DX LISTENING DIGEST 3-138, August 3, 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/dxldtd3h.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 NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1193: RFPI: Mon 0030, 0630, 1230, Tue 1900, Wed 0100, 0730, 1330 on 7445, and maybe new experimental 15115 ex-15039 [nominal times] WBCQ: Mon 0445 [or 0415?] 7415 WWCR: Wed 0930 9475 WRN ONDEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]: Check http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html [Low] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1193.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1193.ram [High] (Download) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1193h.rm (Stream) http://www.k4cc.net/wor1193h.ram (Summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1193.html WORLD OF RADIO WATCH: WRMI: classical music fill again heard at 1823 check Sat Aug 2 on 15725. Sunday Aug 3 at 1801 check, 15725 inaudible, but IBC Radio webcast had WOR already in progress, and ending at 1803, so must have started about 1734! But after IBC commercials, WOR 1193 restarted at 1807. I guess the previous run replaced Dan Roberts` SW Report. WINB: confirmed OK UT Sun (not Sat as I once showed) 0030+ on 12160. RFPI: WOR missing both at 0530 and 0600 UT Sun on 7445. 15115 nor any other 19m frequency has returned since the Thu-Fri test. WJIE: carrier detectable on 13595, in the 1630 semihour Sun Aug 3, but no modulation. If there were it would no doubt have been WOR 1179 from 14 weeks ago. ** ALASKA. Esquema de la KNLS, The New Life Station, vigente desde el 27/07/2003 al 31/08/2003: HORA UT KHZ IDIOMA 0800-0900 11765 Ingles 0900-1000 11765 Ruso 1000-1100 11765 Mandarin 1100-1200 9615 Ruso 1200-1300 11765 Mandarin 1300-1400 11870 Ingles 1400-1500 11870 Mandarin 1500-1600 9615 Mandarin 1600-1700 9615 Mandarin 1700-1800 9615 Ruso QTH: KNLS, P.O. Box 473, Anchor Point, AK 99556, USA. Web: http://www.knls.org (Marcelo A. Cornachioni, Argentina, Conexión Digital Aug 2 via DXLD) ** ALASKA. 136 KHZ BEACON IN ALASKA Laurence Howell, KL1X - formerly GM4DMA - in Anchorage, Alaska, has started a 136 kHz-band beacon. WD2XDW, located in BP41XD, became operational on the 28th of July. This experimental licence allows very slow - or QRSS - Morse beacon transmissions of up to 2 watts ERP. At present the transmit carrier frequency is 137.77389 kHz and on low power, testing into a 32-metre vertical with top capacitive loading and an earth system covering a number of acres. The beacon is being used for propagation experimentation within the US, and transpolar propagation to Europe on paths over the high Arctic. As the aerial is very short relative to the wavelength the output power into the aerial will be around 300 watts, but even so the ERP is likely to be less than 1 watt (Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS News Script for August 3, 2003 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** ANGUILLA. Hi Glenn, Radio Anguilla now has streaming audio; see http://www.radioaxa.com which also has a detailed program schedule (Kevin Kelly, Arlington, Massachusetts, USA, PublicRadioFan.com http://www.publicradiofan.com/ August 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** AUSTRALIA. Large carrier on 4765: see UNIDENTIFIED ** AUSTRALIA. HCJB Australia is using 15420 Urdu 0100-0130, English 0130-0330 again. 1700-1730 Urdu 15405 a bad frequency splattered by VOA Net B 15405 (Victor A. Goonetilleke, 4S7VK "Shangri-La," 298 Madapatha Road, Kolamunne, Piliyandala. Sri Lanka, Aug 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. 6090, 0203-0232, Aug 2. R. Bandeirantes, male announcer in Portuguese with long talks. Finally at toh, 4 time pips, then to a football ad which was interesting. Rapid talk which I think was part of the ID. Usually this frequency is occupied by University Network but off tonite. Lucky find. S 6 level but rapid frequent fades (Bob Montgomery, PA, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** CANADA. CJRS were the historic calls of 1510 in Sherbrooke, QC, which has been dark for several years (but the 1510 in Boston still has to protect its pattern). This new "CJRS" seems to be web only, per some discussion on the Boston Radio Interest Group mailing list (Kevin Kelly, publicradiofan.com DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. PUBLIC RADIO GAINED MORE LISTENERS BETWEEN 1998 AND 2002, SAYS STATSCAN --- Canadian Press, Thursday, July 31, 2003 OTTAWA (CP) - Public radio - CBC English and French - rose to third place among listeners by the fall of 2002 from sixth place five years earlier, Statistics Canada says. Its attraction increased with the age and higher education. "English- and French-language Canadian Broadcasting Corp. stations rose from 9.5 per cent of audience share in 1998 to nearly 11 per cent in 2002, taking third place overall," the agency reported Thursday. "This spot was the longtime domain of country music, until it was pushed out by talk radio in 2001." The CBC also attracted more young and older listeners, although teenagers' share of listening time remained low, increasing to two per cent in 2002 from 1.5 per cent in 1998. "An aging population and an increasing number of people with a postsecondary education are among the reasons for public radio's gain in listeners," Statistics Canada said. "Its popularity increases by age group, reaching 22.1 per cent of listening time among men aged 65 and older, and 23.5 per cent among women of the same age. Attraction to public radio also increases with level of education." The agency recommended that its data be interpreted with caution. "The results . . . are based on a survey of 82,344 Canadians aged 12 and older. The data on listening cover seven specific days and were collected using a log-type questionnaire over an eight-week period from Sept. 2 to Oct. 27, 2002. While the return rate, at 44.4 per cent, is modest by Statistics Canada standards, it is in line with Canadian and international broadcasting industry practice for audience measurement." The survey also found that: - CBC audience share grew in all provinces except Prince Edward Island, where it declined, and Newfoundland and Labrador and Saskatchewan, where it remained fairly steady during the survey period. - Country music lost more than a quarter of the market share it had in 1998, falling to 9.5 per cent of total listening from 13 per cent, a decline observed in every province, although to differing degrees. - P.E.I. residents continued to make country music their No. 1 choice. -U.S. stations accounted for three per cent of Canadians' total listening in 2002, the same proportion as in 1998. -Stations offering a music format captured the lion's share of total listening, at 70 per cent. -In the fall of 2002, Canadians spent an average 20.2 hours a week listening to radio, a figure which had not changed in five years. -The adult contemporary format, with 25 per cent of total listening share, continued to rank first, but the gap between that format and the No. 2 gold-oldies-rock at 18.3 per cent narrowed during the five years covered by the survey. (c) Copyright 2003 The Canadian Press (Via Harry van Vugt, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Mike Cooper, DXLD) PUBLIC RADIO SEES BOOST IN LISTENERS --- by ALLISON DUNFIELD Globe and Mail Update POSTED AT 12:44 PM EDT Thursday, Jul 31, 2003 CBC radio has a reason to gloat over the naysayers who say public broadcasting has had its day. A Statistics Canada report released Thursday shows the number of listeners who tuned into both French and English CBC radio stations has steadily increased over the past five years. By fall of 2002, CBC radio stations rose to third place among Canadians' radio listening choices, up from sixth place five years earlier. The public broadcaster took over the third-place position from country radio stations and more recently, talk radio, which pushed country out of the third place spot in 2001. "English- and French-language Canadian Broadcasting Corp. stations rose from 9.5 per cent of audience share in 1998 to nearly 11 per cent in 2002, taking third-place overall," the agency said. CBC radio's audience share rose in every province except Prince Edward Island, where it declined. Its audience share remained steady in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Saskatchewan. CBC still remains more popular with older listeners than younger ones, although it did attract slightly more teenage listeners in 2002. The number of teenagers tuning in increased to 2 per cent in 2002 from 1.5 per cent in 1998. But Statistics Canada said the main reason for the boost in listening was an older, better-educated population. "An aging population and an increasing number of people with a postsecondary education are among the reasons for public radio's gain in listeners," Statistics Canada said. "Its popularity increases by age group, reaching 22.1 per cent of listening time among men aged 65 and older, and 23.5 per cent among women of the same age. Attraction to public radio also increases with level of education." The most popular radio stations in 2002 remained adult contemporary, which has been tops since 1998, followed by golden oldies stations and CBC radio. Rounding out the list was talk radio in fourth place, country in fifth and contemporary in sixth. Statistics Canada based the data on a questionnaire survey of the listening habits over eight weeks of slightly more than 82,000 Canadians ages12 and older. It was conducted between Sept. 2 and Oct. 27, 2002. The agency warns that the return rate of the data was 44.4 per cent, but it said that figure is in line with other international and Canadian audience measurement surveys. The survey also found that: Country music lost more than one-quarter of the market share it had in 1998, falling to 9.5 per cent of total listening from 13 per cent, a decline observed in every province, although to differing degrees. PEI residents continued to make country music their No. 1 choice. U.S. stations accounted for 3 per cent of Canadians' total listening in 2002, the same proportion as in 1998. Stations offering a music format captured the lion's share of total listening, at 70 per cent. In the fall of 2002, Canadians spent an average 20.2 hours a week listening to radio, a figure that had not changed in five years. The adult contemporary format, with 25 per cent of total listening share, continued to rank first, but the gap between that format and the No. 2 gold-oldies-rock at 18.3 per cent narrowed during the five years covered by the survey. With reports from Canadian Press (Globe & Mail July 31 via Bill Westenhaver, Gerald T. Pollard, Mike Cooper, DXLD) Here`s the study referred to in the Globe and Mail piece I sent you earlier: THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2003 RADIO LISTENING FALL 2002 Access the full text and charts of this article at: http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/030731/d030731a.htm 73- (Bill Westenhaver, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. SATIRICAL PIECE UPSETS FIRST NATIONS WRITERS Sheri Block, The Leader-Post, Saturday, July 26, 2003 A group of First Nations writers are launching a human rights complaint against CBC Radio over a satirical piece they believe portrayed aboriginal poet Pauline Johnson in an offensive manner. . . http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=8544abb3-b339-4dea-a723-78d5f49d310c (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** CONGO DR. Escuchada Radio Okapi por la frecuencia de 6030 kHz el dia 26-7-2003 a las 2250 Horas UT, en el momento de la escucha emitiendo música pop Africana, muchas identificaciones. El formato escuchado de esta emisora es como una emisora de FM, buena escucha de esta emisora en el Sureste de España. Estaban emitiendo en lengua local (José Hernandez Madrid, España, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** DENMARK. AMATEURS IN DENMARK GET 70 MHZ Stewart Cooper, GM4AFF, reports that radio amateurs in Denmark have recently been given permission to operate on the 70 MHz band. Quoting Bo, OZ2M, three frequencies are available: 70.025, 70.050 and 70.100 MHz, and individual applications have to be filed for the relevant frequencies. The maximum power is 25 watts, but there are no other restrictions: that is, 70 MHz is available to all licence classes in Denmark, all modes may be used and any antenna at any height from any location. Darrell Mawhinney, GI4KSO, is claiming what is probably the first GI to OZ contact on 4 metres, when he worked OZ3ZW on 70.100 MHz SSB at 0955 UTC on the 22nd of July. He also reports reception of the beacon OZ7IGY on 70.021 MHz on the same day. Derek, G8TOK, reports that S53X worked OY9JD in the Faeroe Islands on 4 metres on the 19th of July, so the permission obviously extends to Danish overseas territories including, presumably, also Greenland (Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS News Script for August 3, 2003 via John Norfolk, DXLD) As of the 19th of July 2003, Denmark (OZ) became the latest country to gain access to the 4 Metre / 70 MHz band. They have been allocated the 3 spot frequencies of 70.025, 70.050 and 70.100 MHz. The only mode allowed is CW. Outside of the UK and Ireland, Denmark is only the second European country to have issued 4 metre licences. Slovenia (S5) issued their 4 metre licences back in 1998. On the 21st of July, John Desmond, EI7GL worked OZ3ZW for the first EI to OZ QSO on 4 metres. EI7GL operated spilt by transmitting on 70.200 MHz and listening to OZ3ZW on 70.100 MHz. (irts via Wireless Institute of Australia Queensland Q-News script for August 3, 2003 via John Norfolk, DXLD) RGSG says all modes are allowed; WIA says CW only. Which is it? (John Norfolk, DXLD) ** ECUADOR. A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF A HCJB ENGINEER'S LIFE AND FAMILY Phillips [Wisconsin] grad and family live in Ecuador -- Renee Lind Zook is wife of short-wave mission radio transmitter engineer Cathy Peterson, THE-BEE, Last Updated: Thursday, July 31st, 2003 From [illustrated]: http://www.phillipswi.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=3&story_id=148011&refer_url= A 1986 graduate of Phillips High School, Renee Lind Zook, her husband Tim, and their three sons are happy to be back in the United States for a few months. They have been living in Pilo [sic], a city in north central Ecuador for five years. "Pilo [sic] supposedly has a population of 20,000 but it doesn't really seem to be that big," Renee said. She said the weather is perfect, "like spring all year," in the Andes Mountains of South America where they are located. She has noticed some changes in the weather patterns however, and said the lack of expected rain the past few years has affected the crops grown by farmers in the region. Tim is a transmitter engineer for HCJB World Radio. The short-wave radio network he works with has 13 transmitters and 32 antennae. "For a while, I helped at the radio station and taught a Kid's Club class," Renee said. Now that the boys are older, I am busy being a full-time mom." The Zooks live with several other families in a compound located nearby. Tim is home most evenings, but may be gone overnight when working at other sites or helping with other broadcasts. Before moving to Ecuador, the Zooks lived in Alaska. Renee had been traveled with a mission group for a year following her high school graduation, then went to Alaska to work at a mission radio station. "That's how I met Tim, who grew up in Kansas," she said. "We were married in Phillips in 1989, but returned to Alaska to live." In 1996, the couple and their three sons, Jeffrey, Joshua and Jordan, came back to Phillips for a few months to raise money for their support while they attended language school in Texas. In May 1998, after completing a year of intensive training to learn Spanish, the family moved to Ecuador. "The call letters of our station, HCJB, stand for Heralding Christ Jesus' Blessings in English and have a similar meaning in Spanish," said Tim. "Our short wave broadcasts can be heard in both South and North America since most of our transmitters are 100 kilowatt and we have one that is 500 kilowatts." He said the station, based in Quito, which is about 45 miles from Pilo [sic], also has seven AM/FM radio sites that carry Spanish language broadcasts. Short wave programs are offered in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German and numerous native dialects and people proficient in these languages speak from studios in several locations. "The main programs are religious ones and many are translations of those broadcast on Christian radio stations in the United States," Tim said. "There is a lot of complicated, coordinated computerized technology that makes the broadcasting work." According to Renee, the ability to speak and understand Spanish helped them to be well accepted in the community. Because of their light skin, she said, people thought the Zooks must be wealthy. "Going back for centuries, it has been ingrained in people that the lighter one's skin color, the higher their class," she said. "There are some very wealthy people in the country but the majority are quite poor." She said many of the native people specialize in a specific skill or trade, like making leather goods, tapestries, jewelry, wood crafts or even making taffy. These items are sold at places where tourists are likely to visit. "Most people live in very crowded conditions and public services leave a lot to be desired," Renee said. "Many private homes do not have plumbing facilities and people who use public toilets have to pay for a sheet of tissue or bring their own." Ecuador's overall economy is very poor, in spite of the nation having its own oil wells with fuel prices about the same per gallon as they are in the United States. Although government officials are elected, many are corrupt, coups are common and numerous residents migrate to other countries. "New York City is said to have the third largest population of Ecuadorians of all the cities in the world," Tim said. "It is estimated that more than 150 of them were killed in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center." The economic situation since then has affected their missionary outreach efforts, too, he said. Due to the reduction in donations, they have reduced the number of people working at the stations and eliminated their sports reporting. When the Zooks moved to Equator, they planned to return to the Phillips area every three years. When their sons were younger and being home-schooled, that plan worked well. However, their next visit home will probably be shorter and take place in two years. Since the boys will be missing classes this fall while the family is visiting in the States, Renee will be home-schooling them until the family returns to Ecuador. "Last year, the boys attended a missionary academy in Quito which has about the same schedule as schools here at home," she said. "The 45 mile trips twice a day were possible because we were able to car pool with other parents. However, driving was a whole new experience." There are few rules of the road, the couple said, except that vehicles must stop before entering a traffic circle. Even then, they noted, motorists in Ecuador's capital city tend to use their horns instead of their brakes to determine who goes first. The Zooks will be staying in the Phillips area for several more weeks, then travel extensively to visit family members, relatives, friends and others who have provided assistance with their missionary endeavors. "Almost all of our support comes from people who know us or about us and believe in what we are doing," Tim said. "We will be speaking at the First Baptist Church in Phillips Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. and the First Baptist Church in Prentice on Aug. 17." They will also speak at the Spirit Baptist Church November 23 and spend Thanksgiving with Renee's family before going to Colorado for Christmas with Tim's relatives. The Zooks plan to return briefly to the Phillips area before returning to Ecuador in January (via Ulis R. Fleming, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** ECUADOR\PERU. Amigos Dxistas Henrik Klemetz y Otros en la lista! Siempre he sostenido que lo más apasionante para un Dxista devoto es buscar la clave de una radiodifusora no identificada. Henrik por otra parte siempre ha trabajado con el concepto ``nunca deja una estación huérfana solita en la calle``. Bueno, es fascinante que hayan tantos lados de nuestro pasatiempo maravilloso. La historia comenzó el 20 de Mayo el año presente cuando tuve una estación andina desconocida en 1610.10 kHz. Temprano en la noche programación religiosa y después a las 7/8 música del tipo cumbia y ``rocolera`` ecuatoriana a veces interrumpida por comerciales por empresas en la ciudad de Cuenca. El 26 del Mayo la identifiqué como ``La Voz del Portete``, Cuenca (Ecuador). Cuando estuve en punto de enviar la información a ARC/SWB Suecia llegó un email desde Suecia y Hasse Mattisson/SWB que me informó sobre una estación andina no identificada en 1610.10 kHz! Supusimos Hasse y yo que haya sido la misma estación pero Hasse me mandó una grabación y comprendí directamente que era otra estación probablemente del Perú. Controlé la frecuencia de nuevo y un poco más tarde grabé ``Radio Radio Radio Sabor...``. ``La huérfana`` ahora tuvo un nombre pero todavía faltaba darla un hogar, un QTH. Los dos DXistas peruanos Alfredo Canote y Cesar Pérez Dioses colocaron Radio Sabor en la localidad de ``Paucarpata`` decididamente y sin duda. Alfredo y Cesar correctamente pusieron Radio Sabor en la provincia de Arequipa. Pero, Sabor no tiene su QTH en Paucarpata. Después mucho trabajo me informa Henrik Klemetz que Radio Sabor no está ubicada en Paucarpata sino en el núcleo de la ciudad de Arequipa! Pueden recibir más detalles sobre la estación directamente de Henrik. Gracias Henrik Alfredo y Cesar ahora podemos dejar 1610.10 kHz y dormir mejor! 73s de (Bjorn Malm, ARC SWB América Latina, Quito, Ecuador, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ERITREA. ERITREA REJECTS VOA EDITORIAL ON STRINGER AS "BASELESS ALLEGATION, FABRICATION" | Text of statement issued by Eritrean embassy in Washington DC, published in English by Eritrean ruling PFDJ party's Shaebia web site on 31 July The embassy of the State of Eritrea presents its compliments to the Voice Of America and has the honour to inform the latter that the embassy of the State of Eritrea categorically rejects the baseless allegation and fabrications aired on the VOA's editorial of 25 July 2003. It is true, like all Eritreans, Mr Aklilu Solomon [VOA correspondent in Eritrea] has completed the regular 18-month national service programme. However, when in 1998, the minority regime in Ethiopia invaded Eritrea, every able-bodied Eritrean was recalled and mobilized to defend the sovereignty of the nation, regardless of records of completion of national service obligations. Utilizing deception and other methods, Mr Aklilu has been ignoring and dodging his national obligations until he was caught not too long ago. Currently, Mr Aklilu is not detained in the military camp, but is performing his national obligations. The embassy of the State of Eritrea avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Voice Of America the assurances of its highest considerations. [Signed by] Embassy of the State of Eritrea, Washington, DC. Source: Shaebia web site, Asmara, in English 31 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) Well, why don`t they allow Mr Solomon at least to communicate directly with VOA to explain his situation? (gh, DXLD) ** GUINEA-BISSAU. RTP AFRICA BROADCASTS TO RESUME PENDING "LOGISTICAL ISSUES" | Text of report by Portuguese TV for Africa on 30 July RTP Africa in Bissau may resume broadcasts any moment. Politically, all problems have been overcome and now remains logistical issues for RTP. The minister of the Presidency, Nuno Morais Sarmento, made this announcement today after meeting with Guinea-Bissau's media minister. [RTP reporter Carla Adao] RTP Africa in Guinea-Bissau will soon resume its broadcasts. Guinea-Bissau media minister and Portuguese minister of the Presidency today met for nearly two hours to discuss this issue. After the meeting they said the channels should be opened immediately. [Guinea-Bissau Media Minister Juliano Fernandes] The reopening or the connection to RTP Africa and other transmissions from Bissau should happen as soon as possible. If this could happen today, it would be welcome news. [Sarmento] We are looking at the possibilities and this is a decision that only RTP is able to take to see whether or not it will be possible for an RTP technician to follow the minister on his return to Guinea-Bissau tomorrow. It is now a logistical issue to guarantee the delegation's immediate opening, thus it is just a logistical issue to know whether or not we have the conditions to send a technician tomorrow to follow the minister's return, thus an immediate resumption of the normal operation of the RTP delegation will be done with much pleasure. [Adao] Having overcome the political disagreement that led to the station's closure in November and consequent suspension of journalist activities in the country, both ministers are now seeking projects to reactivate the media in Guinea-Bissau. Morais Sarmento announced he would advance the CPLP assistance programme for Guinea-Bissau. [Sarmento] Regarding other media bodies in Guinea-Bissau during this time frame leading to the October elections, we were asked if in addition to RTP, RDP Africa coverage, we could also offer technical assistance to the media agencies in Guinea-Bissau. We responded positively and this agreement must now be discussed with RTP, RDP and Lusa to avail the technical means that will otherwise just remain an intention. [Adao] The relation between the coming elections and freedom of the press is one of the new media minister's concerns. Juliano Fernandes recently appointed in this position believes this understanding with the Portuguese government is a guarantee that RTP Africa will not be closed down again. Source: RTP Internacional TV, Lisbon, in Portuguese 0430 gmt 30 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) What are they actually talking about? Radio and TV from Lisbon via GB FM and TV transmitters? Satellite? Shortwave? It`s amazing how RTP can go on and on and never make this clear (gh, DXLD) PORTUGUESE TV'S OFFICE IN GUINEA-BISSAU REOPENS | Text of report by Portuguese TV on 1 August [Presenter] RTP [Portuguese state TV] has resumed its work in Guinea- Bissau today. The offices were closed in November 2002, following an order from the then secretary of state for the media. He alleged that reports filed by RTP-Africa about Guinea-Bissau called into question the country's and President Kumba Yala's credibility and image abroad. The problems have since been resolved and eight months later RTP' delegation has resumed its work and journalists are already out reporting. Source: RTP Internacional TV, Lisbon, in Portuguese 1200 gmt 1 Aug 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** ICELAND. I'm hearing AFN from Iceland on 13855 USB at 1105, \\ with 6350 USB out of Hawaii. Not much of a signal, but audible. So they are still there, at least for the time being. August 3, 2003 (Steve Lare, Holland, MI, DX LISTENING DIGST) ** INDIA. AIR`S PRIMARY CHANNEL RULES THE WAVES Tanvir Siddiqui Ahmedabad, July 31: The primary channel of the All India Radio (AIR) has earned more revenue than Vividh Bharati during the year 2002-03. This is contrary to popular belief that Vividh Bharati being the Commercial Broadcasting Service (CBS) of Prasar Bharati, is the major revenue earner. According to the Central Sales Unit (CSU) of Prasar Bharati, CBS has earned only Rs 42 crore, 40 per cent of total revenue of the AIR. The remaining 60 per cent has earned by the primary channel. The earning in Gujarat region, which has FM channels in four cities, three high power transmitters and three local radio stations, was around Rs 4.5 crore. Sadhana Bhatt, station director CBS here, admits that the share of CBS was Rs 2 crore while that of primary channel was more than Rs 2.50 crore. This is remarkable considering the fact that primary channel’s main task is to produce quality programmes for medium wave coverage, keeping in mind the needs of rural and semi-urban audience. But why was CBS left behind? ``We don`t have any team that go into the field and do marketing for us... all marketing, or whatever you may call it, is done from this office on phone,’’ said Bhatt. But she asserts that the revenue generation even on the CBS (except on FM metro channels) is linked to products advertised catering to common man instead of high end products meant for the élite. Primary channel is being popularised without venturing out of the set format of programmes which is commendable, according to Bhatt. A new programme being launched from next month drives home the point. Under the programme `Lok Samasya ni Sansad` (parliament of people`s problems) the station director will invite public to write to them about their grievances against government departments and they will be aired on the primary channel with possible solutions. ``Such live contact with our audiences is lacking in commercial broadcasting services and this is perhaps why primary channel develops instant rapport with people who serve as a reliable client base for advertisers and sponsors,`` said Manubhai Jani, AIR station director of primary channel. He admits that screening of commissioned programmes, contractual formalities of sponsorship and billing, etc., are taken care of by the CBS. In-house programmes are the forte of primary channel which covers a wide variety compared to commercial channel. One reason for better acceptability of primary channel over the CBS is that programmes of the former are need-based while the latter has no other utility than entertainment or film music. ``We can perform still better,``’ says Jani referring to higher revenue, ``if we get a separate marketing set up parallel to CBS or at least CBS strengthened with more marketing staff.`` (Indian Express - 1 Aug 2003 via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, DXLD) ** INDIA. AIR TO LAUNCH EIGHTH CHANNEL TO MARK ANNIVERSARY Wednesday, 30 July , 2003, 23:31 New Delhi: All India Radio's Broadcasting House in the capital, which entered its 60th year, will get an anniversary gift in the form of an eighth channel that will broadcast programmes in 15 languages. Announcing this at the launch of the diamond jubilee celebrations of the heritage building that began functioning 60 years back broadcasting programmes for a few hours on just one channel, Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma said the new channel, named `Bhasha Bharati, will go on air on November 12, the `Lok Prasaran Divas. The channel, which will be the Broadcasting Houses eighth channel, will broadcast programmes in 15 languages, seven hours a day, Sarma said. A commemorative book `Sakshi, which comprises photographs and write- ups chronicling the 60-year-long history of the building, was released on the occasion by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ravishankar Prasad. Releasing the book, Prasad said the Broadcasting House was more of a `sahyatri (fellow traveller) than a `Sakhshi because its 60-year-long history is also the history of the country`s progress. He said the public broadcaster faces new challenges in this age of globalisation. "The public broadcaster has to bridge the digital divide and take information to all, with 74 per cent of the rural population relying on radio for information." Artistes belonging to the All India Radio, including its `vadya vrind orchestra and popular thumri singer Sharda Sinha performed on the occasion (source? via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, Aug 3, DXLD) ** INDIA [and non]. Re `Hamstrung`, 3-137: Speaking with VU2RBI, Ms. Bharathi of the National Institute of Amateur Radio NIAR, I understand the article also appeared in the Hindustan Times of the 1st August? Going through the article I wonder whether one gets the idea that Ham Radio just opens up the world just like that! Unfortunately not really so in practice. Some people would get the wrong idea that it is a way to circumvent the telephone service and a cheap way of getting information. This is very wrong and is not what Ham Radio is all about. On the other hand, today, it is much easier and more reliable to get on the Internet and get your information. Certainly, one can make friends with people via ham radio and they could help you obtain information. Ham Radio is really an experimenters` laboratory. It gives legal status to an electronics experimenter to build and operate a transmitter, to use it to experiment with radio waves, circuits, audio processors and so much more. Having been an active radio ham since 1983, working all bands including CW (Morse), what I like most about it is that one gets to meet people over the years from various countries and cultures WHO SHARE THE SAME INTEREST. In that respect there is an instant bonding of two people. I have had many ham friends visiting me and staying with me over the years, just as much as I have on visits abroad. As a shortwave radio listener and avid BC Dxer what thrilled me most was the ability to transmit having been a listener for many long years. I have been able to use my knowledge of propagation gathered as a BCDXer to beam signals and contact people all over the world. It has also opened ways to experiment with radio waves, including bouncing signals off zones covered by solar eclipses and make contacts at times not possible otherwise. Make antennas and really test them. It gives a ham really great satisfaction of establishing contacts with people all over the world using his home brew transmitter. However, today technical standards are so high and technology has advanced so much that it is not possible to enjoy all branches of ham radio with home brew equipment. Anyway without digressing too much from the topic, what I want to say is that we must neither give nor get the wrong idea about amateur radio in our enthusiasm to propagate it. I would tell any BC DXer to study up for a ham licence and get it and enjoy both hobbies. The knowledge one gathers from one can supplement the other (Victor Goonetilleke, Sri Lanka, dx_india via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL INTERNET. In addition to satellite broadcasts, websites are also blocked as they attempt to cross national boundaries. Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA) introduced legislation to create a new bureaucracy, the Office of Global Internet Freedom. Details at http://www.businessweek.com/technology/cnet/stories/1026690.htm This topic has also been addressed by the World Press Freedom Committee at its Internet Press Freedom Conference held in June in New York. A report from that conference is at http://www.wpfc.org/index.jsp?page=Internet%20Press%20Freedom%20Conference (Kim Elliott, Net Notes, Aug NASWA Journal via DXLD) ** IRAQ. GET MEDIA-WISE IN IRAQ 7/31/2003 By TRUDY RUBIN Here's a suggestion for saving American lives in Baghdad: soap opera. I'm not joking. One of the most inexplicable and dangerous failings of U.S. occupation authorities is their failure to communicate with the people. Ordinary Iraqis don't know who's in charge or what U.S. officials are doing. This breeds suspicion and hostility along with false and vicious rumors about the actions of American troops. Just last week, an anti-American mob of 10,000 gathered in Najaf on the basis of a rumor that Americans had arrested a prominent cleric. The rumor wasn't true, just like popular rumors that U.S. troops look through women's clothes with night-vision goggles. So you might think the Coalition Provisional Authority would be seeking new ways to get its message out. You might think the CPA would be brainstorming with Iraqis about creative TV programming. You might think that - but you would be wrong. The Iraqi Media Network - the CPA-funded operation that dominates domestic broadcasting - is dull and repetitious, with little original programming and limited news programs. Iraqis are far more likely to tune in to foreign TV channels, like those of Iran, which has 24-hour news programs that blast U.S. occupation. Or a Lebanese network run by Hezbollah, a group labeled as terrorist by the U.S. government. Iraqis with the money buy satellite dishes that bombard them with Arab channels like Al-Jazeera, with its endless anti-American talk shows. Since most Iraqis are currently jobless, they sit at home listening to a diet of anti-American news programs. Meantime, the CPA shows little sign that it knows how to overcome its isolation from Iraqis. The Pentagon has yet to put enough money or staff into coalition television to produce original programming or expand its meager news shows. This isn't a problem that can wait. U.S. officials must have a means to get the facts out. They must have the means to keep Iraqis informed about plans to move toward elections - and end the occupation. They must give the new Iraqi interim government - which is supposed to be the first step toward elections - a way to publicize efforts to draft a new Iraqi constitution and set up a new judicial system. There are plenty of good suggestions about how to do this, if the CPA is finally ready to finance a serious Iraqi media operation. No signs yet that it is. "Radio and television programming are the most critical means to getting the message out," said a new report by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, which just assessed U.S. reconstruction efforts. The report prescribes a massive effort to establish more local TV stations and to set up a national "headline news"-type program. Frederick Barton of the CSIS also suggests that coalition TV set up a crime watch show so that Iraqis can phone in tips about looters and share information. All-day news shows on radio and TV could combat Iranian misinformation. Several Iraqi friends say that TV or radio talk shows would give Iraqis a chance to air their grievances. Why not have a fresh-faced Iraqi TV host haul in Coalition Provisional Authority and Iraqi officials to be questioned by callers, so they could feel a personal connection with their interim rulers? As the CSIS report noted: "Without seeing or hearing (CPA head Paul) Bremer and others, disinformation will continue to prevail over truth." But my favorite suggestion comes from Timothy Carney, a former U.S. diplomat who just spent spent three months with the CPA in Baghdad. He thinks one way "to capture Iraqi popular interest would be a soap opera with a select few characters." Imagine a show, with fine Iraqi actors (there is a theater tradition in Baghdad) who dramatized Iraqis' suffering under Saddam, and their struggles to cope with the new situation. Through soap operas, Iraqis could see actors resolve their problems, could feel they weren't alone, could even watch as CPA officials did (or didn't) do things right. There might even be a U.S. soldier-hero - like some of the young officers I met who are building schools or setting up new city councils. And in between the soap segments, bulletins could keep Iraqis apprised of real news (The Philadelphia Inquirer Aug 1 via Fred Waterer, DXLD) ** IRAQ. Steve, OM3JW, informs OPDX that his son Mike, OM2DX, has obtained from the Iraqi PTT (thanks to Fred Matos, W3ICM) his personal callsign YI/OM2DX and the special callsign YI2X only for contests. He will be active for the next three years from the Slovak Embassy in Baghdad. Mike has with him two transceivers: TS-850SAT and IC-706. Also, a power amplifier, L4B, is on the way to Baghdad. He is currently only using 100 watts and a FD4 antenna. Mike has also erected a 20m high vertical for 80 and 160 meters and a 8 element LP for 20-10 meters. He will be active on CW/SSB/RTTY/PSK31 on 160-6 meters. He was heard over the past week on 40/30/17 meters CW between 1345-1800z. QSL for both callsigns (also his activity as YI1BGD) is via his father OM3JW (KB8NW/OPDX August 3/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** IRAQ. Plenty of activity from here over the last week. Willie, YI/KV4EB, provided some SSB QSOs on 17 meters and some SSTV pictures on 20/15 meters. Activity is on at various times. QSL via K0JN. Operator Abel, YI/KC0LEK, near Baghdad was active mainly on 15 meters SSB (between 21250-21302 kHz), again at various times. Also, active was YI/AD8DY, YI/NG5L, YI/SM7WZA, YI1EM and YI1BGD (KB8NW/OPDX August 3/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** ISRAEL. Voice of Peace / Arutz Hatchelet The previous issue of the Jerusalem Report had an article about "Arutz Hatchelet" - a relatively new (1 year old) "Jewish" cable TV channel in Israel. http://www.techelet.co.il/ Unfortunately, the article isn't available on-line. A friend of mine explained it to me as similar to a Jewish version of the U.S. Pax Network. That is, it's not a channel which broadcasts religious classes all day (although they do broadcast some of those too). Most of the time, they broadcast TV shows with Jewish values. http://www.techelet.co.il/aboutEn.asp "At Ha'Techelet channel, Israel's new Jewish-content television channel, we aim to create a new public space for dialogue on Jewish issues, to deepen a shared sense of history and commitment to Israel and Jewish peoplehood, and to celebrate and foster Jewish creativity, achievement and diversity. In August 2001, the Israel Knesset's Committee for Cable and Broadcasting awarded Ha'Techelet channel the license to establish the only Jewish content television channel in Israel. Now fully funded for launch, Ha'Techelet channel will start broadcasting in 5th april 2002 with a full daily schedule, including 5-7 hours of original programming every day. Mindful that our mandate is to be a Jewish, and not simply religious channel, Ha'Techelet channel's programming is designed to give voice to Jewish expression in its widest sense. Our staff brings together the best of Israel's technical and creative professionals and many of its most respected and dynamic Jewish thinkers, to produce a range of innovative quality programs in five key areas: Youth and children - to develop an appreciation of the relevance of Jewish values, and pride in taking part in the Great Jewish Story; History - to deepen a shared understanding of the Jewish narrative as a key to deepening commitment to a purposeful Jewish future; Faith and Teaching - to celebrate the Jewish people as a community of learning, and encourage viewers of all backgrounds to reclaim the wisdom of their heritage Drama and entertainment - to establish a stage for vibrant contemporary Jewish expression, with special emphasis on drama and humor; Current Affairs - to create a forum for discussion and debate on current Israeli and Jewish issues in a culture of integrity, commitment and respect. Additionally Ha'Techelet channel has special departments focusing on Jewish music, foreign language broadcasts, and programming features to reflect the rhythm of the Jewish year. At Ha'Techelet channel we strive to operate on a commercial basis with high production values and in accordance with Jewish ethics, in an authentic Jewish atmosphere imbued with joy, sensitivity, tolerance and respect." (via Daniel Rosenzweig, DXLD) ** ISRAEL. VOICE OF PEACE RADIO STATION RETURNS FROM BOTTOM OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA --- Popular Station Remembered By Kibbutz Volunteers And Foreign Journalists During 70's and 80's --- By Michael Ireland, Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service, Tuesday, July 29, 2003 ISRAEL (ANS) -- After a decade of silence, the Voice of Peace is about to make itself heard again in a joint Israeli-Palestinian venture to put peace back on Middle Eastern airwaves, according to an article on http://indymedia.org.il by Lydia Aisenberg. "For twenty years music and peace orientated programs were beamed throughout the region from a pirate ship anchored 3 miles offshore belonging to veteran Israeli peace activist, Abie Nathan. Broadcasts began in l973 and ceased when Nathan, broke and bitterly disappointed at not being able to carry out pumping peace over the air, scuttled the Peace Ship 'somewhere in the Mediterranean,' " Aisenberg wrote. Aisenberg said the popular station is remembered fondly by Israelis, hundreds of thousands of kibbutz volunteers from different countries and foreign journalists who spent time in Israel during the Seventies and Eighties. "The jingles from the peace ship became so much part of the local lingo that many still today associate the Voice of Peace with Sadat's message of his announcing, 'no more war, no more bloodshed,' being beamed out many times a day as well as Nathan announcing, 'We are the Voice of Peace, broadcasting from somewhere in the Mediterranean.' " The ship's crew, broadcasting technicians and DJ's were a multi-ethnic mix who volunteered in the main to keep peace afloat for nothing more than a narrow bunk, food and the opportunity to calm the stormy waters of conflict in the region, Aisenberg said. Although the new Voice of Peace will be beaming the same messages as did the nowadays physically ailing pioneer peacenik Abie Nathan from l973-l993, the new station will be manned by landlubbers and the studios operated by both Israelis and Palestinians, said Aisenberg. "The main station will be physically situated in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. Relay stations in both Israel, West Bank and Gaza will carry the beat of peace to a very wide and diverse audience with the targeted age group being 20-40," she wrote. Unlike the Peace Ship's English only broadcasts, the new Voice of Peace -- a joint venture between Israel's Givat Haviva Jewish-Arab Center for Peace and the Palestinian English language Jerusalem Times publisher and businessman Hanna Siniora -- will be broadcasting in Hebrew, Arabic and English, Aisenberg said. "The focus will be on popular and classical music as well as that of the different cultural backgrounds of the regions peoples in a quest to create a stereotype-breaking wavelength leading to better understanding of each other. Interviews with personalities from the peace camp on either side and updates on activities of Israeli and Palestinian NGO's are also on the agenda. "To the strains of the late John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band pleading to 'Give Peace A Chance' coming from a small cassette player propped up in the corner of the Beit Agron press center in Jerusalem, the Israeli and Palestinian partners this week launched the Voice of Peace, with the blessing of Abie Nathan who has donated all his memorabilia to Givat Haviva's library and archives," Aisenberg wrote. "Our goal is to promote understanding, tolerance and coexistence between the two peoples," Mossie Raz, Deputy-Director of Givat Haviva and Palestinian partner Hanna Siniora jointly announced at the Beit Agron press conference this week. "Sitting together facing a battery of foreign and local media folk, the Jewish and Palestinian partners in the radio venture, backed with 600,000 euros from the European Union and substantial amount from the Japanese government, proved that they were on the same wavelength of understanding by translating everything that was said for each other into English, Arabic and Hebrew!" Aisenberg wrote. The Israeli and Palestinian coordinators of the project, Shimon Malka and Maisa Baransi have spent a great deal of time over the last year researching the needs of the people on either side of the divide, she said. "We do not have fantasies such as within a few weeks we will have brought about a lasting peace in the Middle East, but on the other hand we are certainly aiming to build a new trust, to encourage each side to see the other side as people with needs and that we all have, and should be entitled to have, dreams," said Malka, who has also been working with Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian youth for the last 3 years producing an English language magazine, 'Crossing Borders.' Givat Haviva and Hanna Seniora are also partners in the magazine project involving hundreds of young writers and a new group that began to work together last week. "The media is a very powerful tool and the radio will offer the opportunity to reach far more people and we hope, slowly, slowly to build up confidence amongst the listeners and lead them toward listening to each other," explained Mossie Raz, a former member of the Knesset and well known public speaker for Peace Now in Israel. Slated to press the 'On the Air' button on November 4, 2003, Seniora explained why that specific date had been chosen. "November 4 is the eighth anniversary of the assassination of the late prime minister Yitzhak Rabin. Arafat always called Rabin his partner in peace and we want to find a way to let people know that Rabin's assassination did not kill off the peace process but that peace is possible," he said. Asked if Arafat was aware of the new station, Seniora said not only did Arafat know about the project but that had also given his blessing, Aisenberg said. Both Seniora and Raz made the point a number of times that there is a silent majority on either side that supports peace but that the tone was set by those who wanted to derail the peace process. Speaking in Arabic, Hebrew and English, Palestinian coordinator Baransi, an attractive thirty-something, commented: "Everybody is suffering and everybody wants peace. The question is how and we are here to try and explain to people what peace means – to tell them more about each other's culture, education and daily lives and, of course, about coexistence." Aisenberg said that ten years ago Abie Nathan stood on the deck of a boat and watched as his much loved Voice of Peace ship was scuttled. That day was for him and many others, the day that a rather special type of music and peace message mix really died. During the last decade of horrific violence in the region, the Voice of Peace lay locked in Davy Jones' locker on the floor of the Mediterranean, she said. Aisenberg concluded: "Hopefully, the Voice of Peace of the new millennium will have sufficient volume and support from both the Israeli and Palestinian side to drown out those intent on sending its message back down to the bottom of the sea." (Assist News Service via Bruce Atchison, AB, DXLD) Yesterday I found a short message in the main German Newspapers about VOP return plans. This is the story in detail: ISRAELI, PALESTINIAN PEACE ACTIVISTS TO OPEN JOINT "VOICE OF PEACE" RADIO STATION by haaretz via gehrig (No verified email address) Current rating: 0 28 Jul 2003 [?] Palestinian and Israeli peace activists signed an agreement Monday to open a radio station called "Voice of Peace" which would broadcast from the West Bank town of Bitunia, near Ramallah. The agreement was signed between the Jewish-Arab Center for Peace in Givat Haviva, northern Israel, and the Palestinian Jerusalem Times daily, in cooperation with the European Union. Maissa Seniora, the Palestinian director of the radio station, said its aim was to rebuild trust and narrow the distances between the two peoples. It also aimed at fighting stereotypes presented in the media about the Palestinians and Israel, she added. She stressed the station would not relay political programs, nor would it be funded by any party. Instead, it would mainly broadcast Arabic and Hebrew music as well as entertainment programs for children and youth. Hana Seniora, a journalist and supporter of the station, said he hoped it would enhance international peace efforts. "It will not focus much on news or current political issues. It will mostly be about the cultures of the two peoples, their similarities and differences, in order to shorten the distances between them," he added. The new station is scheduled to begin broadcasting on November 4, the anniversary of the assassination of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was gunned down at a peace rally by right-wing extremist Yigal Amir. The original "Voice of Peace" was a legendary pirate radio station run by Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan. It broadcast from a ship anchored just outside Israeli territorial waters and its slogan became something of a catch phrase in Israel: "from somewhere in the Mediterranean, we are the voice of peace." Nathan shut down the station in late 1993. Source: http://www.ucimc.org/newswire/display/12918/index.php (via Thorsten Hallman, Germany, DXLD) ** KOREAS. From http://www.yonhapnews.net/Engnews/20030802/200000000020030802162520E1.html Seoul, Aug. 2 (Yonhap) Sunday, Aug 03, 2003 South Korea told North Korea Saturday that the sides should discuss whether to discontinue propaganda broadcasts directed at each other after forming a study group to review the issue. At the latest round of inter-Korean Cabinet meeting in Seoul in early July, North Korea proposed that the two Koreas stop airing propaganda broadcasts effective Aug. 15. Both sides agreed to have the issue handled by a new inter-Korean committee to be formed later (via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** LIBERIA. VOA CAREYSBURG With the start of the rainy season in the Country, the shelter situation of IDPs at the VOA refugee camp is becoming appalling. The transit buildings are leaking causing extensive flooding inside the buildings. About 2,000 IDPs are residing at four of the VOA buildings, which are being used as transit centers. The IDPs are forced to remain awake at night when it rains and it is likely many of them could fall sick if the situation is not addressed. ICRC has constructed a transit center at the camp, which has capacity to accommodate some 400 IDPs. From http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/0/0e9eabbe441c4c3a49256d47000c0cc4?OpenDocument That's of course the VOA station near Careysburg, overrun by Charles Taylor in September 1990. I think back in 1997 there were reports about the station buildings being locked, but this appears to be no longer the case. Anyway, locked by whom? (Kai Ludwig, Germany, August 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) IDP never explained in the original. I guess Displaced Persons? Intentionally? (gh, DXLD) ** LITHUANIA [non]. Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas has asked the US Congress for assistance in keeping Lithuanian language broadcasts on Radio Free Europe. In a letter he says the broadcasts continue to help the Lithuanian people to receive objective information, follow events in Europe and the rest of the world and understand today`s challenges. The US administration cites changes in foreign policy priorities in seeking to halt funding for RFE/RL broadcasts in Bulgarian, Croatian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Slovakian as well as VOA broadcasts from 2004. The proposed 563 million dollar budget for foreign broadcasts includes $30 million for Arab satellite television and $3.5 million for boosting broadcasts to Indonesia, which has the largest number of Muslims in the world (Radio Vilnius newscast 17/7 via Jonathan Murphy, Ireland, Aug World DX Club Contact via Mike Barraclough, DXLD) ** MACEDONIA (Special Activity). Look for stations from this country to be active using the special prefix "Z3100" during the month of August to celebrate 100 years of Macedonia. Here is a list of some of the operators that will be active: Z3100A (Z31A), Z3100B (Z31B), Z3100C (Z32UC), Z3100D (Z32DY), Z3100E (Z32AU), Z3100F (Z33F), Z3100G (Z33A), Z3100I (Z31CZ), Z3100K (Z34M), Z3100M (Z35M), Z3100O (Z36A), Z3100R (Z33AA), Z3100S (Z32ZM), Z3100T (Z31CQ), Z3100W (Z35W), Z3100X (Z32XX), Z3100Z (Z33Z), Z3100IL (Z37M), Z3100KR (Z32BF) and Z3100MK (Z37FAD) (KB8NW/OPDX August 3/BARF-80 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** MALI. There is a small window from Mali towards Europe 0800-0830, heard June 28th on usual 9635 0800 but drifted down 50 hertz every ten minutes, parallel to 11960 (Wolfgang Bueschel, Germany, Aug World DX Club Contact via Mike Barraclough, DXLD) ** MEXICO. Re R. Huayacocotla, http://www.sjsocial.org/Radio/huarad.html This page is definitely worth visiting. The initial page is in Spanish, which we will translate and publish soon, perhaps next week, but there are links to articles about the Mexican government`s sudden closure of the station in 1994 and reopening in 1995, in English. I urge all to visit these sites (Mike Dorner, Catholic Radio Update August 3 via DXLD) ** MYANMAR. I heard Myanmar last night after several months since I first logged it on 5040 kHz. Myanmar Radio, Yangon, 1152-1231, 02/08, Typical songs at 1152 and then YL in Burmese (?). Perhaps ID at 1200 by the same YL and then several songs with some breaks with OM and YL. Not very easy to understand but the program style and language are the same as previously heard on the same frequency. 33333 (Marcelo Toníolo, Auckland, New Zealand, NRD 545 DSP Longwire 10 meters + MFJ 959B, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** NEPAL. Hi Glenn, Just heard Radio Nepal, Kumaltar closing down at 1715 UT. Reception was good even with my Sony 7600G and a five meter reel on apple tree. Turku is full of events every summer. The biggest event this year is the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race and it`s taking place this week-end. 500,000 people have witnessed this event, the 100 beauties of the seas. The biggest one is a 120 meter Sedov from Russia. 73´s (Jouko Huuskonen, Turku, FINLAND, Aug 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PALESTINE. Hi Glenn: Re the BBCM Palestine/Sawa item, http://www.radiosawa.com shows an FM outlet on 94.2 MHz serving "Bethlehem/Jerusalem/Ramallah." Perhaps that report refers to this (Kim Elliott, DC, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PARAGUAY. Hola Amigo DXista Arnaldo! Gracias por darnos una buena noticia. Parece que haya sido un chiste Radio América. He probado todas sus frecuencias sin ningúna señal de vida. 73 de (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, Jul 29, Conexión Digital via DXLD) Así es, pero como todo buen radioescucha, hay que saber tener paciencia. Saludos (José Alba Z., ibid.) Hola Björn y José! Realmente es muy dificil la escucha de Radio América. Aquí la he reportado desde Buenos Aires en un par de ocasiones y con colegas en DX Camps en otras dos oportunidades. Lo cierto es que llegaba mejor en sus frecuencias de 41 metros: 7370 y 7737 kHz. Yo tengo una comunicación muy fluida con Adán Mur, a cargo de la parte técnica de esta estación. Hay que soslayar que más que una emisora de onda corta, es un proyecto de estación de SW. ¿Porqué? Porque se están haciendo pruebas, en una etapa netamente de experimentación, modificando permanentemente las frecuencias (que tampoco son definitivas) en aras de poder alcanzar, en principio, la zona de Buenos Aires y alredores, donde viven más de un millón de paraguayos. Pero en estos intentos, se lucha, me contó Adán Mur, con condiciones climáticas adversas (fortísimas tormentas, etc); dificultad en grado sumo para conseguir distintos elementos y componentes (que se deterioran con mayor frecuencia que en otros sitios con condiciones más favorables), etc, etc. La pretensión de los directivos de la estación es seguir testeando en la onda corta, mientras se consigue aumentar la potencia, merced a conseguir transmisores más, valga la redundancia, potentes. Lo positivo para los DXistas es que la emisora opera las 24 horas del día en las dos frecuencias de onda corta que ahora emplea: 9905 y 15483 khz, por lo que podemos intentar la escucha en diferentes momentos del dia. 73's y 55's (Arnaldo Slaen, Argentina, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** PERU. 3172.8 tentative, Radio Municipal seems active at 0020-0040 (Bob Wilkner ~ NRD 535D ~ Pompano Beach, Florida, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU\ECUADOR. 1610.10 stations: see ECUADOR ** POLAND. An article about the radio mast of Gabin (Poland) http://lwca.org/mb/msg/3145.htm Posted by Harald on August 01, 2003 at 01:02:56: It is largely unknown that the tallest structure mankind ever built was the 646 metre high guyed radio mast of the 2000 kW longwave broadcast transmitter of Gabin (Poland), which worked on 227 kHz (later 225 kHz). This mast was completed in 1974 and collapsed during maintenance work in 1991. Afterwards, the transmissions on 225 kHz were performed by an old transmitter near Warszawa. Since 1998 a new facillity near Sojec Kujokoski is used for this purpose. I have got an article about this mast, unfortunately in Polish language, from the Polish Broadcasting Service. I cannot translate this article into English, (but) I suppose that there are some Polish speaking people active in the message board! (Longwave Message Board Editor's Note: The image file is too large to post here, but if you would like to take a crack at translating it for the rest of us, please post a reply below. The Webmaster will gladly e-mail you the file, and you will have our eternal gratitude. Or at least, our very long-term gratitude.)(via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** RUSSIA. A handwritten letter to George Glotzbach, Santa Fe NM, is reproduced on page 29 of August NASWA Journal, QSL Report. It`s from ``Voice of Russia, Chinese Section, Dom Radio, Room No. 504, Lenina St 4., Khabarovsk 680620, Russia.`` Does this mean the VOR Chinese programs are produced in Khabarovsk rather than Moscow??? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SUDAN [non]. New "target station" for Sudan 17660/17630: I guess is a MERLIN brokered transmission, coming from Woofferton, England. 73 wb df5sx (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SWITZERLAND. My favourite programme from the past has to be a SWISS RADIO INTERNATIONAL programme called "The Name Game". Bob Zanotti in this 20 minute programme aired once a month travelled to a town in Switzerland - most often off the tourist trail - never mentioning its name. He would speak to locals about their home town, its history and present state. Any notable landmarks or famous personalities were given which might give the listener a clue or two about the identity of the place. The prizes included a Swiss watch and always winners came from around the world. I myself won this first prize in 1999 and still have the watch wearing it from time to time. For me this experience of learning about another country is a fine example of what shortwave radio at its best can offer to listeners. Sadly, the SRI management decided to end the programme in their move towards a news only line up (Jonathan Murphy, Aug World DX Club Contact via Alan Roe, DXLD) Postponed from last issue tho cross-referenced under CANADA Switzerland (though not sure of transmitter site), Swiss Radio, now as "Swiss Info" on 15515 kHz in English from 1745, in the middle of a fascinating program on Malaria in Africa. SINPO 44444 At 1758, ID, web site as http://www.swissinfo.org while the e-mail is english@swissinfo.ch Mailing address: Swiss Info, English Department, 3000 Bern 15, Switzerland. Into news in French at 1800. Checking the web site, there is a 13 part series there on Malaria, surely everything (and then some) that one would want or need to know on the topic. Also links to audio programs. Maybe I am an old reactionary, but while this information is interesting, it still does not compare to the program coming through the ether over an old fashioned radio, with Swiss music between programs. Remember the old programs of 75 minutes, with mailbags, and music, and SW Merry-go- Round? Another station that seems to be on the verge of abandoning short wave, and going mostly high tech, internet (Roger Chambers, Utica, NY, Drake SW 8 with 1 meter whip, August 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TAIWAN. 7129.87, R. Taipei Int'l, 1222-1300 8/1. "Taipei Magazine" programm, interviewing Minister of Health about SARS; noted later with Chinese language lesson; into Japanese at 1400. Good signal (John Wilkins, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Drake R-8, 100-foot RW, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** TURKMENISTAN. Just heard 2035 UT Turkmen Radio, Asgabat in English on 4930 kHz. Reception was good, as it use to be. 2045 UT programme in local language. 73 (Jouko Huuskonen, Turku, FINLAND, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TURKMENISTAN. HARD LINE ON DOING ANYTHING ELSE BUT DRIVING News Central Asia reports that the government of Turkmenistan has banned not only the use of cell phones while driving but other potential distractions. The prohibitions would be certain to take the fun out of driving for many Americans. According to the news report, a presidential order --``Rules of Traffic for Turkmenistan``-- forbids drivers from eating, drinking smoking, listening to loud music or using their cell phones. That certainly leaves little room for operating ham gear while on the road. Penalties are aimed at encouraging compliance and must be paid within 12 hours -- or by 8 AM the following day if the ticket was issued after 6 PM the previous day. Fines double if not paid on time. The rules were set forth by the Ministry of Defense (ARRL July 30 via John Norfolk, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. HOLIDAY NET ON 80 & 40 METRES Tim, G4DBL, is intending to run a `Holiday Net` on 80 and 40 metres during the summer holiday season. With the plethora of mobile and portable rigs today, many operators can be heard from holiday locations in the UK and Europe, or while travelling. Tim thinks it would be fun to condense some of this activity into nets which he therefore intends to run on most Monday and Friday evenings around 3744 kHz at 9.00 pm, and on Wednesdays around 7050 kHz at 1.30 pm, all times being BST. The nets will run throughout August and in the first half of September. Non-holiday-makers, and home base stations, are also welcome to call in, but Tim says preference will be given to Mobile and Portable stations. Tim himself expects to be `on location` for some of the nets. He also reminds everyone please not to let mobile operation distract you from driving (Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS News Script for August 3, 2003 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** U K. PIRATE RADIO TURNED OFF http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.399478.0.pirate_radio_turned_off.php (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U K [non]. BIBLE VOICE BROADCASTING (Revised schedule w.e.f 4th Aug'2003) To : Indian Sub Continent Time Freq Language Days 0030-0100 7210 Bengali Daily 0200-0230 9610 Hindi Daily 0200-0245 17540 English Sat 0230-0300 11805 English Sat/Sun 0230-0300 17540 English Sun 0245-0300 17540 English/French Sat 0300-0330 17540 Hindi Sun 1530-1545 17655 Hindi Wed 1530-1600 17655 English Mon/Thurs/ Fri 1530-1600 17655 Urdu Tues 1545-1600 17655 English Wed 1600-1615 17655 Hindi Mon-Fri To : Central Africa 1900-1915 13725 English Mon-Thurs 1900-1930 13725 English Fri/Sun 1900-2000 13725 English Sat To : East Africa 1630-1700 13810 Amharic Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun 1630-1730 13810 Amharic Mon/Wed/Thurs 1700-1730 13810 Tigringa Tues To : East Europe 1800-1815 5970 English Mon-Fri 1800-1830 5970 English Sun 1800-1900 5970 English Sat 1815-1830 5970 Russian Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri 1815-1830 5970 English/French Tues 1830-1845 5970 English Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri 1830-1900 5970 Russian Sun 1900-1930 5970 English Sun To : Middle East 0500-0530 13840 Arabic Mon-Fri 0845-1015 17595 Arabic Fri 1515-1800 15680 English Sat/Sun 1530-1700 15680 English Mon/Tues 1530-1715 15680 English Thurs 1530-1800 15680 English Wed/Fri 1615-1730 15750 Arabic Mon-Fri 1700-1715 17660 Arabic Mon-Fri 1700-1745 15680 Russian Tues 1700-1800 15750 English Sat/Sun 1800-1815 13845 English Sat 1800-1900 13845 Farsi Sun 1815-1900 13845 Farsi Sat 1900-1930 13710 Arabic Thurs 1900-2000 13710 English Fri/Sat/Sun To : China 1130-1145 13590 English/French Fri 1130-1200 13590 English Thurs/Sat/Sun 1145-1200 13590 English Mon-Fri 1200-1215 13590 Vietnamese Mon/Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun 1200-1245 13590 Vietnamese Tues/Wed 1215-1230 13590 Cantonese Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun 1215-1245 13590 English Mon To : Vietnam 1400-1430 5945 Vietnamese Sat 1430-1500 5945 English Sat (From : Bible Voice Website, http://www.biblevoice.org via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, Aug 3, DXLD) Somewhat uncertain under which country to fill BVBN as a non, I see their contact info lists a North American E-mail address in Canada, and for Europe a 44 phone number in Britain ---- but no postal or physical addresses! Where are they hiding? (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. NATIONAL NEWS: ORDEAL IN STORE FOR BBC AND GOVERNMENT By Bob Sherwood and Jean Eaglesham, Financial Times; Aug 02, 2003 The Hutton inquiry will be an even tougher ordeal than expected for the government and BBC. Lord Hutton outlined his plans for a two-stage inquiry yesterday - and it is the prospect of a bruising, and potentially career-threatening, second stage that will most worry Tony Blair, Geoff Hoon, Alastair Campbell and Andrew Gilligan. At his preliminary hearing, the law lord stressed his inquiry would not be a trial between the government and BBC. "I do not sit to decide between conflicting cases - I sit to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr [David] Kelly's death." . . . http://tinyurl.com/iwqg (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U K. Re Byford, 3-137: "Let me tell you that what is interesting in Iraq is that (toppled President) Saddam Husayn used to listen to the BBC Arabic Service. In fact, the entire Iraqi people tune in to the BBC." What an absurd statement. Government spin is nothing in comparison to the BBC management's (Mike Barraclough, UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBC WORLD SERVICE ACHIEVES RECORD NUMBER OF LISTENERS IN UK | Text of press release by BBC World Service on 31 July One and a half million people now listen to BBC World Service in the UK, according to figures released today by RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research). The figures, which cover the period April to June 2003, show a rise in World Service UK listening of 0.1 million over the last quarter, the first time RAJAR recorded World Service audiences in the UK. Alan Booth, BBC World Service's Controller, Marketing, said: "With many more ways to listen, people are finding it easier to tune into the World Service and enjoying the international news and analysis and landmark programmes they find there. "These figures show how significant listening through television and the Internet has become - something that would have been almost unimaginable a few years ago. "It's now possible to listen to the World Service in the UK - via Freeview (digital terrestrial television - channel 80); on Sky digital satellite (Channel 865) and cable channels; as well as online and via digital radio." BBC World Service is funded through Grant-in-Aid from the Foreign Office. The grant for 2003/4 is 220m pounds. - In the UK, World Service in English is available on 648 MW in southeastern England. In addition, overnight on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Ulster and via digital radio, digital satellite and the Internet. The English Network can be heard on the BBC's digital multiplex in the UK, Freeview digital channel 80 or in Europe on the Astra satellite, channel 865. BBC World Service Extra - a new radio service broadcasting in the key languages of Afghanistan and the surrounding region - is available on digital satellite channel 902. - Outside the UK, BBC World Service is available on shortwave; on FM in 140 capital cities; and selected programmes are carried on almost 2,000 FM and MW radio stations around the world. - The BBC World Service web site - http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice contains extensive, interactive news services available in English, Arabic, Chinese Russian and Spanish, with audio streaming available in 43 languages. It also contains detailed information about World Service broadcasts, schedules and frequencies in all languages. Source: BBC World Service press release, London, in English 31 Jul 03 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** U S A. FEDERAL RADIO, TV NETWORKS AIM TO CHANGE ARAB HEARTS AND MINDS --- By Shane Harris July 31 Mouafac Harb, a veteran television and print journalist, says the United States’ ability to steer policy in the Middle East comes down to one axiom: ``You cannot be present anywhere in the world unless you have a media presence.`` Harb, a Lebanese-American who worked for ABC News` ``Nightline`` and was the Washington bureau chief for the Arabic newspaper al-Hayat, is the news director for Radio Sawa, a federally sponsored Arabic news and music program beamed via satellite, Internet and over the airwaves across the Middle East, a region populated by about 170 million Arabic speakers. Now he’s undertaking an effort to launch a new 24-hour news and entertainment network—known for now as the Middle East Television Network (MTN)—that will be beamed across the region. . . http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0703/073103h1.htm (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) ** U S A. WHITE HOUSE: BETTER PR CAN REVERSE ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENT By Michelle Orris, WASHINGTON BUREAU, Friday, August 1, 2003 WASHINGTON — With anti-American sentiment rising worldwide, Bush administration officials say they are stepping up efforts to market America throughout the world. Polls indicate that international opinion of the United States has plummeted in the last year, and worldwide sympathy for the United States after Sept. 11, 2001, attacks has all but dissipated. The Bush administration spent more than $70 million after the attacks to expand broadcasts of U.S.-sponsored international news services, but such expenditures have returned to previous levels and critics say they are not enough to counter the growing tide of anti-American sentiment. . . http://www.statesman.com/nationworld/content/news/080103/0801antius.html (Austin American-Statesman via Kim Elliott, DXLD) ** U S A. AMERICA'S CULTURAL OFFENSIVE Washington hopes to ease foreign-policy woes in the Middle East by wooing hearts and minds with a new Arabic-language radio network, satellite TV channel and glossy monthly magazine. It's the funky side of the war on terror, SIMON HOUPT writes. . . http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20030802.diplomacy/BNStory/International/ (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) ** U S A. WHKT, 4950, full-data `certificate` with frequency as 4950 kHz on the QSL. Quite surprised that a US station would admit a harmonic reception (Sam Barto, CT, Aug NASWA Journal QSL Report via DXLD) ** U S A. Heard KIPM this afternoon around 2100 UT (didn't check the clock) on 15040 USB. First time I've heard them here, so it's worthwhile monitoring this frequency. They were on last night on 6925 as well (Walter (Volodya) Salmaniw, MD, Victoria, BC, Canada, swpirates Aug 2 via Jem Cullen, ARDXC via DXLD) Picking up where RFPI left off He's on 6925 right now (0436z)... (Paul Ormandy, NZ, Aug 3, ibid.) 0615 now, SINPO 33333 and improving with lots of early Pink Floyd music (Jem Cullen, Australia, ibid.) I stumbled onto a Very Weird Pirate Station tonight --- KIPM Voyage of the Illuminati. Here's the Details: KIPM Voyage of the Illuminati, 6950 USB, Aug/03/03 0210-0240 UT, VG EE. Male Announcer named Alan Maxwell with 30 Minute Long Tirade about Drugs and other Intergalactic Jive, all over some Bizarre ElectroAcoustic Music. Most of the Time I had no Idea what he was on about --- Guess I'm a Little outta tune with the World Today?? HIHI. Gave Address for Full colour 8 1/2" X 11" QSL as: Box 69, Elkorn, Nebraska, 68022 USA. Gave Webpage address as http://homepage.mac.com/kipm I checked out the Homepage and they have done a Nice Job on it!! They have some pretty neat Looking QSL Sheets --- although somewhat bizzare --- so I think I'll fire off a report. They played a 2nd program at 0240 --- right after the first show ended. Haven't done any Pirate Listening in some time. So nice to find these guys by Accident! (Robert S. Ross, VA3SW, London, Ontario CANADA N6A5K1, ODXA via DXLD) KIPM was on 15040 yesterday afternoon, then last night they were on 6925 USB for a while, then later last night they fired up on 6925 USB (which is where I`ve heard them before). Probably more than one transmitter rebroadcasting these programs. Wish I had an HF direction finder. Would be fun to find out where these broadcasts are coming from. 73, (Barry N4IJN, Aug 3, ODXA via DXLD) ** U S A. RESTRUCTURING: NCVEC FILES TO END CW TESTING IN THE USA The National Conference of Volunteer Examination Coordinators has filed a Petition for Rule Making before the FCC to end Morse testing in the United States. In its July 29th request, the NCVEC asks the FCC for an immediate end of CW testing of applicants. The NCVEC request is based primarily on the action taken in Geneva at last months World Radiocommunications Conference. At that time, Morse testing as a world standard was abolished, leaving it to individual nations to decide whether or not to continue to administer CW exams. The NCVEC petition concurs with the WRC findings. It notes an appearance that most of today`s radio amateurs want to communicate using voice. Because of this, the NCVEC says that it makes no sense from a regulatory standpoint to require hams to be Morse proficient when the greater majority of radio amateurs show no desire to use the mode. The petition also notes that the future of the hobby now encompasses many new modes that were undreamed of only a few short years ago. It adds that while manual telegraphy is a noble part of Amateur Radio`s past, it is no longer the services prime emission mode. The NCVEC approach will still requires all applicants for an Amateur Service license or upgrade to pass the current written exams. Only Morse testing would be eliminated. As we go to air no Rule Making designation has been assigned to this request by the FCC. The full text of the petition can be found on our website at http://www.arnewsline.org (ARNewsline(tm) from NCVEC release August 1 via John Norfolk, DXLD)) ** U S A. HAM SPECTRUM: ARRL & CQ PRESENTS A PRIMER ON 5 MHZ Want to know just about everything there is to know about how to operate legally in this new 5 MHz spot frequencies? Walk, run or drive to your news stand and buy a copy of the August issues of both QST and CQ Magazines. Then go home, settle down and read the articles titled 60 Meters Frequently Asked Questions by Rick Lindquist N1RL and Ed Hare W1RFI in QST and Getting Ready For 60 by Gordon West, WB6NOA. Both are a wealth of information on how to approach this rather specialized allocation and handily compliment one another. We asked Gordo to explain what readers will find in his: West: ``One of the things that my CQ Magazine article talked about was the Amateur frequencies And tuning in. There was a lot of confusion about what exact frequency one uses for upper sideband on the 60 meter band. As long as everybody remembers that 60 meters --- 5 MHz --- .5 -- all of the upper sideband frequencies end with .5.`` And why did he write the article? West: ``When I first heard about the band it immediately came to mind as channelized operation that many new hams are not used to. Well, growing up on 10 meter FM as well as 6 meter FM, I knew what channelized operation was all about. And the key word is ``sharing.`` There`s no QSY`ing --- at least not easily on the 60 meter band beyond the 5 channels, so its going to be up to all hams to sort of take turns in using this exciting 60 meter – 5 MHz band.`` Where Gordon takes the story telling approach, Lindquist and Hare present their material in pure Question and Answer form. A style of writing that computer enthusiasts call a FAQ. That`s an acronym for the words ``Frequently Asked Questions`` and the answers that they provide is fact filled, precise and right to the point. Taken together, ``60 Meters Frequently Asked Questions`` and ``Getting Ready for 60`` are the most complete operating guide for the 5 MHz band penned to date. Hams contemplating operation on the five channels that make up the 60 meter allocation would be well advised to read both before hitting the transmit switch. For more information about subscribing to CQ, visit http://www.cq-amateur-radio on the world wide web. You can join the ARRL, support its work and begin receiving QST by signing up at http://www.arrl.org. (ARNewsline(tm) August 1 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** U S A. ENFORCEMENT: TRUCKING COMPANY WARNED ABOUT UNLICENSED 10 METER OPERATION Receiving a letter from the FCC is the Tidewater Transit Company, Inc. of Kinston, North Carolina. This one warns the company to stop using the 10 meter ham band for its communications or face some rather severe consequences. In his letter to Tidewater, the FCC`s Riley Hollingsworth notes that information before the Commission indicates that a 2002 Volvo truck belonging to Tidewater and bearing North Carolina license plate LK 4130, was the source of radio transmissions on the Ten Meter Amateur Radio band on July 8th. This while it was driving on Interstate 20 near the city of Lexington, South Carolina. The Letter warned Tidewater that continued unlicensed operation could bring with it a fine of up to $10,000. The owners of Tidewater Transit were also instructed to contact Hollingsworth to discuss the matter with him (FCC via Amateur Radio Newsline Aug 1 via Joihn Norfolk, DXLD) FCC WARNS TRUCKING FIRMS ABOUT ALLEGED UNLICENSED 10-METER OPERATION The FCC Enforcement Bureau has sent Warning Notice letters to three highway transportation firms asserting that drivers of some of their vehicles may have transmitted without a license on 10 meters. The notices allege the unlicensed operations took place July 8 on Interstate highways in South Carolina. Letters went out July 14 from FCC Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth to Jolly Roger Capital Ltd of Columbia, South Carolina, Tidewater Transit Company of Kinston, North Carolina, and Shuford Lumber of Marion, North Carolina. He warned all three firms that operation of radio transmitting equipment without a license could lead to fines of up to $10,000, equipment seizure and even imprisonment. Hollingsworth asked all three firms to get in touch with him to discuss the allegations. He told ARRL that one of the companies already had responded and required its driver to remove all radio gear from his truck (ARRL Letter Aug 1 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** U S A. Talking House Radio, 1610, Bristol CT, photo QSL: I figure if I can get close enough to get a photo, I`m close enough to hear the station (Sam Barto, CT, Aug NASWA QSL Report via DXLD) ** U S A. On business trip to Norcross, GA ICF-2010, internal ferrite loop, Delco car radio: TIS AND OTHER: 1700 kHz, Billboard, GA Atlanta - 7/28 2135 - Radio Cadillac was noted getting out well along I-75/85 just north of the I-20 junction (TRH-GA) Another quick business trip with 15-hour workdays and not much time to DX. The hotel where I was staying had tons of electrical noise which seemed to alternate about 1 minute on, 2 minutes off (when I nulled the noise source, I was more or less aiming at Kentucky). Conditions outside were lousy too. 73, (Tim Hall, Chula Vista, CA http://www.inetworld.net/halls/dx/index.html amfmtvdx at qth.net via DXLD) ** U S A. EXPLANATION FOR CBS CHANNEL 42 MESSAGE This was on the broadcast list digest this morning. Some insight as to why the "CBS Network Channel 42 (or 43)" message is heard by DXers sometimes. || I would often come in to for maintenance around midnight at the transmitter and hear a tone punctuated by "IDB Transponder 23,Channel 5" or something. This had been the AM programming for 4 to 6 hours.|| Heh, heh. I've run into that when the network doesn't send an end of game tone/closure. WW1's longform channels send a tone with "CBS Network channel 42" when there's no programming. I've since connected an input closure to a silence sense (set with a long enough delay so as not to cause it to dump in mid-game if there's an un-filled break for some reason) --- if this closure fires, the automation returns to regular programming. Usually, there's a long enough delay before networks feed other programming down the line so this works. Actually, the need for this came up a couple years ago. For some reason ESPN did not use the "end of game" closure on anything other than its main sports channel (even though there were closures for it programmed into the SG relay card. PD called ABC after a couple of late-night games that we never saw an EOG and was told that they didn't use that one. Sigh. Apparently enough affiliates complained because they seem to use them now. When I complained, I was told that this was an engineering problem and that I should find a way to have the automation switch the receiver. Besides, since nobody complained it must not be that serious. - The second comment is the scary part. If a tree falls in the forest... (via Bob Foxworth, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. CHARLIE MORGAN ON HD RADIO STANDARDS --- He's confident Ibiquity will get its act together: http://www.radioworld.com/reference-room/special-report/02_rw_page_4_aug_1.shtml But will the 750,000+ subscribers to XM (like me) even care by the time IBOC is finally ready? (Harry Helms W7HLH Las Vegas, NV DM26, Aug 1, NRC-AM via DXLD) Also criticised for excluding press ** U S A. ALLIANCE ON THE AIRWAVES From a Times staff writer July 31 2003 In an unusual alliance between commercial and public broadcasters, classical station KMZT-FM (105.1) and news-and-talk outlet KPCC-FM (89.3) said Wednesday that they will promote each other on the air. "Classical music and public radio news share a lot of listeners," said KPCC President Bill Davis. "This agreement allows both KPCC and K-Mozart to inform listeners about other radio services they value. It's a great opportunity for both stations." The cross-promotion also will involve KMZT's sister station, KSUR-AM (1260), which plays pop standards. Copyright 2003 Los Angeles Times (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) What about KUSC, the NON-commercial classical station? (gh, DXLD) ** VATICAN [non]. ROME PULLS PLUG ON BROADCASTER THAT COVERS VATICAN AND THE POPE --- The Associated Press, 8/1/03 3:12 PM ROME (AP) -- The city has pulled the plug on the tiny private Italian broadcaster that covers all of Pope John Paul II's public activities over concerns about electromagnetic waves from transmission towers on a Roman hillside. Telepace went off the air Thursday after the city took down the transmission tower on Monte Mario, a Roman hillside, following a court order. Parents of children who attend schools on Monte Mario had battled for years to have the hillside's transmission towers removed because they fear that the electromagnetic waves could harm children's health. A regional administrative court ruled in favor of the parents. Monsignor Guido Todeschini, who runs Telepace, has vowed to push for another tower to be erected soon in Rome, so that Romans can follow live the papal activities as well as tune in again to a daily morning Mass, popular with elderly and homebound Catholics. "The word of God can't be chained," the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano quoted Todeschini as saying. While not affiliated with the Vatican, Telepace's camera crews always have their eyes on the pontiff when he's in public, often providing the only live coverage of many of the activities. Il Messaggero, a Rome daily, reported Friday that authorities had suggested a new location for Telepace's tower, but that residents in the area also were opposed. Other small, local broadcasters use transmission towers on Monte Mario that have been taken down or are slated for removal. The hillside also serves two TV networks in Premier Silvio Berlusconi's private media empire, but the networks have other towers in the city (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA. Saludos, colegas diexistas. Esta noche estuve dándome un paseíto por el dial y he sacado estas noticias bastante cortas. El Observatorio Naval Cajigal en 5000 kHz está fuera del aire otra vez. Radio Táchira en 4830 kHz está fuera del aire; sigo sin escucharla. Atte: (José Elías, Venezuela, Aug 2, Cumbre DX via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Re 4765: Open carrier at a huge level here just now, so certainly a local (Australian) source (Craig Seager, 1510 PDT Aug 1, ARDXC topica group via DXLD) This morning (Sunday) the potent signal on 4765 was turned off. At times it was 30dB over 9. A good contact of mine in TX Australia informs me that the shortwave transmitters at Bald Hills (Brisbane) were removed 10 years ago (ABC 4910 / 9660 kHz) and he cannot shed any light on 4765 carrier. It sure was strong and I believe coming from Brisbane. The only other HF stuff I know of is at Algester/Willawong in military base. The Telstra gear (marine) at Ningi was removed last year. Will keep my ears on. Cheers (Chris Martin, Aug 3, ibid.) UNIDENTIFIED. 463.825 MHz: unID station at 1658 31 July. OM tells the other, "Holler 'Zeus!' at him and see if he gives you a weird look." This is why I'm into radio (Liz Cameron, MI, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ NATIONAL RADIO CLUB I posted a few more airchecks of WNRC at http://www.nrcdxas.org/wnrc/2000 I'll post more as soon as I have the time. Might be until after the convention. These are better quality (Fred Vobbe, NRC-AM, July 31 via DXLD) The 70th US National Radio Club convention http://www.nrcdxas.org/convention/03nrccon/ will be held in Dallas, Texas, Friday August 29 through Sunday August 31, 2003. A guest speaker will be Steve Eberhart, who runs the History of KLIF website http://www.historyofklif.com/ Steve will: "Talk about KLIF, the legacy of its founder Gordon McLendon, and the incredible influence the Mighty 1190 had on not only Dallas/Fort Worth but as a pioneer of Top 40 radio in the United States." ...and of course KLIF, being the template for Radio London, also had a big influence on Top 40 radio in the UK. (from http://radiolondon.co.uk/kneesflashes/happenings/current/hapcurr.html via Mike Terry, DX LISTENING DIGEST) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ RSGB RESPONDS TO BBC TV REPORT ON POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS The RSGB has contacted the BBC to point out its objections to an item on the BBC TV 6 o`clock News on Thursday the 24th of July. The item referred to the use of the electricity supply as a medium for Internet access. This is variously referred to as PLT, PLC or Powerline Communication. The following is a quote from the e-mail sent to the BBC TV News: ``The news item was unbalanced in that no mention was made to the very serious problems of radio interference inherent in Powerline technology. At the present time there is strong disagreement as to how much radio interference should be permitted. Needless to say radio interests, which besides ourselves, include the BBC and many other organisations are anxious that radio interference should be minimised.`` The e-mail went on to point out the difference between the systems based on ADSL technology, which are currently being deployed in considerable numbers, and the proposed PLT systems. Further information can be found in the article `PLT and the Future of the HF Spectrum` published in the February 2003 RadCom. An electronic copy of this article and other items of interest can be found by clicking on `Powerline Telecommunications` on the RSGB website [at] http://www.rsgb.org (Radio Society of Great Britain GB2RS News Script for August 3, 2003 via John Norfolk, DXLD) AMATEUR COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO POTENTIAL BPL THREAT Members of the Amateur Radio community have responded to the potential threat posed by Broadband over Power Line (BPL) by opening their wallets in a most generous fashion. ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH, says BPL has hit a major hot button with amateurs, but more help is needed. ``We`re now up to nearly $193,000 from more than 3690 donors,`` Hobart said as July drew to a close. The goal for the special Spectrum Defense campaign is $300,000 by August 31. Possibly equally significant is the fact that the number of donors to the BPL campaign substantially exceeds the number of individuals and organizations -- approximately 1900 -- who filed initial comments in response to the FCC`s Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on BPL earlier this year. While the deadline for initial comments has passed, the FCC this week extended the reply comment deadline to August 20 http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-2590A1.doc The League filed a 120-page package of comments and technical exhibits [at] http://www.arrl.org/announce/regulatory/et03-104/ on July 7, and it plans to file reply comments. A form of power line carrier (PLC) technology, BPL would use existing electrical power lines to deliver high-speed (ie, broadband) Internet services to homes and businesses. Because it would use frequencies between 2 and 80 MHz, HF and low-VHF amateur allocations could be affected if such systems are deployed. Proponents -- primarily electric power utilities -- already are testing BPL systems in several markets. Although FCC rules already allow BPL, industry proponents want the FCC to relax radiation limit, which could further increase the interference potential to Amateur Radio operations. ARRL Lab Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, is continuing his efforts to assess and quantify the effects of BPL on HF amateur allocations. Just back from a more than 1300-mile trip to evaluate the effects of BPL systems now in the testing stages, Hare described the interference he monitored on the HF bands as ``devastating.`` Meanwhile, ARRL President Jim Haynie, W5JBP, and members of the ARRL Technical Relations Office staff have been working to build the Amateur Radio case against BPL in Washington. In a recent solicitation focusing on the BPL issue, ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said no prior threat has posed a challenge more serious. ``The threat is as close as the power lines right in your neighborhood,`` Sumner said in issuing a call to action to all amateurs. ``Only by joining forces financially will we be able to educate government officials quickly and effectively on the impact of this new threat to Amateur Radio spectrum.`` BPL technology already has been deployed in some European countries, and amateurs there have experienced interference from the systems. Responding in part to concerns expressed by its amateur community, Japan last year decided not to adopt the technology because of its interference potential. For additional information on BPL, visit the ARRL ``Power Line Communications (PLC) and Amateur Radio`` page http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/ Hobart invites donors to visit the ARRL Spectrum Defense campaign page https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/bpl/ (ARRL Letter Aug 1 via John Norfolk, DXLD) RECEIVER NEWS +++++++++++++ KAITO KA1101 SHORTWAVE RECEIVER I don't know if you mentioned this radio already. The radio will cost $69.99. From http://www.kaitousa.com/KA1101.htm This high quality world receiver was made in the best radio factory in Asia and it receives all the stations in shortwave spectrums. The special designed circuit is a high sensitivity one, but no noise. FM STEREO/FML/MW/SW1/SW2 This unique digital radio starts FM from 70.0 MHz, most of Campus radio station can be tuned in with this range. Thanks to the dual conversion technology, this radio has a super sensitivity in shortwave bands. This radio comes with 3 Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, the AC adaptor not only works as DC power source, it charges the batteries automatically, the built-in charging system gives you full protection on the batteries and Radio itself. DUAL CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY FM: 70.0-108.0 MHz MW: 522-1710 MHz [sic!] SW: 3.00-26.10 MHz 50 MEMORY PRESETS ALARM / SLEEP MANUAL TUNING/SCAN/PRESET/DIRECT ENTRY CLOCK/SLEEP/LOCK TWO ALARM MODES: BEEPER AND RADIO MONO / STEREO SELECTABLE TONE SELECT: MUSIC AND NEWS BATTERY POWER INDICATOR BATTERY CHARGE AUTO BACKLIGHT SCREEN LOCAL / DX SWITCH LINE OUT JACK BUILTIN SPEAKER: D66MM EXTERNAL ANTENNA JACK (via Mike Peraaho, USA, DXLD) ###