Saturday, January 28, 2012

Voice of America at 70

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

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

VOA Director Condemns Iranian Satellite Jamming

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

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

David Ensor


(BBG Press Release)

Thursday, January 19, 2012

BBG Calls for Agency Restructuring

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


(BBG Press Release)

All Quiet on the Western Front

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


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

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Radio Free Sarawak relaunched today


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

Monday, January 16, 2012

Ethiopia accused of jamming Eritrea's broadcast signals

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

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Hear the voice of the marginalized

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

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

AIR Imphal hosts 10 day long Akashvani Shumang Leela Festival

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

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


Related News :

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

Delphi's DRM car radio

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

(Source : DRM Newsletter, Jan 2012)

Mid-air scare shuts JU radio

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

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

DRM Newsletter 1/2012

DRM Newsletter 1/2012 is now available at :

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

Main stories :

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

BBG Condemns Signal Interference as Rights Threat

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

(BBG Press Release)

DSWCI - Latest issues of SWN and DXW for free download

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


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

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


Saturday, January 14, 2012

Radio Bulgaria drops shortwave wef Feb 2012

Dear listeners and friends of the short waves and Radio Bulgaria, with a huge regret to inform you very bad news. After more than 75 years in the world broadcasting from January 31, 2012 at 2200UT Radio Bulgaria cease broadcasting on short and medium waves. The solution is that Radio Bulgaria is not necessary now its short waves and medium waves listeners. The reason -no money for broadcast on short and medium waves. And who listens to short waves today? Already has internet. Maintaining the short waves was "Mission Impossible"! Hope dies last. As a frequency manager in the last 19 years my main task was to provide best quality signal of Radio Bulgaria in worldwide coverage. There will be no short waves, there will be no frequency manager. For all people who work in Radio Bulgaria that bad news is shock and horror
Beginning of the end. But expect your moral support. Please send e-mail to:

Albanian section: albanian @ bnr.org
Bulgarian section: bulgarian @ bnr.org
English section: english @ bnr.org
French section: french @ bnr.org
German section: german @ bnr.org
Greek section: greek @ bnr.org
Russian section: russian @ bnr.org
Serbian section: serbian @ bnr.org
Spanish section: spanish @ bnr.org
Turkish section: turkish @ bnr.org

and from January 14, 2012: http://www.saveradiobulgaria.com/

Thank you and goodbye,
Ivo Ivanov

P.S. SW txs Kostinbrod & Padarsko will be destroyed in the next few months.

Winter B-11 of Radio Bulgaria until January 31, 2012 - 2200 UT / 0000 Local


ALBANIAN
0630-0700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0630-0700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0700-0800 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0700-0800 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1700-1730 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1700-1730 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2000-2100 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2000-2100 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

BULGARIAN
0100-0200 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0100-0200 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0100-0200 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0100-0200 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0530-0600 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU Mon-Fri
0530-0600 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU Mon-Fri
0500-0600 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU Sat/Sun
0500-0600 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU Sat/Sun
1400-1500 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1400-1500 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1400-1500 on 11600 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1400-1500 on 15600 PLD 300 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1600-1700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1600-1700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
1600-1700 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1600-1700 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1600-1700 on 9700 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1600-1700 on 15700 PLD 300 kW / 185 deg to SoAF
1900-2000 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1900-2000 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2200-2300 on 6000 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
2200-2300 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
DX MIX NEWS 0545-0600 Sun; 1445-1500 Sun; 1945-2000 Sun

ENGLISH
0000-0100 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0000-0100 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0300-0400 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0300-0400 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0730-0800 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0730-0800 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1830-1900 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1830-1900 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2200-2300 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2200-2300 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2230-2240 Fri; 0030-0040 Sat; 0330-0340 Sat; 0740-0750 Sat

FRENCH
0200-0300 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to NoAM
0200-0300 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to NoAM
0700-0730 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0700-0730 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1800-1830 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1800-1830 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2100-2200 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2100-2200 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2130-2140 Tue; 0230-0240 Wed; 2130-2140 Sun; 0230-0240 Mon

GERMAN
0630-0700 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
0630-0700 on 9400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
1730-1800 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
1730-1800 on 9700 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
2000-2100 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 306 deg to WeEU
2000-2100 on 7400 PLD 300 kW / 295 deg to WeEU
DX MIX NEWS 2050-2100 Tue; 0650-0700 Thu; 2020-2030 Sat

GREEK
0600-0630 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0600-0630 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0600-0700 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0600-0700 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1730-1800 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1730-1800 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2100-2200 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2100-2200 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

RUSSIAN
0400-0430 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
0400-0430 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1500-1600 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1500-1600 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
1900-2000 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to CeAS
1900-2000 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 030 deg to EaEU
DX MIX NEWS 1540-1600 Sat; 1940-2000 Sat; 0410-0430 Sun

SERBIAN
0700-0730 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Mon-Fri
0700-0730 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Mon-Fri
0800-0900 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU Sat/Sun
0800-0900 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU Sat/Sun
1800-1830 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1800-1830 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
2200-2300 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
2200-2300 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU

SPANISH
0000-0100 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0000-0100 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0200-0300 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoAM
0200-0300 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoAM
0700-0730 on 7300 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
0700-0730 on 9800 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
1730-1800 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
1730-1800 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
2100-2200 on 6000 PLD 170 kW / 260 deg to SoEU
2100-2200 on 9400 PLD 170 kW / 245 deg to SoEU
DX MIX NEWS 1750-1800 Sun; 2120-2130 Sun; 0020-0030 Mon; 0220-0230 Mon

TURKISH
0600-0630 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 115 deg to N&ME
0600-0630 on 7400 PLD 170 kW / 126 deg to N&ME
1830-1900 on 747 PET 300 kW / non-dir to SEEU
1830-1900 on 1224 VDN 300 kW / 205 deg to SEEU
1830-1900 on 5900 PLD 170 kW / 078 deg to N&ME

MW: PET=Petritch (G.C. 41N28/023E19) 1 x 300 kW
VDN=Vidin (G.C. 43N50/022E43) 1 x 300 kW

SW: PLD=Padarsko (G.C. 42N23/024E52) 2 x 300 kW, 3 x 170 kW

ADDR: 4, Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1040 Sofia and P.O.Box 900, 1000 Sofia.
Tel.: +359 2 933 66 33; fax.: +359 2 865 05 60; Website: http://www.bnr.bg/


(Ivo Ivanov)

Friday, January 13, 2012

Global Pirate HF-Weekend schedule for 14th & 15th Jan 2012

Global Pirate HF-Weekend schedule for 14th & 15th Jan 2012 has now been posted at Harri's blog :

http://hkdx2.blogspot.com/2012/01/global-pirate-hf-weekend-14-1512012.html


Happy pirate dxing !

Global Shortwave Conference extends its scope

The 8th Global Shortwave Coordination Conference decided to extend the shortwave coordination process to incorporate other international delivery platforms like the internet and other new media delivery methods.

SWR schedule for 13/14 Jan 2012

Scandinavian Weekend Radio schedule for 13 & 14th Jan 2012 :

http://www.swradio.net/schedule.htm

Delphi's DRM car radio

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

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Babcock wins contract with BBC World Service

Babcock International Group (Babcock) has won a 10-year contract to continue providing services relating to the transmission and distribution of radio and television for the BBC World Service.
The contract was awarded to Babcock following a rigorous competitive process. It is designed to ensure that the BBC receives the optimum value for money that continues to deliver high levels of service for its audience. The contract start date is 1 April 2012; it is worth circa £200 million over 10 years.
Babcock has been a trusted delivery partner for the BBC World Service for 15 years, and has ensured that the BBC World Service reached its audience of 166 million. Under the terms of the new contract, Babcock will build upon this heritage and provide essential support to ensure that the BBC provides a reliable and resilient service to its global audience. This will include:
Scheduling and co-ordination of all BBC World Service shortwave broadcasts across the globe. In the first year of the new contract Babcock will co-ordinate a total of 180,335 hours of transmissions for the BBC.
Operating and maintaining the BBC's six high power sites and a power station to ensure global coverage. This includes the BBC key target areas of Africa and the Middle East, the Indian Sub-Continent and South East Asia.
Monitoring of high frequency broadcast performance (using independent data). The BBC is committed to offering the best quality of service to its worldwide audience and Babcock's monitoring ensures the best possible audio quality is achieved in the desired target areas.
Managing the satellite network contracts and support of the satellite distribution systems including 1,300 receivers worldwide in over 650 locations in 128 countries.
Maintaining the BBC World Service's FM Relay network. In addition to the satellite receiver maintenance, Babcock will support the equipment of more than 150 FM relay sites around the world. This will underpin the resilience of the service offered by the BBC.
By the end of the new contract the partnership will have lasted for a quarter of a century. In 2009 Babcock and the BBC World Service jointly won the 'Team of the Year - Professional and Support Services' at the BBC Global News Reith Awards.
This was the first time an external supplier won an award at this event. The year after Babcock was selected as the winner of the Reith Award under the category of Professional Services.
Bryan Coombes, Director, Communications, Babcock, said: "Our history of working in partnership with the BBC shows that we can deliver value for money and unprecedented levels of performance. We know and understand the BBC and the broadcasting industry and are committed to finding the right solutions to the challenges the broadcaster faces over the next ten years. We will achieve this through offering innovative ideas that drive efficiencies over the life of the contract."
Nigel Fry, Head of Distribution BBC Global News, said:"The new contract with Babcock builds on the success of the last 15 years. It will provide us with clarity of costs over the coming years, and significant savings that are critical in the current economic climate. Importantly, these savings will not affect the quality of service that our global audience expects."



(Source : Babcock)

Proposal to add more channels within existing bandwidth opposed by FM operators

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) proposal to introduce more radio stations in metros within the existing FM radio bandwidth by reducing the channel spacing between two stations did not get any support from the FM operators except from Radio Mirchi.

More at
http://www.mediamughals.com/News/1/3/Article/8901/Proposal_to_add_more_channels_within_existing_bandwidth_opposed_by_FM_operators.htm

Youths to bond with the best - ham radio

Guess what's going to ensure uninterrupted communication at NYF? It's neither the internet nor the smartphone - Gen Y is going to be connected, albeit indirectly, via amateur radio aka ham radio, which is a first for youth festival.

More at :
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Youths-to-bond-with-the-best-ham-radio/articleshow/11457175.cms

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

ITU endorses DRM+

The ITU has just published three recommendations on DRM+, known in the documents as Digital System G. This heralds the introduction of the full DRM system (DRM 30 and DRM+).

Read more at : http://www.drm.org/news_item/_ITU_endorses_DRM%252B_

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

ABU President launches new website

The President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, Dr Kim In-Kyu, has officially launched the union's new website during a visit to the ABU Secretariat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

ABU website has a refreshing new look, here's the URL
More info at

DW Trincomalee on noted on 1548 kHz at 1730 UTC

Jose Jacob from NIAR, Hyderabad observed on 8th Jan 2012 medium wave frequency of 1548 kHz was on air at 1730 UTC tune in till 1829 UTC sign off. (ie 11.00 pm to midnight local time in India) with Deutsche Welle ID via Trincomalee, Srilanka playing non stop music & regular announcements in German, English,French, Russian & Arabic...."This is Deutsche Welle, the external broadcasting services of Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn, we are sorry you are unable to receive our regular programs at this moment." 1548 kHz was a popular DW channel from Trincomalle, including DRM . DW has closed down this facility & stopped all broadcasts on 3oth Oct 2011, this transmitting facility was suppose to be handed over to Sri Lankan authorities by Jan 2012, probably handed over & SLBC engineers were testing ?

Here's the audio file as heard in New Delhi on 8th Jan 2012 ...
http://tinyurl.com/76rnphr

VOA's Deewa Radio Goes on Satellite TV to Pakistan

Deewa Radio, Voice of America's popular Pashto language news service to the volatile border region of north western Pakistan, has launched a new television program that is now being broadcast on direct to home satellite TV.


Here's more info

SLBC is to start a special round the clock Muslim service.

Speaking at prize giving ceremony of the Quran recital in connection with the holy month of Ramazan last year at Ananda Samarakoon studio of the SLBC on 8th Jan 2012 Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Hudson Samarasinghe said that a special Muslim service which would broadcast round the clock will be started on the forthcoming birthday of the holy prophet Mohammed.


(Source : SLBC)

FM Radio Comes to Two Blackberry models

'Research in motion' announced at the 'Consumer Electronics Show' in Las Vegas today (9th Jan 2012) , that two models of their Blackberry phones will offer the ability to listen to FM radio.


Read more at foll URL

NXP and DRM Consortium Demonstrate Digital Radio Mondiale Reception Platform for Car Entertainment at CES

NXP Has Developed the World's First Fully Automotive-Qualified Global Multi-Standard Digital Radio Solution Supporting Digital Radio Mondiale.

NXP Semiconductors N.V.the world's largest supplier of car infotainment semiconductors, today announced the first automotive-qualified global multi-standard digital radio co-processor to include Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM). This makes NXP the first company to deliver automotive digital radio solutions for the three key global standards -- HD radio, DAB/DAB+/T-DMB and DRM, on the same co-processor, the SAF356X. The car radio platform will be unveiled at CES 2012 in Las Vegas, on Tuesday, January 10th at the NXP booth, Central Plaza -- CP8 -- during a Digital Radio Mondiale Reception with the DRM Consortium. NXP's new car entertainment solution offers manufacturers the flexibility to continue using their pre-existing HD radio architecture, as DRM capability is simply enabled by loading new firmware onto the processor. The application can also be extended to DRM+ in future.


Read the press release here

Digital Radio Mondiale standard for car entertainment at CES 2012 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG_-4O5XydM


NXP's Digital Radio Mondiale solution:
http://www.nxp.com/products/automotive/multi_standard_digital_radio/
www.nxp.com/connected-mobility

Monday, January 09, 2012

EMR this Sunday at 0900 UTC

Date 15th January 2012
Time 0900 to 1000 UTC
Channel 9480 kHz

Programmes:
0900 UTC Tom Taylor programme
0930 UTC Mike Taylor (Mail Box programme)

EMR Internet radio service on Sunday and Monday
Programme repeats are at the following times:
0900, 1400, 1800, 2100 UTC

Please visit www.emr.org.uk and click on the "EMR internet radio" button
which you will find throughout the website (see the menu on the left).

Please send all reception reports to: studio@emr.org.uk
EMR Postal Address:
European Music Radio,
c/o M.V. Baltic Radio,
Seestraße 17,
D-19089 Göhren,
Germany

Good Listening,

(Tom Taylor)

Shortwave Coordination Conference begins in Kuala Lumpur

The 8th Global Shortwave Coordination Conference began in Kuala Lumpur today. The 5-day Conference, hosted by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, is attended by over 100 frequency managers representing some 50 shortwave broadcasters around the globe.

More info can be found here


BBS launches second channel

Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), the National Radio and Television Service, launches its 2nd television Channel from today. Viewers can now watch Live the proceedings of the National Assembly and the National Council simultaneously from tomorrow.
Test transmission of the BBS 2 on terrestrial broadcast has been going on for the past week. The channel has been upgraded on satellite beginning today. The Chief Engineer, Rajesh Kafley, says viewers can receive the existing channel without any change in the existing set-up. While, for the new channel, cable operators and viewers using independent receivers will have to use MPEG 4 receivers.
The BBS 2 will continue with regular broadcast after the parliament session. The General Manager of the BBS 2, Tashi Dorji, said the channel will carry entertainment programmes, documentaries with a strong component on youth and children's programming.
The Managing Director of the BBS, Thinley Dorji, said the new channel will help to meet needs of the audience, adding that with just one channel the Public Service Broadcaster is faced with challenges, especially when important national events and parliamentary sessions are taking place.Bhutan Broadcasting Service has been planning for the 2nd channel since mid-last year.

(Source : BBS)

Saturday, January 07, 2012

A rural radio revolution

A small community radio started by illiterate rural women of Zahirabad in Medak district is making itself heard in villages afflicted by domestic violence, crop failures, livestock diseases and frequent droughts. It is the only radio station in the country that is operated and maintained entirely by Dalit women, none of whom has studied beyond class X.

Full story at :

M V Baltic Radio - This Sunday

MV Baltic Radio relay service is on the air this Sunday the 8th of January 2012
MVBR Schedule via 9480 KHz : 0800 UTC onwards - MV Baltic Radio (repeat from last Sunday), please send all M V Baltic Radio reception reports to info@mvbalticradio.de

PS: Schedule for 9480 KHz for 2012:
1st Sunday MV Baltic Radio
3rd Sunday E M R ( Next Sunday )
4th Sunday R Gloria


Good Listening
73s
Tom Taylor

Adrian Sainsbury about his experience with DRM

Adrian Sainsbury, Frequency Manager of Radio Newzealand International speaks to drmna.info about his experience with DRM.... read the interview here :

http://drmnainfo.blogspot.com/2012/01/adrian-sainsbury-of-rnzi.html#more


Friday, January 06, 2012

3D QSL's from Radio Netherlands for tests from Madagascar


Received these two 3D QSL's from Radio Netherlands in 35 days against emailed reception reports for test transmission from Madagascar....




First HD Radio Station in Bangladesh Signs on January 1, 2012

The first commercial HD Radio FM station in Bangladesh went on the air on January 1 using Broadcast Electronics (BE) RF and studio equipment. Present at the inaugural event were Minister for Information and Cultural Affairs Abul Kalam Azad, Secretary of Ministry of Information Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, and Brig General Ahsan Habib, the director general of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

Quincy, IL, January 06, 2012 --(PR.com)-- On January 1, Dhaka FM powered up a new Broadcast Electronics (BE) FM 10S transmitter and began broadcasting on 90.4 MHz, ringing in the new year as the first FM station to broadcast in HD Radio™ in Bangladesh.
The event marks the first commercial HD Radio station in Bangladesh as part of the country’s phase II of FM commercialization authorizing new FM broadcast licenses there. Present for the inaugural event were noted dignitaries from information and telecommunications branches of the Bangladesh government.
“Just a few short years ago we started out as the first live Bangladesh station on the Internet. Today, we have been able to make these huge achievements with the help of our loyal listeners and our partnerships with local officials as well as companies like Broadcast Electronics and Onair Solutions,” said M.A. Hakim, Chief Operating Officer at Dhaka FM Ltd.
RF and studio equipment manufacturer Broadcast Electronics and local representative Onair Solutions Ltd provided a full RF and studio turnkey solution, from helping with licensing to launching of the station. Included in the equipment list were a new BE FM 10S solid-state transmitter with FXi250 exciters and new XPi 10esp HD Radio signal generator along with a backup STX LP 5kW low-power transmitter. For the studio, the station purchased BE’s The Radio Experience message management system for RDS text and HD Radio datacasting. BE’s AudioVAULT FleX studio automation system has been in operation at the studios since May of 2009, when Radio Dhaka signed on as the first live Internet station in the country.
“Dhaka FM is an excellent example of the accessibility and versatility of radio today, whether we’re talking the Internet, on the air, or over digital broadcast. We are proud to be associated with such a progressive station as Dhaka FM,” commented Frank Massa, Asia Pacific Sales Manager with Broadcast Electronics.
Added Bob Struble, CEO of Ibiquity Digital, which licenses the HD Radio technology for stations worldwide, “We are delighted that Dhaka FM has joined the growing number of broadcasters worldwide in adopting HD Radio Technology. HD Radio Technology offers Dhaka FM and other radio broadcasters a cost-effective and proven way to provide new audio channels and data services to their listeners without the need for new spectrum or frequency allocations.”
With more than 100 HD Radio receiver models in the market and 22 global automakers supporting the technology, listeners in Bangladesh will immediately benefit from the new audio and data services of HD Radio.

(Press Release)

A great medium of public education declines

Finding something worth listening to on medium wave in the broadcasts of an All India Radio station in any part of the country is like looking for life in a drought-hit landscape.

Read this excellent article by Krishna Kumar on the state of All India Radio here ...
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2778207.ece?homepage=true

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Prasar Bharati to take NCF help to conserve Broadcasting House

New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Prasar Bharati is mulling taking the help of National Culture Fund in its efforts to preserve the Broadcasting House, a national heritage building here currently housing the headquarters of the All India Radio.

Read more at :
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/prasar-bharati-to-take-ncf-help-to-conserve-broadcasting-house/946326.html

Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Monday, January 02, 2012

Scandanavian Weekend Radio to hit the airwaves on 13th & 14th Jan 2012

Scandanavian Weekend Radio will hit the airwaves on 13th/14th Jan 2012, mark your calendar. The start to the New year brings new faces to SWR,have a sneak preview of the new people at http://www.swradio.net/


SWR broadcast dates :
13th-14th January 2012
3rd-4th February 2012
2nd-3rd March 2012

The Personality of the Year 2011 on RRI

Radio Romania International has continued its traditional survey among its listeners, Internet users, Facebook and Twitter followers and has challenged you to name the personality who, in your opinion, had the biggest positive influence on the world in 2011.

Our listeners and Internet users have nominated two great personalities who left an indelible mark on the world, and who departed in 2011: former anti-communist dissident and first president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel and Apple founder Steve Jobs. You have also nominated the rescue teams at Fukushima who put their lives at risk, to reduce the effects of one of the severest civil nuclear accidents in history, as well as Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg.


Several politicians have also been picked for the "Personality of the Year" title: German chancellor Angela Merkel, Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc, Russian Premier Vladimir Putin, Georgian President Mihail Saakashvili, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman, Burmese human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi, Kisan Baburao Hazare (aka Anna Hazare), a prominent figure of the anti-corruption fight in India, and Eugen Tomac, the head of the Department for the Romanians Around the World. Alongside them, you have nominated the Spanish "indignados" and "Occupy the Wall Street!" activists, as well as politicians who could very well be included in the category of negative heroes: former North Korean and Libyan leaders, Kim Jong Il and Muammar Gaddafi, respectively.


Undefeated IBF Super Middleweight World Champion, Romanian boxer Lucian Bute, Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt and Argentine footballer Lionel Messi are among the sports people who have also received nominations. Romanian-born Italian composer and musicologist Roman Vlad and a great spiritual leader of the Romanian Orthodox Church, father confessor Iustin Parvu have also been nominated.


But "The Personality of the Year 2011 on RRI" comes from a different area. "The Personalities of the Year 2011" are all those people who, by their mass protests managed to rock the undemocratic and authoritarian regimes in their countries, in Northern Africa and the Middle East. They brought about what has later been dubbed the "Arab Spring", toppling the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt and Libya and battling the regimes in Yemen and Syria. One of the names who have been mentioned most often by RRI's listeners and Internet users was that of young Tunisian Mohammad Bouazizi, who set himself on fire to protest the regime. He has become a catalyst and a key figure of pro-democratic movements in Middle East countries.


"Protesters undoubtedly played an important role in 2011 and I believe that this year their voice will be heard even louder", RRI's listener Domenico Genovese of Italy explained his nomination.


(Radio Romania International Newsletter No. 35, 1 January 2012)

16m bandscan at 0815z (1345 local)

Bandscan of 16m on 1st Jan 2012 (Sunday) at 0815 - 0845 UTC

17450 SOH Chinese
17490 CRI Eng
17530 Radio Azaadi Pashto
17540 CRI Eng
17550 CNR1 Chinese
17560 CRI Chinese
17580 CNR1 Chinese
17605 CNR1 Chinese
17620 RFI French
17640 BBC Eng via Mahe
17650 CRI Chinese
17690 VOIROI German
17710 DW Pashto
17730 R.Riyadh Arabic
17740 R.Riyadh Arabic
17760 ARMI by SARL via Sentech
17775 RRI Romanian
17790 BBC Eng via Al-Seela
17805 VOR Eng ?
17830 CRI Chinese
17840 Radio Farda Persian
17845 CNR1 Chinese
17860 Croatian Radio Croatian
17875 AIR B'lore signing on at 0844z
17890 CNR1 Chinese

Peter Senger on DRM : Then and Now

Peter Senegar with a interview with drmna.info...

http://drmnainfo.blogspot.com/2011/12/peter-senger-on-drm-then-and-now.html#more

Sunday, January 01, 2012

New time for SARL txn via Sentech


From January 2, 2012 the re-transmission of "Amateur Radio Today" program via Sentech will change to 1730 - 1830 UTC. The transmission will remain in the 60 metre band on a frequency of 4895 kHz. The transmitter power will be 100 kW feeding an omni-directional antenna. Reception reports are invited and can be emailed to artoday @ sarl.org.za. All reports received of the January 2nd, 2012 transmission by 5th January,2012 will be participating in a lucky draw for the "ARRL RFI handbook", you can also fax your report to 012 991 5651.
(SARL NEWS - Sunday, 1st January 2012)


Schedule for SARL "Amateur Radio Today" program via Sentech :
0800-0900 UTC on 17760 kHz (Sunday)
1730-1830 UTC on 4895 kHz (Monday) (ex 1630-1730 UTC)