could be problems in tuning. I would also question the longevity of such an arrangement. We did find some friction in the shafts and the very sparse application of a graphite lubricant did wonders in freeing the shafts up. All in all I still feel this radio is an excellent value and with care in handling should give good service for years. But, don't take it to the beach! 73 and Aloha from the Big Island, (Chuck Boehnke, Keaau, Hawaii, ibid.) NOSTALGIE RÖHRENRADIO An amusing fake valve radio spotted by Andrew Tett`s wife Carmen in a German catalogue. Andrew says ``If you look carefully, you can see that someone has gone to the trouble of making some not quite convincing ``valves`` that actually glow! I suspect that it looks less convincing in real life!``. Source: http://www.weltbild.de (David Morris, Open to Discussion, July BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD) Maybe no longer available; I spent a while searching for it at above site without success. Evidently it is a funxional radio (gh, DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ SAVE OUR SHORTWAVE FROM MASSIVE INTERFERENCE - STOP BPL/PLC Full details are here; http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2003/06/19/2/?nc=1 Comments are due on or before July 7, 2003. The FCC now is accepting electronically filed comments via its Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi In the "Proceeding" field, enter "03-104" and complete the required fields. Comments may be typed into a form or you may attach a file containing your comments. Many good comments have been filed, some you may like to review are here; (links may have line wrapped - cut and paste in two parts) IEEE comment http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514283353 North American Shortwave Association http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514282987 Ham - good overview http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514156997 Aura communications http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514282951 Amherst Alliance http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6514147416 More information on this issue can be found at: http://www.eham.net/articles/5769 (From Rob Kemp on alt.radio.broadcasting via Mike Terry, DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ FORECAST OF SOLAR AND GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY 02 - 28 JULY 2003 Solar activity is expected to range from very low to moderate levels during the period. Region 397 may develop M-class potential early in the period. Activity for the remainder of the period is expected to be very low to low. No greater than 10 MeV proton events at geosynchronous orbit are expected during the period. The greater than 2 MeV electron flux is expected to reach high levels on 02 – 03 July, 06 – 08 July, 12 – 14 July, 16 – 18 July, and again on 20 – 28 July due to recurrent coronal hole high speed streams. The geomagnetic field is expected to range from quiet to major storm levels during the period. Minor storm levels are possible on 03 - 07 July, and again on 18 – 20 July due to smaller recurrent coronal hole high speed streams. Unsettled to major storm levels are possible on 14– 16 July due to small but intense coronal hole high speed stream. A larger southern coronal hole is due to return on 23 July, and could produce major storm levels possible. :Product: 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table 27DO.txt :Issued: 2003 Jul 01 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 Jul 01 # # UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest # Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2003 Jul 02 130 15 3 2003 Jul 03 135 15 3 2003 Jul 04 140 20 4 2003 Jul 05 145 20 4 2003 Jul 06 150 25 5 2003 Jul 07 155 25 5 2003 Jul 08 155 20 4 2003 Jul 09 150 15 3 2003 Jul 10 145 12 3 2003 Jul 11 135 25 5 2003 Jul 12 130 20 4 2003 Jul 13 120 15 3 2003 Jul 14 120 40 6 2003 Jul 15 120 40 6 2003 Jul 16 115 20 4 2003 Jul 17 115 12 3 2003 Jul 18 115 20 4 2003 Jul 19 115 15 3 2003 Jul 20 115 20 4 2003 Jul 21 115 25 5 2003 Jul 22 115 20 4 2003 Jul 23 120 20 4 2003 Jul 24 125 30 5 2003 Jul 25 125 30 5 2003 Jul 26 130 25 5 2003 Jul 27 130 20 4 2003 Jul 28 130 15 3 (http://www.sec.noaa.gov/radio via WORLD OF RADIO 1189, DXLD) ARNIE CORO'S DXERS UNLIMITED'S HF PROPAGATION UPDATE AND FORECAST HF propagation conditions continue to suffer from almost permanent high speed solar wind plasma disrupting the Earth's magnetosphere. Those of you located at higher latitudes have certainly gone trough really tough times because the higher the latitude the worse the effects of the geomagnetic disturbances Sunspot number reaching 160, at the same time that the 10.7 centimeter yardstick solar flux is hovering around 130 units. According to Cuban solar expert Ángel González Coroas, there is one active sunspot group of interest, but solar activity is expected in general to start going down as the 27 day subcycle continues. Expect good local nighttime propagation in the frequency range between 10 and 16 megaHertz. Stations operating between 5 and 10 megaHertz will experience higher atmospheric noise levels, making reception more difficult. So radio amateur should enjoy nice evening contacts on 30 and 20 meters, while the 40 meter band will provide DX later in the evening. No really big solar flares are expected for the moment. Low band VHF should benefit from more sporadic E layer openings (Prof. Arnaldo Coro A., CO2KK, RHC DXers Unlimited July 1, via Bob Chandler, VE3SRE, ODXA via DXLD) CUMBRE PROPAGATION REPORT Solar wind speed was elevated early in the week due to coronal hole effects, causing geomagnetic disturbances. In fact a lot of reports on the various groups about some spectacular double hop Sporadic E propagation giving FM paths over the north Pacific and also some DX down here in Australia. Solar wind speed gradually declined about July 1; before that the geomagnetic field was at anything up to major storm levels causing major propagation difficulties. One M3 flare on Jul 2 is the only recent thing to report on that front with a fadeout over the broad Asian region. Current solar wind speed is quite low however with a negative bias, so far not badly impacting the ionosphere. This may change with a warning posted until Jul 6 for disturbed conditions, after that it is hoped things will calm until about next weekend, though quiet conditions are difficult to pick due to elevated background geomagnetic activity due to frequency of coronal hole wind streams indicative of declining phase of solar cycle. Prepared using data from http://www.ips.gov.au (Richard Jary, SA, July 3, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) What`s going on here; even non-Americans were getting ahead of the 4th of July; RN also issued its programme previews early. Around 0600 UT July 4, I found that 15 and 17 MHz (but not 21) were wide open, pretty much from all continents (gh, DXLD) NEW Es FM DX WORLD RECORD? If it is eventually verified that Paul Logan (Lisnaskea, North Ireland) actually received 97.5 MHz WFRY, Watertown, New York, USA, a new world record for FM via Es has been achieved. The great circle distance from Lisnaskea, North Ireland to Watertown, New York, USA is 3,050 miles (4,912 km). This beats the current Es world record by 110 miles. Watertown Lat 43 59' N Long 76 1' W Lisnaskea Lat 54 15' N Long 7 27 W Lisnaskea, N. Ireland to Watertown, NY, USA 3,050 miles (4,912 km). Lisnaskea, N. Ireland to Maine, USA: 2732 miles (4400 km). http://www.froggy97.com/ 73, (Todd Emslie, Sydney, Australia, WTFDA via DXLD) The numerous reports of stations as far away as Puerto Rico, from southern Brasil appear to exceed 3000 miles, but are not Es (gh, DXLD) Hi all, just received this from WFRY: ``Hi Paul, We are just a bit excited here --- that is definitely our station. We recognize two of our announcers, our voice guy, plus our "Froggy" identifier. We'll be glad to confirm this however you need us to. Thanks! Michael Ring, CE`` As you can all imagine, I am pleased as punch! Distance from Lisnaskea, N. Ireland to Watertown NY is 3049 miles! Now if only WALK could get in contact --- it looks very very likely there was the other signal on 97.5 caught on the brief tape with the reference to the Hamptons. Nothing forthcoming yet, but if something does come back that crazy number will rise to 3071 miles! I can`t begin to thank all those who listened to the recording and made identification of this signal much easier. Give yourselves a collective pat on the back. Regards for now --- and here`s hoping for more, (Paul Logan, Lisnaskea, N. Ireland. July 2, Location: 54 15 N, 7 27 W in IO64GF, WTFDA via DXLD) Low VHF Skip and Scanner page http://www.geocities.com/yogi540 ###