NASWA SWL FEST 2026

NASWA SWL FEST

2026 Fest dates — May 1, 2 2026 — Holiday Inn Express & Guest Suites, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania and via Zoom

The NASWA SWL Fest is a conference of radio hobbyists of all stripes, from DC to daylight. Historically, every year scores of hobbyists have descended on the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania suburbs for a weekend of camaraderie. The Fest is sponsored by NASWA, the North American Shortwave Association, but it covers much more than just shortwave; mediumwave (AM), scanning, satellite TV, and pirate broadcasting are among the other topics that the Fest covers. Whether you've been to every Fest (all 38, starting with the first year at the fabled Pink & Purple Room of the Fiesta Motor Inn) or this year's will be your first, you're sure to find a welcome from your fellow hobbyists, even if it's a "virtual" welcome!.

The 39th Annual (!) NASWA SWL Fest will have two days of sessions where you can learn about the latest developments in the radio listening hobbies. In addition, there's the Hospitality Suite, where attendees partake of tuning oil and other treats and engage in spirited conversations. And of course, the infamous midnight ride of Pancho Villa that traditionally closes things out every year is likely to make a return appearance.

The 2026 Fest will be the third in-person event since 2020 and the CoVID-19 Pandemic, and it will again be limited to 65 in-person participants due to meeting space considerations. However, we also offer the option of participating via Zoom, as we have the past four years.

Find below link to register for the event & reserve your hotel room : https://www.swlfest.com/

If you have questions please contact the Fest organizers at swlfest [at] naswa [dot] net

If you are not attending in person, please use this link to register for zoom event :

https://www.swlfest.com/online-registration-zoom-event/

Emergency Radio Transmission to Iran by NHK WORLD-JAPAN Radio

According to NHK (Nihon Hoso Kyokai), an emergency shortwave radio transmission of NHK WORLD-JAPAN Radio in Japanese began at 11:30 AM (JST) on March 1st. This service is intended to provide essential information to Japanese nationals staying in Iran.

Frequencies:
Transmissions from the Yamata Transmitting Station (Japan)

Time (UTC) Frequency
1600 -1700  11915 kHz
1700-1900   11670 kHz
1900 -2100  9665 kHz
2100 -2300  11675 kHz (regular slot)
2300 - 0100 11660 kHz
0100 - -0500 17560 kHz
0500 - 0900    9700 kHz
0900 - 1300    9740 kHz
1300 - 1400  11685 kHz
1400 - 1600   9450 kHz
 
Transmissions from the France Relay Station (Issoudun)
Time (UTC) Frequency
1700 - 1900 11800 kHz (regular slot)
0300 - 0500 6150 kHz (regular slot)

For more details, please check the official press release and news at the links below:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/thumbnails/en/information/nhk_world-japan_radio_begins_temporary_shortwave_transmission.pdf

https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/na-k10015063461000

(Akiyoshi Teraoka Via WOR List)



 

Radio Iran International back on shortwave

Radio Iran International (Audio from Iran International TV) is back on SW

0300 -1600 UTC on 9500 kHz 

1600 - 0300 UTC on 5885 kHz

VOA Farsi Updated B25 Schedule

VOA Farsi Updated B25 Schedule 

Effective February 28 '2026 

(7 days a week) 

1730-2330 9915 kHz (250 kW, Azimuth 315°) 

1730-2330 11575 kHz (250 kW, Azimuth 315°) 

Txer site: Tinang, Philippines 

1730-2330 7590 kHz (250 kW, Azimuth 58°) 

Txer site: Kuwait 

All times are in UTC.

Radio Free Europe’s Bulgaria, Romania Services to Close

Radio Free Europe's Bulgaria, Romania Services to Close

The Bulgarian and Romanian services of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) are set to cease operations on March 31, sources with knowledge of the situation told BIRN, ending two of the most prominent Western-supported journalism initiatives active in the contemporary media environment.

The closures follow that of RFE Hungary and reflect funding cuts by US Congress. The Moldovan service is secure for this year but external funding is being sought.

Full story at : https://balkaninsight.com/2026/02/16/radio-free-europes-bulgaria-romania-services-to-close/

RFE/RL President & CEO @SteveCapus:

"This decision has not been taken lightly and is primarily driven by ongoing budgetary challenges. We are proud of the unflinching, balanced journalism produced by Svobodna Evropa and Europa Liberă România since their return to Bulgaria and Romania in 2019 and are grateful to these teams for their dedication to their audiences – and RFE/RL – over the last seven years."

( @RFEPLPress on X)

ZoomRock FM from Finland tests on medium wave

The new Finnish medium wave station ZoomRock FM is now testing on 1242 kHz and can be heard in many parts of the country. Nice music programs. Reports can be sent to zoomrockfm@gmail.com.

The station broadcasts according to the task with between 500 and 1000 Watts.

Via NorDX mailing list

Source : https://www.sdxf.se/WP/?p=21927

Radio Free Asia says it resumes broadcasts to China

Radio Free Asia says it resumes broadcasts to China

By Reuters

- RFA resumes broadcasts in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur

- Funding cuts by Trump administration led to RFA's initial shutdown

- RFA highlights human rights abuses in China and other authoritarian countries

Full story at :

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/radio-free-asia-says-it-resumes-broadcasts-to-china-2026-02-17/

RFA is back in business! We are proud to have resumed broadcasting to audiences in China in Mandarin, Tibetan, and Uyghur, providing some of the world's only independent reporting on these regions in the local languages. They join RFA Burmese and Korean, which has been reaching audiences inside Burma and North Korea since December. This critical work, which we've been able to resume due to private contracting with transmission services, is already making waves. RFA's Uyghur Service aired a report over the weekend about how children of detainees in Xinjiang are being forced into manual labor at a young age instead of going to school (link below).

Congress' recently enacted FY'26 spending package, signed into law by President Trump, shows its unwavering bipartisan support of our critical mission and work. Rebuilding our network relies on us receiving those funds consistently. But I am confident our work will continue and grow. RFA's incredible journalists and technicians, as well as our legal and HR teams, have made this all possible. I cannot be more proud of everyone behind this effort to get back on our feet as we enter a critical phase for our organization's present and future.

(Bay Fang, President and CEO at Radio Free Asia on LinkedIn)

Vatican Radio to celebrate 95 years on World Radio Day, launches new musical logo

Vatican Radio to celebrate 95 years on World Radio Day

This World Radio Day, Vatican Radio celebrates 95 years with seven multilingual programs dedicated to the future of radio and the day's theme that 'AI is a tool, not a voice.'

Read the full article at :  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-02/vatican-radio-to-celebrate-95-years-on-world-radio-day.html

Vatican Radio launches new musical logo to celebrate its 95th anniversary.

On the occasion of the anniversary of its inauguration, on 12 February 2026, Vatican Radio – Vatican News renews one of the most recognisable elements of its identity: the sound ident that has always accompanied listeners of the Pope's station, a modern reworking of the original theme of "Christus Vincit"

More at :

https://www.vaticannews.va/it/vaticano/news/2026-02/radio-vaticana-95-anni-nuovo-logo-musicale-ident-christus-vincit.html

Atlantic 2000 on the air this Saturday, February 14

Atlantic 2000 will be on the air this Saturday, 14th of February from 0900 to 1000 UTC  on 6070 and 9670 kHz via Channel 292.

Streams will be available at the same time on website http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr  

Special DRM Broadcasts for World Radio Day

Planned DRM Demonstration Broadcasts – 13th February 2026

(All times UTC; coverage may extend beyond primary target regions depending on propagation conditions.)

UTC Time     Frequency  Primary Target  Region Transmitter Site Operator  Notes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

09:00–15:00 6195 kHz    

Europe (regional coverage) Waldheim Europasender Waldheim Undirected antenna, low-power regional transmission

12:00–13:00 21605 kHz  

South-East Asia and parts of Australia and New

Zealand Nauen Media Broadcast Directional antenna (73°)

14:00–15:00 21600 kHz  

Indian subcontinent  Woofferton A901 Encompass Directional antenna (82°)

15:00–16:00 15260 kHz  

Europe Woofferton A928A Encompass Directional antenna (114°)

16:00–17:00 21605 kHz  

Central and Southern Africa  Nauen Media Broadcast Directional antenna (167°)

17:00–18:00 15310 kHz  

East Africa Nauen Media Broadcast Directional antenna (150°)

19:00–20:00 15635 kHz  

Eastern Gulf of Guinea Woofferton A912 Encompass Directional antenna (170°)

20:00–21:00 17570 kHz  

Brazil and parts of Latin America Ascension A21 Encompass Directional antenna (265°)

All day FM band Johannesburg (local coverage) Randburg Blulemon Local FM band transmission, non-directional

Our thanks go to our broadcast partners who are carrying these transmissions: Encompass, Media Broadcast, Europasender Waldheim, and Blulemon.

Source : drm.org

Full Press Release at :

https://www.drm.org/drm-celebrates-unesco-world-radio-day-2026-with-special-training-and-broadcasts/

KBS WORLD Radio is Hiring Editor/Anchor

KBS WORLD Radio is Hiring Editor/Anchor

KBS WORLD Radio English Service is looking for an editor/anchor. This full-time job mainly consists of copy-editing news and other longer form scripts and anchoring segments and/or shows for KBS WORLD Radio programs, including KBS WORLD Radio News.

Position: Anchor/Copy Editor

Application Deadline: Feb .15, 2026 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio or work (writing, audio recordings, video clips etc.) with the subject line "KBS WORLD RADIO NEWS FEATURES EDITOR APPLICATION (Your name)" to kbsenglishnews@kbs.co.kr

Job Description

- Copy-editing news and other program scripts, voice-overs for daily and weekly programs

- Writing and presenting segments for daily and weekly programs

- Booking guests for various segments

- Engaging with listeners through social media, email, etc

- Assist news and features teams with various tasks as requested

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented and have strong time-management skills they can apply independently and industriously. They will be a sharp and driven native English speaker with impeccable knowledge of prose, grammar and composition. They must be equipped with a versatile on-air radio voice and personality.

A candidate must meet one of the following requirements:

1) A graduate degree in a relevant field

2) An undergraduate degree in a relevant field with at least a year of career experience in a related area

3) More than five years of work experience in a related area

Applicants are required to apostille their original academic degree (diploma) and work experience (certificate of employment or employment verification letter), and submit those documents along with their resume, cover letter and other supporting materials.

Applicants who hold a bachelor's, master's or PhD degree from a Korean university are not required to apostille their degree certificates. Proof of work experience issued by Korean employers do not have to be apostilled.

Visa/Work Permit

Applicants are responsible for obtaining the relevant visa/work permit. Failing to obtain a proper work permit on time could lead to cancellation of the job offer.

Select applicants, who do not possess a degree from a Korean university or proof of employment within Korea, will be required to submit the aforementioned apostilled documents, as well as copies translated into Korean to the Korea Immigration Service of the Ministry of Justice in order to obtain the relevant visa/work permit under the E-7 announcer category. (No other job categories are available for the current vacancies.)

Please contact the South Korean MOJ immigration hotline for details.

https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/1862/subview.do

What we offer

A salary of approximately 44,000,000 KRW per year including severance pay. Additional benefits include 15 paid vacation days, a 500,000 KRW resettlement allowance and round-trip airfare (if relocating to South Korea from another country).

Details of Employment

40+ hours a week (Mon~Fri), Occasional weekends and holidays. Renewable one-year contract. Exact starting date negotiable.

Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio or work (writing, audio recordings, video clips etc.) with the subject line "KBS WORLD RADIO NEWS FEATURES EDITOR APPLICATION (Your name)" to kbsenglishnews@kbs.co.kr

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Due to a high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries.

(Source:  KBS WORLD Radio)

BBC launches emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran

BBC launches emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran

The programme will air daily for 30 minutes across medium and shortwave frequencies

The BBC World Service has launched a temporary emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran in response to the ongoing turmoil in the country, and the unprecedented crackdown on protests.

To complement the existing BBC News Persian video and digital services, the radio programme will be available on mediumwave and shortwave across Iran to increase the population's access to news and information. To broaden its offer and availability of programming, the BBC World Service has also made some of its TV content available on mediumwave radio.

Since 8 January, the Iranian people have been subject to an internet blackout. Prior to this, BBC News Persian's digital services saw their biggest reach in a year with their platforms reaching more than 33 million people.

The short-term programme will cover the latest news and developments in Iran and will place events inside the country within their wider regional and international context. It will feature voices from inside Iran alongside clear, informed analysis of the most recent political, social, and economic developments shaping the situation in the country.

The programme will air daily for 30 minutes across medium and shortwave frequencies from 4.30pm GMT / 8pm Iran Standard Time. The temporary programme has been granted resource from existing funds until the end of March 2026.

Fiona Crack, Interim Global Director, BBC News, says: "A key role of the BBC World Service is to step up in times of crisis to provide news and information for our audiences in greatest need. BBC News Persian reaches one in four adults in Iran, which is an astonishing feat considering their reporting is banned in the country.

"The team have been essential in telling the urgent story of the Iranian people to audiences around the world, and our new radio programme will give the Iranian people more ways to access independent and impartial news."

Tarik Kafala, Interim Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, says: "BBC News Persian have worked tirelessly to deliver journalism throughout this period of unrest as the demand for trusted news has soared in Iran. The teams have supplied extended TV hours in Iran and an increased offer on digital platforms for the Iranian people. They have reported for UK audiences across bulletins, live pages and on forensic journalism with BBC Verify."

The BBC World Service has a history of launching emergency services in times of crisis. In April 2025, BBC News Burmese started providing audio and video content on a satellite channel in the aftermath of Myanmar earthquake.

In April 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, the BBC World Service set up an enhanced audio channel on FM and mediumwave for the people of Syria. This follows the emergency radio service for Gaza in November 2024 and for Sudan in May 2023 amid conflict.

In February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country.

Where to find the programme:

The live programme will be available at 4.30pm GMT (8pm Iran Time) on 702kHz medium wave and 9465kHz short wave

The programme will be repeated at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time) on 702kHz mediumwave and 5395kHz shortwave

A visualised version of the programme will be broadcast on BBC Persian TV at 6pm GMT (9.30pm Iran time)

(Source: BBC Press Release)

Radio Prague International marks 90th anniversary with QSL cards

Radio Prague International celebrates 90 years since the launch of international broadcasting this year!

To mark the anniversary, it has prepared a new series of QSL cards, which are among the most distinctive visual artefacts linked to the tradition of shortwave radio.

To this day, Radio Prague International has preserved the decades-long tradition of issuing QSL cards—postcards sent to listeners to confirm reception reports. Each year, a new series is created and sent out to listeners around the world.

Check them out: https://rozhl.as/ib0

(Source: Kristýna Marková, Radio Prague International)

Radio For Peace International starts broadcasts on shortwave towards Iran

Starting 22nd Jan, 2026, Radio For Peace International will broadcast a 15-min broadcast every day from 05:00 to 05:15 UTC on the frequency 15640 kHz. These programs will be in Persian and will be broadcast towards Iran.

(RFPI on FB)

Special programs for India's Republic Day (26th Jan, 2026)

Special programs for India's Republic Day (26th Jan, 2026)

India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026.

On the eve of Republic Day ie 25th Jan, 2026  (Sunday) all stations of Akashvani will broadcast the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu's Address to the Nation at 1330 UTC (7.00 pm IST)

Similarly, on 26th Jan, 2026, all stations of Akashvani will broadcast live running commentary of the Republic Day parade and Cultural Pageant being held at New Delhi  from 0410 UTC (9.40 am IST) on 26 Jan 2026. :

SW frequencies :

Hindi  11805  via New Delhi 100 kW

English 15280 via Bengaluru 250 kW

This will replace the External Services normally scheduled at this time on the above frequencies, also news bulletins scheduled during the running commentary will stand cancelled.

Live streaming  of Akashvani stations: https://akashvani.gov.in/

This will be available on Doordarshan TV as follows:

https://prasarbharati.gov.in/live-tv/

https://www.youtube.com/user/doordarshannational

Youtube Direct Link : https://www.youtube.com/live/3vCU3g_O7Co?si=Bqvxk8umkiyHUf5W

Happy Republic Day to all DX India members.