DX LISTENING DIGEST 3-164, September 13, 2003 
        edited by Glenn Hauser 

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NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO EXTRA 44: 
RFPI: Sat 2330, Sun 0530, 1130, Mon 0030, 0630, 1230, Wed 0100, 0730, 
      1330 on 7445 [nominal times often delayed]
WWCR: Sun 0230 5070, 0630 3210, Wed 0930 9475
WRMI: Sun 1800+ 15725 (via IBC Radio)
WBCQ: Mon 0415 7415, maybe 5105
WINB: Thu 0130 9320 
WRN:  Europe only, Sun 0430; North America Sun 1400
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 
Audio stored at k4cc.net has been moved to a new site funxioning by 
0400 UT Sept. 13. Many thanks to DAVE WHITE for providing this, with 
expanded bandwidth so older files will not have to be deleted for a 
while to accommodate new ones. Links on OUR CURRENT AUDIO page have 
been updated; older links including k4cc will no longer work.

WORLD OF RADIO EXTRA 44 (high version only):
(stream)   http://www.w4uvh.net/worx44h.ram
(download) http://www.w4uvh.net/worx44h.rm
(summary)  http://www.worldofradio.com/worx44.html 

** AFGHANISTAN. Re 3-163: PsyOps transmissions ("Information Radio") 
in Dari and Pashto is currently reported on 9000 kHz. They are 
scheduled to be on the air 24h (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, Sept 11, 
Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) Reported by whom?? 

IBB's RMS system: http://monitor.ibb.gov/rms 
(Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** AUSTRALIA. HCJB frequency change from Sept. 15, for SAs morning 
service at 0100-0330 in English, first half hour in Urdu: 15555 ex-
15420, which was working too well, interfering with RA in Indonesia 
(Dennis Adams, HCJB-Au, DX Partyline Sept 13 via gh, Alokesh Gupta, 
DXLD)

** BERMUDA [and non]. HAM RADIO KEPT BERMUDA CONNECTED WHEN ALL ELSE 
FAILED

Amateur Radio became a primary means of contact between Bermuda and
the rest of the world as Hurricane Fabian swept across the island
September 5, claiming at least four lives and causing extensive
property damage in some areas. Authorities in Bermuda this week were
assessing its extent. A dangerous category 3 storm, Fabian took out
power to some 25,000 homes--about two-thirds of the island--as well
as all radio and TV stations. Additionally, generator problems took
the government`s emergency FM station off the air for a time. Tony
Siese, VP9HK, reports the police operations center was evacuated
after the 120-MPH winds took off part of its roof.

Siese said the only contact with the outside world for a couple of
hours was via hams like himself relaying information on 2 meters to
HF operators and getting weather reports from the National Hurricane
Center via the Hurricane Watch Net http://www.hwn.org/ on 20 meters.
He said that when the government emergency station dreturned to the
air, amateurs provided it with updated National Hurricane Center
reports from the HWN.

Hurricane Watch Net Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP, reports his net on
14.325 MHz secured operations September 6 at 0300 UTC ``after a very
long and busy day.`` Participating HWN volunteers feed ground-level
weather data to forecasters via WX4NHC http://www.wx4nhc.org/ at the
National Hurricane Center. WX4NHC also operates with a volunteer
staff. The weather data and information help meteorologists to
develop more accurate storm forecasts.

``We had excellent assistance and vital communications from five VP9
hams who, unfortunately, had to resort to makeshift antennas and
back-up battery power as the storm approached their locations,``
Pilgrim said. WX4NHC Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Julio
Ripoll, WD4JR, said that while news reporters on Bermuda found
themselves uncharacteristically out of touch, ``old-fashioned`` ham
radio HF technology got through. As he put it, ``brave Bermuda hams,
using car batteries, basic wire antennas and only 50 W of power, were
able to send those valued `surface reports` and receive vital
hurricane advisories.`` Decent conditions on 20 meters also helped.

Also pitching in were Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network
(SATERN) volunteers. ``The SATERN Net stood by two days at full alert
monitoring for information from Bermuda as Hurricane Fabian raged
through the island,`` said National SATERN Coordinator Pat McPherson,
WW9E. SATERN Territorial Coordinator Rick Shirran, VE3NUZ/VP9, said
that with power and telephone service down, ``the only communication
that held up during the event was that of the members of the Radio
Society of Bermuda via 2 meters, and HF on the Hurricane Watch Net
and the SATERN Net.`` Shirran lost part of his own roof and the
driven element to his antenna. He got back on the air using a
makeshift antenna and power from a car battery.

Shirran said it could take more than two weeks to restore power to
Bermuda. Telephone service ``remains tentative,`` he said at week`s
end. The airport was only open to daylight flights as of September
11.

Amateur Radio reports gathered September 7 by Dick Montgomery, N3DV,
on the 20-meter Bermuda Net indicated many trees down, damage to
docked boats and amateur antennas blown away, but power slowly being
restored.

National Hurricane Center Director Max Mayfield expressed his sincere
thanks to amateurs who supplied critical information during Fabian.
``We never would have known what was going on in Bermuda without your
help,`` he said. ``You are a part of the hurricane team, and it is a
pleasure to work with you.`` (ARRL Letter Sept 12 via John Norfolk, 
DXLD)

** BRAZIL. NEW AND IMPROVED VOICE OF BRAZIL 
   http://www.brazzil.com/2003/html/news/articles/sep03/p108sep03.htm 

After seven decades on the air, the official radio program Voice 
of Brazil has just undergone its first radical transformation, 
with changes to its editorial content. According to its producers, 
the Voice is leaving the office and hitting the street, 
with reports based on the needs of listeners. 

After nearly seven decades on the air, the Voice of Brazil (Voz do 
Brasil), the radio program with the largest audience in the country, 
received a new face, a new format, and new voices on September 1st. 
Nine million people listen to the Voice of Brazil every day. The 
program's reach extends from riverbank communities in the Amazon to 
offices along the most modern avenues of metropolitan centers like São 
Paulo. 

The chief transformation is in the editorial content. The reports, 
which used to center around the activities and speeches of Federal 
Government Executive officials, now focus on the citizen. "The Voice 
of Brazil leaves the office and hits the street, with reports based on 
the needs of listeners," explains Helenise Brant, the program's new 
editor-in-chief. 

"The Guarani," the Voice of Brazil's musical opening theme, received 
new versions prepared by maestro Sérgio Sá. Together with the musical 
tags that accompany the news stories, the opening theme, which is part 
of an opera of the same name written by Brazilian composer Carlos 
Gomes, will have variations in various Brazilian popular rhythms 
(forró, samba, choro, bossa-nova, capoeira, and moda de viola), as 
well as techno and drum and bass. 

"The transformation of the Voice implied a change in sound," says Sá. 
"I had problems with the formal aspect of the program, and 
contributing to make it attractive was very interesting," he recounts. 

The Voice of Brazil is now presented by four people. Besides the 
announcers Luciano Seixas and Luiz Fara Monteiro, journalists Kátia 
Sartorio and Leandro Fortes, both from Radiobrás, are also 
participating. The two of them will have the function of putting the 
news in context and making it more objective for the ordinary citizen. 

It took nearly three months of studies, research, and try-outs to 
assemble the new format of the news show. This is the second editorial 
reform that has occurred in the program. In 1999, new musical tags 
were introduced, the announcing style became a bit less formal, and 
there were changes in the sections. 

Now the program is starting a new chapter in its trajectory, which 
began in 1932, under the Administration of Getúlio Vargas, under the 
name A Hora do Brasil. The Voice has accompanied 24 Presidents, has 
already had three different names, and has reported the promulgation 
of four different Constitutions and eight changes in the currency. 
Radiobrás and BBC

At the end of July, Radiobrás and the BBC of London initiated a 
partnership that includes two daily five-minute bulletins, with news 
from BBC correspondents around the world for transmission by the 
National radio stations of Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and the Amazon. 

In the inaugural program, BBC correspondents in France, the United 
States, England, and Argentina reported on each government's reasons 
for reforming the social security system and the reactions of public 
servants. The partnership was introduced by the News Directors of 
Radiobrás, Gustavo Krieger, and the BBC, Américo Martins. 

According to the president of Radiobrás, Eugênio Bucci, the agreement 
is a landmark and a model. "This is just the first step in an 
institutional partnership which we hope will be long and fruitful. It 
is a landmark in the public information sector. It is part of our 
effort at Radiobrás to accomplish our mission, which is to provide 
Brazilians with quality information," declared Bucci. 

Minister of Culture, Gilberto Gil, discussed recently the creation of 
an international TV channel for Brazilian government communication 
with president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Following the conversation 
Gil said that both he and the President were working on the project, 
"to open a channel of communication connecting Brazil with the world," 
and had decided to study the possibility in depth with the Government 
Communications Secretariat (Secom) and the Government Communications 
Corporation (Radiobrás). 

The material for this article was supplied by Agência Brasil (AB), the
official press agency of the Brazilian government (Brazzil - Media - 
September 2003 via Jill Dybka, DXLD) M-F 2200-2300 UT on most stations

** CHILE. 4755, R. Jerualen [sic], 2359, ID ``Radio Jerulan [sic], 
90.1 FM Antofagasta e Iquique y el servico [sic] satelital de Voz 
Cristiana``. Program of Christian music. New SW station, spur, image 
or new MW station? (Locatellli, Uruguay, Conexión Digital, undated, 
but probably July or August, via World Radio Report, Sept ODXA 
Listening In via DXLD)

I missed that one; are they trying to say ``Jerusalén``? Does seem 
like a Voz Cristiana mixing product, but what`s the formula? (Glenn 
Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** ECUADOR. HCJB has made some program changes and extended the 
morning-only English service to the Americas by half an hour, now 
1100-1330 on 15115, since Sept 8. Precepts now occupies 1300-1330 M-F; 
Unshackled on Sat; Habitation, a locally-produced music and worship 
show on Sundays. And: Morning in the Mountains is back, but only for a 
brief period, a quarter hour instead of a sesquihour, M-F 1200-1215, 
with news, sports scores and music (Jeff Ingram, HCJB DX Partyline 
Sept 13 via Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See also AUSTRALIA

** ERITREA. 7100, V. of Broad Masses, 0355-0411, 13/09, Vernacular, 
IDs over HOA music at tune-in until 0359 then YL with talks, reggae 
style music at 0407 with brief YL talkovers. ID "loop?" matches 
beautifully with clip at intervalsignals.net!! Audible signal under 
sporadic "ham" chatter and static (Scott R. Barbour, Jr., Intervale, 
NH, Sangean ATS 818, RF Systems MLB-1, RS longwire w/ RBA balun, DX 
LISTENING DIGEST) 

** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. WORLDSPACE FOUNDATION BECOMES FIRST VOICE 
INTERNATIONAL --- 

First Voice International http://www.firstvoiceint.org is the new name 
for the WorldSpace Foundation. There appears to be more to this than a 
simple name change, since the Web site says "First Voice 
International, as part of its transition from WorldSpace Foundation, 
is currently reconsituting [sic] its board of directors. Please check 
back in a couple of weeks for the official announcement of the new 
board." That was on Monday August 25th, which was more than a couple 
of weeks ago! The change has no consequences for the commercial 
operations of WorldSpace http://www.worldspace.com itself, as far as I 
can tell at this point (Andy Sennitt, Media Network blog Sept 12 via 
DXLD)

I see that the Worldspace website is still showing a footprint for 
Ameristar, with the caption "AmeriStar Satellite is expected to launch 
at a future date" That launch was postponed a considerable time ago, 
wasn't it? (RR RadioRob • 9/12/03; 5:21:36 AM, ibid.)

** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. MV Communicator - news update 13 Sept

On 4 September Our Engineer arrived for another week on the ship. 
Janie and Dave joined him in Ijmuiden on 9 September to hold meetings 
with AVR, Main BV, Jim Iskes and the Harbourmaster. It was decided 
that she is to go in dry dock for refurbishment and a fresh paint 
before she returns to the UK.

Bert Hendricks and Collegue welded the windows and some power has been
restored on board.

The sad news is that the CSI Laser 558 transmitters have had all the 
major parts stolen and cannot be used again. This happened after the 
removal of the Q transmitter in Pampshaven.

The Wheel and Compass have also been stolen in Pampushaven and if you 
have any information on these items or the transmitter parts please 
contact us.

Inspectors from the Dutch Administration will arrive shortly after the 
dry dock to present us with a loadline exemption certificate as we 
prepare to leave.

Our friends at Radio Caroline have asked us to feature in the next 
issue of Caroline magazine with exclusive pictures and information on 
the struggle to "Save the Communicator". If you would like information 
regarding this magazine please contact Radio Caroline.
http://www.mvcommunicator.com/8326.html

Contact details:

The Super Station
Suite 449
305 Madison Avenue
New York NY 10165 USA

The official website is at http://www.mvcommunicator.com/

New photographs at: http://www.offshore-radio.de/gallery.htm
(via Mike Terry, DXLD)

** IRAN [non]. ANONYMIZER MAKES THE INTERNET A SAFER PLACE FOR IRANIAN 
CITIZENS --- Source: Anonymizer(R), Inc. 9/12/03
http://www.payvand.com/news/03/sep/1068.html

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Anonymizer®, Inc., a leading 
provider of anonymous Web surfing and online privacy protection, today 
announced new anti-censorship Web proxy services in Iran, enabling 
people to bypass government filtering and access information sources, 
including political and religious content. Currently, about two 
million citizens in Iran have Web access. Anonymizer has provided 
similar services to other countries, including China, with extremely 
positive results. 

Iranian government officials blacklist forbidden sites that, for 
instance due to political and religious content, are considered 
dangerous. The United States International Broadcasting Bureau 
http://www.ibb.gov is funding the effort in their partnership with 
Anonymizer to utilize their core technology. 

The way it works is that Anonymizer sends bulk e-mails and daily 
newsletters to the Iranian citizens addresses that are provided by 
human rights organizations. The IBB, in support of the Voice Of 
America Persian Service http://www.voanews.com and Radio Farda 
http://www.radiofarda.com are sponsoring the effort to provide this 
easily accessible service. The generic URLs for the anti-censorship 
services are publicized over the Radio Farda and VOA Persian 
broadcasts. The URLs are changed when they become blocked by the 
Iranian Government, so that Iranian citizens can continue to get 
unfiltered, unblocked local and world news. 

"The links to the service provided within the emails point to either 
the VOA or Radio Farda sites, but they can go anywhere on the 
Internet," said Ken Berman, program manager for Internet Anti-
censorship activities at the IBB. "Dissident sites, religious sites, 
the L.L. Bean catalog -- they are free to explore the Internet as they 
wish, in an unfettered fashion." 

"By providing a means for these people to visit the sites that are 
blocked by their government while remaining anonymous, we're making 
the Internet a safer place as well as offering the freedoms that they 
should be afforded," said Lance Cottrell, president and founder of 
Anonymizer. "This project brings forth the full potential of the 
Internet bringing free speech and democracy to the world." 
For more information and to speak with a company representative about 
this story, please call Paula Dunne at 408-776-1400 or email at 
paula@contosdunne.com (Payvand's Iran News via Jilly Dybka, DXLD)

** IRELAND. RTÉ POSTPONES LAUNCH OF LONGWAVE SERVICE

Ray Woodward forwards a press release from Irish public broadcaster 
RTÉ to the effect that the target launch date for its longwave service 
has been postponed for three months, and may even not happen. 
According to the press release:

"The decision whether to proceed awaits a review by RTÉ of the overall 
distribution of our radio services on terrestrial and digital 
platforms and of the costs involved in a long wave service. That 
review is ongoing and is expected to conclude in October. The target 
start date has therefore been revised to the 1 January 2004."

Tests will continue, however, and this Sunday there's a special 
transmission:

"This Sunday 14 September sees a significant test of the coverage and 
potential of the new service. For Sunday afternoon the LW 252 signal 
will be brought to its full power of 500kw and will carry Radio 1's 
coverage of the All Ireland Hurling Final at 2pm. It is expected that 
the transmission of this event will generate interest in the potential 
of the service and will enable RTÉ to gather data on the reach and 
quality of the 252 signal. It is envisioned that this test would then 
be repeated on Sunday 28 September to enable transmission of the All 
Ireland Football Final." The full text of the press release is at 
www.rte.ie/about/organisation/releases/pr_longwave_test120903.html
(Media Network blog Sept 12 via DXLD)

** IRELAND [non]. Glenn, I have copied and pasted the following 
information from RTE's website re the All Ireland Hurling and Gaelic 
Football Finals for your listeners information: 

RTÉ ALL IRELAND HURLING AND FOOTBALL FINALS 2003

The Frequencies for the All Ireland Hurling and Football Finals have 
now been arranged and generally are similar to last year, they are in 
the same frequency bands, with a few minor changes. The schedule will 
run from 1425 to 1625 GMT Sunday 14th and 28th September 2003.

N. America               13785
C & S America            15275
W Africa                 17860
NE Africa & Middle East  21590
Far East & SE Asia        7485
(Paul Guckian, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** JAPAN. Full data QSL card received from Nihon SW Broadcasting Co. 
Ltd (Radio Tampa), within 11 days after a snail mail report on 9595 
kHz. All the emails bounced back. 73's (Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, 
India, Sept 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** JORDAN. Hi Graham, I see what you you mean by the frequency 
change...? error...? Radio Jordan is blasting through on 11960 kHz 
here in Guernsey Channel Isles. (UK) 1555 UT, (SIO: 555). I notice 
that they do use this frequency from 0500 to 0710 UT, Arabic to 
EEu/ME. So my guess, like you, is that someone pulled the wrong 
switch. Interesting catch though - if it's a mistake... 73 RAO (Robin 
Banneville, SWBC via DXLD) 

11960: Jordan's fairly listenable here, too, in the Pacific NW USA 
near Seattle. I'm hearing it on the backside of my western Beverage 
antenna (Guy Atkins, Puyallup, WA USA, 1629 UT Sept 12, swbc via DXLD) 

Great signal here in south Italy; they used 11960 at 0500 UT in Arabic 
(Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, 1631 UT Sept 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 

Checked next day around 1330, but no chance with HCJB on 11960 (Glenn 
Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Glenn, Radio Jordan from Al Karanah, Jordan, noted with its English 
programme back on its correct frequency of 11690 kHz today (Sept 13th) 
at 1300 with news bulletin and pop music. It would appears that 
yesterday`s transmission on 11960 kHz must have been a one off 
switching error by the station (Graham Powell, Wales, DX LISTENING 
DIGEST) 

Sorry --- the Jordan operation was a one day thing. Was back on 11690 
kHz. Probably the operator forgot to tune to 11690 yesterday after the 
Arabic service (Victor G., Sri Lanka, Sept 13, SWBC via DXLD) 

** MALTA. See CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES below

** MEXICO [non]. 15045, Radio Free Cascadia Int., 11 de septiembre del 
2003, Alrededor de las 0330 UT [del 12 sept] sintonicé una señal con 
un espantoso ruido; al fondo se escuchaba como consignas o gritos, 
incomprensibles. Pasados de las 0400 escuché con un poco de más 
claridad, música variada; me pareció escuchar canciones de nativos 
de norteamérica, cantos de protestas, revolucionarias, como por 
ejemplo de los que cantaban los sandinistas en la década de los años 
ochenta. En las otras frecuencias mencionadas, no sintonicé nada. 
Saludos (Héctor García Bojorge, México DF, Conexión Digital via DXLD)

CLANDESTINE from MEXICO? to EARTH, 15044.97, Radio Free Cascadia 
(tentative) reception a bit better today, most of the music is 
audible, some of the speech, all this 2030-2200 Sept 12 (Hans Johnson, 
Cody WY, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD)

They weren't there at just before 1700, then were on frequency shortly 
after 1700. Poor signal for the most part, but improving later on in 
the hour. English ID heard at 1752 during a peak in the broadcast. 
Clearly heard a prerecorded broadcast cut into, then a strong hum 
(poor audio quality) as a M announcer gave a Radio Free Cascadia 
International ID and the purpose for them being on the air. I believe 
they also gave the frequency (kilohertz mentioned). First half hour of 
broadcast was music. Virtually most if not all talking was in English 
(John Sgrulletta, Mahopac, NY, ibid.)

2215 guitar music and commentary. Similar fades as yesterday. 
Occasional ute interference, 73's (Bob Wilkner, FL, ibid.)

Last night (9/11, 2341+) they were in Spanish at 15044.97, thanks
for phone alert from Gerry Bishop. A huge CW signal appeared atop them 
for awhile; anyone know what that was?

Tonight (9/12, 2125+) they were in Spanish, but recheck had English 
monotone M (reminding me of a vocal version of the old Cuban CW 
"Boring Man" spy) with his daily report on WTO atrocities, and closer 
to 15045.05.

Modulation is rather low, but clean and QRM free, save for that CW 
episode. Frequency is odd, almost making me want to believe it really
could be from Yuccaville (Terry Krueger, FL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ?? 

Further monitoring of RFCI here Sept 12-13 on 15045: at 2315 ID in 
Spanish; 0015 interviews in English from Cancún; 0048 ID in passing, 
phone interview with poor audio. 0059 Full ID by YL in English, 
mentioning audio difficulties, and would have to download material 
instead of live cellphone calls; broadcasting to Mexico, Central and 
South America, until Sept. 14, ``from an organic farm, in solidarity. 
. .``, also mentioned being heard in China, and tonight would be on 
15045 until 0500. Usual signal here is 20 over 9. 0130 started ``Voces 
de Libertad`` program from Los Ángeles, and relayed in Santa Bárbara 
on 98.7, about the desaparecidas in Ciudad Juárez, song ``Los Líderes 
Traidores``; still good at 0200, later than last night, but about 
faded out upon 0300 recheck (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

RFCI forwarded a reception report from China, which must have used a 
machine translator, if they exist for Chinese-English, plus these 
details:

Name: Tao Jie 
Country: China 
Listen place: ChongQing, China 
Recevier: Tecsun-PL-757 
Antenna:TECSUN_AN2000 
Date:11/09/2003 
UTC: 18:15---18:30 
Language: Spainsh 
Frequency: 15045 KHz 
SINPO: 33443 
(via gh, DXLD)

14960 (spur), R. Free Cascadia International, 2300 Sept 12, Spur at 
fair level with readable audio. The 15045 fundamental was 
undermodulated with slight distortion, yet strong carrier. Checked 
multiples of 85 kHz and could find no other spurs other then the one 
85 kHz down form the fundamental. ID in Spanish at 2322 (David 
Hodgson, TN, harmonics yahoogroups via DXLD)

Real Nice reception of Radio Free Cascadia this evening --- 15045. 
Radio Free Cascadia, Clandestine??? Costa Rica [sic --- not] 
Sept/12/03 2335-2355 UT, VG Low Audio. Angry Punk Rock Protest Music 
at 2335-38. More Protest music @2338-42. Female with Nursery Rhyme 3 
Little Pigs --- But filled in with Protest anti Government Slogans 
like "Go to Hell you Materialistic Oppressors" and "Protest to the 
United Nations" and "Complain to Internal Affairs. More Protest Music 
at 2347-2352. Nice Long ID by Male Announcer at 2352 UT as "You are 
Listening to Radio Free Cascadia International on 15.045 Mhz AM. We 
are Protesting against the World Trade Organization and are for all 
others who are protesting Oppression. Mentioned Direct Action to 
Resistance of Solidarity?? (Not Verbatim). Into more Protest Rock 
Music. Signal best on 20 Meter Dipole. Some Fading but generally VG 
Signal with Low Audio at times, and Nice Clear Audio at times!
Are we calling this Clandestine????? (Robert S. Ross, VA3SW, London, 
Ontario, CANADA N6A5K1, ODXA via DXLD)

15044.99 Radio Free Cascadia, 2335+, September 12/13. English. Short 
commentaries by male & female in English. Announcement. Music. At 0100 
ID by female as: "...Radio Free Cascadia...", 24322 (Arnaldo Slaen, 
Argentina, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD)

Readable signal was listened here in Buenos Aires on 15045, from 0016 
to 0055 with English comments and music more clear the music than the 
comments, some fades and ute QRM, and also some ham, mention Cancún 
and man announcer give and address and probably mention Radio Free 
Cascadia (Nicolás Eramo, Argentina, UT Sept 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Ayer, 12 de septiembre del 2003, escuché un poco mejor la transmisión 
de "Radio Free Cascadia Internacional", con un ruido y con pocos 
desvanecimientos. Se escuchó mejor entre 15045 y 15044 kHz. Con 
música, Alrededor de las 0345 UT, un locutor hablando en español 
identificó la emiosra "Esta es Radio Libre Cascadia, transmitiendo en 
contra de la OMC que se esta celebrando en Cancún, México...", y 
presentaba las canciones que iban a tocar, leyó hasta poemas. A las 
0400 el locutor pidió informes de recepción, por que aún estan 
haciendo pruebas. Y dió dos direcciones para enviar su correo 
electrónico: radio985@e... [truncated] y su correo postal:

RFCI, P.O. Box 703, Eugene, OR 97440 EE.UU

También el locutor comentaba que su país ha estado en guerra con 
varios países. En las ultima horas de transmisión cambiaron al idioma 
inglés. A las 0502 terminaron sus transmisiones, "Radio Free Cascadia 
International, Radio Libre Cascadia Internacional, Signing off" 
Saludos (Héctor García Bojorge, DF, Conexión Digital via DXLD)

15045.00 kHz, 0300 UT with Spanish giving ID as: "Radio Rebelde 
Libre". I have a recording of an address in Florida [??] and also an 
e-mail address but I have to check it out tomorrow. Fine signal, LA-
music and talking a lot of the "Zapatistas" in México. 73 de (Björn 
Malm, Quito, Ecuador, Cumbre DX via DXLD)

[Later:] Amigos DXistas! 15045.00 kHz "Radio Rebelde Libre 
Internacional": 
P. O. Box 703, Eugene OR 97440 U.S.A. E-mail: Radio985@efn.org 
Recording/ Grabación: http://homepage.sverige.net/~a-0901/ 
(Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, Sept 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

No recording there of that yet when checked at 1717 UT Sept 13, but I 
never heard them ID as ``Rebelde``. RFCI was again on 15045 when 
checked at 1701, rather weak. If like previous days, signal will build 
as day progresses. Dxing.info did a rewrite about this too:
http://www.dxing.info/news/index.dx#rfci
(Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** NEPAL. MAOISTS LAUNCH FM RADIO STATION ACROSS NEPAL | Text of 
report by Nepalnews.com web site on 13 September 

Maoists are launching FM radio station, namely Jana-awaj, across the 
country and also in Kathmandu Valley from next week onwards, a 
published report said Saturday [13 September]. The FM (frequency 
modulation) radio will have three broadcast stations inside Nepal, a 
news report in Rajdhani daily said, quoting undisclosed Maoist 
sources. The radio can be heard at 95.1 megahertz in any of the 
general FM radio sets found in the market, said the report. "The radio 
will air all activities of Maoists, voices from the villages and news 
of international revolutionaries, among others." A "test transmission" 
of FM radio in Swargadwari of Pyuthan and Rolpa [both in mid-western 
region] was clearly heard in the area, the report said, quoting 
locals. Source: Nepalnews.com web site, Kathmandu, in English 13 Sep 
03 (via BBCM via DXLD)

** NEW ZEALAND. La estación ZLXA, Radio Reading Service, también 
conocida como "Radio for the Print Disabled", opera en idioma inglés 
difundiendo programas educativos y de aprendizaje radial durante las 
24 Hs por la frecuencia de 3935 KHz. Aquí en Sudamerica la emisora es 
audible por las mañanas, alrededor hasta su desvanecimiento, de 
acuerdo a las condiciones de propagación. La emisora verifica con una 
hermosa tarjeta QSL y material informativo, si junto al reporte se 
adjunta US$ 1.00 como mínimo, para asegurarse la respuesta. QTH: R. 
Reading Service, ZLXA, P.O.Box 360, Levin 5500, Nueva Zelanda. E-mail: 
nzrpd@x... [truncated] Web: http://www.radioreading.org (Marcelo A. 
Cornachioni, Argentina, Conexión Digital Sept 12 via DXLD)

** OKLAHOMA. FCC ASKS POWER COMPANY TO TRY HARDER TO RESOLVE NOISE 
   COMPLAINTS

The FCC has asked American Electric Power Company of Columbus, Ohio,
to take a closer look at several power line noise complaints and try
harder to resolve them. The cases involve complaints from four
Amateur Radio operators in Ohio, Indiana and Oklahoma.

``While we certainly appreciate the considerable effort that AEP
afforded this matter, we are puzzled by the lack of results,`` FCC
Special Counsel Riley Hollingsworth wrote August 26 in a letter to
AEP Senior Vice President Marsha P. Ryan. ``In most cases, a noise
source can be located easily by trained personnel using the proper
equipment.`` . . .

MC CLOUD, HOWARD D, KC5RGC (General)

Howard McCloud, KC5RGC, of [6014 E 57TH PL, TULSA, OK 74135-8120]
reported power line noise last April and identified its source for AEP 
as utility lines about a mile from his station. McCloud was not aware 
that AEP had attempted to correct it, Hollingsworth wrote. ``AEP now 
apparently maintains that the source of the noise is McCloud`s 
antenna, even when it is disconnected and on the ground,`` a 
conclusion Hollingsworth labeled ``patently defective.`` McCloud 
reports relatively strong noise on HF that continues 24/7.

Hollingsworth asked AEP to ``revisit each of these cases`` and to
update the FCC within 45 days of any progress in each case. He also
referred the power company to ARRL RFI Specialist Mike Gruber, W1MG,
for technical assistance in resolving the cases (ARRL Letter Sept 12 
via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DXLD)

** PARAGUAY. 6105, R. 1  de Marzo, Asunción, Paraguay. Más info sobre 
esta frecuencia. Escuchada en esta frecuencia el día 21/08/03 0300-
0330*. Programa "Deporte Total", transmisión deportiva desde la ciudad 
de Encarnación. Varias Id's. Sobre el cierre se identificó como "Ésta 
es la Mega Cadena de Comunicación compuesta por... (detalle de las 
emisoras componentes)...". Cierre abrupto. 

Captada también el 24/08/03 0300-0330* con las mismas transmisiones 
deportivas, varias Id's, ads y servicios informativos del departamento 
de prensa de Radio 1  de Marzo. A las 0330 se hizo cargo de la 
transmisión una emisora local de FM que se identificó como: "Desde 
ciudad Presidente Franco transmite Paraná FM 98.5 Mhz." que continuó 
en el aire hasta las 0503* con música pop latina identificándose cada 
30 minutos. Cierre abrupto.

Escuchada por última vez el 30/08/03 0315-0320*. Música pop latina. ID 
"Ésta es la número uno, 98.5 Paraná FM". Ads. Cierre abrupto. 

Nota: Lo extraño es la claridad de la señal y ninguna de las 
habituales brasileñas que ocupan esta frecuencia; éstas recién 
aparecían cuando se apagaba el transmisor paraguayo. He buscado en 
viejos registros y en ningún lado aparece esta frecuencia 
registrada por Radio 1  de Marzo o alguna otra emisora paraguaya
(Daniel Camporini, Argentina, Conexión Digital Sept 12 via DXLD)

** PERU. LIMA --- El profugo ex Presidente Alberto Fujimori tendrá su 
propio programa en la radio peruana, en el que analizará desde Tokio 
la política nacional, según anunció ayer en Lima su portavoz Carlos
Raffo. "La Voz del Chino", que se transmitirá todos los sábados
en la mañana durante una hora en la emisora limeña Radio Miraflores,
pretende ser el inicio de una cadena radial nacional en la que se
exponga el pensamiento del ex mandatario, añadió el publicista (El 
Mercurio, Chile, 12/09/03, via Gabriel Iván Barrera, Conexión Digital 
via DXLD)

Aquí una curiosa información. Programa radial de Fujimori. Radio 
Miraflores, emite en 96.1 MHz, desde Lima. 73's (GIB, ibid.) 

FUJIMORI LANZARÁ PROGRAMA RADIAL EN PERÚ
Reuters 11 de Septiembre, 2003
http://www.unionradio.com.ve/noticias/internacionales/Notaint2003091120417.htm

El ex presidente peruano Alberto Fujimori, refugiado en Japón tras ser
destituido en medio de un escándalo de corrupción, lanzará un programa
semanal de radio para apoyar su regreso a la escena política y 
defenderse de las acusaciones en su contra, dijo el jueves su 
portavoz.

"La hora del Chino", en alusión al apodo que usaba Fujimori por sus 
rasgos orientales, será el nombre de su espacio que saldrá al aire a 
partir del sábado a través de una emisora radial limeña, informó el 
portavoz del ex mandatario, Carlos Raffo.

El programa será emitido por la radio "Miraflores" y tendrá una hora 
de duración, dijo el propietario de la radioemisora Ricardo Palma.

"Fujimori me llamó un día a las 3 de mañana cuando dormía y pensé que 
era la broma de algún amigo y me retó a que le dé un espacio", dijo 
Palma a Reuters.

Según Palma, el costo del alquiler de una hora a la semana en su 
emisora es de entre 500 a 600 dólares mensuales.

Fujimori difundirá en su programa al menos cuatro mensajes pregrabados 
de unos siete minutos cada uno sobre diferentes temas políticos y de 
"interés nacional"; y será también un vehículo de defensa frente a las 
acusaciones en su contra, afirmó Raffo.

El ex mandatario enfrenta un proceso de extradición acusado de ser 
coautor de la matanza de 25 personas, entre ellas un niño, a manos de 
un comando militar que operaba en la sombra, según investigaciones 
judiciales.

Pese a las acusaciones en su contra, Fujimori mantiene un 31 por 
ciento de popularidad frente al sólo 12 por ciento que ostenta el 
presidente Alejandro Toledo entre la población peruana, según un 
sondeo de la encuestadora Apoyo.

Sin embargo, un 66 por ciento cree que Fujimori es corrupto y 49 por 
ciento piensa que ordenó las matanzas.

"Fujimori es el principal protagonista del programa", dijo Raffo, tras
afirmar que el espacio radial será financiado por "gente amiga" del ex
presidente en Perú (via Dario Monferini, Italy, DXLD)

IDIOTEZ HUMANAS --- Ciao! non c'è limite alla idiozia umana. In Italia 
abbiamo Gabrielli; in Perù, Radio Miraflores. However this WEB 
http://www.radiomiraflores.com/ doesn't work anymore nor the real 
audio. Probably the station has been bought by the Fujimori gangsters 
living in LIMA (Dario Monferini, Italy, DX LISTENING DIGEST)
 
** SOUTH AMERICA. SOUTH AMERICAN PIRATES --- Times UT. RADIO COCHIGUAZ 
will be active this weekend hoisting the pirate flag, on 11430 kHz 
USB, relaying on this opportunity to RADIO CAROLINE EIFEL, from 
Germany.

Sat, 13 September 2003, 2000-2100, Radio Caroline
Sun, 14 September 2003, 0200-0300, Radio Caroline

For reports write to: (Pls add return postage)
SRS-Germany, Radio Caroline Eifel, Box 1136, 06201 Merseburg, GERMANY.
Radio Cochiguaz, Box 159, Santiago 14, CHILE.

FFFR, ;-) Cachito, Radio Cochiguaz op.
http://www.geocities.com/rcochiguaz
(via Radio Strike, BCLnews.it via DXLD)

** UGANDA [non]. Glad to note Radio Rhino International Africa with 
s/on 1502 UT on 17555 kHz broadcasting in English. This broadcast is 
beamed to Uganda via transmitter in Germany by DTK. Pretty good 
reception in spite of splashes from Chinese speaking station on 17560 
kHz. Nice IDs like from R Rhino... like this: "This is the Voice of 
Freedom and Democracy". 73´s (Jouko Huuskonen, Turku, FINLAND, Sept 
12, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Media Item: Uganda - Radio Rhino International-Africa  
   From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200309090708.html 

REFORM AGENDA WELCOMES GERMAN-BASED RADIO 
New Vision (Kampala) 
NEWS  September 9, 2003  Posted to the web September 9, 2003 
By Geresom Musamali, Kampala 

[portion already quoted by BBCM in 3-163 omitted here; q.v.]

. . .RA environment secretary Kagulire Ssebowa and David Kanyerezi, 
the RA youth league chairman, were present. Ssebowa said the Movement 
director of information, Ofwono Opondo, confirmed what RA said about 
the harassment of its supporters. Opondo said on Capital Gang on 
Saturday said Uganda had very good relations with the African National 
Congress, South Africa's ruling political party. He said South 
African-based Besigye's activities were therefore being monitored by 
the Government of Uganda (via Ulis R. Fleming, Maryland USA, Sept 10, 
Cumbre DX via DXLD)

** U K. A reminder that the Last Night of The Proms is upon us, Sat 
Sept 13; details of special SW frequencies from BBCWS were 3-159; 
1830-2200 UT; also webcast on BBC Radio 3, with a less formal(?) 
version on BBC Radio 2; and webcast with video from BBC (Glenn Hauser, 
OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** U K. JOHN PEEL'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

In April this year The Guardian reported  
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,929585,00.html 
that John Peel, who spent five days choosing between offers from 
HarperCollins and Transworld for his memoirs, finally picked 
Transworld. The company paid £1.6m as an advance payment of the 
royalties his book might earn. He will get the money in three or four 
portions: a tranche on signature of the contract, another on delivery 
of the manuscript, another on publication in 2005, and possibly a 
further one on publication of a paperback edition. I have it on good 
authority that Transworld are still due to publish it in 2005. Pity 
it`s taking so long (Mike Terry, UK, Sept 13, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** U S A. WBCQ is celebrating its 5th anniversary on the air; caught 
part of Allan Weiner Worldwide. Says Jewish Radio Network, with Rabbi 
Spivak, keeps expanding, currently scheduled (always in EDT, always 
converted here to UT): M-F 1600-2000 on 9330; Wed/Thu/Fri 0100-0200 
7415; Mon 2200-2230 7415; Sun 1800-2000 7415.

Area 51 is a WBCQ production on 5105 Sunday nights, 2200-0400 UT Mons; 
the time is reserved and not sold. Allan would like to program WBCQ 
this way 24/7, and would do so if a million dollar grant were 
forthcoming, part of which would be applied to a worldwide advertising 
campaign to publicize SW and WBCQ. First hour 2200-2300 presents 
vintage Jean Shepherd shows, as put together from many sources by 
Michael Ketter. Some of these do not exist anywhere else; complete and 
uncut. At 2300-2400 hopes to begin a new astronomy or science show 
this week. Rest of time 0000-0300 is open for a variety of shows from 
`BCQ, TimTron, Complex Variables Studios, etc. Tasha Takes Control has 
moved to Sat [UT Sun?], so immediately following AWWW UT Sat at 0100 
on 7415, is now ``Radio Reaxion Theatre``, skits and bits (Allan 
Weiner Worldwide, WBCQ 7415, UT Sat Sept 13 0000-0100, notes by Glenn 
Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST)

** U S A. UNITED PATRIOT RADIO - ANDERSON SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS ON 
WEAPONS CHARGES --- "He is sorry for the things he said on his short-
wave radio program, which caused a great deal of alarm..."

From The Associated Press
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20030912/APN/309121017 

LONDON, Kentucky. -- Steve Anderson, a former militia member who shot 
a deputy sheriff's cruiser and eluded capture for more than a year, 
was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday.

Anderson, 55, of Pulaski County, pleaded guilty in May to various 
federal firearms charges, including illegal possession of a machine 
gun, carrying and firing a gun during a crime of violence and 
possessing unregistered firearms.

He was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves.

As Anderson was driving home from a gathering of white supremacists in 
North Carolina in October 2001, he was pulled over in Bell County by 
deputy sheriff Scott Elder because of a broken taillight. Elder saw 
ammunition in the truck and asked whether Anderson had guns with him. 
Anderson then riddled the deputy's cruiser with at least 20 bullets.

Elder was not hurt and shot back before Anderson drove into the hills 
of eastern Kentucky.

When police searched Anderson's home after the shooting, they found 
illegal weapons, including a machine gun and silencer, a sawed-off 
rifle, two homemade bombs and 25 fragmentation grenades, according to 
a federal indictment.

Federal agents arrested Anderson in Cherokee County, N.C. in November 
2002. A tipster called investigators after Anderson appeared on the 
television show "America's Most Wanted."

Anderson was once a member of the Kentucky State Militia. The 
organization said it dismissed Anderson because he made inflammatory 
comments about the U.S. government, blacks, Jews and immigrants over 
an unlicensed radio station he operated from his Pulaski County home.

David Tapp, Anderson's attorney, told Reeves on Friday that Anderson 
was remorseful.

"He is sorry for the things he said on his short-wave radio program, 
which caused a great deal of alarm, and he is very sorry for his 
actions in Bell County which led to his imprisonment," Tapp said. "I 
think the court accepted his apologies and I think the government 
accepted them as well. I believe he is sincere."  September 12. 2003 
6:44PM (via Mike Terry, David Zantow N9EWO, Janesville, WI, DXLD)

EX-MILITIA MEMBER APOLOGIZES
He fired on deputy; sentence is 15 years
By Bill Estep, SOUTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY BUREAU, Sept 13
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/6760816.htm

LONDON - A former Kentucky State Militia member who shot at a deputy 
and fled into the mountains nearly two years ago apologized yesterday 
for the attack and for his radio broadcasts of extremist views.
Stephen H. Anderson, of rural Pulaski County, said during a hearing in 
federal court that he'd experienced a "spirit of revival" since he was 
caught last year.

"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God," Anderson 
said, quoting the Epistle of James. "My actions were wrong -- bad 
wrong," he told U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves. "What I said was 
very wrong and I apologize for that."

Anderson, 56, was in court to be sentenced on numerous weapons 
violations, including possession of an illegal machine gun and several 
homemade bombs. He told Reeves he looked forward to being a witness 
for Christ behind bars, "so whatever you give me, praise God."
Reeves gave him 15 years. Anderson will have to serve at least 85 
percent of that time.

The judge did give Anderson a break on one set of weapons charges, 
sentencing him to 60 months instead of the maximum of 71. One other 
charge -- shooting at the deputy -- carried a 120-month sentence.
Anderson's attorney, David A. Tapp of Somerset, had urged the judge to 
impose the low end of the sentencing range, saying that Anderson had 
done mission work on a Sioux reservation while on the run, that he had 
a strong work ethic, and that he candidly admitted his mistakes.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Martin Hatfield said he hoped Anderson's new 
attitude is sincere. But he reminded the judge that two people could 
have been killed in the attack on the deputy, whose girlfriend was 
with him in the cruis-er when Anderson opened fire. Reeves said he 
thought Anderson is a changed man.

In addition to sentencing Anderson to 15 years, the judge placed him 
on four years supervised release after prison, ordered mental-health 
treatment, and barred him from owning a gun or destructive device.
Reeves also said he would honor Anderson's request to recommend that 
he serve his time at a Talladega, Ala., prison that has training 
available to further his woodworking skills. Anderson has worked as an 
electrician and carpenter. "Thank you, sir. God bless you," said 
Anderson, who was upbeat during the hearing.

Before October 2001, he was best-known for a shortwave radio program 
broadcast from his home, espousing racist, anti-government anti-
Semitic and sometimes violent views. Concerned groups said Anderson's 
programs were among the most vitriolic on the airwaves. The 
paramilitary Kentucky State Militia kicked Anderson out because of 
some of his views, members told the Herald-Leader.

On Oct. 14, 2001, Scott Elder, then a deputy in Bell County, stopped 
Anderson's pickup truck -- which was marked as a militia vehicle -- 
because a taillight wasn't working. Later comments to federal agents, 
included in court records, indicated that Anderson might have been out 
on the lookout for terrorists in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks in 
New York and Washington, D.C.

"The militia is going to be the last line of defense," he said. "You 
need a gun behind every blade of grass in this country."

Anderson riddled Elder's cruiser with bullets from an assault rifle. 
Elder took cover and was not hurt; his girlfriend was slightly 
injured. Anderson later said he was a crack shot and could have killed 
Elder, but fired on the cruiser only to keep the deputy from chasing 
him because he feared Elder would overreact and shoot him during the 
traffic stop. "I could have Swiss-cheesed him," Anderson said.

He fled the shooting, abandoned his truck in the mountains and set off 
on foot. He had a .45-caliber pistol and carried a survival pack that 
included maps, packaged military meals and other food, he later told 
federal agents. Anderson indicated that he walked and hitchhiked his 
way to North Carolina, living off the land at times. "Camping. 
Riverbanks. Fish. Rabbits. It's easy," he said. He didn't say why he 
went to North Carolina.

Police found pipe bombs and several thousand rounds of ammunition in 
Anderson's truck. At his home, authorities found homemade bombs, more 
than two dozen grenades ready to be filled with explosive material and 
with fuses installed, two dozen guns, and thousands of rounds of 
ammunition.

Anderson eluded capture for more than a year. Federal agents finally 
caught him in North Carolina's Cherokee County in November, living 
under an alias, after the America's Most Wanted TV program aired 
information on him and someone phoned in a tip (Lexington Herald-
Leader via DXLD)

Still nothing posted as of Sept 13 from the Somerset Commonwealth-
Review, which also covered the Anderson story, but WKYT adds this 
brief item: (gh, DXLD)

MILITIA MEMBER SENTECNED
http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=1440316&nav=4CAKHxna

A judge has sentenced a former Kentucky militia member to 15 years in 
prison on federal weapons charges. Stephen Anderson told the court any 
sentence would be a blessing because he wants to minister while in 
prison. He also asked to serve his sentence in Taladega, Florida 
because the prison there has a wood shop. The judge says it wouldn't 
be a problem however it's up to bureau of prisons. Anderson spent a 
year in jail after shooting at a Bell County sheriff`s deputy (WKYT 
Lexington KY via DXLD)

** U S A. 2180, KAAY Little Rock, AR (2 x 1090), 0753 Sept 13, Fair 
2nd harmonic, strong fundamental. Religious programing. ID in Spanish 
and English at 0800 (David Hodgson, TN, harmonics yahoogroup via DXLD) 

** U S A [non]. SIXTY YEARS OF AFN IN EUROPE

Review of: AFN Europe 60th Anniversary 
Ingo Paternoster and John Proven, (LC 02319; ISBN 0-945794-12-6)
by Hans Knot http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/VOLUME06/AFN60UK.html
(via Mike Terry, DXLD)

** U S A. COURT KICKS NEW YORK HAM`S ``POLICE RADIO`` CASE

A New York court has dismissed a misdemeanor charge against ARRL 
member Richard C. ``Dick`` Lalone, KC5GAX, for violating §397 of that 
state`s Vehicle and Traffic Law. That section prohibits individuals 
other than law officers from equipping their vehicles with radios 
``capable of receiving signals on the frequencies allocated for police 
use`` without first securing a permit. The section, which also 
prohibits knowingly interfering with police transmissions, contains an 
explicit exemption for ``any person who holds a valid amateur radio 
operator`s license --- and who operates a duly licensed portable 
mobile transmitter and in connection therewith a receiver or receiving 
set on frequencies exclusively allocated --- to duly licensed radio
amateurs.`` In a nearly 1300-word decision, Judge John J. Hallet said
it was clear the legislature never intended the provisions of §397
from applying to licensed Amateur Radio operators, and he dismissed
the charge August 5. Susan Terry, KF4SUE, a former New York assistant
attorney general, represented Lalone. ARRL President Jim Haynie,
W5JBP, ARRL General Counsel Chris Imlay, W3KD, and ARRL Regulatory
Information Specialist John Hennessee, N1KB, provided advice or
assistance to Lalone (ARRL Letter Sept 12 via John Norfolk, DXLD)

Someone asked me recently for a follow-up on this case, which I did 
not have at the time. I hope he is reading this (gh, DXLD)

** U S A. Yes, I said 700 --- even though the facility being tested 
will ultimately be using 720. "WV2XOA" is the callsign being used at 
the moment, and it's running 1000 watts into a single (unfenced!) 
tower at the end of a gravel road alongside I-81 in Lafayette, about 
10 miles south of downtown Syracuse. Dead carrier - except for twice 
an hour when a voice ID comes on, "Testing on 700 kilohertz, this is 
station WV2XOA." Checked out the site today - just the tower, a 
transmitter inside a tent, and a generator perched in a little U-Haul 
trailer under a canopy. This will eventually be WVOA DeWitt, running 
ND daytime on 720 from the WOLF-1490 facility on Kirkpatrick Street, 
and nighttime with SIX towers and 390 watts (!) from this Lafayette 
site. It makes it to Rochester, just barely... s (Scott Fybush, NY, 
NRC-AM via DXLD)

Scott, Do you think they will run 700 tests at night, or near sunset-
sunrise? Or just daytime. And why do you think they would test on 700 
when planning to use 720? (Saul Chernos, ON, ibid.)

Saul, I hope not. As DE of WLW I would have a problem with that. But 
it might be there at critical hours. I would suspect they have an 
Special Temporary Authorization (STA) to operate it daytime only. I 
can find no record of that call sign on line though. But that is not 
really surprising. Usually these type of stations are set up to test 
for ground conductivity and conductivity breaks at a certain site and 
frequency. 700 is close enough to 720 to produce valid test numbers
for their site. And will allow the 720 to operate undisrupted. I have 
been involved in several of these tests. On 610 in Columbus, and 1150 
in L.A. We used a 100 foot Rohn 25 tower series fed and a 5 kw 
transmitter running at 1 kw. These tests actually eliminated a site in 
LA that we found was to far out of town to be effective. Even though 
the "text book" said it should work. You can bet there are guys 
running field strength readings on that transmitter. I am surprised
the tower was unguarded. We kept the site manned while it was 
operating at all times. Just to keep onlookers from harm and make sure 
all was well. And the generator had gas and oil. Sort of like field 
day (Paul Jellison, WLW, ibid.)

It looked very field-day-esque (is that a word?) when I stopped by 
yesterday. Craig Fox, the owner/engineer, has been around the site; he 
was there when Rick Lucas visited on Sunday. Perhaps he just had to 
run out and get gas or oil for the generator (Fybush, ibid.)

Scott, do the announcements come at predictable times? I hear a 
carrier on 700 that is perhaps strong enough to produce some audio, 
but I don't have the patience to listen to noise for hours on end. 
BTW, I'm about 165 miles from Syracuse. WHEN-620 puts in a solid 
groundwave signal here (Barry McLarnon, Ont, ibid.)

And here as well, at about 80 miles. Try at :00 and :30; the 
announcement seems to run (with LOTS of modulation!) within a minute 
of both. Latest word is that WV2XOA is testing only from 9 AM until 5 
PM daily s (Fybush, ibid.)

WV2XOA is an experimental callsign, they don't tend to end up in the
broadcast databases. About the only place I ever see them is in the
Public Notices - and some of them don't make it there either.  Or, 
they show up well after the fact. (IIRC an experimental "event 
broadcasting" station at the Super Bowl showed up on the FCC website 
in April...)

| We used a 100 foot Rohn 25 tower series fed and a 5 kw transmitter 

To get WAY off topic (grin) reports on some of the ham forums suggest 
the Rohn company is in financial trouble - which makes one wonder who 
would supply STL towers and towers for small AM stations (not to 
mention hams!) if Rohn were to go under... (Doug Smith, ibid.)

WV2XOA Syracuse NY noted Sat AM 9/13 with open carrier, IDing only at
1001 and 1031 EDT with "Testing at 700 kHz, this is WV2XOA" Of course, 
very strong signal here (Fred Nordquist, Clay NY (~ 8 mi north of 
Syracuse NY, ibid.)
 
** U S A. Commentary: THE FCC, LPFM, AND THIRD-CHANNEL INTERFERENCE

Last week, in resuming these Commentaries after a long interval, I 
wrote that I felt compelled to do so, despite my age and declining 
energy of will, because of the stupidity, crassness, and greed 
abundant everywhere. This week, the topic of LPFM comes up again.

When the FCC initiated the low-power FM (LPFM) service in 2001, it was 
following other nations around the world in response to an 
international treaty in which the signatories promised to open 
broadcast radio frequencies to ``the people.``  In opening up the LPFM 
service, the FCC said that it would be willing to accept applications 
and license stations that were separated from local full-power 
stations (of the varying classes) by only three instead of four 
channels. That means, instead of having an LPFM separated by 0.8 MHz 
from a local station (for example, on 100.3 FM when the local full-
power station was 101.1 FM), it could be separated by only 0.6 MHz 
(for example, on 100.5 FM when the local station was 101.1 FM). 

There was an immediate hue and cry from commercial broadcasters, who 
went to Congress, which passed the law forbidding the FCC to authorize 
any stations separated by three channels until an objective scientific 
study could be done. That in effect vitiated 80% of the LPFM 
applications that had been received. Most of these have been 
dismissed, including a number of Catholic applications. 

Here was another instance of a federal regulatory agency being run by 
the very people it purports to regulate. One commercial broadcaster 
argued in the trade press that he had invested hundreds of thousands 
of dollars in constructing his station and following regulations in 
order to serve the public, to be competed against by LPFM outfits who 
invested a piddling sum and need not follow most of the regulations he 
had to follow. Other commercial broadcasters argued that there was no 
need for LPFM stations; that community needs were being served by 
them, and that any service an LPFM offered would be so marginal as to 
make it impossible to survive economically. 

Here were curious arguments from the commercial crowd: They should not 
receive any competition from LPFM stations because they had invested 
so much in their own stations. Whatever happened to American free 
enterprise and the competitive spirit, the spirit that moves fathers 
to involve their sons in team sports, to push them out on soccer 
fields on frosty mornings or to step up to bat in torrid July heat? 
Apparently American free enterprise and competitive spirit do not 
apply to American broadcasting. 

Then the commercial broadcasters argued that, well anyway, what LPFM 
stations could offer was already being offered by commercial stations.  
If that is so, then why do they argue against new LPFM stations? If 
they are already offering what the oncoming LPFM stations will offer, 
then they will have no real competition! One wonders if they really 
believe their own arguments. Finally, they argued, trying to cover all 
bases, if LPFM`s do offer something they do not, then it will be so 
marginal and attract so few listeners as to be nonviable. Again, one 
wonders if they follow any logic at all. If the competition will be in 
fact so marginal, than it is effectively no competition at all! If it 
is no competition, why are they opposed? The LFPM`s are not being 
built or supported by public tax money.

The sorriest argument came from public radio in general and National 
Public Radio in particular. The public stations welcomed no more 
competition from community-based LPFM stations than commercial 
broadcasters did, even though public radio stations purportedly serve 
the needs of the community in a way that commercial stations cannot 
and do not. Worse, National Public Radio argued that third-channel 
separated LPFM would interfere with the reading services for the blind 
offered on NPR stations` multiplexed (SCA) channels! 
 
This was the sword they waved to Congress and to the FCC, and in 
public. Liberals have no shame. Every time the liberal Democrats and 
their leader, President Bill Clinton, wanted to enact another piece of 
legislation over the face of opposition, they argued that they ``were 
doing it for the nation`s children.`` Only heaven knows how many laws 
owe their existence to the trumpeted benefit ``to America`s 
children.`` But NPR exceeded this temerity. It argued that they were 
opposing what in effect would become 80% of the LPFM applications out 
of concern, not for any competition for listeners they, the NPR group, 
would experience from community-oriented LPFM --- oh, no, nothing like 
that! --- but for concern for the blind. They could not bear to see 
the blind not be able to receive their programs of newspapers, 
magazines and books being read to them because of interference 
allegedly to be caused by all those new, third-channel separated LPFM! 
Mind you, they did not argue against LPFM third-channel separation 
because these might interfere with public radio SCA services in 
general, but because they allegedly would interfere with services for 
the blind!  There were no such major arguments from commercial FM 
stations offering SCA services, even though such SCA`s are leased 
operations and are a profit source for commercial stations. Commercial 
FM stations whose SCA`s might be interfered with by third-channel 
LPFMs stand a lot more to lose than public radio stations, who cannot 
lease out their SCA`s, at least for more than what it costs to put 
them on the air.

Mind you, there *was not* and *is not* a shred of evidence that such 
would happen. But NPR unscrupulously used the argument of concern for 
the blind to thwart competition. Last week, Bob Edwards, the NPR 
``Morning Edition`` anchor, told the Nashville Tennesseean that NPR 
personnel were organizing a union because it was impossible to deal 
with NPR management otherwise. ``A nonprofit thinks it`s doing God`s 
work, whether it`s NPR, the Red Cross or NATO. They`re doing God`s 
work and how can you argue with God? --- that`s their attitude.`` That 
certainly is the attitude of NPR. The management is not above using 
the blind as a weapon in their arsenal to thwart competition from LPFM 
stations. Liberals are indeed shameless.

Well, in early August, the nonprofit organization hired by the FCC to 
do the third-channel interference study, the MITRE Corporation, issued 
its report, finding that LPFM stations can indeed be technically 
licensed three channels away from local stations, and that any 
problems caused by the new LPFM stations would occur within only a 
short distance of the full-power station transmitters. Since most 
transmitters are located in rural areas or atop high buildings, the 
interference to some receivers would be equivalent to only the radius 
of a city block.

``Following that suggestion could engender many more of the tiny, low-
wattage noncommercial stations,`` Current, the publication of the 
public broadcasting industry, sniffed. ``That would give more wannabe 
broadcasters access to the airwaves but also permit interference that 
could eat away at the fringes of public radio signals.``  Current`s 
attitude, certainly that of most of its readers, was ``no matter, they 
will still cause interference.`` Its description of LPFM applicants as 
``wannabe broadcasters`` is a piece of sorry journalism: ``Wannabe`` 
is a favorite put-down word of journalists when they describe someone 
whose goals are not in agreement with their own.

Current does report that the Prometheus Group, which champions LPFM, 
and others were enthusiastic, particularly in that the study found out 
that third-channel separation would not interfere with stations that 
offered reading services for the blind or other SCA channels, or that 
programmed quieter, less modulated programming such as classical 
music, or with other stations over radios except within a ``few 
meters`` of the transmitter of the LPFM station.

A changed mind was that of consulting engineer Doug Vernier, a former 
public radio station manager. ``There`s, frankly, enough spectrum out 
there that third-adjacents aren`t going to cause a significant problem 
to public radio at this point,`` he told Current. ``I wouldn`t have 
said that several years ago, but I think that we have seen enough 
proof that radios are good enough today that it isn`t a huge issue. 
The MITRE study is more proof of the pudding.``

The FCC had asked for comments until September 12, but just this week 
in response to a request by NPR and its consulting engineering 
service, it extended the comment period. Nevertheless, one of the FCC 
bureaucrats told Radio & Records that it would not be doing anything 
about the MITRE report in the near future. From the FCC`s track record 
under this Republican administration, we can reasonably conclude that 
no decisions will be taken that annoy its big corporate friends in any 
way. As for the third-channel separation opponents, there is little 
doubt they will remain unreconstructed opponents. If so, we now know 
them for what they are, the public broadcasters in particular. So much 
for ``God`s work`` of serving the public and doing what is best for 
the community. They are out for number one, folks.
--- Michael Dorner, editor

Note --- Late this past week, the FCC announced that it would quickly 
open a rulemaking to settle the hundreds of conflicting LPFM 
applications, reversing its original rule and allowing applicants to 
come to mutual agreements and eliminate the conflicts by choosing 
alternate frequencies. Nothing was said about the third-channel 
matter, since the Commission has extended its deadline for comments, 
at the request of National Public Radio (Catholic Radio Update Aug 25 
via DXLD)

** U S A. EMERGING TECHNOLOGY: DONNA & CRAIG QRT AT THE NATIONAL 
WEATHER SERVICE

Craig and Donna are gone. The electronically assembled speech of the
two lasted just one year as the automated voices of the National
Weather Service. Taking their place is next-generation called Tom. He 
is programmed in such a way that the speed and intensity of his 
computer-generated voice can be adjusted to make severe weather 
warnings sound more urgent and emotional. More is on the World Wide 
Web at: http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/6454213.htm 
(CGC via Amateur Radio Newsline Sept 12 via John Norfolk, DXLD)
 
** U S A. FCC RULES 'HOWARD STERN' MEETS STANDARD OF A NEWS SHOW
   By Paul Farhi, Washington Post Staff Writer
   Wednesday, September 10, 2003; Page C01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51802-2003Sep9.html

It's official: "The Howard Stern Show" -- the popular morning radio 
program that features flatulence humor, lesbian sex talk, and ridicule 
of minorities and the handicapped -- is a bona fide news show just 
like "Meet the Press" or "The CBS Evening News."

The Federal Communications Commission accorded Stern's show that 
status yesterday in granting it an exemption from federal equal-time 
rules, which enable candidates to demand airtime from television and 
radio stations when their rivals have been interviewed or featured on 
the air.

For weeks, Stern has been trying to interview Arnold Schwarzenegger 
about his candidacy for California governor. But Stern's employer, 
Infinity Broadcasting, worried that a Schwarzenegger interview would 
open the door for the 134 other candidates in the recall election to 
demand equal time on the program.

Faced with a logistical nightmare, Infinity asked the FCC to give 
Stern a pass. Its seemingly long-shot argument: Stern's program 
qualified for an exemption because his show has elements of a 
legitimate news-interview program. Congress long ago exempted news 
shows from the equal-time rules, under the notion that news coverage 
stimulates political involvement.

Yesterday the commission's mass media bureau ruled in Infinity's 
favor, saying the news interview segments of Stern's show were news 
and therefore exempt. It cited a 1984 ruling that granted the TV talk 
show "Donahue" a similar exemption. At the time, the commission said 
it would be "unsound" to rule against programs that offered "a unique 
or innovative approach to interviewing its guests."

The ruling will allow Stern to interview Schwarzenegger on his 
program, which is heard on 44 stations nationwide, including locally 
on WJFK-FM (106.7). But more broadly, the FCC -- which is controlled 
by deregulatory-minded conservatives -- signaled that it would go easy 
on enforcing the equal-time rules, which have been in existence since 
1934. The commission said entertainment programs similar to Stern's, 
which feature some news elements, would qualify for exemptions in the 
future.

"What this means is that every 'morning zoo' disc jockey whose
brother-in-law is running for city council can put him on the air 
without worrying about giving equal time to anyone else," said Andrew 
Jay Schwartzman, a communications lawyer who heads the Media Access 
Project in Washington. "They've removed the notion that a bona fide 
news interview show is supposed to apply to journalists. If Howard 
Stern is a real journalist, real journalists should be upset."

Barbara Cochran, president of the Radio and TV News Directors 
Association, declined to comment yesterday, saying she wanted to study 
the ruling.

Infinity's Washington lawyer, Steve Lerman, said yesterday that the 
FCC "made the correct decision," considering the string of news 
exemptions it has awarded to other programs. Indeed, in its ruling, 
the FCC noted that since the "Donahue" decision in 1984, it has 
exempted such shows as "Sally Jessy Raphael," "Jerry Springer" and 
"Politically Incorrect" from granting equal time.

Until yesterday, the FCC hasn't been much of a fan of Stern. Since 
1989, the commission has fined him repeatedly for violations of its 
"indecency" standards, based on his raunchy patter.

But Lerman said yesterday: "They didn't draw a distinction based on 
what they think of Howard Stern personally. They did what they thought 
was right." © 2003 The Washington Post Company (via Mike Brooker, 
Toronto, ON, NRC-AM via DXLD)

** U S A. BROADCAST BAND UPDATE  by Greg Hardison, Sept 12
   
CHANGING TIMES: "Radio On The Right" is turning to a different 
direction within the next six months or so. The announcement came this 
week, of the impending sale of KPLS-830, from the remnants of what 
once was an offshoot of the Catholic Church, to RadioVisa, a Los 
Angeles group chaired by Stephen Lehman. You may recall him as one of 
the founders of Premiere Networks, which has gone on to some measure 
of success under the Clear Channel banner. Lehman plans to forge a 
national Spanish-language network, using KPLS as his flagship --- and 
it's a field ripe for plowing. 

The last 2.5 or so decades have seen three notable efforts at such an 
animal: first, Mutual radio (remember them?) attempted a go at a 
nationwide Spanish chain back in the late 1970s --- long before the 
explosive growth of the U.S.-Hispanic populace across our nation's 
Southern tier; as I recall the plug was pulled within two years. There 
also was a CBS-Spanish net effort, which mostly emphasized Sports, 
especially MLB contests. For all I know this may still exist, but if 
so, their Publicity allocation is zilch. (KTNQ-1020 was, or is, the 
L.A. outlet). Also, for at least a couple of the early-90's years, we 
heard RadioCentro in many U.S. markets, trying to be a top-of-hour-
News-type chain. This also was ill-fated, but well-funded, by the 
Mexico City-based group of the same name --- which continues a long-
standing successful operation in Earth's largest city helmed at XEQR-
1030. 

As we speak, the only existing U.S.-national Spanish net is Radio 
Única, which in just a few years has built an impressive market 
presence in many of the largest Hispanic communities, especially in 
the West. Única has had some fiscal woes, though, manifested by some 
missed loan-interest payments earlier in the year; they also went to a 
greater musical-programming emphasis as summer began, thus cutting 
overhead from an expensive news/talk-heavy slate. KPLS is up to 50,000 
nondirectional daytime watts, and a fairly decent signal in most local 
areas --- with documented reception as far East as Illinois and 
Kentucky; their nighttime spew is 23,000 watts directional, covering 
most of Orange and L.A. Counties, and doing justice to Ventura and 
Santa Barbara Counties, as well. 

Related Programming losses? No more George Putnam weekdays at Noon; my 
least-favorite loss from this involves Fred Wallin's nighttime Sports 
show --- give it a listen (10 PM PT) if you can; you'll note that 
Fred's the only guy who runs a sports show with an almost-musical 
"beat". Fred's our most underrated sports-talker (NOT referring to 
Arbitron, here) --- and has been since being shafted by a particularly 
egregious KABC Program Director, circa 1989. Otherwise, frankly, I'm 
not too sorry to see it go. That comes from years of producing 
Talkradio in the '80s and '90s, when Objectivity still had a useful 
meaning. 

Elsewhere, the venerable WDAF-610 in Kansas City is biting down on the 
dust. WDAF has been a full-service country & western-oriented outlet 
for at least 50 years, with one of the best 5,000 watt signals in 
North America (heard regularly at night anywhere between Arizona and 
Georgia). Their format and call letters are migrating to 106.5 FM, 
licensed to suburban Liberty, MO, and with a signal pretty much 
limited to areas between Chillicothe, MO and Topeka, KS. Fellow 
traveler Paul Swearingen, one of Topeka's finest high school 
educators, confirms the programming switch as of Thursday 9/11 
(appropriately enough), with the AM-610 stick now conducting an all-
Sports format, and preparing a call-letter change to KCSP; how 
innovative. 

Up by the Bay, The Wave is no more. CBS/Infinity has pulled the plug 
on KKWV-93.3 FM, and it's eclectic mix of "smooth jazz", oldies and 
the more obscure side of adult contemporary. One would think such a 
format would work well in the San Francisco market, but again, an 
apparent lack of marketing has flattened The Wave. Meanwhile, The 
(Original) Wave, KTWV-94.7, continues it's success in Los Angeles, 
mixing the semi-contrived "smooth jazz" list with a healthy mix of 
rhythm & blues oldies (the latter of which is certainly 'music' to my 
own aging ears!). 

And in NYC, Infinity's "Blink" is shedding tears and identity; rumour 
has it that WNEW-FM-102.7 is going to a more "mainstream" Adult 
Contemporary approach, apeing the success of Clear Channel's WLTW-
106.7. The "Blink" has been heavy on geewhizish celebrity news 
tidbits, interspersed with a music mix described as anywhere between 
"innovative" and "strange". Of course, many good people are hitting 
the unemployment lines there as a result. 
 
WHILE WE'RE IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD: And, noting the recent passing of 
one more 9/11, do check out this two-year old report from our man 
Scott Fybush, the guru of Northeastern radio news... 
 
http://www.fybush.com/wtc-recovery.html to see how the market 
scrambled to restore its presence. 

BUYERS 'N' SELLERS: It seems GE/NBC may be close to cutting a deal to 
purchase Vivendi's entertainment properties, most notably Universal 
Studios. One knowledgeable wag, Don Paschal of Los Angeles, has been 
speculating for years of a possible Clear Channel/NBC alliance. Coule 
be, could be...certainly a CC/NBC/Universal partnership would be a new 
600-pound gorilla in media; one notes the hookup between CC's New York 
radio stations, and WNBC-TV/4, to provide coverage of the recent 
massive blackout there. Presumably, the presence of the massive CC/KFI 
newsroom would prevent the necessity of such a pact with KNBC-TV/4 in 
Los Angeles, when we have our next 12-point Quake. We shall eventually 
see. 
 
LAWYERS WITH NO LIVES: I can truly see both sides in the ongoing 
debate between the Recording Industry Association of America, and 
those who obtain Music from the web without costs. But, c'mon guys, 
suits against individuals?? According to the Associated Press (via 
"The Atlanta Journal"), some of those targeted by lawsuits include an 
elderly man in Texas who rarely uses his computer, a Yale University 
professor and an unemployed woman in New York who says she didn't know 
she was breaking the law. The Texan says his Grandchildren were 
downloading on his machine; and the Yalie claimed to have pulled 
approximately 500 tunes off the Net. The mother of 12 year old New 
Yorker Brianna Lahara has settled the RIAA action against her daughter 
for the sum of $2,000. (In that case, Sylvia Torres asserts that 
Brianna is no longer involved in such activities, according to 
AllAccess; the family computer was reportedly used for the downloading 
of some 1000 titles.) "I am sorry for what I have done. I love music 
and don't want to hurt the artists I love," said Brianna. 

Said RIAA Chairman and CEO MITCH BAINWOL, "We're trying to send a 
strong message that you are not anonymous when you participate in 
peer-to-peer file sharing and that the illegal distribution of 
copyrighted music has consequences. And as this case illustrates, 
parents need to be aware of what their children are doing on their 
computers. I am pleased we have settled the first of yesterday's 
announced lawsuits, and it's been signed, sealed, and delivered." --- 
Both quotes lifted from the superb http://www.allaccess.com website. 
 
THE Q CONTINUUM: SDRadio.net informs us that the former mega-rocker 
KCBQ-1170 is running 5,000 watts day/375 watts night from the 
nondirectional KPOP-1360 tower site in San Diego. Many folks in 
northern and eastern SD County, and up the coast to Santa Bárbara, are 
reporting improved reception. Perhaps Salem/KCBQ should consider 
making the arrangement permanent, if they can get the nod from Clear 
Channel/KPOP. Some of you know that KCBQ was traditionally 50,000 
VERY-directional watts during daytime hours, and their earlier 
nighttime signal was reduced from 5,000 to 1,500 watts many years ago. 
KCBQ could benefit from being heard elsewhere besides downtown San 
Diego, and in and over the saltwater between Coronado and Tahiti where 
not too many listeners regularly reside. Could save some serious $$, 
as well, for $alem. The latter has reaped financial rewards for its 
last-year sale of KLTX-1390 in L.A., and is of course reaping 
Godzillions by brokering the two Sunday-night hours, in which we used 
to hear Ray Briem on KRLA-870. Of course they are... 
 
WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?: Robert Gonsett's engineer-oriented e-
newsletter reveals that Clear Channel is applying for some sort of 
107.9-FM translator in San Marcos --- in northern San Diego County, 
and very well within the signal area of full-powered Calvary Church 
outlet KWVE, San Clemente, which transmits from 5500+-foot high 
Santiago Peak, on the Orange/Riverside County Line. KWVE is a stand-
alone station, ownership-wise; Clear Channel is known to have a few 
additional outlets here and there. I have no intense love or hate for 
either party, but someone at CC should learn how to read maps!  Rep. 
Howard Berman (D/Van Nuys) has called for an overall investigation 
into Clear Channel's market-grabbing tactics, but methinks it's more 
of a publicity play, than anything substantial. Besides, CC-head Lowry 
Mays has recently intoned that his firm owns "only" a little over 1200 
of the Nation's 10,000-plus Radio stations (a fact, but one must note 
that the 10,000-plus figure includes Public stations). While we're 
there, CC has forged a marketing relationship with non-commercial 
KUSC-91.5, which has raised the hackles of independent L.A./S.F. 
station owner Saul Levine (KSUR-1260, KMZT-FM-105.1, and KTIM-1510 in 
S.F.) Saul has petitioned the FCC to count such arrangements under the 
banner of station ownership; if he succeeds, Clear Channel would 
either have to end the KUSC-pact, or unload one of its profitable L.A. 
commercial facilities. Saul speaks from experience; he has his own 
recently-forged agreement with Minnesota Public Radio's SoCal stick, 
KPCC-89.3. Saul spoke in Burbank last weekend at a gathering hosted by 
L.A.'s Prime Minister of Radio Information, Don Barrett. The 72 year 
old, very healthy Levine was asked what the fate of his stations would 
be upon his inevitable demise. His 27 year old daughter has vowed to 
carry the torch of independent-ownership --- although she's expressed 
desires to "go after" the KROQ-FM audience. Will we one day see KMZT-
FM go from Bach to Beck, while the young lady fights off myriad multi-
million dollar offers for the powerful 105.1 signal?? 
 
POWELL SPEAKS: A recent piece in "The Chicago Tribune" featuerd the 
thoughts of FCC Chairman Michael Powell (known in some circles as 
Colin's Idiot Son). Among other observations, Mikey fears the 
disappearance of free-commercial television, to the benefit of pay-
Cable and Satellite offerings. Surprise! -- His solution is to allow 
the mega-TV-broadcasters to own more stations. It's all somewhat 
reminiscent of identical fears expressed by various pundits back 
around 1963, when the move to ban Pay-TV was afoot in Washington. You 
may recall, Pay-TV was not banned, and we do indeed still have free-
commercial-TV, to pepper us with infomercials and "reality" shows. 

Powell says all of his actions as FCC-head have been "pro-consumer". 
He notes that for the first time, cable viewership has passed such 
numbers enjoyed by "the big three" and their cultural descendants, in 
2003. He says free-TV could be gone by 2013, but made no mentions of 
the mandate that all U.S. broadcast-television outlets convert to 
Digital mode by 2006. Odds are, the conversions will take a few years 
longer, as all American households scramble funds to replace their 
soon-to-be-antiquated analog TVs with those of the digital breed. Has 
anyone tabulated the dollars being exchanged through increased 
purchases of wide-screen ANALOG sets --- that will require Digital 
Converters, at the very least, within the next few years? Just thought 
I'd ask. Powell also expressed fears that the U.S. telephone 
infrastructure could soon see failures similar to those which 
apparently caused the great Northeast Blackout last month. Good stuff 
as usual from the Trib! 
 
YOUR PLANS FOR 9/20: If you're anywhere in or near Orange County, come 
join us for a Saturday picnic/get-together at Central Park, off 
Edwards Av in Huntington Beach. This annual deal is hosted by 
correspondents Stewart Mackenzie and Bill Fisher, the brains and 
hearts behind the Southern California Association of DXers. If you 
ever wanted to know about shortwave listening possibilities, or you 
want to share some of your own, this is the place to be, September 20 
anytime between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Bring your own food, family 
members, radios 'n' antennas, Arbitron diaries, et al, for some 
interesting conversation and sea-breeze-fueled temperatures under 110; 
if food is a no-go, you'll find a friendly little Diner very close to 
the park entrance. Remember, this is the Edwards Av entrance we're 
talking about. Until the Next, Peace and Prosperity (GREG HARDISON, DX 
LISTENING DIGEST) 

** U S A. New pirate? 91.3, Erdenheim, PA "EPR - Erdenheim Public 
Radio" on the NNW fringe of Philadelphia, about 4 miles south of me --
- ugh! Website: http://www.eprfm.org (Russ Edmunds, Blue Bell, PA (15 
mi NNW Philadelphia) , Sept 13, NRC FMTV via DXLD)

** VIETNAM [non]. I've just got round to listening to a recording of 
the Degar Voice broadcast on 9th September 1301-1327. As usual, it 
crash-started with the programme already in progress. The very last 
word of a 15-minute (approx.) talk in Degar (presumed) was "Amen", 
followed by a short piece of ethnic music and a switch to Vietnamese. 
So it would appear that these broadcasts are religious in nature... 
You can hear a clip of this on the Interval Signals Archive at 
http://www.intervalsignals.net Regards, (Dave Kernick, Sept 12, DX 
LISTENING DIGEST)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS
++++++++++++++++++++++++

SHORTWAVE OPERATORS FEAR EFFECTS OF TEST 
Thursday, September 11, 2003, By NICK FALSONE, The Express-Times 
http://pennlive.com/news/expresstimes/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1063271074318460.xml 

HANOVER TWP. -- Blair Bates will be the first to complain if a new 
technology designed to bring broadband Internet service to homes 
through radio signals hinders his hobby. 

The amateur shortwave radio operator suspects it will, and has made 
strides to block PPL Corp. of Allentown from launching a 90-day trial 
run of the service in the township. 

Township supervisors have listened to the concerns of Bates and other 
residents who operate shortwave radios. They opted Tuesday night to 
allow the trial run, provided PPL addresses any problems that 
shortwave radio operators might encounter because of the service. 

PPL officials said the shortwave operators shouldn't be affected. If 
there was the potential for a problem, the Federal Communications 
Commission, which regulates radio frequencies, wouldn't have given the 
company the green light on commercializing the service, they said. 

The technology is relatively new, and PPL is at the forefront. Dubbed 
"power line communications," it aims to bring high-speed Internet 
services to residents who can't get the services because their homes 
aren't properly equipped. A majority of homes nationwide fall into 
this category. 

Power lines are used to transmit Internet signals. Those signals are 
then sent down to homes near the power lines through high radio 
frequency. 

Bates said that method interferes with shortwave radio. He said it 
could also interfere with AM radio and some network television 
stations that can be received using an antenna. 

"It is my opinion that the citizens of Hanover Township should not 
have to endure this virtual radio jamming," he said. 

Township Supervisor Frank Colon said there have been a lot of 
residents commenting on the effects the service would have on 
shortwave radio since PPL first came to the township with the proposal 
last month. Bates and Mark S. Miller, another shortwave operator, were 
the only residents who offered comments during Tuesday night's 
meeting. 

Miller said the interference shortwave radio operators are 
anticipating will have an impact on more than just a hobby. Many of 
the operators serve as members of emergency communications groups, and 
are included in emergency management plans in Northampton and Lehigh 
counties. Shortwave operators also pitched in for emergency services 
following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. 

"What people don't see is (the operators') role in emergency 
services," Miller said. "It's much more than someone just sitting down 
in their basement talking to someone in another country." 

Alan G. Richenbacher, special projects manager for power line 
communications at PPL, said the company has no interest in interfering 
with the shortwave radio operators. 

Their allegations are untrue, Richenbacher said, adding the FCC would 
have detected such interference when it tested the service before 
giving PPL the go-ahead. Another factor supporting the company's 
position is that there have been no complaints from shortwave 
operators in other areas where the service has been tested, he said. 
Emmaus, for example, has had the service in effect for about 18 
months. None of the operators in that borough have complained, 
Richenbacher said. 

"If (the operators) were unable to practice their hobby, I'm sure they 
would've let us know," he said. Bates said he won't hesitate to let 
them know. He said he'll accept the township supervisors' decision for 
the time being. 

"I hear all the assurances," he said. "For the good of all concerned, 
I'm willing to be a guinea pig and have it in my back yard. But if 
there are any problems, you'll certainly hear from me." 

Richenbacher said the trial run is expected to start next month. It 
will be offered to residents in the southern portion of the township. 
Depending on the reaction of the residents who try the service, the 
company might attempt to make it a permanent service in the township, 
he said. 

If PPL wants to make it permanent, township supervisors would address 
the issue again, James Broughal, the township's solicitor, said. 
"It's only 90 days," Broughal said. "They may come back to us and say 
they're not going to stick around." 

Copyright 2003 The Express-Times. Used with permission (via
Pennlive.com via Artie Bigley, Jilly Dybka, DXLD)

RADIO LAW: AMSAT-NA SAYS NO TO BPL

AMSAT North America has told the FCC that it wants no part of BPL and
it has said it twice. Once in comments filed with the regulatory
agency in July and in reply comments in August. In both cases AMSAT
tells the FCC that it is against proposals to allow Broadband over
Power Line systems to proliferate. Amateur Radio Newsline`s Bruce
Tennant, K6PZW, is here with more:

In its filings, AMSAT says that it agrees with the American Radio
Relay League`s finding that Broadband Over Powerline or BPL is a
Pandora`s Box of unprecedented proportions. Once deployed, AMSAT says
the consumer`s expectations will be such as to preclude termination
of the service. It says that interference problems, both to and from
BPL, will inevitably be both widespread and impossible as a practical 
matter to rectify.

AMSAT says it bluntly. Amateur and amateur-satellite services cannot
be protected from interference from BPL. Also that BPL cannot be
protected from interference from HF and VHF amateur radio stations.

The ham radio space agency also maintains that the rules must insure
that BPL is not permitted to operate in or near any amateur radio
allocation. If BPL is permitted at all, any changes in amateur radio
allocations must immediately trigger retroactive modifications to BPL
facilities to delete any use of amateur radio frequencies. In 
addition, spurious emissions from BPL facilities must be substantially 
attenuated below current Part 15 levels.

In the end, AMSAT says that it joins ARRL in respectfully requesting
that the Commission take no steps to permit access or in-building
Broadband Over Powerline at HF or VHF. At least, not at this time.

For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I`m Bruce Tennant, K6PZW, in Los
Angeles. The complete text of all AMSAT FCC filings are posted at 
http://www.amsat.org/amsat/amsat-na/filings/index.html (AMSAT-NA)

RADIO LAW: IRTS OBJECTS TO BPL IN IRELAND

Meantime, BPL may soon be coming to Erin`s Isle. That`s where Power
Line Transmission Ireland has announced that it will begin
experiments in broadband over powerline connections in October.

Now comes word that IRTS which is that nations Amateur Radio society
has been in touch with Irish communications regulators. IRTS has
expressed the concern of Irelands ham community that these
experiments are now going ahead. It has also requested regulators
ensure that BPL can only be permitted in Ireland on a strict non-
interference basis with other radio services. (GB2RS)

RADIO COMICS: DILBERT ON BPL

As the debate grows it begging to look as if everyone has something
to say about the issue of Broadband Over Powerlines or BPL. Now, even
comic characters are chiming in. Yes, we said comic characters. In
this case it is none other than the character Dilbert and from the
text that accompanies the strip, the cartoonist is none to happy with
the BPL idea.

This one you will need to judge for yourself. You can find it in
cyberspace at
http://www.comics.com/comics/dilbert/archive/dilbert-20030908.html
(W9JUV) (Amateur Radio Newsline Sept 12 via John Norfolk, DXLD)

RECEIVER NEWS
+++++++++++++

DIGITAL RADIO PRICES SET TO TUMBLE 
Julia Day, Thursday September 11, 2003 

The price of digital radio sets is poised to tumble with the 
announcement that Japanese electronics giant Sony is to enter the 
market. The cheapest digital radio available at the moment costs £99, 
but with the first major manufacturer throwing its weight behind the 
sector, the move towards more affordable sets will accelerate. . .
http://media.guardian.co.uk/radio/story/0,12636,1040098,00.html 
(via Jilly Dybka, KF4ZEO, DXLD) 

CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

THIRD FORUM ITALRADIO, MALTA
 
http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/newsview.asp?id=20838
Web posted on September 12, 2003 at 9:00:00 AM CET

The Voice of the Mediterranean, the international radio station 
broadcasting from Malta, in its effort to enhance the contacts between 
listeners and operators of radio stations in Europe and the 
Mediterranean, in cooperation with the European DX Council and Forum 
Italradio, will organise the Third Forum Italradio in Malta on 25 and 
26 October at the Marina Hotel, St. Julian`s. The forum with the theme 
Multilingualism and International Radio: A Listeners` and 
Broadcasters` Forum, is dedicated to multilingualism in international 
radio. The forum will provide an exchange of experiences between 
international radio stations in the Italian and English languages, of 
which Malta represents a most significant example as a country where 
the two languages live in the archipelago’s culture together with the 
native language.

The broadcasters, coming from different European countries, will share 
their experiences with the participation of listeners who are members 
of different European DX Clubs. On the occasion of the Forum, the DX 
Club Europe will award the Premio Italradio 2003 to the Voice of the 
Mediterranean, as an example of international cooperation in the 
Mediterranean. The participants of the forum will visit the new VOM 
premises in Birkirkara and Campus FM at the University where EDXC will 
present a digital periodical library (emeroteca) of the multi-lingual 
newsletters DX of the last three years (Malta Independent via Jilly 
Dybka, DXLD)

PROPAGATION
+++++++++++

QST de W1AW -- Propagation Forecast Bulletin 37 ARLP037
From Tad Cook, K7RA, Seattle, WA September 12, 2003
To all radio amateurs SB PROP ARL ARLP037, ARLP037 Propagation de K7RA

Daily sunspot numbers took a dive this week, with the average dropping 
47 points from last week to 56.1. Solar flux declined a little over 18 
points. Sunspot numbers on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 9 and 10, 
were quite low, 43 and 42. This is quite a contrast from a year ago, 
when Tuesday and Wednesday of the same week had sunspot numbers of 226 
and 213.

Coincidentally, last year`s bulletin for the week September 5th through 
11th showed a comparison from the year before, when conditions were 
even better. The 2002 bulletin reports that the solar flux the year 
before was 42 points higher and sunspot numbers were greater by 34.

A nice thing this week was lower geomagnetic indices, which were best 
on September 7-8. On September 7 the normally high College A index 
(measured in Fairbanks, Alaska) was all the way down to 2, which is 
very quiet. Over the local evening time in Fairbanks, the K index was 
0 for 18 hours straight! It was either 0 or 1 for a continuous 36 
hours. We have been inside a strong solar wind this week, but the 
interplanetary magnetic field has been pointing north, which protects 
the earth`s magnetic field and keeps A and K indices low.

We are drawing closer to the fall equinox, only about 10 days off.
This is a prime time for HF DX, because the solar radiation reaching
earth is equal in northern and southern hemispheres. The day is
exactly 12 hours long, regardless of whether you are on the equator
or at either pole.

This weekend is the Worked All Europe SSB Contest. Let`s see how the
vast difference in sunspot numbers might affect propagation this week 
when compared to a year ago.

Using the September 10, 2002 sunspot number of 226 with the W6ELprop
software, plotting a 20-meter path from Chicago to Germany shows it
closes about four and a half hours later than it would on the same
date with a sunspot number of 42. At 42, 15 meters has a low
probability of opening from 1630-2130z, but with the higher numbers,
conditions on 15 meters look excellent from 1300-2330z.

On 75 meters, we see the opposite effect. With the lower numbers, peak 
signal strength is several decibels higher than it would be last year. 
A good opening this year would be at 2300-0700z, and last year at 
2330-0600z.

Over the weekend, expect stable geomagnetic conditions. Solar flux
should rise above 100, peaking around 120 from September 17-19.

David Moore sent in an interesting article about solar wind from
SpaceRef.com. You can read it at
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=12504

Sunspot numbers for September 4 through 10 were 79, 57, 60, 54, 58,
43, and 42, with a mean of 56.1. 10.7 cm flux was 112.2, 108, 104.9,
107.8, 98.8, 95.9, and 99.3, with a mean of 103.8. Estimated
planetary A indices were 19, 16, 12, 10, 9, 19, and 19, with a mean
of 14.9.

Copyright © 2003, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights
Reserved (via John Norfolk, DXLD) ###