Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Radio helps creating awareness among people

Speakers at a meeting at Bangladesh Betar Bhaban in the city today said broadcasting of diverse programmes by the public and private radio channels has enhanced awareness among the people in the recent times.

Full story at :

Frequencies that touch lives: India's growing community radio stations

Gurgaon Ki Awaaz, Lalit Lokvani, Chanderi ki Awaaz ...India's community radio stations are reaching out to touch lives and livelihoods in little hamlets and towns across the country with useful nuggets of information spiced up with local folk music and radio plays.

More at :

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Radio Nepal and NTV will be autonomous-PM

Kathmandu, July 26: Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has said that the government working to convert the state-owned Radio Nepal and Nepal Television (NTV) into autonomous media institutions.

More at :

Apocalypse Boy and his radio

14 year old lad with 1000 amateur radio contacts across 97 countries.....unbelievable ?

Read this ....

VOA Rolls Out Learning English Wordbook App

Learning English at home or on the go is now easier and more fun with VOA's Mobile Wordbook app.

The app, which adds to VOA's expanding range of free language learning tools, is getting rave reviews. "This is a great app!! Very easy to use and extremely helpful. Very nice," one satisfied user commented.

The Mobile Wordbook app is available free through the iTunes app store and has about 1,000 entries from the VOA Learning English wordbook. It helps users build their vocabulary by hearing how words are pronounced and used, and seeing images that make the meaning clear.

"We want all of our programs to be mobile, so people can have access where they want it and when they want it," says Ted Greenfield, of VOA's Learning English. "This app puts the Learning English wordbook in the palm of your hand," Greenfield says.

The app, for both the iPhone and the iPad, is part of a range of VOA language programs that have helped millions of people around the world to learn English with news and feature stories about the latest international developments.

VOA's Learning English website has exercises, games and online classes that help students learn grammar, pronunciation and speaking skills. Millions of viewers also go to the VOA Learning English YouTube channel , which has technology, agriculture, economics and health reports.

VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information, educational, and cultural programming every week to an estimated worldwide audience of about 141 million people.

(VOA Press Release)

Radio Gives Voice to India’s Transgender Community

Stigmatized by society and disowned by relatives, the majority of India’s transgender community is forced to live as second-class citizens with restricted access to education, jobs and health care. Determined to combat this discrimination and alienation, the community is now creating its own media to amplify its voice.

Read more at :

Monday, July 23, 2012

QSL from TDP (The Disco Palace)


TDP schedule at :  http://www.drm-dx.de/

Contact Info : TDP · P.O. Box 1 · 2310 Rijkevorsel · Belgium
(Please include 2 IRC's for return postage)

All India Radio turns 85 today

Decades before satellite television and FM radios began capturing the imagination of audience, at least two generations grew up listening to the All India Radio (AIR). Today, the country's humble radio broadcaster turns 85.
Although the first broadcast in India had started through the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923, it was only on July 23, 1927 that the Indian Broadcasting Company Ltd was set up as a collaborative venture by the Government of India, which later evolved as AIR.

Related link :

Akashvani turns 85, virtually unnoticed by its management

http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/akashvani-turns-85-virtually-unnoticed-its-management-0

Thursday, July 19, 2012

50th. FDXA-SUMMER MEETING RADIO VIA SWR

Finnish DX Association's 50th Annual Summer Meeting will be held at Vuosaari, Helsinki, Finland Aug 3-5, 2012


Scandanavian Weekend Radio will have special brodcast during 50th FDXA Summer Meeting on Aug 3-4, 2012


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Looking At Radio From The Digital Side

Radio comes from the day when each medium got delivered in a different way.

http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=2492905&spid=24698

ST introduces new Digital Radio chipset

Great news !

Excerpt from ST's press release ...

ST's new digital radio chipset is a complete receiver solution based on one or more (up to 4) multi-standard RF ICs and a base-band processing IC running the full software stack. The chipset delivers superior real-time performance without bottlenecks in the baseband processing, coupled with low current consumption and minimized electromagnetic interference. It supports the DAB family of standards (DAB/DAB+/DMB-A), the Digital Radio Mondiale open broadcasting standard, as well as the HD Radio(TM) technology (when combined with an external co-processor).

Here's the press release ... http://tinyurl.com/bma3xqp

Hams: We're good in a disaster

Bearded radio fans also NASA's go-to guys for controlling Mars rovers
By Anna Leach
Posted in Wireless, 13th July 2012 08:37 GMT

They look unassuming, but these quiet types murmuring strings of numbers and letters into their transceivers are manning back-up comms for the world, the communication system most likely to survive an apocalyptic event.

These are the people who maintain the kit we fall back on when masts jam, cables break and global comms fail.

More at : 

Silicon Labs Tunes into Audiophile Market with High-Performance Radio Receivers

Si477x AM/FM Receivers Deliver Superior RF Performance While Reducing System Cost for High-End Consumer and Professional Audio Equipment.

AUSTIN, Texas, Jul 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Silicon Laboratories Inc., a leader in high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today introduced a family of advanced AM/FM receivers tuned for the high-end consumer and professional audio equipment market. The new Si477x AM/FM receivers provide industry-leading RF performance and exceptional configurability while reducing system cost and complexity for consumer audio/video receivers (AVRs), FM receiver monitors and pro-audio receivers.

Read the press release here :

Thursday, July 12, 2012

50 years of DW's presence in Central and Southeastern Europe

Deutsche Welle's first radio broadcasts in Polish, Croatian, Serbian and Turkish went on air in 1962. Today, its programming for the region is a full multimedia spectrum that includes the Internet, television
and radio.

More at :
http://www.dw.de/dw/article/0,,16071608,00.html

Special Event Station - Radio Hami, 12-15th July 2012 on 6170 kHz

Radio Hami (The Finnish Amateur Radio League annual summer camp event radio station) will be active from July 12th to July 15th. You can hear us on FM 94.7 MHz (Sappee), AM 6170 kHz & 1584 kHz. We will have around the clock transmission, though programming takes place mainly between 8am and midnight EEST (05:00 - 21:00 UTC). Program (in Finnish) is available here :


Radio Hami is temporary radio station, that operates yearly from The Finnish Amateur Radio League summer camp. Usually transmissions can be heard locally on FM and more internationally on 49 and 187 meter bands.

You can contact us using via email :  hallitus@radiohami.fi.

QSL info:
Radio Hami / SRAL
PL 44
00441 Helsinki

(Thanks to Mikhail Timofeyev via Open DX)

I&B Ministry Opens a Facebook Page on ‘Community Radio India’

In a bid to establish a direct communication between the Ministry of  Information & Broadcasting and various stakeholders of Community Radio fraternity in the country, the ministry has launched a dedicated page on facebook- 'Community Radio India'. This page can be accessed from   www.facebook.com/communityradioindia
  
The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders. The page will update the stakeholders on status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events. This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges.
 
 
'Community Radio India' page also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders of community radio by regularly updating them on CR policy, guidelines and by answering their queries. The information shared through 'Wall' posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio.

The Facebook page on community radio not only portrays the vibrant history of community radio movement in the country using 'Timeline' feature but also hosts key documents related to policies. The page also carries frequently asked questions (FAQs), relevant documents and photo albums of key events. The 'Wall' on facebook page would facilitate discussions while enabling a participatory communication channel on issues pertaining to community radio stations.

The scheme has been identified as a core intervention during the XII Five Year Plan and it is expected that the Plan period would see a quantum jump in the number of Community Radio Stations set up in the country.
 
 
 (PIB, Govt. of India Press Release)

DRM India Chapter Noticeboard - July 2012


DRM India Chapter Noticeboard - July 2012 is now available at :

http://tinyurl.com/8xl64k6

Main Stories :

- Deputy Director General (AIR) on Commissioning the 1000 kW MW Transmitter at Rajkot
- AIR to increase coverage of border areas
- Visteon India looking at the future which also includes DRM
- A DRM first: the first Emergency Warning Webinar organised together with ABU
- Danish Shipping company to pioneer DRM testing
- Why do I need a DRM receiver?
- Why has the DRM system been developed, surely the internet will be the future of broadcasting?

Do you have any news about DRM in India?
Where have you heard DRM broadcasts?
Please email at :  projectoffice@drm.org

To subscribe to DRM India Chapter Noticeboard please send your request to : projectoffice@drm.org

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

For sale: Bush House, a landmark of BBC World Service history

The BBC World Service leaves Bush House this week, and, from studios and microphones to Paul McCartney memorabilia, everything must go in an online auction .

Read the Telegraph story here :  http://tinyurl.com/7cvgnw8



Monday, July 09, 2012

AIR FM western music programmes face the axe

There may be a drastic cut in FM western music programmes aired by All India Radio (AIR) in the national capital territory region. AIR's expected move comes on the back of findings of a radio listenership survey conducted from January 17-23 in NCR by the broadcaster's audience research unit and a private agency.

More at :

AWR : First New Guam Antenna Goes Live

The first phase of Adventist World Radio’s major upgrade to its shortwave station on Guam has been completed, and the massive new antenna is on the air.
 
Read more at :

Sunday, July 08, 2012

Down Goes The Final Frontier Post

The last decade has seen the rapid decline of the British Broadcasting Corporation, says Vijay Rana, BBC’s first Hindi Radio Editor

Read The Sunday Indian story here ....

Comment from veteran shortwave listener Rajesh Chandwani ...

Hi

It is sad to know so many harsh truths of Bush House and the age-old discrimination policy. It is iminent from the above article by Mr. Vijay Rana, how the caretakers themselves systematically killed the very existence of Radio power known to the world and several generations as BBC. Even an illeterate villager here in India knew the authority and genuineness of BBC, who always enjoyed listening to it with pride. Suddenly, the massive - that is - BBC massive - starts diminishing in front of your eyes, thus spreading sadness and despair among Indian masses. It is true internet could be responsible, but, internet is suddenly becoming boring and it will very soon end up just like any Encylopedia. Only emails would be exchanged, some would watch news, but not in rural area. (TV has already taken over that). I remember the day I met Vijay Rana at one of the BBC Open House session at British Council Division, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi. When Rana approached towards me to shake hands, I thought we have met earlier, somewhere else. But, it was my first eyeball with him. In fact, it was his voice, which I knew through BBC programmes. Such was the impact on listeners' during those days. We Shortwave Listeners still hope that golden days of radio will revive.

Regards,

Vu2OEC
Rajesh Chandwani
Gurgaon

Saturday, July 07, 2012

Peter Horrocks' speech at the World Media Summit in Moscow on 6 July 2012.

Peter Horrocks: Delivering International News – Challenges and Opportunities
Read the speech here :

Last transmission from Radio Nord

Tonight at 1600-2200 UTC/GMT (1800-2400 SNT/CET) the very last transmission from Radio Nord Revival will be on the air on 5895 kHz. Programme hosts Ron O'Quinn, Biggus Dickus and Ronny B Goode

Hamburger Lokalradio & MV Baltic Radio on 7265 KHz

Saturday 07th. of July 2012 - Hamburger Lokalradio on 7265 KHz

05.00 UTC Radio Tropical in Spanisch - Portugiesisch
06.00 UTC Literatursendung in Englisch
06.30 UTC World OF Radio - DX-Sendung von Glenn Hauser - USA
07.00 UTC Radio Nostalgie
08.00 UTC Schwarz auf weiss - Literatursendung
09.00 UTC Wissenschafts-Forum
10.00 UTC Literatur - Features
-------------------------------

Sunday 08th, of July 2012 - MVBR on 7265 KHz

09.00 UTC MVBR . Repeat Broadcast
-------------------------------

Sunday 15th. of July 2012 – EMR & MV Baltic Radio on 7265 KHz

06.00 to 07.00 UTC -- EMR Transmission for the DX Listeners
08.00 to 09.00 UTC -- EMR Transmission for the Local + DX Listeners
09.00 to 10.00 UTC -- MVBR repeat broadcast
10.00 to 11.00 UTC -- EMR Transmission for local Listeners to Göhren

Good Listening

73s
Tom Taylor

Scandinavian Weekend Radio 12th Anniversary Broadcast

SWR 12th Birthday Broadcast
6 - 7th July 2012



Solar flare triggers radio blackout

By Carl Marcucci
The sun fired off yet another intense solar flare 7/5, the latest in a series of storms from a busy sunspot being closely watched by space telescopes and astronomers. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory snapped a daunting new image of a strong M-class solar flare that peaked 7/6 at 7:44 a.m. ET. The M6.1 flare triggered a moderate radio blackout that has since subsided, according to a Space.com/Huffington Post story.

Related Link :

Solar Fireworks Disrupt Europe's Radio Communications

Friday, July 06, 2012

FM DX - Band 2 Es Logs - 5th July 2012


5th July 2012
0245 - 0430 UTC
88.0 Radio Foorti Bdesh
88.9 Padamaya FM, Sagaing, Myanmar
87.6 Unid Burmese from Myanmar
87.9 Mandalay FM, Myanmar
88.3 Mandalay FM, Myanmar
90.7 Unid playing english songs
89.5 Radio Oman, Holy Quran Channel
87.6 Radio Oman, Holy Quran Channel
88.1 Radio Oman, Arabic Talk
90.2 Radio Oman, Arabic Talk

Sony XDR-F1HD + Triax 5 Ele Yagi Hor beamed at 40deg
B'desh stn at around 1400 kms, Oman and Myanmar stns at 2000+ kms.

Audio :

FM DX Es Radio Oman Arabic 88.1 MHz 0423 UTC 5 July 2012

FM DX Es Padamaya FM Burmese 88.9 MHz 0317 UTC 5 July 2012
FM DX Es Radio Oman Quran Channel 87.6 MHz 0411 UTC 5 July 2012

FM DX Es Radio Oman 88.1 MHz 0420 UTC 5 July 2012

Thursday, July 05, 2012

The Economist on Short Wave Radio



Tuning out
A cold-war stalwart goes out of fashion

TWIDDLE the dial of a short-wave radio and you never know what you will get. Through the hiss of static you may hear Cuban propaganda, football from Brazil or Chinese opera. Unlike other radio broadcasts, short-wave transmissions, bouncing off the ionosphere, can connect any two points on earth.

Maliki Silences the Voice of America

This past week, the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission ordered the closure of 44 foreign and domestic media outlets in the country. Among them was the Voice of America, a U.S.-run news organization and quite possibly our biggest public diplomacy tool.

More at :

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Belgian DX Club "DX-Antwerp's" Anniversary program now online

Dear listeners, reception report contributors and co-operators,

Fifty days are gone since DX-Antwerp was airing its shortwave program commemorating our 30th anniversary. It was pretty to compile such a program. Afterwards going through all the reception reports was a huge job, but it was also very interesting, to see how addicted shortwave listeners can be. Even in a decade when there are a lot of other media taking over from shortwave broadcasting.

While it seems the mailbox isn't attracting new mails anymore besides spam, we think it is the right time to put our broadcast online. You can find it here : http://goo.gl/xi0PH

It might be possible that it isn't possible to play it directly in your browser while this is a large file. In that case, please click on the download button in the upper right corner and play it afterwards directly on your computer.

As a result, while the program is now online, it means that we will no longer verify new reception reports. We don't want fake reports.
Besides this audio file, we can also present a few interesting statistics :

We received 146 reports from 36 countries. As expected Germany was leading with 21 reports, but a nice surprise was that we've got 16 reports from India. You can see a diagram with detailed figures at
19 reports were about the DRM transmissions. 11 from Europe, 3 from North America, 2 from Asia (I know there was one more DRM listener in India but he didn't send a report) and 1 from South America. 30 reports were coming via regular mail to the TDP mailbox.

It was also interesting to see how long it took to deliver a priority airmail envelope to the different sides of the globe. We were very pleased to see that a lot of DXers took the effort to inform us that their QSL arrived and send us a of thank you mails. In Europe, most QSLs arrived 2 or 3 days after posting. In North America our envelopes where at their destination at least within a week. But we never thought that it would take that long to deliver a QSL to countries in the Indian subcontinent. The range for these destinations was between 2 and 4 weeks. Although we have to add that some of the QSLs were misrouted by the postal services to Jakarta, Indonesia, instead of to India.

We have also counted the receivers and receiver types.
There were 64 portables, 52 communications receivers, 12 SDR radios, 4 stand alone DRM receivers and there was one self made project. 13 DXers didn't mention what kind of receiver they were using.

The Top 13 of the receivers looks as follows :

Receiver --------------------------Number

Degen DE1103 - Kaito KA-1103 -- 15
ICOM IC-R75 --------------------------7
Perseus -----------------------------------7
Tecsun PL-660 --------------------------7
AOR AR7030 plus ---------------------5
Sangean ATS-909 ----------------------5
Sony ICF 2001 D/2010 ----------------5
Sony ICF SW 7600 GR ----------------5
JRC NRD-525 --------------------------4
JRC NRD-535D ------------------------4
SONY-ICF SW 77 ---------------------3
JRC NRD-545 --------------------------2
SANGEAN ATS 818 ------------------2

All other kind of receivers were only represented by one single type. So, that's about all we can tell about the aftermath of our special anniversary program. We hope you liked it and maybe we'll meet again in 10 years from now.

73,
DX-Antwerp.

DRM Consortium in co-operation with ABU is holding a July webinar on Emergency Warning and DRM


The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium is joining forces on July 16th (0800 GMT) with the Asia–Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to run a webinar on using features of DRM as an Emergency warning system. Senior members of the DRM Consortium and ABU will be presenting this special feature and giving answers to some of the frequently asked questions on this topic.

Sharad Sadhu, Director ABU Technology, is pleased to play a part in this project: "This is the first joint webinar organised with the DRM Consortium on one of the critical concerns for broadcasters in Asia. We welcome this collaboration, a first of its kind."

Lindsay Cornell, Chair of the DRM Technical Committee says: "Emergency warning systems can be built using DRM as the core distribution technology. This could offer a vital service in time of need to
communities around the world."

If you want to join this webinar and have more live information from DRM experts, you can already address your questions to: projectoffice@drm.org or ask your questions during the webinar. All confirmed registrants will receive an e-mail before the webinar with the joining details. Please direct any questions or feedback to projectoffice@drm.org

For more information and DRM updates please visit www.drm.org or subscribe to DRM news by writing to pressoffice@drm.org

July 3rd 2012
Telephone: +44 20 36 14 23 10

(Press Release)

80 years of ABC broadcasts

By Alice Roberts
As the ABC celebrates 80 years of broadcasting, ABC Capricornia as a station is celebrating 81 years on the airwaves.

More at :
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/07/02/3536732.htm