Happy New Year 2009

Frequency Change for BBC Hindi service

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 Due to co-channel interference BBC Hindi Service is now using 9535 kHz via Thailand (ex-9800) at 1400-1500 hrs UTC in parallel to 7205 7430 9505 12065 kHz.

(Alok Dasgupta via http://dxasia.info/news/)

Let's Go To school: BBC Hindi series wins ABU award

Date: 24.12.2008 BBC Hindi's series, Lets Go To School, has won the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union's (ABU) 2008 award in the External Broadcasts (Radio) category. This is the third consecutive year that BBC Hindi has won this international accolade. The BBC's Rupa Jha, who conceived and produced the six-part series, says: "We always strive to give the 'voice to the voiceless' in our output, and Let's Go To School is one such programme. "Free education for all has been the political slogan in India for a long time, and so we asked our listeners from the region to be our reporters on the state of government primary schools in the most backward states of India. That's what made the series special." Six selected listeners in the most remote parts of the country were asked to visit government primary schools in their neighbourhoods and assess those schools in their reports for BBC Hindi. The ABU award-winning episode from the state of Uttar Pradesh was based on the report by the local student, Diwaker. The BBC reporter for this episode was Ram Dutt Tripathi.

About BBC Hindi : BBC Hindi programmes are produced from London and Delhi, set in a rolling format, with news, current affairs and features. The interactive morning and evening programmes, Aaj Ke Din and Aaj Kal, bring news, analysis and interviews on a range of issues, from current affairs and careers to showbiz and sports. BBC Hindi is available on shortwave, medium wave, FM and via cable television. Hindi-speakers across the world can access BBC Hindi programmes in text and in audio at the 24/7 news site bbchindi.com. The BBC's special output for India's FM market includes infotainment updates BBC Ek Minute, weekly features BBC Take One, BBC Fun & Games, and the Sunday chat show, BBC Ek Mulaqat. This programming is available via partner stations: Radio One in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Pune, Radio Choklate in Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack and Rourkela, Radio Tadka in Jaipur and Udaipur, Radio Tomato in Kolhapur, Radio Misty in Siliguri, Radio Chaska in Gwalior, Radio Rangila in Raipur, and Radio Spice in Dubai. The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of broadcasting organisations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific region and to organise co-operative activities amongst its members. It currently has over 194 members in 57 countries, reaching a potential audience of about 3 billion people.

The ABU Prizes, established in 1964 by the first ABU General Assembly, is an international contest for radio and television programmes. The purpose of the contest is to promote the production of radio and television programmes of a high standard, to raise educational and cultural levels, and to strengthen international understanding among ABU members.

(BBC World Service Publicity)

BBC Bangla Special Broadcast for Bangladesh elections

On 29th December 2008 BBC Bangla special / extended broadcasts were received here in Kolkata as:

1330-1430 UTC (extended transmission) on 9555 and 7580 kHz 1630-1830 UTC (extended transmission) on 7205 kHz 2130-2230 UTC (special transmission) on 7150 and 5955 kHz

No special transmission between 0830-0900 UTC could be heard. BBC Bangla website did not reply to a email request for information on these transmissions.The website does not show the B08 frequencies but continues to display the old A08 ones.

(Supratik Sanatani via Bangladx YG)

B'desh Betar MW outlets on extended schedule

Last night B'desh Betar MW outlets were noted on extended schedule with special transmission of election results. Following channels were noted way past 1800 UTC instead of usual 1710 UTC sign off.

558 - Khulna 693 - Dhaka A 846 - Rajshahi (Bogra) 999 - Thakurgaon 1170 - Dhaka C

RNZI Christmas/New Year Broadcasts

RNZI will be relaying Radio New Zealand National programming on statutory holidays over the Christmas/New Year fortnight. On December 29, 30 and 31 RNZI will broadcast its own news bulletins on the top of the hour throughout the breakfast session and at 2.30pm, 4pm and 8pm NZ times and overnight as normal. These bulletins will include World, Pacific, New Zealand and Sports News. RNZI's full normal news bulletin service will resume from Monday January 5th. Full programming – including 'Dateline Pacific' and Pacific language bulletins - will resume on Monday 26 January 2009.

CYCLONE SEASON RNZI's cyclone watch service will be maintained throughout the period and special weather bulletins regarding tropical cyclones will be broadcast if required.

Major Initiatives of I&B Ministry during 2008

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=46125

Jamia Community Radio to air commercials

New Delhi: Come January 2009, Radio Jamia - 90.4 FM, run by Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), will air commercials for the benefit of local products and commercial ventures.

Read the full story here : http://tinyurl.com/7qptlk

Charles Sandbank, digital broadcasting pioneer, dies in England

Read the report here :

http://tinyurl.com/83bk2k

Groove Zone's Last Meal Competition

Recently Ellen & Andrew profiled several prominent chef's and what they would choose to eat at their last meal. So we thought we'd ask you about YOUR favorite meal, and offer you a chance to win a prize!

DETAILS * Tell us (in 50 words or less) what you would eat, where you would eat this meal, and with whom you would eat it! * Entries must be received by January 12th. Winners will be announced on January 17th. * Send entries to: PO BOX 123-199 / Taipei Taiwan, ROC * Or email your entry to: androo@rti.org.tw

Thanks for listening to Groove Zone!

http://english.rti.org.tw/Content/WhatsNewSingle.aspx?ContentID=70261

Maldives - National Broadcasting Corporation established

President Mohamed Nasheed has established Maldives National Broadcasting Corporation Limited and appointed members to the Board of Directors. The Corporation was established as a government companies with hundred percent government shares.Madulu Mohamed Waheed was appointed as the Chairman of the Corporation and Ibrahim Haleel was appointed as the Managing Director.Other members appointed to the Board are: Aminath Najeeb; Ahmed Naseer; Mariyam Waheeda; Abdulla Haseen; Adam Shareef and Mohamed Yasir.

(Source :Dhivehi Observer)

Community Radio Station to start in Gulbarga, Karnataka

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, has signed a Grant of Permission Agreement for establishing, maintaining and operating a Community Radio Station (CRS) with the Sharanbasaveshwar Vidya Vardhak Sangha, a Gulbarga base NGO. Letter of Intent had been issued to the Organisation on 8th May 2008 after screening by a Screening Committee and after seeking requisite clearances from various Ministries. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational at within three now months as per the agreement. With this, the number of CRS will increase to 39 in the country. The Ministry encourages setting up the Community Radio Station as it promises to provide an opportunity to the local communities to express themselves, share their views and particularly empower the women, youth and marginalized groups to take part in local self governance and overall socio-economic and cultural development of the area. It will also better inform the society about the developmental initiatives of Government and promote transparency in the implementation of the schemes. Sharanbasaveshwar Vidya Vardhak Sangha, Gulbarga is a "not for profit" organization and has service oriented patronage for the welfare of all sections of the society, education of the youth more particularly of girls, uplift of women and much more. The Community Radio Station being established in Gulbarga will serve the communities in the region, particularly girls, women, farmers and students and empower them.

SP/AS (Press Information Bureau, Govt of India)

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=46048

Radio Prague 2009 QSL Cards

Radio Prague has posted details of its 2009 QSL Card Series of 8 cards in its website. The theme of 2009 series is Czech Locomotives.Details & photos of the QSL Series for 2009 can be found here : http://www.radio.cz/en/html/qsl1.html

(Thanks to Gautam Kumar Sharma, Abhayapuri, Assam, India)

Radio Marskramer test to Finland this Sat evening

http://hkdx2.blogspot.com/2008/12/radio-marskramer-test-to-finland-this.html

Relays this weekend via 9290 kHz

December 20th Latvia Today 10.00- 11.00 UTC December 21st Latvia Today 13.00 -14.00UTC EMR 14.00 -15.00UTC Good Listening 73s Tom

Britain will migrate from analogue to digital radio by 2017

Digital Radio Working Group recommends pathway to digital migration

19 December 2008 Britain could be ready to migrate from analogue to digital radio as early as 2017 according to the Digital Radio Working Group (DRWG), which published its final report today. The group has renewed its commitment to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and set out a clear path for migration to digital, identifying the criteria that would need to be met for it to happen and when it might occur.

Read the full story here : http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/5705.aspx

DRWG's final report can be accessed at : http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/DRWG_Final_Report.pdf

RFA Automated Reception Report System

Hello friends, just a short note to let you know that the server used for our automated reception report system is currently undergoing maintenance and should return to service within a week. In the meantime, please feel free to email your reception reports to us at qsl@rfa.org or send them by regular postage to:

Reception Reports Radio Free Asia 2025 M. Street NW Washington DC 20036 United States of America

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Best wishes to one and all for the holidays.

73s. AJ

AJ Janitschek Radio Free Asia

RVA Bengali Service Listeners Meet 2009

Radio Veritas Asia Bengali section has arranged a listeners meet for Indian listeners. The meet will be held on 1st February, 2009 (Sunday) at Behrampur, Murshidabad,West Bengal. Those who want tojoin please contact Radio Veritas Asia,Kolkata office or at :

bengali@rveritas-asia.org

(Ratan Kumar Paul via bangladx yg)

EMR Christmas Programming on 6140 & 9290 khz

Christmas Time on European Music Radio - 21st of December 2008 6140 khz - 1300 to 1330 utc Paul Graham (Christmas oldie programme) 1330 to 1355 utc Colin King with the Jackie History (part 4) 1355 to 1400 utc Tom Taylor - EMR up date 9290 khz - 1400 to 1500 utc Mike Taylor with the Christmas Mail Box EMR schedule for January - February and March 2009 is: January - 13.00 to 13.30 utc Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 5) February - 13.00 to 13.30 utc Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 6) March - 13.00 to 14.00 utc Tom Taylor + Jackie History (part 7)

Happy Christmas to all our Listeners from European Music Radio ! (Mike and Tom Taylor - Paul Graham - Colin King and all the staff of EMR)

Good Listening and all the best for 2009 73s Tom

Kyrgyz restores BBC programming

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) - The BBC has resumed local language broadcasts in Kyrgyzstan two weeks after having its programming pulled off the air over an alleged breach of contractual obligations, the British station said Wednesday.

Read the AP report here : http://tinyurl.com/6hgns5

FM Radio a hit in Indian cities

By Abu Mounir @ Wednesday, December 17, 2008 9:02 AM

"But they are back again Like a long lost friend All the songs that I loved so well…… …Its yesterday once more, Do we remember"

These nostalgic lines from a famous Carpenters' song reflect the way FM has revived radio in India. After television had entrenched itself firmly in almost every nook and corner of the country, transistor sets disappeared from the shelves in Indian living rooms, reducing radio to nothing more than a mere symbol of nostalgia. The radio was no longer turned on in the house and the All India radio (AIR) bulletins and popular Vividh Bharati programmes became a thing of the past, only to be replaced by round the clock TV news and music entertainment shows on satellite television.

Read the full story here :

http://www.itexaminer.com/fm-radio-a-hit-in-indian-cities.aspx

Radio's Battle To Be Heard In India

The message came loud and clear through a series of ads that first appeared late November: India's radio industry, determined to grab itself a bigger share of the ad pie, has newspapers locked in its sights. One ad declared: 'Contrary to popular belief, there is something mightier than the pen in Mumbai. Radio.' Another announced: 'Contrary to popular belief, print is not 'it' in Bengaluru; radio is'.

Read the full report here : http://www.asiamediajournal.com/article.php?id=347

Community radio could save local dialects

Read the report here : http://www.dailytimesindia.com/2008/12/25245.htm

Radiostation Grimeton SAQ

SAQ is planned to be on air on Wednesday 24th December 2008 at 08.00 UTC and 08.30 UTC. The frequency is 17.2 kHz CW ( 200 kW). Running up an tuning of the transmitter begins about 07.30 UTC. The Alexanderson Day 2009 with transmission is planned to Sunday 28th June.

QSL reports can be given via: - E-mail to: info@alexander.n.se - or fax to: +46-340-674195 - or via SM bureau - or direct by mail to: Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner, Radiostationen, Grimeton 72, S-430 16 ROLFSTORP, SWEDEN Note: SAQ is now a member of the Swedish Amateur Association (SSA) and "QSL via bureau" is OK.

Radio One launches Kolkata Station

Max Digital Media Newswire

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:06:00

Radio ONE 94.3 FM the joint venture between MiD DAY and BBC worldwide has launched its 7th station in Kolkata thereby completing its metro foot print. Radio ONE has further announced a sales alliance with Radio Misty 94.3FM for Siliguri and Gangtok as part of its East package which will be sold jointly.

Read the full report here :

http://www.medianewsline.com/news/119/ARTICLE/3667/2008-12-15.html

Trans World Radio-India Celebrates 30 Years!

Read the story here : http://www.twr.org/judyblog/?p=172

DSWCI Grand Christmas Tour with Cancer and Capricorn Contest

Anker Petersen informs that Danish Shortwave Club International has announced " DSWCI Grand Christmas Tour with Cancer and Capricorn Contest".

Details & contest form can be downloaded from : http://alokeshgupta.googlepages.com/DSWCCONTEST2008.pdf

Further details from : Danish Shortwave Club International Tavleager 31, DK-2670 Greve, Denmark www.dswci.org

HAMFEST 2009 & BARC Golden Jubilee Celebrations

The hamfest 2009 will be held at : NIJAGUNARA KSHETRA, 53 BULL TEMPLE ROAD, BASAVANAGUDI, BANGALORE 560019 (opposite to the famous BULL TEMPLE).

Dates : 7th & 8th Nov 2009 ( Sat & Sunday)

DELEGATE FEES: Rs 450 /- per head ( Ham or SWL) Spouse & children above 10 years age accompanying Rs 350 /-per head ( no delegate kit will be provided) The delegate fee includes B/F & Lunch on both the days, GALA DINNER on the 7th, Tea & snacks on 7th & 8th. The event conclude on the 8th afternoon after lunch.

Further details will be announced later.

Delegate fee is payable by cash,cheque, Demand Draft pyable in bangalore. Address for communication: Hamfest India 2009 C/o Linux Learning Centre No. 635, 6th Main Road. (Adjacent to Bank of India) Hanumanthnagar, Bangalore - 560 019 Phone : 98450 57731 Email; info@hamfestindia.com

Hunting Lions in the Air Contest 2009 - Announcement

1. ANNOUNCEMENT The 38th Annual Hunting Lions in the Air contest will take place on the weekend of January 10 and 11th, 2009.

2. OBJECTIVE "To create and foster a spirit of International understanding and cooperation" among Radio amateurs (Hams) and Lions through worldwide radio communication and internet.. The contest is to commemorate the birthday of the founder of Lionism, Melvin Jones, born at Ft. Thomas, Arizona USA on January 13, 1879.

3. CONTEST PERIOD The contest period will be 48 hours and will run from midnight UTC Friday/Saturday to midnight UTC Sunday/Monday. UTC = Universal Time Co-Ordinate (Zulu Time)

4. CLASSES AND CATEGORIES The contest is open to all appropriately licensed Amateur (Ham) Radio Licencees, Short Wave Listeners (SWLs) and Internet Users as follows: Class 1 Contestants are Amateur (Ham) Radio Licencees who are also current members of Lions Club (Leo and Lioness Club included) - Individuals Class 2 contestants are (Ham) radio amateurs operating on behalf of a Lions, Lioness or Leo Club and who are not members of Lions, Leo or Lioness Clubs Class 3 contestants are not Amateur (Ham) Radio or SWL Licencees but are current members of Lions / Leo / Lioness Club who are taking part on internet using different chat utilities as described separately

The following categories will be permitted in each class: A Single Operator, All Bands, Single Transmitter, B Multi Operator, All Bands, Single Transmitter, C Licenced Short Wave Listener (SWL) D Internet user

5. BANDS, MODES AND CONTACTS BANDS: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters as permitted by respective country of the contestant. MODE: SSB, CW, ECHOLINK AND OTHER DIGITAL MODES Please note that this is a single competition and that there will not be separate places for the other modes. CONTACTS: No duplicate contacts with same station and Lions Club is allowed, irrespective of bands, modes, class or category of station.

6. CALL The SSB call should be "CQ Hunting Lions on the Air" or "CQ Hunting Lions" and the CW/Digital/Internet call be "CQ LIONS".

7. EXCHANGE Transmit RS(T) plus a serial number. Amateur (Ham) Radio licencees operating on behalf of a Lions, Leo or Lioness Club must transmit the operator's name, Lions Club Name, Number and Lions District Number and Web/Email Address if any, Where as the Internet user except for RST all other details as above should be logged

8. QSO POINTS One (1) point - each QSO with Lions Club Member or Lions Club in Category 1 Five (5) extra points - each new country where contact is made (excluding the country of the contestant) Twenty-five (25) extra points - for contacts made with VU2LCI (Not for Indian Stations to remove the ease of QSO Points)

SWL's will score one point for each Lions Club Station heard exchanging reports and additional 5 points for an exchange between two stations of different unique countries. (Example If SWL is from India and he logs South Africa and India, South Africa and Sri Lanka, South Africa with New Zealand Additional 5 points is for only 3 countries and not 4)

9. Additional Bonus Points for Many Lion Hams of same club If Amateur (Ham) Radio Club Station owned by Lions Club with its own callsign additional 10 points for every Lion Ham valid member of the same Lions Club.

10. FINAL SCORE To obtain the final score, multiply the "QSO points" by "the number of different Clubs worked".

11. LOGS The following details are to be logged: Date, Time (UTC), RST Sent and Received, the Amateur Station worked and Band. Additionally, if contact is made with a Lion, Leo or Lioness Club (Class 1) , the Operator's name, Club name, Number, and Lions District number, Email/Web address (if any) of the station contacted must be included on the station log sheet. SWL logs should, in addition to the above, include the call signs of both stations heard and the sent and received exchanges of each station. This information should be recorded once only for each QSO heard Including the Lions Club details as above Date, Time (UTC), RST Sent and Received, the Amateur Station worked and Band. Additionally, if contact is made with a Lion, Leo or Lioness Club (Class ), the Operator's name, Club name, Number, and Lions District number, Email/Web address (if any) of the Lions Club on the other side of the contact.

Contest Logs can be sent by email to lions@vsnl.net or by Floppy 3.5, Compact Disk to the Contest Manager. Files may be in Excel, or in ASCII format with one QSO on every new line. Fields separated by commas or delimiters, The information shall be set out and tabulated in the same format as the official Log (see appendices). Each QSO must be terminated by a carriage return. Only MS-DOS compatible disks will be accepted. However Three (3) International Reply Coupon IRCs have to be sent for the logs to be compiled before results are announced and for receiving participation certificates NB! A written summary sheet must accompany the disk showing all required scoring information as well as your name, postal address, FAX number and/or email where you can be reached. As email is rapidly becoming the most convenient mode of communication, this mode is preferred, however do not forget to send 3 IRCs before last date.

12. DISQUALIFICATION Logs that do not comply with the foregoing requirements will not be considered and will be rejected. Radio amateurs are expected to operate within the rules of their respective licenses and unsportsmanlike activity is to be discouraged. Actions and decisions of the Contest Committee are official and final.

13. DEADLINE All logs must be mailed to reach the co-coordinator and envelopes must be date stamped no later than 28 February along with 3 New Format International Reply Coupon (IRC) The HLITA Contest Committee Lions Club of Bangalore North (Dist 324-D6 Club # 026596) C/O Lion Ajoy - VU2JHM, # 9/1, Kshitija, Opp Geetanjali, 5-Cross, Malleswaram, BANGALORE-560003, INDIA. Telephone +91-80-23442600 email lionajoy@gmail.com, lions@vsnl.net

The Contest Committee will communicate the results to the co-coordinating Lions club and a final report will be submitted to the District Governor 324D6 and 324D1 offices before June 30 same year. Winners will be advised by mail and a listing will be posted on the Internet with copies to various contest managers/sites

14. AWARDS The first Ten places in category A, B, C and D will receive Award Certificates and mementos for first Three (depending on sponsorer). Participation Certificate to all participants who have submitted contest log with minimum 20 QSO and who have sent 3 New format International Reply Coupons IRCs with the contest log sheet.

15. PUBLICITY The Lions International Amateur (Ham) Radio Club - VU2LCI which is permanent project of Lions Club of Bangalore North will make best effort to promote and publicize the contest internationally via the Lion Net, the web pages, through amateur radio Club Station, magazines and amateur radio nets. Request for volunteer assistance in publisizing this event amongst Hams and Lions is solicitated. Questions regarding the interpretation of these rules will be judged and resolved by the Contest Committee.

16. INFORMATION Operators interested in additional information regarding this contest should write to the Contest Committee at the above address giving their full postal address with One IRC for airmail reply or no IRC required for reply via email to: lionajoy@yahoo.com vu2jhm@hotmail.com lions@vsnl.net

17. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIONS USING INTERNET CHAT Lions all over the world meet at LOL - Lions on Line Chat which is on every Sundays between 13:30 to 14:30 hrs UTC. The same channel can be used for exchange of reports on Weekend of January 12th and 13th plus there are open channels on IRC, Yahoo, Orkut, Skype, MSN messenger which can be used. The Location of the Chat Room can be accessed using XiRCON connect to: ielf.fr.librenet.net:6667 Channel: #lionsonline. The Amateur (Ham) Radio operators can use the Echolink both voice and text for qso. Version Dec 2008

Important message to Lion Clubs - DGs, DC, ZC, RC & PSTs

Amateur (Ham) Radio operators all over the world have communication, electronics, propagation as their personal hobby and the have been serving people especially during the Disasters by providing Emergency Communication linking the much needed communication when normal telecommunication fails. Just imagine what will you do when the fixed landline, mobile (cell) phones fail - these Hams would be able to communicate from such locations to any part of the world - FREE OF COST !!! so now think of making them your friends, if not your members so that making mutual friends with your local Amateur (Ham) Radio licensees and build/utilize their resources - a modest example is very unique project - Lions Amateur Radio Club Station done by Lions Club of Bangalore North (Club # 026596 District 324-D6) which has not only procured equipment but have few Hams as Lions Club members, where the HF sets are sent with First Responders to Disaster Site and the same equipment is retrieved back after the calamity otherwise the sets are used in Special Event Stations operating much more unique events such as Operating from Lighthouse, Conference, Wildlife Park, Historical/Religious place etc making our own callsign VU2LCI denoting Lions Clubs International Amateur Radio Club Station internationally active do check http://www.qrz.com/AT6MM (instead of AT6MM add AT8LH, AT8ESP, AT7CD, AT7LEO). The following information of Hunting Lions in the Air Contest - HLITA which is a yearly event and a reason for you to contact local individual or club station who are licenced in Amateur (Ham) Radio. Do visit http://www.arrl.org and/or search for Ham Radio operators (individuals) or their club stations monthly meeting and request them to represent your local Lions Club.

Let us join and make Melvin Jones Birthday celebrations this unique way.

This Ham Radio subject/activity comes under International Understanding & Co-operation, Disaster Management, Youth as well as Lions ALERT Program and it can be included under Leo's and Lioness Programs.

(Via Ajoy, VU2JHM)

Wellenforum Christmas Contest 2008

4th Wellenforum Christmas Contest 2008

Here are the rules :

1. Contest period:

From 21. Dec 2008 to 4. Jan 2009.

2. Stations

During the contest you have to receive BC stations on long- and medium wave.

3. Participation Conditions

Participation is free and independent from a listener club membership. Newcomers can also participate as well as medium wave specialists. Like the last wellenforum contest, participation is via an online form. You can find the form on http://www.contest.wavetalk.org/ . Please follow the registration hints. Every station has to be heard at least for 10 minutes.. Notes on the programme heard have to be logged as detailed as possible to really identify the station (no empty phrases like "music", "news" etc.).

4. Points

Every bc station log on long wave and medium wave is counting. Logs without a clear identification will count one third of the points that you can get for this station. Points for a log are depending on the CIRAF zone of the station. This is based on the publication "EDXC RADIO Countries" that we will provide.

Scoring scheme: Station logged from the CIRAF zone of the place of reception 10 points Station logged from a CIRAF zone bordering the zone were your place is 20 points Station from the rest 30 points

Example: Your place is in Germany. Your CIRAF zone is 28. All stations from this zone are 10 points worth. Stations from CIRAF zones bordering zone 28 are 20 points worth (bordering zones are 18, 27, 29, 37, 38 and 39). The rest is 30 points worth.

5. Award: Every participant will receive a participation certificate showing individual score and ranking prompt after the contest has finished.

73, Friedhelm Wittlieb Contest Manager QTH: Lünen / NRW (near Dortmund) Grundig Satellit 700 with regenerative loop antenna member of the addx and medium wave circle uk http://www.wittlieb-online.de/

Radio and TV Martí Launch Redesigned Web Site

Miami, Florida, December 9, 2008 -- Radio and TV Martí launched this week a newly redesigned version of its Spanish language Web site, ww.martinoticias.com, giving users a full spectrum of media offerings including live streaming radio and television programming. The site features more Web stories, including audio and video, allowing up to nine stories to be viewed and giving users a better idea of the full scope of the news from Cuba, Latin America and the rest of the world. The site incorporates RSS feeds, and in the near future, will provide visitors the ability to subscribe to receive e-mails of news stories in their areas of interest. "For anyone who wants to know what's going in Cuba today, this is the place to come," said Pedro Roig, director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which oversees Radio and TV Martí. "We want to enhance our Internet and digital media capacity and make it a priority. Our goal is to reach as many as possible, which is very difficult in Cuba." Other features of the site include a 24-hour news ticker, offering the latest headlines, as well as special feature news stories. According to Roig, Radio and TV Martí hope to further augment its Internet presence, possibly with a presence on social media sites YouTube and Facebook. The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, non-military international broadcasting, whose mission is to promote freedom and democracy and to enhance understanding through multi-media communication of accurate, objective, and balanced news, information, and other programming about America and the world to audiences overseas.

(BBG Press Release)

Invitation to EDXC Conference 2009, Dublin, Ireland

Dear DX-Friends, Shortwave Listeners all over the World ! The EDXC ( European DX Council, the umbrella organisation of shortwave clubs, DX-clubs in Europe ) cordially invites you all to the next EDXC Conference, August 28--30, 2009, in Dublin / Ireland. We kindly ask you to make your hotel reservations already NOW !

Venue of the Conference : Grand Canal Hotel, Grand Canal Street, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland. Phone : + 353 1 646 1000. Fax: + 353 1 646 1001. E-Mail: reservations@grandcanalhotel.com Home-page: http://www.grandcanalhotel.com/ Please observe: This is a 3 / three / star hotel.

Prices: Single-room EUR 115,-- / room and night,Double-room EUR 115,--/room and night. If sharing the Double-room you only pay EUR 57,50 per person. This hotel accepts the following credit cards: VISA, MASTER CARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS and DINERS CARD. PLEASE MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATION NOW ! First you write: The special password for this reservation: EDXC CONFERENCE 2009. Then you write your family name, your christian name, your arrival date at the hotel, your departure date from the hotel. The hotel needs your credit card number at the time of reservation to be able to confirm your room. The Irish DX Club, Edward Dunne and the EDXC, Tibor Szilagyi are working on the programme of the Conference. What we know now : There will be interesting lectures about our hobby, sightseeing tour in Dublin by bus with English speaking guide and a visit at the Ye Olde Hurdy--Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio in Howth, Dublin North. The traditional Banquet Dinner will take place at our Conference Hotel on Saturday evening, August 29. Please do allow me to come back to you with more detailed information about the programme, as soon as we know more about it.

THE CONFERENCE FEE YOU WILL PAY DIRECTLY TO ME UPON ARRIVAL. The Conference Fee: EUR 115,-- per person includes: Use of the Conference Room, relevant papers like Conference Covers, Name-Tags, Lunch on Saturday, Sightseeing Tour in Dublin, visit at the Museum of Vintage Radio. Furthermore the Conference Fee includes the Banquet Dinner. What you consume as drinks during the Banquet Dinner, you will pay extra to the hotel staff. For further information you may contact: Tibor Szilagyi, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 500 264 83. E -- Mail: tiszi2035@yahoo.com and Edward Dunne, Ireland: E--Mail : edunne@iol.ie , edxc2009@live.ie

(Tibor Szilagyi, EDXC)

AIR introduces Chhattisgarhi News Bulletin

Dec 12 - The News Services Division of AIR has introduced a daily Chhattisgarhi bulletin from AIR Raipur since Thursday, Dec11. The 5 minutes bulletin is broadcast at 1800 hrs IST (1230 UTC) and is relayed by all the All India Radio stations in Chhattisgarh. There was a long standing demand of the people for a news bulletin in Chhattisgarhi, which incidentally was accorded the status of an official language by the government of the state early this year.

(Source: AIR)

15th National & International meeting of dxers & shortwave listeners

Cuernavaca, Mexico July 31 - 2 Aug, 2009 This is the annual get-together for all radio enthusiasts: DXers, radio experimenters, shortwave listeners, associations, groups, clubs and radio listeners in general; from Mexico and any part of the world, as well as representatives of international and local radio stations. Details at : http://cuernavaca2009.mi-website.es/15dxmeeting.htm

75th Anniversary of FM radio

Major Edwin H. Armstrong Memorial Radio Club & Palms West ARC will operate special event stations W2XMN & W2XEA, December 13 & 14, 2008, 1400-2200Z, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the invention of FM radio by Major Edwin H. Armstrong in 1933. Frequencies: 7.270 & 14.270 SSB and 29.600 & 52.525 FM.

SASE for QSL to Major EH Armstrong FM Association, PO Box 1584, Loxahatchee, FL 33470.

http://www.freewebs.com/mafma/75thanniversaryoffm.htm

More from the website: Radio's premier inventor, Edwin H. Armstrong (1890 - 1954) was responsible for the Regenerative Circuit (1912), the Superheterodyne Circuit (1918), the Superregenerative Circuit (1922) and the complete FM System (1933). His inventions and developments form the backbone of Radio Communications as we know it. (View a biography of Edwin H. Armstrong) . The purpose of this site is basic and straightforward - to present, for anyone's enjoyment and study, a collection of interesting Armstrong documents and artifacts. Items that, for the most part, have not seen the light of day in decades.This site does not intend to retell the story of Armstrong's life, that has been done by his contemporaries, such as Lawrence Lessing in his 1956 book "Man of High Fidelity: Edwin H. Armstrong", and more recently, Tom Lewis in his 1991 book "Empire of the Air". Rather, this site is like a visit to a museum's back room, where you might browse through a rarely opened filing cabinet, or spot an interesting artifact. Were it not for the efforts of Harry W. Houck, Armstrong's one time assistant, friend and associate to the end, most of the material displayed here would have been lost. (View a biography of Harry W. Houck) It was Harry's intent to establish a museum dedicated to Armstrong, but this was not to be. (View the story of the "Houck Collection", where it originated, where it's been, and how it came to be preserved)

(More at http://www.freewebs.com/mafma/majarmstrongontheweb.htm )

Relay this weekend via 9290 kHz

December 14th Latvia Today 13.00 -14.00UTC Good listening

Atlantic 2000 on the air - Sunday 14th of December

Atlantic 2000 International will be on the air this Sunday, 14th of December 2008, from 09:00 to 10:00 UTC on 6220 kHz. Before that, don't forget to visit our website : http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr

Atlantic 2000

BBC Radio Wales marks 30 years on the air

Read the walesonline report here :

http://tinyurl.com/5w3oey

BBC & DW in Europe on DRM Digital Radio

The BBC and Deutsche Welle (DW) launch new digital radio channel for Europe, featuring the best of BBC World Service's and DW's international programming in English.The BBC and Deutsche Welle (DW) today launched a new Digital Radio MondialeTM (DRM) digital radio channel for Europe. The channel is an 18-hour daily broadcast of the best international programmes in English from the BBC World Service's and DW. It also brings to the audience all the advantages of the DRM digital radio which include near-FM quality audio, text messages, Journaline and Electronic Programme Guide (EPG). This first ever joint BBC-DW DRM radio channel has been launched using six transmitters, which are used in pairs, to cover much of Western Europe. The signal covers France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg and other neighbouring countries.The broadcast can be heard from 06:00 to 24:00 CET on shortwave and on 1296 medium wave. DRM digital radios can automatically tune into the best frequency using information carried with the broadcasts. The channel has a rich mix of programmes offering global news and current affairs, in-depth analysis, documentaries, cultural programs and sports including English Premiership football and German Bundesliga. While BBC World Service is represented on the channel with flagship news and current affairs programs such as Newshour, The World Today and Europe Today as well as Sportsworld, Science in Action and Digital Planet, DW is putting Newslink, Money Talks, Living Planet, World of Music and Eurovox on the schedule. Erik Bettermann, Director General at Deutsche Welle, said: "This project creates a great opportunity for two of the world's most-established broadcasters to work together. Along with the BBC, Deutsche Welle will be able to offer first-class content on an innovative platform and reintroduce listeners to DRM technology. This new channel will show European audiences the benefits of good cooperation." Nigel Chapman, Director BBC World Service, said: "I welcome the opportunity to reach the new audiences that the coverage from this new DRM service will bring, free of the interference and in an audio quality only available on FM and other digital services. It is also an opportunity for other broadcasters to embrace the benefits that this new technology can bring." Ruxandra Obreja, Chair of the DRM Consortium and Controller Business Development, BBC World Service, added: "This exciting new DRM digital radio channel for Europe will give audiences a chance to listen to the best of BBC and DW in clear digital quality. We are looking forward to the response in the region, crucial for this economical and versatile system's future. We hope that the channel content will stimulate the production and marketing of commercial DRM receivers leading to the graduation of long-distance radio broadcasting into the new digital era."

(DW Press Release)

Kyrgyzstan : Ulterior motive for RFE/RL, BBC shutdown ?

Here's the eurasianet.org report : http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav120908.shtml

English Radio Station Delights Listeners

Read the Korea Times report here : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/12/177_35838.html

A pioneering Indian scientist remembered

Read the Hindu story here : http://www.hindu.com/2008/12/10/stories/2008121057492000.htm

BBC's international news in English and Arabic available on Nokia phones globally

For the first time, the BBC's English and Arabic international news channels are now part of Nokia's Internet Radio application on mobile phones, following an agreement between BBC World Service and Nokia. From today, three audio channels – BBC World Service in English, BBC World Service's 24-hour rolling news in English, and BBC Arabic – will be available on the latest Nokia mobile phone models as part of their preloaded Internet Radio application. All three channels will be available for live streaming 24 hours a day, offering high-quality, impartial and editorially independent news and information. Ruxandra Obreja, Controller, BBC World Service Business Development, said: "I believe this is an innovative agreement, getting BBC exposure on one of the latest digital platforms, giving listeners from across the globe access to our distinctive and compelling content in English and Arabic." Karl Kathuria, Head of Digital Delivery, BBC World Service, added: "For delivery over the Internet Radio platform, we are providing an MP3-format stream that can be picked up via Wi-Fi or through a mobile data connection, mirroring our online offer in these languages. "This is the first time we've made our live 24-hour audio streams available specifically for a mobile platform, as part of our commitment to a multi-format strategy." Nokia's Head of Radio Business, Teemu Tarnanen, added: "We are excited to have BBC World Service included in the Nokia Internet Radio service. Now millions of people on the move can stay up-to-date with their favourite BBC World Service channels through their Nokia device." The Nokia Internet Radio application can be downloaded to various Nokia device models for free from nokia.com/internetradio and is also preloaded in selected Nokia S60 3rd edition devices.

(BBC World Service Publicity)

Zimbabwe gets vital news & info from VOA during crisis

WASHINGTON, December 9, 2008 - The Voice of America (VOA) is providing Zimbabweans with vital information on health, politics and international developments during the crisis that led President Bush today to join those calling for the country's leader to step down."The VOA's Studio 7, broadcasting in English, Shona and Ndebele, has long played a critical role in informing the people of Zimbabwe about what is happening in their country," said VOA Executive Editor Steve Redisch. "The country's escalating crisis, and the worldwide attention to it, make accurate news and information more important than ever for Zimbabweans," he said. In recent months, Studio 7, a daily radio program that has been on the air since 2003, has reported in detail on the humanitarian crisis that intensified as the death toll from a cholera epidemic climbed to over 600, largely as a result of a lack of water treatment and broken sewage pipes. Several weeks ago, Studio 7 reported on the virtual closure of the state hospital system in Harare and other cities shortly before the cholera epidemic. In addition, Studio 7 has interviewed local health experts and international officials daily. Discussion segments allow listeners to voice concerns about the country, which has few basic commodities, soaring unemployment and sky-high inflation.In recent days, Studio 7 brought listeners interviews with former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, both members of a delegation dispatched to Zimbabwe by the international organization of eminent persons known as the Elders. The group was barred from entering Zimbabwe by the government.Zimbabwe's humanitarian crisis - along with the refusal of President Robert Mugabe to adhere to a power-sharing agreement with designated Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - has prompted a growing chorus of international figures to call for Mugabe to leave. Studio 7 is funded through a grant from USAID to VOA.

(VOA Press Release)

KBC Christmas Programs

Christmas 2008 - Rocking over the Ocean! KBC is on the air between 10.00 and 15.30 UTC on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day. The frequency is 9770 kHz shortwave. KBC Christmas Day Schedule: 10.00 - 12.00 The Mighty KBC Christmas Day with Santa 12.00 - 13.00 KBC & Britain Radio 48 - Roger Davis 13.00 - 14.00 KBC & Free Radio Service Holland - Peter Verbruggen 14.00 - 15.00 The Mighty KBC - Herbie the Fish! 15.00 - 15.30 The Mighty KBC - Eric van Willegen 21.30 - 22.30 Wolfman Jack Show (6055 kHz) KBC Boxing Day Schedule: 10.00 - 12.00 The Mighty KBC - Gary King celebrating the best of the 80's 12.00 - 13.00 KBC & Britain Radio 48 - Roger Davis 13.00 - 14.00 KBC & Free Radio Service Holland - Peter Verbruggen 14.00 - 15.00 The Mighty KBC - Herbie the Fish! 15.00 - 15.30 The Mighty KBC - Eric van Willegen 21.30 - 22.30 Wolfman Jack Show (6055 kHz)

Britain Radio International

Christmas with BRI

Special Transmission on Dec 25 & 26, 2008 From 1200 -1300 UTC on 9770 kHz SW (Via the The mighty KBC)

Email your reports at britainradio@hotmail.com

(Alokesh Gupta, New Dehi)

Rhein MAin Radio Club : New QSL Calendar 2009 published

Rhein-Main-Radio-Club, Frankfurt, Germany, one of the leading German DX-clubs since 30 years proudly present the 4nd edition of the unique QSL-Calendar 2009. (att) The full colour art print calendar offers real treasures from our historical QSL archives, covering QSL cards from the 1930's to present. The calender is in English and costs 15 Euro including shipment world wide. The new QSL-calendar is available now.The calendar is rare, unique and a special gift to radio freinds. This QSL-calendar project is a Non Profit project supporting far distance listening.We would be happy if you will order some copies. You can order direct from me or at our homepage www.rmrc.de

best 73 Harald Gabler RMRC CEO www.rmrc.de DrGabler@t-online.de Rhein-Main-Radio-Club, Frankfurt, Germany POST FACH 70 08 49 60558 Frankfurt Am Main Germany http://www.rmrc.de/content/index_fset.html

Update on community radio stations in India

Sajan Venniyoor via cr-india egroup ..... According to the latest (30 Nov 2008) figures, the ministry of Information & broadcasting has received 297 CR license applications, including 141 from NGOs and CBOs, 105 from educational institutions and 51 from agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. 107 Letters of Intent have been issued, and 13 Grant of Permission Agreements (GOPA) have been signed. There are currently 38 operational community radio stations in the country, of which two are run by NGOs and the rest by educational institutions. The list is appended.

These lists will be posted on the the ministry's website shortly: www.mib.nic.in/crs/crsmainpg.htm

Sajan

LIST OF OPERATIONAL CR STATIONS (30 NOV 2008)

Sri Venketswara Oriental College, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh Sri Vishnu Engineering College for Women,Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh Deccan Development Society, Hydrabad, Andhra Pradesh Indian Institute of Business Management, Patna, Bihar Vivek High School, Chandigarh AJK Mass Communication Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini, New Delhi Jagannath International Management School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi University of Delhi, Delhi Sardar Patel University,Vallab Vidyanagar, Gujarat Mudra Instt. of Communication, Ahmedabad, Gujarat University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore, Karnataka DC School of Management & Technology, Kottayam, Kerala The Society for Development Alternatives, New Delhi at Orchha, Madhya Pradesh Vidya Pratisthan's Institute of Information Technology, Baramati, Pune, Maharashtra Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra Film & TV Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College, Pondicherry Guru Nanak Girls College, Ludhiana, Punjab Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Banasthali.Rajasthan India International Institute of Management, Jaipur, Rajasthan Eminent T.T. Girls College, Diggi, Malpura, Distt.- Tonk, Rajasthan Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Kongu Engineering College, Erode , Tamil Nadu MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Erode Sengunthar Engg. College, Erode, Tamil Nadu Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Peace Industrial School, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Aditanar College of Arts & Science, Virapandianpatnam, Tiruchendur, Tamilnadu Sunbeam English School, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh City Montessori School, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh CMS Degree College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh P.G.College, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal

Radio Free Asia releases holiday QSL Card

DECEMBER 2008 Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces its new QSL card which promotes world peace. The design is from one of the many holiday cards RFA has used in the past. Besides the dove as the card's center piece, there are eight different renditions of the word 'peace' on the right margin. The eight versions represent each of our broadcast languages: Burmese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Khmer, Korean, Lao, Tibetan, Uyghur and Vietnamese. The card will be used to confirm all valid reception reports for December 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009. RFA's holiday QSL card promoting world peace. Radio Free Asia is a private, nonprofit corporation that broadcasts news and information to listeners in Asian countries where full, accurate, and timely news reports are unavailable. Created by Congress in 1994 and incorporated in 1996, RFA currently broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, Khmer, Korean to North Korea, Lao, Mandarin, the Wu dialect, Vietnamese, Tibetan (Uke, Amdo, and Kham), and Uyghur. RFA strives for accuracy, balance, and fairness in its editorial content. As a 'surrogate' broadcaster, RFA provides news and commentary specific to each of its target countries, acting as the free press these countries lack. RFA broadcasts only in local languages and dialects, and most of its broadcasts comprise news of specific local interest. More information about Radio Free Asia, including current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at www.rfa.org

RFA encourages listeners to submit reception reports. Reception reports are valuable to RFA as they help us evaluate the signal strength and quality of our transmissions. RFA confirms all accurate reception reports by mailing a QSL card to the listener. RFA welcomes all reception report submissions at www.techweb.rfa.org (follow the QSL REPORTS link) not only from DX'ers, but also from its general listening audience. Reception reports are also accepted by emails to qsl@rfa.org, and for anyone without Internet access, reception reports can be mailed to: Reception Reports Radio Free Asia 2025 M. Street NW, Suite 300 Washington DC 20036 United States of America Upon request, RFA will also send a copy of the current broadcast schedule and a station sticker.

RTI interviews Taiwan's President

RTI interviews Taiwan's President Here's the link for the interview & photo's of President's visit to RTI : http://www.rti.org.tw/big5/topic/2008/1203president/english_index.aspx

Annamalai Amateur Radio Club's 3rd Pollachi VHF Fox Hunt 2008

A warm welcome awaits you again at the COCONUT CITY , Pollachi for the 3rd pollachi VHF Fox Hunt which will be conducted on 21st December 2008,Sunday at 8.30am.The Flag off will be at 9.15 am,from Mahalingapuram Police station.It will be a very good opportunity for the HAMS ans SWL's to participate in the most interesting and enjoyable HAM activity, RADIO SPORT or AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING (ARDF) HAMs and SWLs(with good receiver and directional antenna) can participate to hunt the fox. A Team will consist of a leader and two members and a maximum of two additional members are allowed for a team but awards will be given only for the three members in the team, however certificates will be issued for all winning members and participants. RULES :- 1. The Fox Hole will be located anywhere within a radius of 30 km from the starting point. 2. The Fox howl will be a tone on 144.100 Mhz from an omni directional antenna.The duration of the howl will be for 30 seconds on 5 watts followed by 30 seconds on 1 watt. 3. The first Howl will be will be heard at 9.30am and every five minutes thereafter. NO. QSO's on Fox frequency. 4. At 11.00am the Fox will give first clue on 145.500 Mhz.The second clue will be at 11.30a.m. 5. The Fox will declare its location and the venue for the lunch at 12 noon on 144.100 Mhz & 145.500Mhz. 6. The winner should hand over the ID Slip personally to the FOX immedaitely on reaching the Foxhole. 7. Briefing about the event will be on 20th Saturday December 2008 at 5Pm at VU2DX QTH and Registration can be done and kits can be collected.(119,subbayan Nagar,Behind LNS School,Palladam Road) 9842285939 8.Registration Fee will be Rs 150/-per team of three members and Rs 100/-each additional members,

9. For outstation participants vehicle with driver will be be provided free by Anamalai Amateur Radio Club,Pollachi,on first come first served basis and the fuel cost should be borne by the team.They will use the vehicle at their risk. 10. Any clarifications: Contact on HF: VU2DX,VU3ITI,VU2PAL

On Vu2KOD Kodai Repeater.

VU3NKK,VU3IRH,VU3GPF,VU3MTR,VU3PIP,VU2TPP,VU3UKK,VU3OVA,VU3PAL,

VU2PTH,VU3WCS,VU3NKT,VU3GNU. on VU2TCD Reapeater;- VU2PCP,VU2ZUB,VU3PCP. On VU2CBE Repeater VU2GVG,VU3KEN,VU2AAX,VU3GTP. On VU2IU Repeater in Bangalore :-VU3ITI

M.K.Anathaganesan, VU3GPF President For Information Please Call K.IBRAHIM VU3IRH ( 98420 63686) NOTE:- Payment by cash/Cheque/Demand Draft to K.SYED MOHAMRD IBRAHIM, 130,The Nest Apartments, Subbayan Nagar,Nalani Seakar Street (Behind LMS School). T.Kottampatty. Pollachi

REGISTRATION FORM Name....................................Callsign.................. Sign.........................................Licence No/date...................................... Group: Family/Friends/YL group/Individual................................................. Name of additional members 1................................................... 2.................................................... 3..................................... 4...................................................... Payment Details Rs 150/- per team of three members and Rs 100/- each for additional member. Payment to K.Syed Mohamed Ibrahim, VU3IRH before 9a.m. on 21st December 2008 REGISTER early to avoid delay in Flag off the Hunters. __________________________________________________________ For office use only

Group; FL/FR/YL/IND.......... SERIAL NO.............. No OF KITS..................... ----------------------------------------------------------

Launching of "Hamfest India 2009 & Golden Jubilee of BARC"

All are invited for the Launching Function of Hamfest india 2009 in Bangalore. Date: 14 December 2008 Venue: The Bharat Scouts & Guides Headquarters Hall Opposite to KIMS Hospital, Adj to Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore. Time : 1715 Hrs IST

No radio without Bose

Mou Chakraborty & Snigdhendu Bhattacharya , Hindustan Times Kolkata, December 04, 2008 A century-long debate over who invented the radio may have come to an end. Marconi has given Jagadish Chandra Bose due credit for his pioneering contribution in the field of wireless communication. However, this Marconi is not Guglielmo Marconi - the man credited with the invention of the radio - but his grandson Francesco Paresce Marconi, a well-known astrophysicist who has been closely associated with NASA. On a five-day visit to Kolkata, Francesco Marconi kicked off year-long celebrations to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the eminent Bengali scientist. Indian scientists are of the view that it was actually Bose who invented the radio, while Marconi lifted Bose's concept and was awarded the Nobel Prize. Bose missed out because he never patented his work. Francesco said, "There's no conflict about the fact that Bose made some remarkable discoveries and without his work, Marconi would not have been able to work. We must keep in mind that Bose was a scientist while Marconi was a technocrat who worked on scientific research to develop a technology."

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=8d882e3e-8820-4c03-b85d-6dae5a4be615&&Headline=%e2%80%98No+radio+without+Bose%e2%80%99

Brunei, Singapore sign broadcasting agreement

Brunei and Singapore have signed an agreement on greater cooperation in the field of broadcasting, the Weekend Borneo Bulletin reports.

Read the full report here : http://tinyurl.com/6qtms8

VOA launches 'America Live' for Indian viewers

Read the story here : http://tinyurl.com/6h8qb3

Zee News ties up with Voice of America

In an attempt to bring relevant news from across the globe, Zee News, has tied up with Voice of America, one of the biggest public broadcasters in the United States of America.

Read the full story at : http://tinyurl.com/6f9uxb

VOA marks World AIDS Day with special programs

Washington, D.C., December 1, 2008 - The Voice of America (VOA) marks World AIDS Day with programming on the prevention and treatment of the disease with special attention focused on Africa, home to two-thirds of all people living with HIV. "VOA, which broadcasts in 45 languages and has a large audience in Africa, is uniquely positioned to provide people around the world with news and information about HIV/AIDS," said VOA Director Danforth Austin. VOA has a special Internet site for World AIDS Day at www.VOANews.com/english/AIDS2008.cfm. The site has news reports, including one that looks at testing and treatment worldwide. VOA's Swahili service, which reaches people in East Africa, conducted interviews with experts in Tanzania and Kenya. Earlier, the service organized a panel discussion to look at progress in tackling the disease. Panelists included Pauline Muchina of UNAIDS and Joshua Ng'eiu of the National Aids Council of Kenya. VOA's English to Africa service interviewed Leonard Okello of ActionAid, a nonprofit group. He urged developed countries to continue funding treatment for HIV/AIDS despite the world's economic downturn. VOA's Spanish-language program, El Mundo al Día (The World Today), will feature HIV/AIDS throughout the week. And the weekly Foro Interamericano (Interamerican Forum) program examines HIV/AIDS in Latin America, including a report on a home for HIV-positive children in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The service has a special window for HIV/AIDS on its Internet site (www.voanoticias.com). UNAIDS estimates 33 million people are living with HIV, with nearly 7,500 new infections daily. The agency says new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are declining, but the epidemic persists around the globe. The Voice of America, which first went on the air in 1942, is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of more than 134 million people. Programs are produced in 45 languages. For more information, call VOA Public Relations at (202) 203-4959, or e-mail askvoa@voanews.com.

(VOA Press Release)