DX LISTENING DIGEST 1-083, June 10, 2001 edited by Glenn Hauser, wghauser@hotmail.com {Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. For restrixions and searchable 2001, 2000 contents archive see} http://www.angelfire.com/ok/worldofradio/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] World of Radio Extra 42: (stream) http://www.angelfire.com/ok/worldofradio/worx42.ram (download) http://www.angelfire.com/ok/worldofradio/worx42.rm (summary) http://www.angelfire.com/ok/worldofradio/worx42.html ** ANGOLA. R. Nacional now heard on 11955.8, from 2330 Portuguese talk and music to 0200 fade-out, brief PT news at 0000 and 0100; strong signal May 26, back after long absence, 2 kHz higher than before (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ARGENTINA. UT minus 4 from June 17: Desde el próximo domingo 17 de Junio a la hora 0 se atrasarán los relojes una hora. El cambio obedece que la Argentina adoptará la utilización de dos usos horarios distintos a lo largo del año con el fin de ahorrar energía eléctrica y aprovechar mejor la luz solar. ARGENTINA: From next Sunday June 17 a hour 0 will be late the clocks one hour. The change obeys that the Argentina will adopt the use of two uses different schedules along the year with the purpose of to save electric power and to take advantage of the solar light better (Nicolás Éeramo, Argentina, Conexión Digital via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. Panamericana, La Paz, web (& 6105 SW) for E-mail and postal follow-up, personal letter & nice full-data "Map-QSL" card in 164 days. Signer: Daniel Sánchez Rocha, Director (Bill Flynn, OR, 8 June, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BRAZIL. RÁDIO SENADO: Obrigado por ouvir as novas transmissões da Rádio Senado em OC, de Brasília. Quanto às suas perguntas, realmente a potência do transmissor é de 250 kW, transmissor Suíço da Brown Boveri, antena com refletor e 18 dBi de ganho, azimute de 344 graus para o máximo ganho. Atenciosamente, Aldo Renato Bernardes de Assis - Engº de Manutenção da Rádio Senado. (e-mail recebido por Samuel Cássio Martins Santos, atividade DX via DXLD) ** BRAZIL. R. Senado, 5990, from 2300 PT talks and music to 0200*, very strong May 30, no sign of CRI for several days, but Cuban relay was back UT June 3 at 0000-0100*. R. Nacional, 6180, from 2300 PT talk and Braz music to 0336*v, May 29, but ran past 0600 UT May 27; very strong. R. Tupi, Curitiba, 11764.72, from 2330 PT religious program, strong May 24, but QRM from BBC in Spanish after 2357; \\ 9565 clear. UnID Brazil station on 11749.85, from 2330 PT talk and Braz songs to 2400 V. of Russia s/on; heard one day only, May 26; typical Braz accent and music, but much weaker than other ZYs on the band. May be new station testing (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** BURMA [non]. I also noted the changeover of Democratic Voice fo Burma from KVI [Norway] to JUL [Germany] slightly after 1455 on 15405. Signal level dropped by about 4 to 5 S points. No jamming heard, but Dubai 15395 was splashing all around its freq. No wonder the IBB chose Abu Dhabi! 15690-Gavar-Armenia has RFA Korean until 1500 - and well jammed - then quiet until loud bubble jamming started at 1530, but no broadcast! At 1630 re-check I hear Iranian plus a heterodyne/carrier and bubble jamming (Noel R. Green, UK, May 30, BC- DX via DXLD) ** CAMBODIA [non]. See VIETNAM [non] for Khmer Krom ** CANADA. Canada`s Official Opposition Party wants to hear from RCI listeners! Canada`s Official Opposition Party, the Canadian Alliance, has approached the Action Committee to get RCI listeners to tell the Alliance what they think of the cuts to RCI programming. Cheryl Gallant is the Alliance`s critic for the Ministry of Canadian Heritage which funds RCI. She is also the vice-chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. Gallant is very concerned about the situation at RCI and wants to raise the issue both in the House of Commons and in the Standing Committee. She has asked us to get RCI listeners to get in touch with her directly. There are only a few days left before the House of Commons closes for the summer, so it is very important that your comments arrive in her office very soon. Cheryl Gallant`s e-mail address is: gallant.c@parl.gc.ca Telephone number: (613) 992-7712 Fax number: (613) 995-2561 Mailing address: Member of Parliament Cheryl Gallant House of Commons Centre Block Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0A6 Letters mailed in Canada do not need postage when addressed to Members of Parliament. Please send us copies of your communications, and thanks again for your support. RCI Action Committee. From RCI ACTION COMMITTEE http://www.geocities.com/rciaction/Gallant010607.html (via Sergei Sosedkin, IL, June 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. From http://www.rcinet.ca/horaires/tech_A01.htm RADIO CANADA INTERNATIONAL A01 (Amended May 23rd) FINAL SHORTWAVE BROADCAST SCHEDULE Effective 11.06.01 (0300 UTC) to 28.10.01 (0900 UTC) UTC FREQ kW AZ TARGET PROGRAM --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0000-0057 XIA 11895 120 188 S.E. ASIA M-F: World at Six/As It Happens SAT: Quirks & Quarks SUN: Tapestry --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0030-0059 9755 250 240 CARIB./ SPANISH 11895 250 176 LAT.AM./USA 13670 100 240 15170 250 240 15305 250 189 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0100-0159 5960 100 240 CARIB./ M-F: Canada Today 9755 100 240 LAT.AM./USA SAT: Newsweek/Review 13670 250 285 SUN: Mailbag/Review 13770 250 176 15170 250 240 15305 250 189 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0200-0257 XIA 15260 120 258 INDIA M-F: Canada Today XIA 17860 120 258 SAT: Newsweek/Review SUN: Mailbag/Review --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0330-0359 VIE 11835 100 115 MIDDLE EAST ARABIC WER 13735 500 120 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1100-1159 5990 100 268 USA C'est bien meilleur le matin (LUN-VEN) 9640 100 212 11910 250 212 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1100-1259 5990 100 268 USA SAM: Samedi et rien d'autre (SAM&DIM) 9640 100 212 DIM: Affaires et la vie 11910 250 212 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1200-1259 YAM 9660 100 270 ASIA M-F: CBC Program YAM 15190 300 235 SAT: The House SUN: Quirks & Quarks --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1200-1459 9640 250 240 CARIB./USA This Morning (MON-FRI) 15305 250 240 17820 100 189 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1300-1329 KIM 6150 250 270 CHINA CHINESE YAM 9660 100 270 YAM 15190 300 235 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1300-1559 9640 250 240 CARIB./USA SAT: House/Vinyl Café/ (SAT&SUN) 15305 250 240 Quirks & Quarks 17800 100 189 SUN: Sunday Edition --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1430-1459 KIM 7150 250 290 CHINA CHINESE YAM 9680 300 290 YAM 11890 300 270 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1500-1557 XIA 15455 120 258 INDIA CBC English XIA 17720 120 258 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1500-1529 MSK 9920 250 84 RUSSIA RUSSIAN WER 11935 300 75 RMP 15325 500 61 WOF 17820 300 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1530-1559 WER 11935 300 75 UKRAINE UKRAINIAN RMP 15325 500 76 WOF 17820 300 82 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1600-1629 WER 11935 300 75 RUSSIA RUSSIAN RMP 15325 500 61 WOF 17820 300 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1630-1659 WER 11935 300 75 UKRAINE UKRAINIAN RMP 15325 500 61 WOF 17820 300 70 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1800-1859 SKN 13690 300 110 MIDDLE-EAST M-F: Canada Today ARM 15470 100 188 AFRICA SAT: Newsweek/Review DHA 17820 250 230 SUN: Mailbag/Review RMP 21570 500 189 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1900-1959 SKN 5995 300 150 EUROPE L-V: Canada en direct SKN 7235 300 150 """" SAM: Samedi-mag/Planète 15325 250 60 """" DIM: Courrier mondial/ 21570 250 60 """" Dimanche-mag --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1900-1959 SKN 13670 300 180 AFRIQUE L-V: Canada en direct ASC 15120 250 65 DE L'OUEST SAM: Samedi-mag/Planète DIM: Courrier mondial/ Dimanche-mag --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1915-1944 VIE 15200 100 115 MIDDLE-EAST ARABIC WER 17820 500 120 HBY 17630 350 135 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2000-2059 HBY 5995 300 230 EUROPE M-F: Canada Today SKN 11690 300 110 SAT: Newsweek/Review 15325 250 60 SUN: Mailbag/Review 17870 250 60 21570 250 60 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2100-2129 15325 250 73 NORTH-AFRICA ARABIC 17820 250 92 17870 250 73 WER 11920 500 180 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2200-2229 9755 100 240 CARIB./ The World at Six (MON-FRI) 13670 250 240 LAT. AM/USA 15305 250 176 17880 250 176 17695 100 240 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2200-2259 KIM 13710 300 305 CHINA L-V: Canada en direct YAM 17835 300 235 S.E. ASIA SAM: Samedi-mag/Planète DIM: Courrier mondial/ Dimanche-mag --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2200-2359 9755 250 240 USA SAT: TWTW/Summer Comedy (SAT&SUN) 13670 150 240 Summary/Quirks & 17695 250 240 Quarks SUN: TWTW/Inside Track/ Global Village --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2230-2359 9755 100 240 USA As It Happens (MON-FRI) 13670 250 240 17695 250 240 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2230-2259 11920 100 240 CARIB./LAT.AM SPANISH 15305 250 176 17880 250 176 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2300-2329 YAM 13660 100 270 CHINA CHINESE SNG 15360 100 13 YAM 17835 300 235 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2300-2359 5960 250 240 CARIB./USA L-V: Canada en direct 15305 250 176 SAM: Samedi-mag/Planète 17880 250 176 DIM: Courrier mondial/ Dimanche-mag ARM: ARMAVIR RELAY, RUSSIA ASC: ASCENSION RELAY, ASCENSION ISLAND DHA: DHABAYYA RELAY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES HBY: HOERBY RELAY, SWEDEN KIM: KIMJAE RELAY, KOREA MDC: MADGASCAR MSK: MOSCOW RELAY, RUSSIA RMP: RAMPISHAM, ENGLAND SKN: SKELTON RELAY, ENGLAND SNG: SINGAPORE RELAY, SINGAPORE VIE: VIENNA RELAY, AUSTRIA WOF: WOFFERTON, ENGLAND WER: WERTACHTAL RELAY, GERMANY XIA: XIAN RELAY, CHINA YAM: YAMATA RELAY, JAPAN RCI ENGINEERING 23.05.01 RCI OPERATIONS 23.05.01 (via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CANADA. Radio Canada has moved onto the freq of 17840 from about 1600 to 1700 GMT in French. // 15305. RCI listed 9755 not heard at that time. BBCWS could be heard under RCI. Is RCI laying claim to this frequency??? Thanks to Randy, ASWLC local member for the above tip (Stewart H. MacKenzie - WDX6AA EDXP June 9 via DXLD) error ** CANADA. 20085, R Canada Int., 2352 UT 5 June. 15305 mixing with 17695 to produce this spur (separation of 2390 kHz). The fundamental freqs are not //, so both programs audible in the mixing product. Fair signal strength (David Hodgson, TN, harmonics@yahoogroups.com via DXLD) ** CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC. Government launches Radio Peace and Liberty As of 4 June, the Central African Republic's national broadcaster, Radio Centrafrique, remains unheard but the government has launched an FM station in Bangui on 88 MHz. The radio, which is believed to have commenced broadcasting on 31 May, identifies itself as Radio Peace and Liberty. It has reportedly been set up in President Ange- Felix Patasse's compound with the support of the Libyan government and it is run by some of the national radio staff. So far no defined programmes have been heard on the radio, which is broadcasting only music and intermittent presidential statements. The independent Radio Ndeke Luke, run by Hirondelle Foundation http://www.hirondelle.org continues to broadcast. Source: BBC Monitoring research 2-4 Jun 01 (via BBCM via DXLD) Media behaviour on 7 June Radio Peace and Liberty, the FM "crisis radio" launched by the government, was still broadcasting at 1130 gmt on 7 June. The station was playing mainly music. Ndeke Luka radio and the Roman Catholic Notre Dame de Bangui radio stations were also broadcasting, but not their full programmes. The national TV resumed its broadcasts a few days previously but as of 7 June had again stopped broadcasting. Source: BBC Monitoring research 7 Jun 01 (via DXLD) ** CHECHNYA [non]. Russia`s Information Minister Mikhail Lesin has described as offensive towards Russia a decision by Radio Liberty to start broadcasting in Chechen. If the Russian parliament passes a decision tomorrow to start broadcasting in one of the dialects of America's indigenous people, Mikhail Lesin said, I don`t think the United States will take it as normal. The minister underscored that Russia will not jam Radio Liberty`s broadcasts, but will take appropriate measures should the station violate international telecommunications rules. Voice of Russia English News Bulletin, 06/06/2001 http://www.vor.ru/News/index.html (via Sergei Sosedkin, IL, DXLD) Hey, it`d be neat if Russia decided to broadcast in, say, Osage! And why should we be threatened by that? (gh, OK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA? unID Chinese broadcasts heard on many frequencies since April, often mixed with other Chinese programs: on 15060, from 1300 CH program, 1430 English lesson to 1457*; \\ 13610 and 12025 continued in Chinese past 1600. Much weaker Chinese station on 15060 from 1500, then Arabic at 1700-1800*, probably Taiwan (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Taiwan is on 15060 at 1300+ and jammed by China (gh, DXLD) ** CHINA [non]. 12075 & 15440 to China. Today I received an undetailed letter of my RR to Falundafa Radio. I waited 63 days and I enclosed one IRC. From: Fang Guang Ming Inc., P. O. Box 117, Buford, GA 30518, USA (Klaus-Peter Hilger, Germany, via WWDXC May 30 via BCDX via DXLD) In a verification letter of Falun Dafa Radio it is said that the station`s name was changed to Fang Guang Ming Radio. Address: Fang Guang Ming Inc, P. O. Box 117, Buford, GA 30518, USA. v/s was Yuan Li. Many greetings, (Patrick Robich, Austria via Martin Schöch, CRW, DX LISTENING DIGEST) I listened to both freqs last night. 12075 was again very good, while 15440 was weak. The 12075 spur was back on 12135. 15440 showed some delay compared to 12075, both running the CIS pips before 2200. 15440 may be from a site in the Far East (Olle Alm, Sweden, Jun 1, BC-DX via DXLD) This evening (Saturday) I was able to confirm that 12075 from 2200 is broadcast from the old Novosibirsk site, so has 100 or possibly 200 kW. 15440 was barely audible (Olle Alm, Sweden, Jun 3, BC-DX via DXLD) 12075 was very strongly heard, but the jamming much too intense for me to obtain much detail. Whichever way Novosibirsk is beaming, it is certainly reaching the UK! 15440 had only jamming (Noel R. Green, UK, Jun 5, BC-DX via DXLD) CLANDESTINE from CIS to CHINA, 12075, Great Brightness Radio. This evening (Saturday) I was able to confirm that 12075 from 2200 is broadcast from the old Novosibirsk site, so has 100 or possibly 200 kW. 15440 showed some delay compared to 12075, both running the CIS pips before 2200. 15440 may be from a site in the Far East (Olle Alm, Sweden, Jun 2, Cumbre DX via DXLD) 15440, Great Brightness Radio: There are two xmtrs with Chinese language programming now on 15440. A xmtr came up on this frequency around 2140 UT at S-1/-2, possibly tuning up at low power. By 2147 the signal strength was at S-9+. At 2153 I received weak 900+/- Hz pips until 2159 when a Chinese program was switched on. At 2200 a strong WYFR ID was announced and then went into a Chinese program. At this point I could no longer copy the weaker, Russian xmitter. I suspect the first carrier I detected was the Russian one and that its signal strength remained weak and then the WYFR xmtr came on and quickly assumed full power. It is now pushing S-9+20 with negligible fading (D. Johnson via Alm Jun 5, ibid.) I guess the time of day is not propagationally favourable for him to hear the Falun Dafa transmission. The pips he heard indicate that the programme was routed through the Khabarovsk switching centre. The early carrier sign on excludes Komosomolsk, so only Vladivostok and Khabarovsk are left. The weak pips point to Tavrichanka. I guess they are using 100 kW at each location (Novosibirsk + Tavrichanka) for this transmission (Olle Alm, Sweden, Jun 5, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** CUBA. RHC`s Isabel García gives her personal E-mail out for comments, etc. -- isabel@rhc.cu (Bob Thomas, CT, June 2, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. Bata 5005 back on? At 2203 to 2205 UT caught the sign off national anthem of what I can only "assume" is Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial. Long time since I`ve heard the anthem & today is the first time I've noted the station this autumn-winter here in Australia. Signal level surprised me as it was quite good. One of the best signals I've heard from this broadcaster on 5005 kHz. Station has always been irregular on this freq over the years. Must try again tomorrow morning (Ian Baxter SWL/DXer, June 7, ARDXC via DXLD) 5003.6, Radio Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial; Bata, June 7, 2145- 2206*, Non-stop Afro music, at 2159 dead air for almost a minute. Then music again. At 2201 National Anthem (which matches the one I found at http://www.emulateme.com/anthems/ ), which ended at 2204. Transmitter off-air at 2206 UT. No talk heard. Nice to hear them back again, with a great signal: 44444 (Mark Veldhuis, Netherlands, Conexion Digital via DXLD) ** GERMANY. Re DW 6140 in English [now scheduled:] ENGLISH 1500 1555 6140 JUELICH 100 130 EUR ENGLISH 1555 1600 6140 WERTACHTAL 125 120 EUR I just listened to 6140 once again carefully between 1550 and 1600: I could not note any signs of a hand-over, namely no sudden signal strength changes. Perhaps it is a good idea to call the Juelich stn after the holidays... Anyway it is interesting that also the listed Wertachtal operation uses an azimuth which aims at the Balkans, so this seems indeed to be the primary target now, no longer the UK (Kai Ludwig, Germany, Jun 2, BC-DX via DXLD) Hi, but the azimuth selection may keen and TWO advantages given: plus 180 degrees of BACK LOOP means a strong signal at 300/310 degrees into "nearby" United Kingdom. My comment on 6140, despite having BBC on 12095 or 15 MHz at my disposal the whole day long, I like to listen DW`s English service on 6140 kHz in between, because DW English program was very seldom heard in Germany with sufficient signal strength due to short skip conditions at my place in past 30 years -- so I describe it as a vailed service for my location. DW will reach more people all-over Europe with a widely spoken English language program to the 'upper class' population, than using special variety of Balkan languages (Wolfgang Büschel, Jun 2, BC-DX via DXLD) Re 6140 -- unless the intention is to hold on to this frequency, it does seem strange to beam an English only program AWAY from the UK & Ireland! However, the signal is very useable, although it does go down some around mid-day. It is not so strong as either 6045 or 5975 around 0745, but the antenna in use is leaking plenty of RF out of the back. I'm getting an S=9+5 to 10dB signal most mornings around this time (Noël R. Green, UK, Jun 5, BC-DX via DXLD) ** GUATEMALA. 6720, R LV de Nahualá (presumed) 0053 9 June. Nice 2nd harmonic of 3360. Very characteristic Guatemalan mx. Found fundamental on 3360, with good signal strength. Heard many SS announcements, but was not able to catch ID. 90% sure it is R LV de Nahualá (David Hodgson, TN, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** GUATEMALA. The "Radio Committee" of the Iglesia Bautista Getsemani has applied for a shortwave license for Radio Amistad at San Pedro La Laguna in Guatemala and I am constructing the transmitter now. The plan is to put it on the air by the end of the year. IF Radio Amistad gets a license it will probably be for the 49 or 60 meter band and most likely 1 kW. For economy, the transmitter will be run at only 500 watts into a "cloud warmer" (NVIS) antenna of either the dipole/reflector or square loop design. Again, for economy, the one- wavelength, square loop supported on wooden masts will probably win out over the more expensive tower supported dipole/reflector array. With the good ground conductivity of the lakeshore location, no "reflector" or counterpoise wire will be needed for the square loop, making it cheaper to construct. The corn field in which the antenna will be located extends to within just a few yards of the lake (Larry Baysinger, Cumbre DX Jun 5 via DXLD) ** HONDURAS. Radio Litoral, La Ceiba, 4832.20, 0135-0150, June 2, mx programme with many IDs "...Radio Litoral...", SIO 232 (Daniele Canonica, Switzerland, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. Iridium Unveils Global Internet Service -- LEESBURG, Va. (Reuters) - Internet service to even the most remote spots on Earth was rolled out on Tuesday by the new owners of the Iridium satellite network that was nearly sent plunging to a fiery end by financial problems last year. ``For the first time, the Internet can be accessed from every part of the globe, including the oceans, the polar regions and the mountaintops,`` said Gino Picasso, chief executive of Iridium Satellite LLC. More at: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010605/wr/telecoms_iridium_dc_1.html (via Sergei Sosedkin, June 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN [and non]. Hello, today Friday in Iran parliament elections will take place. Just had a look to the different foreign Persian services this morning, which may or may not subject of Iranian BUBBLE or "1 kHz away interference" jamming by Iranian national domestic sce: DW 0900-0930 nooo jamming or different 1 kHz whistle tone could be observed, both Wertachtal 17570 and 21840 stronger than muffled audio on 17675 via Samara-RUS. VoA 0300-0430 - No chance to hear Kuwait MW 1548. Kavalla 9835 22322, had a carrier side by side, on 9836.00 and most likely fed by IRN's dom sce progr in Persian too. Kavalla 11985 32322, had a carrier 11986.00, whistle tone as well as BUBBLE jamming all over three 5 kHz channels. Strongest jamming of all monitored morning channels. VoA Iranawila relay on 17855 totally UNDISTURBED. RL Persian 0430-0730 Kavalla relay on 17835 totally UNDISTURBED. 15525 via Lampertheim which may or may >not< be subject of jamming, an unknown 120 Hertz bass tone on co-channel. Kavalla relay on 9510 had two carriers side by side on 9508.52 and 9512.5, but not sure whether these originate from Iran. Following BBC transmission this Friday 0945-1230 on Masirah 15175 and Cyprus 17870. Masirah is stronger here than Cyprus outlet. And has an unknown whistle carrier on 15173.10 nearby, but I guess there is >no< Iranian jamming of this Thu/Fri only midday segment of the BBC Persian lang service. regards de wolfgang df5sx [Later that same day:] Hello, today Friday in Iran parliament election took place. Just had a look to the different foreign Persian services this afternoon/night, which may or may not subject of Iranian BUBBLE or "exact 1.00 kHz away interference" jamming by Iranian national domestic sce: DW 1700-1800 nooo jamming or different 1 kHz whistle tone could be observed. Both Krasnodar 11705 and Nauen 15360 were JAMMING FREE. BUT 9835 (registered via Samara) carried not DW Persian, but different Slavic language progr instead, most likely Samara Russian 17-18 outlet. KOL Israel 1400-1500 Nooo jamming observed on 13850, 15640, and 17545, but KOL's 21665 couldn't be observed here. VoA 1700-1900 No chance to hear Kuwait MW 1548 or Dushanbe 972 in CeEUR. Kavalla nothing special on 11835 and 15145. But Iranawila relay 9680 had an accompanied carrier and VoIRIB ARABIC sce relay on 9681.00, whistle tone. \\ VoIRIB Ar 6200, 11840, and from 1830 on 9705 too. RL Persian 1400-1700, nothing special heard on 13665 15495 15530 and 17610. Nothing heard at 1900-2200 outlet against Briech-MRC 7175 and 11710. BBC transmissions this Friday 1130-1230, 1430-1530, 1615-1700 Nothing heard special, I guess there is >no< Iranian jamming. But at 1830-1900 I heard BUBBLE jamming on both 6086.00 (was off some kHz instead of 6091), and 7211.00; against BBC 6090 Masirah and 7210 Nakhon Sawan. regards de (wolfgang df5sx, June 8, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** IRAN [non]. MOLDOVA [tentative] 7480 switched on the carrier abruptly at 1655, no tones, mx from 1657, several IDs and then program from a short time after 1700. The ID sounds more like Barobari than Barabari. No jamming. A notable detail was that the frequency was on the high side, 7480.2. This fact and the absence of pips excludes most of the usual relay sites, and I would suggest that the transmitter belongs to one of the low band ME clandestines, although the very clean audio points to a more professional operator (Olle Alm, Sweden, Jun 1, BC-DX via DXLD) Grigoriopol`, Moldova? (ed. BC-DX Büschel via DXLD) ** ISRAEL. Galei Zahal has new frequency change time, heard June 2 0215-0258* on 6973 with local pops, folk music, Hebrew talk, fair; then from *0259-0315+ on 15788.52 with same; had been on 15785.0 on May 28 (Brian Alexander, PA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** KURDISTAN [non]. CLANDESTINE from RUSSIA? to IRAQ. 15770, Voice of Mesopotamia, Heard *1400 ID by female voice in Kurdish "Dangi Mesopotamia" on a back ground of IS "Patriotic Kurdish song". Local news 1403 and international news at 1425, nonstop Kurdish songs most of the time. ID and sign-off 1600*, SINPO/24332 (Mahmud Fathi, Germany, June 3&4, Cumbre DX via DXLD) 'Denge Mesopotamia' has been heard daily at *1500-1601*(v) on 15770 with very good reception. What's interesting to note is that this broadcast is in Kurdish, whereas the 1400-1455* boradcast is in Turkish/Kurdish. Clear IDs in Kurdish are given repeatedly just prior to the 1600 sign-off. At one point I 'thought' I heard 'BOX' given (in EG) but that's all, no further address or hint of a address given (postal or web site). By all indication this definitely via Samara or some other {sic} Far East site, as the signal here is a solid s9+. (with just a slight hum on the signal). (Ed Kusalik, Alberta, Cumbre DX via DXLD) See also TURKEY ** MALI. I was able to hear RTM on 9635 on many mornings from 0758- 0950 recently. Sometimes French with news at 0900 and ID as "Chaîne Nationale" at 0800, sometimes vernacular with mostly music and no ID or news on the hour, sometimes closedown at 0900. DWSCI Domestic SW Survey for Mali only lists 5995 + 4783 as regularly active, all other frequencies as sporadically active or inactive (Thorsten Hallmann, Germany, June 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MOZAMBIQUE. RN Moçambique has removed all SW frequencies from their homepage. DSWCI Domestic SW survey only listed 3210+15293 as being active sporadically (Thorsten Hallmann, Germany, June 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEPAL. Nepal has had its problems lately, with an eroding economy, several Maoist groups that are trying to shut down the Kingdom by staging three day general strikes, and many people demanding that the Prime Minister should resign because of his involvement in a bribery scandal. But all this pales compared to the events of last Friday night which left Nepal`s King Birendra, his wife the Queen, and seven other members of the Royal Family dead. From his home in Canada, Sam Ward followed the tragic events. His account of how the Nepalese media responded to the story, and links to key information sites, can be found at http://www.rnw.nl/realradio/features/html/nepal010605.html (RN Media Network newsletter June 8 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** NEW ZEALAND. Radio NZ also halts webstreaming according to an article in Internet News (via Ralph Sutton) after the failure of a two year pilot with a local web developer. Rather obviously too, as it cost NZ$250 to subscribe to the service for a year just to hear National Radio. The site was very non-user friendly in my opinion, and RNZ is light-years behind the ABC in embracing the web to showcase its programs, services and RNZI as well as providing audiostreaming for global audiences including the 450,000 Kiwis living in Australia. ABC Radio has local studios and programs (many of which are audio streamed as well as broadcast on AM and FM) whilst RNZ has shut down local studios and programs, switched off transmitters, leased part of their network, pulled down towers and its own Broadcasting House and now pulls out of webstreaming. However, this is a broadcaster in deep crisis and starved of resources and innovative thinking for too long (David Ricquish, May NZ DX Times via DXLD) ** PALAU. 9985, High Adventure Radio/T8BZ, June 2 *1103-1159* Initially noted with s9+ carrier, prior to sign-on. Then carrier dropped off, and signal was just barely audible at sign-on. Heard with sign-on announcements, ID and then into a continuous program of Hymn music played. Signal remain very low keyed, as if under - modulated till 1119 when the signal came up very suddenly as if someone had turned the power up. Heard with music till hit by a bad Utility QRM at 1150 which wiped out the signal. I just could barely hear the sign-off announcements with the address for P.O. Box 66 Koror, Palau 96940 at 1158. By all indications they must have een either having transmitter problems or were in testing mode? June 3, 1127-1200* Re-checked with program of continuous hymns played, with one ID at 1130 as 'Proclaiming the goodness of Jesus Christ throughout the world ..this is the High Adventure Radio Network', write to us at P.O. Box 66, Koror, Palau 96940. Signal & audio quality was much better but at one point the broadcast was interrupted for 4 minutes with no audio (1146). ID & address repeated twice at close, with carrier off at 1202 (Ed Kusalik, Alberta, Cumbre DX via DXLD) Amazing what a callsign change can accomplish in perking up interest in a gospel-huxter; it`s not a new station as some have assumed, but the same as KHBN, and still owned by High Adventure (gh, DXLD) ** PORTUGAL. It seems the Romanian tx engineer has been on holiday to Portugal -- and visited their SW site while there. RDP had a dreadful loud distorted signal on about 15162 at 0620 today - the frequency nearest to this is 15585 at 310 deg !!! (Noel R. Green, UK, Jun 5, BC-DX via DXLD) see under Romania also ** ROMANIA. RRI Galbeni English on 17735 had two strong spurious 306.37 kHz away, on 17428.63 and 18041.37 around 1430 May 30 (Wolfgang Bueschel, BC-DX via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. The on-again, off-again Russian Far East domestic transmitters seem to be on again. Sakhalin Radio heard June 8 on 11840 USB at 0745 at good strength. Magadan on 9530 also audible at this time, until NHK s/on at 0758; 9530 also good at 1721 today (June 10). (Chuck Albertson, Seattle, WA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. R. Sakhalin in 19 days: full data QSL card (one of specially printed 100 copies) for my report on 11840. Signed by S. G. Tarakanov, Editor-in-chief. Full sender`s address not indicated on the envelope, but zip code differs from that used in my report. Correct zip code is 693023 (Vladimir Kovalenko, Tomsk, Russia, DX Signal May 26 via BC-DX via DXLD) SAKHALIN RADIO SLASHES BROADCASTS. As of 16 April, R Sakhalin has slashed the volume of daily broadcasts on the island from its regular 14 to two hours per day. This cutback is due to the federally financed stn`s debts. This is the second time bcs have been cut in six months and the staff warns it will not be able to alert the population to the island's frequent natural disasters ("European Media Institute Newsletter," via Dr. Hansjörg Biener, Germany, 23 May, BC-DX via DXLD) Khanty-Mansiyskiy avt. okrug. Khanty-Mansiysk. 25 Mar-27 Oct, Relay of radiostation "Mayak" via Khanty-Mansiysk Radio Centre (5 kW) 0000- 1900 on 4520 (Nikolay Rudnev, Russia, RUS Dx Jun 1, BC-DX via DXLD) Russian Regional Stations, Mar 25-Oct 27 4520 2 kw, RV-667, 1700-1300, Palana (GTRK "Palana") 4795 50 kw, RV-44, 2100-1700, Ulan-Ude (Buryatskaya GTRK) 4820 50 kw, RV-703, 2300-1900, Khanty-Mansiysk ("Yugoriya"; also relays GTRK "Region-Tyumen") 4825 50 kw, RV- 726, 1900-1500, Yakutsk ("Sakha") 4895 50 kw, RV-700, 2300-1900, Tyumen ("Region-Tyumen") 5290 50 kw, RV-98, 2100-1700, Krasnoyarsk ("Tsentr Rossii") 5930 50 kw, RV-790, 0100-2100, Monchegorsk ("Murman") 5940 (5935 alt.), 100 kw, RV-1001, 1700-1300, Arman ("Magadan") 6060 5 kw, 2000-1500, Blagoveschensk ("Amur") 6095 3 kw, RV-1472, 2300-1400, Khanty-Mansiysk ("Yugoriya"; also relays GTRK "Region-Tyumen") 6125 5 kw, RV-1327, 0200-1600, Ioshkar-Ola ("Mariy-El") 6150 (5290 alt.) 5 kw, RV-1095, 2300-2500, Perm ("T7") 6160 40 kw, RV-297, 0100-2100, Arkhangelsk ("Pomorye") 7140 50 kw, RV-727, 1900-1500, Yakutsk ("Sakha") 7200 100 kw, RV-729, 1900-1500, Yakutsk ("Sakha") 7200 5 kw, RV-1326, 0100-1600, Ioshkar-Ola ("Mariy-El") 7210 100 kw, RV-914, 1900-1500, Khabarovsk ("Dalnevostochnoye") 7320 100 kw, RV-647, 1700-1300, Arman ("Magadan") 7345 50 kw, RV-725, 1900-1500, Yakutsk ("Shakha") 9530 100 kw, RV-646, 1700-1300, Arman ("Magadan") 11650 5 kw, RV-1095, 1500-1900, Perm ("T-7") 11840 15 kw, RV-677, 1700-1300, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk ("Sakhalin") 15165 5 kw, RV-1326, 1600-1700, Ioshkar-Ola ("Mariy-El") 15235 3 kw, RV-1472, 1400-1900, Khanty-Mansiysk ("Yugoriya"; also relays GTRK "Region-Tyumen") 15395 5 kw, RV1327, 1600-2100, Ioshkar-Ola ("Mariy-El") (via Rudnev, Russia, RUS-DX, NU Jun 3 via BC-DX via DXLD) ** RUSSIA. VOR, 11750, from *0000 Spanish, 0100 Russian, 0300 English to 0500*; powerhouse transmitter since May 20; any info on site? (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SAN MARINO. Radio San Marino. Languages: Italian. Address : Palazzo dei Congressi RSM 47031, Rep San Marino Tel : +39 549 882000 Fax : +39 549 882060 Web Site : http://www.radiosanmarino.sm/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0000-2359 Daily ITALIAN Net: http://www.radiosanmarino.sm/ live audio 0000-2359 Daily ITALIAN 102.7 103.2 0200-1800 Daily ITALIAN Eu Sat: 13 E Hot Bird 1-5 12092 H MPEG-2 --------------------------------------------------------------------- (© BBC Monitoring June 5, condensed for DXLD) ** SIERRA LEONE. Radio Democracy was established as a clandestine broadcast in 1997 by the Sierra Leonian government in exile in Guinea, following the military coup d'état of that year. It was later given independent status, but still has a pro-government line despite claims of neutrality by Radio Democracy officials. Broadcasts via two 1 kW transmitters used in rotation, located at Signal Hill, Freetown. Languages : English, Krio Address : 7 Small Waterloo Street, Freetown Tel : +232 230456 Alt Tel : +232 230036 E-mail : rademfm@sierratel.sl --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0600-0630 .MTuWThF. ENGLISH Domestic Ter: 98.1 0630-1300 Daily ENGLISH Domestic Ter: 98.1 0630-0700 Daily BBC Network Africa 0700-0715 Daily News (KRIO) 0730-0800 Daily Magazine prog (KRIO) 0900-0915 Daily News (KRIO) 1300-1445 Su.....Sa ENGLISH Domestic Ter: 98.1 1445-2359 Daily ENGLISH Domestic Ter: 98.1 1500-1530 Daily BBC Focus on Africa 1700-1730 Daily BBC Focus on Africa 1900-1915 Daily News (KRIO) 2100-2130 .MTuWThF. Salone News Magazine (KRIO) 2100-2145 Su.....Sa Review of the week`s events --------------------------------------------------------------------- (© BBC Monitoring June 5 via DXLD) ** SPAIN. DX Information from the British DX Club (BDXC-UK). Recently there was a posting saying that Spanish TV was moving from VHF to UHF. I ran the url http://www.isesatv.com/migrar.htm past a Spanish speaker who says that it applies to a lot of low power relays only. I believe the high power DX stations are staying (Gareth Foster, BDXC- UK via DXLD) I had another look; powers are not shown, so cross-referencing to some other list would be necessary; however it does include channel E2 in Madrid, which would seem to be a major outlet (Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SPAIN [non]. PALS replacements. I can`t find a replacement for 9660 15125 or 15190, so assume they have been dropped. And 15325 doesn`t appear, but I think 11715 is a new freq for that sce. There`s only one FE replacement - PHT 15370 at 1500-1630. That one was well audible here today, but with an annoying buzz in audio. Maybe capacity does not exist at IRA UDO or PHT to carry other services to Asia - UZ at 1700-1800 for instance. The closure of PALS has brought to light some new information -- for me, anyway! Yes, I do recall that a certain amount of coupling of txs was done, and signals received here from PALS were often tremendous - - as was the Soviet jamming. This site, and the Portuguese ones, must have been ideally located for broadcasting into Russia and E Europe due to their westerly location -- meaning they could stay up on higher freqs for longer periods. Let us hope stations like this are never needed again (Noel R. Green, UK, May 30, BC-DX via DXLD) ** SWEDEN. Those interested in VLF reception will be interested to know that the Swedish station SAQ, located at Grimeton [pron: "Grim- e-ton"], will also be making special transmissions on the 1st of July. There will be transmissions on 17.2 kHz at 0830 and 0845 UT and again at 1230 and 1245. Two amateur stations, using the callsign SA6Q will also be on the air on CW and SSB between 0800 and 1400, on 80, 40, 20, 17 and 15 metres, plus 137.7 kHz using extremely slow CW. The SAQ Internet site, which is linked from the RSGB`s GB2RS news pages on the web, is in Swedish but contains several photographs of the equipment at the Grimeton station (RSGB via BDXC-UK via DXLD, WOR 1084) ** TAIWAN. Hello Glenn, CBS-R. Taipei International has finally improved their website so it`s worth a visit now. The new URL for the English page is http://www.cbs.org.tw/english/index.htm The website includes the day`s news with archives going back to June 1. Selected programs that you can listen to on real audio include Soundbite and Naluwan. The frequency and program schedule from June 1 to October 28 is online (Daniel Sampson, Arcadia WI, June 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Prime Time Shortwave http://www.angelfire.com/wi2/shortwave/ ** TANNU TUVA. Tuva. According to the report of Vladimir Kovalenko, the republic was renamed in Tyva. Tyvinskoe Radio (GTRK "Tyva") SW 6100, \\ MW 567: local programs 0610-0700, 1810-1900, 1910-2000 in local and Russian langs. Annt: "Govorit Kyzyl". (Vladimir Kovalenko, Tomsk, Russia, RUS-DX Jun 1 via BC-DX via DXLD, WORLD OF RADIO 1084) {spelling change refers to the Russian letter bI rendered as y ??} ** TANZANIA. Radio Tanzania is now audible in Europe quite often between 1730 and 2100 on 5985 in Kisuaheli mostly (home service?). A good moment to get an ID is just before 1900 when the drum signal is played which can be heard very well at 1700 when Tanzania Zanzibar relays news from Daressalaam. Signal on 5985 is fair/weak as 5980 Voice of Turkey always has a very strong signal here, but luckily very low modulation (Thorsten Hallmann, Germany, June 5, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** TRISTAN DA CUNHA. DX Information from the British DX Club (BDXC- UK). From The RSGB: According to 'The Daily DX', the tiny British island outpost of Tristan da Cunha was hit by a powerful hurricane at the end of May. Reports are that Andy Repetto, ZD9BV, and Lorraine Repetto, ZD9YL, lost their antennas, tower and transceivers in the storm. Fortunately, the Repettos were in England when the hurricane struck but they will not be able to get back to Tristan da Cunha until August or September. Colin Topping, GM6HGW, who is also ZD9HGW, reported that "the devastation was greater than that of the volcanic eruption in 1961 which forced the evacuation of the island". Anyone who can help to supply any surplus equipment is asked to contact Colin by e-mail at gm6hgw@hotmail.com (RSGB via BDXC-UK via DXLD) ** TURKEY [as classified by BBCM]. Voice of Mesopotamia --------------------------------------------------------------------- Medium : Radio Category : Clandestine Country : Turkey Date of Issue : 05-Jun-2001 13:26 Last Modified : 05-Jun-2001 13:25 Comments : This Kurdish radio station was first observed by BBC Monitoring on 21 May 2001 with test transmissions. It identifies itself as "Denge Mesopotamia" (English: Voice of Mesopotamia). Its broadcasts have been publicised by Medya TV, a Kurdish satellite television station broadcasting from France. During its test transmissions it announced that "Despite all the injustices and oppression, we have not been silenced. Our language has remained the same and songs were composed in this language and on this land and the story of this people was written in it. Let this be your own voice. Look out for us, we are awaiting your requests with great anticipation". No contact details were announced. Voice of Mesopotamia is believed to broadcast via a high-powered shortwave relay transmitter, probably in Eastern Europe/CIS. Languages : Kurmanji Kurdish, Multilingual, Sorani Kurdish, Turkish, Zazayee Kurdish --------------------------------------------------------------------- 0800-1000 Daily MULTILINGUAL ME Ter: 15.230 1400-1600 Daily MULTILINGUAL ME Ter: 15.770 --------------------------------------------------------------------- (© BBC Monitoring June 5, condensed for DXLD) ** U K [non]. BBC WS in English on 12035 from *0300 weak to fair; from *0400 to 0500* very strong; switches beam of transmitter at 0400; what sites? (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K / NEW ZEALAND. Dear members, By now most of you will be aware of the fact that from 1st July the BBC intends to end much of its transmissions on shortwave to USA, Canada, Australia and the S. Pacific. This is short sighted in the extreme, cutting off the BBC`s continuous service to the majority of New Zealand. Aucklanders are fortunate that 1476 kHz continues on medium wave, but unless you wish to be glued to the internet on real audio, tying up your phone line, possibly running up a bill, the BBC will end. Its shortwave service has served NZ for the last 70 years. There is a web site coordinating efforts in affected countries to save this service and its URL is http://www.savebbc.org We urge you to contact the British High Commissioner in NZ, Mr. Martin Williams to intervene. His e-mail address is bhcpress@xtra.co.nz. or P O Box 1812, Wellington." In addition we urge you to write to a newspaper in your area to draw attention to this and the following e mail addresses cover many NZ papers. NZ Press Association: news@nzpa.co.nz NZ Herald editor@herald.co.nz The Press management@press.co.nz Otago Daily Times odt.editor@alliedpress.co.nz Evening Post editor@evpost.co.nz Dominion editor@dominion.co.nz IRN News irn@irn.co.nz Yours sincerely, (Barry Williams, President, NZ Radio DX League, June 7, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U K. Outlook is supposed to be on the BBC European stream at this time but instead when I use RA I get an announcement about how the stream has been turned off due to restrictions imposed by the rights holder of sporting coverage. Of course during the Olympics even the music and panel shows were turned off. So much for the Internet replacing shortwave to North America, Australia and New Zealand. (WNYE, the New York City school district station whose future is uncertain, DOES carry the full BBCWS schedule here -- in the wee hours. Otherwise it's newscasts only on FM.) Later: This morning, I tried to hear BBC WS Outlook past 1200 GMT using the RealAudio .ram file saved on my disk which had worked yesterday. Instead, I got an announcement about how the stream was gone due to sporting rights pre-emption. I got a new RA stream link when I went to http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice which worked. pnm://rm.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/live24/liveinfent.ra There's also the news channel link which still works. pnm://rm.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/live/livenews.ra However, if you`ll go to http://www.broadcast.com/bbc/ you'll notice that there are no links to "listen now" anymore and the old BBCWS .ram and .asx files for the Americas and Spanish streams through Broadcast.com no longer work. Also, searching at Broadcast.com for the BBC, World Service, Britain, England, et alia seems to yield no results. So if there is any way to listen to the BBC through broadcast.com I am unaware. (Note--this was a different stream, the Americas stream.) There still seems to be a Spanish feed through the Argentinian newspaper Clarín, albeit with bad audio, and, in the past, this has had European English when Spanish wasn`t available. http://ar.clarin.com/bbc.ram The BBC Radio 4 feed also has BBCWS Europe overnight, which is prime time in North America. This apparent cutting of streaming availability at a time when the BBC is planning to close shortwave to North America, Australia and New Zealand is, IMHO, dubious. Of course, there is always that wonderful FM rebroadcasting they talk about. Here in New York City, other than newscasts, BBC World Service is available on the school district station, WNYE, Brooklyn, itself endangered, http://www.wnye.nycenet.edu It is on after midnight. This is greater availability than in most places in the U.S. (Joel Rubin, NY, June 6, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Please don't bother looking for my signature on any weepy petitions to the BBC to maintain their service to North America. I don't see how it is that nobody can understand the BBC's motivation for their planned cuts. The British government through the BBC provides news, current affairs, and entertainment to the whole world for free. But now they've decided they don't feel they have to. The British government wants to save money and stands only to lose listeners by doing so, and they're obviously prepared to do that. Look at it this way. Here's the British government thinking they don't want to spend the money anymore to inform and entertain the rest of the planet. So they ask themselves: "What areas of the world are already well served with news, current affairs, and entertainment programming?" That's an easy one, right? The most developed areas on earth: Canada, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand (Europe too, but they're easy to cover from home). What's left? South America, Africa, and Asia. If you can't look after everyone, then doesn't it make sense to try and serve the ones who could use it the most? Ralph Brandi, if you think that by listening to the BBC all day at home, or on the beach with your portable radio (no wonder people think we're geeks) that you're in anything but a vanishingly small minority, you need to stop and think again. I'll bet even the average Brit doesn't listen to the BBC all day. Brandi states "BBC has made a decision that North America is not interested in its feature programs. That's sad, and, I think, wrong. It does a disservice to the North American audience, and it does violence to the image of the United Kingdom here." Hardly Ralph. Didn't you read what they said? As far as disservice goes, I think it only harms the self-interest of listeners who are used to getting something for nothing and now see it slipping away. I have a hard time feeling any sympathy for someone here who thinks losing the services of one radio station is a disservice. We're already so overloaded with information compared with other parts of the world, it's embarrassing. As far as doing violence to one's image goes, I think the BBC's image is enhanced by their continuing commitment to provide service to areas of the world that need news and information from a relatively unbiased third party. It would have been easy for them to cut service to "third world" countries, but I think they took the high road instead. Ralph goes on to say "Further, I'm using my computer to do my work; I cannot afford to run the Real Player in the background, which slows down my computer and keeps me from getting my work done as quickly as I need to. In addition, Real Player tends to stutter and stop when I run it in the background while doing my work. I am using my computer for other things; it is not available to use as a radio." Am I supposed to feel sorry for you because you can't listen to the BBC on the Internet and work efficiently at the same time, or should I feel sorry for the poor guy in Africa or South America, who if they can't get the BBC on shortwave, gets little or nothing? It all sounds very selfish to me. Ralph's "Harming the BBC Brand in America" is typical cultural arrogance, like the only thing the BBC should be concerned about is how they are perceived in America. Then he says "the BBC has gone to great expense to launch a TV channel devoted entirely to BBC programming, BBC America. At the same time, you are essentially eliminating the BBC brand on radio. This strikes me as foolish and contrary to the interests of the BBC." Ralph!! The BBC launches a TV channel, and they call it BBC America, designed for "TV-starved" Americans and this isn't enough for you? Do the math. Do you think they'll reach a larger North American audience with a TV channel dedicated to American viewers or a shortwave service? If you simply HAVE to listen to the BBC, doesn't it make more sense to anyone to complain (or more effectively, to lobby) your local public broadcaster to provide more BBC coverage instead of complaining to the BBC about the loss of service? Are we saying that by losing the BBC World Service we'll be starved for news and information? Come on! The beauty of shortwave listening is that if you want to find out what's going on in the world you can tune into broadcasters from just about any country and get it from the source. We in North America, of all people, don't need to rely on the BBC for news, information and entertainment. The BBC isn't here to serve hobbyists! Complaints that equate the BBC's decision to "our disappearing hobby" are ludicrous! Just for the record I enjoy listening to the BBC too. However, there's just too much to listen to on shortwave to spend time listening to only one station. When the BBC's North American service disappears I'll miss them for a little while and then I'll move on...because there's so much to move on to. 73 (- Ken Alexander, June 7, ODXA via DXLD) Direct from the BBC: 15220 kHz will carry "Caribbean Report" from 1200 to 1220, and then pick up the last 40 minutes of "Newshour" in progress. The schedule isn't shown that way right now in the web database – said database has a glitch and they're working on it. Glenn: what's the Greek prefix for 2/3? If "sesqui" is 1 1/2, or 3/2, perhaps the prefix is the reciprocal of "sesqui", or "iuqses". Just a thought (Richard Cuff, PA, June 5, swprograms via DXLD) The thing I'm really fearful of is that all there will be left on shortwave in 15-20 years will be the gospel-huxters, far-right-wing nuts, and conspiracy theorists like Art Bell. We're already putting up with more and more trash on the international bands, like Dr. Gene Scott having the nerve to broadcast his sermons from as many transmitter sites as he pleases. I hope that Merlin's people will have some common sense to offer programming that is informative and interesting, like the BBC and other stations are doing, and that they try not to offer more and more religious and political fare... some good examples of what Merlin is offering are RTE from Ireland, and Wales Radio International. And they're offering some music shows like the Global Sound Kitchen, which, while the audio isn't all that great, could be one way to get some young people introduced to the shortwave hobby... (Joe Hanlon in Philadelphia, swprograms via DXLD) Merlin sell airtime. Period. They are not program providers. If the persons or organizations buying the airtime are legit, and no threat to British interests, they will sell it. Unlike domestic broadcasts, there is no public service or quality requirement. The sad thing is that those with the money seem generally to have messages people don't want to hear, while those with the content can't afford the airtime. Complain about lousy programming, by all means, but don't blame Merlin. (Andy Sennitt, ibid.) Hi everyone - I have been exchanging E-mails with a reasonably senior BBC World Service person regarding shortwave transmission schedules, and he informs me that many in Bush House are sympathetic to our cause -- Mr. Byford's decision was not a universally accepted decision. This gentleman suggests we emphasize the differences in how we *use* shortwave versus FM and Online in our letters of protest, as Mr. Byford "...believes that the Internet delivers "equivalent audio to affluent American homes..." Regards, (Richard Cuff, ibid.) Coalition to Save the BBC World Service http://www.savebbc.org Press Release (Contact Information at end.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2001 BBC TO CUT OFF 1.2 MILLION LISTENERS ON JULY 1. Decision to End Shortwave Broadcasts to North America, Australia and New Zealand Greatly Restricts Access to World Service. Listener Coalition And Web Site Formed to Urge Reconsideration. An international coalition of radio listeners has been formed to urge the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to reconsider an announced decision to end shortwave radio broadcasts of the World Service to North America and the South Pacific on July 1. The Coalition to Save the BBC World Service disputes BBC claims that listeners are migrating in large numbers to alternative media such as FM radio, the Internet and satellite to hear the World Service, and abandoning shortwave radio in the process. The coalition's web site is at http://www.savebbc.org. Shortwave broadcasts -- transmitted on frequencies above the standard AM broadcast band, around the world -- are the only reliable way to avoid political boundaries and problems of stations and satellites limiting rebroadcast programs on domestic AM and FM frequencies. The BBC`s own research indicates that there are at least 1.2 million listeners in North America who listen to the shortwave broadcasts of the World Service every week. While 228 FM stations in the US and 25 in Canada do carry some BBC World Service content, most of these stations are low powered with limited reach. According to a survey of stations carrying BBC programming in the US and Canada published by the Coalition on its web site, most of these stations broadcast only a few short BBC news bulletins daily or carry a one hour news magazine produced, only in part, by the BBC. The few stations that air a wider selection of programs do so only between midnight and 6 am, when most listeners are asleep. Huge gaps exist in the coverage, leaving important locations like Florida south of Orlando and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the US and Montreal in Canada with no coverage at all. In contrast, the shortwave broadcasts to be discontinued on July 1 are easily receivable on low cost portable radios everywhere on the continent. "There certainly is an added value in having the World Service available via FM, the Internet and eventually satellite," said a coalition spokesman. "However, right now, none of these -- separately or together -- provide the extent, ease and affordability of access, or the portability, that shortwave radio provides for many listeners. The equation that the BBC apparently feels it has achieved in North America is a myth," said John Figliozzi, a writer on international broadcasting and one of the Coalition's members. The Coalition asserts that the end result on July 1 will be greatly reduced availability of the World Service to all listeners in the affected areas. "There will be almost a complete cutoff to the many listeners who cannot receive FM stations rebroadcasting the World Service and the many who still do not have access to the Internet", said Sheldon Harvey, author of the survey and host of a program about radio and communications for a local station in Montreal. "We understand the BBC's need to efficiently deploy its resources," he added. "But this decision only hurts the World Service and hurts its loyal listeners." "The World Service is a truly unique international public radio station that produces and broadcasts, around the clock, a huge range of programs covering arts, science, music, sports, business, entertainment, culture, and religion," explained Richard Cuff, also a writer on international broadcasting and a Coalition member. "They define excellence in broadcasting. But none of these programs have an appreciable presence on local stations and, for all intents and purposes, will be unavailable once shortwave broadcasts to North America cease." The BBC claims listeners can hear them over the Internet after the cutoff. The Coalition feels this is inadequate. Ralph Brandi, Coalition webmaster and a professional webmaster by day, explained. "The technical infrastructure of the net as it stands today is ill- suited to serve the kind of listenership that BBC World Service gets on shortwave. Listening to a radio station over the net requires an individual connection for each listener. This limits the potential audience to mere thousands, or perhaps tens of thousands if you continue to throw money, hardware and bandwidth at the problem. Furthermore, the Internet is relatively expensive for the user and offers limited, if any, portability. Simply put, the Internet is not radio. It does not serve as a suitable replacement." The Coalition urges listeners and others concerned about the continued accessibility of the BBC World Service to protest this decision by writing directly to the BBC World Service and to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of Her Majesty's Government in London, or to British Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions in the affected regions. The Coalition's web site, which has continuously updated information and the names and addresses of officials and contacts, can be found at http://www.savebbc.org/ For More Information Contact: USA John Figliozzi Phone-Days (0815-1730ET) +1 (518) 473-5264 (voice mail, leave message) Phone-Night (1830-2200ET) +1 (518) 383-0796 (answering machine) E-mail: jfig-@nycap.rr.com or jfig-@hotmail.com Richard Cuff Phone: +1 (610) 509-2873 Fax: +1 (707) 313-2458 E-mail: rdc-@sprintmail.com Canada Sheldon Harvey, President, Canadian Int. DX Club Phone: +1 (450) 671- 3773, during business hours, 0900-1700 ET. E-mail: cidx-@yahoo.com (via Ralph Brandi, swprograms) Topica truncated E-mail addresses Just for the heck of it, I went onto the BBC site to try their realaudio feed. Usual -- worked for a while then quit. At least it didn't crash my computer as often happens. I have a very fast cable connection, too. I took the opportunity to post a comment on the BBC site itself. Hopefully someone will read it seriously. I'm posting the the idea here, as the "coalition" site did not list this as one of the issues to communicate to the BBC. As a marketer for over 30 years, I suspect they have overlooked something very basic in the way of market share dynamics. Share functions as a percent of the "universe", where that universe is like a pie. The broadcaster or marketer can influence the size of the slice, but not the pie -- the size of which is driven by larger consolidated forces. This concept is nothing new and has been reaffirmed continually over the last century. It's similar to the law of gravity -- you can disagree with it, but that could be painful. So, what's this got to do with anything? Our listening and viewing behavior is driven by our moods and preferences at a given time. If we feel like watching TV, then that's what we'll chose from. Music? - - put on a CD or good local FM station. Radio -- ?? Well, let's look at that. Pick up any shortwave radio that works and chances are you can pick up a few listenable signals -- I mean comfortable to listen to over an extended period in a language you can understand with some content that can hold your interest. The BBC has developed a commanding market share of the shortwave medium (that particular pie) due to these factors, plus the powerful transmitters and relays to North America and the Pacific. This is simply not transferable -- at least the savvy marketer knows that he can't assume so. And certainly, it is not transferable to "narrowcasting" media such as cable, local feeds, the Internet or 100's of satellite radio feeds. Put another way -- BBC is the Frogzilla of shortwave and its audience reflects that. This Frogzilla does quite well in its pond -- but take it into the open ocean and that's another situation altogether. There it becomes one of hundreds or thousands of channels competing for "share". There's a reason they display Internet URL's in TV commercials, radio spots, print, direct mail, milk cartons, billboards, matchbook covers, etc. With the Internet, the dot.com's quickly discovered that "build it and they will come" doesn't work. Here's another proof -- the extreme loss of share experienced by what once were the major US TV networks -- CBS, NBC and ABC. They weren't dumb enough to move out of the universe, but cable and satellite caused many others to move in and they got lost in the crowd. If it weren't for actual "over the air" broadcasting, the original three would be much, much smaller. The BBC will be cutting its air supply voluntarily. If you have developed a commanding role in a medium, don't be so quick to throw it away. How often, even as the odd-bird of a hobbyist SWL, have you scooted around the SW bands, logged a few stations straining to hear them, and then migrated back to BBC for some extended listening? Are you really going to switch over to your PC and log onto their site instead? Probably not. How will the casual listener in the US know to go to their site? And, once you're into the alternative medium, the number of choices affects the share and audience size. Hey, I can go to an oddlot type store around the corner here and buy a shortwave radio of sorts on a blister pack for under $10, put a battery in it and what do you think I'll receive? The BBC and a few others. Those powerful transmitters weren't for nothing. Hope this provides some added ammunition for those of you who will be contacting the BBC or other SWBC-ers about to make the same fundamental mistake. The marketer does not have the power to migrate the audience -- i.e., you shut down, even though I have cable, DSL, cable modem, satellite, etc. -- you lose me. Later: I just realized -- I made a technical error. Frogzilla has ADM capability -- that's automatic dynamic morphology -- he expands to 98% of the size of any pond he my find himself in -- a puddle, kiddie pool or the Atlantic Ocean, which might explain the Titanic fragments and U-Boat shrapnel sometimes found stuck in his haunches. The BBC is not Frogzilla -- and they need to be made to understand that. Perhaps another tea party, or maybe the reflector lists ought to organize a consortium to take over their frequencies and call letters -- but the BBC would become the Boatanchor Broadcasting Company. I can hear it now: Bong bong, bong bong ribbet ribbet ribbet. And now the world news ... Hallicrafters SX-28 repro dials are now available from .... The 6H6 vacuum valve market stabilized after some afternoon fluctuations, however 5U4 prices remained high. This just in -- medical researchers in Rangoon have discovered health benefits for stray thermionic emissions which leak out through the vents of old radio equipment. Dr. Gupta was quoted: "Well, we are not really sure. It could be the wavelength of that orange glow." However, cell phone users are still advised to wear grounded metal helmets. Our CEO and founder, Frogzilla has announced a new worldwide shortwave service. Starting July 1st, we will be feeding web site content and cable channel audio over the shortwave bands. Ted Turner was first on line to sign up, saying: "Y'mean we can bounce our signal off the ionosphere around the world, practically for free!!! Whatta concept! Of course, we wanna be on the ground floor of this new technology especially since our web site has been bogging down." And now, for a little light frog music .... Oh well, it could happen, huh? (Barry Hauser, June 9, swl@qth.net via DXLD) WHAT MAY BE LEFT ON SW FOR NA LISTENERS -- revised If "it" should come to pass, here is what I think will be left as far as the Americas stream goes, and audible for us in NA: 1100-1400 15220AT (which will carry special programming for the Caribbean instead of regular WS feed at 1100-1120 and 1200-1220) 6195AT (1000-1400, but poor in summer, very good in winter) 1400-1700 17840AS 2100-2300 12095AS 2300-0000 12095AS, 5975AT 0000-0200 12095AS, 9915UK, 5975AT 0200-0300 12095AS, 9915UK, 6135DE, 5975AT 0300-0400 6135DE, 5975AT [Rich Cuff reports that no changes in existing beam headings are planned.] I've noted these additional frequencies for other streams which, at least for the summer, appear to be consistently good performers insofar as my reception in the northeast US: Europe/North Africa stream 2000-2200 9410CY 0400-0500 12035CY, 9410UK, 6195UK 0500-0600 12095CY Middle East stream 1100-1500 17640UK, 15565UK 1500-1600 15565UK 0200-0300 6195UK 0300-0400 15575OM, 12095CY, 9410UK, 6195UK 0400-0500 12095CY East Africa stream 1200-1900 21470SE (to 1300, AS thereafter) 0200-0300 9770SE 0300-0400 11730SE 0400-0500 15420SE West Africa stream 1800-2100 17830AS 2100-2300 15400AS South Asia stream 0300-0400 15310OM [Key: AT=Antigua, AS=Ascension Is., CY=Cyprus, DE=Delano, CA, OM=Oman, SE=Seychelles, UK=British Isles] (Of course, always subject to change.) (John Figliozzi, ibid.) The evidence that I hear from friends who have sources inside the BBC says that they really think they're doing the right thing by cutting off shortwave. You would think, therefore, that the volume, intensity, and content of the mail they've received since the news came out would cause them to reconsider. Judging by the BBC's continued insistence on feeding us the same line about local placement and the Internet, it appears that they've paid no heed to the mail. Either that, or the wheels of bureaucracy move so slowly that if there has been any change in thinking, it hasn't been reflected in what the BBC or the FCO are sending out to disgruntled listeners. According to the host of Write On this week, 80% of the mail coming into Bush House these days is protesting the decision. Personally, I'd like to see that ratcheted up to 90%, but that would involve reaching a lot of people who aren't involved with the hobby subculture, and if having 80% of your mail running against you doesn't change your mind, I'm not sure that 90% or even 100% would make a difference. Doesn't mean we shouldn't try, though. The Write On host didn't say that 80% of the feedback on the schedule changes was negative. I got the impression that 100% of the feedback (or close enough that the difference is statistically insignificant), and that that made up 80% of all mail coming in to Bush House these days. Big difference (Ralph Brandi, June 9, ibid.) Well, look at it this way: if they're getting all that mail now, *before* the cuts are made, imagine what will happen after 1 July. Many people still won't know about it unless they're making announcements at every programme junction (and I assume they're not). Only a minority subscribe to On Air magazine, and I'm sure not everyone listens to Write On. So even if the decision is implemented on 1 July - which is looking more and more likely - ongoing pressure might still persuade them to reinstate at least some of the lost transmissions. It's my understanding that Merlin have registered a full set of frequencies for the next winter period (Andy Sennitt, ibid.) This is not good. The "source" I had within the BBC appears to have dried up. Attempts to contact by e-mail have not been responded to. Perhaps this person is on vacation, but the fact that I have heard nothing over the past two weeks would not appear to be a good sign. It is obvious, I think, that BBC personnel that oppose this move have been cowed. As far as strategy is concerned, I think our only shot is to convince the FCO that British and Commonwealth interests will be harmed. This means we need a much greater effort from ex-pats and listeners from the Commonwealth (i.e.: Canada, Australia and New Zealand). American letter writers, I think, need to hammer home the point that with all the media available over here, the BBC's already small corner of it will be even smaller. Recognition should be given to the fact that it is the British taxpayers' money that supports the BBCWS and that mismanagement of the Corporation in terms of dubious policies, several "reorganizations", overpayed new administrative staff and mistreatment of talent and production staff are rife and have been for some time. And that this decision and the manner in which it was taken is just symptomatic of deeper problems within the BBC structure. Pose the question: If the BBC is right, why are so many people writing these letters to British newspapers, the FCO, embassies, High Commissions and consulates? In other words, we should tactfully but forcefully suggest that the folks at home might want to make themselves more aware of what "Auntie" is doing on their behalf overseas (and at home, while they're at it). Just my 2c worth, adjusted for inflation (John Figliozzi, June 9, ibid.) Instead of lobbying BBC, lobby Parliament. BBC exists to make foreigners like Britain, to invest in Britain, and especially to support Britain politically. As I said once before, most of the money for the IRA's various incarnations come from Irish-Americans. Probably a lot of the guns, too. The "Special Relationship" can't be taken for granted, it must be cultivated. BBC to N. America exists largely to cultivate this relationship. Throwing the major part of the audience into the shitcan can't help (Lester Ness, June 9, ibid.) ``The BBC survey of `North America`` was a small sampling of people in New York, Boston, and D.C.`` I must have been asleep. Where was this revealed? Any more details? (Kim Elliott, ibid.) http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/us/annual_report/bbcar_review_perfor.shtml See the 2nd, 3rd and 4th charts. (Geoff White, Atlanta, ibid.) BBC is like OPEC This is directly analogous to trying to shift folks from fossil fuels to alternative sources of energy. As long as an ample supply of oil, gas, and coal is available, it is hard to get people interested in converting to solar energy. Cut off the supply of cheap fossil fuel and now solar energy looks pretty good even if it is initially more expensive. When OPEC reduces production, they are reacting to the realization that their underground supply is limited. It is in their interest to maximize the revenue that limited supply can produce. OPEC believes that we will all have to transition to alternative energy when the oil eventually runs out. OPEC believes they are doing us a service by encouraging us to research alternative techniques. So OPEC cuts production, the price of oil goes up, and people look for alternatives. Everybody is happy except the guy trying to fill the tank of his 10 mile per gallon sport utility vehicle. The OPEC action is simply good long-term marketing and at least in their own minds a long term service to humanity. The BBC is leading us by the nose into their vision of the future by cutting off free, easy access to their programs on shortwave. Just as when the OPEC countries restrict the availability of fossil fuels, the action forces us to seek alternative solutions. The BBC decision will force us to beat on our local FM station and cable TV system managers to increase the availability of BBC local relays. BBC is pushing us to beat on receiver manufacturers to get those portable satellite receivers on store shelves. That is exactly where BBC and other major broadcasters want us all to go. Their action is simply good marketing from their long term perspective. They think of the action as a long term service to humanity because it will hasten a transition they believe is desirable. So when looked at this way, the BBC decision to quit SW to NA, and the ANZAC region is not a capricious decision, it is totally consistent with what BBC sees as the future. They're just hastening the process by giving their listeners a reason to help them get the local air time or satellite links. The net result when the dust settles will be more listeners in their target audience. They will pick up more target listeners on FM and satellite than they will lose on SW. They will get additional income from public radio stations that will pay them for the rights to air their programs. Seems the Beeb is taking an action here that is in the best long term interest of the Beeb and their target audience. The letter campaign to the BBC and UK government will have as much impact as a letter to OPEC asking them to increase oil flow so we can all have cheap gas for our gas guzzling SUV's. Ain't gonna happen. But. as we said in the 60's. "If it feels good, do it." (~*-.,_,.-*~'^'~*-.,_,.-*~'^'~*-., Joe Buch -*~'^'~*-.,_,.-*~'^'~*- .,_,.-*~'^ June 10, ibid.) ** U S A. Outgoing VOA Director Sandy Ungar has been working on a project to modify the format of VOA News Now, which was too repetitive with news. From mid July there will be more music, cultural items and softer news. He announced this on his farewell appearance on Talk to America June 4. Details are sketchy until arrangements can be worked out with unions representing VOA employees (VOA Communications World June 9 paraphrased by gh for DXLD; also via Chris Hambly) ** U S A. WWCR-4 is on new 7460 at 0500-0900 (Ask WWCR June 8 via DXLD) That`s the Bro. Scare service, ex-7435, ex-2390; had to vacate 7435 after 0500 due to Oz QRM complaint, but still there elsewhen (gh, DXLD) ** U S A. ON THE AIR: JUNE 1 - K1MAN BULLETINS A NO-SHOW June 1st was the date heralded by several short-wave listener newsletters and the W5YI Report for the return to the airwaves of Glenn Baxter, K1MAN, and his Maine based ham radio bulletin service. But SWLs who may have been listening were disappointed. David Black, KB4KCH, has more from our South-East Bureau in Birmingham Alabama: Short-wave enthusiasts weren't the only ones listening. Hams were, too. Two frequencies -- 3.975 and 14.275 MHz were being monitored June 1st. Actually, the channels may have been occupied as part of an effort to discourage Glenn Baxter's return to the airwaves. Bulletins from Baxter's transmitter could not legally show up if the frequencies were already in use. But K1MAN was a no-show. Baxter went into what could be described as self-imposed exile about two years ago. That happened after the FCC visited his Belgrade Lakes Maine location and performed a station inspection. One attempt came during the May 1999 Dayton Hamvention. The Commission says Baxter's station was on the air, but nobody was home. Reports of Baxter's return may have started with a posting on his website which mentions upgrading his Amateur Radio short wave broadcasting facilities at his flagship station. The website goes on to say that the International Amateur Radio Network Amateur Radio News and Call In Talk Show program is currently scheduled to come back on the air on June 1, 2001. Short-wave listeners became interested in Baxter's possible return. The story grew on the Internet and among various newsgroups. Asked to comment during this year's Dayton Hamvention, a Commission official said the issue would be addressed only if Baxter's bulletins once again hit the airwaves. From Birmingham Alabama, I'm David Black, KB4KCH, reporting for the Amateur Radio Newsline. So far, neither the FCC nor those in the ham radio community who oppose Baxter resuming his broadcasts seem to have much to be concerned about. June 1st has come and gone without a sign of K1MAN's news bulletins or his talk show returning to the ham radio airwaves. (DX Listening Digest, Worldofradio [sic], W5YI Report, ARNewsline (tm)) (Newsline June 8 via John Norfolk, OKCOK, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Personally, I never saw any newsgroup postings mentioning K1MAN's possible return. Also, my original report in DXLD 1-052 simply reported what Baxter was saying on his web site, that he was planning to resume June 1; I cannot be held responsible if K1MAN changed his mind, for whatever reason. BTW, I was listening, and heard what I expected to hear - nothing from K1MAN (John Norfolk, DXLD). ** U S A. Clear Channel in Salon again: This time it's about employees. NOTE the URL is over 2 lines... Powell http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2001/05/30/clear_channel_employees/index.html (Powell E. Way, NRC-AM via DXLD) ** U S A. 6484.4 kHz, WWL New Orleans, LA, June 7, 2325, presumed TX spur. This frequency is not a harmonic of 870, the fundamental. Very nice level at times, should propagate well out of the USA. Good clean audio. ID @ 2345: "WWL 870 AM", then ads for businesses in New Orleans, ID again @ 2347. Daytime here during reception, so fundamental not audible (David Hodgson, Nashville, USA, harmonics@yahoogroups.com) Hi Glenn: I heard WWL 870 New Orleans again today (UT Saturday) on 6484.4. I first noted this anomaly @ 2323 UT Thursday 7 June. Heard clear IDs for WWL @ 2344 and 2347. Daylight here at that time, so fundamental frequency not audible. Checked at 0800, and nothing from WWL on 6484.4, but fundamental was strong. Today, WWL was back on 6484.4 @ 0042 with fair to good signal. Again, sports talk and many station IDs. Not on 6484.4 when I checked @ 0600. If this is a TX spur, it is unusually strong and clean. My guess is that some one is probably relaying this. Later: Glenn: The (presumed) SW relay I've been hearing of WWL 870, is on now 2322 UT Sat on 6484.4, with good signal in Nashville. I wonder what this is (David Hodgson, TN, June 9, DX LISTENING DIGEST) One might assume the flooding prompted this, but just normal programming? (gh, DXLD) {The answer: DXLD 1-084} ** U S A. Before WGTG became WWFV, Dave Frantz threatened to sell the station to a large religious group, if patriots and militias do not support the station. He apparently changed his mind, but continues to rant about lack of support. You [actually Hans Johnson] said the ADL is monitoring Steve Anderson of UPR. How come they haven`t done anything about William Pearce on WWFV? UPR on 6900 is often stronger than WWFV 6890, but the FCC continues to ignore UPR. Why? (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U S A/U K. United Patriot Radio: whether or not you find the content of the shows entertaining, this unique shortwave operation remains on the air at column deadline time for the June issue of The ACE. It will pay to check it out from time to time, especially since the FCC`s enforcement actions so far have been nonexistent in the field. It is hard to tell what this FCC posture means. Some think that it is because of the station`s association with a right wing military group that has ``Waco`` potential written all over it. Some have suggested that the conservative administration in Washington does not want a confrontation with an operation that is consistent with the administration`s views, although KSMR and UPR often rail against the Washington establishment. Others have pointed out that there has been very little HF pirate busting lately, regardless of the nature of the stations involved. Still others note, as we see here in The ACE this month, that this is a case of ``no harm, no foul`` like with NBA referees, since the station runs a pretty clean technical operation and has normally been interfering with nobody, therefore not being any sort of public nuisance that would justify enforcement activity by any reasonable government... Prime Minster Blair, you need to be aware that under your leadership the BBC has lost its long-standing position as the world`s #1 information resource. Churchill didn`t lose Britain, but you have managed to succeed where Churchill failed. This is a pretty sad commentary on your political career, regardless of the outcome of the UK elections in June. By fall it appears that there will be more transmissions beamed to the USA by UPR than there will be from the BBC. Hell, there will be more transmissions beamed to the USA by Jimmy the Weasel than there will be from the BBC. I hope that Tony Blair is happy that he has been defeated by the likes of the KSM and Jimmy the Weasel. I will end this diatribe by a famous quote form the erstwhile Jimmy, ``God Damn You, You Are Through.`` No thank you, Mr. Blair. Your actions are extremely harmful to British interests around the world, and there are many former friends of the UK who do not appreciate your horrendous lack of good judgment (George Zeller, OH, Clandestine Profile, June The ACE via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. UAE. World Beacon, plan to move 9675 (Rampisham, 1800-2200) to the UAE are on hold while Merlin concludes their talks with the government (Scott Westerman, World Beacon, NU Jun 3 via BC- DX via DXLD) Maybe the United Arabs are having second thoughts about facilitating infidel evangelism (gh) First broadcast of World Beacon [Russian Beacon] to E Europe in English [future plans in Russian language too]. Special transmission "DX-QSL" carrying interview with founder of AMG Ray Davies, Christian rock music! Mon-Fri 1400-1800 via Woofferton 250 kW on 17795. Heavily disturbed by Qatar R co-channel, latter 500 kW 315 degrees. E-Mail reports to reception@worldbeacon.net (Hartmut Engemann, Germany, A-DX Jun 1, via BC-DX via DXLD) World Beacon is heard on 17795 with fair signal at 1400 on Jun 1. English program. Announced as follows: "Welcome to World Beacon Special program of World Beacon". Tips from the Media Network NL (Masahiro Umemura, Japan, JH9RUI, Jun 3, BC-DX via DXLD) ** URUGUAY. Info complementaria de la nueva emisora ``Banda Oriental``: Su correo-e es: norasan@abile.com.ur Audible desde el dia 10 de marzo. Emitió las dos primeras noches en 6154.0 kcs, luego definitivamente en 6155.0. Las primeras noches comenzaba emisiones a las 2330/2345 transmitiendo el ``Primer Festival Folklórico del Cerro Pan de Azúcar``. Solicita reportes y envía un regalo a cambio. Su apertura [sic] de transmisión ahora parece que se estabilizó en las 0130 horas. La curiosidad de su identificatión es que no dice ``Radio`` ni ``Emisora`` ni ``Difusora``, etc. sino ``CWA155 Banda Oriental`` a secas, seguido de su dirección postal y teléfono: ``Sarandí 328, C.P. 97100 Sarandí del Yí, Durazno, Uruguay; tel. 03679155``. Emite predominantemente música campestre uruguaya (Emilio P. Povrzenic, Rosario, Argentina, Latinoamérica DX March via May Radio Nuevo Mundo via DXLD) {See DXLD 1-085} ** VATICAN [non]. By August 31st, Vatican Radio will start broadcasting via a European mediumwave relay station which is still unknown at the moment as talks are in progress (Stefano Valianti, Southern European Report, June BDXC Communication via DXLD) ** VIETNAM? Weak unID station heard on 15109.97 since March; from 2330 SEAs language, many mentions of Vietnam, 0005 English lesson to 0030* UT Mon; other days As & Am pop music to 0030*; weak signal. Not listed in Oct 2000 NASWA Vietnam article (Ernie Behr, Kenora, Ont., June 4, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** VIETNAM/CAMBODIA. Radio station set up for Cambodians living in southern Vietnam | Text of report by Cambodian newspaper Chakkraval on 3 June The radio station of the Khmer Kampuchea Kraom [residents of southern Vietnam of Cambodian origin] was born and broadcast for the first time on the evening of Friday, 1 June, from Washington DC in the United States. Thach Saen, a Khmer Kampuchea Kraom living in the United States, is the director of the Khmer Kampuchea Kraom radio station [Vitthayu Samleng Khmer Kampuchea Kraom]. He said the radio station has been set up to disseminate true information relating to the Khmer Kampuchea Kraom, including information on culture, recent history and latest news on Cambodia and the Khmer Kampuchea Kraom. The station has a network of correspondents abroad, including Cambodia and Vietnam. Thach Saen further said the station broadcasts every Friday, only one day a week, from 2100 to 2200 [1500-1600 gmt {sic -- actually 1400- 1500 -gh}] on 15725 kHz shortwave. Funding for the radio station comes from compatriots Khmer Kampuchea Kraom living abroad. The goal for setting up the radio station is to enable Khmer Kampuchea Kraom compatriots to have a voice in the international arena and to enable the international community to know about the suffering and hardship of those compatriots who have been oppressed by the Vietnamese authorities for between 300 and 400 years. It should be specified that Information Minister Loe Laysreng recently talked about the plan to establish the Khmer Kampuchea Kraom radio station. A relay station is already set up along the border to enable Khmer Kampuchea Kraom compatriots to follow Cambodian and world news like other people. This plan seemed to have been shelved, however. It is good that now a radio station is set up abroad for Khmer Kampuchea Kraom compatriots living in Vietnam. Source: Chakkraval, Phnom Penh, in Cambodian 3 Jun 01 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** VIETNAM [non]. 15725, Voice of Khmer Krom Radio 1444-1459* June 1 heard mixing with WRMI, talks in Khmer, with references to Cambodia. A speech followed at 1448 with some phrases in English such as 'Genocide', 'Cambodia the People & Policing of Vietnam' as well 'fifteen years after the fall' At the close, female announcer gave a short talk (with background music played) then a very nice selection of instrumental music played to sign-off. At times the signal was over WRMI. There was no actual ID that I could hear but then again my Cambodian is not up to par (Ed Kusalik, Alberta, Cumbre DX via DXLD) 15725a, Voice of Khmer Krom Radio, June 1, 1358 test tones, open carrier 1359 then ID by young woman or girl as "Samlung Khmer Kampuche Krom" Then same ID repeated by man. Many mentions of Kampuche Krom. Transmitter off briefly twice at 1401 and then more talk by same man and woman. Didn`t think to get exact frequency, so 15725 approximate. Mixing with co-channel WRMI throughout but faded by 1415 or so. As Nick Grace points out, this one is broadcasting in Khmer, but is broadcasting to the south of Vietnam (Hans Johnson, AZ, Cumbre DX via DXLD) ** WESTERN SAHARA [non]. RTM & RASD - I forgot to try this morning, but RASD has not been heard for at least a couple of days on 7470 during its morning transmission - 0700-0800. It has NEVER been jammed at this time so far as I am aware. Obviously, the RTM signal is intended for that purpose evenings. Wolfie - where did the Sebaa Aioun location for this one originate? There were 2 x 10 kW (no dates given) and a 1 x 50 kW CFT from 1960 until an unspecified time when "scrapped or dismantled" according to the TDP. There are/were 4 x 35 kW COL from 1946 ; 2 x 50kW RCA from 1941! and 4 x 100 GEN from 1951 at Tangiers, and no indication of what happened to them in the TDP. I would guess most have been used for making razor blades though! Yes, the Nador site seems the most likely for RTM 15345. TDP show 2 x 250 kW THO from 1983 there. The other one on 9575. It`s Briech according to the IBB on 15335 etc. (Noel R. Green, UK, Jun 1, BC-DX via DXLD) This morning, the Sahara stn was back on 7460 with news in Arabic at 0630, but much QRM from Laser 7459.5. Monday at this time I heard Bro. Stair on 7460 past 0700, but don't know where it was coming from. There was too much QRM to establish if it was on today also (Noel R. Green, UK, Jun 5, BC-DX via DXLD) [RTM 15345 is registered to Nador site in A-01: 15345 1500-2200 to zones 38,39,47,48 NAD 250 kW 110 degrs, ed. BCDX] Tonight same frequency occupancy as yesterday night, of RASD Rabuni location near Tindouf on 7460, and RTM v7471, \\ RTM Nador 15345 a quarter second behind (Wolfgang Büschel, May 30, BC-DX via DXLD) Address of A R S O Association de Soutien a Un Referendum Libre et Régulier au Sahara Occidental, P.O.Box 2229, CH-2800 DELEMONT 2, SWITZERLAND E-mail: arso@arso.org URL: http://www.arso.org Tel.: +41 32 422 87 17 Fax: +41 32 422 87 01 To collaborate it is necessary to listen the frequencies of MW 1550 and SW 7460 and report about the signals. Send RR's including details of reception (technical, SINPO, etc.) to e-mail: tlpgahij@vc.ehu.es National Radio of Sahara Arab Democratic Republic wants reports 7460. Sked 0600-0700 & 2000-2400. Radio Nacional de la RASD, Tindouf has the postal addr: Radio Nacional R. D. Saharagui Polisario Front, B.P. 10, El-Mouradia, DZ-16000 ALGER, Algeria. Radio Nacional de Saharagui connection: phone +213 49 92 35 25 fax +213 049 92 35 25 [seemingly the figure '0' behind international call '213' is used for national access only, ed.] Radio Nacional de Saharagui started on MW with 1 kW in 1977. Increased to 20 kW in 1979, to 100 kW in 1999. On SW transmits with 20 kW of power since [Sept. ed.] 2000. Schedule: winter 0700-0800, 1700-2300; summer 0600-0700, 1800-2400. MW outlet signal is disturbed by Moroccan jamming from an installation near Laajun [meaning Laayoune, xEl-Aaiun? on the Atlantic coast, ed.]. (BC-DX via DXLD -- recap of old info?) {See DXLD 1-086!} ** YUGOSLAVIA. R. ``Yugoslavia`` English to NAm at 0000-0030: they are not always showing up! UT dates: Sat May 26 yes, Sun May 27 no (no transmission scheduled on UT Sun), Mon May 28 no, Tue May 29 no, Wed May 30 yes, Thu May 31 no, Fri June 1 no. I just don`t get the 0430 daily very well here due to BBC splash on 11865. Only sometimes bits sneak through. June 1 at 0430 it was Dr Gene Scott on 11870 instead! (Bob Thomas, CT, June 1, DX LISTENING DIGEST) That could be TIDGS, or 2 x 5935 WWCR, but harmonic may be produced by internal receiver overload (as on some of mine) rather than transmitted (gh) ** ZIMBABWE. 6045, ZBC, 2355-0035 May 27-29 in unknown African language, very weak with lots of QRM, sounded like ZBC2 at hourtop but not certain. Next day same weak signal covered in QRM at times, tent. ID at 0006; checked http://www.radio-stations.net/country.php3?country=Zimbabwe website and was ZBC2 with about 2 sec. delay on SW, this an FM rebroadcast. ZBC 2 gives the ID and time in English but rest is in African lang. Great distinctive mx which provided the hint that it was in fact Zimbabwe (Bob Montgomery-PA-USA, NU Jun 3 via BC-DX via DXLD) 6045, unid. Heard at 2213-2224 May 20, just above noise floor; same strength, very weak co-channel, stream of non-stop high-life Afro beat interrupted for a few seconds of anmts, couldn`t recognize language (Vlad Titarev, Ukraine, NU Jun 3 via BCDX via DXLD) So ZBC running 6045 all night now? (gh, DXLD) {No: Padula had until 0100*} UNIDENTIFIED. I wonder if anyone heard the noise around 15105 -- and elsewhere -- around 1430. It sounded like an old piston engine aircraft at full rev! It covered 15070-15115, a wide spread around 15 MHz and lower down near 14.9 MHz and elsewhere. It could have been from our friends at Tiganeshti, Romania or even from Iran 15084, which is known to create noise too. Wherever -- all went quiet after 1500 (Noel R. Green, UK, May 30, BC-DX via DXLD) {See DXLD 1-087} ###