Wednesday, February 27, 2013

TWR celebrates 59 years of broadcasting

Trans World Radio is celebrating 59 years of broadcasting...have a look at the photo's & video here :



 

VOA Condemns Jamming in China


WASHINGTON, D.C. - Voice of America condemns the recent start of deliberate interference with its English language shortwave broadcasts into China.

Monitors listening to VOA broadcasts say this interference "appears intentional," and is strongest in regions around Tibet and along the Indian border.

"The Chinese government has for years jammed VOA and Radio Free Asia Chinese and Tibetan language programs and blocked VOA vernacular language websites," said VOA Director David Ensor, "but English language programs have historically not been blocked."

"We condemn this interference and are working with worldwide experts to determine the precise origin of the jamming," Ensor says. "The free flow of information is a universal right and VOA will continue to provide accurate and balanced information on platforms that can reach audiences in areas subject to censorship."

Monitors say the interference affects about 75% of the English language transmissions to China and is similar to the type of jamming aimed at VOA Horn of Africa broadcasts, which are targeted by equipment installed by China in Ethiopia. 

Reports of jamming on the VOA shortwave frequencies to China began pouring in earlier this week. On Monday the BBC issued a statement saying that its English language programs to China were also being jammed. The BBC statement said the source of the interference could not be determined, but the "extensive and coordinated efforts are indicative of a well-resourced country such as China."

VOA broadcasts to China on radio, direct-to-home satellite Radio and TV, and the Internet. News and information is also transmitted on a variety of platforms designed to overcome censorship efforts.

(VOA Press Release)

Related :

Radio Jamming — Not A Thing Of The Past
http://www.businessinsider.com/radio-jamming--not-a-thing-of-the-past-2013-2

VOA, BBC Protest China Broadcast Jamming
http://www.voanews.com/content/voa-bbc-jamming-china/1611431.html

Statement regarding interference to BBC World Service transmissions
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/statements/shortwave-jamming.html
China shrugs off accusations of jamming BBC broadcasts

Monday, February 25, 2013

BBC World Service shortwave radio blocked in China

The BBC has said shortwave broadcasts in English of World Service radio are being jammed in China. In a statement, the corporation said it was not possible to determine exactly where the blocking was coming from. But it said the "extensive and co-ordinated efforts are indicative of a well-resourced country such as China". "The BBC strongly condemns this action which is designed to disrupt audiences' free access to news and information," said the statement.
 
More at :

Frequenting the air waves

All India Radio is reinventing itself to be in tune with the times

Once upon a time, people used to wake up to All India Radio's (AIR) signature tune followed by Vande Mataram and Mangal Dhwani and listened to the early morning news before starting their day. The names of the news readers and announcers in those days were household names across the country.

AIR or Akashvani as it is also called, ruled the air waves till Doordarshan came on the scene as a national broadcaster in 1982. Today there are 837 TV channels and 245 private FM stations. Has that impacted AIR's listenership as many people think? 

Read this excellent article published in todays "The Hindu"  :


Sunday, February 24, 2013

DW's photo competition KLICK! highlights Sustainable Economy

This year's Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum will focus on "The Future of Growth - Economic Values and the Media." DW's annual photo competition KLICK! has the same theme and starts on February 20, 2013.

"KLICK! - Your View of a Sustainable Economy" is the theme of this year's photo competition. Photography enthusiasts from around the world are invited to submit up to three original photographs linked to the topic of a sustainable economy in a global context. The entries might be pictures of an innovative workplace anywhere in the world, or images related to the development of renewable energy technologies or dedicated to specific campaigns, projects and events promoting a sustainable economy. DW is looking for a truly personal perspective.

The deadline for entries, which can be submitted via email to klick@dw.de or uploaded to the website www.dw-gmf.de/klick, is April 10, 2013. The pictures will be featured on an interactive world map on the KLICK! homepage. Online voting will begin on April 17. During the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum from June 17 - 19 in Bonn, Germany, participants will be asked to pick their favorites among the ten most popular entries on display at the conference.

The prizes for the three best entries are an 8GB iPod Nano, a 2GB iPod Shuffle or a 4GB USB flash drive.

The 2013 Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum is co-hosted by the Foundation for International Dialogue of the Sparkasse in Bonn. It is supported by Germany's Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Regional Development Fund, the Minister for Federal Affairs, Europe and the Media in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as by the City of Bonn. The North Rhine-Westphalian Foundation for Environment and Development is a cooperation partner.

KLICK! Homepage

(DW Press Release)

RT meteor video shatters records with 28 million views

RT's footage of the Siberian meteor blast became the most watched video of the phenomenon on YouTube.

The blast, which hit Russia's Chelyabinsk region on the morning of February 15, became the most watched video event of all time with 138 million views, and the fastest video event ever to hit 100 million views, according to VideoMeasures, an online measurement company. More than 400 videos across several online platforms were tracked in this calculation.

More at :

DRM Logs - 23rd Feb 2013






















FRS broadcast Sunday Feb 24th

Sunday February 24th 2013
The Free Radio Service Holland have planned a full 5 hour broadcast upcoming Sunday February 24th. In preparation to that, we tested on 7685 kHz last Sunday February 17th: results were satisfactory and we are confident next Sunday a good signal will be aired over the European air waves. Next Sunday FRS-Holland will be on air between 08:52- 14:00 UTC/ 09:52- 15:00 CET. The broadcast is on 5800//7600 kHz and on 6070 kHz/ 49 metres as well. Programme line-up includes all FRS presenters (except Paul Graham) and consists of FRS Magazine, the German Service, FRS Goes DX , Radio Waves and the FRS Golden Show.

Ingredients....great music, DX News (also in the German Show!), letters, the day calendar and a number of radio related items. In addition we pay tributes to two FR persons who recently passed away (German Show, FRS Goes DX part 2). It will be worth while. FRS-Holland brings true free radio into your receiver! Tune in.... Radio entertainment on a Sunday!

Internet Stream
That same day between 14:52- 20:00 UTC/15:52- 21.00 CET will see a full repeat on the Internet. Check on your computer http://nednl.net:8000/frsh.m3u 
For mobile devices there is a 24 kbps mono stream: [helios.cloudnl.net:8000/frsh24.m3u] or

FRS News
Still available : FRS News #36 special 30th Anniversary edition. FRS News #36 is all about our 30th anniversary. In contains no less than 24 pages in colour. In the past months FRS-Holland has been working very hard to produce this booklet covering 30 Years of FRS-Holland. It contains several photos and of course much information:

* Memories on 30 Years of FRS-Holland from both former presenters and listeners;
* A number of Fact Files (Special moments to Remember, FRS Presenters 1980-2010, The Beginning);
* Reflections on 30 Years of FRS-Holland;
* The 1983 Raid;
* Mailbox 2702 including the Anniversary mail;
* How the 30th Anniversary broadcasts came about;
* Last but not least a potted history 1980- 2010 !!
* This is a true collector's item and no doubt it makes an interesting read! We never produced something similar in the past.
* In case you are interested .you can obtain a hard-copy of our specially produced 30Years of FRS-Holland booklet for 5 euro/ 7 US dollars in cash.

Send your order to FRSH, POBox 2702, 6049 BE Herten, the Netherlands or do it via mail to [frs@frsholland.nl]..

Email address
Please only use [frs@frsholland.nl] for your mails.

QSL card
For this broadcast we feature our brandnew QSL Series entitled 'FRS Through the Years' QSL Series. This series will consist of at least 4 concecutive QSL cards. No doubt getting a hard copy (by writing to POB 2702) is preferable to obtaining a e-QSL !! The hard copy is a large, full coloured one printed on high quality 200 grs paper..

Good listening next Sunday! We count on your support....

73s, Peter Verbruggen on behalf of the FRS Team: Jan van Dijk, Paul Graham, Dave Scott, Brian, Bobby Speed & Roger Davis

a Balance between Music & Information joint to one Format....
FRS-Holland
POBox 2702
6049 ZG Herten
The Netherlands

Saturday, February 23, 2013

DRM Receiver Opportunity

George Ross of KTWR-Guam advises us that the manufacturer of the DR111A DRM receiver, Chengdu New Star Electronics, has made a special offer for a bulk purchase of these DRM receivers. The radios normally sell for $120.00, but if broadcasters or other interested parties can pool together to place an order of at least 5000 units, the price will be only $70.00 per unit. And if an order of 10,000 units can be placed, the price drops to $66.50 per unit.

Anyone interested in participating in this bulk order should contact George Ross at gross@twr.org. A lead time of three months is needed for delivery of the radios.
 
(Source : NASB Facebook Page)

How radio shows for farmers in Bangladesh are boosting crop yields

Radio station in north-east Bangladesh enables farmers to share research and tips on seeds, pests and the changing climate

Read more at :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/feb/22/radio-farmers-bangladesh-crop-yields

Radio Gloria & Hamburger Lokalradio tomorrow

Radio Gloria International

Schedule and playlist for 24th Feb 2013

BH 1 (2)
times in UTC; MEZ = UTC+1

0600-0700 UTC 7265 kHz BH 2
0700-0800 UTC 7265 kHz Radio Saxonia memory special
0800-0900 UTC 9480 kHz BH 1
0900-1000 UTC 9480 kHz BH 2
1000-1100 UTC 7265 kHz BH 1
1100-1200 UTC 7265 kHz Radio Saxonia memspec.
1000-1100 UTC 6005 kHz BH 1

RGI: radiogloria@aol.com

BH = Blue Hour
BH1 = Standard program
BH 2= Oldies (Philips Record Rendezvous)

BH 1 playlist:

Diorama, Synthesize me
Josh Groban, Remember me, Troia RMX
Diary of Dreams, King of nowhere
Faith no more, Ashes tu ashes
Therion, Son of the staves of time
Echo & the Bunnymen, All my colours
Ellen Foley, The death of the psychoanalyst of Salvador Dali
John Watts, Money and power
Strange Advance, Love becomes electric
Icehouse, I don`t beleive anymore
Paradise lost, Say just words
Enuff Znuff, Save me
Kosheen, Catch

Hamburger Lokalradio via MVBR Saturday and Wednesday:

0600 to 0800 UTC on 7265 kHz
0800 to 1100 UTC on 6190 kHz
1100 to 1500 UTC on 7265 kHz

All reports to : redaktion@hamburger-lokalradio.de

Good Listening!

(Tom Taylor)

KBS celebrates 40 years as a public service broadcaster

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of KBS as public service broadcaster, the radio channel KBS Classic FM hosted a special edition of its concert show, "KBS FM Concert Hall" at the KBS Hall in Seoul.

More at : http://tinyurl.com/bl2fuqz

The Mighty KBC on 9450 kHz.....special experiment

This weekend, one more North America broadcast of The Mighty KBC on 9450 kHz via Bulgaria, before switching to 7375 kHz via Nauen the following week. The broadcast is Sunday 0000-0200 UTC (7-9 pm EST Saturday evening in North America). This UTC Sunday, 24 February, at about 0130 UTC, MFSK16 will be transmitted, centered on 510, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 2900 Hertz. This is to test whether the audio frequency of digital text has an affect on the ability to decode. At just before 0200 UTC, we will explore whether digital text and voice can be transmitted simultaneously. MF63-2000 long interleave will be centered on 2000 Hertz. First will be a 34-second transmission, with Kim Andrew Elliott talking at the same time. That will be followed by the same 34-second transmission, but, thankfully, Kim is silent. These messages will be Flmsg-formatted, with html. In Fldigi, go to Configure > Misc > NBEMS > under Reception of flmsg files click Open with flmsg, and below that indicate the location of flmsg.exe http://voaradiogram.net

ABU to launch next phase of disaster warning campaign at DBS

The ABU is launching the next phase of its Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction campaign, to help members deal with the increasing frequency of natural disasters.

The ABU Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Broadcast Media Initiative will be the focus of a special workshop on 8 March 2013, during the Union's Digital Broadcast Symposium in Kuala Lumpur.

More at :

Iran targets BBC Persian service by jamming signals and harassing staff

Staff at the BBC's Persian service face satellite jamming, smear campaigns and intimidation, says Peter Horrocks, director of the BBC World Service. In an article for Index on Censorship, he reveals that Iran's interference with the BBC's signals started in 2009 at the time of  Iran's presidential election.

More at :

Friday, February 22, 2013

Radio or not: Worth the listen

The radio has evolved many times in its long history. Early on, it was a staple of the American living room, bringing everything from cheesy detective radio dramas to the president's voice. This variety has only expanded into our modern era, with air radio bringing music and talk,  Internet radio connecting people around the world and satellite radio catering to the more specialized listener. In this way, the radio offers a little something for everyone — so long as you avoid the commercial stations that play the same five songs over and over again.

Read the interesting story at :
http://www.diamondbackonline.com/opinion/article_7dd5ae44-7bd2-11e2-b39e-0019bb30f31a.html

Police bans distributing of shortwave radios

Zimbabwe Republic Police on Tuesday threatened to arrest anyone found distributing or in possession of shortwave radios. 

"We have information that some people or political parties are engaging in illegal activities, that is to say they are distributing illegal communication devices to unsuspecting members of the public," said National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba. "Some are taking advantage of the needy communities and in guise of helping them they are also handing them over these communication devices," she said.

More at :
http://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-26537.html

KTWR Guam - DRM test broadcast

KTWR Guam will be doing a DRM test on 6th March, 2013 (Wed).

Parameters : 16 QAM - Mode B – 14 kbps
FREQ : 15240 kHz
TIME : 0912 - 0942 UTC
CIRAF : 49, 41
PWR : 75 kW
AZI : 290 Deg

Reports appreciated at www.twr.asia/online-qsl-form



BBG and VOA offer new options for getting the news to Mali

Washington, D.C. - Audiences in war-torn Mali will soon have new sources of  reliable and up-to-date news in their own languages thanks to several innovative efforts by the Voice of America and the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

"The BBG is responding in every possible way to the need for timely information in Mali, and we are extending our reach, as we have in Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflict areas," said BBG Board member Susan McCue. "This vital service will help safeguard lives in Mali with accurate and comprehensive news, and in widely-spoken local languages as well as in French. We'll also soon be able to reach more people across the country through additional affiliate radio stations and via the latest mobile technology."

"We at Voice of America are keenly aware that the people in Mali are desperate for reliable information," said VOA Director David Ensor, an award-winning journalist who throughout his career has worked in conflict zones and seen first-hand the effect of getting accurate information to affected populations in a timely fashion. "We are using every tool we have to help our audience get the news and information they need."

In early March, VOA will launch a Monday-through-Friday radio program in the Bambara language, which is spoken by more than two million people in south and central Mali, as well as in Burkina Faso. The half-hour program, called Mali Kibaru (Mali Information) will focus on news of Mali, but will also cover the sub-region of Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. It will include breaking news, analysis, discussion of extremism and health information.

VOA will continue its daily radio newscast in the Songhai language, which was launched recently as a pilot project. Songhai is the common language of  northern Mali; some three million people speak or understand it. The Monday-through-Friday Songhai newscast is available on the popular mobile platform, Mali1, along with French newscasts. The Mali1 mobile service was added in August to take advantage of the large and growing number of mobile phone users, and as a way to get news to regions where extremists have shut down independent media.

And VOA has just launched a new 15-minute French-language radio program that covers all the Sahelian countries of Mali, Mauretania, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and northern Sudan. The program, called Sahel Plus, provides on-the-ground reporting, analysis of the security and social issues of the Sahel, discussions of U.S. and international policy toward the region, features on the vibrant culture there, and an opportunity for listeners to speak their minds.

All VOA programs are broadcast on shortwave, medium wave, the Internet and mobile platforms. VOA programs will soon be available in Bamako, Mali's capital, through Interactive Voice Response, a system that helps VOA distribute and gather the news using local telephone services and the Internet. IVR is especially useful in regions where there is low bandwidth for wireless service.

The BBG announced in January that a new transmitter would allow 24/7 broadcasting of targeted news and information in French to listeners in Bamako. And the agency is assisting a long-time affiliate station in Bamako, Radio Kledu, in building out a network of stations. Audience research shows that more than half of all adults in Bamako listen to Kledu. 

By the end of February, its signal is expected to reach four additional stations, with four more expected in the months to come. The stations will carry VOA programs in French and Bambara.

(BBG Press Release)

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Prasar Bharati looking for students and research scholars

Prasar Bharati is looking for students and research scholars who can work in the secretariat of the Sam Pitroda Committee panel. The committee has been set up to suggest revamp of India's public service broadcaster. This will afford them an opportunity to work in the engine room of policy making and gain valuable experience. 

Number of positions: 4

Qualifications:
Students who have a track record in preparing research reports. They should have good spoken and written English skills. They should be mature enough to interact and coordinate with eminent personalities from the world of government, arts, industry and academia.

Term:
The secretariat will work for six months. Those found suitable could be given extension for being utilized on suitable jobs. 

Emoluments:
The deserving candidates will be paid an attractive package. They will be given all necessary facilities to discharge their duties. 

Job description:
The secretariat will support the Pitroda Panel and the working groups within it. This will require doing research in subjects such as media technology, finance, content and regulatory issues. The secretariat will facilitate the meetings of the working groups and collate reports of the groups.

For further details please contact on 011-23737667 and email your Bio-data to manager.hr2013@gmail.com >. Submission of relevant papers or research work will be an added advantage.

Source : http://tinyurl.com/a5motkd

Sunday, February 17, 2013

The Enduring Power of Radio in the Digital Age

Despite the evolution of high-speed Internet and television's prevalence in today's culture, radio is still a very important and relevant medium — especially in developing nations. World Radio Day reminds us not only that digital hasn't "killed the radio star," so to speak, but also that radio can help drive change around the world.

More at :
http://mashable.com/2013/02/13/radio-in-the-digital-age/

Friday, February 15, 2013

Mobiles, cars help raise radio listenership

PATNA: On the occasion of World Radio Day, radio aficionados have a reason to cheer. Surveys conducted by various research organizations, including All India Radio's National Audience Research wing, show that radio is still the undisputed leader among the various means of communication.

Recently, the AIR initiated a step to set up six Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitters of 300 kW and 21 medium wave transmitters of 100 kW and 300 kW , according to Prasar Bharati sources in Delhi. Apart from this, keeping with the government decision for transition to the digital mode of transmission, AIR is switching from analog to digital in a phased manner. With the target of complete digitization by 2017, listeners can look forward to highly enhanced transmission quality in the near future.

Read more at :

(Source : Times of India)

Related news :

Ruling the airwaves: FM channels revive radio

ByAmmi Kumari, TNN | Feb 14, 2013, 06.24 AM IST
Revival of this ancient popular media was possible because of the advent of the FM frequencies which cater specially to the youngsters. Vividh Bharati and AIR may not be trendy choices for listeners, but the younger generation is happy with their new-found interest in the age-old medium. Whereas the older generation feel the charm is lost somewhere because of modernization.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Greetings on World Radio Day !


February 13 is World Radio Day. Why do we need to celebrate the radio ? After all it is but signals transmitted through electromagnetic waves in a radio frequency range. But no, this is not all...The radio is an integral part of people's lives. In the days before the advent of television, the radio brought the family together to listen to news, music and drama. It continues to play the role of family unifier bringing in its wake music and local news.

World Radio Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of radio, facilitate access to information through the radio and enhance networking among broadcasters. It was proclaimed on November 3, 2011 by UNESCO, and was originally proposed by Spain. According to the UNESCO's website, World Radio Day is "a day to celebrate radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information and freedom of expression over the airwaves." 


Thursday, February 07, 2013

I&B Ministry to host First Twitter Conference on Community Radio tomorrow

In yet another initiative to reach out to the people of India in shortest possible time, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has planned for the first time, a Live Twitter Conference on the eve of 3rd Community Radio Sammelan, on 8th February, 2013, Friday at 4 pm. This will be the first ever such conference by any Ministry of Government of India.

The topic for the Twitter Conference is "Community Radio: Road Travelled & way forward", and it will use the hashtag as #ComRadio. The twitter conference will continue for 30 minutes from 4 pm to 4.30 pm. This live Twitter Conference will give twitteratis, an opportunity to interact with the Ministry officials including Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The questions on the above mentioned topics would be answered by the officials of the Ministry. The twitter account for the Ministry is @MIB_India. Tweeple can ask questions by mentioning #ComRadio and @MIB_India during the stipulated time for which they will get answers from the Ministry.

CP/ST

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
07-February-2013 19:03 IST

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

bladeRF, your next software defined radio

By now you might have a bit weary of your small and inexpensive TV tuner dongle software defined radio. Yes, using a USB TV dongle is a great introduction to SDR, but it has limited bandwidth, imited frequency range, and can't transmit. Enter the bladeRF, the SDR that makes up for all the shortcomings of a USB dongle, and also serves as a great wireless development platform.

Sunday, February 03, 2013

Radio Romania International celebrates World Radio Day 2013

On February 13th, 2013 RRI will celebrate World Radio Day for the first time. RRI would like you to join for this celebration and tell in less than 60 seconds, what radio means to you. You can send your messages as e-mail audio attachments, at regular addresses, or you can just upload your messages on the website created specially for this event  :   www.wrd13.com

Obviously, we could talk about radio for hours, but now we would just like you to send a short and creative message, just like radio messages should be, in which you can tell us why radio is such an important means of information to you.

On February 13th you will hear some of the messages sent by our listeners, in RRI's programs, and why not, in programs broadcast by other radio stations, which will use your messages in their own shows.

Just months ahead of the celebration of its 85th anniversary, Radio Romania is actively involved in the events celebrating World Radio Day through all its stations, including RRI. February 13 is the day proclaimed by UNESCO and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate Radio as a medium; to improve international cooperation between broadcasters; and to encourage major networks and community radio alike to promote access to information and freedom of
expression over the airwaves.

UNESCO encourages all countries to celebrate World Radio Day by planning activities in partnership with regional, national and international broadcasters, non-governmental organizations, the media and the public. The World Radio Day International Committee is constituted by agreement among the most representative broadcasting organizations. Its purpose is to internationally promote the celebration of World Radio Day. The first edition will be held February the 13th 2013.

This Committee invites all public, private, online and community Radio organizations as well as Radio professionals and listeners worldwide to participate in a global campaign and join voices to tell the world why Radio continues to be the greatest media!

The World Radio Day International Committee web platform organizes sound item exchanges in order to promote this medium (1 minute maximum). You are invited to produce and send your posts, whatever your link may be with the Radio world (public Radio, private Radio, community Radio, independent producer, listener etc).

Contact : engl@rri.ro

(Radio Romania International)

Friday, February 01, 2013

India has potential for largest Digital Radio market : Chairman, DRM Consortium

MediaMughals.com met with Ruxandra Obreja, the Chairman of DRM Consortium, who spoke about the prospect and the growth of Digital Radio in India.

Read the full interview here : http://tinyurl.com/b7ubpqt

DRM showcases the ‘future of global radio’

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), a universal standardised digital broadcasting system conducted a workshop on “Harnessing the true potential of Digital Radio for the advancement of industry and society” in New Delhi discussing about the new technology that is ready to bloom the global radio space.

Full story at : http://tinyurl.com/arta86h