Radio Bar-Kulan announces to leave shortwave

Radio Bar-Kulan has announced to drop shortwave transmissions with effect from 1st Jan 2012, per RBK this follows a continuing reduction of audience and the need to expand their FM network within Somalia. Outside of the country RBK is still available on Thaicom 5 satellite, and web streaming on the RBK website.

(Alokesh Gupta)

Ian McFarland MP3 Library online

Ian and I have had a fairly successful few years selling CD sets to benefit his favorite charity - a local food bank and soup kitchen in Duncan, British Columbia Canada.

The series include a historic look at Interval Signals and Idents through the years, a series on Language Identification with many bonus features and a modern roundtable look back on the recent history of SW Broadcasting...where it has been and where it is going.

We are now beta testing the online library and are offering the CD's as MP3 downloads in 1 hour and 2 minute chapters for around $2 - the same end result applying - all proceeds go to Ian's favorite charity.

The online library can be found at http://www.dxer.ca/cd-store

As well, Ian McFarland and I have quite a few plans for new material in 2012 -so check back occasionally.

73 - Colin Newell

(Via HCDX List)

This is RADIO KASHMIR SRINAGAR

RUKHSANA JABEEN
With a period spanning over half a century Radio Kashmir has become an inseparable part of Kashmir's modern history. It was once a household voice but things have changed a lot. Many now call it a shadow of the institution it once was. GK Magazine's ALTAF KHAN talked to the officials and noted broadcasters about its glorious past and the challenges ahead.

Full story at :
http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Dec/26/this-is-radio-kashmir-srinagar-3.asp

Cyclone Warning for north Tamilnadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast : Red Message

Bulletin No. BOB 05/2011/28
Dated: 29.12. 2011 Time of issue:1630 hours IST

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 'THANE' over southwest Bay of Bengal:-Cyclone Warning for north Tamilnadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast : Red Message.

The very severe cyclonic storm 'THANE' over southwest Bay of Bengal slightly moved westward and lay centered at 1430 hrs IST of today, the 29th December 2011 near latitude 12.00N and longitude 81.70E, about 180 km east of Puducherry, 180 km southeast of Chennai (Tamilnadu) and 400 km north-northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka). The system is likely to move westwards and cross north Tamil Nadu coast between Nagapattinam and Chennai, close to Puducherry around early morning of 30th December 2011.
Based on latest analysis with NWP models and other conventional techniques, estimated track and intensity of the system are given in the Table below:

Date/Time(IST) Position (lat. 0N/ long. 0E) Sustained maximum surface wind speed (kmph) Intensity

29-12-2011/1430 12.0/81.7 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
29-12-2011/1730 12.0/81.3 130-140 gusting to 155 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
29-12-2011/2330 12.0/80.6 120-130 gusting to 145 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
30-12-2011/0530 12.0/79.9 110-120 gusting to 135 Severe Cyclonic Storm
30-12-2011/1130 12.0/79.2 80-90 gusting to 100 Cyclonic Storm
30-12-2011/2330 12.0/77.8 55-65 gusting to 75 Cyclonic Storm
31-12-2011/1130 12.0/76.4 45-55 gusting to 65 Deep Depression
31-12-2011/2330 12.0/75.0 30-40 gusting to 50 Low pressure area

Under the influence of this system, rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (25cm or more) would occur over north Tamil Nadu & Puducherry during next 48 hours. Rainfall at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall would also occur over south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalseema and isolated heavy rainfall would occur over south Tamil Nadu during the same period.
Squally winds speed reaching 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph is likely along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts. The wind speed will increase gradually becoming 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph along and off north Tamilnadu and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coast from today night onwards.
Storm surge of about 1.0-1.5 meter height above the astronomical tide would inundate the low lying areas of Puducherry and Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram & Villupuram districts of north Tamil Nadu at the time of landfall.
Sea condition is very rough. It will gradually become very high to phenomenal along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Fishermen along north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & south Andhra Pradesh coasts are advised not to venture into sea during next 48 hrs.
Damage expected (over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh): Extensive damage to thatched roof and huts. Minor damage to power and communication line due to uprooting of large avenue trees. Flooding of escape routes. Storm is expected to damage the standing rice, groundnut and maize in coastal districts of Tamilnadu and rice and groundnut in coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Action suggested (over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh): Total suspension of fishing operations. Coastal hutment dwellers to be moved to safer place. People in affected areas to remain indoors. Farmers are advised to drain out excess water from the field to prevent crop damage. Taller crops like banana, leaves may be removed and extra physical support may be given.
The next bulletin will be issued at 2030 hrs IST of today, the 29th December, 2011.

(IMD, Govt. of India)

TWR Announces Project Hannah Arabic Broadcasts

TWR is pleased to announce launch of Project Hannah broadcasts in the Arabic language, which will begin airing the first week of January 2012. The weekly Project Hannah Women of Hope 30-minute broadcasts will air from TWR's transmitting outlet to the Middle East on Saturdays at 9:11pm (21:11) on 1233 kHz AM/MW.
The Project Hannah prayer movement in Arabic started in July 2011. It is remarkable to see how God answered prayers and provided funding for this strategic new program to go on the air in the New Year. Project Hannah, a ministry of TWR, offers compassion, encouragement and hope to suffering women worldwide through prayer, awareness and radio programming. Including Arabic, the Women of Hope program is aired in 59 languages around the world. TWR broadcasts several hours of gospel messages in Arabic daily.
Detailed broadcast schedules can be found at www.arabicprograms.org and also at www.twr.org.

Massive solar storm 'could knock out radio signals' over next three days, warn scientists

By Ted Thornhill
Skywatchers will be hoping for clear skies from today because particles from a recent solar storm will slam into Earth and produce amazing Northern Lights, or auroras.

Read more at :
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2079352/Massive-solar-storm-knock-radio-signals-produce-amazing-Northern-Lights.html#ixzz1hszeq4cI

DRM Logs 27th Dec 2011

Few screenshots from today's DRM logs ..
Disco Palace on 12115 kHz at 1600 UTC

BBC English on 5845 at 1727 UTC ...

Vatican Radio on 15190 kHz at 1548 UTC ..

(Click on the pics to enlarge)

VOA Marks 70th Year of US Broadcasts to China

Washington, D.C. — December 27, 2011
The Voice of America is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first U.S. radio broadcasts to China, which began the 28th of December 1941, just weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the start of World War Two.

Voice of America was still months away from being officially established when the first Chinese language shortwave broadcasts were transmitted from studios in San Francisco. U.S. government broadcasting operations to China were eventually moved to New York and then Washington under the Voice of America.
VOA Director David Ensor hailed the distinguished line of journalists who have worked at the service and transformed it into a modern multi-media platform. "Because of the professionalism and creativity of our journalists, the Voice of America is a trusted source of news to the people of China and the world," Ensor said. "As we move forward, we plan to make VOA programming even more vibrant and dynamic."

Earlier this month, U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) hosted a reception to honor VOA's China Branch journalists. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement congratulating Voice of America for "70 years of outstanding broadcasts to China."
VOA programs in Mandarin, Cantonese and Tibetan are delivered on radio, television, the Internet, mobile platforms, satellite, and by proxy servers designed to circumvent Chinese Internet blocking. VOA English language teaching programs, including the social media sensation, OMG! Meiyu, enjoy a large audience in China.

(VOA Press Release)

Bahrain signs key deals to train radio, TV staff

Bahrain’s Information Affairs Authority (IAA) has signed contracts with several key international media firms to train staff and provide programming to improve Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) services.

More at : http://www.tradearabia.com/news/MEDIA_210097.html

AIR carrying live commentary for India vs Australia cricket series

At 0405 UTC noted foll AIR stn's carrying live commentary :

4860 - Kingsway, Delhi
4880 - Lucknow
7270 - Chennai
7430 - Bhopal

Schedule as foll :

26-30 Dec 2011 - 1st Test Australia vs India Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne - 2330 UTC ONWARDS

3-7 Jan 2012 - 2nd Test Australia vs India Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney - 2330 UTC ONWARDS

13-17 Jan 2012 - 3rd Test - Australia vs India W.A.C.A., Perth - 0230 UTC OWARDS

24-28 Jan 2012 - 4th Test - Australia vs India Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 0000 UTC ONWARDS

1 Feb 2012 - 1st T20 - Australia vs India ANZ Stadium, Sydney - 0835 UTC ONWARDS

3 Feb 2012 - 2nd T20 - Australia vs India Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne - 0835 UTC ONWARDS

KNLS Alaska Trip - Spring 2012

KNLS Alaska Trip - Spring 2012
by Gayle Crowe, World Christian Broadcasting - In your most vivid imagination, pack into two weeks a trek through one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges -- and a week-long relaxing cruise on one of the world's finest and most luxurious ships. Throw in up-close views of glaciers, the opportunity to see grizzly bear, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and 650 species of flowering plants. Top that off with two weeks getting to know Christians with whom you will form lasting friendships.

More at : http://tinyurl.com/6watm7u

(Source : NASB)

Season's Greetings !

Special program on BBC Bangla 70th Anniverasry

Bangladesh’s rapidly changing media scene will be in the focus of the special BBC Bangla programme to be broadcast on Channel i, marking the 70th anniversary of BBC Bangla in the year of the 40th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
Produced by BBC Bangla in collaboration with Channel i and moderated by BBC Bangla Editor, Sabir Mustafa, the programme, Freedom of information in the internet age, will debate issues raised by the spread of television and advent of social media.
The debate panel will include: Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, H T Imam; Editor of News Today, Reazuddin Ahmed; and Abu Saeed Khan, Secretary General of AMTOB, the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh. An invited audience of some 200 people will ask the questions.
Sabir Mustafa will moderate the debate, asking about the challenges facing the traditional and new media: “These challenges are coming from the social media revolution which has opened up new avenues to exchange information and debate. They are also coming from governments and other regulatory bodies which seek to restrict the freedom of the established media through legislation and to restrict the use of social media.”
The pre-recorded hour-long debate will be followed by an hour-long live studio discussion during which BBC Bangla presenter, Akbar Hossain, and studio guests - photographer and blogger Shahidul Alam of Drik, and leading journalist and former president of National Press Club, Shawkat Mahmud - will discuss comments on the topic, texted by viewers using the short code 16262.
The panel debate will be broadcast by Channel i at 7.50pm Bangladesh time on Thursday 22 December, and at 8pm on Saturday 24 December on BBC 100 FM in Dhaka and on shortwave 12035kHz and 9800kHz. The live discussion will go on air on Channel i at 7.50pm Bangladesh time on Friday 23 December.

Related links :

Bangladesh at 40
http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/events/bangladesh-at-40/

BBC Radio Blog - Bangladesh at 40
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/radio/2011/12/bbc_asian_network_mintu_rahman.html

Kuzoo FM awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold) during National Day Celebrations

Kuzoo FM was awarded the National Order of Merit (Gold) during National Day Celebrations by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Kuzoo FM is the second biggest radio station in Bhutan. A project initiated by the King, Kuzoo FM provides a forum where young people can express their views and share their experiences. It has two radio stations in the national language and English, and is on air 24/7. It can be heard online at www.kuzoo.net

More at :
http://www.abu.org.my/abu/index.cfm/elementid/74002/Bhutanese-media-honoured-by-King

Community Radio stations ask for the introduction of DRM+ in Europe

On behalf of the thousands of community media around Europe, the Community Media Forum Europe (CMFE) and AMARC-Europe (the European regional section of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters) have written to the European Commission asking not to be left behind in the Digital revolution.

More at:

http://drm.org/news_item/Community_Radio_stations_ask_for_the_introduction_of_DRM%252B_in_Europe

Letter can be downloaded at :
http://www.cmfe.eu/docs/2011_12_19_CMFE_AMARCEUROPE_DIGITALREVOLUTION.pdf

SW Radio Africa reach 10 years of broadcasts

LONDON based SW Radio Africa on Monday celebrated a major milestone in reaching 10 years of independent broadcasting into Zimbabwe via shortwave and the internet to the rest of the world.A statement issued by station manager Gerry Jackson said they started broadcasting Wednesday 19th December 2001 and “had no idea that 10 years on we’d still be here – or that the crisis in Zimbabwe would still be dragging on, with no solution in sight.”
Full stroy at : http://nehandaradio.com/2011/12/21/sw-radio-africa-reaches-10-years-of-broadcasts/

Related news :
10 Years of SW Radio Africa
http://www.swradioafrica.com/2011/12/19/10-years-of-sw-radio-africa/

Band 2 logs - 21 Dec 2011

Super duper condition on band 2 this morning ....

http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo_mid.html

Logs

‎21 DEC 2011
0225 - 0500 UTC
Beaming at 35 deg

90.4 Weak unid ..devotional prog "Aastha"
91.9 10 kW Radio Mantra Karnal Haryana
100.1 All India Radio Gorakhpur
100.2 6 kW All India Radio Patiala Punjab
100.4 6 kW All India Radio Bareilly Uttar Pradesh
100.7 All India radio Lucknow
101.3 6 kW All India Radio Aligarh Uttar Pradesh
101.4 6 kW All India Radio Kurukshetra Haryana
102.1 10 kW All India Radio Mussoorie Uttarkhand
102.2 10 kW All India Radio Kathua Jammu & Kashmir
103.1 6 kW All India Radio Alwar
103.5 1 kW All India Radio Rohtak Haryana
103.7 10 kW All India Radio Shimla
107.2 10 kW All India Radio Kasauli Himachal Pradesh
107.4 0.05 kW Radio Noida Noida Uttar Pradesh

NEPAL

92.4 Unid Nepali Talk
94.6 Unid Nepali Talk
96.2 0.5 kW Radio Mahakali, Kanchanpur, Mahendranagar, Nepal
93.2 Phoolbari FM 0410 UTC
93.8 Dinesh FM, Dhanghadi, Kailali - 1 kW 0419 UTC
94.0 Krisnasar FM 0425 UTC
94.6 Bageshwari FM, Nepalgunj, Banke - 1 KW 0437 UTC
97.9 Unid 0440 UTC
98.2 Tinau FM Butawal, Rupandehi 0447 UTC
98.6 Bheri FM, Birendranagar, Surkhet 0450 UTC
99.4 1 kW Shuklaphanta FM Kanchanpur, Mahendranagar Nepal
100.6 Phoolbari FM, Bardiya
101.2 0.5 kW Kohalpur FM, Banke, Nepal
101.8 Kantipur FM, Nepal
103.0 Radio Nepal , Buditola

Sony XDR-F1HD + Triax 5 Ele Yagi Hor

Kuwait Radio participates in 32nd GCC summit coverage

Head of the Kuwait Radio broadcasters in Kuwaiti Ministry of Information Saad Al-Fendi said here on Monday that Kuwait Radio, represented by the general program, has joined transmission of Radio Riyadh to cover activities of the 32nd Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit.

More at :
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2209732&Language=en

On Radio Korea airwaves and around LA, mixed reaction to Kim Jong Il's death

Reaction to the unexpected death of North Korean leader Kim Jong ll is pouring into the Radio Korea network in Los Angeles. At the Koreatown offices on Wilshire Blvd., the biggest topic of discussion: the death of Kim Jong Il and speculation about the country’s future.

Full story at : http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/12/19/30421/mixed-reaction-koreatown-death-north-koreas-kim-jo/

Radio Remains the BBG Champ

Radio suffers its share of jabs as dated technology. But radio’s critics might reflect on data from the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

More at : http://www.radioworld.com/article/radio-remains-the-bbg-champ/154928

Kim Jong-il has died

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-il is reported to have died. Programming from
this country could be interesting over next few days ......

On shortwave try these frequencies :

Voice of Korea B11 courtesy AOKI

Frequency***Time (UTC)***Language***Power***Azi***Site

11735***0000-0057***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
13650***0000-0057***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
13760***0000-0057***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
15100***0000-0057***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
15180***0000-0057***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
7220***0100-0157***English***200***ND***Kujang
9345***0100-0157***English***200***ND***Kujang
9730***0100-0157***English***200***ND***Kujang
11735***0100-0157***English***200***28***Kujang
13650***0100-0157***French***200***238***Kujang
13760***0100-0157***English***200***28***Kujang
15100***0100-0157***French***200***238***Kujang
15180***0100-0157***English***200***28***Kujang
7220***0200-0257***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9345***0200-0257***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9730***0200-0257***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
11735***0200-0257***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
13650***0200-0257***English***200***238***Kujang
13760***0200-0257***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
15100***0200-0257***English***200***238***Kujang
15180***0200-0257***Spanish***200***28***Kujang
7220***0300-0357***English***200***ND***Kujang
9345***0300-0357***English***200***ND***Kujang
9730***0300-0357***English***200***ND***Kujang
11735***0300-0357***French***200***28***Kujang
13650***0300-0357***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
13760***0300-0357***French***200***28***Kujang
15100***0300-0357***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
15180***0300-0357***French***200***28***Kujang
7580***0700-0757***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***0700-0757***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9975***0700-0757***Russian***200***28***Kujang
11735***0700-0757***Russian***200***28***Kujang
13760***0700-0757***Russian***200***325***Kujang
15245***0700-0757***Russian***200***325***Kujang
7580***0800-0850***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***0800-0850***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
7220***0800-0857***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9345***0800-0857***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9975***0800-0857***Russian***200***28***Kujang
11735***0800-0857***Russian***200***28***Kujang
13760***0800-0857***Russian***200***325***Kujang
15245***0800-0857***Russian***200***325***Kujang
6070***0900-0957***Japanese***250***109***Kanggye
7580***0900-0957***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***0900-0957***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
6070***1000-1050***Japanese***250***109***Kanggye
7580***1000-1050***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***1000-1050***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
6185***1000-1057***English***200***238***Kujang
6285***1000-1057***English***200***28***Kujang
9335***1000-1057***English***200***28***Kujang
9850***1000-1057***English***200***238***Kujang
6070***1100-1157***Japanese***250***109***Kanggye
6185***1100-1157***French***200***238***Kujang
6285***1100-1157***French***200***28***Kujang
7220***1100-1157***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
7580***1100-1157***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9335***1100-1157***French***200***28***Kujang
9345***1100-1157***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9650***1100-1157***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9850***1100-1157***French***200***238***Kujang
6070***1200-1250***Japanese***250***109***Kanggye
7580***1200-1250***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***1200-1250***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
6185***1300-1357***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
7570***1300-1357***English***200***325***Kujang
9335***1300-1357***English***200***28***Kujang
9850***1300-1357***Chinese***200***238***Kujang
11710***1300-1357***English***200***28***Kujang
12015***1300-1357***English***200***325***Kujang
6285***1400-1457***Russian***200***325***Kujang
7570***1400-1457***French***200***325***Kujang
9325***1400-1457***Russian***200***325***Kujang
9335***1400-1457***French***200***28***Kujang
11710***1400-1457***French***200***28***Kujang
12015***1400-1457***French***200***325***Kujang
6285***1500-1557***Russian***200***325***Kujang
7570***1500-1557***English***200***325***Kujang
9325***1500-1557***Russian***200***325***Kujang
9335***1500-1557***English***200***28***Kujang
9990***1500-1557***Arabic***200***296***Kujang
11545***1500-1557***Arabic***200***296***Kujang
11710***1500-1557***English***200***28***Kujang
12015***1500-1557***English***200***325***Kujang
6285***1600-1657***German***200***325***Kujang
7570***1600-1657***French***200***325***Kujang
9325***1600-1657***German***200***325***Kujang
9335***1600-1657***French***200***28***Kujang
9990***1600-1657***English***200***296***Kujang
11545***1600-1657***English***200***296***Kujang
11710***1600-1657***French***200***28***Kujang
12015***1600-1657***German***200***325***Kujang
6285***1700-1757***Russian***200***325***Kujang
9325***1700-1757***Russian***200***325***Kujang
9990***1700-1757***Arabic***200***296***Kujang
11545***1700-1757***Arabic***200***296***Kujang
6285***1800-1857***German***200***325***Kujang
7210***1800-1857***French***200***271***Kujang
7570***1800-1857***English***200***325***Kujang
9325***1800-1857***German***200***325***Kujang
9975***1800-1857***French***200***296***Kujang
11535***1800-1857***French***200***296***Kujang
11910***1800-1857***French***200***271***Kujang
12015***1800-1857***English***200***325***Kujang
6285***1900-1957***German***200***325***Kujang
7210***1900-1957***English***200***271***Kujang
7570***1900-1957***Spanish***200***325***Kujang
9325***1900-1957***German***200***325***Kujang
9975***1900-1957***English***200***296***Kujang
11535***1900-1957***English***200***296***Kujang
11910***1900-1957***English***200***271***Kujang
12015***1900-1957***Spanish***200***325***Kujang
7570***2000-2057***French***200***325***Kujang
12015***2000-2057***French***200***325***Kujang
7580***2100-2150***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***2100-2150***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
7235***2100-2157***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
7570***2100-2157***English***200***325***Kujang
9345***2100-2157***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9975***2100-2157***Chinese***200***271***Kujang
11535***2100-2157***Chinese***200***271***Kujang
12015***2100-2157***English***200***325***Kujang
7235***2200-2257***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
7570***2200-2257***Spanish***200***325***Kujang
7580***2200-2257***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9345***2200-2257***Chinese***200***ND***Kujang
9650***2200-2257***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9975***2200-2257***Chinese***200***271***Kujang
11535***2200-2257***Chinese***200***271***Kujang
12015***2200-2257***Spanish***200***325***Kujang
7580***2300-2350***Japanese***200***109***Kujang
9650***2300-2350***Japanese***200***109***Kujang

Virginia National guardsman finds new use for old radio technology in Afghanistan

U.S. and Romanian troops, members of the team has successfully deployed a new province-wide short wave radio transmitter in Zabul.Soldiers of the Virginia Army National Guard’s 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are deploying technology in a revolutionary way in Afghanistan using a short wave radio transmitter that can reach almost every radio in Zabul province. This is the first time a province-wide transmitter has been used in Afghanistan. The transmitter allows the Zabul provincial and district government to send messages to rural Afghan homes.

Full story at : http://www.dvidshub.net/news/81428/video-killed-radio-star-virginia-national-guardsman-finds-new-use-old-radio-technology-afghanistan

Kintronic Labs brings 'radio to the world'

Located in a non-descript building on the outskirts of Bristol is Kintronic Labs, which for more than 60 years has been "Bringing Radio to the World." Founded in 1949 by Louis King in his father’s real estate office on Shelby Street, Kintronic Labs is known world-wide for its high quality and services available to the AM broadcast industry.

Full story at :
http://www.timesnews.net/article/9039496/kintronic-labs-brings-39radio-to-the-world39

Radar Serbia Radio on air Sat 17th Dec 2011

Small Serbian pirate station, Radar Serbia Radio, will have test broadcast to Europe on Saturday 17th December 2011 ! Station will be on the air from 20.00 - 23.00 UTC !! Frequency is very exceptional: 2023 kHz!! The power is only 40 Watts AM. Music will be rock. Real challenge to hear !

More info at :

http://hkdx2.blogspot.com/2011/12/radar-serbia-radio-on-air-sat-17122011.html

(Harri Kujala, Naantali, Finland)

Atlantic 2000 on the air this Sunday 18 December 2011

Atlantic 2000 will be on the air this Sunday 18 December, from 08:00 to 09:00 UTC (09:00 to 10:00 CET) on 9480 kHz, and at the same time on our website, with music and radio news. Don't forget to listen !

Atlantic 2000 sera sur les ondes ce dimanche 18 décembre. Au programme, musique et informations radio. Rendez-vous de 08:00 à 09:00 TUC (09:00 à 10:00, heure française) sur 9480 kHz, et en streaming sur notre site Internet.

--
Visit our website :
http://radioatlantic2000.free.fr

FRSH Seasonal Broadcast Sun Dec. 18th 2011

Following successful December broadcasts in the past few years (but also long time ago), FRS-Holland will again take to the airwaves over the X-Mas Holiday Season. December 18th we will continue a long time tradition. On that day FRSH will be on 7600//5800 kHz between 07:52- 14:00 UTC.
After close down, the full programming will be repeated via the internet between 15:52- 22:00 UTC : http://nednl.net:8000/frsh.m3u
Pxs will be presented by Jan van Dijk doing the German show & Dave Scott will be playing classic rock. Both shows contain radio related items. Paul Graham will be hosting another classic FRS Golden Show playing great 60s/ 70s stuff as well as a feature on a land based pirate radio station from years gone by. Peter Verbruggen will look back to what happened in the past on December 18th (Day Calendar) and plays a mix of 80s/90s/00s records in FRS Magazine. He will also host two FRS Goes DX editions with the latest news from the wonderful world of wireless.
During all pxs we will read out October mail and Season's Greetings. There's also the Phrase that Pays. And: we make a flash back to December 1988 when FRS-Holland was on the air with a Seasonal broadcast. Remeniscing....23 years ago.....
Tune in next Sunday and taste the spirit of December!! It will be worth while.

73s,
Peter V. (on behalf of the FRS staff)

a Balance between Music & Information joined to one Format....

FRS-Holland
POBox 2702
6049 ZG Herten
The Netherlands

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

VOA’s "South Sudan in Focus" now on Bentiu Radio

Voice of America's popular program, South Sudan in Focus, has added Bentiu Radio AM and FM to the growing number of affiliate stations that broadcast the half-hour English language show to the newly-independent nation. Produced at the VOA studios in Washington, South Sudan in Focus relies on a large network of reporters working throughout the country, and provides up-to-date news and information about South Sudan, Africa and the world. The show airs Monday through Friday and is hosted from Washington and Juba. Washington host John Tanza says the addition of the new affiliate in Bentiu "is a dream come true because the station has FM 99.0 and Medium Wave 558 kHz, so the signal covers a large area of Unity State." Voice of America also recently added Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM in Bor Town to its list of affiliate stations, which can also be heard in Juba, Yei, Maridi, and Yambio.
South Sudan in Focus, which went on the air in September of 2010, is broadcast on shortwave, AM and FM affiliate stations, mobile, and streamed on the Internet. Gideon Gatpan Thoar, State Minister for Information and Communication, said listeners in Unity State "had been calling in to express their pleasure" about the local airing of the VOA programs. He said journalists in the region would also benefit from listening to the VOA shows and from the training that is conducted by the agency.
In July, Voice of America broadcast live coverage of South Sudan's independence celebrations, including interviews with key leaders who guided the historic transition, and the swearing-in of the new government. South Sudan in Focus is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. State Department.

(VOA Press Release)

Burmese Govt may air some VOA programs

Burma's information minister, ex-Gen Kyaw Hsan, has agreed to air programs produced by Voice of America (VOA) on state-run radio stations, according to the head of the VOA's Burmese-language service.

Full story at : http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=22670

Radio Australia increases shortwave broadcasts to Papua New Guinea due to political crisis

Radio Australia has increased its shortwave broadcasts to Papua New Guinea, to help inform people about developments in the PNG political crisis. Between 0930 and 1700 Port Moresby time, an extra frequency, 17750 kHz, will be added to the broadcast services for PNG. This is in addition to the current shortwave services and Radio Australia?s 24-hour FM services in Port Moresby (101.9FM) and Lae (102.1FM).

Read the full story here : http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201112/3392709.htm?desktop

ABU General Assembly Delhi 2011 Photo's

Here are the photo's for ABU General Assembly New delhi 2011

http://event.abu.org.my/gallery/index.php?album=ABU-General-Assembly2011

RNZI Christmas specials

RNZI will be relaying RNZ National programming on Dec 25, 26 and 27, Jan 1, 2 and 3. RNZI rests Dateline Pacific and all other weekly programmes from Dec 25 - Jan 22. The last Tagata for the year will be broadcast on Dec 17. Full programming - including 'Dateline Pacific', Tagata and Pacific language bulletins, will resume on Monday 23 January 2012. On December 28, 29, 30 and 31 and Jan 4, 5, 6 and 7 RNZI will broadcast its own shortened news bulletins on the top of the hour throughout the breakfast session and at 2.30pm and 4pm and 8pm. These bulletins will include a mix of World, Pacific, New Zealand, Business and Sports News. RNZI's full normal news bulletin service will resume from Monday January 9th.

(Source : RNZI)

ABU Broadcast technology workshop held at Yangon

The ABU and Forever Group organized a workshop on Broadcasting Technologies for the ASEAN Region from 12 to 13 December 2011, in Yangon, Myanmar.

More at :

http://www.abu.org.my/abu/index.cfm/elementid/73828/Broadcast-technology-workshop-kicks-off-in-Yangon

http://event.abu.org.my/fg-abu2011/index.htm

Radio Nepal in financial crisis, to close down ?

Exceprt from a report published in "Republica".....

Quoting senior officials of public broadcaster Radio Nepal, Minister Gupta said that the broadcaster is likely to shut down operations within a year because of financial crisis unless the Ministry of Finance allocates additional budget. At present, Radio Nepal is incurring a loss of Rs 40 million annually. Senior officials at Radio Nepal met the minister on Tuesday. Meanwhile, after failing to get salary for last two months, Radio Nepal employees submitted a memorandum to MoIC and the Development Committee asking for assistance. "There is no immediate income-generating source and financial situation of the oldest broadcaster is getting worse by the day," he said. Secretary of MoIC Shreedhar Gautam said he has written to MoF a few months back seeking assistance for Radio Nepal but has not heard from the ministry.

Source :
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=39591

Related news :

Govt to support state-owned corporations: SM Limbu

Speaking on the occasion of the second convention of the Nepal National Workers' Organization, Radio Nepal chapter, here today, he urged all to help in constitution writing process, stating that the new constitution would ensure jobs for all. Limbu said the past management teams of the Radio Nepal are to blame for economic crisis of the state-owned radio station and added the government would support the employees of the Radio Nepal by reviewing overall aspects of the institution. Deputy Executive Director of Radio Nepal, Ramesh Jung Karki, chairman of Corporation National Committee Gopal Singh Dhami, Organisation's chief Mahesh Ghimire, among others, expressed views on professional security of the workers.

Source :
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Govt+to+support+state-owned+corporations%3A+SM+Limbu+&NewsID=312697

A Voice for the Voiceless: Interactive Radio in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Insecurity and poverty don’t just mean being deprived of material things – they can also deprive people of a voice. Conflict and scarcity make access to information difficult in many regions of the world. Where media are available, it is often the most extreme, dangerous groups who dominate and who falsely represent these regions to the rest of the world.

More at :
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/12/13/a-voice-for-the-voiceless-interactive-radio-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan/

HCJB Tech Center Celebrates 25

International religious broadcaster HCJB Global will note the 25th anniversary of its Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., on Dec. 15.

More at : http://www.rwonline.com/article/hcjb-tech-center-celebrates-/50848

BBS 100 kW new transmitter back on air

100 kilowatt THOMSON TSW 2100D DRM short wave transmitter of BBS (Bhutan Broadcasting Service) which was inaugurated on 10th August,2007 was off air since more than two years has been noted back on air today. BBS was operating its shortwave services on 6035 kHz with the old 50 kW transmitter running with power output of 30 kW. An engineer from All India Radio flew down to Thimpu to get the new transmitter on air. Several shortwave listeners from India & Sri Lanka reported of improved reception on 6035 kHz which was barely/not audible earlier .

Here's a photo of the new transmitter operating on 98 kW.

Related posts :

Bhutan Broadcasting Service new 100 Kw Txer Inaugrated
http://alokeshgupta.blogspot.com/2007/08/bhutan-broadcasting-service-new-100-kw.html

THOMSON TSW 2100 D DRM 100 KW SW TXER
http://www.transmitter.be/tbm-tsw2100d.html

Software-defined radio opens up new chances for the automobile industry

The general explosion in available processor power makes SDR interesting for automobile OEMs. First of all, moving radio functions from hardware into software opens up cost benefits for global car production.

Read the full story here :
http://www.automotivedesign-europe.com/en/software-defined-radio-opens-up-new-chances-for-the-automobile-industry.html?cmp_id=71&news_id=222901961&vID=35

Don't let Voice of America broadcasts go static

Voice of America (VOA), the jewel in America's public diplomacy effort abroad, is set to be streamlined. Some programs can be downsized. But VOA is in the national interest, especially as Russia, China, and Iran expand state-supported media. Cuts should be handled with care.

By John Hughes / December 12, 2011

Read the CSM story here :
http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/John-Hughes/2011/1212/Don-t-let-Voice-of-America-broadcasts-go-static

HCJB Technology Center to Host Special Event for Amateur Radio Operators

(Dec. 9, 2011 - by Harold Goerzen) Amateur radio operators who listened to shortwave broadcasts from Radio Station HCJB, the Voice of the Andes, in Quito, Ecuador, will have an opportunity to make contact with the mission during a special weeklong event beginning Saturday, Dec. 10.

"The purpose of this special event is to reconnect with countless thousands of shortwave radio enthusiasts who listened to those international broadcasts," said David Russell, director of the HCJB Global Technology Center in Elkhart, Ind., that will host the event. "We have people lined up to operate the station that has been given the special call sign of W9H."
Many amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide attribute their interest in the hobby to an enjoyable experience they had of tuning in to distant broadcasts from Radio Station HCJB's shortwave transmission facility in Ecuador that ended broadcasts in November 2009 after 58 years.
"The special event ham radio station aims to spread goodwill among this group and to inform them of the existence of the Technology Center," added Russell. "It's appropriate that we do this on the eve of major milestones in the life of our organization-the 80th anniversary of HCJB's initial broadcasts and the 25th anniversary of the mission's technical services arm, the HCJB Global Technology Center."
Participants will receive a special QSL (listener confirmation) card and brochure. For more information, visit http://www.arrl.org/Events/view/37794

(Source: HCJB Global )

HFCC Expands Focus Beyond Shortwave

by Jeff White
on 12.08.2011

Jeff White of Radio Miami International is president of the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters and chaired the HFCC/ASBU B11 Conference Committee.
Read the story at :http://www.radioworld.com/article/hfcc-expands-focus-beyond-shortwave/50832

Silicon Labs Bullish on Terrestrial Broadcasting

http://radiomagonline.com/digital_radio/hd_radio/silicon_labs_bullish_on_terrestrial_broadcasting_1128/

WWCR DRM Broadcast on December 10

by National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:02am

A special 30-minute edition of "Ask WWCR," hosted by Brady Murray and Jerry Plummer of NASB member WWCR in Nashville, will air at 1930 UTC Saturday, December 10 on 7590 kHz in DRM digital mode, beamed to Europe from a 100-kw transmitter in Armenia. The program is part of the weekly "DRM Mix" block sponsored by Spaceline of Bulgaria which runs from 1800-2100 UTC on the same frequency. In this special program, Brady and Jerry will present a profile of WWCR, its history, programming and personnel, as well as some information about other privately-owned shortwave stations in the United States.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/national-association-of-shortwave-broadcasters/wwcr-drm-broadcast-on-december-10/323429791020140

International Broadcasters Call For Action Over Jamming

International broadcasters - Voice of America (VOA), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Deutsche Welle (DW), Audiovisuel Extérieur de la France (AEF) and Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) – have condemned the deliberate interference of satellite broadcasting signals to silence independent media and prevent free access to information.
Meeting in London, the Directors General of these broadcasting organisations issued a statement, noting, "We have seen an escalation this year in the number of pressure tactics that have been used on the media being accessed by audiences in Iran and other countries.
In particular, they noted an increase in deliberate interference – known as "jamming" – of international satellite programming in Persian. Satellite operators indicate interference originates from Iran. According to the five international broadcasters it is intended to prevent Iranian audiences from seeing foreign broadcasts the Iranian government finds objectionable.
"We call upon the regulatory authorities to take action against those who deliberately cause interference to satellite signals on the grounds that this is contrary to international conventions for the use of satellites. We specifically ask national telecommunications authorities to take up the issue at an upcoming meeting of the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva. "We also call upon satellite operators and service providers to recognise the importance of the role they play in ensuring the free flow of information."
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international broadcasting, whose mission is inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. BBG broadcasts reach an audience of 187 million in more than 100 countries. BBG networks 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 Martí).

(BBG Press Release)

FM Logs 7th Dec 2011

07 Dec 2011 (Wed)
0300 - 0400 UTC

90.4 ......Weak unid (probably one of the local CRS)
91.9 xxxx Radio Mantra Bareilly Uttar Pradesh (with RDS)
98.6 0.5 kW Radio Bheri, Birendranagar, Surkhet
99.4 1 kW Shuklaphanta FM Kanchanpur, Mahendranagar Nepal
100.2 6 kW All India Radio Patiala Punjab
100.4 6 kW All India Radio Bareilly Uttar Pradesh
100.7 6 kW All India Radio Lucknow Uttar Pradesh
101.3 6 kW All India Radio Aligarh Uttar Pradesh
101.4 6 kW All India Radio Kurukshetra Haryana
102.1 10 kW All India Radio Mussoorie Uttarkhand
103.0 1 kW Radio Nepal Buditola
103.1 6 kW All India Radio Alwar
103.5 1 kW All India Radio Rohtak Haryana
103.7 10 kW All India Radio Shimla Himachal Pradesh
107.2 10 kW All India Radio Kasauli Himachal Pradesh
107.4 0.05 kW Radio Noida Noida Uttar Pradesh

Audio Files

Radio Nepal 103.0 http://tinyurl.com/6uddmdf

Radio Bheri 98.6 http://tinyurl.com/7pfggr6

AIR Alwar 103.1 http://tinyurl.com/78qs9ek

Tropo ducting forecast http://www.dxinfocentre.com/tropo_mid.html

(Sony XDR-F1HD + Triax 5 Element Yagi Hor)

FRS-Holland Seasonal Broadcast December 18th

Dear FRS & Radio Friends,

Sunday December 18th FRS-Holland will be on air with its annual special December broadcast. The broadcast will be on 7600//5800 between 07:52- 14:00 UTC/ 08:52- 15:00 CET. More info follows next week. That day we will feature a wide variety of quality pop music from the past 45 years along with several radio related programme items.

FRS-Holland offers you the opportunity to send in your December greetings to radio friends and relatives. Your contributions are highly appreciated and will add something special to our programmes! You can easily produce a little (written) message and send it to [frs@frsholland.nl]. It only takes a few minutes of your spare time.... We raffle a radio DVD among those who participate in our December broadcast with their Seasonal greetings.
We'd like to ask you to do it as soon as possible as some shows will already be recorded this upcoming weekend. Don't hesitate but just do it!
If you have the opportunity to send in an audio (mp3) clip you are more than welcome!

The staff of FRS-Holland hopes to hear from you...

73s, Peter Verbruggen on behalf of the staff

a Balance between Music & Information joined to one Format....

FRS-Holland
POBox 2702
6049 ZG Herten
The Netherlands

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

More 10m QSL's

More 10m e-qsl's for 42 logs uploaded on 4th Dec logged at 0930-1020 UTC.....

AIR Observations - 5th Dec

All India Radio - Observations on 05 Dec 2011 ( Monday)

At 2030 IST following AIR stations were carrying running commentary of 3rd One Day International cricket match between India vs West Indies at Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad

4810 - Bhopal missing on this freq, off air ? ( Still missing at 0815 IST on 6th Dec 2011)
4880 - Lucknow
4910 - Jaipur
5010 - T'puram, strong hum in background
5040 - Jeypore missing ( was back on air when I rechecked at 2200 IST)

Also :

4965 Shimla - Strong carrier, no audio. ( Checked at 0815 IST, 6th Dec 2011, audio was back)

BBC's Arabic service wins huge audiences

People across the Middle East have increasingly turned to the BBC during the Arab revolts, prompting a record rise in audiences.

Independent research published today shows that overall audiences to the BBC's Arabic services have risen by more than 50% to a record high of 33.4m adults weekly - up from 21.6m before the "Arab spring.'

Full story at :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2011/dec/05/bbc-world-service-arab-and-middle-east-protests

Will Voice of America's Persian Service Survive?Michael Rubin | @mrubin1971

Over the past several months, I have criticized Voice of America's Persian Service which, even at the best of times, has been aimless and ill managed.

Full story at :
http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2011/12/05/voice-of-america-persian-service-end/

Launch of Radio Chisinau

December 1st, Romania’s National Day, saw the official opening of Radio Chisinau, the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation’s first branch station in the Republic of Moldova, offering high-standard programming to the local people. Radio Chisinau is a quality broadcaster, powered by a team of young professionals. This new station offers insight on cultural life, as well as modern news and entertainment programs. Vlad Turcanu, editor-in-chief with Radio Chisinau, talked about the circumstances in which this station was born.

Vlad Turcanu: “The concept of public institution in the Republic of Moldova failed in the early 2000s, after having gained significant shape in the 90s. We had to limit ourselves to what private stations offered. These had poorly structured programs, without the editorial effort to satisfy the needs of listeners with a rich culture and a thirst for knowledge. I hope that bringing the Romanian public radio network to Chisinau will reconfigure the market and will boost its development.”

Radio Chisinau broadcasts on number of frequencies covering most of Moldova. In Chisinau, the station can be heard on the FM band on 89.6 MHz, as well as online. A series of cultural events were held to celebrate the launch of Radio Chisinau. These included a special concert in the city’s Central Square, with a number of Romanian and Moldovan performers.

This project is part of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation’s strategy to offer programming to listeners in the Republic of Moldova. Radio Romania hopes that expanding the network for Romanian-speaking listeners across the Prut River, on the airwaves or online, will provide a direct, fair, balanced and impartial source of information, while promoting Romanian cultural, artistic and linguistic values.

http://www.rri.ro/art.shtml?lang=1&sec=5&art=196772

(Source : Radio Romania International)

Digital radio switchover 'will not be complete until 2019'

Head of expert group says digital take-up has been slower than many in the industry hoped.....

Read the full story here :
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/nov/30/digital-radio-switchover

China Radio International celebrates 70th founding anniversary

BEIJING, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held here on Saturday to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of the state-run China Radio International (CRI), the country's only radio with world service.
The event was attended by more than 700 people, including the country's major publicity officials, leaders of top news organizations, foreign diplomats and representatives of overseas listeners.
Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, praised CRI's 70 years of service in a congratulation letter, urging the station to build a world first-rate broadcaster with increasing global influence.

More at : http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-12/03/c_131286393.htm

RTI "Top 10" Taiwan, cross-strait, and international news stories contest

Radio Taiwan International is inviting listeners and web users all over the world to select this year's "Top 10" Taiwan, cross-strait, and international news stories. Participants will have a chance to win one of great prizes such as smartphones, tablet computers and more just by voting for the news story that they think is most important

Voting Date
From 10:00 am on 12/2/2011 till 09:30 am on 12/30/2011 (Taiwan Time or UTC+8)

How to participate
Click to select anywhere from three to ten stories from each category that you think were the most important this year.

Voting
Vote Now>> http://www.rti.org.tw/ajax/2011/2011_top10en/vote.aspx

Prizes
There are more than 100 prizes, such as smartphones, tablet computers, MP3 players, retro-style radios, CD cases, jade book marks, and more!

Notes
* Each participant is eligible for only one prize. Any individual found to be intentionally using software to vote an excess number of times will be barred from participating.
* The winners will be chosen at random by computer and then sent notification via email. Each prize winner must then send his or her personal information to the event organizer via email within ten days of receiving the notification. Failure to do so will result in the winner's disqualification from prize collection. Radio Taiwan International will ensure that winners' personal information will not be misused in anyway, in accordance with relevant laws.
* Each prize will be sent to the address provided by the relevant winner.
Any winner who sends incomplete or inaccurate personal information will forfeit their rights to collect the prize. Radio Taiwan International will not resend any prize for any reason.
* Prizes may not be exchanged, transferred, or redeemed for cash. The model and other specifics of each prize will be at Radio Taiwan International's discretion; said specifics will not be subject to the descriptions posted on the event's website.
* Radio Taiwan International has the right to terminate or modify this event, its prizes, and any related items at any time. In the event of any dispute or unaddressed item of business, any rules or interpretations offered by Radio Taiwan International will prevail.

List of winners
Winners will be selected at random within ten days of the last day of voting. The list of winners will be posted on the website.

http://www.rti.org.tw/ajax/2011/2011_top10en/index.aspx

(Source : Radio Taiwan International)

Now enjoy the AIR FM experience on Airtel digital TV

Introduces iRadio-a unique iTV application with 21 radio channels

•iRadio- a free entertainment application with 247 news, entertainment and music
•Available at no additional cost for all customers

New Delhi, November 29, 2011- Airtel digital TV, the DTH service by Bharti Airtel, today announced the launch of iRadio – a 24/7 entertainment application that has 21 Radio channels available to all its customers, at no additional cost. The introduction of the 21 channels on iRadio is consistent with Airtel digital TV's efforts of enabling customers to enjoy their entertainment experience in a language of their choice, wherever they go in India.

This latest addition to Airtel digital TV's portfolio caters to the growing demand by customers for entertainment in a language of choice. AIR Radio has been a favourite of listeners across the country its unique entertainment mix of Music, News, Talk Shows, Variety, Interviews, Current Affairs and documentaries. iRadio is yet another compelling reiteration of DTH's clear advantage over analogue systems in offering unique non-channel content across genres like education, music, movies, farming and lifestyle.

According to Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO- DTH/ Media, Bharti Airtel, "iRadio will provide yet another reason for customers to be on Airtel digital TV. The width and depth of our content together with the superior audio and video clarity on the back of our strong distribution and service delivery network has been one of the primary reasons for more customers opting for Airtel digital TV. Our non channel content has been very well received, one of the reasons we believe that the Radio application will find appeal across the hinterland of the country where radio is still considered the primary entertainment medium for many, who are only now being introduced to DTH and its advantages over legacy distribution systems."

All Airtel digital TV customers can access this application at a mere click of the iTV button on their remote. With a user friendly interface, the customers also have an option to select an AIR channel and play in the background. The 21 audio channels in iRadio include FM Gold, FM Gold Mumbai, FM Rainbow, FM Rainbow Bangalore, FM Rainbow Chennai, Radio Kashmir, Gyanvani Radio, AIR Hindi, AIR Punjabi, AIR Tamil, AIR Telugu, AIR Bangla, AIR Gujarati, AIR Urdu, AIR Marathi, AIR Kannada, AIR Oriya, AIR Malayalam, AIR Assamese, AIR Ragam, and AIR North-East.

iRadio is now available along with the other five attractions, iFasal, iGoodlife, iDarshan, iLearn and iAstro. To enjoy other iTV applications, the customers need to call 12150.

iFasal: provides farmers a real time access to crop prices, prevalent agri-input prices of say seeds, pesticides, weather information and localized farming advisory in Hindi

iGoodlife: provides rich and entertaining content on lifestyle, cooking, health, home and family

iDarshan: showcases live aartis every morning and evening, devotional songs, debates, discussions, pravachans, satsangs, discourses, travel episodes from shrines across the country and pilgrimage information, at your home

iLearn: interactive and fun tutorial for children ranging from classes 1 to 5

iAstro: provides detailed forecast for the day – both as per astrology and numerology

About Airtel digital TV
Airtel digital TV – the DTH service from Bharti Airtel – has over 6.8 million customers and is one of the leading national level DTH service in the country which offers its customers MPEG 4 with DVBS 2 – currently the most advanced digital broadcasting technologies available in the world after HD broadcasting. Additionally, Airtel digital TV was the first to bring many firsts to the DTH segment in India including a Universal Remote which operates both the Set Top Box and TV set, as well as several unique Interactive Applications. Airtel digital TV recorder was the first to offer the capability to record live television, anytime, anywhere. Airtel has also HD services to its portfolio. All this is backed by 24x7 customer care. Airtel digital TV launched its services in October 2008.

About Bharti Airtel Limited
Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. The company offers 3G voice & data services, fixed line, high speed broadband, IPTV, DTH, turnkey telecom solutions for enterprises and national & international long distance services to carriers globally. In rest of the geographies it offers mobile voice & high speed wireless internet. Bharti Airtel has been ranked among the six best performing technology companies in the world by BusinessWeek. Bharti Airtel had over 238 million customers across its operations at the end of October 2011. To know more please visit, www.airtel.in

(Press Release)

BBG Broadcasts Reach Record Audiences

Washington, D.C., Nov 15, 2011 -- U.S. government funded international broadcasters reached an estimated 187 million people every week in 2011, an increase of 22 million from last year's figure, according to new audience data being made public by the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

"We are pleased that people the world over are responding in unprecedented numbers to our high-quality journalism and active audience engagement," said BBG Chairman Walter Isaacson. "The ability of our broadcasters to inform, engage and connect audiences through traditional and social media alike lie behind these impressive results and will be essential to driving future audience reach and impact."
The record numbers, released in the BBG Performance and Accountability Report (PAR), measure the combined audience of the Voice of America (VOA), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio and TV Martí, Radio Free Asia (RFA) and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa). The report details impact on audiences around the globe including people in the world's most repressive media and political environments.

The BBG's PAR follows on the heels of BBG's latest strategic plan, Impact through Innovation and Integration, which sets an over-arching objective of making BBG the world's leading international news agency working to foster freedom and democracy with the goal of reaching 216 million people weekly by 2016.
This year there were significant audience increases in Afghanistan, where RFE/RL and VOA together reach 75% of adults weekly; in Egypt, where Alhurra TV doubled its weekly audience to 15% in tandem with the Arab Spring; and in Indonesia, where VOA's aggressive affiliate strategy has boosted weekly audiences to some 38 million adults.
Audiences in many other strategically relevant countries held strong. In Nigeria, VOA retains its position as a news source of record with 23 million weekly listeners. In Burma, VOA and RFA reach 26% and 24% of adults, respectively, amounting to a weekly audience of 10 million.

Audience declines took place notably in Iran, where the government continues aggressive jamming of every BBG transmission platform, including satellite uplink jamming; and Pakistan, where the media market is increasingly fragmented and use of radio is declining.

While radio remains the BBG's number one media platform, reaching 106 million people per week, television's growth puts it at 97 million people. The Internet audience was approximately 10 million, with the largest online audiences measured in Iraq, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt and Iran.

(BBG Pres Release)