Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Radio Free Asia issues fourth 15TH anniversary QSL card

...................................Radio Free Asia issues fourth 15TH anniversary QSL card

Radio Free Asia (RFA) announces the release of our 39th QSL card. This is the fourth QSL card commemorating 2011 as RFA’s 15th anniversary. Not only is The Dalai Lama the subject of this card, but The Dalai Lama was also the subject of RFA’s very first QSL card. RFA’s first broadcast was in Mandarin Chinese on September 29, 1996 at 2100 UTC. Acting as a substitute for indigenous free media, RFA concentrates its coverage on events occurring in and/or affecting the countries to which we broadcast. Those countries are: Burma, Cambodia, Laos, North Korea, Peoples Republic of China, and Vietnam. This QSL card will be used to confirm all valid reception reports for September 2011. Similar designs will be announced monthly between now and the end of the year. To learn more about RFA’s anniversary, visit http://www.rfa15.org/

RFA 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 our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at http://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. If you have a smart phone, feel free to use the QR code below to access the automated reception report system and submit your reception reports to the web site.
Reception reports are also accepted by email at 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.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

SW Event Organizers Expand Their Brief

The use of other platforms among shortwave broadcasters is a touchy subject for true believers. But for many in the shortwave world, the use of FM, online and other media is simple reality.
One manifestation of that shift: The approaching B11 HFCC/ASBU shortwave broadcasters conference in Dallas, Sept. 12–16, has announced an expansion of its agenda.

Full story at: http://www.rwonline.com/article/sw-event-organizers-expand-their-brief/24234

Radio Afghanistan Photo's

After almost 10 years Radio Afghanistan was reactivated on shortwave around 31st July 2011 on 6100 kHz (als noted on 6102 kHz) , here are few photo's of the station :

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00014.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00015.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00025.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00024.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00026.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00027.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00028.JPG

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/RTA/DSC00029.JPG

Inauguration photo's :

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/01.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/02.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/04.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/05.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/07.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/08.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/09.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/10.jpg

http://rta.org.af/images/atomicongallery/سفر%20به%20ننگرهار/06.jpg

Monday, August 29, 2011

Radio Prague 75th Anni. special program on 31st Aug, commemorative QSL to be issued



On August 31, 2011, it will be 75 years since the Czechoslovak company Radiojournal launched its regular shortwave broadcast.To mark the anniversary, Radio Prague will be doing some special programmes & a press conference on the current state of international broadcasting will be held for Czech and foreign journalists in the Czech Radio building. Journalists will have the opportunity to see the 75 Years of Radio Prague exhibit and visit the international broadcasting workspaces.

Those who tune in to the Radio Prague broadcast on August 31 will receive a special, stamped QSL card.

http://old.radio.cz/documents/en/75-years.pdf



(Source : Radio Prague)

FCC Chairman says “broadcast and radio are largely unaffected” by Hurricane Irene

FCC Chairman Julius Genchowski held a press briefing this afternoon to give an update on communications infrastructure after Hurricane Irene battered much of the East Coast. The good news is that while some cable systems, wireless and wireline providers are out of service, Genachowski says, “there hasn’t been major damage to our communications infrastructure.” He also reports that “broadcast and radio are largely unaffected.”

Full story at :
http://www.radiosurvivor.com/2011/08/28/fcc-chairman-says-broadcast-and-radio-are-largely-unaffected-by-hurricane-irene/




FMLIST provides real time FM radio log data for DX-Sherlock

FMLIST and its online logbook myFM are pleased to announce a co-operation with DX-Sherlock QSO real time maps at http://www.vhfdx.info/spots/map.php.
By this co-operation, suggested by Finnish DXers, FM radio station log details are transferred as spots to DX-Sherlock. DX-Sherlock uses the data for MUF calculation and map display. The log details are transmitted automatically and in real time, as soon as a log is entered in the myFM logbook.
On behalf of FMLIST, I'd like to thank Gabriel EA6VQ for establishing the interface so quickly. I am sure users of DX-Sherlock will benefit from the FM radio logs, which close the big gap between 50 and 144 MHz. This is just one more reason to use DX-Sherlock and FMLIST/myFM
for FM radio logs.

FMLIST (http://www.fmlist.org) is a worldwide radio station database initiated by the UKW/TV-Arbeitskreis of the AGDX. It contains technical data of FM radio stations in the frequency range 65 to 108 MHz. FMLIST helps FM DXers to identify stations and to keep logbooks and bandscans. FMLIST is a non-commercial, open project.


(Günter Lorenz )

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Resurgence Of Radio

Radio has touched sentiments of vast area of Indian society. A Large Amount Of that are inside their center age can consider the times inside early eighty's when in many households the day commenced with acquainted voice of Ameen Sayani in his software Binaka Geetmala on Radio Ceylon. it absolutely was a lot earlier than the appearance of tv, which the Radio had end up being an integral part of an standard Indian Middle Class friends and family.

More at : http://www.890espn.com/radio/resurgence-of-radio/

Ham events Kochi/Vijayawada/Nashik

27 & 28 Aug 2011: Kochi, Kerala:

A receiver workshop will be conducted for the students of Model Engineering College on this Saturday and Sunday (Aug-27th and 28th). The Workshop will be conducted by VU2DEV, OM DEV. All HAMS in and around Kochi are invited to the Workshop and encourage the students. (Preferably from 10.30AM to 12.30PM)


Venue: Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara, Kochi, Kerala.
Date and Time: Aug-27th & 28th, 9.00AM to 6PM on both the days.
For more details please contact Mr.Febin (IEEE co-ordinator), Mob: 9400355255
Thanks & Regards
VU3AUZ, Allen Antony
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


27 August 2011: Nasik/Thane, Mumbai:

SATURDAY the 27'th of August 2011
THANE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION PROUDLY ANNOUNCES IT'S 6 th BATCH OF
AMATEUR STATION OPERATORS COURSE ( A.S.O.C.) AT NASHIK & EXAM WILL
BE CONDUCTED AT THANE
MICKY - VU2 IZO -9820063882
PARIN - VU2 PIC - 9820983626
ANIL - VU2 CVD 9371563042
BIJOY - 9819301705


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
28 Aug 2011 Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh:


On Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 8:43 PM, Suresh-VU2IPL <ab9us.vu2ipl@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear All,
Everything is set ready for USA amateur radios exams session in Vijayawada on 28th Aug 2011. If any candidate needs assistance to reach test centre please contact me on 9390613599 or dial non VE helpers: OM Venkat-VU3VJA:9441714294,OM Ravi-VU3MGT:9440112136.
------
After the exam session completes, there will be a get together & display of the following brand new customs cleared rigs available:


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10 & 11 December 2011: Kochi, Kerala:

HAMFEST INDIA 2011
Full details in http://hamfestindia2011.com/


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

73

Jose Jacob, VU2JOS
National Institute of Amateur Radio
Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India
Mobile: 91-80993 70625
Tel: 91-40-2331 0287, 91-40 6516 7388
Fax: 91-40-2331 0787


www.qsl.net/vu2jos www.niar.org

(Via dx_india List)

WRTH 2012 will be available from early December....

Sean Gilbert posted in WRTH - World Radio Tv Handbook.

Sean Gilbert 4:30pm Aug 26
WRTH 2012 will be available from early December. I will advise when advance orders can be placed. The WRTH Bargraph CD will also be available at the same time. SWLog and SDR Console integrated schedules will be available shortly after publication. I will advise when the various files are available.

(via facebook)

NASB Set to Host First-Ever HFCC Conference in United States

The NASB and our associate member Continental Electronics Corporation are welcoming around 100 delegates from more than 40 international broadcasting organizations around the world to the HFCC/ASBU B11 Seasonal Coordination Conference in Dallas, Texas September 12-16, 2011. This is the first time in the more than 20-year history of the HFCC that the twice-annual meeting has been held in the United States.

Full story at : http://tinyurl.com/3ltd9pv

When Things Shake and Rattle, Radio Rolls

Anyone looking for proof to support NAB's recent arguments that broadcasters are "first informers," a vital source of information during emergencies that brings to bear a robust infrastructure, should have been standing with me in the parking lot of NewBay Media's Virginia office this afternoon, and driven home with me shortly after.

Read the Radio World story here : http://www.rwonline.com/default.aspx?tabid=75&entryid=197

Friday, August 26, 2011

NHK to launch net radio next month

NHK will launch a live online streaming service of its domestic radio channels, with its first programme airing at 11 a.m. on 1 September. The new service - NHK Net Radio - will also be known as "Radiru Radiru". Listeners will be able to enjoy NHK's three radio channels (Radio 1, Radio 2 and FM) by accessing nhk.jp/netradio/. From 1 October, NHK Net Radio will also be available on smart phones.

More at :
http://www.abu.org.my/abu/index.cfm/elementid/71364/NHK-to-launch-net-radio-next-month

World Radio Online - Sept Issue

World Radio Online August issue is now available for download here :
http://worldradiomagazine.com/


Direct link to download :
http://worldradiomagazine.com/wro_issues/2011/WRO_09_2011.pdf

Stories this month :

* The kids who impressed everyone at Dayton - including a guest with a
"gravity callsign."
* Kurt's gaze into the Sinkhole of Erroneous Antenna Information - 75 meters.
* YLs: On the scene at hamfests, retreats and international meets
* A bag of tips on working DX "by the numbers."
* Trail-Friendly Radio's Eye-Friendly nightlight - and you can make it.

In addition, you'll find regular columns including: QCWA, Looking West, Propagation, Rules and Regulations, Station Appearance, Hamfests and Special Events, Contest Calendar, DX Predictions and more.


Jose Jacob,VU2JOS gets "Sea of Peace 2011" award from Germany for 4th time


I am happy to inform that Jose Jacob,VU2JOS has received "Sea of Peace 2011" Award from Germany recently for the 4th time !

The SOP is awarded by the DARC local club for contacts with different countries/areas bordering the Baltic Sea and Norway in one year from 1st to 31st of July. He came to know of this award when he visited Baltic area of Germany and has since tried for this award every year successfully.


More details at : http://www.amateurfunk-mvp.de/inhalte/sopdiple.htm


Radio Heritage 'Pacific Story' Competition

WIN *The Pacific Story* 170 old time radio serials
In association with our good friends at OTRCAT, we're excited to bring you THREE chances to win 4 x MP3 CDs containing the full 'Pacific Story' of 170 episodes of this fabulous vintage radio serial at http://www.radioheritage.com/.


Correctly answer the two competition questions at http://www.radioheritage.com/ and you'll be in the draw to win your 80 hours of audio travel to the enchanted islands and lands, cities and villages from around the Pacific............ back in the days of glorious ocean liners and PanAm clippers.........


Enjoy a unique insight into Pacific lifestyles, art, industry, politics and culture from the the mid 1940's as America looked away from a Europe in ruins towards the bright new future beckoning from Asia and the Pacfic.


Send your two answers with your name and address to info@radioheritage.net with the header: 'OTRCAT The Pacific Story Competition' to reach us by midnight your local time and date on September 15 2011.


Only one entry per person. Judges decision is final. There are three separate prizes each of a complete collection of 170 episodes of this fabulous old time radio series. Thanks for supporting the Radio Heritage Foundation. Your personal gift of US$50 will meet a full day of our running costs. We are 100% volunteers. Enjoy thousands of great old time radio serials from the vaults of OTRCAT all at good value, simply visit them online via their easy to find logo at http://www.radioheritage.com/ today.


Radio Heritage Foundation is a registered non-profit organization connecting popular culture, nostalgia and radio heritage. Our global website is http://www.radioheritage.com/. Enjoy hundreds of features, rare radio audio, images and much more with free worldwide community access. Unsubscribe: email 'No Thanks' to info@radioheritage.net and allow five working days for removal.


Radio Heritage Foundation
http://www.radioheritage.com/
August 25 2011

Japan HAM Fair 2011 hosts Radio Free Asia : Special QSL issued


Ham Fair 2011 will be August 27-28 in Tokyo, Japan. Radio Free Asia (RFA) will be on hand at this year’s Ham Fair to meet DXers and radio enthusiasts from Japan and around the globe. This annual event is organized by the Japanese Amateur Radio League (JARL) and last year hosted almost 31,000 attendees. To help promote this year’s event, RFA is issuing a special commemorative QSL card which incorporates the design of our current QSL card and this year’s Ham Fair logo. This QSL card will only be available for a limited time and used to confirm all valid RFA reception reports from 0000 UTC on August 26 – 2400 UTC on August 29, 2011. As mentioned in our previous press release, the four pieces of artwork on the RFA design were created earlier this year by the children of RFA’s staff to celebrate RFA’s 15th anniversary.



RFA’s 38th QSL commemorating Ham Fair 2011 in Tokyo, Japan.

RFA 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 our current broadcast frequency schedule, is available at http://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. If you have a smart phone, feel free to use the QR code below to access the automated reception report system and submit your reception reports to the web site.
Reception reports are also accepted by email at 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.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

AIR Port Blair woes ...

Port Blair, Aug. 24 : The All India Radio, which used to be the most popular media for the islanders, is in trouble with no regular Station Director heading the organization since past three year. The transmission towers have collapsed resulting in poor transmission. Due to this the once most effecting means of media is not able to cover most of the islands in the A&N Group.

Full story at : http://andamanchronicle.com/content/view/4507/27/


'Radio will see its best in the next five to ten years'

Radioandmusic.com features and salutes glorious years of Private FM Radio

The early years of Indian FM radio were a big struggle. Many came; many tuned off from the segment, courtesy the static and regulatory noise that made the going difficult. Radio Mirchi was amongst the pioneers. Entertainment Networks India Ltd (ENIL) which runs the brand Radio Mirchi kept broadcasting despite the stormy climate. At its helm has been ENIL executive director and CEO Prashant Panday. He has steered his charge over the past decade, making it one of the most recognized media brands in the country and a front runner in FM radio.

More at : http://tinyurl.com/3gody55




Tuesday, August 23, 2011

After 27 years, FEBC shutting down Saipan station for good

Far East Broadcasting Co., a non-profit, non-denominational missionary organization that broadcasts the gospel of Jesus Christ to many parts of Asia, will decommission its radio station on Saipan by the end of the year, after 27 years of broadcasting on island.
Bob Springer, FEBC general manager, attributed their decision to government deregulation and advances in communications technology that he said have significantly reduced the demand for shortwave broadcasting.




Privately owned radio stations off air in Lesotho

On 17 August 2011, four privately-owned radio stations went off the air for most of the day, on the third climactic day of protests against the government. In the early hours of 17 August, only static could be heard from the four stations' assigned frequencies.




DRM at SET Congress, Brazil

On 22nd August 2011 the 24th edition of the Congress of the SET (Brazilian Society of Engineering and Television), the largest technology event of communication and entertainment in Brazil, has begun. The three-day conference brings together more than 180 lectures in the areas of digital cinema, interactivity, new digital media, content production, radio and digital TV.

Full report at : http://www.drm.org/news_item/DRM_at_SET_Congress%252C_Brazil_



Monday, August 22, 2011

Dorset World Service site may shut after 70 years

RAMPISHAM’S radio transmission station may close before Christmas with the loss of more than 20 jobs, even though it’s currently broadcasting into Libya.

The proposed shutdown of the Dorset site follows the BBC’s decision earlier this year to cut back on World Service shortwave broadcasting and stop it altogether by 2014, even though nearly half of the World Service’s audience (184 million in 2010-11) listens via shortwave.

Ful story at :
http://www.realwestdorset.co.uk/wordpress/08/2011/dorset-bbc-world-service-rampisham-radio-transmitting-station-closure-threat/


Sunday, August 21, 2011

AIR Leh back on 4660

All India Radio Leh back on air, noted on 4660 instead of scheduled 4760 at 1445 UTC onwards, 21st Aug 2011.

AIR Bareilly off air due to flood

Quoting from a Times of India report .....
In Bareilly, water entered the building of Doordarshan and All India Radio, stopping all operations. Though PAC has been deployed to carry out relief operations, shortage of motorboats was reported. Officials, however, said required steps were being taken to expedite the relief work.

Full report at :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Flood-situation-worsens-15-lakh-hit/articleshow/9679674.cms

21st Aug 0930 IST - All India Radio Bareilly 100.4 off air but noted Radio Mantra Bareilly 91.9 'on air' inspite of floods, with numerous ad's of local shops & hospitals....surprisingly the Pvt. FM station survives inspite of floods in town.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rampisham transmitter site to close by Christmas



........................Naleen Kumar at Rampisham transmitter site, April 2011


from BECTU Union website 18 August 2011:


Babcock Engineering has announced plans to close the Rampisham transmitter site by Christmas 2011. BECTU members at the Rampisham transmitter site in Dorset run by Babcock Engineering were shocked to learn yesterday (17 August) of plans to close the facility by Christmas with the loss of 19 jobs.
Staff across the UK had been expecting bad news after the decision by BBC World Service in January this year to sharply reduce the number of hours of shortwave broadcasting and to end it altogether by 2014.
Despite this advance warning, yesterday's announcement still came as a shock. The company also plans to close three posts at the Woofferton site in Shropshire with four at Orford Ness in Suffolk also at risk of closure.
An initial meeting between BECTU representatives and management took place yesterday; the consultation period is due to end on 19 September.
Assistant general secretary Luke Crawley said: "The loss of 19 jobs at Rampisham and seven elsewhere in the network will come as a terrible blow to our members. We have already pressed the management to do everything they can to minimise the impact including offering redeployment and retraining where appropriate. Transmission members will note with regret that this announcement will also end seventy years of shortwave broadcasting from Rampisham."
More at : http://www.bectu.org.uk/news/1313
(Alan Pennington via DXLD list)


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

RVA appeals Church for continued funding

The program director of Radio Veritas Asia has urged local bishops to make the Church-run radio station an integral part of their pastoral plans. He was addressing a gathering marking the 24th anniversary of the RVA Urdu service recently at the WAVE (Workshop Audio Visual Education) Studio in Lahore.

Full story at : http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/08/15/radio-veritas-appeals-to-church/

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

BBC launches radio in Libya

The BBC is announcing the launch of World Service content on FM radio in the Libyan cities of Benghazi and Misrata.
The BBC World Service exists to provide accurate, impartial and trusted news around the world – balanced and reliable news and information plays a particularly important role for audiences during times and in areas of conflict.
BBC Arabic has an established audience in Libya on TV as well as SW and MW radio and we are pleased to be extending our availability to FM radio. The programming is principally in Arabic radio, with the addition of the World Service English Newshour programme once a day.
Liliane Landor, BBC Controller of Languages, said: "This year has been a very difficult one for Libyans. It is important for local people to have access to news and information that they can trust, and the BBC has experience of delivering that.
"We know the people of Libya are keen listeners of BBC Arabic and they regularly participate in our interactive programmes, use our Arabic web service and watch BBC Arabic TV. The new FMs will give the people of Benghazi and Misrata somewhere to turn to for news they can trust and know is accurate."
The Arab Spring and events in Libya have been comprehensively covered by BBC Arabic on radio, TV and online.
The new FM radio services are now live with details below.

Benghazi
FM frequency – 91.5 MHz
Output is predominantly the live stream of BBC Arabic radio with the WS English Newshour 13:00 GMT edition incorporated

Misrata
FM frequency – 91.5 MHz
Output is predominantly the live stream of BBC Arabic radio with the WS English Newshour 13:00 GMT edition incorporated

(BBC World Service Publicity)

University of Hyderabad revives old radio culture

The University of Hyderabad launched its first community radio station, Bol Hyderabad, 90.4 FM, on Monday, which aims at reviving the old radio culture with radio theatre, classical music and art. Launching the radio station, vice-chancellor Prof Ramakrishna Ramaswamy said the radio channel was for communities both within and outside the university.
More at :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/University-of-Hyderabad-revives-old-radio-culture/articleshow/9616993.cms



Bol Hyderabad is on air
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/teens/bol-hyderabad-air-344

London 2012: BBC to launch temporary radio station

The London Olympics run from 27 July to 12 August next year The BBC is to launch a temporary Olympics radio station during London 2012, when BBC Three will be devoted to live Games coverage.

Full story at : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14525736



Thursday, August 11, 2011

DRM to showcase the Digital Journey at this year’s IBC

DRM's presence at this year's IBC aims to give participants a hands-on experience of the full DRM offering. DRM will be holding events over 3 days - 10th, 11th and 12th of September presenting the latest developments for DRM30 and DRM+, together with practical demonstrations to "show you how" to utilise DRM and finally showcasing brand new receiver options soon to be available to consumers from Chengdu, MSWAY, Keti, Frontier Silicon and Uniwave. This completes the digital journey highlighting how you can get your multi-platform, rich digital content direct to users with DRM.

If you are up to date on DRM+ and DRM30 features, including slideshow, EPG, 5.1 surround sound and Journaline but want to have a chance to experience it, then the DRM journey of discovery at IBC will give you the opportunity.


To experience DRM to the full, attend all three events taking you on the DRM digital journey.


The Digital Journey 1: Great Distance, Great Content, Efficient Delivery
Transradio (booth 8.D30)
Saturday 10th September
Time: 1400 – 1600


The Digital Journey 2: The Complete Solution
Nautel (booth 8.C61)
Sunday 11th September
Time: 1400 – 1600


The Digital Journey 3: The User Experience
Fraunhofer (booth 8.D80)
Monday 12th September
Time: 1600 - 1800

BBC re-launches Tamil website



BBC world service on Wednesday re-launched its Tamil website, with new design and features, including enhanced content-sharing functions, a mobile version and an access to archived radio programmes.
Revamped bbctamil.com has a wider format, featuring more convenient and detailed content categorisation. Enhanced with ability to host video stories, the site also features image galleries, a press release from BBC said.





DRM Aug 2011 Newsletter

DRM August 2011 newsletter is now available at : http://newsletters.lavishcreative.com/t/ViewEmailArchive/r/83443604F9B95581/C67FD2F38AC4859C/

Main stories :
- DRM Showcase at IBC
- Successful DRM+ test in Delhi: Report released
- UK media reports suggest analog radio switch off may be postponed
- Thomson Broadcast to supply a new high power DRM capable SW transmitter to Bangladesh Betar

Bruce Elving, Professor of FM Radio

For DXers, catching far-away stations is kind of like fishing. You don't want to catch just the easy ones. That's one reason FM and TV DXing was more fun than AM and shortwave DXing (at least for some of us). AM and shortwave depend on the ionosphere for distant coverage as a matter of course.
More at :
http://watchingthewatchers.org/indepth/1394652/bruce-elving-professor-fm-radio

Imelda Dias, doyen of All India Radio, passes away

Another grand personality of Goa passes away. Imelda Dias the doyen of All India Radio (AIR) who was a part of this radio when it ruled the West Coast of India and even broadcast to Africa and further breathed her last on August 8, 2011. As her children put it, "Yours truly Imelda, has signed off, for good, on 8th Aug 2011 at 1914hrs ... May her soul rest in peace ...goodbye Mama. Till we meet again, we will always feel we are on your shoulders... The greatest Mother... He has
taken you because he did not want you to suffer, but we will see that you are remembered."

More at : http://www.targetgoa.com/newsd-Imelda-doyen-of-All-India-Radio-passes-away-2759

RNZI's new online feature "New Flags Flying"

Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) has launched a new online feature called "New Flags Flying". The online service features extensive archival audio and transcripts of 17 former Pacific leaders as they remember the move to independence and self government in the Pacific. From 1960 onwards, first in Polynesia, then in Melanesia and Micronesia, colonies became nations and millions of 'subjects' became citizens. The interviews on the website provide a unique record of Pacific history and reflect the views and memories of the most influential decision makers of their time. The project is the work of veteran New Zealand broadcaster/writer Ian Johnstone and former New Zealand diplomat Michael Powles and has had support from Radio New Zealand and UNESCO's Office for the Pacific States in Samoa.


Check out the RNZI "New Flags Flying" page at : http://www.rnzi.com/newflagsflying

Radio Nepal's Pokhara stn on 684 kHz running on generator as power supply cut off

A report published in "The Himalayan" says The Nepal Electricity Authority cut off power supply to 15 government offices in Pokhara after they failed to clear power bills within a 15-day deadline, among them was the western regional broadcasting centre of Radio Nepal, the state-owned broadcaster.
According to NEA (Pokhara), Radio Nepal’s broadcasting centre owes it Rs 63,00,000. Durganath Regmi, chief of Radio Nepal’s regional broadcasting centre, said, “The power cut-off has not affected transmission from the broadcasting centre. The only thing is that we will have to rely on generators, which will cost a lot more.”

(Source : The Himalayan)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

VOA Cannot Retreat from China

by Jing Zhang
President
Women’s Rights in China

I remember an afternoon forty years ago. My father furiously slapped my uncle. The argument was behind closed doors and hushed. I couldn’t make out the reason. Later my sister told me that uncle listened to “the enemy station”—Voice of America—on the radio. Father said that we could be shot for listening to enemy stations. I had no idea what “Voice of America” was, only vaguely remembered the name from then on.

As I grew up, I learned to listen to short-wave broadcasts. Democracy, freedom and human rights became my lifelong passion, which entailed the price of nearly six years’ imprisonment.

Read the blog entry here :
http://freemediaonline.org/freemediaonlineblog/2011/08/09/voa-cannot-retreat-from-china/

Haryana govt to set up five community radio stations

Chandigarh, Aug 8 (PTI) The Haryana government will set up five community radio stations at Ambala, Jind, Rohtak, Rewari and Sonepat during the current financial year under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) scheme to provide agriculture related information to farmers. While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Agriculture Department said that SMS service for weather forecast has already been started by CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar for the benefit of the farmers.


Full story at
:http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/haryana-govt-to-set-up-five-community-radio-stations/780036.html


Biggest Solar Flare in 4 years X-7

Powerful solar flare briefly knocks out HF Radio

Have a look at the video here :
http://www.space.com/12579-powerful-solar-flare-briefly-knocks-hf-radio.html


TWR Asia & Europe updates website

TWR Asia & Europe recently revamped their websites, new interactive sites are easy to navigate and full of great information.
Some notable chnages :
•The site can now be accessed from any Apple device
•The interactive map functions without flash.
•There is a 'like' or 'share' button and other new social networking features.

Check out the websites at :
http://www.twreurope.org/
http://www.twr.asia/

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

TWR's new SW transmitter at Guam successfully tested

On 9th August 2011 TWR's new Thomson transmitter was successfully tested for an initial power up RF test. For about 10 minutes a station ID and music tone was aired at 0100 UTC on 9920 kHz at 57KW.

Full report & pictures at :
http://ktwrdrm.blogspot.com/2011/08/testing-testing-testing-and-rf-on.html

Solar flare disrupts RNW shortwave reception

A flood of reports came in during an RNW broadcast this morning; shortwave reception was extremely poor and some listeners reported being unable to hear anything at all. A huge solar flare that started at around 0800 UTC was responsible for the reception problems and fade out.
More at :
http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/solar-flare-disrupts-rnw-shortwave-reception

Sunday, August 07, 2011

An ode to the radio of yesteryear

An ode to the radio of yesteryear

V. Natarajan
I am sure that what I write below will find a resonance with quite a few readers who are senior citizens. An electro-mechanical contraption, sometimes as big as a 21-inch television set, vanished from the scene altogether some three decades ago - giving way to smaller devices, gradually reduced and ultimately miniaturised to a shirt-pocket size. Yes, I mean the big radio of yesteryear powered by vacuum tubes, ironically called valves, metamorphosing into a wonder creation of semi-conductor technology called pocket radios or transistors. Finally, the entry of TV into the drawing room has vanquished the dignified and respectable presence of the radio in middle class homes in what can be termed the tragedy of decent entertainment at home.


Read the interesting write up at :
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-openpage/article2332336.ece


(Thanks to C.K.Raman,VU3DJQ, New Delhi for sharing the link)

Saturday, August 06, 2011

Radio Sharda 90.4 MHz Jammu

Broadcast trial of Sharda Radio performed
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 5: Broadcast trial of Radio Sharda 90.4 FM was performed at Buta Nagar today by Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, Vinod Koul. The Radio will be audible in a radios of 10 kilometres around Jammu. The broadcast trial will be daily held for two hours from 6pm onwards, said president Pir Panchal Ramesh Hangloo. It is housed in a building at Buta Nagar near migrant quarters. The Sharda Radio will promote and propagate culture of community of interest and geographical community through cultural programmes, health awareness programmes and also hold informative for farmers.
Full story at : http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/11apr06/state.htm#27

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS,National Institute of Amateur Radio , Hyderabad )

Friday, August 05, 2011

Radio Mast 90.4 FM launched in Malegaon

Malegaon crossed yet another landmark July 20 at dot 07 in the morning when Dipti Deore greeted in the microphone with a sweet Radio Mast 90.4 Mhz war aaple swagat aahe and ran the touching signature tune even as thousands in the 30 km circle in Malegaon were hooked to their transistor sets to experience the launch of the town's first community radio. With this, brainchild of Sampada Hirey, Radio Mast 90.4 FM, which is patronised by her father former minister Prashant Hirey, began its regular broadcast.
Full story at :
http://www.ummid.com/news/2011/July/21.07.2011/community_radio_in_malegaon.htm

Radio Universal, 106.8 MHz Bengaluru

Radio Universal, managed by the staff and students of Universal College, Bengaluru in association with the local neighbourhood, is in its infancy. Launched from 1st December 2010 to mark the World Aids Day and to signify the cause of our CRS as a medium in the service of societal service, is on 106.8 MHz frequency for a three hour duration daily as a beginning. More details in: http://edaa.in/radiouniversal/

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad)

IRRS MW 1368 kHz and 1566 kHz improvements

Hello There from IRRS-Shortwave & Mediumwave in Milano, Italy, Just a short note to inform our European listeners that our technicians just made a couple of improvements to the stations in Padova on 1368 kHz and in Rome on 1566 kHz. Transmitter power in Padova was slightly raised to 10 kW while we wait for the power company to deliver a new electricity line to be able to connect a 50 kW transmitter that is in standby. In Rome, we installed a new antenna and transmitter yesterday that double the signal strength as received into the city area and immediate vicinity. After the new installation, a DX report of our broadcasts on 1566 kHz has been received yesterday from Austria (580+ km or 360+ miles), despite of the low power (1 kW) of this station.

We welcome your reception reports on all of our frequencies. We are on the air daily on 1368 and 1566 kHz from 20:00-20:30 CET in Italian and from 20:30-02:00 CET in English.

I also remind you our high power broadcast daily on 15610 kHz from 13:00-14:00 UTC to Middle East, Asia and Australia and Japan. Daily we are also on the air on 7290 to Europe and Africa from 18:00-20:00 UTC.


Your reception reports and comments on our programming are very much appreciated, and also help us to stay on the air. Please email any correspondence to: reports (at) nexus (dot) org.


Thank you & stay tuned!

73s,


Ron


--
Ron Norton NEXUS-Int'l Broadcasting Association
email: ron at nexus.org http://www.nexus.org
ph: +39-02-266 6971 - Toll free: 1-888-612-0039 fax: +39-02-706 38151

Thursday, August 04, 2011

Delhi DRM+ test : Report released

The report on the first ever DRM+ test carried out in New Delhi has been released. All India Radio and the DRM Consortium jointly organised the DRM+ showcase and workshop in the Indian capital from 23rd-27th May 2011. More at : http://www.drm.org/news_item/Succesful_DRM%252B_test_in_Delhi_%253A_Report_released

Spain Plans DRM/DRM+ Tests

The Spanish Ministry of Telecommunications and Information has started to plan the complete transformation of the country's radio broadcasting facilities to digital from analog & plans to test to assess the feasibility of the use of DRM/DRM+ on medium-wave and VHF bands .
Full story at : http://radiomagonline.com/digital_radio/spain-analog-digital-transition-0801/

Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Radio revolution threatened as analogue sets outsell DABs three to one

By Paul Revoir
Digital radio switchover plans are facing a new crisis after it was revealed that three analogue sets are still being sold for every one which has the new technology. With millions continuing to buy traditional sets the 'aspirational' target of 2015 to move all major stations off FM and AM and on to digital looks even more unlikely.

More at :
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2020020/Radio-revolution-threatened-analogue-sets-outsell-DABs-one.html

BBC Hindi initiates new series to unite artistes from India and Pakistan

RnM Team 02 Aug 11 18:09 IST
MUMBAI: BBC Hindi will bring together musicians from India and Pakistan on its special series 'Friendship beyond Borders'. The series will be broadcasted via partnered FM station across India from 2-7 August.Friendship beyond Borders features artistes such as Shafqat Amanat Ali, Arif Lohar, Ali Azmat, Rekha Bharadwaj, Salim-Sulaiman and Mohit Chauhan conversing on music, mutual understanding and peace.The BBC Hindi shortwave will re-broadcast the series on 15 August, and the hindi website will feature special stories based on the series.

Full story at :
http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/bbc-hindi-initiates-new-series-unite-artistes-indian-and-pakistan

VOA China scores small victory in battle for survival

By J. Michael Cole / Staff Reporter
The battle to keep Voice of America's (VOA) Mandarin and Cantonese radio and TV broadcasts to China alive continued in the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday with a unanimous vote for a proposal that would secure money for the embattled China unit.
The authorization bill, sponsored by US Representative Dana Rohrabacher during a markup hearing, reserves US$13.76 million from the total budget for government-sponsored broadcasting next year to be strictly used for Mandarin and Cantonese radio and TV broadcasts. That amount is equal to this year's operational budget for VOA's China unit.

Full story at :

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2011/07/24/2003509012

Tuesday, August 02, 2011

CRI Urdu service celebrtaes 45th anniversary

BEIJING, AUG 1 (APP): China Radio International (CRI) Urdu service is a bridge of friendship between Pakistan and China, said Ambassador Masood Khan here Monday.Addressing a grand reception to mark the 45th anniversary of the launch of CRI Urdu Service as well as the starting of the construction of Karakoram Highway in 1966, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan said that the number of CRI listeners in Pakistan are growing with every passing day, especially with the start of its transmission on FM. He said at present CRI is airing its programmes from five major cities of Pakistan on FM 93. These include Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Kohat. Through its Internet service, the CRI programmes can also be listened as far as Bangladesh and India.

Full story at :
http://ftpapp.app.com.pk/en_/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=146558&Itemid=2

From Beijing to Villupuram, a radio station spreads its reach

CRI's Tamil programmes, which enjoy a cult following , are set to grow bigger

S. Pandiyarajan was fiddling around with his shortwave radio set one hot summer evening at Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, when he stumbled upon a strange station.

At first listen, it was a language he couldn't identify. It sounded like Tamil, but spoken in an accent he could not recognise. He listened on, straining his ears. To his surprise, he discovered that the voices were coming from faraway China.

Read the full story at :
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/radio-and-tv/article2308735.ece


Radio Kashmir special Ramadan broadcast

Coinciding the first day of Ramzan fasting, Radio Kashmir Srinagar was noted with special broadcast sign on at 2145 UTC on 4950 & 1116 kHz on 1 August 2011. The 1 hour program consists of prayers, songs and advertisments. These special programs will continue for a month. In the previous years sign on timings were keeping on changing as the days went on. AIR Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir on 1350 kHz was also noted with relay of same programs in previous years.


(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio ,Hyderabad via dx_india list) Join dx_india yahoogroup here :http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dx_india/

Log Radio Afghanistan 6100 1st Aug 2011

AFGHANISTAN 6100 Radio Afghanistan 1525 - 1628, Aug 1, 2011 Abruptly on air at 1625 UTC, Talk/Telephonic Interviews by OM/YL in unid lang (probably Dari or Pashto), at 1530 ST, ID in english by OM/YL, frequencies announced as FM 93.0 & SW 6100, followed by english news, song & a talk on Ramadan by OM at 1548 UTC, closing annacts at 1556 followed by another vernacular song. Urdu service noted at 1602 UTC, ID, frequencies announced as FM 93.0, MW 1600 (?) & SW 49 mb, news by OM upto 1611 UTC followed by songs & commentary on current events. Urdu song at 1621 UTC, closing anncts at 1627, abruptly off air at 1628 UTC. Good, clean signal on my portable Redsun RP2100 (aka Kaito KA2100) + Telescopic Antenna.

English ID at 1530 UTC : http://tinyurl.com/3z7jsbf

Urdu ID at 1602 UTC : http://tinyurl.com/3cfk6zr

RTA website (in Pashto, eng link not working) has a picture of towers, anyone fluent with Pashto can throw some light on it ?

http://rta.org.af/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1139:day-picture-&catid=14:readable-article

Monday, August 01, 2011

RTI launches new English web site

Radio Taiwan International (RTI) launched a new English web site on Monday, which is also the station's 83rd anniversary.
At a reception Monday, Government Information Office (GIO) Minister Philip Yang urged the national broadcaster to continue its role of promoting Taiwan in the international community.
"RTI has introduced Taiwan's voice and its beauty to the international community. It has played a crucial role in seeking more international support. In this regard, RTI is the government's main supporter and a channel of communication," said Yang.
In a congratulatory message, President Ma Ying-jeou called on RTI to continue to emphasize innovation. He said it should also promote Taiwan's multiculturalism at the same time.
Meanwhile, RTI Chairman Chang Jung-kung said RTI is a window on the Republic of China on Taiwan.
"The new English web site launched today is RTI's way of promoting the Republic of China. The website is a bridge that connects RTI and the Republic of China to the rest of the world," said Chang.

Check out the website at : http://english.rti.org.tw/

For Indian listeners RTI has a post box in India :

Radio Taiwan International
Post Box 4914
S.J.Enclave
New Delhi 110029.

'Fishy' frequencies in the cockpit

TNN Aug 1, 2011, 03.56AM IST
KOLKATA: "And now, the recipe to make the most popular Bengali dish, 'bhapa ilish'," a sonorous voice wafted into the captain's headphone.

"Is this a joke?" the commander steering the Airbus A-320 aircraft with 200 people on board barked into the microphone. At the other end of the line, the controller was surprised. He hadn't cracked a joke. The mystery remained unsolved.


Read the full story here :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Fishy-frequencies-in-the-cockpit/articleshow/9437266.cms


(Thanks to Ranajay Mallick, VU2ORO for sharing the link)

Another news report wrongly attributes QRM to All India Radio

Pilot, there's a radio jockey yakking in the cockpit
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/11/201108012011080100305866f5fec79b/Pilot-there%E2%80%99s-a-radio-jockey-yakking-in-the-cockpit.html

Afghanistan back on shortwave, thanks to BECIL

Thanks to Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (a Govt. of India enterprise), RTA (Radio Television Afghanistan) was noted back on shortwave by Mikhail Timofeyev.

quoting from his log via HCDX list ...

6100 1527-1607 AFG R.Afghanistan, Kabul, 31/07, local OM singing, then English with news at 1530, Afgnan traditional song, OM talk about Ramadan, and one western pop song (tentaive ID at 1555'58 as "The International service of National Radio of Afghanistan"), 1600'24 music and Urdu service - poor at the beginning, then fair and almost good after 1600 with local noise, KRE in the background and CRI on 6095 till 1557 - 73! Mikhail Timofeyev, Saint-Petersburg, Russia .....unquote


An old Indo-Asian News service report quotes Abdul Rehman Panjshiri, director of international relations at the Afghan Radio and TV, as saying that "The 100kW shortwave transmitter with seven antennas being installed by India at Yakatoot in Kabul. It will enable Kabul Radio programmes to be heard in South East Asia, South Asia, Africa and Europe."


Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (a Govt. of India enterprise) has been involved with many projects in Afghanistan, here's full list of projects :


http://www.becil.com/story/2008/6/6/057/20907

A Bakhtar News report says Dr. Sayed Makhdoom Raheen Minister of Information and Culture inaugurated the foreign section of Radio Afghanistan yesterday. This section in the first place will air program in English and Urdu languages each night from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. Opening the section Dr. Raheen said that this section has been revived with the efforts of the director general and employees of the radio and in the first place it will air English and Urdu programs and followed by Arabic and Russian programs and subsequently French and German programs. According to Dr. Raheen revival of this program shall assist in recognition of Afghanistan to its outside friends and will inform them about our country's events. Abdul Ghani Mudaqaq head of the publications department of Radio Afghanistan said that this program shall cover Asia,Africa and Europe regions. According to officials of the radio ten years delay in the radio programs was inactivity of the short wave in Yakatout.
Full story & pictures at : http://bakhtarnews.com.af/en/index.php?news=6070


Check out for RTA on 6100 kHz, tentaive schedule 1530-1630 UTC in English & Urdu


A brief look at 75 years of radio in Singapore

Timeline of history of radio in Singapore by Christopher Toh :

http://www.todayonline.com/Entertainment/EDC110726-0000008/A-brief-look-at-75-years-of-radio

BBC news programmes disrupted by second 24-hour strike

BBC news programmes were disrupted again today by a second 24-hour strike over proposed compulsory redundancies at the broadcaster.


BBC Radio 4's Today programme delayed and BBC 1's Breakfast show off-air as NUJ members stage second one-day walk out over compulsory redundancies

More at :