Weather radios can save lives

Read the story here :
http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2012/01/23/ema-weather-radios-can-save-lives/

HFCC A12 - Opening remarks by Oldrich Cip, chairman HFCC

HFCC A12 - Opening remarks by Oldrich Cip, chairman HFCC
http://hfcc.org/A12/HFCC_REP_2012-005-Opening_Remarks_to_A12_Conference_in_KL_by_Oldrich_Cip_Chairman_HFCC.pdf

Few more HFCC A12 public files are available at :
http://hfcc.org/A12.phtml

Review of the A12 HFCC Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By Dr. Jerry Plummer, WWCR; and George Ross, KTWR

Read the reveiw of HFCC A12 here : http://tinyurl.com/87mjbb6
Courtesy : National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters

Voice of America at 70

"This is a Voice from America..."
Such began the first broadcast of a small team of dedicated men transmitting live from a claustrophobic New York City studio into Nazi Germany. Their group had no name, although their first broadcast was titled Stimmen aus Amerika-Voices from America. The equipment they used was borrowed. They had no direction as to what they would broadcast, except the truth. At that moment, the United States stepped into a role as guardian of the power of ideas and honest messenger of information to all corners of the world.

Read the full story at :
http://www.diplomaticourier.com/news/diplomacy/725

VOA Director Condemns Iranian Satellite Jamming

Washington, D.C., January 25, 2012 -VOA Director David Ensor has condemned Iranian satellite jamming in a new blog posted on the Voice of America Public Relations webpage, www.insidevoa.com

From the VOA Director:
Satellites are extraordinary devices, hovering quietly above the earth, beaming everyone's favorite TV shows into living rooms around the world.
Satellites are one of the things I think about when I hear the term "global village." It's technology that makes it possible to instantly share information and ideas.
We've come to depend on satellites to experience the great events of our time. Whether it's the opening ceremony of the international Olympic Games or live video of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan last year, satellites bring us together.
Unfortunately, some governments have decided they want to try to block this flow of information.
Since September, the Iranian government has radically increased its deliberate interference with satellites, a practice we all know as jamming. It works like this. Iran sends a bogus signal to a satellite, which overwhelms the legitimate signal and renders it useless to TV and radio audiences on the ground.
VOA's Persian broadcasts have been a particular target. In fact, the satirical VOA Persian program, Parazit, is a play on words that makes fun of this practice. Parazit, which means static in Persian, is what many Iranians sometimes see when they try to watch this popular program.
Other international broadcasters including BBC and BBC Persian TV, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Radio Farda, Radio France International, Germany's Deutsche Welle and Radio Netherlands Worldwide have all suffered from radio, TV or web interference by Iran.
This week in Geneva, delegates to the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) begin a series of meetings that only come along once every four years. Satellite jamming is likely to be on the agenda at this important session in one form or another. For VOA and other international broadcasters, it can't come a moment too soon. Satellites form the critical backbone of our ability to reach our audience.
It is however, much more than a broadcast industry issue. It goes to the very heart of the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
That language couldn't be clearer, and it is part and parcel of everything we do at the Voice of America. By jamming satellites, Iran is limiting a fundamental human right of its own citizens.
Unfortunately, jamming by Iran has increased. Worse, the practice seems to be spreading, with new reports of jamming by Syria, one of Iran's few allies, and a regime increasingly at war with its own people.
VOA and other international broadcasters and organizations have been drawing attention to this issue at every opportunity. The WRC is one forum where governments, regulatory authorities and broadcasters from across the world can become more aware of this insidious problem, and act against it.
On January 24th, five of the world's largest international broadcasting organizations, including the Voice of America's parent organization, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, called on delegates meeting in Geneva to address the problem of Iranian uplink jamming.
The statement, issued by the Directors General of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Deutsche Welle, Audiovisuel Extérieur de la France, Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors, appeals to member states to "work to end this increasingly prevalent practice." Other organizations, including the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, have urged delegates meeting in Geneva to act urgently.
Censorship and satellite jamming violate the fundamental right of access to the free flow of information enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and countries around the world should join together to end this practice.

David Ensor

(BBG Press Release)

BBG Calls for Agency Restructuring

Washington, D.C., January 18, 2012 – The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) announced its intention to restructure U.S. international broadcasting. It will seek legislation that would include establishing a Chief Executive Officer to manage the enterprise. In addition, the Board called for a plan to consolidate the agency's three non-federal broadcast networks: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.
"The Board is ready to strengthen U.S. international broadcasting in part by freeing up resources locked up in inefficient and duplicative administrative structures and reinvesting in programming," said BBG Chairman Walter Isaacson. "This is a historic agreement by the Board to streamline international broadcasting into one great organization focused on quality journalism with many brands and many divisions but unified as one organization."
In a resolution passed at its January 13 meeting in Washington, the Board announced its intention to restructure international broadcasting in accordance with its recently released 2012-2016 Strategic Plan. The Board outlined proposed reforms and its intent to develop a draft legislative package to be called the International Broadcasting Innovation Act of 2012 (the "IBIA"). It would establish a CEO who would report to the Board and provide day-to-day executive leadership. In addition the proposed package calls for a new organization that would reflect the optimal mix of federal and non-federal assets in support of international broadcasting; repeals the domestic dissemination ban in the Smith-Mundt Act; and renames the agency to reflect the mission of a unified structure. The restructuring package would be subject to appropriate administration approval and Congressional consideration.
"While there is a compelling case for streamlining the BBG's complex structure and leveraging the highly professional newsgathering activities of our independent broadcast services, any reform plan will retain and celebrate the individual and historic brands and their journalistic mission," said Isaacson in summarizing the Board's recommendations. "We look forward to working with internal and external stakeholders and experts as well as with the Administration and Congress on these proposals."
During its strategic review process, the Board engaged the services of management consultant Deloitte and external counsel Baker and Mackenzie to gain a detailed understanding of the costs, benefits and legal issues involved. The resulting studies indicated a compelling case and potential substantial savings over five years from eliminating duplicative management and administrative functions and affirmed the legal feasibility of a merger. Further details of the Board's Record of Decisions and previous discussions can be found below:

(BBG Press Release)

All Quiet on the Western Front

2012 Challenges and Opportunities in the Five-Year Strategic Plan for U.S. International Broadcasting - by Alan L. Heil Jr.

As the Voice of America marks its 70th anniversary, what lies ahead for all of the world’s publicly-funded overseas networks in the year ahead? For Western broadcasters collectively, 2011 was the most potentially devastating year in more than eight decades on the air. Now, because of fiscal uncertainties in their host countries and rapidly evolving competition from both traditional and new media, they face huge cuts in airtime and operations. Can America step up to help fill the gap? A new strategic plan for U.S.-funded overseas broadcasting charts a possible path.

Read the article at :
http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/rev_item/2012/0106/ca/heil_quiet.html

Radio Free Sarawak relaunched today

Radio Free Sarawak re-launched today (Tues 17th January) with an exciting new format and an expanded team of presenters on Short Wave 15420 kHz, from 6pm daily. Joining the show for the first time, as a surprise appointment, is one of Sarawak’s best-known Iban speaking radio presenters, Christina Suntai. Also, returning to the show is the original presenter, ‘Papa Orang Utan’, Peter John Jaban, who acted as the show’s full-time D Jay last year.
The two high profile personalities will be joining the existing on-air team, which includes Michael Ngau, Stanley Rentap and Kakak Burung Tiong. The station is limbering into ‘election gear’ with a new emphasis on inter-active dialogue with listeners: “It is important, particularly during an election period, for listeners to
the show to be able to contact us directly with their problems and issues and to give us their views and opinions”, explains the London based founder, Clare Rewcastle Brown. There is a new local phone-in number, so listeners can leave messages or request to come on air. From Tuesday the line opens on 082-237191, available for messages 24 hours, 7 days a week.Radio Free Sarawak also connects with its audience via facebook and hosts an online site radiofreesarawak.org, where the show can be listened to for free online.
Radio Free Sarawak is also promising more action, more fun and more exposes,
beginning with a world exclusive story involving a Sarawak based company. Broadcast on shortwave from 6-8pm daily, the programme is regarded as an important vehicle by the opposition PKR party, which has been largely excluded from the BN dominated state media. The station is featured in much of the party’s election material, now being distributed in target areas.
“For the past 30 years and more Sarawak has been run by a corrupt political elite, who have thought only of lining their own pockets”, says Rewcastle Brown. “The state’s indigenous peoples have been left behind on health, on education and on the basic amenities of life. They have received no benefits from the deforestation of their lands and the destruction of the environment to grow oil palm. These issues deserve to be raised and not hidden out of the way by pro-government broadcasts”
Radio Free Sarawak will also be returning to its original Short Wave frequency of 15420 kHz. For more details on the new look of Radio Free Sarawak visit radiofreesarawak.org Or contact the Radio Free Sarawak team at info@radiofreesarawak.org

'The Economist' on future of BBC

http://www.economist.com/node/21542783?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/auntiesbigyear

(Thanks to Naleen Kumar for sharing the link)

Ethiopia accused of jamming Eritrea's broadcast signals

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
January 13, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia is blocking satellite transmissions from Eritrea, the government in Asmara accuses its larger neighbor, this week. The Eritrean Ministry of information in a statement Thursday warned to take legal action. It further said Addis Ababa has been warned by the Arab Satellite Communications Organization over the illegal acts.

More at :
http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopia-accused-of-jamming,41286

Hear the voice of the marginalized

BANGALORE: If you have not tuned into 90.4 MHZ, then do so. In today's life, when the voices of marginalized communities are lost in the hustle-bustle of the city, this radio station provides an opportunity for these secluded communities to express themselves. Imparting the real meaning of broadcast media, the channel brings fourth the voices that are heard the least. Sex workers, transgenders, rag-pickers, auto drivers, physically disabled, slum-dwellers and HIV positive persons, all are part of this community radio station called Radio Active.

Read the full story here :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Hear-the-voice-of-the-marginalized/articleshow/11418041.cms

AIR Imphal hosts 10 day long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival

In an honest effort to provide a chance to enjoy our very own Shumang Leela by the people of the state free of cost, All India Radio (AIR), Imphal kicked off its 10-day long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival, 2012 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound from 11th Jan 2012. The festival was inaugurated by RK Nimai, Commissioner of Arts and Culture, GoM as Chief Guest, renowned Musicologist Laishram Birendrakumar as Functional President and M Kanankumar, Assistant Station Director (ASD), AIR, Imphal as Guest of Honour.

More at :
http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=13..110112.jan12

Related News :

Shumang Lila festival kick-started
http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=9..110112.jan12

Delphi's DRM car radio

A car radio receiving Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) signals was put for public display at Auto Expo India held in New Delhi (5-11th Jan 2012). Developed by Delphi which is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotives, the new device can do Analogue AM and FM, as well DRM Digital radio. The receiver uses the NXP processor which recently added DRM capability. Delphi has a history of developing other Digital Radio Platforms (HD, DAB) and is offering solutions tailored to individual OEM requirements. The device is simulcast compatible and also package protected for DRM+ with a DRM compatible receiver antenna (short stub wide band). It should be available for the market by Q4 2012.

(Source : DRM Newsletter, Jan 2012)

Mid-air scare shuts JU radio

Repeated overlap between the signals of Radio JU and the air traffic control had triggered mid-air confusion, forcing Jadavpur University to take the FM channel off air.
The channel that used to broadcast at 90.8 MHz was shut mid-December following a directive from the department of telecommunications of the Union government.

More at :
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120111/jsp/calcutta/story_14989029.jsp

DRM Newsletter 1/2012

DRM Newsletter 1/2012 is now available at :

http://newsletters.lavishcreative.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/DBC4D2F4CD63FB83/C67FD2F38AC4859C/

Main stories :

- ITU endorses DRM+
- DRM and NXP Semiconductors announce a new digital car radio solution at
CES, Las Vegas
- Delphi's DRM car radio on display at New Delhi Auto Expo
- Community Radio stations ask for the introduction of DRM+ in Europe
- Vatican Radio Trials DRM+ in Rome on VHF band II

BBG Condemns Signal Interference as Rights Threat

Washington, D.C., January 13, 2012 – The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) condemned the purposeful interference with broadcast transmissions to Iran as a threat to human rights and cited new evidence that jamming signals are now emanating from Syria. "Recent interference with the Eutelsat satellite originates from near Damascus, Syria," said André Mendes, Director of Technology, Services and Innovation of the International Broadcasting Bureau – the engineering arm of the BBG. "The Persian broadcasts of the Voice of America are impacted as well as the BBC."
"The notion that the locus of some jamming of our broadcasts into Iran is from Syria is something that people should know," observed BBG Chairman Walter Isaacson. In addition, interference with the Arabsat satellite has affected Alhurra TV, Radio Sawa, RFE/RL's Radio Farda and several VOA services according to Mendes.In a resolution passed at its January 13 meeting in Washington, the BBG called on delegates to the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva and the satellite industry to "repudiate this illegal behavior."
"The BBG strongly supports the United States Government's position that interference with free media and the free flow of information and ideas constitutes a threat to human rights and freedom and to the principles stated in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," the resolution said. Last month, international broadcasters - VOA, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Deutsche Welle (DW), Audiovisuel Extérieur de la France (AEF) and Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) – also spoke out against the practice of signal interference. The meeting, which began at 2:00 p.m., was webcasted live. On Demand Links will be available soon.

(BBG Press Release)

DSWCI - Latest issues of SWN and DXW for free download

The homepage of the Danish Shortwave Club International (www.dswci.org) has
been updated as follows:
A present to our not-yet-members:
The latest issues of Shortwave News (January 2012) and DX Window (No. 445)
can be downloaded for free as sample issues at : www.dswci.org/try

Best 73
Rolf Wernli
(Rolf Wernli, Danish Shortwave Club International)

or these direct links :
SWN Jan 2012
http://www.dswci.org/try/swn/201201/index.html

DXW 445
http://www.dswci.org/try/dxw/dxw445.pdf