DX LISTENING DIGEST 4-133, September 3, 2004 Incorporating REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING 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 1244: Fri 0200 on ACBRadio Mainstream repeated 2-hourly http://www.acbradio.org/mainstream.html Fri 2300 on Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 Sat 0000 on SIUE Web Radio http://webradio.siue.edu Sat 0800 on WRN1 to Europe, Africa, Asia, Pacific Sat 0855 on WNQM Nashville 1300 Sat 1030 on WWCR 5070 Sat 1830 on WPKN Bridgeport, 89.5, http://www.wpkn.org Sat 2000 on RFPI http://www.rfpi.org repeated 8-hourly [maybe] Sat 2030 on WBCQ 17495-CUSB Sat 2030 on R. Lavalamp http://www.radiolavalamp.org Sat 2300 on RFPI http://www.rfpi.org repeated 8-hourly [maybe] Sun 0230 on WWCR 5070 Sun 0300 on WBCQ 9330 Sun 0630 on WWCR 3210 Sun 1000 on WRN1 to North America, webcast; also KSFC 91.9 Spokane WA, and WDWN 89.1 Auburn NY; maybe KTRU 91.7 Houston TX, each with webcasts Sun 1100 on R. Lavalamp http://www.radiolavalamp.org Sun 1500 on R. Lavalamp http://www.radiolavalamp.org Sun 1900 on Studio X, Momigno, Italy 1584 Sun 1930 on WWCR 12160 Sun 2000 on RNI webcast, http://www.11L-rni.com Mon 0100 on WBCQ 9330 Mon 0230 on WRMI 6870 Mon 0330 on WSUI 910, webcast http://wsui.uiowa.edu [previous 1243] Mon 0430 on WBCQ 7415, webcast http://wbcq.us Mon 0900 on R. Lavalamp http://www.radiolavalamp.org Mon 1600 on WBCQ after-hours http://wbcq.com repeated weekdaily Wed 0930 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]: WORLD OF RADIO 1244 (high version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1244h.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1244h.rm (summary) http://www.worldofradio.com/wor1244.html WORLD OF RADIO 1244 (low version): (stream) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1244.ram (download) http://www.w4uvh.net/wor1244.rm WORLD OF RADIO 1244 in the true SW sound of 7415: (stream) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_09-01-04.m3u (d`load) http://www.piratearchive.com/media/worldofradio_09-01-04.mp3 ** AUSTRALIA. Sept 5, UT Sunday 0005 on 17715; 1005 on 9590, 9580, 6020: KEYS TO MUSIC - Graham Abbott breaks down the barriers to enjoying classical music for non-musicians, revealing basic concepts, discussing composers and exploring pieces of music inside-out. This week: "A Welcome Guest -- The Saxophone in the Orchestra". Graham explores orchestral works which make use of the unique sound of the saxophone. He is joined in the studio by Haig Burnell, a member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra who has special responsibility for saxophone parts. Music by Bizet, Ravel, Britten, Kodaly and Khachaturian (from ABC Classic FM) [% = on demand too]. (RA Previews by John Figliozzi, dxldyg via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA. 5050, ARDS no joy at 1155 via DX Tuner Australia. Just China heard here. At 1920, there were two stations here, but what sounded like R. Tanzania was dominating the channel. Nothing on their website indicating that the SW is off, just a tough catch, I suppose (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** AUSTRALIA [and non]. From another article about the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which shares frequencies with what`s left of the School of the Air, we pick some of the 65 USB frequencies listed which could collide with SW broadcasters if they`re not careful: 2360, 4635, 4800, 4860, 4926, 4980, 5010, 5845, 5850, 5865, 6890, 7340, 7357, 7392, 7410, 7465, 7465.5, 7517, 7565, 7580 (gh, from SSB Utilities, by Ben Hogan, Sept Short Wave Magazine [UK] via DXLD) ** BAHAMAS. ZNS1, Radio Bahamas on 1540 is very strong with Hurricane Frances coverage ("...Dew Creek & Benjamin Town by Friday morning... in Cat Island, the same thing's gonna happen to you... "), local stores spots, into soft Urban vocal at 0022 followed by a classical music piece at 0031 UT Sept 3 (Terry L. Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W --- Visit my "Florida Low Power Radio Stations" at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tocobagadx/flortis.html DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1540 kHz Z=N=S=1 Nassau, Bahamas in the action DXers, Dial right into the action on 1540 kHz, 50 kW (stereo) ZNS1 Nassau Bahamas is coming in like gangbusters here in Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida (Just N. of Daytona Beach, just S. of St. Augustine) and they're airing firsthand accounts of Hurricane Frances which is IN the Bahamas chain of Family Islands. Citizens are reporting damage, giving live eyewitness accounts, etc. The News Dept there is declaring it a Bahamian Disaster like few others, to quote. I am rolling cassette tape (copious amounts originally destined for airchecking the NRC Convention) being an aircheck enthusiast, and all the more during disasters, newsworthy events, etc. So tune in - it seems as if they're off pattern, I could be wrong, but nonetheless, an opportunity to follow along. Here at Flagler Beach, we're at the outer cone of probability and will get bands of winds at the least which my new home is built to endure with the tougher building codes here. Concrete block construction and ceramic tile roofing (Ron Gitschier, Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida, (vice Genesee or Monroe County, NY), Sept 2, NRC-AM via DXLD) Coming in here in the Northeast too, over/under KXEL-IA and unID middle eastern music station with hurricane reports and information. Thanks Ron, and be careful! (Brett Saylor, Central PA, 0100 UT Sept 3, ibid.) Not in yet here in Barrington IL. KXEL too strong even with loop. (I no longer have any southerly BOGs here) Last month in AU in Grafton WI on BOG and with Lake Mich. given me what I think is about 12-14 dB advantage to SSE/SE they were listenable for a while. You mid-east mx is coming from Toronto's CHIN. 73 KAZ (Neil Kazaross, 0313 UT Sept 3, ibid.) ZNS on 1540 moderately strong here on fades, to being fully in control of the channel, 2330 to 2345 listening on my DX375. Forecasting the main part of the storm in Nassau region around 0300 local time. I have never heard them here this well. I tried several times for 810 Freeport but no sign of them, but the skip angle is not the best for them here (Bob Foxworth, Tampa FL, ibid.) 1540, ZNS1 Nassau, 0915-0930 Sept 3, live call in with reports of Hurricane Frances, running increased power for hurricane. Possibility of slow down or stall of the storm over the Bahamas discussed (Bob Wilkner, Pompano Beach, Florida, NRD 535D - Icom R75 - Drake R 7 - ICF 5900w, http://home.earthlink.net/~rlcw/000.html DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Bahamas, 1540, which they also ID as "Internet Radio" by now, has been a regular presence in Costa Rica at nighttime, since I first heard it around 1974. The only problem I had for some four years was a transmitter placed right behind my backyard named "Enlace, vía satélite", with mostly Christian pop music, from Miami(?). But this has ended so I am enjoying again the good Quiet Storm R&B. And, of course, I heard with an unusual strong signal last night (Raul Saavedra, Costa Rica, Sept 3, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BOLIVIA. Amigos DXistas! The unID LA station I had this morning on 4845.06 kHz was there also this Thursday evening, 2 Hz lower. I´m almost sure it is a Bolivian station. I do not know if the LA station on 6155.05 kHz is Radio Fides; if so the station was not transmitting the same program as my unID on 4845.04 kHz. Nonstop LA music without any talk, not even at full hour or at close down 0230 UT. 73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, Sept 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Plans for making Next available on-demand? Greetings from the USA. Radio enthusiasts have flagged "Next" as a very interesting program -- judging by the topics, I'd agree -- we certainly don't have anything like this regularly on-air South of the border. Will editions of the program be made available for on-demand downloading after the series concludes its run? That would certainly be appreciated, since the time value of the program is comparatively long. Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. Best regards, (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, Aug 30, to Next, via swprograms via DXLD) Hi Richard, Thanks so much for your interest; we're flattered to know we've been 'flagged'! Our problem with posting the show online is that in its present form, it contains material which is not cleared for online use, such as commercial music. I am going to propose that we get funding to repackage the shows in postable form, since we have had many requests. Perhaps you can check the website in a month or so, by which time we should have figured out if it's a possibility. Kind regards, Nora. NEXT --- Where Futurology Meets Social Commentary CBC Radio One Fridays 9:30 a.m., Sundays 6:30 p.m. (via Cuff, ibid.) Looks like they have the same issues that "As It Happens" did -- but also looks like we might be able to listen to the series once it's over after all (Richard Cuff / Allentown, PA USA, Editor, "Easy Listening", NASWA Journal http://www.anarc.org/naswa Co-chair, Winter SWL Fest http://swlfest.com List owner and co-founder, swprograms http://dallas.hard-core-dx.com/mailman/listinfo/swprograms (via DXLD) ** CANADA. 530 kHz --- 88.5 FM relay? --- I don't think I'm picking up an image, but am hearing a station identifying as "Foxy 88.5" with classic/EZ music. Perhaps CIAO? Weird. Will be taping all night as I head to work, check it in the AM. 73, (John K9RZZ, Milwaukee, Yaesu FT-767gx, 85 ft wire, 0240 UT Sept 3, NRC-AM via DXLD) I just answered my own question ... Google to the rescue: FOXY 88.5FM is the newest addition to the Evanov Radio Group who also owns and operates Foxy's sister stations, the new Z103.5FM (CIDC) the hits music channel and AM530 (CIAO) multicultural radio. UNFORGETTABLE HITS features the very best music ever recorded from Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Perry Como...to Barbra Streisand, John Denver, Stevie Wonder, ABBA and Linda Ronstadt. http://www.foxy885.com/aboutus.htm (John K9RZZ, (gonna tape anyway), 0354 UT Sept 3, ibid.) They are the dominant here tonight. Don't think I ever heard them before. Even last night with RVC off they weren't there. Some other EE talker underneath. Doesn't sound like a TIS, but could be. (Craig Healy, Providence, RI, 0414 UT Sept 4, ibid.) see also GRENADA, TURKS & CAICOS [non] ** CANADA. Applications for new AM station (Ottawa-1630) and for CKXR- 580 to move to FM filed with CRTC --- From today`s CRTC release: http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Hearings/2004/n2004-6-2.htm ----------------------------------------------- Ottawa, Ontario Application No. 2003-0720-9 Application by Radio Rideau Inc. for a licence to operate a French- language AM commercial - radio programming undertaking in Ottawa. The new station would operate on frequency 1630 kHz (class C) with a transmitter power of 1,000 watts, day and night. The applicant proposes service and information programming in order to serve the francophone population of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. The Commission will only proceed with this application at the public hearing if advised by the Department of Industry, at least twenty days prior to the hearing, that it is technically acceptable. ---------------------------------------------------- Application by Standard Radio Inc. to convert radio station CKXR Salmon Arm [BC] from the AM band to the FM band. The new station would operate on frequency 99.7 MHz (channel 259B) with an average effective radiated power of 400 watts (maximum effective radiated power of 640 watts/antenna height of 741 metres). The applicant is requesting that its transmitter CKXR-FM-1 Sorrento be added to this license. The applicant is requesting permission to simulcast the programming of the new FM station on CKXR for a period of three months from the date of implementation of the new station. The licensee is also requesting, pursuant to sections 9(1)(e) and 24(1) of the Broadcasting Act, the revocation of the licence of CKXR effective at the end of the simulcast period. The Commission will only proceed with this application at the public hearing if advised by the Department of Industry, at least twenty days prior to the hearing, that it is technically acceptable. This application requires the issuance of a new licence. --------------------------------------------------------- CKXR is a major pest on 580 here in Calgary (well over CKUA on any non auroral night) (Deane McIntyre VE6BPO, Calgary AB, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** COLOMBIA. 6090.35, Radio Macarena, Villavicencio. 94 kb. 2/9 2004. Reactivated this morning on new frequency! Comments and Recordings at: http://www.malm-ecuador.com 73s (Björn Malm, Quito, Ecuador, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Viz.: I have not noted Radio Macarena for some years, the last time on 5975.28 kHz 3-4 years ago. Listen to this recording and a recording of unID LA SS I made this Thursday morning. (via DXLD) ** CUBA. Radio Habana Cuba, sign on at 0200 UT Sept 3 in English on 6000; signal is good but the modulation is so weak, you have to turn the volume completely up to barely hear them (Ron Trotto, Waggoner IL, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Checked at 0245, could not make out modulation and signal not as strong as it used to be, and weaker than 5995 BBC carrier which just came on; back-up or jury-rigged facility? Still nothing found on the other usual RHC Spanish or English channels (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Radio Habana en el Aire! Nuevamente esté en el aire Radio Habana, escuchada después de varios días fuera del aire motivo Huracán Charley; a las 1200 UT en los 6000 kHz con noticias leídas por Manolo De La Rosa. Fuerte señal portadora pero con un audio muy bajo. 73's a todos (Dino Bloise, Hollywood, Florida, USA, Fri Sep 3, 2004, Conexión Digital via DXLD) I checked after 1400 on 11760, 11800, 12000 and did not hear them, nor the China relay on 13740, so not yet back to full service. But Venezuela relay was back Sept 3, 1900 on 13740, q.v. (gh, DXLD) O retorno de RHC! A Rádio Havana Cuba foi ouvida, em 03 de setembro, às 0000 UT, em 15230 kHz, após vários dias de silêncio. Orlando Castellano apresentava a "Revista Informativa de la Noche", com destaque para o 11º lugar que Cuba conquistou nos jogos olímpicos de Atenas. Às 0032, o sinal, em 15230 kHz, sumiu. Prosseguia no ar, no entanto, com boa recepção, em 11875 kHz. 73s! (Célio Romais, Porto Alegre, Brasil, radioescutas via DXLD) ** DENMARK. World Music Radio is currently off the air due to problems with our low pass filter and our compressor. The recent transmissions on 5815 kHz in late August were carried out without the compressor – hence the low modulation. Hopefully the problems with the low pass filter and the compressor will be fixed by tomorrow Saturday, and so we will be returning to 5815 kHz from sometime Saturday afternoon till Monday morning (UT). E-mails with details on the modulation quality, as well as comments on the signal strength – compared to the situation in May-June – are appreciated at this address: wmr @ wmr.dk Kind regards, (Stig Hartvig Nielsen, Denmark, WMR, Sept 3, also via Manuel Méndez, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Y parece ser que estos problemas también afectan a sus emisiones en Internet, ya que llevo un par de días o tres en los que no he podido escucharles. Así que me entretengo con la música de http://www.offshoremusicradio.com (Manuel Méndez, Spain, Sept 3, Noticias DX via DXLD) ** ERITREA. VoBME tentative, September 2nd, 1745-1803*, 7180, African/ Arabic music. Fair. This signal on 7180 sounded similar to the one reported on 7175 a few days ago. The latter frequency was clear at 1800. At the same time: 1745-1800+, 7100, typical east African music, talk at 1800, ongoing, but hard to copy because of splatter from 7105. So this would fit to the schedule, but quite impossible to ID (Thorsten Hallmann, Münster, Germany, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Re DXLD 4-131: Eritrea noted on 7100 at 1736 September 3rd, fair signal best on LSB with Horn of African music. I then tuned to 7180 and presumed them there with talk in Arabic to 1745 when into music programme with Horn of Africa and Arabic music as well as some local language Western style power ballads to apparent off without announcement 1832 following Arabic music, again fair on clear channel (Mike Barraclough, Letchworth Garden City, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FINLAND. 4th of September- SWR on air with new antenna! SWR Virrat on 5980, 5990, 6170, 11690 and 11720 kHz.... Our new postal address is: P. O. Box 99, FI-34801 VIRRAT, Finland On 25 mb we have finally took our new 3 element beam in use! So we are really waiting comments of reception there. Our technicians have also made some changes to our audiosystems. So, please report quality of audio as well. Here is the Programme Schedule (Local Times =UTC +3 hours) Time 48 25 00-01 5980 11690 Tricky Trev Show 01-02 11720 02-03 SWR Crew 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 Science corner by Esa Latest news from NASA 04-05 08-09 6170 11690 Kantoaaltoa Suomirokilla höystettynä 09-10 SWR Crew 10-11 Progressive rock and other strange things by Esa 11-12 Lauantailuotain: Haastateltavana VR-yhtiöiden vetopalveluasiantuntija Timo Ahlroth, sekä veturinkuljettaja Veikko Pahkasalo. Toimittajana Pena-setä. 12-13 13-14 Rariojaskalla on asiaa. 14-15 5980 SWR Crew 15-16 Tricky Trev Show 16-17 11720 17-18 Lauantailuotain: Haastateltavana Ylitarkastaja Eero Nelimarkka, Suojelupoliisin läntisen alueyksikön päällikkö. Toimittajana Pena-setä. Uusinta kesäkuulta. 18-19 SWR Crew 19-20 Progressive rock and other strange things by Esa 20-21 5990 SWR Crew 21-22 5980 Kantoaaltoa suomirokilla höystettynä 22-23 11690 Saunaa lämmittäessä Dj Häkä 23-24 Closing seremony Dj Häkä You can find more info from: http://www.swradio.net Good listening hours! (Alpo Heinonen, Scandinavian Weekend Radio, Sept 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** FINLAND. Pirate Radio 603: I just had a mail from one in the "broadcasting crew" on m/s St Paul in Mariehamn, Åland. They are now transmitting with some 250 w as one of the modules in the transmitter has broken down and has been sent to the USA for "reconditioning". They say that they seem to be well heard around Stockholm, and on Åland "quite good on ordinarie receivers". Good reception also in Fredriksfors (some 250 - 300 km away) in daytime when I tried them. They don´t have any QSL:s yet, but it´ll come and suggests this address: Radio 603 AM, m/s St Paul, Fiskehamnen, Korrvik, FIN-22100 Mariehamn, Aland. Best regards (Jan Edh, Hudiksvall, Sweden, DX-ing [at] Fredriksfors, Sept 3, DXing.info via DXLD) ** GRENADA. Tentative on 530 kHz, 0200 UT Sept. 3. Spoken Catholic program in English ending at 0159. Instrumental pad music, and male announcer in English mentions 98.5 FM. Into a lush instrumental version of The Beatles "And I Love Her." Usual RVC off as noted by many. Heard on both indoor loop and 120' longwire (Brock Whaley, Lilburn, GA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 98.5 matches WRTH 2004 listing, but 530 does not --- still has Grenada Broadcasting Network on 535; tvradioworld.com has it as Klassik 535, but the links don`t work. Maybe you only had Falklands, where 98.5 is also in use but by BFBS (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Website of Grenada Broadcasting Network: http://www.klassicgrenada.com No frequencies, but webstream and a schedule which says s/off for "Klassic Radio" at 2200 LT = 0200 UT (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Did I hear Grenada or Ontario (with just 250 watts). I'm not so sure now. I am sure of the Catholic program up to 0200 UTC, and the EZL music after, but was it 98.5 FM or 88.5 in the mentions? Low modulation and high static levels make me unsure of just who I heard. Frankly, I don't keep logs, and would be happy with either one given Grenada's distance at 10 KW, and Ontario's at 250 watts. I listen again tonight if RVC is off, and static levels low (Brock Whaley, GA, Sept. 3, 2004, DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also CANADA; TURKS & CAICOS ** GUIANA FRENCH [and non]. Don Glenn, Reciba un saludo desde Colombia; el motivo de la presente es para hacerle una consulta sobre el esquema actual de la emisiones en inglés de la CRI. Hace algunas semanas por algún medio DX, leí sobre la ampliación de estas transmisiones; Don Glenn, tendría el último esquema? He revisado los últimos DXLD pero no lo he encontrado. De antemano gracias por la colaboración (Rafael Rodríguez, Colombia, Sept 3 to gh, via DXLD) Hola Don Rafael, Creo que no. El problema es que se cambian de día en día, y de costumbre no publican su último esquema completo aún en su telasitio. Si me llegue, por cierto lo publico. También faltan actualmente las emisiones vía Cuba. 73, (Glenn to Rafael, via DXLD) Muchas Gracias, la consulta se refiere a que colaboro como Monitor de la NHK; este monitoreo es siempre a principios de mes; el dia 2 de septiembre cuando esperaba la transmisión en español de las 0400 en 9660 kHz, sorpresivamente escuché un inicio de transmisiones en inglés de la CRI y tan sólo a las 0406 apareció la NHK. Lo curioso es que no estaba la interferencia permanente de Radio Vaticana en vernacular para África y ésta sólo apareció después de las 0430 (Rafael Rodríguez, ibid.) Bueno, lo que aconteció, según me parece: la 9660 para Japón a las 04 es vía Guiana Francesa. A la misma hora debe salir en 9755 China, inglés en 9755, también vía GUF. Habrán confundido las líneas de programación. Consulté a http://eibi.gmxhome.de/hp/bc-a04.txt donde aparece también Vaticano y todas las otras emisoras. 73, (Glenn to Rafael, ibid.) ** INDIA. AIR seeks Rs 160 cr to stay on air --- BHASKAR ROY TIMES NEWS NETWORK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2004 05:21:36 AM http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/837028.cms NEW DELHI: With the government reluctant to write out a cheque for Rs 160 crore, the state-owned national radio broadcaster, All India Radio, is in a crisis. On Tuesday, the Patna AIR station sought sanction from the headquarters in Delhi to partially close down its services. It proposed that transmission be on only in the evening. Reason: not enough money to pay its electricity bills. The Chennai All India Radio station faxed a proposal to switch over to low-power transmission to save electricity. That, however, will mean a lower range of coverage. The radio station has got Rs 47 lakh less this year. The AIR budget was slashed by Rs 160 crore in the Union budget with the finance ministry handing it down a 'you-earn-more' message. However, as things stand, in 2003-2004, AIR's revenue went up by Rs 25 crore over the previous year. When contacted, Prasar Bharati CEO K S Sarma said: "We are confident of overcoming the crisis with support from the government." Things have become difficult for AIR since Prasar Bharti made it a corporation. Although it is in no position to compete in the marketplace, the organisation's 'corporation' status has induced state governments to slap all kinds of taxes and duties on it (Times of India via Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India, dxldyg via DXLD) Would someone please translate these crore and lakh Rupee amounts into US$? (gh, DXLD) ** INDONESIA. Some Radio Republik Indonesia stations on Aug 21: 3325 1427 RRI Palangkaraya; radiograms - SIO 433 3960 1431 RRI Palu; Indonesian songs - SIO 211 3976 1435 RRI Pontianak; Kroncong Contest - SIO 433 (S Ashar, BDN C3/3 Depok 16434 Indonesia, Sept 2, hard-core-dx via DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL. INTERNATIONAL SHORTWAVE BROADCASTING DOWNSIZES Analysis by Andy Sennitt, 2 September 2004 International shortwave broadcasting by publicly-funded organisations is, in general, downsizing. Budget cuts, the changing geopolitical landscape, and the emergence of new technology have led to the total elimination of government-funded shortwave broadcasting in some countries, for example Switzerland. Elsewhere, such as here at Radio Netherlands, significant cuts have had to be made in shortwave airtime, and further cuts can't be ruled out in a few years' time. . . http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/features/html/int040902.html (Media Network via DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. Baha´i Radio --- 7480, CLAND/REL to Iran (from Moldova), 1803-1845*, Baha´i Radio, Farsi ID and web address http://www.bahairadio.org/ mixed with instrumental music and choir song. Strong (F. Krone, Denmark, Aug 28, 2004 in DXplorer-ML via CRW via DXLD) ** IRAN [non]. Re 15670, Radio Melate, --- Spellings vary Well, in the case of "Radio Melate" it is not a matter of spelling but a wrong name that was distributed by some hobby sources, apparently based on an incomplete copying of the ID before the correct name was known. The station itself and professional sources like BBCM have always distributed the correct name: Radio Sedaye Mellate Iran (or Radio Seda-ye Mellat-e Iran as alternative), which means "Radio Voice of the Iranian Nation". "Radio Mel(l)ate" would mean "Radio Nation" which definitely is not the name of this service. 73s, (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hello Bernd, I do not know how you can state 'The station itself .. distributed the correct name'. Have you been in contact with them? The only direct contact that I know from the DX press was a mail from the station to Nick Grace and me (a mail to clandestineradio.com) from late July 2004 (in CRW 163). The text gave the name as "Radio Seda-ye Mellat-e Iran" (Voice of the Iranian Nationa [sic] Radio) but their mail-header and their E-mail gave it as : Name Radio Melate Email radiomelate @ yahoo.com So the name was definitely their own 'creation', not the invention by 'some hobby sources'. Of course CRW used that name because the station used it. The 'l' or 'll' is perhaps only a problem of transcription? (Martin Schöch for Clandestineradio.com and Clandestine Radio Watch, dxldyg via DX LISTNEING DIGEST) Hi Martin, by "the station itself" I was referring to the message from the group behind the station which was distributed in CRW163 In that message, the station quotes its name as "Radio Seda-ye Mellat-e Iran" / "Voice of the Iranian Nation Radio". I have taken this as the real name of this service; it also corresponds to the ID. In this CRW item, the term "Radio Melate" appears only in the header and footer, - which I therefore assumed was added by the editor, since this name does not appear in the "body text" written by the program producers. The CRW message did not contain the email address for the station which you are now mentioning; otherwise this misunderstanding certainly would not have happened. Nonetheless, I would consider "Voice of the Iranian Nation" as the full, correct name of this service, unless the station really uses "Radio Melate" in their broadcasts. Email address names are a chapter for itself, it does not surprise me that the producers did not chose a sender address like "Voice of the Iranian Nation" voiceoftheiraniannation@yahoo.com or similar. It probably looks confusing to see a referral to CRW163 but to read a text labelled "Clandestine Radio Watch 162": the CRW163 text at http://www.schoechi.de/crw/crw163.txt erroneously carries two headers, one for CRW163, one for CRW162 73s, (Bernd Trutenau, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) 29/8 I tuned in at 1330. Only from 1339 I got a weak signal, and a song + announcements in Farsi. Off at 1359 (Silvain Domen, Belgium, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) CLANDESTINE from BULGARIA? to IRAN, 15670, Voice of the Iranian Nation [Seda-ye Mellat-e Iran]. Still no joy when checking today. Can this really be from Bulgaria when one cannot trace a signal in Europe on various DX Tuners? (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) Apparently it is, as the Bulgarian Observer quotes local signal strength in Sofia (via ground wave presumably) (Bernd Trutenau, ibid.) Not necessarily; Observer is generous with its SINPOs, with 55555 even to non-local signals (gh, DXLD) Where from in Europe are you trying to hear this station? Now that RFA has left the frequency, I have a 35433 signal at 1330 from Radio "Sedaye Mellate Iran" here in NW England. Immediately after 15670 went off air at c1356 a carrier appeared on 15640 with an identical signal. This started with Reshet Bet [ISR] and then carried Kol Israel in Iranian from 1400. The only things different are better audio quality - and Iranian jamming! 73s from (Noel Green, Sept 3, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) Receivers in both Germany, Sweden, and UAE. Keep in mind they are generally ICOM PRC-1000's. Noel, do you think this is via Israel instead of Bulgaria? (Hans Johnson, ibid.) This was one day, and could have been a coincidence. I'll try to monitor for a few days then see if it becomes less of a coincidence. Another recent direction finding exercise indicated that it could be Israel. And re reception --- I know that Wolfgang Bueschel has only poor results in Stuttgart, but don't know what could be expected in Sweden & UAE. I suggest you try again, and also tune 15640 to see if that one appears, preferably before the jammers do (Noel Green, UK, Sept 3, Cumbre DX via DXLD) 15670, Voice of Iranian Nation. Fair strength at 1325 sign on September 3rd with identification and in clear after 1330 sign off of RFA with male and female announcers. There was a report that they were not transmitting Fridays. Also noted at similar level here yesterday (Mike Barraclough, Letchworth Garden City, UK, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) Wonder why they schedule it with a 5-minute overlap from 1325?? Answer? So they can have time to change to 15640 with Reshet Bet before hourtop? Makes you wonder if Observer disseminated disinformation for some reason (gh) ** ISRAEL. Reasonableness of early end of Israeli summer time You realize that pressure for a smaller period of summer time in Israel comes primarily from the religious parties who feel that summer time promotes desecration of the Sabbath. The Sabbath ends on Saturday night, when 3 stars can be seen in a clear sky, approximately 40 minutes after sunset. Saturday night is the big night for going out and summer time means you tend to go out earlier by solar time. The secular, on the other hand, favor summer time to save energy. So in this case, at least, you're on the side of the "black hats". (ultraorthodox) (Joel Rubin, NY, DX LISTENING DIGEST) An annual reminder from Joel. Well, it`s entirely coincidental. The bottom line is, there should be no DST whatsoever, since this contravenes Standard Time, handed down to us by God (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The 0330 broadcast on UT Sept 3 was audible but weak on 15640, and even weaker, unusable on 17600 (Chris Hambly, Victoria, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Neither audible here (gh, OK, DXLD) ** KURDISTAN. IRAQ: KURDISH RADIO VOICE OF INDEPENDENCE OBSERVED ON SHORTWAVE On 3 September BBC Monitoring observed Kurdish radio station Voice of Independence in progress on 4160 kHz shortwave at 1520 gmt. Programming was initially in Kurdish, switching to Arabic at 1628, then reverting to Kurdish for the closing announcements prior to going off air at 1658. This radio station, which was first observed by BBC Monitoring in May 1997, identifies itself in full as Voice of Independence, Radio of the Conservative Party of Kurdistan, in Kurdish [Aira Dengi Sarbakhoyi, Izgay Parti Parezgarani Kurdestani] and Arabic [Sawt al-Istiqal, Idha'at Hizb al-Muhafizin al-Kurdistani]. The Conservative Party of Kurdistan (CPK) is a member of the Democratic Alliance of Kurdistan, an alliance of five parties under the leadership of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which was formed in 1996. Source: David Kernick, BBC Monitoring research in English 3 Sep 04 (via DXLD) ** MALDIVE ISLANDS [non]. Minivan radio --- Hola a todos: Nuevas emisiones de Minivan Radio: Viernes, 3 de septiembre de 1630-1730 UT por las frecuencias de 11535 y 9985. Un saludo (Ignacio Sotomayor, Segovia, Castilla, España, Sept 2, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) This just arrived from FOM (in UT the time is 1630-1730) ----- Minivan Radio further tests --- We are running further tests on two new frequencies: 21.30 - 22.30 MALDIVES LOCAL TIME, Tomorrow, Friday 3rd September, 11535 and 9985 kHz (via Jari Savolainen, Finland, Jose Jacob, India, Sept 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Site? 13855 has been satisfactory but we have been asked by WRN to give them another try --- Not sure where they are coming from. This is a trial on 3 Sept only. Things have been really busy. Hundreds of our people remain locked up in the horror islands of Girafusshi Mafusshi and Doonidhoo. Things are going well. The radio is giving the people so much hope. All the radios are sold out in Male!!! At the moment it`s one transmission per week. It will be at least two very soon. It is going so well. Keep in touch Glenn (Dave Hardingham, UK, FOM, Sept 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Please contact admin@friendsofmaldives.co.uk with any feedback. We are looking for information on the broadcast from all Maldivian islands. http://www.friendsofmaldives.co.uk (via Alan Pennington, BDXC-UK via DXLD) Checked Sept 3 after 1630, neither 9985 nor 11535 audible here, not even carriers, tho 13855 was in as usual, poor to fair (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) 1708, Sept 3, hearing Minivan on 9985 & 11535 weak, lots of noise but audible. Is this again via an East European transmitter? (Silvain Domen, Belgium, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Weak also in south Italy, 9985 & 11535 (Roberto Scaglione, http://www.bclnews.it ibid.) Minivan was heard at 1645 on 11535 at fair strength and 9985 stronger, at good strength. Both were carrying the same music programme with IDs and mailing address announcements plus jingles. Audio quality of speech was not very good, and seemed not to originate from studio, but a room with an echo! There was also a signal on 13855 with a different programme of 'Asian' music same time, but this frequency is very badly splashed by a very strong China 13860 and a positive ID was not heard, but assumed the regular, rather than test, programme of Minivan. 73s from (Noel Green, UK, Sept 3, Cumbre DX via DXLD) R. Minivan 13855 kHz --- Thanks Glenn, good reception here in the South-West of Finland, on Wednesday 25th, SIO=544. Even the little Kenwwod TH-F7E caught the signal with the 16 cm whip, S-meter was hitting the number 9 at the end of the broadcast. The station IDs and jingles were so clear that nobody could miss those, though the language otherwise was strange to me. 73s, (Matti Ponkamo, OH1GPU - Drake R4-C, SONY 2010D, Kenwood TH-F7, 20m Dipole, dxing.info via DXLD) ** MEXICO. Mexico received in S. Africa --- 1570 kHz, 0446 UT, 040830 SS ID "La Poderosa quince-setenta (15-70) XE-RF", Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. 15 kW. Talk show phone in with some American crooners music. Arrived quite strongly just on sunrise in Montagu. This station is 9,000 miles/14,500 kilometers from this QTH. With many thanks and acknowledgment to Rocco Cotroneo in Brazil who deciphered the ID for me (John Plimmer, Montagu, Western Cape Province, South Africa, South 33 d 47 m 540 s, East 20 d 07 m 541 s., RX Drake R8B, Antenna RF Systems DX 1 Pro, MWDX yg via DXLD) John, not to diminish your catch in the least, but XERF now says it runs 100 kW. In North America we have been noting much stronger signals than before (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) ** MONGOLIA. MONGOLIAN RADIO, TV TO BECOME INDEPENDENT | Text of report in English by Mongolian newspaper The UB Post web site on 2 September Prime Minister Ts. Elbegdorj and Parliament Speaker N. Enhbayar informed the press last week that the national television and radio, which are currently under government control, are to become public service broadcasters with independent status. They promised that parliament would discuss the draft Law on Public Television and Radio during the autumn session. Enhbayar stated that although this question hasn't approved by parliament yet, the two sides (MPRP and MDC) have already agreed to free the national television and radio from government control. The draft of the Law on Public Television and Radio isn't completely finished, according to the working group in charge of it, so the group won't yet reveal the details to the public. Four draft[s] of the law have previously been made in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998. The drafts were made by researchers, members of parliament and media chiefs. The last draft of the law, produced by the Ministry of Justice, with the involvement of a range of individuals from civil society, has been in existence since 2001, and was supposed to have been discussed at the spring session of parliament. It is not clear why it was not discussed. Toby Mendel, Head of the Law Programme called Article 19, participated as an advisor to this draft of the law and he produced a memorandum on the draft law. The memorandum made recommendations on the parts on pluralism, independence, funding and accountability mechanism for the draft of law. According to the memorandum the draft Article 17 of the draft law states that the public broadcaster may get funding from the State budget, the license fee, advertising, donations, charging for programs and other legal sources. Article 19 of the law restricts advertising, placing an overall cap on advertising of 5 per cent of the total daily programming time. To ensure independence and their ability to fulfill their mandates, public service broadcasters should be adequately funded by means that protect them from arbitrary cuts in their budgets. The prime minister and parliament speaker also informed that the government would promote the establishment of the Press Council and change some articles of the criminal law, which have been used to punish journalists for their information and articles. Source: The UB Post web site, Ulaanbaatar, in English 2 Sep 04 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** NETHERLANDS [and non]. Hi, Glenn! Well, either they responded immediately to my complaint, or they had already been informed or caught the problem, because that very night I had sent the e-mail, it was fixed and they were back to normal. I have NOT gotten any e-mail response from RN about it, though (Will Martin, MO, Sept 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** OKLAHOMA. Daytimer KRMP-1140 Oklahoma City ("The Touch") on late, strong in Tulsa at 2228 CDT 9/1/04. ID as "the all new KRMP" and "AM 11-40 the all new touch", ex-KVSP (Bruce Winkelman AA5CO, R8, Quantum Phaser, 2-130 foot wires, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 3905, R. New Ireland, 1 Sept., 0854-0926, Peppy local music (like an album played at 45 rpm!!). 0857-0859 lively instrumental trumpet music à la Herb Alpert. 0859 W announcer with brief announcement followed by wind and drum instrumental as a ToH signature (not the NBC signature), then M ID and station news mentioning PNG, Province, New Ireland, and several mentions of government. Nice ID during news at 0908 [sic]. News ended at 0908. 0909 W again with short announcement, and into Gospel song to 0912. 0912-0915 romantic ballad. 0915-0917 "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. Sounded like a Lionel Richie song from 0920 to 0924. ID again at 0924 during W announcement. Back to dance music. Fair and clear until ham net came on at exactly 0900 (Dave Valko, Dunlo PA, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** PAPUA NEW GUINEA. 4960 (Tentative), Catholic Radio Network 1201- 1216 with music as heard on DX Tuner Australia. Weak, could just catch a few words in between songs, "love," and "flowers." (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. Dr. Gene Scott's University Network's website says they are 24/7 from "Radio Moscow." 17765 daytime and 9940 nighttime (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) I think it has been saying that for years, far outdated, not confirmed recently (gh) ** RUSSIA. Re: ``Frequency changes for Voice of Russia: 1400-1800 Russ. Int. Radio NF 13850 MSK 250 kW / 190 deg, ex 13860 to avoid CRI Ru 1700-1800 Russian WS NF 13850 MSK 250 kW / 190 deg, ex 13860 to avoid CRI Ru (Observer, Bulgaria, Aug 24 via DXLD)`` There is a typo in this item for the period 1700-1800: monitoring shows that 13850 carries Russian International Radio 1400-1700, and Russian World Service 1700-1800 (as shown). (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SINGAPORE. MEDIACORP RADIO TO BE FINED, DJS AXED Singapore's broadcast media regulator, the Media Development Authority (MDA) announced on 1 September that it would fine MediaCorp Radio's Perfect 10 (98.7 MHz) 30,000 US dollars for having breached the radio programme code, the Singapore-based newspaper News Today web site reported on 2 September. After being made aware of compaints from listeners in the letters pages of the local press, the MDA concluded that DJs Sheik Haikel and his co-host Daniel Ong had flouted the code on their Morning Madness programme after engaging in sexually suggestive dialogue with teenage listeners, the report said. The radio station will still be fined despite MediaCorp terminating the contracts of both DJs, the report concluded. Source: News Today, Singapore, in English 2 Sep 04 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** SLOVAKIA. Summer A-04 schedule for Radio Slovakia International: ENGLISH 0100-0127 5930 9440 RUSSIAN 1300-1327 9440 11990 0700-0727 9440 15460 1500-1527 9535 11715 1630-1657 5920 7345 1730-1757 5920 9485 1830-1857 5920 6055 SLOVAK 0130-0157 5930 9440 GERMAN 0800-0827 6055 7345 0730-0757 9440 15460 1330-1357 6055 7345 1530-1557 5920 7345 1600-1627 5920 7345 1900-1927 5920 6055 1800-1827 5920 6055 SPANISH 0230-0257 9440 11990 FRENCH 0200-0227 5930 9440 1430-1457 9440 11600 1700-1727 5920 7345 2000-2027 6055 11650 1930-1957 5920 6055 (Observer, Bulgaria, Sept 3 via DXLD) ** SYRIA [non]. I received a verification letter for Radio Free Syria on 13,650 kHz., 9 weeks after I mailed a report to Reform Party of Syria, P.O. Box 59730, Potomac, Maryland 20859 (USA). The QSL, on a Reform Party of Syria letterhead with their multi-color logo, includes the transmitter site: Jülich, Germany (Wendel Craighead, KS-USA, Aug 27, 2004 for CRW via DXLD) ** TIBET [non]. Dear friends, this is Mr. Oystein Alme of the VOT radio to inform about our programme schedule. We are most interested in feedback on our signal from all parts of Asia, especially as there is another station beaming loud music close to our frequencies. Here is our schedule: 1215 to 1300 UT: 17.525 MHz 1430 to 1515 UT: 17.540 MHz 1520 to 1605 UT: 17.540 MHz First half hour is Tibetan language, immediately followed by 15 minutes in Mandarin. Those who can and are interested are requested to monitor and report on our signal (vocal newsreading & interviews with short jingles in between) vs. the close-by music signal. If you have any idea from roughly which areas the music comes from, it would be of interest to know. Many kind regards, Oystein Alme, VOT director Your can write back to this address voti @ online.no or to: travelyak @ msn.com (via Jem Cullen, Sept 3, ARDXC via DXLD) Another version: Voice of Tibet monitoring request --- I have been asked to pass on the following regarding the voice of Tibet : The Voice of Tibet, which uses leased facilities in Tashkent, with program origination in Oslo, has asked EDXP to publicise a request for monitoring reports from Nepal and China, as its broadcasts are heavily disturbed by jamming from China. The organisation wishes to set up contacts with technical monitors in those regions. The current daily schedule is: 1215-1245 Tibetan, 1245-1300 Mandarin on 17525 1430-1500 Tibetan, 1500-1515 Mandarin on 17540 1520-1550 Tibetan, 1550-1605 Mandarin on 17540 Oystein Alme is the Project Manager of the Voice of Tibet, and may be reached at voti @ online.no Please visit the organisation's Website at http://www.vot.org for comprehensive background information. Regards, (Sean D. Gilbert, International Editor, WRTH (World Radio TV Handbook) Email: sean.gilbert @ wrth.com Web: http://www.wrth.com Fax: +44 (0) 709 2332287 WRTH - THE Directory of Global Broadcasting DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TURKS & CAICOS [non]. As of tonight, GMT 3 September, 0002+... Radio Visión Cristiana is silent for the 2nd consecutive night on 530 kHz. But the channel is not totally silent despite some bogus reports I've read from reporters above the epicenter of Caribbean radio reception, namely the People's Republic of Florida; the new Radio Rebelde transmitter [Radio Martí blocker] is present, barely any readable audio. I will be surprised if Radio Martí via the Pennsylvania Air National Guard EC-130J is active this upcoming local Saturday evening on 530 kHz. Hurricane Frances is clearly God's way of cleaning out the people responsible for hanging chads before November 2nd (Terry L. Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W Visit my "Florida Low Power Radio Stations" at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tocobagadx/flortis.html DX LISTENING DIGEST) see also GRENADA I've been with an UNID since 0430, 9/3, UTC, on 530 kHz with EZL music in Spanish. Loop bearing is roughly 170 degrees from my location. If I'm correct, that puts the station on a track in the general area of Guantánamo. Occasional UNID CW in and out, but no other station on frequency. Transmission has frequent breaks, and at times, it sounds as though the music is on tape that is playing slowly. Dang - starting to fade and the loop bearing seems to be changing. Don't get excited - probably just fading and not a lumbering C-130 playing outside in the rain. Back in across the hour (0500) with news, and one mention of Noticias Internacional. Several chimes/tones between news items. Both male and female announcers. Simply cannot get an ID. Anyone else hearing this? This is going out at 0414 UTC. Very 73 de (Mike Hardester, Jacksonville, NC. 34.47.05 N, 77.23.24 W, ICOM R-70 and Radio West 22" Ferrite Loop, DX LISTENING DIGEST) The RVC building was built by the Seabees in the late 50's. It's in the brick shythouse category. The South Caicos power was turned off early today. The transmitter is 6 miles from the power house with only one other customer on the line. Highest winds recorded were a substained 80 mph. The tower should have weathered the storm well. South Caicos, only 20 west of Grand Turk is now out of the woods weatherwise (Jerry Kiefer, FL, Sept 1, NRC-AM via DXLD) Frances cleared the Turks and Caicos with some hurricane force winds (barely) so I expect 530 on tomorrow if the power plant is not damaged (Powell E. Way III, Columbia SC, Sept 2, ibid.) Neil, you're gonna crack up on this one. I was out at Rockport a few hours ago, noted RVC off and the most feeble het (TIS's ? Marti ? Rebelde ? Falklands ?) against ONE MOTHER OF A SIGNAL, nearly local- like, from Madeira-531. It was totally smokin' Algeria, Spain, and all the other 531 (and 530) denizens (Mark Connelly, WA1ION - Billerica, MA, USA, NRC-AM via DXLD) See CANADA, GRENADA, USA ** UGANDA [non]. 17870, 1506 Aug 20, Radio Rhino International Africa; news - commentary on Killer Dictator Museveni; 1530 VOA in Georgian started - SIO 544 (S Ashar, BDN C3/3 Depok 16434 Indonesia, Sept 2, hard-core-dx via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. CZECH REPUBLIC [non]: Updated summer A-04 schedule for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: ALBANIAN 1900-1930 7165 9705 15140 ARABIC* 0100-0600 1593 1400-1600 1593 2000-2200 1593 ARMENIAN 1400-1500 9790 AVARI 0400-0420 9850 11780 15350 1700-1720 9805 11705 17630 AZERI 0300-0400 9825 1500-1600 15255 1800-1900 11865 BELORUSSIAN 0300-0400 612 6170 9635 0400-0500 612 6170 9635 1500-1700 612 9565 15215 1700-1900 612 7190 15480 1900-2000 612 7115 9750 2000-2100 612 7115 9750 CHECHEN 0420-0440 9850 11780 15350 1720-1740 9805 11705 17630 CHERKASSI 0440-0500 9850 11780 15350 1740-1800 9805 11705 17630 DARI& 0330-0430 1296 17670 19010 0530-0630 1296 17710 19010 0730-0830 1296 17685 19010 0930-1030 1296 17685 19010 1130-1230 1296 17685 19010 1330-1430 1296 12140 17605 GEORGIAN 0500-0600 9850 1600-1700 15285 FARSI# 0030-0200 1170 9805 9865 0200-0400 1170 9805 9865 0400-0600 1170 9510 9865 15185 15290 0600-0800 1170 9510 15290 17845 0800-0830 1170 9510 15290 17755 17845 21530 0830-1400 1170 17755 21530 1400-1500 1170 9435 13870 17750 1500-1600 1170 13870 15170 17750 1600-1700 1170 13870 15170 17670 1700-1900 1170 7105 11855 1900-2000 1170 5860 7365 9505 11670 2000-2100 1170 5860 9505 9960 11960 2100-2130 1170 9505 9960 11960 2130-0030 1170 KAZAKH 0100-0300 7260 9680 15205 1100-1200 11870 15195 17670 1300-1400 11515 13795 17670 1400-1500 4995 15355 15455 2300-2400 5945 7250 9615 KYRGHYZ 1200-1230 11930 15120 17615 1300-1330 11930 15370 17865 1400-1500 5860 15225 15530 1500-1600 5860 9435 15530 MOLDAVIAN 1800-1900 7130 12025 Mon-Fri PASHTO& 0230-0330 1296 11945 17670 19010 0430-0530 1296 17670 19010 0630-0730 1296 17685 19010 0830-0930 1296 17685 19010 1030-1130 1296 17685 19010 1230-1330 1296 17685 19010 ROMANIAN 1500-1530 11905 15380 Mon-Fri RUSSIAN 0000-0100 5985 6095 7120 7170 7220 9520 0200-0300 6105 7155 7170 7220 7275 9520 0300-0400 6105 7155 7175 7220 9520 11725 0400-0500 5995 7220 7295 9520 9760 11725 0500-0600 7220 9520 9760 11815 12015 17695 0600-0700 9520 9635 9760 11815 15130 17695 0700-0800 9635 11815 11860 15130 17810 21705 0800-0900 11860 15280 17810 21705 0900-1000 11860 15280 17730 17810 1000-1100 11860 15130 15460 17730 17810 17890 1100-1200 13745 15130 15205 15460 17730 17890 1200-1300 13745 15130 15205 15215 17730 17890 1400-1500 11725 11880 11895 13755 15130 15205 1500-1600 9725 11725 11885 11895 13755 15205 1600-1700 7220 9520 9725 11725 11885 13755 1900-2000 3965 6105 7220 9520 11865 11885 2000-2100 3965 5955 7220 7260 9520 9860 2100-2200 6040 7155 7220 7245 7260 9520 2200-2300 5985 6095 7220 7245 9520 9590 2300-2400 5985 6095 7120 7170 7220 9520 SERBOCROATIAN 0230-0330 1197 0730-0800 9555 11970 15260 1300-1330 9555 11795 15255 1600-1700 1197 6040 7115 11925 1730-1800 6130 9625 15245 1800-1900 9505 11715 15120 2000-2100 5970 7165 2200-2400 1197 6130 9635 11730 TAJIK 0100-0200 4760 9695 9760 0200-0300 9695 9760 15525 0300-0400 9760 11655 15525 1400-1500 15370 15725 17670 1500-1600 9790 11960 15370 1600-1630 7190 9790 15370 1630-1700 4760 7190 9790 15370 TATAR-BASHKIR 0300-0400 9815 11820 0500-0600 11990 15350 1500-1600 11990 15245 1900-2000 9650 11925 TURKMEN 0200-0300 864 7295 9555 15295 0300-0400 7295 9555 15295 1400-1500 13815 15145 15345 1500-1530 13815 15145 15160 1530-1600 864 13815 15145 15160 1600-1700 11895 13815 17885 1700-1800 9785 11895 17885 UKRAINIAN 0300-0400 6065 7115 9710 Mon-Sat 0500-0600 7115 7165 11780 Mon-Fri 1600-1700 6185 11805 17815 Mon-Fri 1700-1800 11805 12035 15135 1800-1900 11785 11805 11875 UZBEK 0100-0200 864 0200-0400 12015 12110 21770 1300-1400 1143 1600-1700 11835 11980 1700-1800 11815 11980 * Radio Free Iraq & Radio Free Afghanistan # Radio Farda (Observer, Bulgaria, Sept 3 via DXLD) ** U S A. [Re AFGHANISTAN [non] previously]: There is also a pdf-file available with comprehensive details about VOA's West & South Asia services (directed to Afghanistan, Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh): http://www.voa.gov/West&SouthAsia.pdf As pointed out by Björn, the name "VOA Radio Ashna" appears to be used only for the Dari & Pashto programs for Afghanistan (even though the pdf text is not always straight in this regard). (Bernd Trutenau, Lithuania, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. MUSIC RESEARCH TO BE CARRIED OUT AMONG RADIO SAWA LISTENERS The Broadcasting Board of Governors/International Broadcasting Bureau is seeking a contractor to conduct a study of the musical tastes of young people in the Middle East who listen to the BBG's Arabic language radio service, Radio Sawa. The research will be conducted by playing musical excerpts to a sample drawn from the target audience and recording reactions to a brief questionnaire designed to elicit listeners' likes and dislikes, as well as the intensity of their preferences. The research will be based on samples drawn from the target population for Radio Sawa. In each city, four separate sample of 25 respondents shall be drawn as follows: (a) males, age 17 - 23, (b) females, age 17 - 23, (c) males, age 24 - 29, (d) females, age 24 - 29. All respondents shall be regular music listeners, listening to music by any means at least one hour each week and listening to music on the radio at least 30 minutes each week. They will listen at least occasionally to Western, as well as Arabic artists, and shall either have completed secondary education or be currently enrolled in a secondary educational institution. Full details of solicitation http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2004/09-September/01-Sep-2004/FBO-00659948.htm # posted by Andy @ 15:54 UT Sept 1 (Media Network blog via DXLD) Err, doesn`t IBB have its own Audience Research Department? Notice they don`t trust anyone over 29 (gh, DXLD) ** U S A [non]. AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK LAUNCHES NEW CHANNELS, REVAMPS PROGRAMMING | Text of report by Samantha L. Quigley of American Forces Press Service, published on US Defense Department web site Washington, 2 September: In the planning for a couple of years, American Forces Network is set to launch more than 400 hours of programming at 7 a.m. local time Friday [3 September] in Europe and the Pacific, said Mel Russell, director of the American Forces Radio and Television Service. Two channels will be added to the existing lineup, and one will be tweaked. But have no fear of having to surf to find your favorites, Russell said. The existing channel numbers will stay the same, while two will be added. The two new channels, AFN Family and AFN Movie, will be added in response to a reader survey indicating an interest in that type of programming. "We do surveys on a regular basis, and our last big worldwide survey we did identified these two types of programming that the audience wanted most," Russell said. "A full-time movie channel and a full-time channel that was family-friendly, if you will, that you could turn to anytime and you were comfortable with your family watching it." AFN Family will pull programming from multiple sources, such as Nickelodeon and other sources that have family-friendly programming. The lineup will target the pre-school set in the morning and early afternoon, teens in late afternoon and switch to offerings for the entire family in the evening. AFN promises a wide variety of feature films and specials with fewer interruptions. Also, there will be programs that give viewers insight into the entertainment industry. "The movie channel fills that void for people who just like wall-to- wall movies," Russell said. "Each night in primetime we will air two full-run movies. On Saturday we will premiere a blockbuster movie." AFN Spectrum is not a new channel, but might seem that way to viewers. Spectrum's old eight-hour format is history and will be replaced by 24-hour programming appropriate for regional time zones, Russell said. New technology and equipment has allowed the split feed to accommodate the continuous programming in both theatres. "We will split the feed so that the European audience and the Pacific audience will have their own time-shifted programming on Family, Movie and Spectrum, so that if you expect to see five nights a week Law & Order at 7 p.m., you will see that in our theatres." With the additions and the changes, AFN viewers will be receiving more than 1,100 hours of programming per week. The additions and changes account for more than 400 of those hours, Russell said adding that viewers will now have seven unique programming products to choose from: AFN Family, Movie, Spectrum, Prime, Sports, News and the Pentagon Channel. The Defense Media Center is located on March Air Reserve Base near Riverside, California. AFN is available in 177 countries where US forces are stationed, and will include Iraq and Afghanistan. Source: US Defense Department web site, Washington, in English 2 Sep 04 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** U S A. WJIE untraced when checking 7490 and 13595 at 1915 on various DX Tuners in the USA. Apparently still off (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) I heard something, presumably WJIE, on 7490 a couple days ago, but not 13595. BTW, ute noise on approx. 13590 sounds just like that on 7385 which drove WRMI to 6870 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. KAIJ, University Network lists Dr. Gene Scott here as 1 PM to 1 AM (perhaps Pacific Time, so UT -7), 13815 daytime, 5755 nights (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) see RUSSIA ** U S A. WBCQ: Jewish Radio Network ends broadcasting on 5105 Programming Note - Jewish Radio Network http://www.wbcq.com [From Elayne.] The Jewish Radio Network with Rabbi Yaakov Spivak has ended broadcasting on 5.105. The Jewish Radio Network on 7.415 on Wednesday from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Eastern will continue. The time vacated by the JRN on 5.105, Sunday through Thursday from 8 PM to midnight eastern [M-F 0000-0400 UT], is presently available to any interested party. We look forward to the Jewish Radio Network returning with more programming in the near future. Posted by cosmikdebris on Thursday, September 02 @ 20:53:12 CDT (via John Norfolk, dxldyahoogroup via DXLD) ** U S A. Lubavitcher Pirate 1710 --- Obviously, they have completed work on their recent CP. (hi) I was sailing in Westport over the weekend and heard them solid all the way down I-95 to Mamaroneck and then most of the way to my QTH north of NYC. They must have improved their operation since they are now quite strong here. Since they are on 1710, they won't interfere with anyone local. Unless someone complains, in this day and age, they will go on for years. They have been on a very long time now. Their audio can be described as what you might hear from a $20 cassette player when it is turned up as high as it can go. I presume it is a computer, since the programming goes on forever. Also, there is rarely any form of ID. This should be an easy catch now. What is the QSL address? Just kidding, but I understand that someone once got an unsolicited QSL after someone from the Brooklyn station read a logging in the NRC bulletin. Rock on! (Karl Zuk N2KZ, Sept 2, WTFDA-AM via DXLD) 1710 Lubavitcher/Chassidic Radio, Brooklyn NY (presumed); 0530-0600+, 29-Aug; Mix of somber & peppy tunes in HB?, including some Harvey & Sheila type tunes. No announcer. Fair in USB; steadily improved (Harold Frodge, MI, MARE Tipsheet via DXLD) ** U S A. WNYF 1630 QSL --- I just added a QSL card to my collection from WNYF on 1630 kHz. Before you rush to the dials, WNYF was the New York City Fire Department transmitter on 1630 kHz back in the 1930s. I have posted photos of the card on my AM-DXer web site at the link in my signature line below for all to enjoy. http://community.webtv.net/N0NNK/ http://community.webtv.net/AM-DXer/ (Patrick Griffith, NØNNK, Westminster, CO, Sept 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. The 135th birthday of the ARRL founder Hiram Percy Maxim, W1AW, on Sep 2 is reason for a special activity: All ARRL officials are allowed to append .../135 to their callsigns from Sep 2-12 (DARC DX Newsletter Sep 2 via Dave Raycroft, ODXA via DXLD) ** U S A. AM 1230 CHANGES FORMATS YET AGAIN [Columbus, Ohio] Clear Channel equals Republican. That perception among the card- carrying liberal types in Columbus will take a beating come Tuesday afternoon. That's when AM 1230 --- a Clear Channel-owned station --- officially switches formats from denture-softening oldies to talk radio. Liberal talk radio. Al Franken's show, which is broadcast by Air America radio network, will begin airing from noon to 3 p.m. on Tuesday and serve as the flagship program for the suddenly progressive station. It's nothing if not a clear alternative to Rush Limbaugh, who airs from 1 to 4 p.m. on 610 WTVN, 1230's sister station. Steve Konrad, the program director for both stations, said he knows the move may shock some who think "those evil Clear Channel people are Bush puppets," but he said programming decisions are less about Republican presidents or Democratic presidents than dead presidents. "At the end of the day, this is all about running radio stations. We need to find a unique product in the marketplace that people can embrace and that is distinctive. I think we've found that." Konrad said 1230's oldies format "wasn't exactly setting the world on fire" and that "progressive radio for the rest of Columbus," as he describes the station, will be a good fit for an overgrown college town that doubles as the seat of state government. "Whatever your impression of Rush Limbaugh is, Al Franken is probably the polar opposite," he said. Franken's show got the attention of Clear Channel suits when the company began airing the program in Portland, where it quickly became the highest-rated talk radio program, according to Konrad. "I'm hopeful, but I don't really know what to expect," he said of the ratings Franken might draw here. A number of Air America's other radio programs, such as the one hosted by actress Janeane Garofalo, also will be aired locally. But don't bother listening for the late-morning Air America show co-hosted by rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy. "It's terrible," said Konrad. "I had high hopes for it, but it's really bad." Several other left-leaning syndicated shows also will be on the station. Konrad said he knows giving Franken airtime won't sit well with the loyal Dittoheads who listen to Limbaugh on 610. "I know I'm going to get hate mail for this," he said. That, presumably, wasn't a problem with the oldies format. (The Other Paper, Columbus OH, Sept 2-8 via Artie Bigley, DXLD) The NEW 1230AM site: http://www.progressive1230.com/main.html (Artie Bigley, OH, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Heavily preëmptable for stupid ballgames, Reds no less, mostly in the evenings (gh, DXLD) Still WCOL? ** U S A. NBC4 ZAPS THE SAP AND KILLS OUR FUN In response to an item in Media Morsels last week, we got an interesting call from Deb Grivois, the director of engineering for NBC4. Her message: Fix your TV. We reported last Thursday that Channel 4's local weather cut-in during Today repeatedly paired video of a mute local meteorologist with the voice of Al Roker, NBC's Today weatherman, engaging in casual conversation with onlookers. Grivois let us know we generally wouldn't have heard bootleg Roker audio if we'd had our television tuned right. "It's not to say that we haven't had issues, because we have," she said, declining to elaborate. But she said most of the Today issues arose because Media Morsels was picking up the SAP --- secondary audio program --- rather than the main audio channel. As of last Thursday, Grivois has fixed it so we can't hear accidental Al anymore. Television stations can use the SAP channel to broadcast alternate sound, such as a Spanish-language audio, but Channel 4 generally doesn't. It was an overzealous computer program that treated us to a continuous NBC network feed. "When we don't have any programming there," Grivois said, "we actually have circuitry that searches for it." At one time, Channel 4's SAP channel broadcast a message to viewers that they were tuned to the wrong audio track, but the device that handled that chore conked out a while back, Grivois said, and, "We were kind of ignoring it for a while." For the past week, however, NBC4's SAP feed has featured innocuously funky music and a deep voice telling listeners they need to go tinker with their TVs or VCRs if they want to hear the right sound. So, no more unauthorized Al Roker audio for savvy—or confused—Columbus TV viewers. Sorry we ruined it. (The Other Paper, Columbus OH, Sept 2- 8 via Artie Bigley, DXLD) WCMH-TV ** U S A. WFAN power reduction From: "Jim" jwwd7SPAMXXX@yahoo.com Date: 9/2/2004 4:29 PM Central Daylight Time FCCInfo.Com lists WFAN New York with a CP to change power to 35 kW day and night (with "Mode" ND2, non-directional 2 (whatever 2 means...non- directional different patterns day and night...hello???). Anyway...anybody know why WFAN...with a great signal, best in New York, low frequency 660 kHz, 50 KW ND, island tower site (multi with WCBS) with salt-water path to surrounding land...would want to drop to 35 kW. Reduce electric bill??? What's the story? Temporary? The best 50 kw heritage AM signals in New York are...in order...WFAN 660, WABC 770, WCBS 880, and depending where you live, directional WOR 710. And, again, depending where you live in relation to patterns...WBBR 1130, whatever ESPN calls the former WHN WEDW 1050, poor WINS 1010, and signal poverty-stricken WQEW 1560. WTIC Hartford, 1080 50 KW is a curious case. Maybe its transmitter site dates to a time when ground conductivity wasn't appreciated, but it is located on a rocky mountain ridge, above and west of the flat, Connecticut River mud flats and plains. Of course today, acquiring a site along the river is probably impossible, but WTIC's signal suffers when compared to similar-frequency NYC signals, 1050 or 1130. As for WINS, NYC 1010, nobody else is that bad. I never understood why some years ago in the big NYC frequency shuffle, why Westinghouse didn't plunge into the frey for 1050 when WFAN departed it for 660. WEVD would have done just as well (or poorly) on 1010 as they did 1050, and WINS would have done much better area-wide on 1050 (rec.radio.shortwave via George Thurman, DXLD) ** U S A [and non]. WABC 770 NYC was off the air early Thursday Sept 2, per several reports on the NRC-AM list, when other US stations were heard, plus R. Nacional de Venezuela with its overnight external service, probably the same programming as on the just reactivated Cuban SW relay, with the interval signal. WRTH 2004 lists it on 770, but says it is reported to be on 630. Heads up in case WABC`s downtime was not completed that night (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. SEATTLE POLICE DETAIN MAN, SEEK ANOTHER PERSON IN ATTACK ON SYNDICATED RADIO HOST TOM LEYKIS --- Associated Press 9/2/04 9:01 AM SEATTLE (AP) -- Police identified two people they believe were involved in an assault on radio personality Tom Leykis and detained one of them but released him without filing charges. Authorities were seeking a second person. A 28-year-old Seattle man was taken into custody Friday and released Tuesday without being charged, police said Wednesday, adding that the case remained under investigation. Leykis, 48, based in Los Angeles and known for belittling callers, urging women to bare their breasts and other on-the-air flamboyance, was in town for a broadcast when he was knocked to the ground Aug. 23 outside a night spot, according to police reports. Leykis said he was kicked in the head by someone with another man who said he had been insulted and had his virility questioned on the air when he called the show. He was treated at a hospital for a black eye and a cut above the eye that required 17 stitches. His show has been syndicated since 1994 (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A. FCC IS ASKED TO REVOKE THE LICENSES OF TWO D.C. STATIONS By John Maynard Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, September 2, 2004; Page C07 http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A54787- 2004Sep1?language=printer Two television watchdog groups, citing a lack of required educational programs for children at two Washington stations, are trying to get the outlets' licenses revoked. The Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ and the Center for Digital Democracy filed a petition yesterday asking the Federal Communications Commission not to renew licenses for WDCA (Channel 20) and WPXW (Channel 66). The groups argue that the two stations have not complied with the FCC's 1996 guidelines regarding the Children's Television Act, which require stations to air at least three hours of educational programming for children per week. The act has never before been cited in a petition to revoke a license. The stations "are clearly in violation of the rules and are thumbing their noses at parents, educators and children in this market," Jeff Chester, director of the Center for Digital Democracy, said yesterday in an interview. The stations presented three programs to the FCC as meeting the requirements: WDCA's animated, action-oriented sci-fi shows "Ace Lightning" and "Stargate Infinity," and WPXW's reality show "Miracle Pets," which profiles extraordinary animals. The petitioners assert that the shows do not meet FCC guidelines. The groups' petition states that "Ace Lightning" and "Stargate" contain excessive violence and convey "an antisocial message." As for "Miracle Pets," the petition reads: "[I]t is not specifically designed for children nor does it have education as a substantial purpose." Nancy Udell, a spokeswoman for Paxson Communications, which owns WPXW, declined to comment on the petition late yesterday, saying she has not seen it. "We're only aware of it through a press release," she said, "and we don't respond to press releases." WDCA is owned by Fox but carries UPN programming. The station's general manager, Duffy Dyer, was not available for comment yesterday. University of Arizona communications professor Dale Kunkel, a children's television expert who is cited in the petition, said in an interview yesterday that many stations engage in "creative re-labeling" of entertainment shows that would be aired regardless of regulatory requirements. "You don't have to have a PhD and be an expert in kids' TV to look at these shows and say, 'Wait a minute, that's not educational and informational,' " Kunkel said. Station owners must apply to the FCC for renewal every eight years, but it is extremely rare for a station to lose its license. FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and advocacy groups have argued that the commission's renewal process has grown lenient over the years as deregulation has continued. Chester said the filing of the petition against WDCA and WPXW is the "tip of the iceberg" and his group will target other stations across the country. Gloria Tristani, the managing director of the church's communication office and a former FCC commissioner, agreed. "This is a good place to start holding stations accountable," she said yesterday. "The FCC has the opportunity to . . . send a message that they're going to get serious about meeting their obligations." (c) 2004 The Washington Post Company (via Mike Cooper, DXLD) ** U S A. Re: "Radio Subtracts the Ads" --- I can't speak for other public radio stations, but at KSMU we've always tried to do our on-air beg-a-thons in the LEAST disruptive manner possible --- and that includes emphasizing our REGULAR programming, unlike PBS which ditches its entire program schedule during pledge weeks for all those cheesy "specials." Our own PBS station on campus does the same thing, and I just don't understand it. It's your REGULAR, DAILY PROGRAMMING that draws the audience to your station -- why not emphasize it during your pledge drives? That's exactly what we try to do. We also strictly limit our on-air radio drives to two per year, maximum of 7 days. And if we reach our goal before the end of the seventh day (which does happen occasionally), we STOP the drive right then and there, and don't keep priming the pump. Actually, in recent years we've kind of DE-emphasized the on-air drives in favor of direct mail and phone campaigns targeted at our regular subscriber/member base. The on-air pledge drives are just to remind stragglers or to try to gain new members. Again, I can't say the same for the TV side -- it just seems to be a different animal. The folks downstairs in the TV office can quote chapter and verse about how repeating all those Yanni, Daniel O'Donnell, Doo-Wop reunions etc. etc. specials ad nauseam actually WORKS for public TV. Doesn't do nothin' for me, I can tell you that much! And unlike a lot of NPR stations, we are extremely picky -- anal, even -- about STRICTLY following whatever guidelines exist for doing proper underwriting announcements during regular programming. When it says no qualitative or comparative statements, no calls to action ("so come to our store today!" etc.) -- we absolutely don't allow it. We've whizzed off more than a few underwriters, but most appreciate what we're trying to do in following the absolute letter of the guidelines (Randy Stewart, KSMU, Springfield MO, Sept 1, NRC-AM via DXLD) I wish this message could be gotten thru to most of the major non- comms in this area. WRTI (Temple U) probably quadruples the amount of time spent talking at the expense of music, and does so 24/7 for longer than a week 3x a year. The same is true for Mercer County Community College's "Classical Network" (WWFM primary). And PBS? I'm with you on that one too, although since they never run some of those "specials" any other times, the only way you see 'em is with pledge drives. And when I did hear your stations earlier in the year on Es, I did enjoy the classical music! (Russ Edmunds, Blue Bell, PA (15 mi NNW Philadelphia), ibid.) ** U S A. Anoche pude escuchar la estación de la Guardia Costera de Estados Unidos en 8764 en // 6501 y 4426 que transmite desde Virginia (NMN) anunciando transmisión las 24 horas y dando los reportes del Centro Nacional de Hurracanes. Es muy interesante poder escuchar este tipo de servicios, no sólo por la importancia de la información, sino desde el punto de vista de nuestro hobby; a pesar que no se practique en este tipo de emisoras (Rafael Rodríguez, Colombia, Sept 2, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** U S A. With a hurricane projected to hit South Florida late Friday or early Saturday local time, it is possible that some shortwave stations in the area may be impacted --- WRMI and WYFR. You can find their schedules at http://www.wrmi.net and http://www.familyradio.com/international/ although this has all their transmissions and not those just from WYFR (Hans Johnson, WY, Sept 2, Cumbredx mailing list via DXLD) WRMI still on Sept 2 into UT 3. I wonder if they can take their log-periodic down from its tower for protexion (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A [and non]. THE RADIO H.F. INTERNET NEWSLETTER VOLUME 6 NUMBER- SPECIAL – SEPTEMBER/SEPTEMBRE 2004 -- HURRICANE FRANCES Just issued Sept 3. Request from: hfnewsletter@yahoo.com It is also posted up at the new Radio HF Internet Newsletter Yahoo Group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hfnewsletter (Sheldon Harvey, QC, DX LISTENING DIGEST) HURRICANE NET, WX4NHC GATHER WEATHER DATA AS FRANCES HEADS FOR FLORIDA http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/09/02/3/?nc=1 NEWINGTON, CT, Sep 2, 2004 -- As Hurricane Frances passes through the Bahamas on what appears to be a collision course with Florida`s Atlantic Coast, the Hurricane Watch Net http://www.hwn.org/ has activated for a second day on 14.325 MHz. WX4NHC http://www.wx4nhc.org/ at the National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ has been monitoring and checking into the net to collect weather data as it comes in. As of mid-day, the HWN was relaying reports from Amateur Radio stations in the Bahamas to WX4NHC. The NHC reports the storm has been ``pounding`` San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. One Amateur Radio report around midday from Long Island, southwest of San Salvador in the Bahamas, indicated wind of 40 to 50 knots (46-58 MPH) from the north with gusts to 60 knots (nearly 70 MPH). The National Hurricane Center forecast http://www.hwn.org/atlantic/hapt31us.htm (click link for latest update) includes a hurricane warning for the east coast of Florida from Florida City --- near the peninsula`s southern tip --- northward to Flagler Beach. The warning area includes Lake Okeechobee. The NHC said swells generated by Frances will be affecting portions of the southeastern US coast. Even as Florida recovers from last month`s devastating blow from Hurricane Charley, Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams throughout the state are preparing for another punishing storm. The still-dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Frances is packing winds of 145 MPH, with hurricane-force winds extending out 80 miles. If it remains on its present track, Frances could cross over some areas of central Florida that were hit hard and are still recovering from Hurricane Charley. As of 1800 UTC, Frances was 440 miles east-southeast of the Southern Florida coast, moving west-northwest at about 13 MPH, with a turn to the northwest and a decrease in forward speed expected during the next 24 hours. On that course, forecasters predict the core of Hurricane Frances will be moving near or over the central Bahamas this afternoon and evening. As of 1800 UTC, forecasters were estimating the storm would not make landfall in Florida until sometime Saturday morning. Southern Florida Section Emergency Coordinator Jim Goldsberry, KD4GR, has announced special sessions of the Southern Florida ARES Net SFAN http://www.sflarrl.org/ARES,%20SOUTH%20FLORIDA.htm to coordinate response activities (Florida Midday Traffic Net and Tropical Phone Traffic Net, both on 7242 kHZ). Goldsberry says the Broward County Emergency Preparedness Net activated at 2 PM today, operating from the Broward County EOC. Palm Beach County also is also getting ready. Palm Beach County RACES Officer Mark Filla, KS4VT, reports coastline and mobile home evacuations are under way, and the county was making arrangements for shelters as well as for shelter and emergency operations center (EOC) communicators. In Polk County --- one of the areas assaulted by Hurricane Charley --- ARES has activated to ``Condition Yellow`` in response to Frances. ``This is not a drill,`` emphasized Assistant Emergency Coordinator Wayne Miles, KG4TCJ, in a message to the Florida ARES reflector. He reports local shelters will open September 3 at 3 PM Eastern Time. ARES has begun conducting informational nets (146.985 MHz, 127.3 Hz tone) at the top of every hour to announce the latest emergency communications information for Polk County. Other counties also are readying shelters in anticipation of evacuations, and Amateur Radio resources are expected to be deployed to assist in providing communication. Indian River County Emergency Management`s Nathan McCollum put that county`s Auxiliary Communication Services (ACS) --- a Citizen Corps group --- on a ``Level 1`` alert on August 31. The ACS includes Amateur Radio and REACT communication resources. ``At this point, we should not focus on the minimal impacts, but the maximum impacts,`` McCollum said, ``meaning, I cannot rule out the center making landfall over Indian River County or near our area.`` He advised continuing preparations to protect people and property, stock up on necessary supplies and ``know where to go if an evacuation occurs.`` ``All of Florida should be prepared for some type of impact from Hurricane Frances,`` McCollum concluded. HWN Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP, says the net plans to remain in operation at least until 0300 UTC September 3. During hurricanes and severe weather emergencies, trained HWN members work in cooperation with WX4NHC to provide observed or measured weather data and damage reports via Amateur Radio for relay to forecasters. The ground-level weather data assist NHC forecasters in predicting a storm`s path and behavior. WX4NHC also gathers similar data via the Internet from non-Amateur Radio sources. The HWN also provides essential communication support to WX4NHC, which disseminates storm updates via the HWN. Copyright © 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved (via John Norfolk, dxldyahoogroup, DXLD) HURRICANE NET, WX4NHC CONTINUE HELPING FORECASTERS TRACK FRANCES http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2004/09/03/6/?nc=1 NEWINGTON, CT, Sep 3, 2004 --- For the third day, the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) on 14.325 MHz has worked hand-in-hand with WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to relay weather data and damage reports as a downgraded Hurricane Frances continues on what appears to be an inevitable collision with Florida`s Atlantic Coast. As of 1800 UTC, the National Hurricane Center said Frances was ``relentlessly lashing central and western Bahamas`` while slowly heading for Florida. ``We continue to have torrential rains,`` Marti Brown, KF4TRG/C6A, on Abaco reported to the HWN net control station at 1610 UTC today. ``It`s essentially a whiteout condition.`` Her report, typical of those being gathered, may portend what Southern Florida can expect. Another Amateur Radio report from C6AID in the Bahamas indicated that seas were breaching the dunes of the beach at his location, and residents were evacuating. All such reports, which typically include real-time measured weather data, are being passed along to WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center for forecasters to review. HWN operators have been handling and relaying all reports with businesslike efficiency, despite occasional QRM --- some of it possibly intentional. HWN Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP, in Boca Raton, Florida, briefly checked into the net using an indoor antenna ``in case we need it,`` he told net control. The National Hurricane Center forecast shows a hurricane warning still in effect for the east coast of Florida from Florida city northward to Flagler Beach, including Lake Okeechobee. Although Frances has been downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, it`s packing sustained winds of 115 MPH with higher gusts. Its forward motion is expected to continue to slow, however, buying some time for Floridians now in the process of preparing for or escaping the storm`s anticipated wrath. As of midday, Hurricane Frances was 200 miles east-southeast of the lower Florida east coast. The NHC continues to predict that heavy rains and storm surge conditions are likely when Frances arrives on the US shoreline. Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) teams throughout Florida continue to prepare for another punishing storm as the state continues to recover from Hurricane Charley in mid-August. Some communities hard-hit by last month`s storm are right in the potential path of Hurricane Frances. Special sessions of the Southern Florida ARES Net (SFAN) to coordinate response activities (Florida Midday Traffic Net and Tropical Phone Traffic Net, both on 7242 kHz) were called up this week. Southern Florida ARES Section Emergency Coordinator Jim Goldsberry, KD4GR, reported that the Broward County Emergency Preparedness Net activated September 2, operating from the Broward County emergency operations center (EOC). Palm Beach County also has been recruiting ARES volunteers for shelter and EOC communicator duty. Palm Beach County RACES Officer Mark Filla, KS4VT, reported coastline and mobile home evacuations were under way. ``This is not a drill,`` emphasized Polk County Assistant Emergency Coordinator Wayne Miles, KG4TCJ, in a message to the Florida ARES reflector. One of the areas assaulted by Hurricane Charley, Polk County ARES has begun conducting informational nets (146.985 MHz, 127.3 Hz tone) at the top of every hour to announce the latest emergency communications information. Earlier this week, Indian River County Emergency Management`s Nathan McCollum put that county`s Auxiliary Communication Services (ACS) --- a Citizen Corps group --- on a ``Level 1`` alert on August 31. The ACS includes Amateur Radio and REACT communication resources. A fairly new all-CW entity, the National Radio Emergency Net (NREN), activated September 3 in response to Hurricane Frances. Net members have been asked to monitor 14,050 kHz and 7050 kHz for health-and- welfare, emergency traffic and hurricane information throughout the weekend. A cooperative effort of several US CW net managers, NREN is aimed at providing an alternative public service network geared to low-power, portable and mobile stations. ARRL West Central Florida Section Manager Dave Armbrust, AE4MR, reports that Hillsborough County ARES is preparing for ARES Mutual Assistance Teams (ARESMAT) deployments to handle mutual-aid requests via state officials after the storm strikes. ``Sarasota County and others are doing the same,`` he noted. ``If your county is not directly hit, please be ready to lend a hand elsewhere if requested.`` Hillsborough County of Emergency Management Director Larry Gispert, KR4X, said in a message to the Tampa Amateur Radio Club that many emergency workers were ``very impressed`` by what Amateur Radio volunteers were able to accomplish during Hurricane Charley. ``As I have mentioned before, in this day and age of ubiquitous Internet access and prolific cell phone usage, it is still amazing that when the chips are down the only reliable form of communication is a bunch of hams with their radios,`` Gispert said. SATERN Activating SATERN, the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, plans to activate September 4 at 1400 UTC on 14.265 MHz to assist areas impacted by Hurricane Frances. SATERN volunteers already are monitoring the net frequency if needed to handle emergency traffic. ``If the need arises, the net will immediately be activated,`` said SATERN National Coordinator Pat McPherson, WW9E. ``Frances is reportedly twice the size of Charley, with hurricane- force winds extending up to 80 miles from its center,`` McPherson noted. ``The path of destruction could be much wider.`` During today`s routine SATERN session, Jeff Daniels, KC5ZQQ, a Salvation Army Commander from Ada, Oklahoma, reported on the organization`s activities via mobile HF radio from Sarasota. SATERN will handle emergency and health-and-welfare traffic for those attempting to get news of friend and relatives in the affected areas. SATERN also accepts specific H&W inquiries via its Web page. NASA Takes Precautions With the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) located near the predicted Hurricane Frances strike zone, NASA is taking no chances and is taking the storm threat seriously. KSC closed September 2, and its nearly 14,000 workers were sent home to make preparations. For the past several days, KSC workers have been taking steps to protect the Space Shuttle fleet, spacecraft hardware, and facilities against damage. ``KSC houses some of the jewels of America`s space flight program,`` said Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Readdy. ``We`ve taken every precaution to secure our spacecraft and facilities and to keep our workers safe.`` During hurricanes and severe weather emergencies, trained HWN members work in cooperation with WX4NHC to provide observed or measured weather data and damage reports via Amateur Radio for relay to forecasters. The ground-level weather data assist NHC forecasters in predicting a storm`s path and behavior. WX4NHC also gathers similar data via the Internet from non-Amateur Radio sources. The HWN also provides essential communication support to WX4NHC, which disseminates storm updates via the HWN. The National Hurricane Center reports a new storm is already in the wings. The National Hurricane Center also is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Ivan, located some 745 miles southwest of the Cape Verde islands. --- some information from NASA and NHC Copyright © 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved (via John Norfolk, dxldyahoogroup via DXLD) ** U S A. You can click in live TV of Channel 25, WPBF in West Palm Beach so see the action from Hurricane Frances. The address is http://www.wpbfnews.com Suggest you use Microsoft Internet Explorer (Chuck Bolland, Clewiston, Florida, Sept 3, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Clewiston is on the SW shore of Lake Okeechobee; hope it`s not too bad where you are, Chuck -- as well as all of our Florida correspondents (Glenn, DXLD) ** U S A. RADIO STATIONS PLAN FULL COVERAGE OF FRANCES By Bob Betcher staff writer September 3, 2004 http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/hurricane_news/article/0,1651,TCP_1239_3157162,00.html Radio might be a key source of information if the force of Hurricane Frances knocks out electricity to the Treasure Coast. More than a dozen radio stations based in Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties expect to switch to 24-hour-a-day storm coverage beginning Friday morning. A sampler of what to expect: WPSL (1590 AM) and WSTU (1450 AM): The sister stations plan to base reporters at the Emergency Operations Centers in Fort Pierce and Stuart. WPSL will boost its usually weak nighttime signal to better serve the region. WJNX (1330 AM): A sister station to WPSL and WSTU, WJNX will offer Spanish-language coverage. Irma Cabriales and Ricardo Moreno will anchor. WGYL (93.7 FM), WOSN (97.1 FM), WGNX (99.7 FM), WTTB (1490 AM): The outlets will pool resources and simulcast signals on all outlets, said Lynne Wasson, office manager of Vero Beach-based Treasure and Space Coast Radio. WZZR (94.3 FM), WCZR (101.7 FM), WSYR (94.7 FM), WAVW (92.7 FM), WQOL (103.7 FM): The Port St. Lucie-based Clear Channel-owned stations will "blow-out all syndicated programming" and go live, said Vice President and Market Manager Mark Bass. At mid-day today, the stations plan to offer common content on all stations. WQCS (88.9 FM): The public radio station from Fort Pierce anticipates heavy local coverage, including additional cut-ins during today's "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered." WHLG (101.3 FM): The Stuart station expects to offer local hurricane tips, shelter information and storm updates. It will also relay Weather Channel information. WFLM (104.7 FM): The White City station will "pull everything off the Internet and TV programming" and rely on faxed-in news and first- person accounts from listeners and advertisers (via Artie Bigley, DXLD) ** U S A. Quite by chance I ran across a segment on the History Channel showing tall TV towers collapsing. This was the first ten minutes of Modern Marvels: Engineering Disasters #5. Don`t know whether they returned to the subject later in the hour, since it was past 1 am local. But it will be repeated on Monday Sept. 6: Modern Marvels EPISODE: Engineering Disasters 5 CATEGORY: Doc SYNOPSIS: A misplaced oil rig spells disaster in Louisiana; West Virginia flood; Exxon Valdez oil spill; collapsing radio and TV antenna towers; freeways and earthquakes. CHANNEL: HISTORY DATE / TIME: September 1: 9:00 PM September 2: 1:00 AM September 6: 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM [CDT = 1400, 2000 UT] (Zap2it via Glenn Hauser, DXLD) ** URUGUAY. New website for SODRE: http://www.mec.gub.uy/sodre/ --- The former http://www.sodre.gub.uy is not active. The new website deserves an amateurish and very simple design, it's in Spanish and adds the program details for their AM and FM stations. A weird thing is that I checked the site yesterday and found programme details not for the day but for the next coming Monday (Horacio A. Nigro, Montevideo - Uruguay, Sept 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) But Thursday clicking on jueves, I got Sept 2. It just displays upcoming programing rather than that already history (gh, DXLD) ** VENEZUELA [non]. The ``San Francisco`` service of RNV is back as of Sept 3. I have been checking 13740 nearly every day in the 1900 UT hour since R. Habana Cuba was blown off the air August 13, and this is the first time I`ve heard this secret relay again, around 1930 UT with discussion in Spanish, usual good signal, and NOT at 1800 as in their own published schedule. See also USA WABC (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. 6104.72, 30 August, 0917-0949, Latin American. Mainly just LA Romantic music with W announcer host after every couple songs in what appeared to be Spanish. It didn't sound like Portuguese. 0924 brief canned announcement by M mentioning 88 (FM frequency??), then talk by W listing numbers sounding like a phone number. Weak but readable. Could have IDed it, but didn't hear anything resembling an ID. Blown out by 6105.21 ZY sudden sign-on in mid-program at 0949:20. Mexico?? Costa Rica?? (Dave Valko, Dunlo PA, Cumbre DX via DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. Evening all. Just tuning around looking for some fax stations when I ran across this broadcast station on 6340 kHz. I don't understand the language, males are speaking now and sounds like it may be a commercial at this time. SIO 344 on an ICF-2010 and an R-8A. Thanks much (Chuck Sayers, Harrisburg PA, WA3GSI, 0102 UT Sept 2, swl at qth.net via DXLD) V. of Iraqi Kurdistan? As in 4-132, or too early? 09/02/04 --- I got an ID on the station, at 0128 they went into English. ID as Radio Sweden, Stockholm. 09/03/04 0125z, They are back again, with a good signal tonight. I used the TS-140s also so it must be some sort of spur maybe?? Three different radio's with different IF's and three antennas (Chuck Sayers, Harrisburg PA, WA3GSI, swl at qth.net via DXLD) YET ANOTHER Sackville mixing product, Sweden relay on 6010 leapfrogging over Vietnam relay on 6175, 165 kHz apart, lands on 6340 (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL +++++++++++++++++++++++ You really need to keep abreast of all the esoteric and one-off broadcasts by regularly checking such frequency news sources as Glenn Hauser's DX Listening Digest. There's still plenty of interesting stuff out there, some of it produced by people who wouldn't have been able to get on shortwave legally a decade ago. Enjoy!! Latest DXLD: http://www.w4uvh.net/dxlatest.txt (Andy Sennitt, http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/features/html/int040902.html via DXLD) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ SVEN OHLSSON`S LISTEN TO THE WORLD, A-04 BROADCASTS IN ENGLISH http://www.swl.nu/listen/index.htm (via Bob Wilkner, DXLD) ###