Saturday, February 27, 2010

New Radio Heritage Competition - WIN

Dear Radio Fan

What do you know about Changing Stations?
WIN this great new book! Easy to enter!!!

Enter our new competition to win a copy of 'Changing Stations' the fascinating story of commercial radio in Australia. This is a big thick book, full of inside stories, anecdotes and the results of thousands of hours of careful research by Bridget Griffen-Foley and her team at the University of New South Wales. Thanks to Bridget, we have a copy of her latest book to give away, and it's a really easy question to answer:

Complete this sentence 'Long Lost - - Stars' and send an email with 'Changing Stations' in the title to info@radioheritage.net to reach us by midnight on Sunday, March 28 2010 your local time and date. Judges decision is final.

There's a review of the book here at www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp and you'll enjoy learning about the programs, personalities and radio stations from our Australian radio heritage collections at www.radioheritage.net.

Have you become an introductory annual supporter yet?

Instant 10% savings on books and CDs, special offers, 25% savings on your personal radio heritage research, exclusive newsletters and 10 Art of Radio Japan postcards [whilst stocks last] as an immediate thank you! All for just a US$10 donation.

Easy upgrades to become a regular, contributing or other supporter level too, helping us protect even more Pacific radio heritage. New Zealand donations get a 33.3% tax refund so go to www.radioheritage.net today and join us.

Remember 'Changing Stations - The Story of Commercial Radio in Australia' could be yours for free. Go to www.radioheritage.net/story185.asp and complete the sentence 'Long Lost - - Stars' then email your answer to reach us by midnight on March 28 2010 your local time and date.

TWR-Philippines Launches Station for Youth

Read the story here :
www.twr.org/news/twrphilippines_launches_new_station_youth

BBC World News America to Broadcast Live from Havana for A Week-Long Special

Read the report here :
http://tinyurl.com/y9356ba

Friday, February 26, 2010

Dxers Unlimited's mid week edition 23-24 February

http://dxersunlimited.blogspot.com/2010/02/dxers-unlimiteds-mid-week-edition-23-24.html

Fwd: FRS on air next Sunday/ 30th anniversary in 2010

Dear FRS Friends,

Following our October, November & December 2009 broadcasts, FRS-Holland will again take to the airwaves next Sunday February 28th. Unlike previous years no winter sleep.... Next Sun FRSH will be on 7600//5800 kHz for just over 4 hours 08.52- 13.05 UTC/ 09.52- 14.05 CET. Pxs will be presented by Jan van Dijk doing the German show. Dave Scott will be playing classic rock and has a few interesting radio related items. Paul Graham & Mike Anderson's will be both absent unfortunately. Peter Verbruggen will look back to what happened in the past on February 28th (Day Calendar) and plays a mix of 80s/90s and mainly 00s records in FRS Magazine. He will also host a 45 min. FRS Goes DX edition with the latest news from the wonderful world of wireless . And: Peter will replace Paul in the FRS Golden Show playing almost non-stop excellent 60s and 70s records (and rarities!). There also is 'the Phrase that Pays' and 'the listener of the month' (December 2009).
Between 16.00- 20.05 UTC/ 17.00- 21.05 CET the complete broadcast will be streamed via internet: http://nednl.net:8000/frsh.m3u
Sunday March 7th the complete broadcast will be repeated on 7600//9300 kHz between 10.52- 15.05 UTC/ 11.52- 16.05 CET.

FRS 30 years
2010 is a very special year for all at FRSH: 30 years on the air! We will be celebrating this later in 2010, presumably in October. It is our wish to receive as many personal memories as possible (especially) from dedicated FRS listeners! Most personal is when you record a 1- 2 minute recording (English or German) with your very own memories: When did you hear us for the first time, what was (is) your favourite show, when did you get your first QSL, how much did you listen to FRS, any special on air moments you remember? All this info will be part of your personal FRS contribution. Any serious contribution will be rewarded later this year. That is a promise! All listener's contributions will be collected and together it will be our anthology of 30 years of SW broadcasts along with our very own memories. Btw: if you cannot record a message, lease put your contribution on paper (POBox 2702) or send us a mail . It sounds a bit weird but w'd like to receive your contribution as soon as possible. There's a lot to prepare and having contributions at an early stage really helps… we count on you…an mp3 would be easy, isn't it?

73s, Peter V. (on behalf of the FRS staff)
a Balance between Music & Information joint to one Format....

FRS-Holland
POBox 2702
6049 ZG Herten
The Netherlands

e-mail: frs.holland @ hccnet.nl
e-mail: frs @ frsholland.nl

Somalia's Most Exciting Radio Station Goes Live on March 1st 2010

By: Abdiqafar shire
Bartamaha - Bar-Kulan - a radio for Somalis and by Somalis everywhere in the world, from the horn of Africa to Toronto and all places in between takes to the airwaves on march 1st at 0500 -0600 GMT (0800-0900 Hours Somalia time). The first broadcasts will be on shortwave, on the following frequencies:

15750 kHz in the 19 meter band from 0800 to 0900 Hours Somalia time as well as 9960 and 9930 kHz in the 31 meter band from 1900 to 2000 Hours East African time.

Read the full story here : http://www.bartamaha.com/?p=21881

Conventional Radio is dying: RadioAsia 2010

This remains to be the underlying fact as the digital technologies have started to gain momentum and favourability among the users. Elaborating further upon the digital technologies that are present in the current context for radio broadcasting, a session was dedicated to the emerging Digital Technologies available in the Radio sphere.
Read the story here :

Radio station in India means AIR: Vijaya Laxmi Chabra

This was the crux of the presentation of Ms. Vijaya Laxmi Chabra (Deputy Director General, AIR) at the fourth session of Radio Asia 2010 which concluded yesterday with an overwhelming response from the participants.

http://www.mediamughals.com/News/1/3/Article/4807/Radio_station_in_India_means_AIR:_Vijaya_Laxmi_Chabra

Radio Asia 2010: ‘To change mindset is the challenge for any department’

The concluding day of the three-day Radio Asia 2010 conference saw an interesting discussion on 'Change management in the radio industry' that dealt with what worked what didn't work for the radio industry, as well as the pitfalls and the rewards.

http://www.exchange4media.com/e4m/radio/radionews.asp?Section_id=7&News_id=37341&Tag=2659

Better content 'the key to digital radio'

Only better content will persuade listeners to buy digital radio receivers, the RadioAsia conference in New Delhi heard today.

RadioAsia 2010 received good participation from audience

RadioAsia 2010, the annual conference organized by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd (SES) and Asian Media Information & Communication Centre (AMIC), concluded on a high note at The Lalit (New Delhi).

Read the full story here : http://tinyurl.com/yd88l7j

BBC signals an end to era of expansion

Patrick Foster, Media Correspondent
The BBC will close two radio stations, shut half its website and cut spending heavily on imported American programmes in an overhaul of services to be announced next month.

More at :
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article7041944.ece

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

RadoAsia 2010 Photo's


Photo from day 3 of RadioAsia 2010 confernce in New Delhi
L to R - Parni Hadi, President & Director, Radio Republic Indonesia, Hugh Chiverton, RTHK, Jan Hoek,Director Radio Netherlands, Grahame Lucas,DW, Simon Spanswick, AIB,UK & David Astley ,Secretary General,ABU (standing)










Elizabeth Smith, Secretary General,Commonwealth Broadcasting Association with Mike Admas of HCR,UK


Studio in a suitcase developed by Health Communication Resources, UK


RadioAsia 2010

Some of the reports on RadioAsia 2010 conference from the press ....

Radio Asia 2010: Ready for digital future?

http://tinyurl.com/yfdy9jr


DRM's Workshop on FM goes interactive in the first session of Radio Asia 2010

http://tinyurl.com/yd6qbaz

DRM technology being demonstrated at RadioAsia 2010

http://tinyurl.com/ydl94fm

Radio Asia 2010: Community radio dissected

http://tinyurl.com/yle7qsk

Transition from Analogue to Digital Broadcast: The biggest challenge

http://tinyurl.com/y8qm85f

Technology is Radio's best friend: Experts

http://tinyurl.com/yew6ny8

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Digitalisation of AIR/DD on ....

Hon'ble President Pratibha Patil during her address to Parliament on the first day of the Budget session said that digitalization of both AIR/DD is on the anvil & All India Radio and Doordarshan are soon to go digital.

Related reports :

AIR, DD to soon go digital
http://www.ptinews.com/news/529687_AIR--DD-to-soon-go-digital

Digitalisation of AIR on anvil - Prez
http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/digitalisation-air-anvil-prez

Hon'ble President Pratibha Patil's address to Parliament
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/national/article111566.ece

Sunday, February 21, 2010

UN Peacekeeping Radio's Unexamined Past and Uncertain Future

For almost two decades now, UN peacekeeping missions have routinely set up radio stations that by default, not design, became the countries' dominant national broadcasters. And then, when the missions ended, the stations would close.

Read the full story here :
http://www.comminit.com/en/node/310843/bbc

Saturday, February 20, 2010

BBC DRM test broadcast noted on 17760 kHz,19th Feb

NDXC members from Japan, Hiroshi and Show logged BBC Thailand DRM test broadcast on 17760kHz at 0300 to 0515*UT on 19th Feb, 2010 . Thanks to Sei-ichi Hasegawa for passing on the screen shots taken at 0356UT by Show in Owari-Asahi and at 0500UT by Hiroshi in Nagoya.
(Click on the images to enlarge)

Friday, February 19, 2010

Special Digital transmissions for Radio Asia Conference in New Delhi

London, 19th Feb 2010: Radio specialists assembling for the Radio Asia 2010 Conference, to be held from 22nd -24th Feb in New Delhi, will be able to hear some high quality digital broadcasts via Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology. This year's Radio Asia Conference (RAC) looks at the digital future of radio with its overall title 'Journey to Digital Land'. DRM is the global digital technology which can convert analogue broadcasts to digital thus significantly improving the audio quality and bringing many other benefits to broadcasters and listeners through its added features.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is going to broadcast three hours in DRM everyday from 22nd- 26th February from 04:29:30 - 07:29:00 GMT (09:59:30 - 12:59:00 IST) on 17760 kHz. For the first time this year the broadcast will start with the daily Hindi programme followed by current affairs in English. Christian Vision Radio (CVC) will run DRM transmissions from 22nd -24th February from 0830-1230 UTC (2pm-6pm IST) on 17590 kHz. The programmes will be in Hindi.

All India Radio (AIR) already has a daily DRM SW broadcast from its transmitter in Khampur, Delhi. They air three hours of local transmission within India from 1430 to 1730 IST on 6100 kHz. AIR recently placed a contract for 2 MW medium wave transmitters to BECIL (Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited). BECIL and Thomson were awarded to supply these high-power medium wave transmitters including auxiliaries, commissioning and testing. The new transmitters will replace old existing transmitters near Kolkata and Rajkot. Both transmitters are equipped with DRM and can operate on analogue, on simulcast or on full power
digital with automatic change over between the 3 operation modes.

Special demos of DRM30 (meant for converting SW, MW, AM broadcasts) and DRM+ (meant for converting FM Bands I and II) will be held on the sidelines of the conference. RAC participants will be able to hear these transmissions as well as learn more about DRM and its potential at various sessions and also during the specialised DRM workshop scheduled for February 22nd a.m.

"We are delighted that the BBC and CVC will be transmitting these special programmes for Radio Asia," ABU Secretary-General, David Astley said. "It will enable delegates who may not be so familiar with DRM to hear first-hand the improvement in sound quality that the technology provides."

DRM is also the principal sponsor of Radio Asia 2010 and DRM Consortium Chair, Ruxandra Obreja, expressed hope that it will be a great success, "Radio Asia is being held in India for the first time and is already shaping as a significant radio event with industry representatives having committed to attend. This will be a great occasion to showcase the tremendous potential of DRM and how it can change the future of radio broadcasting for good. We extend our thanks to broadcasters who are putting in the special DRM transmissions for this event and making it even more useful for the participants."

(DRM Consortium Press Release)

Deutsche Welle celebrates 35th year of Bangla service

German radio station Deutsche Welle arranged a listeners' gathering on Friday to mark the 35th anniversary of its Bangla service. Deutsche Welle South Asia chief Grahame Lucas inaugurated the gathering at the Goethe Institute in Dhaka. Unfolding the future plan of Bangla service, Lucas said Deutsche Welle is soon going to start airing programmes in Bangladesh on FM.

Read the full report here :
http://www.bdnews24.com/details.php?id=154026&cid=2

Deutsche Welle Bengali listeners’ club meeting, Dhaka 2010 - Photo's

http://tinyurl.com/yfva9v4

http://tinyurl.com/y9ryb5f

Thursday, February 18, 2010

CVC DRM Special broadcast for RadioAsia conference

CVC Special Transmission to India in DRM mode for RadioAsia conference in New Delhi from Juelich, Germany.

Date : 22-24 Feb 2010
Language : Hindi
Frequency : 17590 kHz
Time : 0830 -1230 UTC

Reception Reports appreciated.

80 meters Net every Sunday morning

Every Sunday Morning at 0730 -0800 IST there will be an amateur net on 3636.36 kHz USB. All hams are requested to check into it. The net controllers will be VU3PMY and others. This information courtesy VU3PMY .

(Varadarajan, VU3ITI)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Dxers Unlimited's weekend program for 13-14 Feb 2010

http://dxersunlimited.blogspot.com/2010/02/dxers-unlimiteds-weekend-program-for-13.html

New RFI website

Radio France Internationale - English Service

We have a new website!
Visit www.rfienglish.com to check out the new layout and functions... including (eventually) comments on our articles. Please check it out, and let us know what you think - all feedback is welcomed!

(Via Facebook)

KBC partners with Radio Africa

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Radio Africa Group launched a public-private partnership to jointly broadcast the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be held in South Africa in June.
Read the full report here : http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=62353

Future of Public Broadcasting in India

Read the article here .....

http://madaboutmedia.blogspot.com/2010/02/future-of-public-broadcasting-in-india.html

Excerpt ....

For this, the public broadcaster needs firstly to be proud of its achievements; while boasting of a proud legacy, it also needs to get young and speak to a 21st century nation of young people. Be present on the net - on Facebook, Twitter and other sites to create a buzz on important issues that the broadcasters are focusing on. Interestingly, All India Radio is already on Facebook … but wait a minute... it's not our Aakashvani… it is an Australian music band !

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

KBS International Radio to offer more services

The Vietnamese Language Service of KBS’ international radio broadcasting, KBS World Radio, celebrates its 5th anniversary on March 3, 2010. As part of the celebration, a Singing Contest of Korean Songs took place at KBS on January 24. A total of six Vietnamese finalists living in Korea entered the competition and showed outstanding performances of the latest hits in Korean pop music. A series of preliminary competitions was held for a month prior to the final contest.
Meanwhile, KBS World Radio has further expanded its services. Following the launch of its English news onto Naver, the nation’s leading Internet portal site, in October last year, the international radio began to service its Chinese and Japanese news from February 1. Also, from January 29, KBS World Radio started to provide its English and Japanese news services to Japan nationwide through Nikkei Telecom. The Radio’s new “Slow-paced News” service through its multi-lingual website ( http://world.kbs.co.kr ) is getting overwhelming response from foreigners home and abroad and learners of English language. The service enables the listeners to enjoy the news at a slower speed.
(Source : KBS)

International broadcasters condemn illegal Iranian jamming of radio and

International broadcasters - BBC, Deutsche Welle, and Voice Of America - today issued a strong message of condemnation following a new wave of deliberate electronic interference by the Iranian authorities which is affecting their broadcasts. BBC World News - the English language channel - was the latest channel to be jammed this week.
The new wave of jamming occurred as Iranians marked the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution. The jamming is affecting services on the Hotbird satellite which covers audiences across Europe and the Middle East. These include BBC Persian television, the Voice Of America television channel in Persian, the Radio Farda service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and Deutsche Welle's television and radio services.
In a joint statement: Peter Horrocks, Director of BBC World Service, Erik Bettermann, Director of Deutsche Welle and Dan Austin, Director of Voice Of America said: "We condemn any jamming of these channels. It contravenes international agreements and is interfering with the free and open flow of international transmissions that are protected by international treaties. "We call upon satellite operators and those who regulate them to take urgent action to put pressure on Iran to stop this activity. The Iranian authorities are using the same satellite services to broadcast freely around the world including broadcasts in English and Arabic; at the same time they are denying their own people programmes coming from the same satellites from
the rest of the world.
"We will not stop broadcasting accurate and impartial news and current affairs into Iran. We will try every avenue to give our large audiences in Iran the television news services that they want.
"The jamming violates article 45 of the Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union that prohibits signal interference and we look to the international regulatory community to take a firmer stance on this deliberate act of jamming. "Formal complaints have been submitted to the International Telecommunication Union, and other channels are being vigorously pursued to stop further jamming."

(BBC World Service Publicity )

Monday, February 15, 2010

ADXB 40th Anni Special QSL Card

New edition of Radio Stations in the UK now available

The new 2010 (22nd) edition of Radio Stations in the United Kingdom is now available from the British DX Club.

Radio Stations in the UK is a comprehensive 72-page guide to BBC, commercial, community and low power AM/FM services on MW and FM, with lists in frequency order and by station name. It includes transmitter power and site details, plus contact information. Frequencies are cross-referenced to help you find parallels. It includes a separate section covering Radio Stations in the Republic of Ireland.

Its been two years since the last edition was published so there are numerous changes, including many new community radio stations.

Radio Stations in the UK is a must for anyone interested in UK domestic radio - from the keen mediumwave or FM DXer to the casual listener. Why not order a second copy to keep in the car - we have a special price for two copies!

PRICE per copy (includes postage):
to UK addresses - 4.00 pounds.
to Europe - 5 GBP, 7 Euros* or 8 IRCs
to Rest of World - 6 GBP, 10 US dollars* or 9 IRCs

**SPECIAL PRICE for 2 copies: UK: 7 pounds / Europe: 10 Euros*

Please send orders to:

British DX Club
10 Hemdean Hill
Caversham
Reading RG4 7SB
UK

UK Cheques/POs payable to British DX Club.
*Dollar/Euro payments by Paypal or cash only*

Paypal payments or email enquiries to bdxc[at]bdxc.org.uk

Full details also on the BDXC-UK web site - www.bdxc.org.uk

(Press Release)

The IARU Region 3 Newsletter

Issue 16 - November to December 2009, Released January 2010

HEADLINES

* A Word from the Chairman of IARU Region 3 - Michael Owen VK3KI
* The WIA's Centenary Celebrations
* IARU Region 3 adopts Japanese Yen as unit of currency for accounting
* WIA introduces training in Emergency Communications
* ARLHS celebrates its Tenth anniversary
* Devastating Earthquake in Haiti
* WRC-12 - Region 3 preparations
* APG 2012-3 Meeting
* Region 3 Award
* Reminder - 2012 International YL Meet in Adelaide
* Expansion of 40 Metre band

MS Word version of this newsletter is available at
http://www.iaru-r3.org/news/r3nl-10-01.doc

Acrobat PDF version is also available at
http://www.iaru-r3.org/news/r3nl-10-01.pdf

(Gopal Madhavan, ARSI)

Sunday, February 14, 2010

A Video Introduction to MW DXing - by Nils Shiffhauer DK8OK

What's all the fuss about? If you're a Perseus owner who has never explored foreign medium wave DXing before, Nils Schiffhauer DK8OK presents a short video about the basic techniques of tuning the interesting and challenging stations found between the 9 or 10 kHz channels of your local medium wave outlets:

have a look at the video here : http://tinyurl.com/yjqrqou

DRM Newsletter Feb 2010

Read the latest issue of DRM newsletter here :

http://www.drm.org/index.php?id=360


Dxers Unlimited's weekend program for 13-14 Feb 2010

Read at :

http://dxersunlimited.blogspot.com/2010/02/dxers-unlimiteds-weekend-program-for-13.html

Friday, February 12, 2010

Re-broadcasting of BBC World Service programme through the SLBC is to commence.

Re-Broadcasting of programmes of the BBC World Service through the Sri Lanka broadcasting Corporation will recommence on the 1st of next month. Local listeners will be accorded the opportunity to listen to this channel in all three languages. An agreement in this regard was signed at the Corporation premises today. Former Chairman of the SLBC Hudson Samarasinghe and the Head of the Business and Development Affairs of the Asia Pacific region of the BBC World Service Michelle Lobel have signed the agreement on behalf of the two institutions. The English Programme of the BBC World Service will be broadcast for a period of three and a half hours. The Sinhala and Tamil Programmes will be broadcast for a period of 30 minutes each. Former Chairman of the Corporation Hudson Samarasinghe said it was impelled to suspend the BBC World Service programme during the period the humanitarian operations were conducted, taking into consideration the broadcasting of information harmful to national security. The reason being national radio a media institution always appearing on behalf of the national security. Minister Samarasinghe added opportunities have been provided to recommence broadcasting of BC programmes through the National Radio, after the mutual consensus between the two parties. Discussions were conducted up o cabinet level in arriving at this decision. The former Chairman further said that the doors of the National Radio has been opened to allow the free flow of balanced news, establishing the impartiality of the State Radio. The BBC World Service Representative Michelle Lobel said it is pleasing to note re-strengthening of the longstanding relations between the SLBC and the BBC. He further said the BBC has been accorded the opportunity to address a majority of listeners through he national radio. Prof.Sunanda Mahendra who presented the “Sandeshaya” Sinhala Service programme of the BBC said the practice of selecting announcers through a test should be appreciated.
(Source : SLBC)

International broadcasters condemn Iran over 'jamming'

International broadcasters condemn Iran over 'jamming' Three major international broadcasters have strongly condemned Iran for its "deliberate electronic interference" in their broadcasts. The BBC, Deutsche Welle and Voice of America said the jamming began on Thursday as Iran marked the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

Deutsche Welle: Satellite Broadcasts Blocked Once Again

As of Wednesday, February 10, 2010, the broadcast of Deutsche Welle’s television program has been jammed once again. According to the information received by Germany’s international broadcaster, the satellite interference – like that in December 2009 – is most likely coming from Iran. In a letter to the Iranian Embassy in Germany, Director General Erik Bettermann insistently objected to the “direct interference of the reception of international information offerings”. He went on to say that the repeated limitation of freedom of opinion and freedom of speech by the Iranian administration is “no longer acceptable”. The Director General pointed out that not only has the television broadcast been jammed, but that Deutsche Welle radio and especially Internet content has been censored by Iran.
Since Wednesday afternoon, DW-TV’s satellite broadcast has been selectively jammed. The signal, which is broadcast using Hotbird 8, a satellite that provides programming for Europe and bordering regions – including Iran – was available for a few hours overnight, but was once again jammed on the morning of Thursday, February 11. Hotbird 8 is also used as relay point for the Nilesat satellite and the provider of Deutsche Welle’s live stream service – both of which were also affected due to the interference.
In this respect, there have been problems in receiving DW-TV programming for Europe (English and German) and for the Arab world (Arabic and English) as well as the Farsi radio service. The DW-TV ARABIA broadcast has in the meantime been re-established using a Hotbird transponder. Deutsche Welle had already experienced interference on December 7-8, 2009 on its Hotbird transponder. According to the information provided by Eutelsat, the source of the interference could be clearly localized and identified: the jamming signal came from Iran. Bettermann pointed out the Deutsche Welle’s Farsi service via shortwave in and around Teheran has been a problem for quite some time. However, radio programming was still available on the website www.dw-world.de/persian and although this was regularly blocked, users in Iran knew of technological ways to access it.

(Press Release)

Gyan Vani completes Phase 1 Projects

The Gyan Vani FM stations at Agra, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Srinagar, Tiruchirapalli and Thiruvanthapuram were inagurated on 10th February 2010 afternoon making it a total of 37 such stations. The inaguration ceremony was broadcast live by all Gyna Vani stations including the one in our city Hyderabad.

In his speech Mr. Ravi Kant, Director, Electronic Media Production Centre (EMPC) of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi who runs the network said that the proposal to set up such stations in Bhubaneswar, Jamnagar and Ludhiana has been dropped due to non availabilty of AIR FM stations in these locations. He also announced that in the next phase (Phase II) 15 more new FM stations are planned including 6 in NE India.

The transmitters of Gyan Vani are installed at AIR stations and also maintained by AIR.

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio )

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Gurgaon Ki Awaaz 107.8 FM - Rural population gets its own FM stn

Sanjeev K Ahuja, Hindustan Times
Gurgaon, February 11, 2010

At 107.8 MHz, the low-cost round the clock FM radio station broadcasts folk songs, bhajans, group chats and other programmes recorded on field or at the studio by the local folks. The station is being supported by The Restoring Force (TRF), an NGO that works in government schools of Gurgaon district in the area of infrastructure enhancement and career counseling.

Read the full story here :
http://tinyurl.com/y9lk5bm


Related Links :

TRF Website :
http://www.trfindia.org/community_radio.php

Photo's at HT epaper
http://tinyurl.com/ykbquna

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Eyeway to air on Vividh Bharti and AIR FM

By: RnM Team 08 Feb 10 18:37 IST

MUMBAI: A project of Score Foundation 'Eyeway Yeh Hai Roshni Ka Karawan', a show for visually impaired people, will hit the radio airwaves for the fourth year in a row, from 42 stations of Vividh Bharati and 10 stations of FM Rainbow.

More at :

http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/eyeway-air-vividh-bharti-and-air-fm

Gyan Vani rolls out six new stations

By: Anita Iyer 09 Feb 10 18:45 IST

MUMBAI: Gyan Vani, the FM radio channel initiated by the Human Resources Development ministry and the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) with the help of Prasar Bharati, is all set to roll out six channels on Wednesday. This would bring the total number of Gyan Vani stations to 37 in the country.

Full report at :
http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/gyan-vani-rolls-out-six-new-stations#story

New TDP transmissions from Montsinery towards East coast of USA

TDP will start, as of today Wednesday 10 February, to transmit DRM programmes towards Florida and East coast of USA using TDF Montsinery (French Guiana) SW facilities.

Programme content:

- from 1900 to 2000 UTC: "TDPradio"
- from 2000 to 2100 UTC: "The Disco Palace"

Frequency: 17755 kHz
Power: 100 kW RMS,
Antenna: 4 / 4 at 311°

DRM parameters:

DRM B mode
Bandwidth: 10 kHz
MSC = 64 QAM
CR = 0,6
codage : AAC + SBR.

Wishing you good listening.

(Jacques GRUSON F6AJW via drmna yg)

Radio Manipal - A revolution of sorts!

Radio Manipal - A revolution of sorts!
By-Manish Kumar, Team Mangalorean ManipalManipal Feb 10: In an increasingly video driven world, the radio still holds sway, one huge advantage it has that it can used even when the humanity is on the move. And when the entire generation is on the move only Radio can keep them company.

Visit this link for interview & photo :
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=168508

Nash Holos makes debut on shortwave

http://nashholos.blogspot.com/2010/02/nash-holos-makes-debut-on-shortwave.html

ZNBC shortwave transmitters off air

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) shortwave transmitters that carry the Radio 1 and 2 signals in the short wave band have developed a technical fault. ZNBC Public Relations Manager Miriam Mtonga disclosed the development in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday. Ms. Mtonga said the situation means that listeners in remote areas will not be able to access the service. Ms. Mtonga said the technical fault requires importation of spare parts which has since been instituted by the national broadcaster. She has, however, said ZNBC is doing everything possible to normalize the situation.
ZANIS

Source : http://www.lusakatimes.com/?p=23889

"The Disco Palace" broadcasts in DRM

Miami, February 10th, 2010: "The Disco Palace", a chic stylish radio station has started broadcasting the best of disco music of all times to listeners across Europe and North America using Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM). Get enchanted by the magic of the disco beat in pure digital quality via DRM on shortwave and enjoy the most complete compilation of disco music.

"The Disco Palace" is based in the nice city of Miami, USA; where the warm sun, great beaches and the night life atmosphere highlights the perfect-exquisite blend. Disco music emphasizes a way to feel and live; it contributes harmony to the heart and gives to the spirit the sensation to be in balance. From now on you can tune your radio to "The Disco Palace" and simply "Feel the music".

About The Disco Palace"The Disco Palace", based in Miami and owned by Alyx & Yeyi, LLC, is the first and only disco music radio station broadcasting in DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) on shortwave in stereo to Europe and North America. "The Disco Palace" has a strong digital technology infrastructure that allows to be listened worldwide with the highest quality of sound, plus a carefully selection of disco hits of all times. Our listeners can find a program schedule which includes hits in the USA, hits in the UK, great hits of the 1970's, great hits of 1980's, slow disco hits, etc; you will be delighted with the versatile ways of exploring disco music in all its varieties. Look for the times and frequencies on our website at www.thediscopalace.com.

About TDPTDP is the technical service provider of "The Disco Palace" for the shortwave radio broadcasts in digital format. TDP offers a flexible and end-to-end solution for radio stations and program producers targeting a specific coverage area or a particular audience. Besides the airtime service, TDP also sells shortwave broadcast transmitters, antennas and studio equipment. For more info, visit www.broadcast.be

About DRMDigital Radio Mondiale (DRM) is the global open digital broadcasting system for broadcasting bands upto 174 MHz (covering LW, SW, MW and bands I/II). DRM30, used for long distance broadcasting and the well established part of the standard, offers near-FM sound quality plus the ease-of-use that comes from digital transmissions, combined with low power consumption. DRM+ operates in higher frequencies between 30 and 174 MHz and uses the same audio coding, data services, multiplexing and signaling schemes as DRM30 and also offers CD-quality audio and surround sound.
(Press Release, February 10th, 2010 via Ludo Maes)

Digital Radio: Media Broadcast initiates process for nationwide broadcasting network in Germany

Programme providers are invited to apply to the State Media Authorities for the allocation of capacity in the planned nationwide Digital Radio Multiplex until 12. March 2010. The MEDIA BROADCAST website www.media-broadcast.com is now offering a downloadable brochure containing information about the expansion of the network and the predicted distribution costs. It includes the propagation forecast figures relating to the distribution costs, in order to enable applicants to formulate a business plan.
Hence, MEDIA BROADCAST is making an important contribution to the advancement of the digitalisation of terrestrial radio broadcasting in Germany. The brochure also contains information about the terms and conditions linked to the market launch.
Nationwide digital radio across Germany represents a great opportunity for existing broadcasters and new content providers alike. At the same time, digital radio transmission opens up the way for features that have previously been the preserve of internet distribution. With no complex installation required, the new digital radio can be switched on as normal and will then use common-frequency broadcasting technology to give unparalleled reception quality, both at home and on the move.
The device market for digital radio has been developing well over the last few years, hence, when the nationwide radio network will be launched, a wide selection of receivers will be available in various price brackets. Furthermore, the digital radio network will enable the transmission of comprehensive traffic information and open up the market for navigational devices with integrated visual and graphic display functions.
In the first year alone some 35 broadcasters will be operating within the new network - and with potentially 38 million listeners this will be an extremely cost-effective and efficient market entry option.
(Press Release)

Digital Radio Proving Popular In OZ Say Experts

By David Richards
GFK is refusing to say how many digital radios have been sold in Australia, despite Frontier Silicon claiming to have shipped 150,000 DAB+ units tuned for the Australian market. Originally Commercial Radio Australia said that it expected 50,000 digital radio units to be sold in the first year in Australia. Now it is estimated that up to 100,000 units have been sold, with UK manufacturer Pure via its distributor Pioneer Australia capturing up to 50 per cent of the market.

Read the full story here :
http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Real_Sound/Digital_Radio/K9Q6H5L2

Related News :

Tune in: digital radio sales beat expectations : http://tinyurl.com/yz8bvjy

Dxers Unlimited's weekend edition for 6-7 February 2010

By Arnie Coro
radio amateur CO2KK

http://dxersunlimited.blogspot.com/2010/02/dxers-unlimiteds-weekend-edition-6-7.html

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Solomons Islands Broadcasting Corp. off air at present

Reception of SIBC Radio Happy Isles on 5020 kHz in Austria.

G'day Patrick. Thanks for your reception report. I can confirm that you have heard us on 5020 kHz, unfortunately our transmitter blew up the frequency driver circuit and one of the valves so it is off air at the moment. We are working on restoring services ASAP.

Thanks
Min

Min Sun
AYAD Volunteer

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation
(Patrick Robic-AUT, A-DX Feb 9)

Via Wolfgang Bueschel, Germany

EDXC Conference in Ankara, Sept 30- Oct 3, 2010

Dear DX -- Friends, Shortwave Radio Listeners all over the World !

The EDXC ( European DX Council, the Umbrella Oragnisation of shortwave clubs, DX --Clubs in Europe ) cordially invites you all to the next EDXC Conference, September 30 -- October 3, 2010, in Ankara, Turkey. We kindly ask you to make your hotel reservation already NOW !

Venue of the Conference : HOTEL DEDEMAN, ANKARA. Address : Akay Cad. Buklum Sok No. 1. ANKARA 06660, TURKEY. Phone : + 90 312 416 88 00. Fax : + 90 312 418 13 86.
Homepage : www.dedeman.com
Room reservation you send to : Mrs. Ozlem Gollu, E - Mail : ozlem.gollu@dedeman.com
Single Room : EUR 91,80 / night, including VAT and Full Breakfast.
Double room : EUR 113,40 / night, including VAT and Full Breakfast. If sharing the Double room you only pay : EUR 56,70 including VAT and Full Breakfast. The hotel accepts the following Credit Cards : Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, American Express and Diners Card. PLEASE MAKE
YOUR ROOM RESERVATION NOW !
First you write : The special Password for this Conference
Reservation : EDXC Conference in Ankara.
Then you write your family name, your christian name, your arrival date at the hotel, your departure date from the hotel. The hotel needs your credit card number at the time of reservation to be able to confirm your room.
PLEASE OBSERVE : When you reserve your room, please inform me about your name (s), because I am producing the Name--Tags, and I have to know, that you are coming.

The preliminary programme of the Conference looks like this :

Thursday, September 30 :
Arrival at the hotel, Registration from 12.00 Hours Ankara Time.
Informal gathering in the bar / restaurant of the hotel from 19.00 Hours Ankara Time.

Friday, October 1 :
After breakfast at our hotel
Visit at the Voice of Turkey, External Service in Ankara. Visit at the different studios, different languages. Lunch in the canteen of the Radio.
Possible visit at the Shortwave Transmitter Antenna either in Cakirlar or in Emirler. This Antenna visit is subject to the permission from the Radio Management. Back to the hotel, late afternoon or evening free.

Saturday, October 2 :
After breakfast at the hotel : EDXC Conference in the Conference Room of the hotel. Internal EDXC matters and interesting lectures. If you would like to give some interesting lecture, please let me know -- as soon as possible.
Lunch at our hotel. After the lunch : Sightseeing in Ankara with English speaking guide. Back to the hotel and in the evening the traditional Banquet Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Sunday, October 3 :
Departure home or Tourism in Turkey. Please do not forget : This year Istanbul is one of the European Cultural Capitals.

The Conference Fee is : EUR 96,-- per person.
The Conference Fee EUR 96,-- per person you pay to me at the Registration Table in the Hotel when you arrive on Thursday, September 30.

This fee includes : Use of Conference Room at the hotel, relevant papers like Conference Covers, Name--Tags, Lunch on Saturday, Sightseeing Tour in Ankara and also includes the Banquet Dinner.

For further information please do contact :

Tibor Szilagyi, EDXC Secretary General, E -- Mail : tiszi2035@yahoo.com.

Written on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 0 6 :1 0 Hours U T C .

Monday, February 08, 2010

BARL Field Day & Picnic 2010

BARL (Bangladesh Amateur Radio League) is going to organize a Field Day & Picnic 2010. It will be a very good opportunity for learning by practical experience and to meet fellow S21 hams. We cordially invite all the S21 hams and their family members, short wave listeners & genuinely interested persons to participate the event and make it meaningful. We highly encourage making available your complete or incomplete radio\ antenna projects & QSL cards for display at field. Don't forget to bring your HF\VHF\UHF radios in event. This is a unique opportunity to compare performance of your rig.

Event: BARL Field Day & Picnic 2010
Date: 12th February Friday 2010
Venue: Pubail Kaligonj Tongi

Event Details:
08:30 (Sharp): Start from Dhaka
09:45: Reach Venue
10:00: QSL card and project display
10:30: Group discussion on Amateur Radio Operating Procedure and Introduction to Homebrew
Facilitate by: Liakot Liaquat Ali S21V
11:30: HF radio station setup and operation. (Station remain active all day long)
12:00: Site seeing & games
13: 30: Lunch
15:00: Group discussion on Propagation Theory and Amateur Satellite
Facilitate by: Rubayat Hasan Khan S21RA
16:00: Tea Break
16:30: Clean up the venue
16:45: Leave for Dhaka

Contribution Amount:
Contribution amount per person: Tk. 500
Children under 15 years: Tk. 300

Contact Persons:
Anwar Islam S21L Contact: 01190628311
Alam S21AK Contact: 01818241404
Shazib S21RS Contact: 01610001246
Ripon S21EA Contact: 01817097978

Last Date of Registration: 10th February 2010

As we have limited capacity we can accommodate maximum 35 participants. Registration will be confirmed on first come first served basis. Don't miss this exiting opportunity. Hope to see you at field.

Special Thanks to Mr. Shahidullah Kaiser S21SK to arrange the venue for this event.

We are eagerly waiting for your feedback and valuable opinion to make the event more fruitful. Please don't hesitate to contact if you think you can add some thing more in ANY part of this event particularly in training and group discussion part.
73
Shazib, S21RS
01610001246

Deutsche Welle at Delhi Book Fair


Sunday, February 07, 2010

New book "Enter The World Of Mass Media" by Barun Roy


Came across a new book on mass media in India titled " Enter The World Of Mass Media" by Barun Roy which contains several interesting chapters on radio history in India & particularly about All India Radio, listing some of them below ......

- A Brief History of Radio Broadcasting
- Types of Radio Broadcasting
- The Evolution of FM Broadcasting
- All India Radio - A Case Study
- Yuva Vani - The Voice of the Youth


Details of the book:
Book: Enter The World Of Mass Media
Author: Barun Roy
ISBN: 812231080X
ISBN-13: 9788122310801, 978-8122310801
Binding: Paperback
Publishing Date: 2009
Publisher: Pustak Mahal
Number of Pages: 263
Language: English


The book sells for Rs. 175 & you can order online (with free shiping ) here
: http://tinyurl.com/ycm5dg4

Saturday, February 06, 2010

WRTH B09 Updates file available for download

The WRTH editorial team is pleased to announce that a file containing updates to the Winter/B09 schedules is now available to download from the WRTH website http://www.wrth.com and click on the "Latest PDF Updates" link You will need the free Adobe Acrobat reader (available from http://www.adobe.com) in order to view this file. The file is 234kb in size and contains schedule updates for international and Clandestine/Target broadcasters plus details of 3 new stations. We hope you find this a useful accompaniment to the printed WRTH.

(Sean Gilbert - WRTH International Editor)

Shortwave radio, and it's future

Shortwave radio, once the cutting edge of information dissemination, declined with the installation of the present canopy of communications satellites, and the simple fact of the lowering of the cost of telephony.

More at :
http://rivrdog.typepad.com/rivrdog/2010/02/shortwave-radio-and-its-future.html

Rajkot AIR centre to upgrade its digital transmission

There is good news for the listeners of All India Radio (AIR) in the Rajkot region and beyond. The official broadcast medium is going to install 1000 kilowatt Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) capable medium wave transmitter at its Rajkot centre. This will ensure CD quality listening on digital radio sets, said Rajesh Jain, the superintending engineer at AIR Rajkot.

Read the full report here :
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Rajkot-AIR-centre-to-upgrade-its-digital-transmission/576409/

Friday, February 05, 2010

Doko: Taking Radio to Nepal’s Grassroots

Posted by Saabira Chaudhuri on Wednesday, December 9, 2009

A project of the Antenna Foundation, an NGO that is dedicated to public service broadcasting in Nepal, Doko Radio aims to take democracy to the doorsteps of local people living in remote areas across a difficult terrain.
Read the story here : http://tinyurl.com/ycd2m8f

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Budget cuts quiet Voice of America

By Ginger Livingston
The Daily Reflector
Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The federal government wants to close the Voice of America transmission site located in Pitt County. President Obama's Fiscal Year 2011 budget for the Broadcasting Board of Governors recommends funding increases to update satellite and other broadcasting technology. But the improvements come at the loss of the Pitt County Voice of America site and reductions in engineering staffing.
More at :

Radio listening is up as we’re urged to migrate to digital

Consumers are listening to digital radio stations more than ever has the medium increased its share by 14% in the last quarter of 2009, according to the latest RAJAR figures.
Read the report here : http://tinyurl.com/ykslfe6

VOA and Radio Marti Expand Radio Broadcasts to Latin America

Washington, DC, 02/03/2010
"A Fondo" is a new weeknight, Spanish-language radio program targeted toaudiences in Latin America and the Caribbean, providing vital news andinformation to a region where media freedom is under attack.With anchors at Voice of America studios in Washington, D.C. and the studiosof Radio Marti in Miami, Fl., the hour-long program utilizes the uniqueresources of both entities to provide local, national and international newsreports to audiences throughout the region. Call-in segments and interviewswith experts and government officials will provide facts and opinions thatare currently unavailable to listeners."A Fondo" (In Depth) debuted Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. EST (0100 UTC). It isavailable on shortwave, medium-wave, satellite and Internet at(http://www.voanews.com/spanish/news/.) It airs Monday to Friday.The program was developed in response to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez'sdecision to shut down cable and satellite TV channels last month for failingto broadcast a speech he made. The Venezuelan Government said the stations,including Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), failed to comply with newregulations mandating coverage of Chavez. Protests erupted after RCTV wasshuttered."The media crackdown in Venezuela demonstrates the need for accurate,reliable and comprehensive news and information to audiences throughout theregion. This program will help serve that need," said Alberto Mascaro,director of VOA's Latin America Division.The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency,supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian internationalbroadcasting, whose mission is to promote freedom and democracy and toenhance understanding through multimedia communication of accurate,objective, and balanced news, information, and other programming aboutAmerica and the world to audiences overseas. BBG broadcasting organizationsinclude the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the MiddleEast Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), Radio Free Asia, andthe Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).

(BBG Press Release)

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

RTI's brand new 30-minute webcast

RTI's brand new 30-minute webcast To offer in-depth news, analysis and more feature programs to our listeners world-wide, RTI will be launching a brand new 30-minute webast called "RTI Plus" starting February 1st. The webcast will include news analysis (a program called Think Tank), the editorial Taiwan Perspectives and features on prominent topical figures in Newmakers. In addition, there are two new feature programs: Soft Power and In Mystical Taiwan. Our analysts for Think Tank include Tamkang University International Affairs and Strategic Studies professor Alexander Huang; Chinese Culture University Political Science professor Tai-shuenn Yang; National Chengchi University Banking professor Norman Yin; Taiwan's former representative to the US, C. J. Chen; and National Central University professor Ho-ching Lee. New programs will be available every day on the Internet at 1600 UTC (midnight, Taiwan Time).
(RTI)

Shortwave broadcasters back monitoring network

ABU shortwave broadcasters meeting in Kuala Lumpur today renewed their support for the creation of a monitoring network to assess the reach and quality of their broadcasts.

AIR Panaji looking for reception reports for MW 828 kHz

Last year I visited the SW & MW transmitters of AIR Panaji. Then I was told that they were changing their Vividh Bharati 20 kW transmitter on 1539 kHz to 828 kHz due to co channel interference from Voice of America.

In November 2009 I heard them on the new 828 kHz and reported to them. Recently I got an email reply from the Station Engineer that they were on low power at that time and that now they are on full power. They are intersted in reception reports of this transmitter.

Reception Reports may be sent to : Mr.V.N.Page, Station Engineer, AIR Panaji at the email id panaji.spt @ air.org.in

By the way it is heard only very faintly at my location and there is co channel interference from Radio Pakistan.

Incidently the SW transmissions from AIR Panaji are not fully operational now.

(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad)
www.qsl.net/vu2jos www.niar.org

Strong winds knocks HCJB Australia's East Asia broadcasts off air

Broadcast alert
1st Feb 2010
Strong windstorms at HCJB's broadcast site in Kununurra, WA last weekend damaged two of our antennas and put the East Asia broadcasts off the air. Until the antenna is repaired, programs for China and Japan will not be broadcast. At this stage, repairs could take about three weeks.

(http://www.hcjb.org.au/)

Mahabalipuram Great Eyeball Meet 2010

8th Mahabalipuram Great Eyeball Meet 2010

Date : 13th Feb 2010
Location : Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation BeachResorts Complex at East Coast Road
Capacity : 300 Seats
Bus Stop : Tamilnadu Hotel Stop
( 1 Km from the checkpost bus stop & walkable distance from Adayar Anandbhavan at Jawaharlal Nehru Rest House)
Delegate Fees : Nil

From central bus station catch route No.1 to Tiruvanma & from there another bus to Mahabalipuram on east coast road.

All Ham's/SWL's are welcome

VU2VIT (Vittal)

Technical snags to hit auction of FM-III

Ashish Sinha
Posted: Wednesday, Feb 03, 2010 at 2222 hrs IST
New Delhi: Interference of FM radio waves in smaller towns coupled with non-viability of radio business may derail the plans of the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) to kick-start the third-phase of private FM radio (FM-III) next month.

Full story at :
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Technical-snags-to-hit-auction-of-FM-III/574595/

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Vatican Radio e-newsletter

Vatican Radio Hindi Service has introduced a daily pdf newsletter in Hindi "Vatican Radio e-samachar".

Signal FM radio station provides lifeline in Haiti

The station stayed on the air during the quake and in the aftermath, allowing people to broadcast pleas for help in finding loved ones and providing survival advice.
By Tracy Wilkinson
February 1, 2010 4:47 p.m.

RNW sends 'Radio in a Box' to Haiti

Radio Netherlands Worldwide is sending a mini radio station to Haiti. Many radio stations in the country have been destroyed by the earthquake and many of the people that worked there have been killed. It is in disasters like the one in Haiti that information is vital for survival.
By Marcel Decraene and Marjolein Stoop
read the story at :

HFCC 2010 Opens at KL

Shortwave broadcasters should use relevant content to compete with other delivery platforms such as satellite and the Internet, a conference in Kuala Lumpur heard today. The ABU acting Secretary-General, David Astley, said the competition was not only in the method of delivery but in the content provided.
More than 55 broadcasters represented by 115 frequency managers are taking part. The conference runs until 5 February.
Read the full report here :

Polish Radio Turns 85

On 1 February 1925 the first radio broadcast was aired from Poland, marking a new era of communications in a country which regained independence only 7 years earlier.

For the first months, one hour programs were all that could be heard daily at 18 hours CET, broadcast live from a makeshift studio located in a southern Warsaw suburb. The power output had been a modest half kilowatt, but the transmissions could be heard even outside Poland.

The first surveys showed an audience of 5,000 listeners.

Full audio report: http://thenews.pl/national/?id=124785

(Sergei via DXLD)

FY 2011 Budget Request for the Broadcasting Board of Governors

Washington, DC, 02/01/2010

The President's budget request for Fiscal Year 2011, sent to the Congress today, includes $768.8 million for the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an increase of 1.5 percent from the FY 2010 funding level. The request reflects the continued critical role of BBG broadcasts in support of U.S. foreign policy goals.

The FY 2011 budget supports key new initiatives:

- Upgrading the BBG's global satellite distribution capacity, infrastructure, and network control center;
- Expanding FM, digital, and new media opportunities:
- Improving digital workflows and expanding distribution to mobile devices;
- Adding 24/7 FM transmitters in Afghanistan to carry Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA) Pashto and Dari programming;
- Creating Radio Free Asia (RFA) video programming in Burmese,Tibetan, Mandarin, and Vietnamese;
- Diversifying distribution of VOA content in Africa.
- Addressing critical personnel and capital needs in RFE/RL bureaus.

The proposed budget also continues funding for ongoing programming to critical audiences, including: 24-hour streams for VOA Persian News Network television and RFE/RL Radio Farda to Iran; Alhurra, including Al Youm, the daily three-hour Alhurra Television program broadcast live from the Middle East; Radio Sawa to the Middle East; Afia Darfur to Sudan and Eastern Chad; VOA and RFE/RL Pashto programming to the Afghanistan/Pakistan border region; RFE/RL and VOA Dari and Pashto programming to Afghanistan; VOA Urdu radio and television broadcasts to Pakistan; VOA Somali to Somalia; a 10-hour coordinated RFA and VOA stream to North Korea; and a 30-minute, five-day-a-week VOA Spanish television program for Venezuela.
The FY 2011 budget request balances competing policy priorities with available budget resources. The request proposes to reduce contracting costs and other Agency support expenses through efficiencies. The request also includes several program adjustments, including the closure of selected language services and programs, operational efficiencies in broadcast services, and realignment of transmission networks.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors looks forward to working with the Congress toward enactment of the proposed funding levels and program proposals. Further detail on the requested BBG budget is available at http://www.bbg.gov/reports/budget.html.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international broadcasting, whose mission is to promote freedom and democracy and to enhance understanding through multimedia communication of accurate, objective, and balanced news, information, and other programming about America and the world to audiences overseas. BBG broadcasts reach an audience of 171 million in 100 countries. BBG broadcasting organizations include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa), Radio Free Asia, and the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti).

(BBG Press Release)

Monday, February 01, 2010

PBC’s South Asian Broadcast Services

ISLAMABAD, Feb 1 (APP): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Ammad Khan inaugurated PBC's South Asian Broadcast Services under which programmes in three more languages: Nepali, Sinhala and Tamil had been launched. Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation is already broadcasting programmes in seven languages including Bangla, Hindi, Chinese, Gujarati, Pashto, Dari and Farsi. Induction of three more services would make the number of foreign services to ten.

More at : http://tinyurl.com/ye47cud

Radio Netherland launches new blog

Radio Netherland has launched a new blog called "South Asia Wired" and Dheera Sujan will be blogging on issues related on South Asia.

Have a look at the blog here :
http://blogs.rnw.nl/southasiawired/

Trans World Radio to launch on DAB

Trans World Radio (TWR) is set to launch on DAB digital radio on 1 April. The Christian broadcaster will be available to DAB listeners in the North West of England as they launch on the MXR multiplex, covering an area stretching from Nantwich in the south past Windermere in the north.
More at :

All India Radio to introduce internet services

All India Radio is planning to introduce internet services including webcasting & podcasting in future. These features will be available on a new website http://www.allindiaradio.in/ , an exclusive preview of which was available at BES Expo at Delhi.

Atleast 20 channels, incuding some regional channels & VBS will be available via online streaming (Live audio). News, music & drama be available through on demand audio. News, talk shows & other programs will also be available thru podcast services. Later on AIR plans to put its archives online which will be available for download at a price.