DX LISTENING DIGEST 6-122, August 12, 2006 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 2006 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 SHORTWAVE AIRINGS OF WORLD OF RADIO 1325: [WRMI schedule still in flux] Sun 0230 WWCR3 5070 Sun 0630 WWCR1 3215 Sun 0800 WRMI 9955 Sun 1530 WRMI 7385 [temporary] Mon 0300 WBCQ 9330-CLSB Mon 0415 WBCQ 7415 Wed 0930 WWCR1 9985 Complete schedule including non-SW stations and audio links: http://www.worldofradio.com/radioskd.html For updates see our Anomaly Alert page: http://www.worldofradio.com/anomaly.html WRN ON DEMAND: http://new.wrn.org/listeners/stations/station.php?StationID=24 OUR ONDEMAND AUDIO [also CONTINENT OF MEDIA, MUNDO RADIAL] http://www.worldofradio.com/audiomid.html or http://wor.worldofradio.org WORLD OF RADIO PODCASTS: www.obriensweb.com/wor.xml ** ALASKA. See RUSSIA ** ALGERIA [non]. No sign of the Algeria relay via UK this week. Are they still on? Last week heard them from 0400 to 0600 on 7260 // 9540 well in Arabic. Also heard 2100-2300 on 7150 // 9710. Glenn mentioned one of these transmissions in DXLD 6-118, 6 August. 73/Liz (Cameron, MI, Aug 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) /Liz may not have heard relays via UK lately, but I checked again Aug 12 at 0512 and there was a weak signal in Arabic on 7260; not audible on // 9540, but it has not been anyway and masked by super-strong Habana 9550. No ID heard on 7260, however, but nothing else listed or likely (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ALGERIA. Google Earth Imagery. Tindouf near West Saharan border line, at Latitude: 27 degrees 40 Min. 0 Sec.; Longitude: -8 degr 9 Min. 0 Sec. 27 40 N 8 9 W (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 7, BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) That is the presumed site of R. Nacional de la República Árabe Saharaui Democrática, formerly on 7460 SW, MW 1550, 700 (gh, DXLD) ** BAHRAIN. 9745-USB, R. Bahrain on 8/8 via DX Tuner Sweden heard nicely at 2110 tune, mostly in the clear with S4 sigs - around 2120 or so starting mixing with V. of Han co-channel but held its own against increasing signal from Han, mainly due to easy to identify instrumental/vocal music, which was continuous throughout. Many songs had what sounded like a live audience, cheering, applauding, etc. Near tune out at 2145 was also starting to mix with HCJB co-channel. SINPO 43533 (Bruce W. Churchill-CA-USA, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** BHUTAN. 6035, R. Bhutan on 8/9 via DX Tuner S. Africa heard for brief interval from 0120 to 0128 with man announcer in distinctive Dzhongha dialect - taken out by adjacent-channel QRM at 0128 by an unID sign-on. Nice to hear them again from this site - nothing has been heard on this frequency at 0100 time frame since about Mar/Apr. Hopefully this will improve with time as we approach Fall. SINPO 23532 with heavy QRM (Bruce W. Churchill-CA-USA, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** BULGARIA. RADIO BULGARIA EN SU 70 ANIVERSARIO Este año Radio Bulgaria – que agrupa los servicios exteriores de Radio Nacional de Bulgaria – cumple su 70 aniversario. Las emisiones para el exterior desde esta capital Sofía, se iniciaron en 1936, un solo año después de inaugurada la emisora nacional. Desde 1992 los servicios exteriores de Radio Nacional llevan el nombre de Radio Bulgaria. En ocasión de tan importante fecha nos dirigimos a todos Uds. para invitarles a participar, si lo desean, en nuestros programas especiales inspirados en la efeméride. Dada la afición de la mayoría de nuestra audiencia al mundo de la onda corta, invitamos a todos a enviarnos, en fotocopia, la QSL de Radio Sofía más antigua que hayan obtenido. Para aquellos de Uds. que nos envíen la QSL de mayor antigüedad de esta Emisora tenemos reservados premios especiales. Además, como ya habíamos anunciado, recibiremos con sumo agrado sus mensajes grabados en casete que radiaremos en un programa dedicado a la audiencia de este Servicio Hispánico. Recordamos que hoy Radio Bulgaria transmite en onda media y corta en diez lenguas para todo el mundo: albanés, alemán, búlgaro, español, francés, griego, inglés, ruso, serbio y turco. En mayo de 2004 se estrenó la página de Radio Bulgaria en Internet, presentada en todas las lenguas citadas más el árabe, con textos, material gráfico y programas de audio. Esperamos sus QSLs y sus mensajes grabados, amigos de Radio Bulgaria en español. Todos los envíos deben llegar a Radio Bulgaria antes del 1 de septiembre de 2006. Radio Bulgaria, 4, Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1040 Sofia, Bulgaria, Su página Web: http://www.bnr.bg E-mail: spanish @ bnr.bg spanish @ nationalradio.bg (Ludmila Petra / Bulgaria via Dino Bloise, Noticias DX via DXLD) Prag auch ** CANADA. CHUC in Cobourg, ON officially switched from 1450 to 107.9 today with much fanfare and ceremony including a town crier reading a proclamation. The first song they played was Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison at 1:26 pm [EDT = 1726 UT]. They are using the slogan "The Breeze." I hope they have better luck than our ill-fated fast ferry which was called the Breeze (Jerry Bond, Rochester, NY, Aug 11, WTFDA via DXLD) ** CANADA. Re 6-121: As J. D. Stephens pointed out, CKDO's website now has a "ticker" announcing the move to 1580. This afternoon there was no signal on 1350 (or 1580 for that matter). Over on the FM side (107.7) I heard the announcer mention the upcoming move to 1580 on Monday and how they were having problems with their 1350 signal. He even mentioned how the 1580 signal will be 10 kW day and night. As of 2230 ELT CKDO is back on 1350. However the signal is so weak here in Toronto that I wouldn't know it was there without matching up to the FM parallel on 107.7 (Niel Wolfish, Toronto, Aug 11, amfmtvdx at qth.net via DXLD) ** CANADA. VE7KFM --- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjIqOk1PqWc A short video showing Karol Madera's Canadian radio shack and including some of his more 'memorable' statements regarding threats to the US Ambassador to Canada and statements regarding sniper rifles and roadside bombs (Brian Crow, K3VR, Aug 10, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHAD. Google Earth Imagery. Nd'jamena site, 100 kW 65 degrees seemingly at 12 07 42 N, 15 04 52 E (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 10, BCDX via DXLD) Or rather 12 08 07 N, 15 02 54 E ? (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) ** CHILE. INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE WEEKEND, AUGUST 19, 20, 2006 Hector, CE2P (CE3FZL); and Ricardo CE2F (CE3HDI); will operate on all band, SSB form CE2P and CW from CE2F, from PUNTA PANUL LIGHTHOUSE ARLHS-073, in San Antonio Port in CHILE. PUNTA PANUL / PUERTO SAN ANTONIO CHI 073 33 34'S 71 38'W http://illw.net/2006_list.htm INTERNATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE/LIGHTSHIP WEEKEND 0001 UTC 19th TO 2359 UTC 20th AUGUST 2006. OFFICIAL LIST OF ENTRANTS - 2006 Total=287 QSL información. CE2P via EA5KB in http://www.qrz.com CE2F via CE3HDI in http://www.qrz.com (Hector Frias CE3FZL, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. Local station Hulunbai Er People`s Broadcasting Station from Hailar was received in Sofia again at 17 hours on the off-band frequency of 3900 kHz with a program in Chinese. The station is also known as Radio Hulun Buir, with a transmitter power of 7.5 kW (Rumen Pankov, R. Bulgaria DX Program Aug 11 via John Norfolk, dxldyg via DXLD) ** CHINA. (4000) Nei Menggu PBS still missing; has been absent from this frequency for a week (John Wilkins-CO-USA, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** CHINA. 9170.0, Voice of Shenzhou - CNR6 - Beijing - *2053 UT Sign on with interval signal and ID's by man and woman: "Zhongyang Renmin Guangbo Diantai Shenzhou Zhi Sheng" (SINPO: 24333) August 10 (M. Franck Baste, F4LKC, 3 Chemin du Pigeonnier, Les Radurons, 03800 St Bonnet de Rochefort, FRANCE, JRC NRD 535, 30m Long Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. The Chinese Music Jammer on 14260 kHz, sign-off at 1600 and sign-on at 2305 UT on Aug. 8 (S. Aoki-JPN; NDXC-HQ controler: S. Hasegawa-JPN Aug 9 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) On 14260 // 18160 kHz AM Firedrake Jammer from Hainan Is. Yes, the Firedrake Jammer from Hainan Island was active (at least) 0230-1400 sign-off on 14260 kHz. I have heard it myself all day long with the same Chinese music. Auch den "Sound of Hope" habe ich am 8.8.06 um Frequenzwechsel gebeten. Ob's was nuetzt? Anschrift SoH: englishfeedback @ soundofhope.org chicago @ soundofhope.org contact @ soundofhope.org Info ueber SOH im Internet: URLs (kein WWW. davor setzen!) http://soundofhope.org/ http://soundofhope.org/default.asp http://big5.soundofhope.org/ http://eng.soundofhope.org/aboutus.aspx Bleiben Sie bitte weiter am Empfaenger und berichten Sie der Bandwacht! Homepage der BW: http://www.iarums-r1.org Freundliche Gruesse, Ihr/dein, Uli Bihlmayer DJ9KR, Leiter der Bandwacht des DARC (Aug 9, via wwdxc BC-DX via DXLD) Just now I have also got the very end of the transmission on 18160 kHz and have heard it // 14260 from 1355 - 1400 UT sign-off. Right now both QRGs are free from "Puff, the Shitty Dragon..." (Uli Bihlmayer DJ9KR, Vice Coordinator of IARU MONITORING, Aug 11 via BCDX via DXLD) Firedrake, 14260, Aug 12 at 1328 was weakly audible, but not after 1400 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CONGO DR. CONGO [sic], 6209.66, Now that R. Fana is on 6110 kHz instead of traditional 6210 kHz (temporarily or for good?), there is a chance at least to detect the carrier of presumed R. Kahuzi from Congo. Today a weak carrier was on 6209.66 kHz and it signed off at 1602. That coincides with the observations by Vashek Korinek of RSA when he heard the station (Mauno Ritola, Finland, mwoffsets [sic] Aug 5 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) Bukavu and Kahuzi are in the Congo DR, not the other Congo (Brazzaville). May I point out once again that it is important not to confuse these two countries?! (Glenn Hauser, DXLD) Congo [sic]: CHRISTIAN RADIO JOY AT RETURN OF A LONG-LOST FRIEND http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/news.aspx?action=view&id=350 An FM transmitter stolen by marauding soldiers from Radio Kahuzi, HCJB World Radio's partner station in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, 10 years ago, has been returned to its rightful owners in time for the ministry's 15th anniversary. Richard McDonald, a missionary with Believer's Express Service, who operates Radio Kahuzi with his wife, Kathy, said the 200-watt transmitter was returned in July, exactly 15 years after the station received a broadcasting licence from the country's former president, Mobutu Sese Seko. "Praise the Lord!" McDonald exclaimed. "Another answer to years of prayer and waiting. What an anniversary present for the Radio Kahuzi team and all our prayer warriors!" (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) ** CUBA [non]. Air Martí is up now! --- Reactivated tonight, and at new time. Up at 2300 GMT, 530 kHz of course. Blasting in, near local level as I type. Presume via the EC-130J, per Al Stern's "Baton 53" log on 338.00 MHz as they were flying down earlier today (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA, 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, Friday Aug 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) So if it`s Commando Solo, which also has TV capability, what would they need the Gulfstream for? (Glenn Hauser, ibid.) To spend more of your tax dollars? Or, on the positive side, provide more cool DX opportunities. Yes! That's it! (Terry Krueger, ibid.) ** CUBA. MID-DAY CUBA RADIO OBSERVATIONS, Saturday August 12 530, presumed Cuba, carrier noted around 1734+ GMT (not there pre- 1700), seemingly no audio. Getting ready for possible Commando Solo EC-130J "Air Martí" activity tonight, after last night's broadcast? Best heard by throwing the NRD-535 into USB, de-tuning to 529.80 and sitting on until it becomes too annoying. Very slightly unstable and about the same level as previous Rebelde/RCH/etc. audio here (all the same traits), so suspect it's them. Doubt it blocks much outside of immediate metro Habana, even with audio patched in. 550.80, presumed Cuba, a big het noted here from noon+ local (1600 GMT) but no audio coming through if there actually is any. Anyone else (especially west coast Florida readers) hearing this? 640, Progreso, Guanabacoa, Ciudad de la Habana. WTF is up with this one? Any more, it is either not on, or very weak (possibly another site when weak, such as the listed Las Tunas site) during local mornings. But by early afternoons, it is up full power and local level. It's almost as if they intentionally activate this post-noon local. Odd, considering it's one if not THE key Progreso transmitters in the chain. Finally noted up at big power upon recheck 1820+ today as an example. 1100/1120/1140, Radio Cadena Habana, all channels about equal level, semi-local adjacent station splatter notwithstanding. Noticiero Nacional de Radio at 1700 (1300 local). 1180, Rebelde syncro's. Oddball swooshing sound sporadically noted under the big Rebelde transmitter (not the typical Wobbler audio), and low growl (latter source maybe Martí-Marathon bumping against all these). 1620+/- didn't write down the time, but somewhere around 1130-1200 GMT, the same sporadic 60-cycle buzz blob that appeared last night, as per David Crawford's discovery, was present. Pretty much overtaking WNRP-Gulf Breeze, FL. Buzz blob was gone by mid-morning. [ready to jam WDHP VIUS Martí relay, at last, I guess --- gh\ 11655, Radio Rebelde, 1644+ with babble by politico hombre, Rebelde IDs between gaps, a few references to the upcoming Noticero Nacional de Radio feed at 1700, into said newscast. Minister of Sugar (yep) report, and a quick "Fidel is still OK" liner card read at 1706. Excellent level. Gone at 1733 recheck, and no other shortwave channels relaying Rebelde (or RHC, for that matter) traced in the 1644-1740 period, except for 5025. Also parallel MW (670, 1180). For those who live outside of Florida/Cuba/Caribbean and can not hear MW channels, this is presently a great way to catch the Noticiero Nacional de Radio news feed from 1300-1330 Cuba local time. Not heard: anything on 1200 (just a weak "Rumba" slogan Spanish format, presumed WPTK-Pine Island Center); 1220 (weak, presumed WIBQ, Sarasota in Spanish); 1270 (Spanish domestic, maybe WRLZ, Eatonville, mixing with WNLS-Tallahassee). Daytime, 1200 used to provide several, the best being Radio Ariguanabo. 1220 daytime was Veintiséis or Caribe. And 1270 for quite awhile consisted of a huge, overmodulated Caribe in the daytime. Things seem to be falling apart down south. Why are the subhuman ChiComs not supplying replacement transmitters? I need to do a dedicated Ft. DeSoto bandscan, but it is just too f*cking hot. 93-95 F. air temp and the Gulf of Mexico temps are peaking some days up to 97 F right along the shoreline. Maybe in another 45 or so days? Better yet, a Florida Keys trip (but I don't see that happening until next spring at the earliest). PS: Hi, Arnie. I know you eventually read my posts and cringe. (Terry L Krueger, Clearwater, Florida, USA 27.55.83 N, 82.46.08 W, 1851 UT Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CZECH REPUBLIC. Radio Prag will Ihre QSL-Karte. Ich zitiere aus der Ausgabe des Hoererforums vom vergangenen Dienstag, nachzulesen hier: http://www.radio.cz/de/aktuell/forum "Langjaehrige Hoerer und Kurzwellenfuechse" [...] ", die sind jetzt gefragt, bei unserem Jubilaeums-Preisausschreiben im Hoererforum. Haben Sie noch alte QSL-Karten von Radio Prag aus den 80er, 70er, ja vielleicht sogar aus den 60er Jahren? Zeigen Sie allen Hoerern die Schaetze Ihrer Sammlung und schicken Sie uns Ihre aelteste, schoenste oder interessanteste QSL-Karte von Radio Prag und schreiben Sie auf zwei, drei Zeilen Ihre Geschichte dazu. Zu gewinnen gibt es ein nostalgisches Miniatur-Radio fuer den Einsender der aeltesten QSL- Karte von Radio Prag, aber auch viele andere Preise, die unter allen Einsendern verlost werden. Also: greifen Sie in ihr Archiv und zeigen Sie uns, wie Radio Prag frueher ausgesehen hat! Einsendeschluss ist der 25. August. Uebrigens: Wenn Sie sich von ihrer originalen QSL-Karte nicht trennen moegen, dann koennen Sie natuerlich auch ein Foto oder eine Farbkopie schicken oder die Karte einscannen lassen. Mir bleibt jetzt nur noch, mich auf Ihre Post und Ihre QSL-Karten zu freuen! Das naechste Hoererforum gibt es, wie gewohnt, in 14 Tagen. Schreiben Sie uns an folgende Adresse: Radio Prag, Vinohradska 12, 12099 Praha 2, Tschechische Republik. Oder per E-Mail an deutsch @ radio.cz (Thorsten Hein-D, A-DX Aug 3 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** ETHIOPIA. 6110: see UNIDENTIFIED ** ETHIOPIA. Re: Google Earth Imagery. Gedja site. Don't remember if this was already mentioned: Geja Jewe FS is partly on high resolution in Google Earth at 8 47 11N 38 38 40E (Mauno Ritola-FIN, SWsites.yahoo Aug 5) 11 dipole arrays seen to various directions (Wolfgang Büschel, BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** ETHIOPIA [non]. Dejen R., 12120, a friendly no data e-mail but definitely confirming the reception, in 55 weeks; v/s Hailemariam Abebe (CEO & President, Liberty Bell Communications, Inc.) who also apologised for the delay; QTH: libertybell6033 @ sbcglobal.net (Vashek Korinek, RSA, DXplorer Aug 8 via BCDX via DXLD) Filed in BCDX under RUSSIA; transmitter site has been listed as Samara (gh) ** GABON. Google Earth Imagery. Moyabi unfortunately on low resolution image. 1 18 45 S, 13 16 15 E ???? (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 10, BCDX via DXLD) Or rather 1 40 34 S, 13 17 59 E, between Moyabi and Moanda? (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) ** GUIANA FRENCH. BBC relay, 11675, an impressive full data reception confirmation sheet and a personal letter in six weeks from TDF (B.P. 7024, 97307 Cayenne Cedex, French Guyana); v/s illegible (Vashek Korinek, RSA, DXplorer Aug 8 via BCDX via DXLD) 11675 was GUF in the B-05 season at 21-22; now it`s Greenville (gh, DXLD) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. TeleSur corruption & scandals: see VENEZUELA ** IRAQ [and non]. AFTER GLITCH, AFN RADIO BACK ON THE AIR IN IRAQ, KUWAIT --- Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Friday, August 11, 2006 http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=39265 American Forces Network radio programs are back on the air in Iraq and Kuwait after a monthlong hiatus because of technical problems, network officials said Thursday. The programming, dubbed `Freedom Radio` was disrupted for much of July because of problems with satellite dishes, said Maj. Gary Sheftick, broadcast officer for AFN-Iraq. During that time, some of the programs were phoned in to an AFN broadcast center in Mannheim, Germany, then relayed back to select locations in Iraq, officials said. With the technical problems resolved, AFN is back to live programming in the region seven days a week, officials said. During the hiatus, officials also revamped the broadcast lineup. Now, the programming day begins at 6 a.m. with `Morning Madness`, a live show hosted by Spc. Micah Miller and Spc. Adriana Mozzo, of the 356th Broadcast Operations Detachment, a unit that recently arrived in Iraq. ``We`re going to punch it up and hopefully get a little banter going,`` Miller was quoted as saying in a military news release. ``We`ll stay with the favorites, but put a little twist on it.`` At 10 a.m., the program switches to `Country Convoy,` hosted by Staff Sgt. David Baez, which runs until 2 p.m. That show is followed by `Goodtime Radio,` a program that lasts through 6 p.m. and features classic rock, hosted by Sgt. 1st Class James Ayers. The day ends at 10 p.m. with a contemporary-music program hosted by Pvt. Chris Urbano. On Sundays, officials said, the lineup changes to include an urban- music show from 6-10 a.m., with a half-hour radio news show. Where to find AFN: AFN Radio can be heard on following frequencies: In Iraq Baghdad: 107.7 Al Asad: 107.3 Balad: 107.3 Tallil: 107.3 Tikrit: 100.1 Kirkush: 107.3 Kirkuk: 107.3 Taji: 107.3 Mosul: 105.1 Fallujah: 105.1 In Kuwait Arifjan: 104.3 In Afghanistan Kabul: 103.1 (via Kevin Redding, ABDX via DXLD) ** IRELAND. By the way, I happened to hear 6295 Reflexions Europe with ID 1830 Aug 6, still announcing 3910, 6295 and 12255 kHz. Not a whisper on 12255 kHz - has this frequency been used recently? (Finn Krone, Denmark, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX Aug 11 via DXLD) ** JAPAN [non]. Conversation between an American accented M and a Japanese accented W proved to be, what else, NHK Warido, on 7230 via Woofferton, UK, Aug 12 at 0515 // 6110 via Canada but slightly out of synch with each other. I think 6110 was the one behind (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** JAPAN. TOKYO TOWER LIKELY TO GET CULTURE STATUS The company that owns Tokyo Tower wants to register it as state- designated cultural property, company officials said yesterday. Nippon Television City Corp said the 333-metre radio and television tower, the world’s tallest iron tower, will mark its 50th anniversary in December 2008, making it eligible for registration. It will cease to function as a transmitter in 2011, when analogue broadcasting is replaced by terrestrial digital broadcasting. A new 610-metre tower to be built in Sumida Ward will handle digital broadcasts. ``In order to preserve the tower, we must bring in tourists, and it is vital to take special measures to attract people,`` said Yoshihiro Watanabe, a senior company official. Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958 and became a symbol of Japan’s postwar recovery and economic growth. The Cultural Affairs Agency said the tower should have little trouble gaining approval as a cultural property. ``It is a building symbolic of Tokyo’s skyline and is very well-known. It is also valuable in terms of its architectural history and qualifies for registration,`` an agency official said. Last year, Nagoya TV Tower, which was built in 1954, was registered as a cultural property. The owner of Osaka’s Tsutenkaku Tower, which was completed in 1956, is also applying for cultural recognition (Source: The Japan Times)( August 11th, 2006, 10:59 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** KENYA. GOVERNMENT MINISTER SHOCKED AT STATE OF TRANSMITTING STATION A Sh900 million (US$12.3 million) government radio transmission station based in Malindi, Kenya, cannot be used because its equipment is outdated. Information Assistant Minister Koigi wa Wamwere said, following a visit to the Marekebuni radio transmission station, said it needed an overhaul. The minister was shocked by the pathetic state of the transmission station and asked if it was worth Sh900 million. Technicians at the station said it was among nine others countrywide built in 1992 with Japanese government assistance. Salt from the Indian Ocean has led to corrosion of the equipment at the station. Out of six transmitters, only one is operational and only one out of three generators works. Transmitters which served Kilifi, Tana River, Malindi and Lamu districts as well as parts of Eastern and North Eastern provinces, are out of order. ``Our radio broadcasts could be heard as far as Mogadishu in Somalia and Tanzania when it was set up here 14 years ago,`` said a technician. But he said the other nine stations were still in working condition. As a result, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation English transmission collapsed five years ago while the Kiswahili service is off-air most of the day. Technicians said in case of a power blackout, the station cannot transmit as its requires 750 KVA while only a small generator of 50 KVA was working. The generator is only used for lighting. The roof is leaking and the floor has corroded as a result of salt from the ocean. Even blowers to remove dust do not work. The problem has been aggravated by six major salt companies at the Gongoni ocean front where millions of tonnes of salt are processed annually. Mr Wamwere said the national broadcaster must embrace new technology to keep pace with the times. ``KBC must embrace modern digital technology as the analogue technology is obsolete. The world has gone digital,`` he said. The assistant minister said the station should be revived since the Government transmitted its policies to the public through it. ``People are criticising the Government because they don’t know what it is doing. It is through the radio and such media that they can learn about government policies,`` he said (Source: The Nation) (August 12, 2006, 13:47 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) WTFK?? AM or FM? ** KOREA NORTH. 2850.0, KCBS, P`yongyang - Sign on at *1958 UT with interval signal and IDs in korean (SINPO: 24322) August 10. 6249.95, PBS, P`yongyang - *2059 UT - Sign on with interval signal and ID in Korean, songs (SINPO: 23333) 9664.90, KCBS, P`yongyang - 2005 UT - Typical revolutionary songs // 2850 (SINPO: 33333) August 10 (M. Franck Baste, F4LKC, 3 Chemin du Pigeonnier, Les Radurons, 03800 St Bonnet de Rochefort, FRANCE, JRC NRD 535, 30m Long Wire, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA NORTH. Google Earth Imagery. These could be masts here: 38 00n, 125 07e, but Haeju itself is 50 km to the east: 38 02n, 125 43e. Does anyone have further information about the North Korean sites? (later) A tower near Hyesan, note the coordinates. 756 kHz & SW? 41 23 41 N, 128 10 28E (Mauno Ritola, Finland, wwdxc BC-DX Aug 6 via DXLD) ** KOREA NORTH [non]. Shiokaze, 9485 via Taiwan, Sat Aug 12 at 1322 check was coming in well, ID in Japanese on this occasion (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KOREA SOUTH. Unusual programming on 1566 --- At 1224 UT 12 Aug, there was accented English talk (i.e. not North American, hi, more like from England), faint on 1566 --- so I assumed 3NE, yet conditions didn't really seem to favor Australia (only the faintest carrier on 612, fat carrier on 972, JJ talk 774 etc). Then, it became clear that each English sentence was followed by one in another language, (that didn't really sound Chinese either). Occasional mentions of "God" in the English portions. Presumably HLAZ then, with English lessons. More or less verified by carrier off at 1229:45 followed by resumed programming in Japanese with FEBC and HLAZ mentions. So, not all English on 1566 is 3NE --- in fact, I'm now wondering if any of it heard this summer in the 1200-1230 UT portion has been. Have to look at my notes. Best wishes, (Nick Hall-Patch, Victoria, B.C. Canada, IRCA via DXLD) Nick: HLAZ may have been broadcasting a bi-lingual program which would be listed in their schedule as Korean or another non-English language. That is not at all unusual (Bill Harms, MD, ibid.) For me, the clincher was listening to the program (it was still weak and fady) up to 1230, and hearing the carrier go off, then come back stronger with definite Japanese talk. Pretty strong indicator of HLAZ. Bill Harm's suggestion of a bilingual program is an interesting one, and the other language could have been Korean, but they are listed in Mandarin Chinese at that time. (Mind you, the FEBC website is a little confusing, and I believe their schedule changes according to whether daylight time is in effect in the target area). Best wishes, (Nick Hall-Patch, Victoria, B.C. Canada, IRCA via DXLD) ** KYRGYZSTAN. 4795, Bishkek heard Aug 8 via DX Tuner Sweden on this unusual frequency from 2350 tune to past 0055 with indigenous stringed instruments and man narrator to 0000, opening Kyrgyz instrumental music/woman announcer to 0001 followed by presumed news by woman in Kyrgyz to 0007.5, news feature in Russian with woman announcer and 2 actualities by men to 0013 loss of DX Tuner connection. Retuned at 0015.5 with what sounded like continuation of Russian programming. Heavy QSB with occasional fades to S2. SINPO 35333. This is a 15 KW transmitter, I believe, (as opposed to 4010 which is 100 KW) and rarely reported in NAm (Bruce W. Churchill-CA-USA, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX via DXLD) ** LEBANON [and non]. FM DX in Ukraine: Hello, Here are my recent FM Logs, Yablonovka, Kagarlyk area, Kiev region. Rx: Sangean ATS909, telescopic ant. Only identified stations are listed. [excerpts] MHz, Day, Time, Country, Station, TX, SINPO, km 87.7 01.08 1012-1019 LBN Radio Sawa, site?, Arabic 44333 1800 87.8 13.07 1115-1202 SYR SRT1, El-Swedaa, Arabic 43433 1966 88.0 09.08 1422-1502 ISR KIsrael, Tel Aviv/Beer Sheva, Heb 33333 2005 88.0 09.08 1442-1502 LBN Nostalgie, Jabal Tourbol+, French 43333 1762 88.2 09.08 1421-1422 CYP RIK, Mt. Olympus, Greek mx 45444 1669 88.3 13.07 1203-1211 SYR R Orient, Deir al Acher, English 44333 1762 88.6 13.07 1345-1347 SYR Voice of Youth, Damascus, Arabic 55444 1642 88.6 09.08 1128-1130 SYR Sowt as Shaab, Slenfe, Arabic 45444 1642 89.3 13.07 1227-1245 CYP Radio Proto, Monte Olympus, Greek 34333 1669 89.9 13.07 1245-1257 SYR SRT2, Aleppo, Arabic 45444 1595 97.1 09.08 1154-1221 LBN Voice of Tomorrow, var, Arabic 34333 1816 (Sergey Kolesov, via Dario Monferini, playdx yg via DXLD) ** LEBANON. ISRAELI HELICOPTER ROCKETS OLD RADIO TOWER IN BEIRUT Thursday 10 Aug 2006 Beirut August 10 Reuters http://today.reuters.com/News/CrisesArticle.aspx?storyId=L10182941 An Israeli helicopter fired at least two rockets at a disused radio broadcast tower in the heart of Beirut on Thursday, lightly wounding two people and damaging a number of cars, Lebanese security sources said. Minutes later, Israeli helicopters rocketed old antennas belonging to Lebanon's official radio station in the coastal village of Amsheet, north of Beirut. The attack on the tower in Ras Beirut is the deepest Israeli strike into the Lebanese capital in a month-old campaign against Hizbollah guerrillas. The tower, next to the Lebanese American University, had not been in use for many years (via Mike Terry, Aug 10, dxldyg via DXLD) The "old antennas" of Radio Lebanon are in fact their main if not sole AM site, usually listed in another transliteration at Amchit. I see that they were running a mere 10 kW from there already in 1990, but in times gone by higher powered mediumwave facilities as well as a shortwave transmitter were on air there . . . Any information if they managed to keep / bring back 837 kHz on air from either Amchit or elsewhere? This is another example for the worrying trend of broadcasting stations becoming routine targets of military attacks, with the bombing of the RTS TV building as well as the transmission facilities at Belgrade in 1999 as precedent (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Aug 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Some further research brought up past DXLD editions as almost only source of information on this matter (not that I would be surprised about this circumstance): http://www.worldofradio.com/dxld2159.txt --- New 1000 kW transmitter has been installed at entirely new Hamat site, replacing Amchit on 837 kHz. Another mediumwave transmitter at Beirut is believed to still exist. http://www.worldofradio.com/dxld4004.txt --- Speaks about 990 kHz transmitter at Amchit, switched off after the IBB had stolen this frequency for their new Cyprus transmitter. Says that 837 kHz aux for Hamat is still available at Amchit as well. Concerning 990 kHz cf. under Cyprus at http://www.worldofradio.com/dxld2144.txt There appears to be uncertainty about the site used for 837 in past years; either Beirut or Amchit? And what about the Hamat transmitter, is it on air or not, since WRTH 2006 says that 837 originates from the Amchit aux? In the latter case, one still has to wonder about the current situation after the attacks (it appears that the site has been targeted already earlier) on the Amchit station (Kai Ludwig, Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** LIBERIA. 5470, R. Veritas is indeed off this frequency - not heard 2100-2200 from any DX Tuner in Europe or S. Africa. Another one bites the dust? (Bruce W. Churchill-CA-USA, DXplorer Aug 9 via BCDX via DXLD) Not yet. It is on tonight, heard here in Finland via 'normal' radio at 2100 UT on 5469.96 kHz (Mauno Ritola, Finland, DXplorer Aug 9, ibid.) ** LIBYA. Sebha in the southern Saharan part of the country showed on the image only in low resolution, at 25 52 N, 14 50 E. These transmitters used a decade ago, when Chad clashes and rebels uprising occurred there (Wolfgang Büschel, BCDX Aug 10 via DXLD) This should still have MW transmitters, maybe somewhere nearer the town: 27 02 N, 14 26 E (Mauno Ritola, Finland, ibid.) ** LIBYA [non]. The African music jammer was really Cuban at the moment I checked, 1416 Aug 12 on 17685 aside Chile (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NICARAGUA. CHRISTIAN RADIO STATION REACHES REMOTE NICARAGUAN COMMUNITY --- By Kenneth D. MacHarg, Missionary Journalist, Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1412630.html Sitting in a chair, swatting off mosquitoes at the end of the day, Pastor Sarmiento ticks off the hardships that exist in this hot, isolated and fast-growing town. "We have drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, rape, crime, drug trafficking, thievery, prostitution, marital infidelity, poverty, unemployment" he said. "But most of all, our people have spiritual needs." To help address those needs, Sarmiento's day begins well before dawn when his 1,000 watt FM transmitter kicks on at 4 a.m. and starts broadcasting programs in the local Miskito language, reaching out to rural residents beginning their day. Sarmiento said that farmers outside of town requested the pre-dawn broadcasts and carry small portable radios with them all day to listen to Radio Veca. And, often it doesn't end until well after dark as he sits in the yard between his house and the radio studio counseling with people who come by seeking help after hearing a program on the radio. Radio Veca (La Voz Evangélica de la Costa Atlántica - The Christian Voice of the Atlantic Coast) serves nearly 100,000 residents along Nicaragua's swampy Caribbean coast. The population, primarily consisting of Miskito Indians, lives in a self-supporting community that has little trade with the outside world. The country's capital, Managua, is 24-hours away by bus over an almost impossible mud track populated by bandits and swarms of mosquitoes or an hour and a half away by airplane. With very few tourists, the area survives by subsistence farming, fishing and the various local businesses that support the community. Programs, which are broadcast in Miskito, Spanish and English, focus on biblical solutions to contemporary problems, Sarmiento explains. "We teach the Bible, we tell people about the consequences of using drugs, and we talk about family problems. We also carry educational programs, features about health, and special programs for women, children and youth." Because some residents speak English, the station carries an hour of English Christian music as well as a program from Focus on the Family in that language. "I have listened to Christian radio since I was a child," the pastor said. "I used to listen to HCJB from Ecuador as well as to Faro del Caribe from Costa Rica, The Evangelical Voice from Honduras and Trans World Radio from Bonaire," he explained. Knowing the impact that Christian broadcasts had on his life, the pastor knew the effect that Christian radio could have on his community. "Using the radio is profound. People are in church for two hours a week, but they have radio with them all day," he explained. But, broadcasting in such a remote town, in tropical heat and humidity, is not easy. Funds are short, equipment is unavailable, support and training are in short supply. To help improve his broadcasts, Sarmiento turned to HCJB World Radio to seek advice and help. With his 1,000 watt transmitter churning out only 87 watts, he invited HCJB engineers and a team of volunteers from Great Plains Christian Radio in Meade, Kansas to come and lend a hand. Arriving from Quito, engineer Steve Sutherland began work, followed by a team headed by Bill Lurwick, Production Director and announcer at Great Plain's stations KJIL and KHYM in Meade. "We have been helping them to replace their FM Exciter and now the power is running at 980 watts. We repaired the antenna, and installed new lightening protectors and a new ground system," Lurwick said. The team also started work to expand the studios, adding a room for counseling listeners and recording programs. In addition, Lurwick presented several workshops for the station's announcers. "We help form partnerships between Christian radio stations in the United States and those overseas," explained HCJB missionary Dan Koenig who accompanied the work group to Puerto Cabezas. "Some of those partnerships are simple, involving support and the supplying of equipment. Others involve sending a mission team to help with construction or training or technical improvements." "Our vision is to develop at least ten such partnerships a year in Latin America," Koenig said. That kind of help pays off in making a Christian radio station more influential. "I want to know how to better reach my listeners, and the workshop helped me to do that," said 16-year old Sebastián Nestor Nicolas Meza who hosts a daily music program for youth and a weekly program answering letters from listeners. Radio Veca has developed an on-going relationship with HCJB. A gleaming satellite dish with the ALAS logo sits outside the studio, receiving programs from Quito that the station uses for several hours a day. "We receive the news from ALAS and that helps us to keep people informed," Sarmiento said. "We do some local news as well." The pastor is interrupted frequently throughout the day as Puerto Cabezas residents arrive at the studios on foot, by bicycle or taxi to deliver announcements that they want to be aired on the station. Many are personal messages to family members in the rural area advising them of family illnesses or other events about which they need to know. "We are the number one station in Puerto Cabezas," Sarmiento says. There are seven other stations in the community. "It's important that we address spiritual concerns," said Anatacia Maybit de López after presenting an early morning Bible study in the Miskito language. "We want to encourage the church and help people to know that they will belong to God," she said. Maybit, who grew up in Puerto Cabezas and now ministers at the 5,000- member Braeswood Assembly of God church in Houston, Texas, said that the needs and aspirations of her people run deep. "Illiteracy is a big issue here, there is little education. But, we now have both the Old and New Testament in the Miskito language." Maybit visits her home town once a year and presents Bible studies on the radio stations when she is here. Also at the heart of Miskito needs is the memory of mass killings by Sandinista military groups during the country's civil war in the 1980s. Pastor Sarmiento remembers those times well. "During the war many people from the country came here for safety. The Sandinistas thought that we would oppose them because many of the Miskito people want their own autonomy. If fact, the people supported the overthrow of the Samoza dictatorship. But, all we wanted was a government of peace and prosperity." Sarmiento said that Sandinista forces raided local churches (the majority of Miskitos belong to Moravian congregations.) "They killed many people in the churches, many people disappeared and many were thrown into jail." "I was in jail for over one year only for being a pastor," he said. Today, the pastor is working to bring hope and a better way of life to his people. But, he said, to do that for effectively, he needs help. "We need financing to operate the station, we need a recording studio, we need funds to help us set up an internet station to receive programming and we need a new control board. At the end of a long day, Pastor Sarmiento looked forward to resuming ministry the next morning. "What is in my heart is to broadcast the Gospel," he said (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NIGERIA. This morning, Sat. 12th, VON changed again from 15120 to presumed 7255 at usual 0758 UT. Before, signal was much stronger as than the past days, when it was comparatively weak all day. Maybe they have not used the usual antenna position, power or whatever they normally use for Europe on 15120. Also audio was quite low and the audio line to the news studios in Abuja very erratic. As Glenn suggested, phone has been used sometimes instead of the usual line, or even news from Abuja replaced by music (yesterday). So it's still the usual chaos (Thorsten Hallmann, Münster, Germany, http://www.africalist.de.ms Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** POLAND. Gifts from R. Polonia. Nice surprise today, August 11, 2006. Mailman had registered package for me to sign. Glanced at the package and saw "Polonia" and "Warszawa". "Hmm,,,", I thought, maybe I won something in R. Polonia's recent contest. Yes! Received cow key chain (with Green Polskie Radio vest) (I really don't associate cows with Poland), and a Polskie Radio FM Autoscan radio (looks like a large USB thumbdrive). Thanks R. Polonia from a former R. Polonia DX Club member! I'd gladly trade these items from improved R. Polonia SW reception. In my experience growing up in Pittsburgh, PA the Polish people are some of the nicest, thoughtful people I've ever met. 73, (Kraig Krist, KG4LAC, Manassas, VA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Much like what I reported getting a while back (gh, DXLD) ** PORTUGAL. Google Earth Imagery. Here are the pictures of the RDP & DW, with the geo-coordinates referred to the central main building or transmitter hall being: São Gabriel 38§ 47' 06.03" N 8§ 41' 49.52" W [in decimal degrees {above;} 38 47 6 N, 08 41 51 W - 45 meters ASL] The T-shaped building is the transmitter hall. The "quarter" on the opposite (east) side of the N10 road was formerly used to house all the personnel. The photo is possibly outdated as I can see just one (Africa) curtain array is visible (SEast side of the buildings), and the A13 speed-road is shown under construction work further to the north. They have curtain arrays for Eur, NAm, SoAm/WAfr while NW SoAm and India/M East are served via old rhombics which cannot take more than 100 kW. São Gabriel is in fact just the RDP site, nothing else, i.e. no village or alike. Sines 37§ 56' 25.93" N 8§ 46' 18.18.88" W [in decimal degrees {above;} 37 56 26 N 8 46 16 W - 54 meters ASL] I don't know whether the slim towers are for the 75 m band, but maybe they are. The other 3 rotatable curtain arrays are clearly visible (Carlos Gonçalves, Portugal, wwdxc BC-DX Aug 9 via DXLD) Despite the three rotatables, I see only the 55 degree log-periodical antenna towards central Europe --- also used for RDP Sat/Sun on 11995 kHz 0830-1000, Mon-Fi 11850 0645-0800. Seemingly Quadrant antenna at 37 56 22N 8 46 18W, unfortunately low resolution. At 37 56 37N, 8 46 21W {37 degree} and 37 56 25N, 8 46 12W {55 degree}, seemingly old mast fragments of dismantled former dipole curtains (Wolfgang Büschel, ibid.) ** RUSSIA. NEARLY 100 CHRISTIAN RADIO OUTLETS IN RUSSIA FORCED OFF THE AIR TEMPORARILY --- For Immediate Release Aug. 11, 2006 All but two of the nearly 100 outlets affiliated with New Life Radio (NLR), a Russian satellite network operated by Christian Radio for Russia with HCJB World Radio as the principal partner, have been forced to go off the air temporarily. ``NLR had to move to another satellite to distribute its programs,`` said Mark Irwin, director of HCJB World Radio`s Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States subregion. ``This is due to the fact that the satellite distribution slots on the satellite we were using were all bought up by the Russian government.`` At the end of July NLR learned that it would have to move from one satellite (Eutelsat W4) —the main satellite that carries entertainment programs in Russia—to another satellite (Intelsat 904) ``in just a matter of days,`` Irwin explained. He added that going back to the Eutelsat satellite may still be an option, ``but the costs appear to be prohibitive.`` At present only two affiliates are broadcasting NLR programs --- an FM station in Volgodonsk, Russia (operated by Volgodonsk Baptist Church), and KICY in Nome, Alaska. Local technicians in Volgodonsk made the necessary changes immediately while KICY never went off the air since it downloads the programs via high-speed Internet. Most of NLR`s outlets are off the air until changes can be made to their satellite dishes. Each unit needs to be repositioned and new reception equipment installed in order to pick up the signal from Intelsat. ``These dishes are scattered all across Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic states and parts of Europe,`` Irwin added. ``The problem is getting to these sites. It could take up to a year before they`re all changed. This means curtailing a lot of effective ministry.`` The biggest impact could be on the downlinks that have been installed in Russian prisons, he said. ``NLR has been used to preach Christ across Russia and Eastern Europe and was making an especially big impact as a ministry tool in dozens of local prisons. The prison ministry could come to a halt temporarily.`` Other outlets are in remote areas of Siberia—in tiny drug rehabilitation centers, at distant military sites or faraway churches and Bible schools. ``Making all the necessary changes is a mammoth task, and our staff is very busy,`` he explained. ``And for some of the more remote sites, the outlets may actually be outside the footprint of the new satellite. We don`t know yet.`` Irwin said moving to the new satellite could also result in a ``90- percent reduction in listenership`` for certain subscribers who pick up the programs on their personal direct-to-home satellite dishes. ``If somebody is receiving a big satellite television package and New Life Radio is on that package, as was the case, and then NLR goes to a totally different satellite, the listener will have to make a choice, `Will I give up my television package so I can follow NLR to a different satellite?``` He added that this is a ``really sensitive time in Russia`` with current events straining relations between Moscow and Washington, D.C., and countries in Europe. ``Political events and developments between Russia and Western governments sometimes affect ministry in Russia,`` Irwin said. Since 1931 HCJB World Radio`s passion has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Through the practical tools of media and healthcare, the mission is equipping the voices and hands of the growing church. By working with local believers around the globe, ministries have been established in more than 300 communities in more than 100 countries as partners focus on blessings their communities. Together with these partners, HCJB World Radio broadcasts the gospel in more than 120 languages and dialects. Thousands of healthcare patients are also meeting Jesus. Believers are being trained as missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers. HCJB World Radio`s desire is to integrate discipleship with practical tools to equip the growing church around the world and see lives transformed. - 30 - For more information contact: Jon Hirst, Communications Director, HCJB World Radio P. O. 38900, Colorado Springs, CO 80949 (719) 590-9800 jhirst @ hcjb.org (via Goerzen, Harold, HCJB, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hi Glenn; This is why short wave radio is superior. Nobody can shut down the signal or buy out the ionosphere. Signals are jammed and sometimes solar flares wipe out reception but many third world folks still have short wave radios. Yours, (Bruce Atchison, AB, DX LISTENING DIGEST, who also forwarded the story) Alaska`s SW station KNLS is known as the ``New Life Station`` --- but not mentioned in this release. So they are not involved with this group? KNLS also used to have some relays in Russia, at least on SW (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Don't know that they are involved (Harold Goerzen, HCJB, ibid.) ** SRI LANKA. Station with South Asian language and music, strong but fluttery on 15530, Aug 12 at 1412; much stronger than Chile 15525 and not much else to match it on 19m. Was hoping for something more exotic but per Eibi it is just: 15530 1400-1500 USA VoA Radio Aap ki Dunyaa Urdu SAs /CLN (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. BBCWS on VIETNAM: q.v. ** U S A. FAITHFUL VIEWING --- Eternal Word Television Network started with $200 and a nun's devotion. A quarter-century later, its Roman Catholic programs are seen in 127 nations. By Jay Reeves Associated Press IRONDALE, Ala. - Twenty-five years ago, Mother Mary Angelica had a vision for Eternal Word Television Network, a channel offering nothing but Roman Catholic programming. She had little more than faith, $200, and a garage to use as a studio. Now EWTN Global Catholic Network is available in 127 countries and more than 118 million households, and is capping a celebration of its 1981 founding. With viewers from Illinois to India, the satellite channel has grown to include radio and the Internet, and bills itself as the largest religious media network in the world. The network will stage the last in a series of six public celebrations around the country this weekend in nearby Bírmingham, where Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo, the Colombian president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, will celebrate mass tomorrow. . . http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/15256255.htm (via Joe Hanlon, NJ, DXLD) No mention of SW ** U S A. MIXING RADIO AND STATE? By Julie Ball, EDITOR published: August 10, 2006 12:15 am http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060810/PISGAHMOUNTAINNEWS/60808073/1151 HENDERSONVILLE [NC] — Parasadie Gentry felt called to the airwaves. For decades, her husband W.H. Gentry, known by many as simply ``Preacher,`` put together a Sunday morning religious program on Hendersonville radio station WHKP. [1450, ``Where Heavens Kiss the Peaks`` -- NRC AM Log 2005] [link] Contract between Mediacom and WHKP (2,004 KB) After her husband died in 1999, Parasadie Gentry took over the program. ``It`s music and singing and maybe testimony --- and some preaching,`` she said. ``All these years, this has been the most wonderful program. We`ve reached so many people in the county.`` In addition to those radio listeners she reaches, Gentry`s Sunday morning program can be heard by cable television customers on HCTV-11, Henderson County`s local government channel. Henderson County uses an audio feed from the AM station as background when the county isn`t broadcasting its own programming. Along with the religious programming, the radio station broadcasts local news, sports and other programs including conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh. But some object to county using the station`s audio feed, saying a county-run and funded government channel is no place for political or religious programs. ``We are paying in taxes, and I don`t feel they give a fair shake to both sides,`` said Mary Terjesen, who lives near Etowah. After much discussion and several years of wrangling, Henderson County last month signed an agreement with Radio Hendersonville, the station`s parent company, to continue providing the background audio when the county isn`t showing a program. But there are some changes. Before and after any religious or political programming, the station must run a disclaimer, and the station must edit out any paid political programming or political commercials. Under the agreement, the station will also pay ``all the costs of the defense of the county and its elected officials, agents and employees (including reasonable attorney fees)`` if anyone sues over the arrangement. And that`s a possibility. The Henderson County Democratic Party has threatened legal action, and Eva Ritchey, party chairwoman, said last week the group is ``moving ahead`` with that action. ``We think that there is an obvious question of fairness here that all parties are not being treated fairly under the law,`` Ritchey, who is also a candidate for the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, said. A question of fairness? For Randy Houston, owner of WTZQ, a competitor of WHKP, the question is a business issue. ``The number used for that is that my competitor is reaching an additional 20,000 homes through the cable channel,`` Houston said. WHKP must edit out political ads, but other commercial advertising is being broadcast over the government channel. Houston said that gives WHKP a competitive advantage when selling advertising. ``It`s like the county deciding to do business with only one vendor. It`s the fairness issue. It`s the equity of the whole thing,`` Houston said. Houston bought WTZQ AM 1600 four years ago. The station plays ``oldies`` music. ``We`ve been back and forth with this issue for a long time,`` Houston said. ``It is cost prohibitive for me to consider a suit against the county.`` Houston isn`t the only one with concerns. ``As a taxpayer, I don`t want to be spending for a privately owned radio station to broadcast their commercials and political-related programming on the county government`s TV cable access channel,`` said Steven Gee of Hendersonville. But county leaders say WHKP broadcasts local sporting events, local news, weather and emergency information to those who might not be able to pick up the station`s signal. ``We`ve got a lot of people, shut-ins. You`d be surprised how many letters we got saying they wanted to hear the (the station broadcast),`` said Commissioner Larry Young. ``I went ahead and voted for it (the contract with the station) since they (WHKP) said they would buy the equipment to block that (political ads), and that WHKP would uphold the county in any lawsuit.`` An institution WHKP began broadcasting in Henderson County Oct. 24, 1946, according to Richard Rhodes, vice president of the station. Rhodes describes the station`s format as ``variety.`` The station plays some music, but also includes talk programs including an open line program and Paul Harvey commentary. ``We`ve had Rush (Limbaugh) longer than any station in Western North Carolina,`` Rhodes said. The station`s religious programming runs from 6 a.m. to the close of church services at noon Sundays. Churches and individuals pay for time. Rhodes said the station received a lot of support to keep the religious programming on the county channel. ``This country was founded on a firm belief in one God. That`s my opinion. We don`t have any trouble spending a $20 bill that says `In God We Trust`,`` Rhodes said. But the county now uses a lot of its own programming on Sunday mornings, blocking out much of the religious programming. Pastor Harry Widener`s 8:30 a.m. program is no longer heard on Channel 11. Widener says he has heard from people who can`t get the radio signal and would like to get his program on their television. ``I live in Saluda, and it`s very difficult to get the program in Saluda,`` Widener said. ``I think we should be on Channel 11 and get the word out as much as we possibly can. The television really reaches where the radio can`t reach.`` Rhodes said WHKP has a long history on cable television. ``We pioneered cable TV in this county. We started it in 1969, and have had a presence on cable since 1969,`` he said. Mediacom now operates Henderson County`s cable system. The county obtained the government channel as part of a franchise agreement with the cable company. Federal law requires cable companies to obtain a franchise. As part of the franchise agreements, companies provide these channels, known as PEG or public, education, government channels, said Jerry Kang, professor of law at UCLA. County meetings are regularly shown on the Henderson County government channel. Other examples of programming include exercise programs for children and seniors and cooperative extension programs. Henderson County doesn`t have the technology to provide county programming 24 hours a day, County Attorney Russ Burrell said. The county uses WHKP`s broadcast signal as background when the channel is showing a billboard-type message. ``It`s obvious the commissioners see a real service in having that radio signal during the time when we have the character generator feed (the written messages on the screen),`` Burrell said. Before last month, the station and county didn`t have a contract spelling out the arrangement. The contact runs through June 30, 2008. A legal or political issue? The situation came to the forefront again this year when the radio station`s paid political ads were also being heard over the government channel. Bill Moyer, county commission chairman, said he made an issue of getting those political ads removed. But the county had been dealing with the issue for a while. At one point, Henderson County officials removed Limbaugh`s talk program from the government channel. But Rhodes said the recently signed contact does not prohibit the broadcast. Kang said the county has a lot of freedom when it comes to what is shown on the government channels. ``My initial guess is there isn`t any sharp, clear law to prevent the franchising authority from doing what it is doing,`` Kang said. But ``I think some people might say this is clearly not for public, education, government use and the channel capacity was set aside for public, education, government use.`` Wally Bowen, executive director of the Mountain Area information Network, a nonprofit that has worked on a number of cable franchise agreements, said the county is in murky territory. ``The government channel is supposed to be for government voices,`` Bowen said. ``Allowing a single, private commercial entity, and no one else appears to be crossing a line.`` But Burrell said it`s not the county`s intent to favor one radio station over another. ``If the commissioners` goal were to help one radio station over another, clearly that would not be appropriate. If the commissioners` goal is to provide local sports and local news, the goal is a public purpose,`` Burrell said. Both the county and the station consulted attorneys that specialize in communication issues, and the lawyers say what the county is doing is legal, according to Burrell. Moyer said that legal advice along with WHKP`s agreement to indemnify the county prompted his decision to vote for keeping the station. But he says, ``a Supreme Court case tomorrow could change it (the legal outlook) entirely.`` Burrell said with the disclaimers the county is simply making clear ``this is not a program by or of Henderson County.`` ``We`re trying to make it clear we`re neither for it nor against it. That`s not a part of the government mission,`` he said of the disclaimers. The county is working toward having the technology to provide more of its own programming, lessening the need for the radio feed, according to Burrell. ``As a practical matter, two years from now, the county will likely be in a position technologically to provide programming 24 hours,`` he said. Gentry, meanwhile, believes the cable channel is allowing her to help even more people. ``I feel like it`s a help and a blessing to people,`` she said. (via Kim Elliott, DXLD) The solution is to put a non-commercial public radio station on the cable --- oops, NPR now nixes that, per KOSU (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. PUBLIC RADIO FUND LAUNCHED IN THE US In a first for noncommercial radio in the United States, three leading groups - the Calvert Foundation, the Ford Foundation and Public Radio Capital - have announced the creation of the “Public Radio Fund” (PRF), which gives individual and institutional investors an entirely new opportunity: a vehicle for investing directly in public radio stations to promote independent, plural and local public media ownership across the US. The Public Radio Fund’s target for the next six-12 months is $15 million, starting with $4.5 million in loaned funds already committed: $3million from the Bethesda, Md-based Calvert Foundation (from small individual investors around the country), and $1.5 million from the Ford Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the US. To be housed within Public Radio Capital in Denver, CO, PRF will expand financing for noncommercial radio stations across the US, put in place strong community-based nonprofit ownership models, and then recycle the investment capital to acquire new public radio stations and repeat the process. By leveraging the Fund’s assets provided by loans from investors, PRC will be able to attract tax-exempt bond financing to acquire an even greater number of radio stations. Most public radio financing arrangements that PRC now works with are in the range of $1 million to $6 million. With leveraging, the $15 million goal for the Public Radio Fund will allow for the financing of an estimated five to 10 stations. Through the recycling of loan capital, the impact of the Fund over three to five years could secure financing for 20-30 stations. All previous financing for public radio in the U.S. has been on a station-specific basis or for a single entity controlling multiple stations. Calvert Foundation Director of Strategic Development Timothy Freundlich said: ``More public radio in more places in the United States is the goal of the Public Radio Fund. The Public Radio Fund is a rare opportunity for socially aware investors of all kinds to band together behind grassroots, alternative independent media. This is a major new initiative that brings together the leaders in the world of public radio financing, socially responsible investing and foundations.`` Public Radio Capital Managing Director Marc Hand said: ``Beginning this fall, the Public Radio Fund will help public broadcasters all over the US gain access to short-term capital on an affordable basis, and move more quickly and aggressively when an opportunity to compete for a valuable channel comes on the market.`` Ford Foundation Program Director Orlando Bagwell said: ``The Ford Foundation believes that strengthening our country’s democratic values is vital to the public interest, and that the Public Radio Fund - by helping expand public radio’s role as a national and local forum for public discussion and debate - further supports our vision.`` WBGH Vice President and General Manager/Radio and Television Marita Rivero said: “The Public Radio Fund is a great innovation for public radio, because for a long time public broadcasters have needed access to short-term capital in order to compete against the `overconcentration` in radio ownership by other broadcasters`` (August 10th, 2006, 15:42 UTC by Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD) ** U S A. I had fallen behind listening to one of my favorites, Media Talk with Dave Berkman, on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ideas Network, Fridays at 2207-2300 UT, and one can always listen on demand for 52 weeks --- but August 11 I find that, after 13 years, the show had vanished July 7 as part of WPR`s programming shakeup. Fortunately, the archives are still there including the somewhat bitter farewell show of that date, via http://www.wpr.org/webcasting/ideas_audioarchives.cfm?Code=mtk So good luck to Mr Berkman, and we can still listen to a lot of missed shows, indefinitely, we hope. He did expect to be able to be a ``frequent guest`` on some other WPR shows, such as Joy Cardin on Monday morning, and was in a group pushing to bring an Air America affiliate to Milwaukee where he might get his own gig. Also said he would guest on the Eric Vine show on Milwaukee`s major black station, 1290 WNCS, such as the following Thu at 4:30-6 pm [CDT = 2130-2300 UT]. He had also ended 17 years of writing media commentary for Shepherd Express, Milwaukee, but said he was involved in launching a new website for Milwaukee`s progressive community, from 18 July. Personal e mail is dberkman @ wi.rr.com I haven`t been able to find Berkman`s own blog if it now exist, but did find some interesting background (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) DAVE BERKMAN CALLS OUT A LIBERAL HYPOCRITE SUNDAY, June 18, 2006, 10:55 a.m. http://www.620wtmj.com/_content/talk/charliesykes/index.asp?id=8&entry=20412 I suspect there are few issues on which former UWM prof and media critic Dave Berkman and I see eye to eye. But he and I go way back and I think enjoy some mutual respect. Berkman was recently dropped as a columnist by the Shepherd Express, joining a growing list staffers given the boot by uber-liberal publisher Lou Fortis. This weekend I received this email and an attached posting that provides some fascinating insight. Here they are: Charlie: I suspect there are few things you relish more than indications of how so many of us lib/lefts contradict our professions of high principles and humane concerns with our personal conduct in such realms as the manner in which some of us conduct our businesses. Given that, thought you'd like to read this piece I've posted about the Shepherd and Lou Fortis on the GrassrootsNorthshore web site. Note, especially what I say about the paper's record on racial hiring and the terms of Doug Hissom's severance. -- Dave Berkman Here is the attached posting: The Shepherd-Express recently dropped columnist Dave Berkman over the follwing article. We publish it here for your interest. A note to Shepherd-Express readers: Beginning June 1, my "Media Musings" column, which I've been writing the past 16 years, will no longer appear in the paper. Here's why I'm gone -- and why Doug Hissom disappeared a month back. I made the decision after editor and publisher Lou Fortis refused to run the column below, which examined the viciously racist, 20-plus year history of WUWM's hiring and promotion policies (Two persons of color lasted a year; Robyn Cherry just fired in a transparent setup, after seven.) As I wrote to Fortis, "If what those folks did to Cherry solely because she is black cannot be attacked for the viciousness of their racism, it raises some really serious questions about the Shepherd's dedication to the causes it claims it champions." (One reason may be that the Shepherd's full-time staff is as all-white as are WUWM's 28 employees. Since I never actually worked for the paper, I've been visiting it only once or twice a year-- and just learned this today.) Ironically, less than a week after Fortis' rejection, this town's leading mainstream medium, the Journal Sentinel, printed a column by editorial board member Greg Stanford, raising many of the same questions I wrote about. Regular Shepherd readers may have also noticed the absence the past month of Doug Hissom's by-line on any news stories or his "Expresso" column. That's because, after 19 years [!] as the personification of the paper as its former editor, publisher and principal reporter, who steered it through its darkest days when it was on the verge of bankruptcy, Hissom was fired by Fortis (the self-proclaimed champion of the working class) without any severance! (This was three weeks prior the paper's running a cover story about the 10 worst American corporations to work for!) --Dave Berkman (via Charlie Sykes, WTMJ via DXLD) See, or rather hear, also: Friday 7/7/2006 4:00 PM At Issue with Ben Merens - 07/07L [real audio on demand] Program changes on Wisconsin Public Radio begin tomorrow and include afternoons on the Ideas Network. Ben Merens discusses the new schedule with WPR associate director, Anders Yocom. (at http://wpr.org/webcasting/ideas_audioarchives.cfm?Code=bme via DXLD) ** U S A. Part 15 Broadcaster List --- I'm not aware of any effort of this site to have a comprehensive list of Part 15 broadcast stations, but I did find a list, such as it may be, at http://part15.us/node/360 (Clara Listensprechen, Aug 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Interesting to look thru and check out. Locations not shown on the index so you have to investigate each one just to find out where it is. And there is a big forum. Here`s a thread on what to do about call letters: http://part15.us/node/913 (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A. WHEB Jamboree --- Hello Mr. Hauser, Back in 1941 and 1943 "Smiling Bill Waters" invited my Aunt and Uncle (Lolita Janvrin and Samuel (Barney) Small to sing on the WHEB Jamboree Radio Station. I am wondering if there were any tapes from those days, especially in the month of July 1941. They went by the name of The Seabrook Kid and His Sister. I would be see grateful if you could give me any information on them or how I may be able to obtain a copy of their singing. Thank for any help you can give me. Appreciatively, (Pat Barton, maizyqueen @ comcast.net Aug 11, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Sorry, I can`t help but maybe some of our readers can. I have no idea where WHEB was then, but now it`s 100.3 in Portsmouth NH (gh, DXLD) ** URUGUAY. Re looking for SW site: SODRE once used 6010 6125 9620, and 15275 kHz SW, some two decades ago. DX program Sat/Sun 1400-1500 UT. I guess former dipole towers seen on southerly portion of image. Near 34 48 40Sm 56 21 37W (Wolfgang Büschel, Aug 9, BCDX via DXLD) TeleSur: see VENEZUELA ** VATICAN. VR had an interesting discussion on 7250, Aug 11 at 0520 with a Lutheran about ``Christian Zionists`` and the threat they pose to peace, supporting as they do the Armageddon scenario, loving Israel so much that it must be destroyed (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VENEZUELA [and non]. LO QUE NO SE DICE TELESUR -- FACTORES DE PODER Patricia Poleo, El Nuevo País. 04/08/2006. Artículo publicado originalmente el 24 de julio de 2006 Telesur, el gran proyecto comunicacional del Régimen, celebra hoy lunes 24 de julio su primer año. Entre los hechos recientes a recordar sobre éste canal, está la presencia de Eliécer Otayza en el programa ``La Entrevista`` que conduce Miguel Angel Rodríguez, anunciando que investigará a Telesur por los hechos de corrupción, de los cuales dice tener pruebas. Andrés Izarra trabaja en el canal en llave con la Capitana de Fragata Yagheima Garcés, quien al llegar al canal en el año 2005, se ``autonombró`` Directora General Ejecutiva, y ha desplazado a los profesionales pioneros del proyecto para colocar a todas las personas que William Lara ha despedido del Minci y que son de la confianza de Izarra. Entre los que tiene Otayza en su lista a investigar por no poder justificar su nuevo estatus de vida están Zenndy Berríos, 28 años, (actual Directora de Producción y ex productora de Aló Presidente). Su novio Ricardo Villarroel, actual Director de Imagen Corporativa Esther Hernández (26 años), Consultora Jurídica y recientemente nombrada Directora de Distribución de la señal. Hasta ahora ha recibido costosísimos viáticos y ha perdido todos los casos legales que ha llevado. Su sueldo supera los 5 millones de bolívares. En las próximas semanas viajará a Guatemala a una Feria de cableoperadores, pero no viajará sola, sino que se llevará a un equipo de 4 de sus supervisadas. En Telesur, el gasto público invertido ha sido altísimo y el resultado es que no se ha conseguido distribuir la señal en ninguna parte. Ni siquiera en Cuba se ve. Aram Aharonian, el Director General, fue el primer funcionario en Telesur en protestar los nuevos ingresos de personal porque le estaban desmantelando a todo su equipo profesional pero no protestó mas. Como ejecutivo recibió carro nuevo, le aumentaron el sueldo con bonos de responsabilidad, de confianza, productividad y, además viaja con frecuencia acompañado de su esposa y con gastos pagados por Telesur. La Embajada de China en Venezuela, a través de su embajador, ofreció una donación de un millón de dólares a Telesur. Aram le recomendó a Izarra que crearan una ONG para recibir este dinero, con la excusa de que los estatutos de creación del Canal no aceptaban donaciones. Aharonian también maneja el cobro por los satélites en Europa y la compra de películas argentinas, junto con Gabriel Mariotto, subsecretario de Medios de la Presidencia argentina. En Uruguay --- su tierra natal --- dicen que es uno de los mayores obstáculos por lo cual Telesur aún no se transmite en ese país, a pesar de aparecer como uno de los socios del proyecto. Katiuska Rivero (actual Directora de Recursos Humanos), sobrina de la diputada Desirée Santos Amaral, no ha podido responder a las quejas de los trabajadores por maltrato al personal, y por las infrahumanas condiciones de trabajo en el edificio que se contrató en Los Ruices (porque ya no había espacio en el anexo que se les había asignado en Venezolana de Televisión). Dos millones de dólares se destinaron a la infraestructura del canal que nunca se construyó. Ahora se paga un altísimo alquiler mensual y no hay explicación sobre el destino de los dos millones de dólares. Existe en las cuentas del canal una factura del 15 de diciembre pasado, cuando se realizó la Fiesta de Navidad en la zona de El Laguito del Círculo Militar y el mismo día, aparece una factura de varios millones de bolívares por concepto de una Cena de Navidad que supuestamente ofreció el mismo Andrés Izarra en su residencia, a pesar de que estuvo toda la noche en la Fiesta de El Laguito. Los más afectados por las irregularidades en Telesur, son los profesionales que creyeron en este proyecto y para el cual han trabajado casi un año sin descanso, sin horarios, y que ahora han sido destituidos sin razón. Andrés Izarra al llegar a Telesur recibió un superbono de Navidad de 33 millones de bolívares, a pesar de que también le pagaron 22 millones del Bono del Minci, más 16.5 millones del Bono de Productividad. A pesar de que el canal no se vé en ninguna parte, la venta de los espacios a PDVSA, Corporación Venezolana de Guayana, Ministerio de Alimentación, Consejo Nacional Electoral, etc, son milmillonarias. La Dirección de Administración es llevada por Evaneth Cabrera quien apenas tomó posesión, se desapareció un cheque ya firmado por casi 100 millones de bolívares y fueron a declarar al CICPC (Policia Cientifica) la capitana Garcés que firmaba, Evaneth, Aram, Katiuska, pero como siempre, la investigación quedó en nada. El dinero desapareció y el delito quedó impune. La nómina de Telesur se ha incrementado de 59 personas en julio del año pasado a casi 450 para el mismo período este año (desde que tomó posesión la capitana no ha hecho sino contratar a toda fu familia, sobrinas, tías, amigas, primas, casi todas mujeres y con mejores beneficios que los periodistas). La capitana Garcés continúa en el cargo a pesar de que la Disip allanó la casa de su sobrino Tony Alejandro Sequea Navarro, a quien ella colocó como mano derecha de Andrés Izarra en Telesur y le encontraron equipos que habían desaparecido del canal (esto salió publicado en los medios). A esto se suma que todos los teléfonos del canal están intervenidos para hacer seguimiento al personal. Telesur alquiló 2 apartamentos por más de 2 meses en Bolivia para alojar al equipo de Producción. Los apartamentos están ubicados en una de las zonas más lujosas de La Paz. Los cubanos en Telesur Al Comisario político, el cubano Ovidio Cabrera le encomendaron la tarea de organizar el lanzamiento de Telesur por señal abierta, lo cual será el 31 de octubre próximo y lo está preparando conjuntamente con un equipo de cubanos que trajeron directamente de la isla. Ovidio también es el encargado de la conformación de la sucursal del Partido Comunista de Cuba en Venezuela, ya lo crearon, tienen el documento con las firmas, participan funcionarios de la Embajada de Cuba en Venezuela y realizan sus reuniones clandestinas. A Ovidio le pagan su casa, sus bonos, cesta tickets y tiene carro con chofer puesto por el Minci. Otro cubano, Armando Jiménez, ocupó la Dirección de Información del canal, la cual había quedado acéfala desde la salida del colombiano Jorge Enrique Botero. Un personaje que desde hace algún tiempo está ejerciendo una fuerte influencia sobre Andrés Izarra, es su chofer-guardaespaldas, quien ahora pasa Memoranda y firma como MT2 Wilmer Moreno, Jefe del CECOM (Centro de Control Master) de Telesur. El caso es que el canal destinado por el Régimen para difundir por toda América Latina las ``bondades`` de la Revolución cumple un año investigado por funcionarios del propio Gobierno y lo que es peor, sin haber podido lanzar una buena señal al Continente a pesar de la millonada invertida (via Jorge García Rangel, Venezuela, August 4, RN Radio Enlace forum via DXLD) ** VIETNAM [non]. BBCWS --- Vietnam: At War and at Peace The BBC had a very interesting piece about Vietnam which concluded at 1200 called "Vietnam: At War and at Peace" which may be repeated later in their program cycle. I did some checking and found the program to air again, at least on their internet stream (and I would assume on their SW service, depending on stream as the schedule corresponds to when heard here beginning at 1130) at: 1830 Saturday Aug 12 0430, 0630, 1030 and 1530 on Sunday August 13 Heard here today on 9660 at 1130 via Cypress Creek (Steve Lare, Holland, MI, USA, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) Should be OD too ** ZIMBABWE [non]. Quick, what`s on 11705? Re the previous report of a Zimbabwe clandestine in English heard on 11705 at 1730+, this may have been a one-off error according to my theory it was IBB Morocco instead of the Caucasian service, but it would be interesting to know what those further east hear on 11705 before 1800 today (or 1830 not in English). Here, all I get is a strong Korean on 11710. 73, (Glenn Hauser, 1739 UT Aug 11, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Tried to compare 6110 with 6940 R. Fana the last two days, but in both cases I did not find Fana on 6940 or 6210. What I heard on 6110 might have been them - or not. I reported French for August 1st, and I'm quite sure about it for the period 1858-1900, not for the rest of what I've heard. So maybe I heard another transmitter then? 73 (Thorsten Hallmann, Münster, Germany, http://www.africalist.de.ms Aug 12, DX LISTENING DIGEST) UNIDENTIFIED. Re this from Glenn --- Trying to establish the identity of three long-hours virtually continuous RTTY transmissions which broadcasters have to (or should) avoid; frequencies might be slightly different than: 7455 during darkness hours in NAm 9960 during darkness hours in NAm 11690 during daylight hours in NAm I think these transmissions are coming from a site somewhere in the Americas --- and from either the US of A or Canada if one of them (7455) is said to be of NATO origin. I haven't heard them before 2200 UT, when I usually switch off, but I have heard 7455 at around 0200 UT on a recent occasion. And 7455 was audible this morning (Aug. 12) at around 0700 at fair strength - WHRI 7465 was booming in too. Also today I could hear 9960 too, but signals were weak at 0700 - nearby WYFR 9985 was only fair strength too. And when would be listeners Stateside complain about RTTY QRM to Jordan on 11690 there is no QRM here. 73 (Noel R. Green (NW England), dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) I did not mean to imply that any of them is related to another; I merely chose them for being QRM hazards for SW broadcasters (gh, DXLD) UNIDENTIFIED. 17770, where I don`t normally hear anything as I tune around, Aug 12 at 1418 with jazz, YL vocal apparently in English, with gospel overtones. Much weaker at 1443 recheck. Might just be VOA, but not // 9760. Nothing listed in EiBi or HFCC at this hour so must be a recent change. Nothing matching reported in DXLD search starting with March. Channel Africa is there after 1500, and DW before 1400, however (Glenn Hauser, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONVENTIONS & CONFERENCES +++++++++++++++++++++++++ MADISON-MILWAUKEE GET-TOGETHER FOR DXERS AND RADIO ENTHUSIASTS SATURDAY AUGUST 19 This is a reminder about the 13th Annual Madison-Milwaukee Get- Together for DXers and Radio Enthusiasts, which is coming up in just over a week. The arrangements are all made, and we've heard from a lot of people in diverse areas of the radio hobby who plan to attend. Date: Saturday, August 19, 2006 Time: 1 to 11 p.m. [CDT = UT Aug 19 1800 to 0400 UT Sunday Aug 20] Location: the home of Neil Kazaross, 1380 Lake Shore Rd in Grafton, WI, which is located in Ozaukee Co., just north of Milwaukee. Note: We sincerely thank Neil Kazaross and his wife Laura for graciously offering to host the event at their home. Tim Noonan is organizing the event, and you are encouraged to direct correspondence regarding it to Tim. Further information: Please feel free to be in touch with me (Tim) at DXing2 @ aol.com or 414 762-2702 with any questions. Tell your radio friends about it, and plan to join us for another fun and memorable day of visiting with your fellow radio hobbyists. 73, (Tim Noonan, Oak Creek WI, swl at qth.net via DXLD) ADRIAN PETERSEN - WANDERING THE WORLD WITH A RADIO I have just been watching Adrian Petersen's presentation to the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters, Wandering the World with a Radio, now available to watch via their website, found it fascinating. Adrian starts the talk at the birth of broadcast radio, lots of historical cards and photograph and details of pioneer broadcasters, includes a section on radio from ships which Adrian has written a number of articles on. A card he showed that particularly interested me was one from 2NM, a pioneer UK amateur broadcast station operated by Gerald Marcuse from Caterham in Surrey whose broadcast on shortwave before the BBC started its service, I found a different card from the one Adrian shows at: http://www.qslcollection.co.uk/183.htm NASB webpage is: http://www.shortwave.org/ (Mike Barraclough, UK, dxldyg via DX LISTENING DIGEST) PUBLICATIONS ++++++++++++ WestList Re 6-121: Also available right off main page. http://www.am-dx.com The online version is there as well. The PDF is just that with the HTML tags stripped out and printed out as the PDF (Craig Healy, Providence, RI, IRCA via DXLD) In response to some comments and requests, I did a quick update to the WestList PDF file. I corrected a couple of spelling problems, and re- sorted the states alphabetically. It will always be available at: http://www.am-dx.com/lists/westlist.pdf I will do a complete update of this sometime in the next few days. The last one was 25 July, so it's a few weeks old. I will also look at making an index page (Craig Healy, Providence, RI, Aug 12, IRCA via DXLD) Unless you're a history buff for defunct moved-to-FMers, the Canadian listings need some updating and weeding of stations that haven't been on the air for years. It still lists CJFT-530 Fort Erie, ON, CJSB-540 Ottawa --- and I didn't even get past 540! 73 (Mike Brooker, Toronto, ON, ibid.) I was unaware that was somebody's hobby. Well, I suppose some people will collect anything. (laughing). Yes. I think I addressed that in a previous post. I'm in the process of creating an overlay database for this sort of thing. And, to correct the non-10 kHz stations as someone else mentioned, like the 535 and 555 Caribbeans. No doubt the Mexicans and other CA and SA countries info has equal problems. Even the US portion could be improved. And it will. This is a work in progress. No list is perfect. That is why I mentioned the 100000watts site in my original post on the thread. That is the best for-pay resource available these days, bar none. If you have the time, put together a list of silent Canadians, and I'll use that in the first round of my database overlay (Craig Healy, Providence, RI, ibid.) RADIO EQUIPMENT FORUM +++++++++++++++++++++ JVC KD-HDR1 I added a review of the JVC KD-HDR1 HD Radio receiver to http://www.am-dx.com Despite the HD part, it's a very solid radio for both AM and FM. I'm very happy with mine, even if I never hear an HD signal again. It's a good rig! (Craig Healy, Providence, RI, IRCA via DXLD) POWERLINE COMMUNICATIONS ++++++++++++++++++++++++ POTENTIAL THREATS TO RADIO SERVICES FROM PLT SYSTEMS --- Jonathan Stott (527 KB pdf) Article in the latest EBU Technical Review: Power-Line Transmission (PLT) is a means of transmitting data along an existing, ubiquitous infrastructure: mains-electricity wiring. You might be forgiven for thinking "So what? What has this to do with broadcasting?" The answer is: "More than you might wish!", since PLT systems have a demonstrated ability to interfere with radio reception, which of course includes traditional over-the-air broadcasting. This article tries to explain some of how this comes about, what the threats are and what is or isn't being done about it. The occurrence of this interference is contrary to the general principles of regulating radio systems, but many of the detailed regulations in force, or proposed, do not provide adequate protection for broadcasting. "Notching" the PLT signals has been offered as a palliative measure but many requirements must be met for this to become a "cure". One promising possible extension to the notching technique is described here. If it were properly adopted, it might provide a constructive solution to the inevitable stalemate in the standards process... http://www.ebu.ch/en/technical/trev/trev_home.html (via Mike Barraclough, UK, dxldyg via DXLD) PROPAGATION +++++++++++ The KN4LF Daily LF/MF/HF Radio Propagation Outlook #2006-013 Published 2300 UT Friday August 11, 2006 at http://www.kn4lf.com/kn4lf6.htm This propagation outlook is very large and it might run into trouble getting posted on eLists/Groups, so I direct you to my website above where it has been published. --... ...--, (Thomas F. Giella, KN4LF, Retired Meteorologist & Space Plasma Physicist, Lakeland, FL, USA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Propagation News from RSGB: The solar factual data 31 July to 6 August, prepared by Neil Clarke, G0CAS. Solar activity was very low with no solar flares taking place. The Sun was spotless for the last three days of the period. Solar flux levels declined slightly from 73 units on the 1st to 70 units by the 4th. The average was 71 units. The 90-day solar flux average on the 6th was 76 units, two units down on last week. X-ray flux levels declined from A2.4 units to below the A1 threshold level. The average was A1.2 units. Geomagnetic activity was quiet to unsettled. The unsettled days were the 31st and the 1st with an Ap index of 12 units on both days. The average was Ap 7 units. The ACE spacecraft saw solar wind speeds decline from 670 kilometres per second to 320 by the 6th. Particle densities were low except for an increase just before midnight on the 6th. Bz varied between minus 10 and plus 13 nanoTeslas on the 31st. The Bz become more stable and fluctuated between minus 4 and plus 4 nanoTeslas as the geomagnetic field became quiet. There was relatively little change in propagation patterns during the week. Sporadic-E was reported every day at 28 and 50 MHz and on most days at 70 MHz, though most openings there were relatively brief. There were no reports of VHF aurora. Solar forecast: This week the quiet side of the Sun is expected to rotate out of view. Solar activity should continue at very low levels. Solar flux levels should show a slight increase but remain in the 70s. Geomagnetic activity should be quiet all week with the Ap index remaining in single figures everyday. MUFs during daylight hours at equal latitudes should be about 19 MHz for the South and 16 MHz for the North. The darkness hour lows should be around 10 MHz. Paths this week to the east coast of North America should have a maximum usable frequency with a 50 per cent success rate of about 18 MHz. The optimum working frequency with a 90 per cent success rate will be around 14 MHz. The path will be open between 1200 and 2200 UT with a peak in the evening. The path could remain open until after midnight on some days. Even though the peak of the summer Sporadic-E season is now past, openings could still take place on some days. However, openings on 144 MHz are now unlikely. The RSGB propagation news is also available in a Saturday update, posted every Saturday evening and for more on propagation generally, see http://www.rsgb.org/society/psc.htm (RSGB via Dave Kernick, BDXC via DXLD) OBITUARY - JAMES VAN ALLEN - SEPTEMBER 7, 1914 - AUGUST 9, 2006 The Times, August 10, 2006 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,60-2306001,00.html James Van Allen was a path-breaking astrophysicist whose pioneering contributions in the late 1950s to the space age made him a household name in the US and beyond. He became famous for his discovery that the Earth is surrounded by intense regions of energetic particles - regions that have since become known as the Van Allen radiation belts. The discovery spawned the entirely new field of scientific research known as magnetospheric physics. Van Allen made the momentous discovery by installing tiny Geiger counters among the instruments he put on board Explorer I, the first US Earth satellite sent into space as part of the American programme for the International Geophysical Year 1957-58. The Explorer I satellite, which weighed only 14kg, was launched from Cape Canaveral (now Cape Kennedy [sic]) in Florida on January 31, 1958, shortly after the first Sputnik launches by the Soviet Union. The satellite was taken into space by the Jupiter C rocket, a direct descendant of the A4 (V2) rocket that the Germans used to bombard London during the war. The scientific instruments carried by Explorer I were designed and built by Van Allen, and it was his Geiger counter that provided the first direct evidence that intense regions of energetic particles surround the Earth. The Geiger counters were able to detect and measure particles or other radiation passing into it. The Van Allen radiation belt is a torus of energetic charged particles which are trapped by the Earth's magnetic field. Theories about a radiation belt, which predate the space age, were confirmed by Explorer I, and the regions of trapped radiation were mapped out by the Explorer IV and Pioneer III space missions. This further research showed that the Van Allen belt in fact consists of two belts around the Earth, an inner radiation belt and a bigger outer radiation belt. The inner one mainly contains protons while the outer mainly contains electrons. The big outer belt extends from an altitude of between about 6,250 miles and 40,625 miles and has its greatest intensity between 9,062 miles and 11,875 miles above the Earth. There is debate about which craft first discovered the outer belt - the US Explorer I or the Soviet Sputnik II. Similar radiation belts exist around other planets, but only the ones surrounding the Earth are called Van Allen belts. It is thought that the Van Allen belts are created by the collision of the Earth's magnetic field with the solar wind (a continuous outward flow of particles, mainly protons and electrons, from the Sun into interplanetary space). Particles from the solar wind then become trapped within the Earth's magnetic field. Electronic circuits, solar cells and sensors can be damaged by the radiation in the Van Allen belts. Electronics carried on satellites must, therefore, be hardened against radiation damage to operate reliably. Exposure of astronauts to the radiation in the belts could damage their health. However, the Apollo astronauts who travelled to the Moon spent so little time in the belts that any radiation they received was harmless. NASA deliberately minimised the amount of radiation they received by timing Apollo launches and using lunar transfer orbits that only skirted the edge of the belt over the Equator. James Alfred Van Allen was born in 1914 at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, to Alfred Morris, a lawyer, and Alma Olney Van Allen. Between 1918 and 1927 he went to public elementary schools in Mount Pleasant, and between 1927 and 1931 to the public high school, Mount Pleasant. In 1931 he enrolled at the Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, receiving his BSc in physics in 1935. He then went to the University of Iowa where he received his MSc in physics 1936 and his PhD in physics in 1939. Between 1939 and 1942 Van Allen did research at the Carnegie Institution, Washington, and at the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, working to develop a rugged vacuum tube (valve) and proximity fuses for weapons used in the war, particularly anti-aircraft projectiles used by the US Navy. In the autumn of 1942 he was commissioned as an ordinance and gunnery officer and combat observer officer in the US Navy and posted to the Pacific to field-test and complete operational requirements for the proximity fuses. After the war he returned to the Applied Physics Laboratory and worked on a variety of high-altitude experiments, pioneering the use of V2 and Aerobee rockets for this work. The Aerobee was a small rocket, 8m long, used for high atmospheric and cosmic radiation research. In 1951 he was appointed professor and head of the Department of Physics (later the Department of Physics and Astronomy) at the University of Iowa, a post he held until his retirement in 1985. He then became Carver Professor of Physics Emeritus at the University of Iowa, and continued his research in the areas of space and magnetospheric physics. Between 1949 and 1962 he was the leader of a number of scientific expeditions to study cosmic rays and the Earth's magnetic field, using American ships, in the Central Pacific, the Gulf of Alaska, the Arctic, the Atlantic, Central Pacific, South Pacific and Antarctic areas. He pioneered the use of balloons, Aerobee rockets and the combination of the two, for the measurement of the intensity of cosmic rays at high altitudes. It was this work that led to his involvement in Explorer 1 and the discovery of the belts that bear his name. Van Allen had been a staunch advocate of unmanned space exploration since the space age began. After Explorer 1, he continued to explore planetary physics throughout the solar system. Van Allen was the principal scientific investigator in a total of 24 space missions, including flights to Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn. His discoveries in space prompted Time magazine to put him on its cover on May 4, 1959. Van Allen published more than 280 research papers in scientific journals and research monographs. He edited the book Scientific Uses of Earth Satellites (1958); co-authored Pioneer - First to Jupiter, Saturn and Beyond (1980); wrote Origins of Magnetospheric Physics (1983); wrote 924 Elementary Problems and Answers in Solar System (1993); and edited Cosmic Rays, The Sun and Geomagnetism: The Works of Scott E. Forbush (1993). He served on many important panels, commissions and advisory boards. He received numerous awards, among them: the Crafoord Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy of Science; the Commander of the Order du Mérite pour la Recherche et L'Invention; the David and Florence Guggenheim International Astronautics Award; the US Navy Distinguished Public Service Award; the Distinguished Civilian Service medal (US Army); the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement; the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society; the US National Science Board Vannevar Bush Award; and the US National Medal of Science. Thirteen universities awarded him honorary doctor of science degrees. Van Allen was an excellent teacher of undergraduates and an inspiring supervisor of graduate research students doing advanced degrees in physics and astronomy at the University of Iowa. He supervised about 80 of them, and many are now leaders in the community of space physics. He is survived by his wife, Abigail, and their three daughters and two sons. Professor James Van Allen, astrophysicist, was born on September 7, 1914. He died on August 9, 2006, aged 91 (via Mike Terry, dxldyg via DXLD) OBIT ###