Tuesday, June 28, 2016

India and Bangladesh join hands for radio diplomacy

All India Radio is set to launch Akashvani Maitree, a Bengali service aimed at those living across the border

After five months of preparation, All India Radio's (AIR) Kolkata station is ready to launch Akashvani Maitree—a service in Bengali aimed primarily at Bangladeshis—as New Delhi looks to strengthen diplomatic ties with Dhaka.

More at :




Monday, June 27, 2016

Prasar Bharati to launch a digital news platform soon

Prasar Bharati chairman A. Surya Prakash has set up a special 'Committee for Digital Platform' for the same

Aiming to reinvent itself in the digital era, public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has set its sights on cyberspace to create a distinct digital platform, in addition to Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), to tell the India story to the global audience.

Read more at :http://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/prasar-bharati-soon-to-launch-a-digital-news-platform/52932644

Related :

Prasar Bharati plans digital brand to tell India story to world 

Friday, June 24, 2016

AIR Trivandrum via Gyan Vani Frequency

AIR Trivandrum's new MW mast of 1161 kHz is under installation as its original one had fallen down last week and that frequency is off air since then. 

However their programs are heard as usual from their 50 kW SW transmitter on 5010 and 7290 kHz and relayed as usual via All India Radio, Allapuzha on 576 kHz (200 kW), All India Radio, Kavaratti 1152 kHz (10 kW) and in live streaming on AIR website (allindiaradio.gov.in under Malayalam). 

Lately they are noted announcing 105.6 MHz, this is the 10 kW Gyan Vani transmitter frequency which was taken off air on Oct 2, 2014.

(Jose Jacob, NIAR, Hyderabad)

RNZI moves to a one-transmitter operation

RNZ International (RNZI) is retiring its 27 year old analogue-only short-wave transmitter and moving to a one-transmitter operation.

The digital short-wave mode delivers a signal to relaying Pacific stations, and the analogue short-wave mode reaches individual short-wave listeners.

RNZI has made the decision not to replace the old short-wave transmitter, but to instead maximize the flexibility of our newer short-wave transmitter by using either its analogue or digital mode to deliver to different audiences at different times of the day.

We are also focusing on broadening the options for delivering our signal to relaying radio stations. These stations broadcast our daily news and current affairs content over their own local stations - and allow us to reach a large local Pacific audience.

By working with partners like the BBC World Service (Pacific stream) and Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) (which includes the former TVNZ satellite service) we've been extending our content delivery via satellite. We'll be continuing to focus on this as a complimentary delivery to the DRM digital short-wave service.

RNZI's online content and delivery, partnerships and use of our specialist content by individuals, media and organisations in the Pacific and worldwide, is also growing.

The move to a one-transmitter operation will result in a reduced service to current individual short-wave listeners in the region. RNZI will still broadcast in analogue short-wave for extensive periods of each day, but there won't be a 24 hour service as there has been. This is likely to be most felt during breakfast hours when we will need to broadcast a digital signal for relaying stations, rather than an analogue one.

However, RNZI remains committed towards providing an analogue short-wave service for individual listeners across the Pacific. Our role in warning about, and covering, cyclones remains especially important. During cyclone season, RNZI has the flexibility to choose to broadcast entirely in analogue if we need to temporarily provide a fulltime service to individual listeners.

Over time we hope more individuals will be able to access our content online access the region. Online use of RNZI is growing quickly with Pacific visitors and others now increasingly accessing content on the RNZI site.

And in future years, as stations adopt other ways of receiving our signal, we may be able to devote more of our short-wave transmission capacity back into broadcasting in analogue.

With a mix of analogue short-wave, digital DRM short-wave, satellite, partnerships and online content delivery, we remain in a solid position to deliver our unique Pacific content to audiences in the region and beyond.

Our analogue and digital frequency schedule is available at www.rnzi.com along with with updated broadcast times.

(Linden Clark,RNZI Manager,Radio New Zealand)


Updated RNZI schedule available at : http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/listen

Koraput village gets its community radio station

TNN | Jun 23, 2016, 12.02 PM IST
Koraput: The Dhimsa FM radio station at Chhapar village in Koraput district focusses on rural development issues while offering a platform to the villagers to voice their concern.

More at :


Thursday, June 23, 2016

Red FM launches second FM radio station in Mumbai

Private FM player Red FM has launched its second station in Mumbai, a retro -theme based 'Redtro 106.Chaar'. The Mumbai station is the first one to be introduced under the newly acquired Phase III licenses by the company.

Read more at:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/red-fm-launches-second-fm-radio-station-in-mumbai/articleshow/52884871.cms

20 Excellent Years for Voice of America Bosnian Service

The Bosnian Service of the Voice of America has been a standard of broadcasting excellence to Eastern Europe for two decades.

Commemorating the service at Voice of America headquarters in Washington on Tuesday (June 21), VOA Director Amanda Bennett noted that VOA Bosnian has been a trusted source of news since June 15, 1996. "It plays a critical role as one of the few media outlets in Bosnia and Herzegovina that provides accurate, balanced and credible news and information about the region, America and the world," said Bennett.

More at :

AIR Chinsurah testing in DRM mode



All India Radio Chinsurah was noted in DRM mode as per following schedule :


604 kHz - 0130-0300 UTC (0700-0830 IST), 0700-0800 UTC (1230-1330 IST)

1144 kHz - 1115-1315 UTC (1645-1845 IST), 1330-1430 UTC (1900-2000 IST), 1515-1600 UTC (2045-2130 IST).

Program content FM Rainbow/National Channel

Currently 594 kHz carries external service, wef 28th June, 2016, 594 kHz will carry newly introduced special Bengali service and 604 kHz will carry external service in DRM mode.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Auto rickshaw driver's radio museum

Interesting short video on Coimbatore's radio man, This auto rickshaw driver in Coimbatore built his own Radio museum out of his life savings.

Have a look here :


Set of 6 stamps to commemorate 50 years of BBC Relay station at Ascension Island


50 Years of the BBC on Ascension Island

Way back in 1964 a party of BBC engineers set sail on the Union Castle line from Southampton to Ascension Island to carry out a site survey for a Short Wave Relay Station to be located on Ascension Island. Their findings were favourable, Ascension Island being ideally located in the centre of the South Atlantic Ocean roughly midway between the continents of Africa and South America. They located an ideal reasonably flat site on this volcanic island on the Northern Coast of the island, at English Bay, and a suitable location for a short wave receiving station in a screened valley at Butt Crater. The power requirements for the transmitters required a large diesel fired power station to be constructed. A village at Two Boats was constructed to house the new influx of BBC Staff.  

Some two years later on Sunday 3rd July 1966, the first short wave broadcasts from the BBC Atlantic Relay Station were heard in Africa and South America.  

Original Control Desk
The 20p denomination stamp features the operation of the receiving station control desk with the Presentation and Administration Officer at work in the recording studio. The scene dates from the very early days of the station operation. Programmes broadcast on short wave radio from the UK were received off air on Ascension and then re transmitted from the transmitting station at English Bay. These live news programmes were supplemented by programmes shipped to the Island on magnetic tape, together with local interval announcements recorded in a small studio on tape cassettes. These facilities were all housed at the Butt Crater Receiving Station. A rudimentary relay control system programmed using links plugged into a pegboard selected the correct receiver to the correct transmitter chain and fired off the tape machines and cassette machines at the correct times. This arrangement continued virtually unchanged until 1979, when the receiving station became remotely controlled from the English Bay transmitting station. The original building still remains on the Island, but is now used for other purposes.

Klinka Klub
The 25p denomination stamp shows the BBC Klinka Klub, with some of the short wave antenna array towers in the background. After a long shift at the transmitting station staff and their families could relax at the nearby BBC staff social club, named the Klinka Klub, after the volcanic rock deposits that are common on the Island. This beach hut was constructed close to English Bay and contains a collection of engraved plaques as a who's who of former staff who have served the BBC on this island during its 50 years. It is a popular haunt for evening BBQ's close to the beach. The building remains today as a social club for the benefit of all Islanders and their families.

Atlantic Relay Station English Bay
The 50p denomination stamp shows a scene almost unchanged throughout the life of the station, a view looking over English Bay Beach towards the BBC station. The transmitting station was originally constructed in 1966  with  4  high power Marconi shortwave transmitters  and  20 short wave antennas, broadcasting short wave radio programmes to Africa and South America. The site underwent its first major refurbishment in the mid 1980's. Two additional Marconi transmitters and 4 new antennas were added to the site, a satellite dish was installed to allow direct satellite reception of BBC programme feeds from London, bringing about the closure of the Butt Crater receiving station. The site was again re-engineered in 2007.  

Current Transmitting Station  
The 55p denomination shows a view of the new transmitter building which was refurbished in 2007 and houses 4 state of the art fully automatic high power short wave transmitters. These transmitters together with a fully automated station control system allow the site to be completely unattended, and the site operates with only a maintenance team on Island, all routine transmitter and antenna operation being fully automated. Today the station broadcasts BBC short wave radio programmes to large audiences in Africa in English, French and Hausa.

BBC Wind Turbines
As part of the 2007 re-engineering the BBC invested in a Wind Farm which is shown on the 65p denomination stamp. Ascension is blessed with a near constant cooling wind being located directly in the Trade Winds. Formerly totally reliant on diesel fuel for electricity generation, five 330kW wind turbines located close to the shore at English Bay provide an average of 25% of the island's electricity demands.

Current Transmitting Station
The £1.60 denomination shows the main office of the transmitting station. The site is now operated and maintained by our contractors Babcock International. The scene shows the BBC flag – only flown when BBC visitors are present on the island. The Babcock Station Manager has an office with possibly the best office view in the world – overlooking the wide expanses of the South Atlantic Ocean where dolphins can often be spotted offshore.  

Text by Robert Hammond, Manager Developments, BBC World Service Group.

Technical Details
Designer                                     Robin Carter  
Printer                                         Cartor Security Printing
Process                                         Stochastic lithography
Stamp Size                                   42 x 28mm
Sheet Format                               10
Perforation                                   13 ¼ x 13 ½ per 2cms
Release Date                               3 July 2016
Production Co-ordination             Creative Direction (Worldwide) Ltd

BBC logo - © BBC
Babcock Logo - © Babcock International
For further information, please contact either Charles Pobjoy
Pobjoy Mint Ltd, Tel: +44 (0) 1737 818181, Fax: +44 (0) 1737 818199
email: charles@pobjoy.com or Avril Hadden email: ahadden@pobjoy.com

(Info and photo via Juan Franco Crespo, Spain, via Horacio Nigro, Uruguay,Radio Stamps List)

BBC Antartic Mid Winter Broadcasts for 2016 today

BBC Antartic Mid Winter Broadcasts for 2016

On 21st June 2016 (Tuesday)

2130-2200 UTC on 5985 kHz WOF 300 kW / 184 deg to Antarctica English
2130-2200 UTC on 6035 kHz DHA 250 kW / 203 deg to Antarctica English
2130-2200 UTC on 7360 kHz ASC 250 kW / 207 deg to Antarctica English
2130-2200 UTC on 9720 kHz WOF 300 kW / 182 deg to Antarctica English

All India Radio to revive Bangla service

AIR to revive Bangla service - 'Probably one of its kind in the world'

Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi, June 20: All India Radio will re-launch its special Bangla service for Bangladesh after a gap of six years, adding a cultural content to the news bulletins that conveyed India's perspective on global affairs.

The service, which began during the Liberation War of 1971, was discontinued in 2010 when the old transmitter in Calcutta broke down.

A strengthened transmitter with a higher capacity has now been installed in Chinsurah following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Dhaka visit last year, Prasar Bharati sources said.

Full story at :
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1160621/jsp/nation/story_92427.jsp#.V2inOGh97IV

The special Bengali service from AIR Chinsurah (1000kw MW) or Akashvani Maitree Channel will be inaugurated by Hon'ble President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 28th June for the listeners in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The programs can be heard on 594 kHz MW at 0600-1430 IST (0030-0900 UTC) and 1530-2300 IST (1000-1730 UTC). The current External Service programs now b'cast will be aired in DRM mode on 604 kHz on the same transmitter.

(Alok Dasgupta on FB)


Friday, June 17, 2016

Parrot unveils its latest SDR chip “O3+”: worldwide radio reception combined with connectivity solutions

PARIS, May 2016: Parrot Automotive, a leading player in the field of Connected Automotive Infotainment and the best-in-class provider of radio solutions in mobility, is proud to introduce the Octopus 3+.

Building upon the market-proven Octopus 3, Parrot "O3+" takes digital and analog radio reception to the next level. The current generation is already deployed through major European, Japanese and Chinese OEMs and enables global radio reception: AM, FM, DAB, DAB+, DRM, DRM+, DVB-T2 Lite and HD Radio* standards. Aside from this worldwide tuner, the Octopus 3+ embeds an ARM Cortex-A5 processor with a fully-featured Linux system running Parrot well-known connectivity middleware for Bluetooth, telephony, voice recognition, media, etc. The chip also features an Ethernet, CAN and USB interface.

The O3+ is running the state of the art processing algorithms that made the success of the Octopus Chip Series: fast and accurate channel estimation, multipath rejection, Doppler Effect compensation and MRC diversity. Thanks to its background scanning and diversity capacities, the Octopus 3+ is also an all-in-one high-end radio solution. As a result, it enables best-in-class reception of radio in motion, even at very high speeds. The Octopus 3+addresses all major radio standards deployed throughout the world, thus providing car makers with a single solution for global deployment, lowering R&D, testing and qualification costs. The Octopus 3+ plays its part in building an increasingly connected in-vehicle environment at an affordable cost.

In addition, this universal component delivers the processing power required by any variation of smart antenna or media box application. The Octopus 3+ is offered to all major Tier-1 auto suppliers as a reference design.

"We are proud to bring this cutting edge tuner-processor to the automotive market: the Octopus 3+ enables worldwide tuner capabilities and media features," says Éric Riyahi, Executive Vice-President at Parrot Automotive.

Octopus 3+ in a nutshell:

3 x AM / FM / WB (diversity + background scan)
2 x DAB, DAB+, DMB
DRM, DRM+, DVB-T2 Lite, HD Radio*
High end audio DSP
Cortex-A5 @ 600Mhz featuring 1000DMIPS
DDR3 interface
USB, Ethernet AVB, SDIO, SPI
CAN with dedicated processor
BGA package 14mm x 14mm
AEC-Q100

* Requires iBiquity agreement


(Press Release)

Thursday, June 16, 2016

AWR Grand Finale DX Contest

Ever since Adventist World Radio was inaugurated way back more than 40 years ago, listeners in many countries on all continents have looked forward to participating in the annual DX contest.    Our historical records show that the first listener contest was conducted by the fledgling new AWR back during the year 1972, just a few months after the official inauguration on October 1, 1971.

The longest series of annual DX contests began under the original Adventist World Radio in Asia, AWR-Asia in Poona India, and these were introduced just a few years later, in 1977.  Since then, this well established AWR DX program has transmigrated from Asia to the United States, and the name likewise has evolved into the now familiar "Wavescan".

Throughout all of these intervening years, the annual winner's list contains the names of well known international radio monitors living on all continents.  In addition, the long roster of regional winners over the years includes a host of names, international radio monitors living in up to a hundred different countries.  Any and all entrants have an equal possibility of winning one of the many awards that are available each year.

As Adventist World Radio enters into its 45th year of international radio broadcasting, we take pleasure in announcing our annual "Wavescan" DX contest for the year 2016.  This year's contest is planned as the last ever contest from the AWR DX program "Wavescan" and it comes to you under the title,

In short, you are invited to make up a list of all of your AWR QSL cards, one only for each different AWR shortwave site.  "Grand Finale" Annual DX Contest:

How Many AWR Shortwave Sites Have You Verified?

A. How Many AWR Shortwave Sites Have You Verified?

You are invited to make up a tabulated list of all of your AWR QSL cards, one only for each AWR shortwave site.  You may also include reception reports for any AWR shortwave site that you have not yet verified, up to a maximum of three additional sites.  The listing of each QSL card for each AWR site that you have verified should show the station name, location, country, frequency, date and a brief description of the card.  Here is a sample listing showing how to give the information:-

1. KSDA          Agat Guam                 11935 kHz       2015 March 1  Yellow Compass Card        
2. WRMI          Okeechobee FL            9955              2013 Oct 29    Dr Chow Interview
3. AWR           Forli Italy                       6205              1985 May 30   Forli Antenna
4. SLBC          Ekala Sri Lanka            6075              1984 Dec 30   Sines Antennas
5. TIAWR        Alajuela Costa Rica    15460              1986 Oct 17    Radio Lira Antenna
6. Media          Nauen Germany           9610              2016 Feb 14    Report enclosed        
                                                                                                                                            
B. Copy Three Cards

Where possible, please copy any three of your AWR QSL cards, preferably in color, though black and white can be acceptable, and enclose with your contest entry.

C. Your Best AWR QSL Card

Which is your best AWR QSL card?  Explain why in one short paragraph.

D. AWR Reception Reports

You are invited to prepare three reception reports for the broadcast on shortwave, mediumwave or FM of any AWR programming in any part of the world.  You may choose the international shortwave programing from Adventist World Radio, via KSDA Guam, or any of the shortwave relay stations that carry AWR programming, or any of the 1700 local mediumwave or FM stations in any part of the world that are affiliated with Adventist World Radio.  You may include up to three reception reports of AWR programing from shortwave sites that you have not yet verified.

Please do not send a recording of your reception; we just need your honest reception report on paper.  All reception reports will be verified with a special contest endorsement.

E. Three Radio Cards

Where possible, you are invited to include three radio cards for the Indianapolis Heritage Collection with your contest entry.  These cards may be old or new, and they may be        QSL cards, reception report cards, or picture cards of radio stations, etc.  Not valid for this contest are amateur cards nor CB cards.

Other Contest Details

Well, there you have it, the details for our Wavescan 2016 "Grand Finale DX Contest".  This contest will run through the month of August 2016, and all contest entries should be           postmarked at your local post office anywhere in the world on any date up to the end of the       month of August 2016 and they should be received at the AWR temporary post office address as given below no later than the end of the month of September 2016.

Post your entry with all items to Adventist World Radio, remembering that neatness and preparation, will all feature in the judging procedure.  Due consideration will also be given to the area of the world in which the contestant lives.

Where possible, please enclose return postage in the form of currency notes in any international currency, or mint postage stamps.  Please note that IRC coupons are too expensive for you to buy, and they are no longer valid in the United States.

Please enclose your postal address label also.

The awards for the 2016 AWR "Grand Finale DX Contest" will be similar to all previous contests. There will be a special award for the world winner, one of Jerome Berg's radio     history books; and World Radio TV Handbook 2017 for each continental winner.  In addition, there will be other special awards as well as AWR souvenirs and radio curios for many participants.

Each entry will receive the special postage stamp that commemorates the 200th anniversary of Indiana.

An additional ward is offered for an entry from Australia or New Zealand, a copy of Dr. Bruce Carty's colorfully prepared History of Radio Broadcasting in Australia.

All AWR reception reports will be verified with a specially endorsed AWR QSL card.  Please remember that it will take a period of many months, well into the new year 2017, to process all of the contest entries and reception reports, but each will in due course be processed.

Here is the only address for the "Grand Finale" Annual DX Contest: How Many AWR Shortwave Sites Have You Verified?  This postal address is temporary, and it is open only during August and September 2016.

TEMPORARY POSTAL ADDRESS, Open only during August & September 2016:-

Adventist World Radio
Grand Finale DX Contest
Box 771
Bloomington
Indiana 47402-0771 USA

(Dr.Adrian Peterson)

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

MPEG xHE-AAC Unleashes Possibilities

by Alexander Zink

Due to its universality, the global DRM digital radio standard has adopted MPEG xHE-AAC as its primary audio codec.

This allows for completely new broadcast scenarios as xHE-AAC enables multiple FM-quality radio transmissions on a single medium wave channel or up to three stereo audio services in less than half the spectrum required for a single analog FM transmission. 

Full story at :


Reception of AIR Chennai in DRM mode


Vincent Amritraj from Manapparai in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu shared his screenshot of DRM reception of AIR Chennai MW transmission on 783 kHz. He is located at around 360 kms from the transmitter and getting excellent signal.

Marconi Radio International will once again be on air today 15 June 2016

Just a short reminder of our regular weekly broadcasts on Wednesdays. Marconi Radio International will once again be on air tomorrow 15 June 2016,as follows:

1730-1830 UTC on 13960 kHz (USB mode)
1915-2015 UTC on 15070 kHz (USB mode)
2045-2145 UTC on 7700 kHz (USB Mode)

Our broadcasts include some kind of programmes now sadly missing from most shortwave radio stations:  an old style DX show in English "Italian Short Wave Panorama"  and Italian "Panorama Onde Corte" with lot of recent logs  as well as  a mailbag programme in Italian. Our  station identification  announcements are not only in English and Italian but also in French, German, Spanish and Catalan.

MRI encourages reception reports from listeners. Audio clips (mp3-file) of our broadcasts are welcome! We QSL 100%. Our electronic mail address is:marconiradiointernational@gmail.com - Please don't forget to include your postal address as some lucky listeners will also receive a printed QSL card.

Last but not least,  we need your help! If you use social networks, please post an announcement on Facebook  or send out a tweet the day  before the broadcast. You can also forward this message to a friend. This should help increase our  potential audience.

We hope to hear from a lot of shortwave listeners about our transmissions.

Best 73's

Marconi Radio International (MRI)

AIR seeks listener's feedback & reception reports online with one time registration

Important announcement for All India Radio listeners all over the world.

All India Radio has been regularly receiving reception reports/feedback from various listeners residing in India and abroad through a feedback form provided on their website www.allindiaradio.gov.in

Now, All India Radio has created a 'Listeners Corner' section ón its website http://allindiaradio.gov.in where listeners may have several useful information. A special link named Reception Report/ Feedback from Listeners along with mandatory one time Listener Registration  is created to send the feedback online for their services. 

AIR may issue e-QSL in future. 

All the listeners are requested to send their reports/ feedback  through this link in the future.

-----

Here's the direct link :  http://pbinfo.air.org.in/feedback/


(Alokesh Gupta)

All India Radio Itanagar goes digital

All India Radio (AIR) Itanagar is all set to begin a new innings with completely digitalized version, likely from this week with Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology.

The coverage area would also be wider as the station has installed 200 kW capacity replacing its earlier 100 kW analogue system facilitating more people to listen to radio programmes broadcast from AIR, Itanagar including state's border areas.

AIR Pasighat in East Siang district would also begin to function on this technology within a week with 100 kW capacity. AIR, Dibrugarh in Assam is already functioning smoothly on DRM technology with 300 kW capacity. At present all total 27 All India Radio stations have installed DRM technology across the country.


Related :

All India Radio, Itanagar, goes digital





Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Radio France Internationale's DRM tests for project Smart Cast



Radio France Internationale is doing tests in DRM30 mode for project Smart Cast from Issoudun.

Test transmission received by shortwave listener Marcel in North East France on 10th June 2016 , 6170 kHz. Later on tests were noted on 6175 kHz.

The frequency is listed as DRM-Test between 0900 and 1200 UTC in the A16all00.TXT.

FREQ. TIME CIRAF SITE PWR AZ DAYS NOTES

6175 0900 1000 27SE,28SW,37NE ISS 200 153 1234567 DRM-Tes
6175 0900 1000 27SW,37NW ISS 200 267 1234567 DRM-Tes
6175 1000 1100 27SE,28SW,37NE ISS 200 153 1234567 DRM-Tes
6175 1000 1100 27SW,37NW ISS 200 267 1234567 DRM-Tes
6175 1100 1200 27SW,37NW ISS 200 267 1234567 DRM-Tes
6175 1100 1200 27SE,28SW,37NE ISS 200 153 1234567 DRM-Tes
15300 1600 1700 41,42S,43SW from ISS

SmartCAST is a joint project led by TDF and supported by the "Fonds Unique Interministériel" (FUI). All project partners have complementary skills covering the full range of all required studies and developments.

The project SmartCast aims to study and build a long range broadcast system, with potential interactivity where appropriate - thanks to a low-speed wireless return path. Data including audio will be broadcast in a shared stream based on standard DRM 30 ("Digital Radio Mondiale"). The project targets both mass and corporate markets.

Use of medium and short wave bands provides for massive coverage at low cost in inaccessible locations or those at a disadvantage due to lack of infrastructure. This approach offers a credible alternative to existing radio systems, making better use of this part of the spectrum, use of which is declining worldwide. Work underway includes development of services and equipment focused on two markets :

⦁ Maritime Navigation, with a set of services designated as "NavCAST".
⦁ International Broadcasting, with a set of services designated as "WideCAST".

The block diagram below is related to the NavCAST configuration of the project. It helps you understand the different subsets of the system, and their locations. In a second step, developments will be adapted to the WideCAST environment.







Screenshots courtesy Marcel in North East France.

Filecasting - Another innovative use of DRM30 !


On 8th June 2016, Hiroyuki Okamura from Japan enquired that he's getting KTWR Guam's DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale)  transmission on 17780 kHz on his SDR, 0800 UTC onwards but only data.

Upon enquiry I was informed that it is a special test transmission called "filecasting" by KTWR Guam aimed at Thailand. Filecasting is basically transfer of audio files in data form over HF for onward distribution.

Another innovative use of DRM30 !

Related :

Friday, June 10, 2016

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty announces Thomas Kent as new President

WASHINGTON - Thomas Kent a long time Associated Press journalist has been appointed the new President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Chairman of the network's Board of Directors Jeff Shell announced today.

"Tom was chosen in a competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates," Shell said. "RFE/RL will benefit enormously from such an outstanding leader. His track record in digital news expansion and his collaborative leadership style aligns with the board's vision of a unified, innovative and effective U.S. International Media."

Mr. Kent is a skilled media executive with extensive experience in management, international reporting and journalism standards development. He has worked at The Associated Press since 1972, filling roles such as Moscow Bureau Chief, International Editor, Deputy Managing Editor and, most recently, Standards Editor. In these positions, he played a leading role in the editorial and technical transformation of AP into a fully digital news organization. He has also been involved in corporate strategic planning and the development of new multimedia services.

Commenting on Kent's appointment, BBG CEO and Director, John F. Lansing said, "Our winning strategy is our talented staff. Tom joins a cadre of committed journalists around the world with the simple goal of ensuring that everyone has access to impartial, independent and professional news and information about their communities that helps citizens take more control over their lives.

"He brings extensive experience in developing successful digital media strategies and joins us at a highly dynamic time when BBG networks are streamlining and employing content in creative and impactful ways. I am thrilled to welcome him on board."

"I am honored to be leading RFE/RL," Kent said. "I look forward to joining its highly skilled team as we create great journalism across languages and geographies."

Kent has served as a member of the advisory board of the Ethical Journalism Network, leader of the Online News Association's Build Your Own Ethics Code project, advisor for the Society of Professional Journalists and international reporting juror for the Pulitzer Prize Prizes. He has written and spoken extensively on journalism ethics and has a particular interest in Russian news media. Kent has taught at the Harriman Institute at Columbia University and has guest lectured at Yale University, Moscow State University, St. Petersburg University of Trade Unions, Columbia Law School, and New York University, among others. He speaks four languages and is fluent in Russian. He is a graduate of Yale University.

Shell and Lansing praised Acting RFE/RL President Nenad Pejic for his leadership and guidance since taking over after Kevin Klose stepped down in 2015.

"I am delighted to hand over the reins to Tom." said Nenad Pejic, Acting RFE/RL President. "I believe his passion for journalism will ensure that RFE/RL continues to deliver programs that have a positive effect on people's lives."

(Press Release)

All India Radio, Kolkata launches new website


All India Radio, Kolkata has launched a comprehensive multimedia website, the content consists of rich bouquet of rare photo's, archives, program schedule, station info & information on commercial broadcasting.

The website has a blend of text, pictures, video and audio components, also features live streaming of All India Radio Kolkata's radio programmes. It also has a segment of "Live Radio".

Jawhar Sircar, CEO, Prasar Bharti inaugurated the new website on 10th June,2016.

Visit the new website of All India Radio at : www.airkolkata.gov.in

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

80 years of All India Radio, the celestial voice that binds India together

All India Radio, the celestial voice that binds India together
Article by Jawhar Sircar, CEO Prasar Bharati in today's Hindustan Time

"I quarrel so frightfully with all the secretaries and deputy secretaries", rued Lionel Fielden, the first Controller of Broadcasting, as he started the operations of All India Radio on this very day, exactly 80 years ago.

Monday, June 06, 2016

India to relaunch All India Radio Bengali service by 28th June

India is set to restart the special Bangla radio service for Bangladesh after a gap of six years, the channel, renamed Akashvani Maitree will go live on June 28 in Kolkata in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Read more at:


The new Bengali Service will be using AIR Chinsurah 1000 kW transmitter between 0025 - 1740 UTC (0555-2310 IST) with a break in between for frequency change on 594 kHz (Morning and Noon) and on 1134 kHz (in the evening and night). This is not a simulcast of programs broadcasted via Kolkata A or Kolkata B. The current External Services broadcast over this transmitter will be heard in DRM (Digital radio Mondiale) mode.

Update :

The special Bengali service from AIR Chinsurah (1000kw MW) or Akashvani Maitree Channel will be inaugurated by Hon'ble President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 28th June for the listeners in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The programs can be heard on 594 kHz MW at 0600-1430 IST (0030-0900 UTC) and 1530-2300 IST (1000-1730 UTC). The current External Service programs now b'cast will be aired in DRM mode on 604 kHz on the same transmitter.

(Alok Dasgupta on FB)

Related :

AIR to revive Bangla service - 'Probably one of its kind in the world'



RTI 88th Birthday Greeting Competition

RTI is celebrating its 88th birthday and we are inviting you to send us your creative well-wishes from around the world! Use your cell phone or camera to create a picture that combines the number 88 with an image that represents your country (national flag, map, landmark etc). You can also use words, audio recording or video to wish RTI a happy 88th birthday. RTI will select the three most creative entries for cash prizes. Successful entrants will also be entered for a prize draw. Sign up now to submit your entry!

If you have any questions, please contact : rti88th@gmail.com

Link for entry form: https://goo.gl/KUQW3d

Good luck and best wishes

(RTI Public Relations Office)

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Media Broadcast Provides German Navy DRM Services

Since 2013, Media Broadcast has used Digital Radio Mondiale to provide the German Navy with audio, text and image content.

The content is received from Radio Andernach and Deutschlandradio, encrypted by Media Broadcast and then broadcast "virtually anywhere" according to the company's press release.

More at:




DX Engineering acquires Clifton Laboratories

For decades, Clifton Laboratories has been at the leading edge of Ham Radio technology, making preamplifiers and filters with unparalleled performance characteristics. Now, that tradition of quality will continue under the DX Engineering brand. DX Engineering recently acquired exclusive rights to Clifton Laboratories' Amateur Radio gear.

Each item's part number, design specs, and impeccable quality remains the same—it will just be built by DX Engineering and carry the DX Engineering name. There are over a dozen Clifton Laboratories Amateur Radio products that will be manufactured, including several popular filters and preamplifiers. DX Engineering is also committed to offering parts and tech support for owners of Clifton Laboratories' legacy products.

Fans of Elecraft's K-series transceivers are very familiar with the Clifton name. The company has a series of filters, preamplifiers, adapters and other enhancement products tailored precisely to these well-liked HF radios. DX Engineering will ensure that this Elecraft-specific gear will be refined and supported.

Also included in the transition is Clifton Laboratories' extensive range or RF filters, like its Z10020 medium wave band reject filter. Designed for Amateur Radio operators battling interference from strong or nearby AM broadcast band commercial radio signals, the Z10020 can deliver up to 80 dB of signal rejection.

DX Engineering is tooling up to begin production of Clifton Laboratories products, expect to see the full line available by mid-summer 2016.

Visit DX Engineering online at DXEngineering.com

(Press Release)


Amazon Deals

Saturday, June 04, 2016

VOA Bengali to be back on shortwave wef 5th June 2016

Anish Lalit of Voice of America Bengali department shares that VOA's Bengali transmission will be back on shortwave with effect from 5th June 2016 as per below schedule :

0000 - 0100 UTC (0530-0630 IST) on 6040 kHz from Udon Thani with Az 280 (Daily)
0300 - 0400 UTC (0830-0930 IST) on 7305 kHz from Udon Thani with Az 276 (Daily)

(Anish Lalit, VOA Bengali Department via Glenn Hauser, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Voice of America's shortwave transmissions in Bnegali language was discontinued on 30th June 2014 and was available on a single mediumwave frequency.

Related :

VOA drops shortwave to Asian sub-continent


VOA Bangla website : www.voabangla.com

Update : No transmission noted on 5th & 6th June 2016 as per times/frequencies mentioned above





Airspy mini reviewed by rtl-sdr.com

The Airspy Mini is a recently released $99 USD software defined radio with a tuning range of 24 MHz to 1800 MHz, 12-bit ADC and up to 6 MHz of bandwidth. 

The Mini is the younger brother of the $199 USD Airspy R2, but despite the $100 USD price difference, both units are very similar, which makes the Mini a very attractive option. The idea is that the Mini is the cheaper version for those who do not need the more advanced features of the R2.


VOA Georgian Marks 65 Years on the Air

WASHINGTON D.C., May 27, 2016 -- The Georgian Service of the Voice of America celebrated its 65th anniversary on Thursday.

At a ceremony at VOA headquarters in Washington, Georgia's ambassador to the United States, Archil Gegeshidze, said his country's independence from the Soviet Union "was largely due to the positive influence of programs from broadcasters like the Voice of America."

VOA Georgian first aired on May 26, 1951. "During the Cold War, you played a critical role in helping Georgians understand the world beyond the Iron Curtain," added U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Ian Kelly. In a video message from the Georgian capital Tbilisi, Kelly said that "since Georgia's independence, VOA Georgian has helped build the foundation for a strong U.S.-Georgia relationship that we continue to enjoy today."

Other U.S. and Georgian diplomats as well as human rights experts, representatives of the Georgian-American community and past members of the Georgian Service joined VOA Director Amanda Bennett in honoring the service.

"VOA Georgian was an alternative voice speaking to and for Georgians during the Cold War, and it remains so today," said Bennett. "VOA is needed today more than ever. VOA is one of the few media outlets in the region that provide accurate and credible news and information as well as objective, free and fresh voices and perspectives."

VOA Georgian reaches 7.7 percent of adults in Georgia each week. In addition to radio programming distributed nationwide on FM via Georgia's Public Broadcasting Corporation, the service produces a weekly television magazine program, Washington Today, that is carried on Georgian Public TV. The show focuses on developments in the United States, American perspectives on major developments in the region, the Georgian diaspora, social issues, medicine, science, technology and culture.

"VOA Georgian audiences can always expect us to provide exclusive, reliable news and information," said VOA Georgian Chief Anna Kalandadze, adding that she is "honored to work with the service's dedicated journalists who continue to positively influence Georgia's traditional and new media environments."

The service also maintains a dynamic website, providing video reports on its YouTube channel and engaging the audiences through Facebook and other social media.  

VOA reaches a global weekly audience of more than 187 million people in over 40 languages. VOA programs are delivered on satellite, cable, shortwave, FM, medium wave, streaming audio and video and more than 2,350 media outlets worldwide. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

(VOA Press Release)