DX LISTENING DIGEST 4-057, March 28, 2004 edited by Glenn Hauser, http://www.worldofradio.com Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. Materials taken from Arctic or originating from Olle Alm and not having a commercial copyright are exempt from all restrictions of noncommercial, noncopyrighted reusage except for full credits For restrixions and searchable 2004 contents archive see http://www.worldofradio.com/dxldmid.html NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn NEXT AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1225: Mon 0200 on WBCQ 9330-CLSB [NEW] Mon 0430 on WSUI 910, webcast http://wsui.uiowa.edu [last week`s 1224] Mon 0515 on WBCQ 7415, webcast http://wbcq.us Tue 0400 on SIUE Web Radio http://www.siue.edu/WEBRADIO/ Wed 1030 on WWCR 9475 WRN ONDEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also for CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL]: Check http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html WORLD OF RADIO 1225 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1225h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1225h.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1225.html WORLD OF RADIO 1225 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1225.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1225.rm WORLD OF RADIO 1225 in mp3 recorded from 5070 at 1130: (stream) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_03-27-04.m3u (d`load) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_03-27-04.mp3 ** ANGOLA. RÁDIO NACIONAL DE ANGOLA BEGINS LIVE WEB STREAMING Live Internet streaming is one of the features of the new-look Web site of Rádio Nacional de Angola (RNA), which was launched a few days ago. Two programme streams are officially available. However, when we checked this morning, Canal A was online, but the Radio Luanda stream appeared to be switched off. In the future, RNA plans to add online streams of Radio Five and also Radio Ngola Yetu, which broadcasts in the national languages of Angola. http://www.rna.ao # posted by Andy @ 11:16 UT March 28 (Media Network blog via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. 5930.44, ID "Radio Guarujá AM"? I heard this station from Brazil the first time Thursday evening. This evening Saturday with ID "Radio Guarujá AM" but I´m not 100% sure. So please listen to my short recording. You are very welcome to listen to my recording at: http://www.malm-ecuador.com Saludos Cordiales desde "La Mitad del Mundo"! (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, March 27, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, I am sure they ID as such (gh, DXLD) ** CANADA. Re: TX em Português da RCI !!!! HOJE --- Amigos Glenn e Alberto: O objetivo da RCI é a programação via satélite e Internet, sendo as Ondas Curtas um pequeno complemento. Poder-se-á ouvir esse programa de meia-hora, que será transmitido apenas nas sextas-feira, em outros horários neste dia e durante o final-de-semana, pelo satélite e na Internet. É um pequeno início nas Ondas Curtas, mas já é alguma coisa, onde esperando na continuidade termos mais tempo nas Ondas Curtas em português nesta emissora. 73's (Jailton C. Amaral, Pres. do SRDXC, March 26, radioescutas via DXLD) Amigos, Por aqui nada desta transmissão hoje, talvez a nota abaixo apenas se refira ao lançamento da programação na emissora e não o inicio da transmissão para nós ouvintes. Pelo boletim da RCI a nova etapa de transmissão somente em Abril/2004. Alguem conseguiu ouvir alguma coisa? (Jorge Silva, ibid.) Por aqui nada foi ouvido. Acredito que uma transmissão de méia hora por semana em um horário pouco favorável como o de 2000 UTC seja apenas uma satisfaçao aos ouvintes de ondas curtas. Eles acham que pela Internet terão grande audiência. O programa retransmitido por emissoras locais, a noticia da conta de 300, pode até ser interessante para quem está ouvindo a emissora local, mas a audiência estará ouvindo esta emissora local, não cria nenhum vínculo desta com o Canadá, no caso a RCI. Bom, esperemos para ver. 73 (Samuel Cássio, São Carlos SP, ibid.) Também não ouvi nada aqui em Barbacena. Tô achando que ocorreu informação incorreta sobre esta transmissão. Agora eu vou ficar verificando as duas frequências, mas creio que somente após o início do novo período de radiodifusão (04 de abril) é que teremos esta TX. Mas só prá não ser pego distraido, vou continuar monitorando. Um abraço E lembre-se que: Rádio ligado ... Antena esticada ... Ouvido atento. A próxima escuta poderá ser a melhor ! (Adalberto Marques de Azevedo, Barbacena -Minas Gerais, ibid.) ** CHINA. Depressingly poor reception here Sunday morning due to the influence of a coronal hole. The Chinese are again taking all jammers off the air for the first five minutes of each hour. If they follow the practice of last fall, this will last until 1505 on Tuesday afternoon. 73s (Olle Alm, Sweden, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) To do their own band surveying for victims (gh, DXLD) ** CHINA [non]. Checking several scheduled broadcasts of ``China Radio`` relays, nothing heard so far: March 28 and 29 at 0000 on 13645; nothing either on 13640 at 1352 check either, when WYFR is supposed to be carrying this (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA [and non]. Haven`t seen a new CRI +relay schedule yet for A- 04, and judging from B-03, it may be a while before one can be put together. Some of the old transmissions were missing on March 28: no 9755 via Canada at 1401, no 17720 via Cuba, but at 1405 one relay frequency was found, 13740, a bit muffled so may have been Cuba; also at 1438 noted co-channel underneath, maybe French; CRI English continued at 1500 and the mix was worse, tho now I would guess Farsi. CRI still on 7405, presumably direct, at 1400 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** COSTA RICA. Noticed off-pitch het between 11865 Canada and 11875 Cuba, March 28 at 0009, but too much QRM; fortunately Cuba dumped off at 0010 and I was able to recognize Doctor Gene Scott, very close to 11869.0 instead of 11870, // WWCR 13845, so it`s TIRWR. 11870 is also this month`s KNLS frequency for English at 1300, but inaudible March 28, with TIRWR again on 11869, and heavy WYFR from 11865. BTW, if you Google search on TIRWR the top hit is DGS`s website, even tho I can`t find those calls mentioned on it! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA. Cuban-type bubble jamming against nothing, March 28 at 0014 on 13760. Probably warming up for new VOA Delano Spanish frequency at 0100. More wasted jamming at same time on 15330 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CUBA [non]. R. Martí A-04, 03-28-04 to 10-30-04: SPAN OCB LARM 0 300 DL 01 15330 100 SPAN OCB LARM 0 300 GB 05 11775 184 SPAN OCB LARM 0 300 GB 04 7365 164 SPAN OCB LARM 0 300 GA 06 6030 200 SPAN OCB LARM 300 700 GB 05 11775 184 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 300 900 GA 08 7405 205 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 300 400 GB 04 7365 164 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 300 600 GA 06 6030 200 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 400 600 GB 01 9805 183 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 600 700 GB 01 9805 183 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 600 900 GA 06 6030 200 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 700 900 DL 02 9805 100 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 700 900 DL 01 5980 100 234567 SPAN OCB LARM 900 1300 DL 02 9805 100 SPAN OCB LARM 900 1300 GA 02 9565 190 SPAN OCB LARM 900 1200 DL 03 6030 100 SPAN OCB LARM 900 1200 DL 01 5980 100 SPAN OCB LARM 1200 1800 GA 08 13820 174 SPAN OCB LARM 1200 1400 DL 03 7405 100 SPAN OCB LARM 1300 2100 GA 06 13630 212 SPAN OCB LARM 1300 1700 GA 05 11845 205 SPAN OCB LARM 1400 2300 GA 03 11930 164 SPAN OCB LARM 1700 2200 GA 02 9565 190 SPAN OCB LARM 1800 2000 GA 08 13820 174 SPAN OCB LARM 2000 2400 DL 03 13820 100 SPAN OCB LARM 2100 2200 DL 01 21500 126 SPAN OCB LARM 2200 2400 DL 01 15330 100 SPAN OCB LARM 2200 2400 GA 06 6030 200 SPAN OCB LARM 2300 2400 GB 04 7365 164 (IBB A-04, extracted by Glenn Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST) Note that contrary to a recent report, there is still a Sunday silent period, 0300-0900 (gh, DXLD) {I mean, UT MONDAY} ** DEUTSCHES REICH [non]. I HAVE CANCELLED MY SHORTWAVE RADIO SHOW ON WBCQ AFTER SEEING "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST" THERE IS NO WAY I CAN CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS WITH A JEW WBCQ is owned by a jew. As for the fate of the internet show, that is still up in the air. Support from listeners isn't coming in and so the Hal Turner internet show is probably going to go under for lack of funds. I will continue to air the other shows for as long as they pay their own way. http://www.halturnershow.com/ (via Allan Weiner, WBCQ, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Just one item from Turner`s hate-filled site: ``Jews are the lowest scum on the planet; lower even than negroes. Jews deserve whatever they get; beaten stabbed, shot, burned alive. . . . whatever. Jews are evil; throw rocks at them!`` How fortunate we are that Turner decided to pull his show off WBCQ, since under its free speech policies, WBCQ was fine with it (gh, DXLD) Glenn, my response to Hal Turner is below (Allan Weiner) I have not seen the movie. The blood of The Christ is on all of us. Too few in this world follow his way of peace, love and understanding. That is the message. Allan (Weiner to Hal Turner, via Allan, DXLD) ** EGYPT. Checked Cairo`s new Arabic frequency to North America in our hamband, 7115, UT March 28 at 0034 --- co-channel with something else with music, presumably Belgrade, but S&M should be gone subsequently, moved to 9580. As expected, Cairo`s new 11855 dominated by WYFR Spanish religion at 0035; however, WYFR signal declined and by 0147 recheck Cairo was gaining, but WYFR still atop. Cairo English scheduled after 0200 but not readable (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ERITREA/ETHIOPIA [non]. The first A-04 I tuned into was 21790 0900- 1000 via Dhabbaya (Sun only). But the scheduled UNMEE (United Nations Radio) program on wasn't on. Instead a continuous loop of soft music and VT Merlin announcements. 45343 (Silvain Domen, Belgium, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. The Musik service now carried by Deutsche Welle on various DRM outlets is described as consisting of a mixture of pop, jazz and classical music with German news on the hour. Another poster says that these are still tests since regular programming is to start not earlier than April 1. And are we to conclude that now also the foreign services themselves do no longer believe in their own programming? (Kai Ludwig, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY [non]. DW A-04 schedule sent to monitors, for Alaska/Canada, CIRAF 1-2-3-4-9, shows the following in English: 0500-0600 15410 Madagascar 0600-0700 17860 Kigali 1600-1659 7225 Trincomalee 2100-2200 11865 & 15205 Kigali, the latter until 2157 (via Richard Lemke, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada, DXLD) So how well are these received in AB, I wonder, if at all in some cases. Does 17860 propagate at 0600, or 7225 at 1600? Checking DW`s de facto 2100 North American service here March 28, new 15205 was quite good, and \\ 11865 also audible at 2125, both via Rwanda toward WAf, and inadvertently, us (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GERMANY. Some notes about "non-clandestine-like" transmissions from the A04 schedule of T-Systems (own business), released on Friday: Evangeliumsradio Hamburg is still shown for Sundays 0858-1000 on 6045 (JUL 100/ND), beside the former subleaser Evangelische Missionsgemeinden, now having a quite extensive schedule on their own: Wednesdays 2200-2230 on 9860 (WER 250/240), Saturdays 1100-1130 on 15225 (WER 250/30) and 1500-1530 on 9635 (WER 250/60), Saturdays and Sundays 1030-1059 on 6015 (WER 125/ND). The transmissions on Saturdays towards the CIS should also contain the recently discussed Mission Friedensstimme programmes in Russian. HCJB usage: 1659-1759 on 6015 (WER 125/ND), just confirmed by monitoring and now indeed providing usable reception here in Germany. That's German, including Plattdeutsch in the first half hour. Interesting that this transmission is not shown in HCJB's International Shortwave schedule. This seems to indicate that the continued German service for Europe has not so much to do with Colorado Springs anymore. Christian Science will add another transmission from April 3: Saturdays 1800-1859 on 9655 (JUL 100/85), probably in (an) eastern European language(s) since this transmission aims at CIRAF 28 and 29. The German on Sundays remains at 0900-0959 on 5985 (JUL 100/115), as confirmed by monitoring today. If this raises some confusion: Yes, that's the Christian Science that has just shut down WSHB. It was announced already in advance that the German programme via Jülich would not be affected by the closure of WSHB. Deutsche Welle has another transmission via Jülich beneath 6140: 0457-0656 on 9590 (130 degrees), not found in the schedule that originated from Deutsche Welle itself, so what's this? Voice of Russia via Jülich, all at azimuths between 100 and 120 degrees: 0100-0300 on 5945, 1400-1500 on 15430, 1900-2100 on 5985 and 9825, 2000-2100 on 7260, 2200-2300 on 6145 (Kai Ludwig, Germany, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GREECE. The Greek pirate activity was above average March 26: 1609, 1611, 1614, 1616, 1617, 1622(regular), 1660, 1679, 1710 (unusually stable transmitter),1732, 1749, 1799 kHz being the best signals. Fingers crossed for another night like that again! Haven't managed to ID any Greek Pirates yet though. All the best (Tim Bucknall, UK, March 27, BDXC-UK via DXLD) See also RUSSIA ** GREECE [and non]. V. of Greece A-04 via IBB transmitters: VAR means various languages, but mostly Greek, 03-28-04 to 10-30-04: VAR ERT ERA5 600 800 DL 03 17705 296 VAR ERT ERA5 1200 1500 DL 01 9690 075 VAR ERT ERA5 1600 2200 DL 04 17705 075 VAR ERT ERA5 2000 2200 GA 04 17565 164 VAR ERT ERT 0 400 KAV 12 15650 095 VAR ERT ERT 0 400 KAV 11 7475 240 VAR ERT ERT 400 800 KAV 12 21530 095 VAR ERT ERT 400 700 KAV 11 17520 095 VAR ERT ERT 900 1400 RHO A 1260 134 VAR ERT ERT 900 1700 KAV A 792 999 VAR ERT ERT 1100 2100 KAV 11 9420 355 VAR ERT ERT 1200 1400 KAV 12 15650 095 VAR ERT ERT 1400 2100 KAV 12 12105 355 VAR ERT ERT 1730 1800 KAV A 792 999 VAR ERT ERT 2000 2130 KAV A 792 999 VAR ERT ERT 2100 2300 KAV 12 15650 095 VAR ERT ERT 2100 2300 KAV 11 9420 105 VAR ERT ERT 2200 2300 KAV A 792 999 VAR ERT ERT 2300 2400 KAV 11 9420 105 VAR ERT ERT 2300 2400 KAV 12 9375 095 (IBB A-04, extracted by Glenn Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GREENLAND. Russia apparently gone from 7330, UT March 28 at 0145 check, but no sign of IBC; however, T-storm QRN was building up here (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** HUNGARY. As of 0310 UT March 28 Radio Budapest has yet to post its A04 frequency schedule on their English page, but they have on their German page! Sommersendeplan von Radio Budapest 28. März bis 31. Oktober 2004 (UTC) 0000-0100 Mo-So 9800 ungarisch/Nordamerika 0100-0130 Mo-So 9590 englisch/Nordamerika 0130-0230 Mo-So 9570 ungarisch/Nordamerika 0230-0300 Mo-So 9790 englisch/Nordamerika 0300-0330 Mo-So 3975 6025 russisch 0330-0400 Mo-So 3975 6025 spanisch 0400-1600 Mo-Sa 6025 Kossuth 0400-1200 So 6025 Kossuth 1100-1200 Mo-So 21560 ungarisch AUS 1200-1300 So 6025 7220 deutsch 1300-1400 So 6025 ungarisch 1400-1500 So 6025 7160 deutsch 1500-1530 So 6025 9715 englisch 1530-1600 So 6025 9740 russisch 1600-1630 Mo-So 3975 6025 französisch 1630-1700 Mo-So 6025 9525 italienisch 1700-1800 Mo-So 15335 ungarisch/Aus 1700-1730 Mo-Sa 6025 9650 russisch 1700-1800 So 3975 6025 deutsch 1730-1800 Mo-Sa 3975 6025 deutsch 1800-1900 Mo-So 3975 6025 7235 ungarisch 1900-1930 Mo-So 3975 6025 11720 englisch 1930-2000 Mo-Sa 3975 6025 deutsch 1930-2000 So 3975 6025 russisch 2000-2100 Mo-So 12020 ungarisch/Nordam 2000-2030 Mo-So 6025 9585 französisch 2030-2100 Mo-So 3975 6025 italienisch 2100-2200 Mo-So 9780 ungarisch Aus 2100-2130 Mo-So 6025 11830 englisch 2130-2200 Mo-So 6025 11830 spanisch EU/Südam 2200-2300 Mo-So 6025 9580 11990 ungarisch/SüdAm 2300-0000 So 9580 12010 ungarisch/SüdAm Meanwhile, back on their English service page, a summary of their programming: Hungarian Radio's foreign service in English If you want to find out about modern day Hungary, you may have problems. Very few newspapers or television channels carry regular reports on Hungary. Which, as we would like to show you, is a great shame. Hungary may be a small country with only ten million people, but it's one that really punches its weight. Just look at a list of Nobel prize winners. Or read a history of the computer. Or who helped develop Windows 95. You'll find a staggering number of Hungarian names. Even more remarkable are the number of Hungarian musicians who have made it big. There was a time when it seemed that all the great American orchestras had a Hungarian standing in front of them, waving a stick. But Hungary has been lucky because it has preserved a unique folk culture, which unlike many others, has pretty much survived into the late twentieth century. Added to this the intricate and fascinating political changes going on here since the end of the Iron Curtain, and it all adds up to an irresistible blend. So, why not let Radio Budapest be your daily window on our complex country? Mondays through Thursdays, make sure you tune into Hungary Today, our lively current affairs news and cultural magazine. We also broadcast a number of supplementary programmes concentrating on a current topic in greater depth. If you are a short-wave radio amateur, then make a note in your diaries to listen to DX Corner, the show we dedicate to the technically-minded and especially to you DX-ers out there. [That's on Fridays/UT Saturdays to North America at about :22 after the start of the transmission.] Monthly programmes: Europe Unlimited - tracking Hungary's integration into the European Union in the field of politics, the economy, sport, music and the arts. Spotlight - Radio Budapest turns the spot on events and people worth of attention. And if Radio Budapest has whet your appetite for things Hungarian, and you find yourself ringing your travel agent, do tune into our travel show, Heading for Hungary, which let's you know about interesting things to see and do when you arrive. ... And the Gatepost --- replies to questions, remarks, concerns, etc. found in letters, e-mails or faxes from our listeners. All this mixed with music requested by listeners. DX Mix is now also part of ... And the Gatepost. This then, is our basic schedule. But programme ideas from our listeners are more than welcome. So, why not join us? If you can't visit, remember that these days, Hungary is only a twist of a radio dial, or a few taps on a computer keyboard, away! Publicity: Advertisements considered. Terms arranged mutually. For more information: Radio Budapest, H-1800, Budapest, Hungary Bródy Sándor utca 5-7. Tel: 36 1 328-7224, 36 1 328-8328 Fax: 36 1 328-8517 E-mail: english@kaf.radio.hu By the way, their Real Audio page is at http://real1.radio.hu/nemzeti.htm Select the date, then the transmission (via John Norfolk, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL WATERS [non]. Radio 4 offshore radio report If you want to hear yesterday`s PM broadcast from BBC Radio 4, it`s on their website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio4_aod.shtml?pm The Caroline slot lasts 3 and a half minutes and is at 15 minutes into the programme (Mike Terry, UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn, Re the comment you inserted you into my item on Radio 192 "Sunday at 1200-1500 UT [taking into account DST shift?]", yes indeed. I may forget a lot of things, but not that. I have about nine clocks in the house to adjust twice every year :-) 73, (Andy Sennitt, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN. Schedules from VIRI conflict over whether 9905 at 0030 is now in Spanish or English. Checked UT March 28 at 0027, IS, and 0030 opening in Spanish, Qur`an, fair with flutter, // 11610 which was not so good. Nothing audible on listed // 7220, and 9655 was blocked by a much stronger signal. At 0140 recheck, 9655 could be made // 9905, tho still way under DW (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN [non]. Conflicting info about the new frequency for R. Pedar, shifted an hour earlier to 1730-1830: 17660 or 17735. I see that Sudan Radio Service`s expanded transmission is also shown on 17660, so I expect Pedar was moved to 17735 as a result. We won`t know until Monday (Glenn Hauser, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY. La_Rai_smantella_le_onde_medie:_resterà_una_sola_rete Hi! According to a personal message from RAI WAY Monza office the RAI is planning to close in coming months all the RAI 2 network on Mediumwave and to operate ONLY Rai 1 on Mediumwave. This is surely an unpopular decision (Dario Monferini, Italy, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz. Dalla lista Talkmedia: Giusto per conoscenza, vi giro la mail di risposta inviatami da RaiWay dopo la mia richiesta di info sullo spegnimento di Radio2 da MonteCarlo 702 kHz --- che dire, la mia convinzione che l'operato del Ministro Gasparri e del Ministero delle Comunicazioni negli ultimi anni sia più che fallimentare si è rinforzata in maniera enorme, di qualunque parte politica fosse il ministro che ha firmato questo "contratto di servizio"... (Daniele Cardelli) Buongiorno, abito a Monsummano Terme (Pistoia), e dal 1 marzo è impossibile ricevere Radio2 in Onde Medie in seguito allo spegnimento dei 702 kHz di Monte Carlo. Durante il giorno si ricevono i 693 di Milano, ma appena cala la sera l'ascolto diventa impossibile; sommando ciò alla scarsa qualità del segnale FM sui 90.5 dal Monte Serra, devo a malincuore informarVi che Radio2 in larga parte della Toscana è impossibile da ascoltare. Sono pertanto a chiederVi: se è prevista la riaccensione dei 702 kHz da MonteCarlo, o in che modo è previsto di risolvere questa situazione decisamente incresciosa che lascia priva di segnale una enorme parte di territorio da Ventimiglia a Grosseto - tra quanto verrà riacceso l'impianto di Firenze Terrarossa sui 1035 kHz, spento ormai da due anni? RingraziandoVi in anticipo per la cortese risposta, auguro buon lavoro a Voi e ai tecnici che operano sul territorio. Daniele Cardelli, March 17 ----- Original Message ----- From: "RAI Way S.p.a." Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 7:12 PM Subject: Re: Radio2 onde medie Gentile Cliente, a seguito della sua richiesta, La informiamo che il nuovo contratto di servizio RAI-Stato prevede una unica rete in Onda Media. Quanto da Lei segnalato rientra nelle azioni di avvicinamento per rispettare i dettami del Contratto rammentato. Per sue future richieste di informazioni tecniche o segnalazioni di problemi alla ricezione dei programmi RAI la invitiamo a contattare il numero verde 800 111 555, (dal Lunedì al Sabato dalle 09,00 alle 20.00), a scrivere alla casella di posta elettronica raiway @ rai.it o a visitare il sito Internet http://www.raiway.rai.it http://www.raiway.rai.it/frequenze.htm#OndeMedie Grazie per averci scritto. Cordiali saluti, Carla, Call Center Tecnico RAI WAY - ID 5815 (via Cardelli, ibid.) Carla sta nella India? (gh) (via Fabrizio Carnevalini, Play-DX all via Dario Monferini, PlayDX, March 28, DXLD) ** KAZAKHSTAN. OVERVIEW OF THE MEDIA IN KAZAKHSTAN --- Background Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world in terms of land area, and borders on China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Russia. It is a mainly Muslim country with a population of about 15.4m of whom 54 per cent are ethnic Kazakh. Of all the Central Asian countries it has the largest percentage of ethnic Russians - some 25 per cent. (UN 2003). Current issues International relations: Russia and the USA vying for political, military and economic influence in this oil-rich country Oil and pipelines: Significant US and UK investment Politics: Role of president's daughter, Dariga Nazarbayeva, her party (Asar) and her media interests; detention of opposition party leader Galymzhan Zhakiyanov and several prominent pro-opposition journalists Environment: Nuclear, chemical contamination and toxic waste dating back to the Soviet era; drying up of Aral Sea, Lake Balkash; dispute with Uzbekistan over Chardara reservoir Baykonur: Space deal with Russia Controversial new media law: the political fallout, both domestic and international Parliamentary elections: October 2004 Media environment From the BBC Country Profile for Kazakhstan, 21 January 2004: "Although press freedom is enshrined in Kazakhstan's constitution, media rights monitors report that privately-owned and opposition media are subject to harassment and censorship. In 2002 the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists accused the authorities of waging `a war on independent journalism'... "Insulting the president and officials is a criminal offence; the private life, health and financial affairs of the president are classified as state secrets. The government controls the printing presses and most radio and TV transmission facilities. It operates the country's national radio and TV networks. "The president's close associates, including his eldest daughter, Dariga Nazarbayeva, and son-in-law, have benefited from the privatization of the former state media. Dariga heads the influential Khabar Agency which runs several TV channels. "The couple run, or has run, the private TV networks NTK and KTK, the privately-held but publicly-funded TV stations Khabar, Khabar 2 and ORT Kazakhstan. They also control the radio stations Europa Plus, Russkoye Radio, Hit FM and Radio Karavan, along with the newspapers Karavan and Novoye Pokoleniye." The US-funded Internews web site says: "Kazakhstan, over the past four years [since 1999], has demonstrated a consistent tightening of access to radio and television frequencies; pressure on editors not to publish or broadcast material critical of the government; restriction of the use of certain languages in media. It has applied its laws with bias, allowing media with ties to the president's family to win access to broadcast frequencies, satellite channels, and rights to operate national networks without participating in legally mandated tenders, or paying the permit fees for the use of those national resources. It has allowed companies controlled by the president's family to dominate the advertising business. At the same time, it has used those regulations to destabilize many successful TV and radio stations, forced others to broadcast on government-controlled frequencies, and driven many still- developing stations out of business." OSCE said "astonished" by multitude of Kazakh media outlets Deputy Speaker of the Senate of the Kazakh parliament Omirbek Baygeldy told journalists about a visit by a delegation of Kazakh MPs to a session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna, Kazakh TV reported on 26 February 2004: "When I told them the figures, that Kazakhstan has 2,300 media outlets in relation to this population, they were astonished: How is that? How have you achieved this?" "I said that we had not done this artificially. At present, the market and freedom are emerging." (Kazakh TV first channel 1430 gmt 26 Feb 04). Media monopoly The opposition has accused the government of having excessive control over the media: In an interview published on the Vremya web site, Bulat Abilov, cochairman of opposition Democratic Party of Kazakhstan (DPK) Ak Zhol, said: "According to Mr Yertysbayev [presidential adviser], it turns out that the state TV company Khabar, which exists on public funds, on taxpayers' money, is a mouthpiece for Asar [party founded by the president's daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva]. Actually, the adviser admitted that the country's main television (and other television companies as well) are the property of Dariga Nazarbayeva. If he is right..., this would be cause for the government to think seriously about democratization of the country's media market. A monopoly of the media is not good either for society as a whole or for journalists." (From interview with Abilov published on the Vremya web site 26 Feb 04) Journalists feel the pinch Irina Petrushova - runs the opposition weekly Respublika Assandi Times and has been active in exposing corruption. "In the autumn of 2002 Petrushova, who has Russian citizenship, was forced to make her way to Russia, from where she edits the popular Assandi Times weekly." (Russian newspaper Kommersant, 11 Mar 04). Gennadiy Benditskiy - charged with libel following allegations about the misappropriation of 1.5m dollars from the Kazakh budget (Vremya, Almaty, 22 Jan 04, p2). On 17 March 2004 Benditskiy was acquitted by a court in Almaty "for absence of corpus delicti". (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 0628 gmt 17 Mar 04). On 25 March President Nazarbayev met Benditskiy, Khabar TV reported the same day. "Nazarbayev was interested in the journalist's opinion on the development of the country's media market, relations between the media and the authorities, and the observance of the principles of legality and objectivity," the TV said. Benditskiy said: "The country's president was not indifferent to my situation - a situation that was very difficult for me. I voiced words of gratitude and I thanked him. It turned out to be a very interesting conversation for me, as a journalist and a human being." (Khabar TV 1500 gmt 25 Mar 04). Sergey Duvanov - prominent opposition journalist accused of raping a minor and sentenced to a three and half year prison term in January 2003; his sentence was recently eased and he is now under house arrest. Maksim Kartashov - Vremya weekly's sports reporter, was beaten up in Almaty on 12 March, ITAR-TASS news agency reported, quoting the chairman of the International Fund for the Protection of Freedom of Speech. "Kartashov believes somebody did not like his reports about the behind-the-scenes activities in the sporting world," the report said. (ITAR-TASS 1626 gmt 13 Mar 04) Nesip Zhunusbay-uly - Kazakh sports journalist and author of over 15 books on sport, was dismissed as editor-in-chief of the Sport & KS newspaper for an article criticizing the state of affairs in the country's sports sector, the Kazakhstan Today news agency reported on 23 February. (Kazakhstan Today news agency web site 1112 gmt 23 Feb 04). Media owner under pressure in Aktobe Vladimir Mikhaylov, a founder and director of the Rifma Ltd media company, which employs over 240 people, sent a letter to the Kazakh president complaining of the "unlawful behaviour" of the governor of Aktyubinsk Region and the Aktobe deputy mayor. The allegations were contained in a letter by Mikhaylov published in Kazakh newspaper Zhas Alash on 28 February 2004. The letter claimed a business associate of Mikhaylov's at Rifma was beaten up and "became an invalid". The letter went on: "A criminal case was instituted against me for running commercials on the Kazakh Commercial TV and the Kazakh TV first channel in 1998-2001 without having a proper licence. Several cases were instituted against me in 2003 and were later dropped because of lack of evidence. "On 30 December 2003, the city court found me guilty `of making excess profit by running commercials on TV' and sentenced me to two years in prison... "On 9 January 2004, the governor of Aktyubinsk Region, Yermek Imantayev, demanded through an intermediary that I give away the Diapazon newspaper, founded by me... I was called to Imantayev's office to resolve this issue on 10 January 2004. The pressure increased as I refused to fulfil his demand; he started persecuting me and instituted another criminal case against me... "In addition, a criminal case was instituted against a Diapazon newspaper journalist, for `obstructing justice'. The journalist wrote an article criticizing the courts in Aktobe... "I believe that there is only one reason for the issue that emerged around me, my family, my friend, his family and our organizations: the region's governor, Yermek Imantayev, and the deputy mayor of the city, Gleb Shegelskiy, are going to get rid of disobedient businessmen and appropriate their properties. To achieve their purpose, they are also using various regulatory bodies, including law-enforcement agents and representatives from financial bodies. All this conflicts with the Kazakh president's policy of supporting small and medium-sized businesses... "We ask you to instruct relevant bodies to send specialists here to investigate and prevent this conflict from worsening." (Zhas Alash, Almaty, in Kazakh 28 Feb 04 p 2) On 16 March 2004 Mikhaylov received a one-year prison sentence. (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 1258 gmt 17 Mar 04). Journalists assaulted, prosecuted A report issued by the Adil Soz Foundation for protecting freedom of speech concludes that "it is difficult to assess the situation with freedom of speech in Kazakhstan as favourable," Kazakhstan Today reported on 4 March 2004. "According to reports from Adil Soz, nine assaults on journalists and members of their families were registered in Kazakhstan in 2003. It was mostly reporters of regional publications who suffered beatings and threats. None of the criminals have been punished for those criminal assaults on journalists." "Monitoring carried out by the Adil Soz Foundation registered 21 cases of journalists' prosecutions in 2003. Nine cases were instituted in keeping with the libel article. Apart from this, 96 civil lawsuits in defence of honour, dignity and other rights not related to ownership of property were registered in 2003. Over 100m tenge [720,000 dollars] was demanded to cover moral damages. Fifty-two state officials, 42 legal entities and 41 citizens brought lawsuits against media outlets. "A total of 415 reports of unjustified restrictions on journalistic activities and refusal to give information were registered last year. The foundation is sure that actually there were dozens more such violations." (Kazakhstan Today news agency web site 0620 gmt 4 Mar 04) Controversial media law Kazakh journalists and public figures - including President Nursultan Nazarbayev's daughter Dariga - have spoken out against a controversial bill to regulate the country's media. "The new law aims to increase the requirements media outlets and journalists need to fulfil to obtain registration from the government. It also increases the number of reasons registration can be refused and regulates the number of programmes that must be broadcast in the Kazakh language," BBC News Online reported on 23 December. The BBC report quoted Nazarbayev as saying: "Some newspapers and electronic media provide hopeless information, saying everything is bad... I think this should be stopped by the law. It makes no difference whether it is a domestic media source or a foreign one... One should not tolerate it when somebody urges sabotage and disorder." http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/3343155.stm 23 Dec 03 The most recent version of the bill was endorsed on 17 March 2004 by parliament's lower house, the Majlis, in a 55-6 vote, AP reported the same day. The following day it was also passed by the Senate (upper house). (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 0800 gmt 18 Mar 04). Earlier, the upper chamber of parliament, the Senate, had returned the draft law to the Majlis, proposing that eight points be amended, and a conciliatory commission had been set up for this purpose, Interfax- Kazakhstan reported on 17 March. The commission had accepted only one of the eight points proposed by the Senate - "replacing the provision stipulating the closure of a media outlet if it propagates nationalistic views with a provision stipulating the suspension of its activities in such cases," the agency said, quoting a conciliatory commission member and Majlis deputy, Amangeldy Aytaly. (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 0652 gmt 17 Mar 04). On 19 March a Kazakh web site reported that the World Association of Newspapers and the World Editors' Forum had written to President Nazarbayev urging him to veto the bill (Respublika Assandi Times web site 19 Mar 04) By 26 March BBC Monitoring had not monitored any Kazakh media reports saying the president had signed the bill into law. Kazakh media bill "harshly criticized" at international seminar A round table on the draft law on the media was held in Astana on 9 March, Kazakh TV reported the same day. Representatives of the OSCE, the EU and other European organizations, political parties, NGOs, and the Kazakh information minister, attended. The draft media law was "harshly criticized" at the meeting, the TV said. Representatives of international organizations expressed fears that freedom of speech may be limited if the draft law is approved. Alan Vaddams, the head of the European Commission's office in Kazakhstan, criticized the system for registering and accrediting the media and the government's expanded authority. The information minister rejected the criticisms. (Kazakh TV first channel 1430 gmt 9 Mar 04). The media bill also came in for criticism at a conference in Almaty on 16 March, Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency reported on the same day. The director of the Kazakh office of the International Bureau for Human Rights and the Observance of Legality, Yevgeniy Zhovtis, said the draft law "distinctly smacks of political expediency". Bulat Abilov, the co-chairman of the opposition Ak Zhol party, said: "If the draft law on media is passed in Kazakhstan, then it will be difficult to describe as fair the coming election to the Majlis... The government needs an obedient parliament, and this law will provide for its formation... Under the current media law journalists apply self- censorship, and if the new law is passed then the self-censorship will be further stepped up." (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 0946 gmt 18 Mar 04). Journalists should defend state interests - president The third Congress of Journalists of Kazakhstan held in Atyrau in February 2004 rejected the new media bill and favoured retaining and amending the existing media law. The Congress re-elected Dariga Nazarbayeva as chairwoman of the Congress of Journalists of Kazakhstan. (Khabar TV 1500 gmt 20 Feb 04). Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev sent a message to participants on 19 February: "Engaging fairly with the facts, journalists should defend the interests of society and the state," President Nazarbayev's message said, according to the Interfaks-Kazakhstan news agency. He pointed to the leading role of the mass media in the country's development and prosperity, which "makes journalists highly responsible", the agency reported. "I hope the joint work and contacts will promote the establishment of rules for the observance of professional ethics, and a unique code of honour for Kazakh journalists," Nazarbayev said. (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency, 0610 gmt 19 Feb). Need to reapply for TV and radio licences The Congress was also addressed by Deputy Information Minister Ardak Doszhan, who said the Information Ministry was now considering applications for TV and radio frequencies from 250 companies, Kazakh TV first channel reported on 20 February. "Ardak Doszhan said almost all working frequencies in regional centres had been distributed among TV and radio companies. At present, 82 TV and radio stations operate in the country. The deputy minister noted that in the near future the country would begin to switch to digital television. The new TV format will make it possible to place several TV channels on one frequency. In addition, the video picture and sound will improve considerably," Kazakh TV reported. "In line with the new media bill, which is being considered by parliament now, the distribution of licences will be transferred from the agency on the computerization of communications to the Information Ministry. TV and radio companies will then need to reapply for broadcasting licences." (Kazakh TV first channel 1430 gmt 20 Feb 04) Kazakh information minister warns journalists Kazakh Information Minister Sauytbek Abdrakhmanov used the Congress to issue a warning to journalists: "Our task is to take the maximum measures in order to prevent lawlessness in the press and dirty PR, particularly when it comes to the forthcoming parliamentary elections," Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency quoted him as saying on 19 February. He also said: "Criticism, aimed solely at destruction, is pulp fiction. Remarkable events in society must not be ignored." (Interfax- Kazakhstan news agency 0842 gmt 19 Feb 04). Dariga/electoral commission/media "The Central Electoral Commission has an opportunity today to close, or to ban a media source from covering the election process if it is accused of circulating false or wrong information about a candidate. We think that this is also wrong. Only a court should decide to what extent a media source is truthful or has circulated false information," Dariga Nazarbayeva to Khabar TV on 20 February. (Khabar TV 1500 gmt 20 Feb 04) Internews "Internews Network Kazakhstan works in support of more than 60 regional, non-governmental television and radio stations. Support includes journalism and management training, legal advice and consultation, marketing consultation, program distribution, technical and computer assistance as well as the facilitation of two news exchange programs," the Internews web site says. "Internews Kazakhstan supports two news productions in Kazakhstan, produced together with independent TV stations throughout the country. Aina (Mirror), a news features program, is the only independent news features program in the Kazakh language. It is also produced in Russian," it adds. http://www.internews.org/regions/centralasia/kazakhstan.htm accessed on 16 Mar 04 TV and radio stations For a detailed list (dated March 2003) of Kazakh radio and TV stations, including short descriptions, activities and contact details, see http://www.internews.kz/eng/stations/index.htm A separate link gives a list of about 70 non-state TV and radio stations. Kazakh media organizations Adil-Soz - campaigns for media freedom http://www.adilsoz.kz Congress of Journalists of Kazakhstan - headed by Dariga Nazarbayeva Kazakhstan Press Club - founded in 1994 and sees itself as independent; produces a daily Media Monitoring Report in English and Russian covering about 120 newspapers throughout Kazakhstan; produces topical reports and plans to get into TV monitoring for selected customers, mainly in the oil and gas industry; does not cover minority press; staff of 18; contacts in all the regions; 75 per cent commercially funded; web site: http://www.pressclub.kz (information gleaned partially from a BBC Monitoring visit to Almaty in March 2004) News agencies/web sites Kazinform - state-owned; employs some 40 people; Internet: http://nkkazinform.kz Interfax-Kazakhstan, in Russian - Service provided by the Russian news agency Interfax focusing on events in Kazakhstan; web site: http://www.interfax.kz Kazakhstan Today - Owned by Alma-Media holding company, which is said to be controlled by Rakhat Aliyev, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's elder son-in-law and former deputy chariman of Kazakh National Security Committee; in Russian; web site: http://www.gazeta.kz Kazakh Kub web site, in Russian and English - Opposition, server in Pennsylvania, USA; official site owner Popular Films LLC, registered in USA; president is Kazakh film director Rashid Nugmanov; carries articles critical of the government culled from a variety of sources; updated regularly; web site: http://www.kub.kz Almaty Eurasia web site in Russian - Opposition web site said to be controlled by unidentified opposition members in Moscow; web site: http://www.eurasia.org.ru http://www.navi.kz - in Russian; carries interviews with government and opposition politicians, as well as commentaries sometimes critical of the authorities; news reports are from the Kazakhstan Today news agency; updated regularly http://www.kazhegeldin.addr.com - web site of the former prime minister, now in exile; carries his appeals and articles critical of government; on 24 March 2004 the most recent posting was an article from UK's The Times newspaper translated into Russian; updated fairly regularly Main TV stations Khabar TV - operated by Khabar agency; web site in Russian: http://www.khabar.kz Kazakh TV (first channel) - state-owned, broadcasts in Kazakh and Russian Kazakh Commercial TV (KTK) - privately-owned, broadcasts in Kazakh and Russian Channel 31 TV - privately-owned Almaty station Caspionet - satellite channel operated by Khabar agency Eurasia TV - state-run, in Russian; rebroadcasts Russia's ORT TV Radios with nationwide reach Kazakh Radio - state-owned, broadcasts in Kazakh and Russian Russkoye Radio - broadcasts in Russian and Kazakh Europa Plus - privately-owned FM radio in Astana A survey of the 87-108 FM band in Astana and Almaty carried out in March 2004 revealed the following radio stations, most of them apparently broadcasting 24 hours per day: 101.4 FM - Astana FM; pop music with news bulletins on the hour 103.3 FM - Radio Dlya Vzroslyx (Radio for Adults); pop music with news bulletins on the hour 104.1 FM - Russkoye Radio-Aziya; Russian pop music, with news bulletins in Kazakh and Russian on the hour 105.0 FM - Evropa Plus Kazakhstan; pop music, with news bulletins in Russian and Kazakh on the hour 105.9 FM - Radio Enes; pop music, with news bulletins on the hour 106.8 FM - Radio Kazakhstan FM radio in Almaty 91.7 FM - Retro FM (former Caravan) - Retro music with news bulletins on the hour 99.7 FM - Pop music; unidentified; could be sound carrier for a TV station 101.0 FM - Radio Kazakhstan 102.2 FM Radio Shahar; pop music, no news bulletins observed 102.8 FM - Khabar-Hit FM; pop music, news bulletins at 5 minutes to the hour 103.5 FM - Radio 31; pop music, with news bulletins on the hour 104.0 FM - Nashe Radio; pop music, with news bulletins on the hour 104.7 FM - Russoye Radio-Aziya; Russian pop music, with news bulletins in Kazakh and Russian on the hour 105.4 FM - Auto Radio; pop music, no news bulletins observed 106.0 FM - Radio Enes; pop music, with news bulletins on the hour 106.5 FM - Radio Almaty 107.0 FM - Evropa Plus Kazakhstan; pop music, with news bulletins in Russian and Kazakh on the hour Main newspapers Kazakhstanskaya Pravda - web site: http://www.kazpravda.kz - government-backed, Russian-language Yegemen Qazaqstan - government-backed, Kazakh-language (no Internet site) Ekspress-K - web site: http://www.express-k.kz - privately-owned, pro- government; Russian-language Zhas Alash - web site: http://www.zhasalash.kz - privately-owned, Kazakh-language; pro-government Karavan - web site: http://www.caravan.kz - Weekly, owned by Alma- Media Publishing House, said to be controlled by Rakhat Aliyev, Kazakh President Nazarbayev's elder son-in-law and former first deputy head of Kazakh National Security Committee Nachnem s ponedelnika - opposition newspaper founded and published by its editor-in-chief, Ramazan Yesergepov, a strong supporter of the ideas put forward by former Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin and his opposition Republican People's Party of Kazakhstan; the newspaper is said to have been banned recently (no Internet site) Novoye Pokoleniye - web site: http://www.np.kz - Russian language weekly; official founder is Mangistaumunaygaz company, and the newspaper is said be controlled by Rakhat Aliyev Turkistan, in Kazakh; pro-government (no Internet site) Megapolis - web site: http://www.megapolis.ura.kz - Russian language; critical of government Respublika Assandi Times - web site: http://www.respublika.kz - opposition, Russian language Vremya - web site: http://www.time.kz - nongovernment Newspaper denies links to opposition party The Kazakh newspaper Panorama's editor-in-chief, Lera Tsoy, denied that the newspaper (http://www.panorama.kz) is affiliated to the opposition Ak Zhol party, Interfaks-Kazakhstan reported on 16 February. (Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency 0906 gmt 16 Feb 04) New daily published in Almaty The first issue of a new national daily Liter has been published in former Kazakh capital, Almaty, Kazakh Khabar TV reported on 3 March. "The newspaper's director-general, Yerlan Bekkhozhin, said the new editorial office will unite not only professional journalists but readers, too, who will also be able to write articles for the newspaper. The daily's print-run is about 45,000 copies. In addition to social and political materials, the newspaper will have entertainment and fun columns. The journalists are planning to publish bumper Friday issues for families. There are also plans to open correspondents' offices in Astana and other Kazakh cities," the report said. (Khabar TV, 1500 gmt 3 Mar 04) Internet sites with information on Kazakh media http://www.rferl.org/reports/mm/2004/02/2-030204.asp (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Volume 4, Number 2) - thought-provoking 2,000 word article in English, dated 6 February 2004, by freelance journalist Mark Berniker entitled "A president at a crossroads" analyses the media scene in Kazakhstan and concludes: "Direct pressure - both at home and abroad - is increasing on Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to moderate his government's purported direct involvement in the country's media affairs". The analysis also covers media ownership issues and KazMunayGaz's project to enter the media market with NTV-Kazakhstan. http://www.cpj.org/attacks03/europe03/kazak.html - web site of the Committee to Protect Journalists; gives overview of the Kazakh media scene and highlights the persecution of independent-minded journalists: "Nazarbayev continued his intense persecution of Kazakhstan's independent media in 2003" it says. http://centran.ru/ - Russia-based news agency reporting on Kazakh and Central Asian affairs, including media affairs http://www.cimera.org - web site of Cimera, an international NGO based in Geneva and campaigning for media rights in Central Asia http://www.internews.org/regions/centralasia/kazakhstan.htm - carries undated reports, probably published in 2003, on Internews activities in Kazakhstan, as well as a detailed assessment of the media landscape (quoted in part above) http://www.internews.kz/eng/index.htm - Internews Kazakhstan web site with lots of information on the Kazakh media http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1298071.stm - BBC Monitoring Country Profile on Kazakhstan - updated 21 January 2004 http://www.rsf.org - Reporters Without Borders Source: BBC Monitoring research in English 26 Mar 04 (via DXLD) ** KOREA SOUTH. La KBS est actuellement en cours de réorganisation. Radio Corée Internationale, qui faisait partie de la branche KBS-Radio a été déplacée dans une autre partie de l'organigramme de sa maison mère. Elle est dorénavant rattachée au Global Center qui regroupe tout ce qui concerne les relations internationales extérieures de la KBS. Suite à ces réorganisations, Radio Corée Internationale pourrait changer de nom et s'appeler par exemple KBS-World. Par ailleurs, le site Internet de la station va faire peau neuve et proposera notamment encore plus d'audio (Radio Corée Internationale - 14 mars 2004, informations sont issues de http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jm.aubier via DXLD) Hey, just like NHK-World, copykat ** LUXEMBOURG. The DRM crowd discusses a second Junglinster outlet on 5990, heard for the first time on the evening of March 27 and using a label "RTL DRM 2". So 5990 is not just an alternative for 6095! Right now (March 28, 0940) 6095 is on but not 5990. If on air it would have destroyed Christian Science via Jülich on 5985 (Kai Ludwig, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALAYSIA. Glenn, with reference to the RTM Sarawak schedule in DXLD 4-056, it is described as "current incomplete and tentative." I fail to understand how a schedule can be both current and tentative at the same time, though I am happy to accept that it may be incomplete :-) 73, (Andy Sennitt, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Maybe they meant ``currently`` ** MEXICO. XERMX was in the B-03 HFCC schedule on 9705, 1300-0600, but that didn`t keep IBB from blasting them to oblivion from Saipan at 1300-1500. Now with A-04, IBB has vacated that frequency (well, except 0400-0500 and 1900-2000 Biblis), and on March 28, XERMX in Spanish could be heard, but now it has a warbling het (caused by themselves or another station, Ethiopia?), at 1340 check. Still, that`s an improvement (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MEXICO. 6045.16, XEXQ, Radio Universidad, [San Luis] Potosí, 1210v. to 1230 presumed the one with very poor signal 23, 25, 26 March (Bob Wilkner, NRD 535D - Icom R75 Kiwa modified - Noise reducing antenna - ten meter long wire, Pómpano Beach, Florida, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NETHERLANDS. In 1980, citing her age, the 71-year-old sovereign abdicated in favour of Princess Beatrix. She declined the title of queen mother, and chose to be called princess. In recent years, beset by failing health, Princess Juliana kept a low profile. She leaves Prince Bernhard, her four daughters, 14 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. [So that answers my question]. Conclusion of a long article`` Dutch queen fostered ties with Canada`` --- The popular princess chose exile over Nazi rule, then sent an annual gift of tulip bulbs to Ottawa in thanks for wartime sanctuary By TU THANH HA http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPPrint/LAC/20040322/JULIANA22/TPObituaries/ (via Theo D, DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS [non]. Checking the new A-04 relay frequencies via Madagascar at 1402 March 28, RN in English was good on 9890, better than \\ 11835 which had some splat from 11830, tho I expect 9890 will deteriorate as our summer culminates. 9890 was quite a bit weaker before 1600* and 11835 was unusable (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PALESTINE. Well, the Word HAMAS in Arabic means Enthusiasm but in that case (The Palestinian Organization) it's the first letters of the official name of this Organization which in Arabic is ``Haraket AlMokawama AliSlamya``. The Islamic Resistance Movement in English, so it's got nothing to do with the Spanish word. All the best (Tarek Zeidan, Cairo, Egypt, DX LISTENING DIGEST) In Arabic, "Hamas" means zeal. It's also an acronym for "Harakat al- Muqawama al-Islamiya" [Islamic Resistance Movement]. (Dave Kernick, UK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PARAGUAY. Do Paraguai, Adán Mur informa que a emissora do Colegio Municipal Santa Rosa de Lima, Ñemby, está no ar as 24 horas do dia neste fim de semana em 7371 kHz. Por não terem uma programação própria, retransmitem a Rádio América. Os alunos do Colégio mudaram a frequência, um pouquinho, até 7371 kHz, como o propósito de evitar as interferências. A potência é de 5 watts. 73 (Samuel Cássio, Brasil, March 27, radioescutas via DXLD) ** PHILIPPINES. V. of Philippines A-04, 03-28-04 to 10-30-04: [first batch is in Filipino and English] FIEE PBS PBS 200 330 PHT 10 15270 283 FIEE PBS PBS 200 330 PHT 03 15120 315 FIEE PBS PBS 200 330 PHT 01 11885 283 ENGL PBS PBS 1730 1930 PHT 10 17720 283 ENGL PBS PBS 1730 1930 PHT 07 15190 283 ENGL PBS PBS 1730 1930 PHT 12 11720 283 (extracted from IBB A-04 by Glenn Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ** POLAND. POLSKIE RADIO EXTERNAL SERVICE FROM MARCH 28 TO 30 OCTOBER 2004 SHORTWAVE [English only] 1200-1259 GMT kHz 11820 (25 mbs) and 9525 kHz (31 mbs) 1700-1759 GMT kHz 7150 (41 mbs) and 5995 kHz (49 mbs) Program guide: http://www.radio.com.pl/polonia/ramowka.asp?rId=10 Unfortunately, that has yet to be updated as far as times go, so I [jn] have changed them to one hour earlier and omitted all non- shortwave times: NEWS FROM POLAND. All the latest news events as they happen. News, comment, reports and correspondents' dispatches. Includes Press Review. Monday to Friday 12.00, 17.00. Saturday and Sunday news bulletins at 12.00. INSIGHT: CENTRAL EUROPE. A co-production devoted to European integration by Radio Polonia, Radio Austria International, Radio Budapest, Radio Slovakia International, Radio Slovenia and Radio Prague. With Kerry Skyring. Saturday 12.05, Sunday 17.00. AROUND POLAND. There's more to Poland than Krakow and Warsaw. How about hiking in the remote Bieszczady mountain range? Go ice skating in the Land of a Thousand Lakes. Or meet the European bison in Bialowieza Forest. Join Danusia Szafraniec on a trip around Poland. Monday 17.20, Wednesday 12.20. LETTER FROM POLAND. An irreverent look at Poland by Londoner, Peter Gentle. Tuesday 17.20, Thursday 12.20. DAY IN THE LIFE. Bogdan Zaryn interviews anyone from government minister to polar explorer to Miss Poland Wednesday 17.20, Tuesday 12.20. FOCUS. The arts in Poland presented by Agnieszka Bielawska and Michal Kubicki. Thursday 17.20, Monday 12.20. BUSINESS WEEK. Is Poland still roaring like an `East European Tiger?` With Rafal Kiepuszewski. Friday 12.20, 17.20. THE BEST OF POLISH RADIO/BOOKWORM. Polish literary classics and contemporary writers. Monday 17.30, Wednesday 12.30. MULTIMEDIA SHOW. News, chat and interviews for those passionate about radio, hosted by Slawek Szefs and Marek Lasota. The cutting edge of broadcast technologies, including Sirius satellite car radio and MBN that allows you to listen in on your mobile phone in the States. Tuesday 17.30, Thursday 12.30. HIGH NOTE. Feeling highbrow? Join Elzbieta Krajewska for a classical music feast. Wednesday 17.30, Friday 12.30. SOUNDCHECK. New and classic Polish pop, rock and jazz releases Thursday 17.30, Saturday 21.30. IN TOUCH. Tell us what you think about Radio Polonia programmes. Snail mail, email or phone the team: Slawek Szefs, Peter Gentle and Ann Flapan. Goodie bags to be won in monthly competitions. Friday 17.30, Sunday 12.35. FROM THE WEEKLIES. Saturday 17.30. CHART SHOW. With Michal Zajac. Saturday 17.30, Monday 12.30. REQUEST SHOW. Ann Flapan plays the music of your choice. Sunday 17.30, Tuesday 12.30. CLASSIC SHOWS [none appear to be on shortwave, so omitted] Real Audio/Windows Media page: http://www.radio.com.pl/polonia/audio.asp?rId=10 (via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** ROMANIA. Checked RRI`s listed A-04 1300 frequencies in English March 28: After 0100, nothing audible on listed 9690, 11940, 15430, 17760; at 1351, 11830 dominated by something closer, nothing readable on 15105 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. Russian Pirates great night last night --- Amazing night last night (26th) for Russian Pirates 2000-3300 kHz. It was swarming with them; only managed one ID, though, Radio Stansiya Plasma on 2950 kHz at 2138 UT. Another one worthy of mention was playing continuous Russian pops on 3018 at 2141. The lowest frequency heard was 2072 and the highest was 3280 kHz. The transmitters were all chronically unstable. The Greek pirate activity was above average also [q.v.] (Tim Bucknall, UK, March 27, BDXC-UK via DXLD) ** SLOVAKIA. R Slovakia Int A04 schedule --- At the close of their 1730 broadcast this afternoon, Radio Slovakia International announced their English schedule for A04 effective from this Sunday: 0100 on 5930 9440 to Americas 0700 on 7440 15460 to Australia/Pacific 1630 on 5920 7345 to Europe 1830 on 5920 6055 to Europe (Dave Kenny, March 26, BDXC-UK via DXLD) Une nouvelle réduction de la puissance des émetteurs interviendra au 1er avril 2004. La puissance passera de 200 kW à 150 kW. Il est à noter que le 1er novembre 2003, on était déjà passé de 250 kW à 200 kW (Radio Slovaquie Internationale - 21 mars 2004, informations issues de http://perso.wanadoo.fr/jm.aubier via DXLD) ** SPAIN. REE was still on 6055, UT March 28 at 0000 check opening English, but started 15385, 24 hours later, rather weak and echoey March 29 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ESPANHA - O DX Listening Digest 4-056, de 27 de março, trouxe, em primeira mão, uma boa notícia para os ouvintes brasileiros: a Rádio Exterior de Espanha vai transmitir, em português, de terças a sextas- feiras, entre 1800 e 1900, em 21700 kHz. O DXLD publicou o esquema completo da emissora, enviado por John Norfolk. Está disponível em http://www.rtve.es/rne/ree/index.htm Dito e feito! Sarmento Campos foi ao sítio da emissora e conferiu que publicam, na capa, inclusive, uma bandeira do Brasil! (Célio Romais, Porto Alegre, Brasil, Coordenação do DX Clube do Brasil (via Sarmento Campos, Conexión Digital via DXLD) Achava que fosse uma nova emissão (gh) ** SWEDEN. R. Sweden`s new 15240, English at 1330 was doing well March 28, but there was some lite co-channel underneath. I suspect 18960 would still have worked a bit longer, and no QRM there! (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** THAILAND [and non]. R. Thailand A-04 English extracted from IBB A- 04 schedule, likely to be the most accurate; all 03/28/04 - 10/30/04: [frequency order] FREQ TIME B_CODE NET LANG ST XMTR AZI 5890 0030 0100 RTG RTG1 ENGL GA 01 174 5890 0300 0330 RTG RTG1 ENGL DL 03 180 9570 0000 0030 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 05 276 9680 2030 2045 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 04 321 9830 1400 1430 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 07 132 9855 1230 1300 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 05 132 15395 0030 0100 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 07 006 15395 0300 0330 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 04 038 21795 0530 0600 RTG RTG1 ENGL UDO 01 321 [Time order:] ENGL RTG RTG1 0 30 UDO 05 9570 276 ENGL RTG RTG1 30 100 UDO 07 15395 006 ENGL RTG RTG1 30 100 GA 01 5890 174 ENGL RTG RTG1 300 330 UDO 04 15395 038 ENGL RTG RTG1 300 330 DL 03 5890 180 ENGL RTG RTG1 530 600 UDO 01 21795 321 ENGL RTG RTG1 1230 1300 UDO 05 9855 132 ENGL RTG RTG1 1400 1430 UDO 07 9830 132 ENGL RTG RTG1 1900 2000 UDO 04 7155 329 ENGL RTG RTG1 2030 2045 UDO 04 9680 321 Checked new USA relay UT March 28 at 0034 on 5890 --- not yet on; at 1400, 9830 was OK tho fluttery, but in the clear, an improvement over 9560 in B-03, which had Ethiopia and other stuff. UT March 29, 5890 was active at 0030, audio not the best and occasional minutes of dead air. Note the strange azimuths, to the south, not ideal for covering North America --- and what`s due south of Delano? Baja California and nothing but ocean until Antartica (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) BREAKING NEWS: Thailand via VOA sites in US!!!! Radio Thailand is now being relayed via VOA transmission facilities on US soil! The two new broadcasts from the VOA-US facilities are as follows: 5890 kHz, via Greenville, at 0030-0100 in English, followed by 0100- 0200 in Thai 5890 kHz, via Delano, at 0300-0330 in English, followed by 0330-0430 in Thai Now we can hear Thailand all year round, not just in the winter (as was the case with 13695 at 0030 via Udorn Thani). A big thanks to VOA for making this possible for North American listeners, and people from Thailand who might be living or studying in the US, who might take advantage of this opportunity to hear Radio Thailand with local-like reception. Checked for the new Radio Thailand relay via Delano at 0418 on 5890 on 3/28; big signal in NJ but it was just a carrier and they had audio- feed problems (Joe Hanlon in New Jersey, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Note that the following version from RT itself does not mention the 5890 relays --- a late addition? If there are any other contradixions, I would rely on the IBB schedule as more recent (gh, DXLD) R. THAILAND A'04 Broadcast Schedule --- Radio Thailand, World Service For listeners in Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and America on the following frequencies (As per A-04 seasonal change) effective March 28, 2003 GMT BKK time Language Frequency (KHz) 0000-0030 0700-0730 English 9570 0030-0100 0730-0800 English 15395 0100-0200 0800-0900 Thai 15395 0300-0330 1000-1030 English 15395 0330-0430 1030-1130 Thai 15395 0530-0600 1230-1300 English 21795 1000-1100 1700-1800 Thai 11870 1100-1115 1800-1815 Vietnamese 7260 1115-1130 1815-1830 Khmer 7260 1130-1145 1830-1845 Lao 6030 1145-1200 1845-1900 Burmese 6030 1200-1215 1900-1915 Malaysian 11870 1215-1230 1915-1930 Indonesian 11880 1230-1300 1930-2000 English 9855 1300-1315 2000-2015 Japanese 11685 1315-1330 2015-2030 Mandarin 11685 1330-1400 2030-2100 Thai 11685 1400-1430 2100-2130 English 9830 1800-1900 0100-0200 Thai 9695 1900-2000 0200-0300 English 7155 2000-2015 0300-0315 German 9680 2015-2030 0315-0330 French 9680 2030-2045 0330-0345 English 9680 2045-2115 0345-0415 Thai 9680 Radio Thailand is part of the Government Public Relations Department, Royal Thai Government, 236 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Din Daeng - Din Daeng, BKK 10400. Tel (662) 277-1818, 277-1840, 277-6139(plus fax), 274-9098(recording) and 274-9099 amporns @ mzart.inet.co.th website http[www.prd.go.th Regds, (via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, DXLD) ** UKRAINE. As usually happens with RUI, the frequency change was made before the time change, so UT March 28 at 0000, 7545 was active, but in Ukrainian instead of English; presumably by the next day English appears in this hour (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. NEW BBC CHAIRMAN CHOSEN - BUT FIRST THE FORMALITIES The panel responsible for appointing a new BBC chairman have made their recommendation, UK Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said today in a TV interview. But before the name can be announced, the recommendation must be approved by the Prime Minister and the Queen. This could take up to three weeks. Front runners are said to be the former head of Channel 4, Michael Grade, and television presenter David Dimbleby. # posted by Andy @ 18:18 UT March 28 (Media Network blog via DXLD) ** U K. Unlike KPCC, BBCWS isn`t afraid to broadcast plays from LA Theatre Works; one just ended at 0149 UT Sun March 28 on reactivated 11835 via Okeechobee, and filled with actors discussing, including Jeff Goldblum. I only wonder to what extent LATW was dependent on KPCC for funding, and if it will continue unabated. As noted in my MONITORING REMINDERS CALENDAR, it is apparently still scheduled on webcasting KUOW, UT Sat 0600 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K [non]. BBCWS Spanish A-04 via IBB Sites, 03-28-04 to 10-30-04: SPAN BBC BBCS 300 345 DL 02 9515 125 SPAN BBC BBCS 300 345 DL 08 5995 125 SPAN BBC BBCS 345 400 DL 02 9515 125 23456 SPAN BBC BBCS 345 400 DL 08 5995 125 23456 SPAN BBC BBCS 1100 1130 DL 04 6130 115 12345 SPAN BBC BBCS 1100 1130 GA 05 6110 200 12345 SPAN BBC BBCS 1300 1330 GA 01 15325 164 12345 SPAN BBC BBCS 1300 1330 DL 07 9670 125 12345 SPAN BBC BBCS 1300 1330 DL 04 6130 126 12345 (IBB A-04, extracted by Glenn Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. VOA Spanish, A-04, 03-28-04 to 10-30-04: SPAN VOA LA-2 100 200 DL 03 13760 126 SPAN VOA LA-2 100 200 DL 04 11815 120 SPAN VOA LA-2 100 200 GA 02 9885 190 SPAN VOA LA-2 100 200 DL 07 9735 120 SPAN VOA LA-2 100 200 DL 08 9560 120 SPAN VOA LA-2 1130 1200 GA 08 13790 174 SPAN VOA LA-2 1130 1230 GA 03 11925 164 SPAN VOA LA-2 1130 1200 GA 04 9535 175 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 ASC 01 17875 245 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 ASC 02 15390 250 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 GA 01 15360 164 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 GB 04 13770 212 12345 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 GA 06 13770 212 67 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 GB 05 11890 183 12345 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 GA 05 11890 205 67 SPAN VOA LA-2 1200 1230 DL 04 7370 116 (IBB A-04, extracted by Glenn Hauser for DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. WBCQ and Hal Turner: See DEUTSCHES REICH [non] ** U S A. NEWSWOMAN'S PHOTOS CAN GO BACK ONLINE 03/26/04, Bill Sloat, Plain Dealer Reporter http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/108030212734820.xml Cincinnati - A federal appeals court Thursday lifted a temporary restraining order that had blocked numerous Internet sites from showing photos of Youngstown TV newswoman Catherine Bosley dancing naked in a Key West bar. For the time being, it is legal to peek again at the anchorwoman's performance in the wet T-shirt contest last March that won her $250 in a tie for first place. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the blackout raised "serious constitutional issues" because it restrained free speech. The court gave lawyers for Bosley and a Seattle Internet site operator until March 29 to file legal briefs about First Amendment issues raised in the case. Bosley's 20 uninhibited minutes onstage left nothing to the imagination. Her vacation antics cost her a job at WKBN Channel 27 when surreptitious videotape began showing up on Web sites around the world. By the time she resigned in January, she was the queen of the Internet, and the images of her performance were getting more hits than anything on the Web. She had even edged out Paris Hilton, the hotel heiress caught on a sex tape. Two weeks ago, U.S. District Judge James S. Gwin issued an order restraining Web sites such as Wildwett.com, SexBrat.com and at least 18 others from exhibiting "any image of her, her name, her likeness, the words 'naked anchorwoman' or any other likeness." Bosley, who grew up in Ashtabula and went to Kent State University, now says she can't find work in TV journalism, a business she had dreamed of working in since age 12. She said one Pennsylvania station said it wasn't sure it wanted her in the building for a job interview, and another in Texas said she was too hot for a Bible Belt market. A Seattle firm, MARVAD Corp., runs SexBrat.com, which began displaying the video Feb. 24. MARVAD, which challenged the blackout, says it is a source of news designed to show that "public figures are ordinary people and subject to the same foibles and weaknesses as the rest of us." MARVAD said it got 111,663 hits on the day it posted Bosley on SexBrat.com. The company had 9,457 hits a day earlier. The Seattle company said it has lost at least $100,000 since the blackout was imposed. In seeking the order, Bosley said she had not given anyone permission to use her photos. In the hearing 10 days ago, she testified that she would not have participated in the Key West contest if she knew pictures would turn up on the Web. "I was aware of some taking still photographs, yes. I assumed that it was just - it was college students," she said. "I thought the worst that could happen is maybe they would end up [with] a picture of me in their dorm room. I was naïve." (via Artie Bigley, OH, DXLD) ** U S A. Very long feature just finished on "Broadcasting House" on BBC Radio 4 this morning, about right wing and left wing stations in the US and the up and coming liberal station. Played air checks of various broadcasters. Are these what used to be called shock jocks? They are more shocking than ours in the UK! Rush Limbaugh seems to be in a sad state; his catchphrase is "Talent on loan from God"! G Gordon Liddy seems very opinionated. I quote from the programme "radio is to the right". I wonder if the new station, Air America, will be welcomed to widen the dialogue. Will advertisers aim to the liberal market? (Mike Terry, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) LIBERALS TAKE ON CONSERVATIVES ON TALK RADIO Sun Mar 28, 2004 By Andrew Stern CHICAGO (Reuters) - The gloves are coming off on talk radio. Comedian-provocateur Al Franken anchors Wednesday's launch of a new liberal radio network -- Air America -- that promises irreverent voices from the opposite end of the political spectrum to conservatives like Rush Limbaugh who dominate talk radio. "We're going to listen to (Limbaugh's) show and hold him up to scorn and ridicule," Franken said in a telephone interview. The debut is auspiciously timed: the presidential candidates have come out swinging and liberal anger at Republican President Bush is at a fever pitch. Network chief executive Mark Walsh said the goal was to skewer "pomposity" in high places regardless of political affiliation. "We're not in regime change radio," he said. Walsh said his most recent job was as "the Internet guy" for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry. Franken also knows Kerry, who along with filmmaker Michael Moore is a likely Air America guest. The network will also feature other radio neophytes such as actress Janeane Garofalo, rapper Chuck D and activist Robert Kennedy Jr. Each will be paired with a radio veteran. Franken will kick off with a three-hour midday show, "The O'Franken Factor," a mocking tribute to his broadcasting foe Bill O'Reilly's show on Fox News. A former writer on NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live," Franken wrote the best-selling comic diatribes "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot" and last year's "Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right." The latter triggered a short-lived lawsuit from Fox News. A onetime high school wrestler, the 52-year-old Franken's recent antics have earned him the label of comic brawler: he tackled a heckler at a Kerry event and offered to fight a magazine editor who said Democrats had "sissified" politics. Franken turns serious when discussing Bush. Continued ... http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=4678922 © Reuters 2004. All Rights Reserved (via Mike Terry, DXLD) ** U S A. AVE MARIA NORTH DAKOTA SUBMITS WINNING BID FOR UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA PIONEER AM STATION Grand Forks, Mar 21 (CRU) --- Ave Maria Radio of Grafton, North Dakota, has submitted the winning bid for pioneer educational radio station KFJM 1370 AM at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, according to the Grand Forks Herald. The amount of the bid was not announced. The 81-year-old KFJM went on the air on August 13, 1923, and is being sold because the University plans to develop the land on which the tower sits for commercial use. Ave Maria will be required to move the tower by some time this summer, said university officials. According to an article by Lisa Davis in the Grand Forks Herald, an official of Ave Maria said that the station would start off by carrying programming from the three Catholic satellite networks, EWTN, Ave Maria, and Starboard, but that the station plans eventually to do local programming. An e-mail sent by Catholic Radio Update to one of the principals was not answered. A conservative estimate of the signal strength indicates coverage far north into Canada, east to Thief River Falls, Minnesota, west to Devils Lake, Carrington, and Jamestown, south to Fargo and Valley City. Because of the essentially flat terrain and the rural nature of the area, it is likely the signal will travel farther. As with many public stations, the bad economy and a shortage of funds forced the University to shut down its KFJM-AM-FM on July 31, 2002, and the stations did not return to the air until March 13, 2003, when North Dakota Public Radio made funds available. Nevertheless, despite the additional funds and efforts by university broadcasting and other interested individuals to make a go of KFJM-AM-FM, which the university operated as Northern Lights Public Radio, the university decided to keep KFJM-FM 90.7 FM and sell KFJM 1370 AM. The university is also one of the collaborators of North Dakota Public Radio, and its KUND 89.3 FM, which does not figure in the matter at hand, is one of the stations forming that statewide network. ``The AM station doesn`t have much value to us,`` Barry Brode, director of University of North Dakota Radio and Television, told Chris Rice of the Dakota Student on January 20 this year. ``We are better off selling it to generate revenue.`` The university then placed ads in national magazines announcing the sale of the station and requiring all bids to be at the University Purchasing Office by March 1st to be considered. While the FM antenna is mounted on the AM tower, moving it will not pose the problem moving the AM station would. The tower concerned is located on the north side of the Bronson property, north of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The university is planning to develop that property commercially. The old KFJM 1370 AM is one of a dozen or so pioneer educational AM stations that came on the air when radio was brand new and still survive. It identified itself as ``Grand Forks, the Education Center of the State,`` and was originally licensed for 229 meters. Three years later, it was broadcasting with 100 watts on 1080 AM (278 meters), and in 1931 had shifted to 1370 AM with 100 watts power. By 1936 it had a construction permit to raise power to 250 watts. But by the end of 1941, KFJM had a CP to move to 1440 AM, and run 500 watts on a share-time basis with new, commercial KILO 1440 AM in Grand Forks. In 1946, it had the same arrangement, but its power on 1440 AM was 1,000 watts. By 1957, KILO had moved to 1060 AM, leaving KFJM on 1440 at 500 watts. Within four years it had moved back to 1370 AM with 1,000 watts power. The University did not build KFJM-FM 89.3 FM until about 1970; in 1995 it received a license for KFJY 90.7 FM, later changing the call letters of 89.3 FM to KUND and moving the KFJM-FM call letters to 90.7 FM. The winning of KFJM 1370 AM, subject to FCC approval, raises the number of Catholic stations in the United States to 125 (the number has fallen from about 134 several months ago because a number of LPFM permits had expired), and the number of dioceses with a Catholic station present to 78. KFJM is in the Diocese of Fargo, His Excellency Samuel J. Aquila, bishop. Founded in 1889, the diocese has 109,334 Catholics, 27.9% of the population. In percentage of population, it ranks 51st out of 177 Latin Rite dioceses. It splits the state of North Dakota with the Diocese of Bismarck. Grand Forks is the 262nd-ranked metropolitan area in the United States, with 97,478 people; Fargo, 80 miles south of Grand Forks on the Red River of the North, is the 182nd-ranked metropolitan area, with 174,367 people. Database --- Grand Forks: new 1370 AM (1,000 watts, daytime; 250 watts night). Format: not on the air. Successful bid by Ave Maria Radio of Grafton, North Dakota, for the AM station of the University of North Dakota. John Kerian, director. Ave Maria Radio, P.O. Box 311, Grafton, ND 58237. Bid announced March 19, 2004 (Catholic Radio Update March 29 via DXLD) ** U S A. `MANCOW` SUES MAN WHO COMPLAINED TO THE FCC Redeye by Kathryn Masterson Published March 24, 2004 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/redeye/chi-040324mancow-redeye-story,1,1399607.story?coll=chi-homepagepromo451-fea While the FCC is cracking down on offensive broadcasting, Chicago shock jock Mancow is fighting back, suing a man who filed indecency complaints against his morning show. Erich "Mancow" Muller filed a lawsuit Tuesday against David Smith of Chicago, arguing that Smith filed more than 60 FCC complaints with the intent to harass Mancow, pressure sponsors to leave the radio show and interfere with his business. In the lawsuit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, Mancow is asking for $3 million from Smith and a court order to stop him from filing more of what Mancow labeled "spurious" FCC complaints. "Although I studied to be a minister, my time of 'turn the other cheek' has now ended," Mancow said in a statement issued Tuesday. "I firmly believe the 'zealots' have done numerous illegal things that will be revealed in the courts." But Smith, who works with the group Citizens for Community Values, said he filed the 66 reports from 1999 to 2003 because he believed federal regulators were doing a spotty job of enforcing their rules regarding indecent broadcasts. The FCC agreed with six of Smith's complaints, fining Emmis Communications, the Indianapolis-based owner of WKQX-FM 101.1 -- which airs "Mancow's Morning Madhouse" -- $42,000 for broadcasts it considered indecent, including one that contained a sexual song called "Smell My Finger." Smith says several other complaints are pending or under appeal. Kate Healey, an Emmis spokeswoman, declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying, "This is not a company issue." Mancow argues that the content of his program is protected by the 1st Amendment's guarantee of free speech. "Our founding fathers put the 1st Amendment first because they believed it was most important," he said in his statement. "If we lose the 1st Amendment, we lose America." Smith declined to comment specifically on the lawsuit, but he disputes Mancow's complaint that the FCC filings are infringing on Mancow's constitutional rights. Though Smith believes there's "nothing socially redeemable about what [Mancow] says," he's free to say what he wants in a book, a cable show or anywhere else that isn't broadcast on the public airwaves. "The public airwaves aren't owned by Mancow and other shock jocks," Smith said. "They are owned by the people, who can determine the parameters of what's acceptable." The lawsuit would be a difficult one for Mancow to win, said Frank Pirruccello, a media and entertainment lawyer, who said he's not aware of plaintiffs winning any cases like this. "This is what the FCC is supposed to do--take complaints," Pirruccello said. "This guy is just asserting his right to make complaints. "For Mancow to sue the complainant is going to be tough because it could have a chilling effect, and that's something courts aren't likely to do." Mancow said he has a "massive war fund" and won't quit the fight until he wins. Any money from the suit would be donated to the Boy Scouts of America and other charities, he said. Smith knows Mancow will use all his resources in his power, but he said the entertainer's lawsuit won't halt his radio-monitoring activities. Copyright © 2004, Chicago Tribune (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** VATICAN. Vatican Radio A-04 (shortwave only) From web site March 27, 2004 Daily except where indicated. (W = Weekdays; H= Holydays; 1 = Mon.; 2 = Tues.; 3 = Wed.; 4 = Thu.; 5 = Fri.; 6 = Sat.; 7 = Sun.) Africa 0230 FRENCH 9660 0300 ENGLISH 9660 0330 KISWAHILI 9660 11625 0345 SOMALI 7 9660 11625 0400 ARABIC 9645 11715 0400 AMHARIC - TIGRI 9660 11625 0430 FRENCH 9660 11625 0500 ENGLISH 9660 11625 13765 0530 MASS IN LATIN 15595 0530 PORTUGUESE 11625 13765 15570 0600 ITALIAN / FRENCH / ENGLISH W 15595 0600 FRENCH 11625I 13765 15570 0630 ENGLISH 11625 13765 15570 0645 ARABIC W 9645 11740 15595 1000 ANGELUS 7 H 15595 21850 1130 MASS IN ENGLISH 5 15595 17515 1200 ITALIAN 15595 21850 1530 ARABIC 11625 15595 1530 MASS IN ENGLISH 6 12065 13765 15235 1600 KISWAHILI 15570 17515 1615 SOMALI 6 15570 17515 1630 AMHARIC - TIGRI 15570 175150 1700 FRENCH 15570 17515 1730 ENGLISH 13765 15570 17515 1800 PORTUGUESE 13765 15570 17515 1840 ROSARY 9660 11625 13765 1900 SPANISH 6 9660 11625 2000 ENGLISH 9660 11625 13765 2030 FRENCH 9660 11625 13765 2045 ARABIC 5890 7250 9645 Americas 0030 PORTUGUESE 7305 9605 0100 SPANISH 7305 9605 11910 0145 SPANISH 7305 9605 11910 0230 FRENCH 7305 9605 0250 ENGLISH 7305 9605 0315 SPANISH 7305 9605 1100 PORTUGUESE W 21850 1130 SPANISH W 21850 Asia, Australia and New Zealand 0025 URDU 1, 4 9650 12055 0040 HINDI / TAMIL / MALAYALAM / ENGLISH 9650 12055 0200 HINDI / TAMIL / MALAYALAM / ENGLISH 17590 0400 ARABIC 9645 11715 0530 MASS IN LATIN 15595 0600 ITALIAN / FRENCH / ENGLISH W 5890 15595 0645 ARABIC W 15595 1000 ANGELUS 7 H 15595 21850 1130 MASS IN ENGLISH 5 15595 17515 1200 ITALIAN 15595 1230 CHINESE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 6020 15455 17515 1230 MASS IN CHINESE 6 6020 15455 17515 1315 VIETNAMESE 12055 17515 1415 URDU 3, 7 13765 15235 1430 HINDI / TAMIL / MALAYALAM / ENGLISH 12065 13765 15235 1530 MASS IN ENGLISH 6 12065 13765 15235 1530 ARABIC 11625 15595 1600 FRENCH / ENGLISH 15595 1840 ROSARY 11625 2200 CHINESE 7300 9600 11830 2315 VIETNAMESE 7300 9600 Western and Central Europe and Middle East 0330 SLOVENIAN 4005 0350 CROATIAN 4005 0410 CZECH 4005 5890 0425 SLOVAK 4005 5890 0440 HUNGARIAN 4005 5890 0500 POLISH 4005 5890 7250 0520 GERMAN 4005 5890 7250 0540 FRENCH 4005 5890 7250 0600 ENGLISH 4005 5890 7250 0620 ITALIAN 4005 5890 6185 7250 0630 MASS IN LATIN 4005 5890 6185 7250 9645 11740 15595 0700 ITALIAN - FRENCH - ENGLISH W 4005 5890 6185 7250 9645 11740 15595 0710 RUMANIAN LITURGY 7 H 7250 9645 0745 ARABIC W 5890 7250 9645 15595 0830 MASS IN ITALIAN 7 H 7250 0910 SPANISH W 5890 0915 PAPAL AUDIENCE 3 5890 0930 ORIENTAL LITURGY 7 H 11740 15595 17515 1030 ENGLISH 1,2,4,5,6 5890 1100 ITALIAN W 5890 1100 ANGELUS 7 H 5890 9645 11740 15595 21850 1130 ITALIAN 7 H 5890 1200 FRENCH W 5890 1300 ITALIAN 5890 9645 11740 15595 21850 1400 SPANISH 9645 11740 1415 PORTUGUESE 9645 11740 1500 GERMAN - POLISH 5890 7250 9645 1530 MUSIC 1,2,3,4,6,7 5890 7250 9645 1530 ITALIAN 5 890 7250 9645 1600 VESPERS 5890 7250 9645 1630 ITALIAN 5890 7250 9645 1700 FRENCH - ENGLISH 4005 5890 7250 9645 15595 1730 SLOVENIAN 4005 5890 7250 1750 CROATIAN 4005 5890 7250 1810 HUNGARIAN 4005 5890 7250 1830 CZECH 4005 5890 7250 1845 SLOVAK 4005 5890 7250 1900 POLISH 4005 5890 7250 1920 GERMAN 4005 5890 7250 1940 ROSARY 4005 5890 11625 2000 ITALIAN 4005 5890 2020 ESPERANTO 7 H 4005 5890 2030 FRENCH 4005 5890 7250 2050 ENGLISH 4005 5890 7250 2110 SPANISH 4005 5890 7250 2130 PORTUGUESE 4005 5890 7250 2145 ARABIC 4005 5890 7250 2200 ITALIAN 4005 5890 2230 ITALIAN 4005 5890 2250 ESPERANTO 7 H 4005 5890 Eastern Europe 0310 ARMENIAN 6185 9645 0330 RUSSIAN 6185 7335 9645 0400 UKRAINIAN 6185 7335 0420 BYELORUSSIAN 6185 7335 0440 LITHUANIAN 6185 7335 0500 LATVIAN 6185 7335 0520 RUMANIAN 6185 7335 0540 BULGARIAN 6185 7335 0600 SCANDINAVIAN 6185 7335 0715 UKRAINIAN LITURGY 7 H 9850 11740 1330 RUSSIAN 11805 13645 15595 (???) 1650 ARMENIAN 9585 11715 1710 RUSSIAN 6210 7365 9585 11715 1740 UKRAINIAN 7365 9585 1800 BYELORUSSIAN 7365 9585 1820 LITHUANIAN 7365 9585 1840 LATVIAN 7365 9585 1900 RUMANIAN 6185 7365 1920 BULGARIAN 6185 7365 1940 ROSARY 7365 11625 1940 SCANDINAVIAN 6185 7250 2000 ALBANIAN 6185 7250 2020 ITALIAN/ENGLISH 1 6185 2020 ESPERANTO 3,4 6185 7250 2100 RUSSIAN 7305 9585 (via Bernie O`Shea, Ont., March 27, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED [non]. Looking for the ``Radio for Peace`` A-04 listings, tho China via Cuba had vacated 17720, no sign of it there March 28 at 1400, nor on 15500; however, high-latitude propagation was below par (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ RADIO STATION TREASURY, 1900-1946 Another excellent resource for old radio stations is Tom Kneitel’s Radio Station Treasury, 1900-1946, published by CRB Research, P.O. Box 56, Commack, NY 11725, and available in shortwave radio shops nationwide. Tom has reprinted about 150 pages of old station directories, from the earliest years of the 1900’s up to 1946, including broadcast stations, ship stations, utility stations and the like. There are complete AM radio station lists for 1923, 1926, 1931, 1936, 1942, and 1946. There are a few lists of radio stations around the world, too, chiefly up to and during World War II. I have used it often in researching these newsletters (Mike Dorner, Catholic Radio Update March 29 via DXLD) CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ WINTER SWL FEST Glenn: Yes, I will put the SWL Fest specials on demand on the website as soon as I get the CD's back from the transmitter site (Jeff White, WRMI, March 28, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Allen Graham, another Fester, complains on this week`s DXPL of a cold or something, blamed on the climate changes he has gone thru recently, if not directly on infexion at Kulpsville (gh, DXLD) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ ATS-909 ON SALE This just in from the DX-398/ATS-909 Yahoo Group: For those of you who might be kicking themselves for not purchasing a DX-398 when they were on blowout for $99, you now have a second chance. Check out http://shop1.outpost.com/product/2524991 They are selling the ATS-909 for $129.90 + $3.95 shipping. Keeping in mind that the Sangean comes with the reel-up antenna and wall-wart power supply, and this is almost as good a deal as the Radio Shack version was. Plus, RS doesn't support the 398 anymore, but Sangean still supports the 909 - I think the warranty might be longer than the DX-398's 90 days too. If the basic radio isn't good enough for you, you could also send this radio off to Radio-Labs for the "Super-909" mods http://www.radiolabs.com/products/receivers/super909.php I wonder if this means that the 909 is on its way out, to be replaced by a new model? There's nothing shown yet on the "New Products" section of the Sangean website (via Brian Leyton, Valley Village, CA DX-398 / RS Loop / 18" Box Loop Mar 26, NRC-AM, via DXLD) DRM +++ DIGITAL RADIO MONDIALE ESSENTIAL PATENT HOLDERS WORK TO ESTABLISH ONE- STOP-SHOP PATENT LICENSING PROGRAM --- March 26, 2004 Audio and Modem Patent Holders Join Forces to Streamline Access to Patent Rights Needed to Deploy Digital Radio Mondiale Products Via Licensing Corporation, in cooperation with a set of companies holding patents essential to the practice of the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard, is pleased to announce significant progress towards a one-stop-shop patent licensing program. The patent portfolio license will consist of patents essential to the audio coding and modulation/demodulation technologies that comprise the DRM system. . . http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/Mar/1026151.htm (via Dave Hammer, MVDXC via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ FANTASTIC MEDIUMWAVE DX IN ARCTIC SCANDINAVIA We hear Boston-590 here. (I checked my old Pattern Books, the same good pattern for us, at least since 1975). In Southern Scandinavia it's problem with VOCM, but less problem when listening in the North. (If you wonder about logging at 5.30 EST, see my looong explanation about DXpeditions further down). In the mid-90:ies there were quite many loggings (WBNW), not many lately, but one in October-03 (WEZE). In the beginning of the 70:ies we started making DXpeditions to villages far North of the Arctic Circle. The main reason was to listen to North American MW stations. The reports you refer to came from DX-ers in Finland (Finnish time= 12.30 pm). In the 80:ies they found an excellent QTH, Lemmenjoki, and they have made almost 200 DXpeditions there. They made loggings which you thought were impossible. In 1995 we found "our Lemmenjoki" in Sweden, Parkalompolo, 40 expeditions till now and more than 1000 identifies USA and Canadian MW stations, also in MW Australia, Guam, Japan, etc. Sometimes there is electric noise, otherwise it's very quiet. Turn to an "empty" fq in the day and you hardly don't hear the difference when you connect or disconnect your 1000 meters Beverage! Therefor we can amplify the very weak antenna signals at daytime with double preamps. From mid-October till February we often hear North America from midnight till 3 pm (our time). December-January, it happens that we can listen non-stop. After sunrise in WA/BC we still listen to AK and HI till it's time for QC and NL at the Canadian Eastcoast and it starts all over again. Also our Norwegian friends have found THE QTH. It's 250 km further North than ours, near Vardo at the Barent Sea. They have only water and ice between them and North America and the Pacific, that's important. So they made the ultimate loggings last October, beside Australia, New Zealand and Guam they also heard TONGA and SAMOA! The highest dream for a Nordic DX-er. I don't know if those stations came in also in our Parkalompolo. I was there, but fully occupied logging stations like IL and IN in 1410, WRMN and WLAS. So I'm not disappointed. I'll hear the Pacific another time. And I got QSLs from those stations. WLAS call themselves in parallell with FM "The Wolf" and during the ID you can hear a wolf howl in the background! If you or somebody else are going to visit Sweden again, sometime in Sept. - March, you are welcome to follow us to a DXpedition to Parkalompolo. Just let me know, and we'll see what we can arrange. We've just finished the season 2003/04 up there, and it was 10 expeditions, the shortest was for 2 days, the longest 22 days. 8 permanent Beverage antennas, 800-1000 meters long (2 for Spain, British Isle, LA. 4 for North America + 1 for AK and HI. 1 for Pacific, NZ, Australia and Eastern Asia), antenna splits. The antennas are fed by 200-250 meters long coax, some RG58, some RG215. The Pacific-Asian antenna is on the other side of the village so the coax is 500 meters long, RG17, diameter 1 inch and the leader inside is 5 mm solid copper! It works excellent. Modern living: 3 bedrooms with 8 beds, 4 WC, sauna, 4 showers, washing-machine, big well-equipped kitchen with freezers, refrigerators, micro, etc, big listening room, TV (no HF-QRM from TV, only LF-QRM, hi), PC and Internet. But there is NOTHING to do in the little village, unless you just want to enjoy the snowy nature and the silence; you might also look at the reindeers and the Aurora at night. In the middle of Winter the temperature might go down to -50 C (F about 60 below)! Next season we'll start on September 25 and I plan to stay 5 weeks to the [end] of October. The Finnish DX-ers must be tough. Their QTH in Lemmenjoki is not so modern as ours, they have no WC inside, but outside! And there it might be even a little bit colder! Once I asked them: "How??" They answered: "Quickly". (/Sigvard Andersson, Sweden, NRC-AM via DXLD) Distances around the 10.000 kilometers limit an beyond are possible in Continental or Southern, Mediterranean Europe too, in much less quiet QRM/QRN environments. In locations like a close-to-seashore countryside in L'Ago (Ligurian sea, not far from La Spezia), the low mountains of Udine or Belluno (Venice region) or the flatland of Parma and Gambettola (same region as Bologna or Rimini), we're experiencing very interesting catches. The more so, after high performance antennas like the K9AY have become popular. Densely populated areas like my hometown, Milan... Well, forget about 'em. A recent "discovery", after many seasons of North and South American DX, were the Asiatic co-channels from Japan, China, Korea and even Thailand and Philippines. In the evening, 1350 kHz is now almost clear from European QRM, and JOER Fukuoka has been logged (9.500 km approx.) last October. A Philippine station has been tentatively logged on the same frequency last February. Short "bursts" from Japan came also on a far more crowded 1413 kHz and Chinese mainland stations can even overcome local signals on frequencies like 1593 kHz. NA channels are regarded as "split" frequencies here, of course, but European channel interference and splatter can be extremely high. Recent highlights include stations like WKAP Allenstown PA on 1470, WADO N.Y. on 1280 or Teleradio Guayaquil on 1350 (10.100 kilometers). Readers of this list are kindly invited to visit our site on http://www.radioascolto.org where many realaudio/mp3 recordings can be found. Pages are in Italian, but details should not be difficult to be make out. Greetings, (Andy Lawendel, Milan, Italy, ibid.) ###