Saturday, December 27, 2014

AIR Kolkata starts Vividh Bharati service on FM 101.8 MHz



The Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati ‪‎Jawahar Sarkar‬ today inaugurated the 10 kW FM transmitter for Vividh Bharati Service at Doordarshan Kendra premises. It is now available on FM 101.8 MHz.It will broadcast programmes of 15 hours 20 minutes on six days and 16 hours 20 minutes on sunday. In an interaction with the media at ‎Akashvani Bhawan‬, the CEO said, Kolkata is the first metro city to start ‪Vividh Bharati‬ service on FM. The service will be available in all four metro cities shortly.
 
(Via AIR News FB Page)
 
Test transmissions were heard since 15th Dec 2014.
 
Related :
 
Vividh Bharati moves to FM platform
 
 
CEO Prasar Bharati inaugurates additional FM channel for AIR Kolkata



Wednesday, December 24, 2014

KVOH acquires CVC's txer site at Lusaka, Zambia


(Los Angeles, California) December 18, 2014 – Strategic Communications Group ("SCG", http://www.voiceofhope.com/) announced today the purchase of its newest shortwave transmission facility in Lusaka, Zambia. Broadcast signals from this facility will soon be available to more than one billion potential listeners across the continent of Africa.


Strategic Communications Group, a broadcaster headquartered near Los Angeles, purchased the state-of-the-art transmission facility this month from Christian Vision (https://cvglobal.co/). The super-station will operate as Voice of Hope – Africa broadcasting the Gospel of Jesus Christ in English and several African languages - as well as providing news, health, and other information programming to audiences throughout the continent.

Reflecting on the acquisition, SCG President John Tayloe said "Shortwave signals continue to cross political, social, racial, economic, and cultural barriers. It is notable that China's explosive growth in shortwave broadcasting has increased their audience worldwide and has filled the void left by retreating Western countries from the powerful medium. I believe shortwave is the perfect medium for carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Unlike other forms of mass media such as satellite, terrestrial television/AM/FM radio, and printed materials - shortwave radio signals can still be sent without program content being restricted in any way. The Voice of Hope – Africa is a remarkable platform to reach millions. Voice of Hope is also excited about the latest technical advances that provide new opportunities such as CD quality over-the-air digital broadcasting (Digital Radio Mondiale - DRM), 24/7 internet streaming simulcasts, and dynamic interactive websites - and is actively investigating integrating all of these advances within each broadcast ministry."

The Voice of Hope – Africa campus has 12 buildings on 150 acres. It houses two 100 kW Continental shortwave transmitters and two high-gain TCI long range antennas that beam strong signals over all of west, central, and southern Africa. As part of its commitment to the community, SCG will also operate a Health Clinic from its broadcast campus and explore the viability of an annual Leadership program for Christian Pastors and Lay leaders. Because of its unique location, plans to expand the Voice of Hope's footprint into India and China from this location are also being evaluated.

Broadcasters ("NASB", http://www.shortwave.org/) said: "At a time when some countries and organizations have been reducing or eliminating their shortwave transmissions, it is In a message to SCG, Jeff White, past President, National Association of Shortwave refreshing to see that broadcasters like Voice of Hope are  expanding their reach and giving new life to shortwave. Africa is particularly important since the people of this continent rely heavily on shortwave radio to hear news, information and spiritual programming."


501(c)(3) charity in the United States. SCG also owns and operates the Voice of Hope – Strategic Communications Group was established in November 1998 as a non-profit, Americas (KVOH) radio station from Los Angeles that was launched in 1986 by George Otis, Sr., founder of High Adventure Ministries (1973-1999), and features broadcasts in Spanish and English to Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada and the USA. SCG is in the final stages of a major upgrade to the broadcast signal of Voice of Hope – Americas, installing a high-performance Harris shortwave transmitter. SCG is also in the planning stages for a state-of-the-art global Technical Operations Center (TOC) to be located in the Los Angeles area. This TOC will allow efficient monitoring and technical support of all Voice of Hope broadcast transmitter sites in the U.S. and abroad.

For further information contact:
John Tayloe
Tel: 805-338-0075

(Press Release)

Mighty KBC extra broadcasts on Dec 25 & 26

KBC Radio extra broadcasts on December 25 and 26

Schedule of extra Mighty KBC broadcasts on 6095 kHz :
December 25 09:00 - 16:00 UTC 
December 26 11:00 - 16:00 UTC 

Please spread the word ! 
Sponsored by www.KBCimport.com

(KBC)

SAQ TRANSMISSION ON CHRISTMAS EVE

DECEMBER 24TH, 2014

There will be a transmission with the Alexanderson 200 kW alternator on VLF 17.2 kHz from Grimeton Radio/SAQ on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24th, 2014.

The message transmission will take place at 08:00 UTC (19:00 EDST). The transmitter will be tuned up from around 07:30 UTC (18:30 EDST).

There will be activity on amateur radio frequencies with the call SK6SAQ on any of following frequencies:

-   3,755 SSB
-   7,035 CW
- 14,215 SSB
- 14,035 CW

QSL- reports on SK6SAQ are kindly received: -  via SM bureau or direct to Grimeton Radio QSL-reports on SAQ are kindly received via:

- E-mail to: info@alexander.n.se
- or via SM bureau
- or direct by mail to:

Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner,
Radiostationen, Grimeton 72
S-432 98 GRIMETON
S    W    E    D    E    N
The radio station will be open to visitors. No entrance fee.
Also read our website: www.alexander.n.se

Yours
Lars Kalland
SM6NM

BBC Tamil content now available on The Hindu website

Text content from the BBC Tamil website, bbctamil.com, is now directly available to users of the web version of The Hindu-Tamil – the Tamil daily from The Hindu group, one of India's oldest and most reputed media organisations.

Thanks to a syndication agreement between BBC World Service and The Hindu, up to ten stories from the international index of bbctamil.com are now featured on a BBC-branded section on the World page of tamil.thehindu.com

Traffic to bbctamil.com grew by around 80 percent year on year, compared to October last year. Over 70 percent of these users are in India.

BBC Tamil Editor, Thirumalai Manivannan, says: "This collaboration is an excellent development for our global audiences, especially those in Tamil Nadu. We hope that the strength of the BBC's international news coverage will bring extra benefits to the Tamil users of The Hindu website."

BBC World Service Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific, Indu Shekhar Sinha adds: "India is one of the fastest growing internet markets in the world and the expansion of the Tamil-language digital media market is part of this. We are confident that the collaboration with The Hindu-Tamil will further enhance BBC Tamil's reputation and audience."

The Hindu Tamil Editor, Asokan K, says: "The Hindu-Tamil's website tamil.thehindu.com caters to the Tamil-speaking diaspora around the globe. This collaboration with BBC Tamil will add more flavour to our audience that demands quality news".

The website bbctamil.com offers a range of content-sharing functions and has a mobile version. BBC Tamil offers 30-minute daily shortwave radio broadcasts to India and Sri Lanka. BBC Tamil also broadcasts a five-minute global update on Shakthi FM in Sri Lanka on weekdays.

BBC Tamil is part of BBC World Service.

(BBC Press Release)

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Radio Pakistan installs modern digital 500 KW transmitter at Faqeerabad

Radio Pakistan has installed a modern digital 500 KW transmitter at Faqeerabad to multiply the outreach of its medium wave broadcasts on 585 KHz. The transmitter, along with renovation of studios at National Broadcasting House, has been installed with the technical and financial assistance of Japan.

The signing ceremony to hand over renovated studios and transmitter to PBC was held at National Broadcasting House Islamabad on Thursday. Director General PBC, Samina Parvez and Department Manager of Yachiyo Engineering, Kiyofusa Tanaka signed the documents. In her remarks on the occasion, Director General PBC thanked the Japanese government for helping PBC in strengthening its signal and modernizing its broadcasting system.

She said induction of new transmitter is another milestone reached by the PBC management in its endeavour to replace its obsolete and aging transmitters to cater its audience. The listeners in several parts of the country will enjoy radio programmes in clear voice. She said it is a matter of pride for PBC to have completed the project on time. Addressing the ceremony, Kiyofusa Tanaka said the completion of this project marks is yet another milestone in Pakistan-Japan relationship. He appreciated the effort put in by the staff of PBC for timely completion of this landmark project.

The objective of 'The project for rehabilitation of medium wave radio broadcasting network' executed with grant-aid of 'Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA) was to rehabilitate dying medium wave service of Radio Pakistan Islamabad for effective coverage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, Punjab and Gilgit-Balitstan. 

Under the project, 38 year old medium wave transmitter at Faqeerabad was replaced with a new 500 KW medium wave transmitter, based on latest digital technology. Besides, five Studios and master control room at National Broadcasting House were also digitized.

JICA provided grant-aid of 1,385 million Japanese Yen while Pakistan's government's share was 85.761 million rupees. M/s Yachiyo Engineering Company of Japan executed the project while M/s NEC Corporation, Japan supplied and installed equipments. On-job training was also given to the PBC engineers to effectively run the system.Programme in seven language, including Urdu, Punjabi, Potohari, Hindko, Pushto, Shina, and Balti will be aired on 585 KHz for listeners in 500 kilometer radius as compared with 70 kilometer radius in past. However, this transmission can be heard in a radius of up to 1,200 kilometers at night. Fourteen hours programmes will be aired from the transmitter on 585 KHz from tomorrow.

Samina Parvez Khalid
Director General
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation

(Via Facebook)

RMRC Shortwave broadcasts in December 2014 about the EDXC'14 Conference

The Rhein-Main Radio Club ( RMRC ) of Frankfurt, Germany, plans to broadcast a one-hour program in English about the EDXC 2014 Conference held in September in Nice , France. There will be three separate transmissions:

to Japan and Asia from Sitkunai, Lithuania on 13. December at 2100 UTC on 11690 kHz;
to the Americas from WRMI on 15. December at 0000 UTC on ( 7455, 5850, 5015 kHz )
at the same time; and to Europe from WRMI on 15. December at 2100 UTC on 15770 kHz.

There will be taped interviews with several well-known DXers who attended the meeting. Thank-you very much to Mr. Toshi Ohtake of the Japan ShortWave Club (JSWC) for taping and providing these interviews.

QSL-verification via the RMRC and either as electronic or as paper QSL. Reception reports to either: info@RMRC.de or RMRC, Postfach 70 08 49, 60558 Frankfurt / Main, Germany. Return postage is not required.

See also web-page www.RMRC.de for details ("QSL-Info" ).

Transmission from Sitkunai, Lithuania:

Saturday, 13. December, 2100 - 2200 UTC.
Target Area Frequency Beam UTC-Time UTC-Day
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Japan / Asia 11690 KHz 79 2100 - 2200 UTC Saturday, 13. December
That is 0600 local time on Sunday morning (14. Dec.) in Tokyo.
------------------------------------
Transmission from WRMI , Okeechobee, Florida, USA:
Monday, 15. December, 0000 - 0100 UTC.
Target Area Frequency Beam UTC-Time UTC-Day
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Americas:
Western North Am. 7455 KHz 285 0000 - 0100 UTC Monday
Eastern North Am. 5850 KHz 355 same 15. December
Caribbean/Latin Am. 5015 KHz 160 same
That is 7:00 pm Eastern Time in the USA on Sunday, December 14.
------------------------------------
Transmission from WRMI , Okeechobee, Florida, USA:
Monday, 15. December, 2100 - 2200 UTC.
Target Frequency Beam UTC-Time UTC-Day
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Europe 15770 KHz 44 2100 - 2200 UTC Monday, 15. December
-----------------------------

(Via Toshi Ohtake )

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

AIR VBS testing in Delhi on 100.1 & Mumbai on 102.8 MHz

All India Radio Vividh Bharati tests in Mumbai heard on 102.8 MHz
Meanwhile checked here in Delhi and surprisingly Vividh Bharati program is available on a new frequency 100.1 MHz, tests....I presume, here's a video :

http://youtu.be/fAOhMu-0G7c





All four metro's are suppose to get exclusive VB channels on FM.
Vividh Bharati online streaming is available at :


Thursday, November 20, 2014

U.S. International Media Attract Record Audience of 215 Million

WASHINGTON — The BBG's networks draw a record-high audience of 215 million people each week, according to a new report released today. This includes noteworthy increases in competitive media markets, on television and online.
 
More at ....
 
 
Performance and Accountability Reports


 
BBG's 2014 audience overview
 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

AU2JCB Special Event Call-sign

To commemorate the birth-anniversary of Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose on 30th Nov, 2014 Indian Hams are going to operate with special call-signs.


Special event Call-sign --- AU2JCB (operated by VU2DSI)

Period of Operation -- 21st Nov to 9th Dec 2014

Frequencies in USB -- 28545 or 28510 kHz
21350 or 21235 or 21310 kHz
14220 or 14310 or 14250 kHz
7040 or 7150 kHz 3650 kHz

In FM Mode --- 50800 kHz, 51500 kHz, 29700 kHz


QSL to VU2DSI.

VU hams please just send qsl for AU2JCB qsl.
DX hams are requested (if possible) to send 2 IRC's or return postage as many many are sending their qsl's for AU2JCB qsl.
More information on AU2JCB QRZ page.
VU2EXP Rajesh and VU2JAU Jayuji will operate with AT1JCB and AU3JCB respectively.

The end of an era - BBC Relay Station site handed back to Seychelles

Tuesday November 18 marked the closure of an iconic chapter of Seychelles' history, signalling the end of an era when information was much more difficult to come by. With much of Africa joining the
internet and mobile phone revolution, the times of trying to glean information about happenings in the rest of the world on a crackly AM radio station have now passed by.
 
Over 25 years after its establishment, the site of the BBC's former Indian Ocean Relay Station (IORS), located at Grand Anse, on the western side of the largest inhabited island in the archipelago, was handed back to the government.
 
Full story and pics at :
 

Public Service Broadcasting and its challenges in the 21st Century

Text of speech given by Peter Horrocks, Director, BBC World Service Group to Myanmar Radio and TV staff on Monday 17 November, 2014


 

Paper about the future of digital radio for community radio

Thanks to James Cridland for posting this on twitter...  Paper about the future of digital radio for community radio, excellent read..






Sunday, November 16, 2014

Peter Horrocks speech to the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi

How India is leading the way in BBC innovation - Peter Horrocks speech to the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi
 
 
excerpt...
 
In recent years the challenges in reaching global audiences have been intensifying. The platform on which BBC World Service historically was strongest - shortwave radio – has come under great pressure as FM radio, TV and mobile phones offer audiences compelling alternatives. In India, BBC Hindi is still available on shortwave and achieves an audience of 5.5 million which the BBC greatly treasures, but that audience has been declining fast as audiences switch to more audible radio and other platforms like TV.

BBC applauds ITU decision to track sources of satellite interference

Leading international broadcasters and broadcasting unions are welcoming new steps taken by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to address harmful interference with satellite transmissions, including cases of deliberate interference.
 
At its recently concluded Plenipotentiary Conference in Busan, Korea, member states agreed to support ITU efforts to track reported cases of interference with satellite broadcasts.
 
Broadcasters have complained that interference has cut them off from audiences in numerous countries and regions over the past several years.
 
The new action to address the problem was approved on 7 November 2014 by the Plenipotentiary Conference, attended by representatives of 171 countries.
 
Director of the BBC World Service Group, Peter Horrocks, says: "This is a welcome step forward. The BBC believes strongly in the free flow of news and information around the world. We must all work together as international broadcasters to put an end to jamming."
 
Entitled "Strengthening the role of ITU with regard to transparency and confidence-building measures in outer space activities", the agency noted that countries are increasingly relying on space-based communications for a wide variety of services, including remote sensing, communications, and weather forecasting, as well as for bridging the digital divide.
 
Interference, the ITU assembly noted, makes the delivery of satellite services less reliable, and therefore complicates efforts to bridge the digital divide - efforts which bring enhanced telecommunication services to the developing world.
 
The Resolution invites the ITU to enter into agreements with satellite monitoring facilities in order to detect the sources of interference, a process known as 'geo-location' and it calls upon the ITU to create a database on interference.
 
The effort to counteract satellite jamming brings together a coalition of broadcasters from a number of countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The EBU and the Arab States Broadcasting Union have also taken a leading role. In addition, satellite operators who have been impacted by the practice - in particular, France's Eutelsat and Saudi Arabia based Arabsat - have worked with the broadcasters.
 
The successful effort to obtain ITU action on the proposal was also a multi-national effort, introduced by a representative of France's Agence Nationale des Frequences (ANFR) and steered through debate by an official of the United Kingdom's regulatory authority, OFCOM.
 
More information on the ITU resolution is available here
 
(BBC Press Release)

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Solomon Islands Broadcasting win first DRM Enterprise Award

The Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium is delighted to announce that the recipient of their first DRM Enterprise Award is to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC). The award conferred in association with the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association is in recognition of SIBC considering DRM and showing interest in actively introducing DRM.

The Pacific Islands region was selected to receive the first DRM Enterprise Award, launched officially at the IBC and the 2013 ABU General Assembly. The award aims to stimulate interest in the DRM standard in various parts of the world that would benefit from the full introduction of digital radio.

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation is one of those broadcasters who have understood the need to introduce digital radio. Recognition of this initiative will help SIBC become a catalyst for such a process in the region.

Mr Sharad Sadhu co-ordinated the event on behalf of the DRM Consortium and was very pleased to see the first DRM Enterprise Award go to the SIBC and said:

"It was interesting to understand the process, the realisation of the need for digital radio and the first steps towards planning of digital radio transmissions.  The basic objective is to expand coverage area and reach wider audiences with medium wave radio. In addition, digital shortwave radio is being planned for use in linking existing radio stations in the Pacific countries. Already the interest in Kiribati for example is proof of the spreading interest in DRM in the Pacific islands (For example, a radio broadcaster in Kiribati, the island country just west of the International Dateline, has recognised the efficiency of digital radio in carrying signals to islands not currently covered)."

The winner of the DRM award was chosen by a panel of experts co-ordinated by Mr Sharad Sadhu. The DRM Consortium was also represented by Dr Albert Waal, Head of Hardware Development, RFmondial GmbH.

Very soon we will announce the second DRM Enterprise Award for 2015.

For more information on the award, to get updates on the next award, please write to:  projectoffice@drm.org.

About DRM

Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised digital broadcasting system for all broadcasting frequencies.

The DRM standard comprises of two major configurations: 'DRM30′ intended for broadcasts on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz and providing large coverage areas and low power consumption. The configuration for the VHF bands above 30 MHz is called 'DRM+', tailored for local and regional coverage with broadcaster-controlled transmissions.

All DRM configurations share the same audio coding, data and multimedia services, service linking, multiplexing and signalling schemes.

DRM provides high quality sound combined with a wealth of enhanced features: Surround Sound, Journaline text information, Slideshow, EPG, and data services.

For more information and DRM updates please visit www.drm.org or subscribe to DRM news by writing to pressoffice@drm.org.

(Press Release)

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Voice of Russia becomes Sputnik

Sputnik, a major new media brand with modern multimedia centers in dozens of countries, will go live November 10. All of Sputnik's multimedia centers located in major world capitals will maintain their own websites and broadcast from local radio stations.
 
In 2015, Sputnik will broadcast in 30 languages, with over 800 hours of radio programming a day, covering over 130 cities and 34 countries. Sputnik's exclusive content is designed for a global audience of billions who are tired of aggressive propaganda promoting a unipolar world and want an alternative opinion.
 
The flagship site is www.sputniknews.com
 
 
Russia launches major new media brand 'Sputnik'

  
Russia launches foreign news service Sputnik to fight West's 'propaganda'
 
 
Notice at the VOR website :

Dear readers, due to the merger of The Voice of Russia with RIA Novosti into the Rossiya Segodnya media holding, this website will no longer be updated. Our team is moving over to the RIA Novosti site, where you will still be able to read our news and opinion pieces and listen to Radio VR broadcasts. Please update your bookmarks and stay with us!
November 10, 2014

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Global 24 offers special Berlin wall QSL



Global 24 is offering a special QSL card remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, will be broadcasting several special programs throughout the weekend about the tumultuous events in Berlin.


Special QSL card will be available for confirmed reception reports from November 6 through November 10.


DW English radio programming for Africa now available mornings

As of Sunday, October 26, Deutsche Welle English radio programming for Africa will be broadcast in the mornings.
 
From Monday to Friday for an hour each at 4:00, 5:00 and 7:00 UTC, DW will provide news and information on the latest developments in Africa, as well as on important international and German issues.
 
"With the new programming schedule, DW is reacting to changes in media consumption behavior by many Africans, who tend to listen to radio in the mornings, but are increasingly turning on their TVs in the evenings," says DW Director of Programming Gerda Meuer. "With regard to multimedia coverage, this offers DW the opportunity to interlink its Africa radio programming closely with the future English flagship TV channel."
 
The broadcasts at 4:00, 5:00 and 7:00 UTC will allow the 25-minute radio magazine "AfricaLink" to react to events in East and West Africa, which are spread across four time zones. The popular education program "Learning by Ear" will be broadcast twice a week as part of "AfricaLink."
 
In addition to world news and Africa-related topics, there will be six special-interest and background radio magazines featuring issues from Germany and Europe to the environment, science and development.
 
The 30-minute radio magazine "Inside Europe" will more strongly reflect the interests of African listeners. On weekends, a one-hour version of "Inside Europe," along with the radio magazine "WorldLink," offer insights into what is happening in Germany, Europe and around the world. Both programs are extremely popular in Africa due to their lively reports, interviews and broad range of topics.
 
"DW has been broadcasting in Africa for more than 50 years, which has created a very special relationship with our listeners and users, characterized by trust and respect," says Gerda Meuer. "They know that we objectively explain, analyze and contextualize the latest developments from a German and European perspective."
 
Over 100 FM partner stations in English-speaking Africa rebroadcast DW's English programs. In crisis-ridden South Sudan, they number among the most popular international radio programs.
 
In South Sudan, around eight percent of the target audience listens to DW every week. In Zambia and Tanzania, that figure is five percent.
 
Deutsche Welle offers online news and analysis from and about Africa at www.dw.de/africa. Online content for Africa in English is set to be further expanded with a special focus on mobile services, which are becoming ever more popular in Africa.

(DW Press Release)

Deutsche Welle winter schedule effective from 26th Oct, 2014 is available at :

Saturday, November 01, 2014

BBC Hindi now available on Line instant messaging

As part of its 'mobile-first' strategy, BBC Hindi is making its content available on smartphone instant messaging platform LINE – one of the world's top five chat apps. By searching for the username BBC Hindi, and adding the account, or by subscribing to BBC Hindi in the Official Accounts section, Hindi-speaking LINE users can receive the latest news from BBC Hindi via text, graphics, short video clips and audio.

One of the fastest growing Hindi news websites, bbchindi.com has pioneered the use of the instant-messaging platform among Hindi-language news providers. The launch of the BBC Hindi LINE app follows the recent launch on LINE of the BBC News account. LINE has 560 million registered users globally and over 30 million registered users in India.

Earlier this year, the BBC conducted successful trials in India with other instant-messaging apps. Audiences have shown an appetite for such services, and the bbchindi.com website now operates on the 'mobile-first' basis, delivering mobile-friendly content that users will want to share.

BBC Hindi Digital Editor, Rajesh Priyadarshi, says: "The Indian market has become the new driver of digital growth, and social media is teeming with activity. Chat apps are opening new windows of opportunity and by making our content available via LINE we are tapping into vast numbers of users who will welcome access to BBC journalism in a digitally friendly fashion."

BBC World Service Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific, Indu Shekhar Sinha adds: "Chat apps are redefining the rules of engagement. As one of the world's most trusted broadcasters, BBC World Service has always been keen to engage with audiences on their preferred media platforms. Thanks to this collaboration with LINE, our presence on the Indian mobile market will be further reinforced."

LINE spokesperson, Abhijit Mishra, says: "LINE is an integrated mobile platform committed to building strong content partnerships to provide relevant and meaningful information to our users. Our alliance with BBC Hindi official account will amplify the rich user-experience on LINE and provide BBC Hindi with a wide reach to the Indian audience."

As part of BBC World Service, BBC Hindi adds to the BBC's expanding social-media presence. BBC Hindi has more than 2.6 million followers on Facebook. BBC News is the most shared news brand on Twitter and has more than 40 million Facebook page 'Likes' worldwide.

For more information please contact:

BBC World Service Group Communications - Lala Najafova lala.najafova@bbc.co.uk

Notes for editors

BBC Hindi delivers content for online, mobile, TV and radio platforms. Hindi-speakers across the world can access the BBC Hindi content via the news site bbchindi.com. The 'mobile first' website can be accessed via the mobile portals of Vodafone, Reliance, Aircel, Tata Do Co Mo, Tata Indicom, Idea and Loop Mobile, and via the BBC Hindi apps developed for Android smartphones and Nokia's Series 40 devices. The BBC Hindi weekly TV news programme, Global India, is broadcast by the ETV network in India where it has a weekly audience of around 6 million. BBC's special radio output for India's FM market, available on regional FM stations, includes infotainment updates in Hindi and a portfolio of weekly programmes.

BBC World Service is an international multimedia broadcaster delivering a wide range of language and regional services on radio, TV, online and via wireless handheld devices. BBC World Service uses multiple platforms to reach its weekly audience of over 191 million globally. The BBC attracts a weekly global audience of 265 million people to its international news services including BBC World Service, BBC World News television channel and bbc.com/news

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Shortwave’s Newest Broadcaster Global 24 – Takes to the Air on 1st Nov

(Hollywood, FL) Oct. 21, 2014 – Global 24 Radio LLC announced today that its inaugural broadcast will go live at 7:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31, with a line-up of new and well-known programs and around-the-clock English language programming.  The broadcast can be heard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 9395 kHz on WRMI broadcasting from Okeechobee, Florida.
 
"We're very excited about launching Global 24 and the important contributions it will make to shortwave radio listening – as both a medium worth preserving and a vital part of the modern media mix for so many listeners around the world," said Phil Workman, general manager of Global 24.   "Our broadcast will appeal to dedicated shortwave listeners (SWL) all over the world looking for breaking news, opinion and music."
 
Global 24 aims to revitalize the shortwave medium by bringing general interest news and entertainment into sharper focus for listeners looking for high quality programming on a daily basis.  Regular listeners will be informed, entertained and engaged in an ever more complex world.  
 
According to Jeff White, general manager of WRMI,  "Global 24 represents another step in the long overdue commercialization of shortwave radio.  We are excited to be working with them on their ambitious program to engage and entertain a global audience."
 
Additional press releases in coming days will announce our broadcast schedule, our Listeners' Club, contests, sponsors, our web store, staff and much more.  Follow us on Twitter at @Global24Radio or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/global24radio

Visit our website:  http://www.global24radio.com  to join our email newsletter for the most current updates.
 
It Begins…9395 KHz on November 1, 2014 – 0000 UTC
 
Media Requests and Inquiries:  pworkman@global24radio.com
 
Global 24 Radio
2719 Hollywood Blvd B-16
Hollywood FL 33020



(Global 24 Press Release)



DVB to switch from shortwave radio to online broadcast

Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), the country's longest running exile broadcaster, which first aired in 1992, will enter a new phase on 26 October, switching from shortwave to online radio.
 
"Surveys show fewer people listen to shortwave nowadays, therefore DVB is focusing more of its content on new digital media and TV output, which will also be available via Internet and mobile phones," said Aye Chan Naing, executive director of DVB Multimedia Group.
 
October 2014 marks the end of an era for DVB radio, which was arguably the pioneer of Burmese exile broadcasting.
 
More at :
 


Thursday, September 25, 2014

BBG Names Andy Lack CEO

Respected Executive to Lead U.S. International Media
 
WASHINGTON -The Broadcasting Board of Governors announced today that it intends to hire respected journalist and media executive Andrew Lack as Chief Executive Officer of the federal agency that oversees the five networks and broadcasting operations of U.S. international media. Those networks include Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio and TV Martí, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.


"Andy Lack has an unmatched record as a journalist and media executive, and he has successfully steered large organizations through changes in competitive media environments," BBG Chair Jeff Shell said. "We are incredibly excited that Andy has decided to serve his country and lead the BBG as it fulfills its critical mission in this ever-changing and more complicated world."


Once his appointment is finalized, Lack will serve as the first-ever CEO of U.S. international media.  Creating the position of a CEO has been a key objective of the agency's governing board and the Administration.  


Lack's selection follows an extensive search process launched in October 2013, when the Board formed a special committee on the creation of a CEO.  Earlier this year, the agency engaged an executive search firm to identify candidates. 


"Andy is a great leader, a great communicator, and a great journalist," said Richard Stengel, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, who serves as the delegate to the Board for Secretary of State John Kerry.  "He is the perfect person - and I really mean the perfect person - to be this organization's first CEO in the 21st century. We are lucky to have him, and we at State look forward to working with him."
 
Chairman of the Bloomberg Media Group for the past year, Lack joined Bloomberg in October 2008 as CEO of its Global Media Group.  In this position, he was responsible for expanding television, radio, magazine, conference and digital businesses.  Under his leadership, Bloomberg LP has enhanced the quality of its media properties, expanded internationally, and built out services to bring information to more people, in more places, on more platforms than ever before.


Prior to joining Bloomberg, Lack was Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, where he led the company's roster of prominent international artists and vast catalog of recorded music from around the world. Before joining Sony Music Entertainment, he was president and chief operating officer of NBC, where he oversaw entertainment, news (including MSNBC and CNBC), NBC stations, sales and broadcast and network operations. He was responsible for expanding the Today show to three hours and creating the show's street-side studio in New York's Rockefeller Center. 


From 1993 to 2001, Lack was president of NBC News, which he transformed into America's most-watched news organization through NBC Nightly News, Meet the Press, Today and Dateline NBC. 

Before going to NBC, Lack spent much of his television career at CBS News. After joining in 1976, within a year, he became a prominent producer for 60 Minutes and subsequently, senior executive producer of CBS Reports.  Lack's broadcasts at CBS earned numerous honors, including 16 Emmy Awards and 4 Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Journalism Awards. 


Lack received a bachelor's degree from the College of Fine Arts at Boston University, where he is currently a trustee. 


He lives in Bronxville, NY with his wife, Betsy, and their two sons.
 
The Broadcasting Board of Governors is an independent federal agency, supervising all U.S. government-supported, civilian international media, whose mission is to inform, engage and connect people around the world in support of freedom and democracy. 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 Marti).
       
BBG | 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20237 | 202.203.4400

(BBG Press Release)

New DRM receiver from India, Avion AV-DR-1401 - up & close

Here are few pictures of the new DRM receiver from India, Avion AV-DR-1401, please note these pics are from the working prototype that was assembled at short notice for IBC 2014, the final product may/will differ from this. The receiver is expected to hit the market by December 2014.






















Specifications


3.5" TFT LCD
320 x 480 Resolution
Stereo Speakers and Headphones
FM : 87.5-108 MHz
DRM/AM : SW 2.3-27 MHz
DRM/AM : MW 522-1720 MHz
Adjustable Tuning Speed
Adjustable MW Step 9/10 kHz
DRM AFS
MPEG Audio Signal
Digital Audio Output
10 Hours Battery Backup
DC in 5V 1000mA
Built in Li-Pol Rechargable Battery
3.7 @ 6000 Mah Battery
3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Jack
Micro SD Card Slot
DRM Audio Input AAC+
CELP/HVXC/SBR
External Antenna Jack 3.5 mm
Speaker 3.5" 4 Ohms 3W
Detachable Remote Control

Key Features

DRM/AM/FM Stereo Reception
MW/SW/FM Bands
DRM Journaline Data
DRM Scrolling Text
DRM Program Recording
Auto Scan and Manual Tuning
DRM Emergency Warning
Unicode Character Support
100 Station Memory
Music/Photos playback from Micro SD Card
Multiple Language Support
Realtime Clock
MOT Slideshow
Service Mode
DRM AFS
Battery Indicator


Official site of Communication Systems Inc.

 
DRM Consortium press release

 
DRM Launches India Receiver
By Davide Moro, Radio World International
 
 
Exclusive interview with Indian DRM manufacturer Ankit Agrawal
 

 
 
 

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Announces at IBC 2014 First DRM Receiver produced in India

At IBC on Friday 12th September the DRM Consortium launched the first DRM AM model receiver produced in India for India and for global use.
 
The AV-DR -1401 designed and produced by Communications Systems Inc under the brand name Avion Electronics of India (www.avionelectronics.in) is a digital DRM SW, MW, as well as analogue AM and FM receiver with stereo reception, offering some of the extra features that make digital superior to analogue: more choice in perfect sound (MPEG audio), multimedia applications and local interactive text and media (Journaline), automatic tuning by station, not frequency, emergency alert capability etc.
 
The receiver was unveiled at the first DRM 'Pit-stop' on Friday 12th September at the Ampegon stand (Hall 8:D35). It was subsequently showcased on Saturday 13th September at Thomson Broadcast, the second 'Pit stop' event (Hall 8:C35) and  at the "tell and show" event organised by DRM Consortium member Nautel Ltd (Hall 8:C49). At their session 'Building to a Billion and Beyond', Nautel representatives and other Consortium companies from India and around the world gave an update on the digital project in India and participants could sample the excellent sound of the new DRM receiver model.
 
Ankit Agrawal, Director of Communications Systems Inc which produced the new model was thrilled with the interest created by the DRM radio: "Our receiver performed very well and its audio quality, extra features and ease of use received a lot of positive feedback.  IBC participants particularly liked the extended battery life of the receiver and its emergency warning capability.  With small adjustments we plan to make the receiver available for order in the next few months."
 
Ruxandra Obreja, the Consortium Chairman, says that: "We are very pleased with the exciting announcement on this new Indian receiver. With sufficient orders and support it could do very well and start the receiver ball rolling demonstrating that global, green and extremely cost-effective DRM is not just the future of digital radio but a reality for listeners now."
 
Other DRM members present at IBC are: Digidia, Fraunhofer IIs, GatesAir, RFmondial and Transradio.
 

 
 
About DRM
Digital Radio Mondiale™ (DRM) is the universal, openly standardised digital broadcasting system for all broadcasting frequencies.
The DRM standard comprises of two major configurations: 'DRM30' intended for broadcasts on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz and providing large coverage areas and low power consumption. The configuration for the VHF bands above 30 MHz is called 'DRM+', tailored for local and regional coverage with broadcaster-controlled transmissions.
All DRM configurations share the same audio coding, data and multimedia services, service linking, multiplexing and signalling schemes. DRM provides high quality sound combined with a wealth of enhanced features : Surround Sound, Journaline text information, Slideshow, EPG and data services.
For more information and DRM updates please visit www.drm.org or subscribe to DRM news by writing to pressoffice@drm.org.  Click here for the Newsletter with all the latest DRM news from around the world.

(DRM Consortium Press Release)


Friday, September 12, 2014

AOR unveils new receiver AR-DV1



AOR has unveiled a new receiver AR-DV1 at the Tokyo Ham Fair, pricing and availability details are awaited.

Here's a video : http://youtu.be/Mge3_6wmAZo

Thanks to Hiroyuki Okamura for the photo's and video.

Ampegon delivers Shortwave Transmitters and Antenna Systems to Saudi Broadcast Corporation

Turgi, Switzerland, September 12, 2014. Saudi Broadcast Corporation (SBC), Saudi's National Broadcaster, has contracted Ampegon through undisputed Saudi market leader First Gulf Company (FGC) for the renewal of their radio transmission site in Riyadh. 

Ampegon will deliver four 500 kW shortwave transmitters, four shortwave antennas HRS 4/4/0.5 and the BroadMaster broadcast control system. The new systems will replace existing analog transmitters with four tubes by modern analog/digital transmitters having single high power tube amplification and hence a much better overall efficiency. Saudi Broadcast Corporation has selected FGC proposal with Ampegon because of the capability of FGC to handle large projects along with Ampegon's expertise and the reliability of their systems well known since decades. Ampegon had supplied several antenna and transmission systems in the past and feels honored to once again show presence in Saudi Arabia.

The transmitters will be manufactured in Turgi, Switzerland. Factory tests together with SBC engineers are planned for autumn and shipments before end of 2014. Commissioning by an Ampegon engineer will start afterwards and the new systems are expected to be on air within summer 2015.

Engineer Saleh A. Almeghaileeth, Vice-President for Engineering Affairs at SBC, is extremely pleased to work together with Ampegon: "Ampegon offers a complete solution approach including transmitters, antennas, broadcast control systems and DRM integration. We trust on Ampegon's and FGC's experience as they had delivered shortwave transmitters in the past that still work to our full satisfaction."


Tel. +41 58 710 44 00

Sunday, August 24, 2014

New website of All India Radio, Raipur




New website of  All India Radio (Akashwani) Raipur (Madhya Pradeah) was inaugurated on Friday, August 15th 2014 by Shri K.K.Singh, Deputy Director General (Engineering) and Head of the Office.
 
The excellently designed website offers extensive information for listeners about All India Radio Raipur's activities, program schedule, advertisement rate cards, engineering/administration/organizational set up, staff details, audience research unit, news unit, infrastructure & broadcasting facilities. There is a separate photo gallery highlighting the activities of the station.
 
The new website can be accessed at : http://airraipur.org/index.html
 
Photo's and media coverage of inauguration is available at :  http://airraipand r.org/picture_gallery5.html


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Explore the century-old mystery of numbers stations

Some time after World War II (if not earlier), shortwave radiobroadcasts started appearing with no obvious purpose. A synthesized voice, usually female-sounding, would read out a list of numbers or seemingly random words, sometimes accompanied by morse code with a nonsensical translation. It is widely assumed that the stations are used in spycraft, but no country or intelligence agency has ever admitted to being the source, and their true function remains unknown.

Read more at :

http://www.avclub.com/article/explore-century-old-mystery-numbers-stations-207413

Airspy

Good news, Airspy is coming!

Today, august 2 2014, we finished validating the last technical details and started preparing the production with our partners at Itead Studio and we should have a first batch of 500 units available soon. An email should be sent to the registrants with a link to purchase Airspy directly from Itead's website.

Our special thanks to all the folks on the IRC channel #airspy @ freenode who supported the project from the beginning and helped with code, testing, ideas and encouragements.

What is Airspy?

Airspy is a very tiny (5×3 cm) software defined radio receiver capable of sampling 10MHz of spectrum anywhere between 24MHz and 1.7GHz. It is the fruit of countless hours of head scratching, fiddling and experimenting with the cutting edge Radio and DSP technologies. We believe it will change the way radio professionals and enthusiasts see the spectrum beyond 30MHz.

Frequency hopping GSM signals Early prototype Fitting in the new aluminum enclosure FM Broadcast band in Paris, 1.5km away from the Eiffel tower antennas GSM Band with strong signals 

Technical specifications:

24 – 1750 MHz RX range with no gaps
3.5 dB NF between 42 and 1002 MHz
12bit ADC @ 20 MSPS (80dB SFDR, 64dB SNR, 10.4 ENOB)
Cortex M4F @ 200 MHz and up to 204MHz with Multi Core MCU (dual M0)
1.5 ppm clock
1 RTC clock
External clock input (10 MHz to 100 MHz)
10 MHz panoramic spectrum view with 8MHz alias/image free
IQ or Real, 16bit fixed or 32bit float output streams
No IQ imbalance, DC offset or 1/F noise at the center of the spectrum
that plagues all the other SDRs
Extension ports: SGPIO, 2 x ADC channels, 2 x programmable clocks

Possible usages:

Spectrum Analyzer,
Fast scanner,
Radio surveillance,
Direction Finding,
Passive Radars,
ADS-B,
FM Radio,
Analog TV,
Digital Terrestrial TV,
Ham Radio,
Heck, this is a software defined radio! The only limitation is your imagination

May be you will want to get one or two boards to experience the joy of listening to the radio waves like nobody did before and with software you can hack by yourself? Then register so we can let you know when
the product is ready for purchase! Our special thanks to the all folks who helped debugging and improving the project.

(Source : airspy.com)

Voice of America Ends Greek Broadcasts

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 11, 2014 - After 72 years on air, the Voice of America Greek Service -- one of the longest-running language services -- is signing off today for the last time, bidding adieu to loyal listeners in Greece, Cyprus, and beyond.

VOA Director David Ensor called the Greek Service "a small but mighty group of talented, dedicated journalists, who for over seven decades served as an unbiased, objective news source."

The Greek Service was established on November 1, 1942, and went on to cover historic turning points of modern Greece, from the civil war in the late 1940s to the accession to the European Union, and most recently the country's struggles to remain an integral part of the E.U.

The Greek Service was among the first services at the Voice of America to transition to exclusively affiliate-based broadcasting in the early 1990s. One of VOA's smallest language services, the staff provided regular and ad-hoc content to its affiliate stations in Greece, with unique perspectives on U.S. politics, coverage of issues concerning the Greek-American community, and live Q&As during major global news events.

Ioannis Spanolios, general manager of one of VOA's first-ever affiliates, SKAI Radio and TV in Greece, said, "We are saddened because our collaboration that lasted close to a quarter century has come to a close...because we are losing a valuable news source from the other side of the Atlantic."

VOA Greek Service Chief Anna K. Morris said of her time with the Greek Service, "I feel absolutely privileged to have been given the opportunity to present American perspectives to Greek audiences for over 22 years."

(VOA Press Release)

Tuesday, August 05, 2014

From vinyl to CDs to digital, the evolution of radio

Despite being over a century old, radio broadcasting is still one of the biggest forms of communication for many today.
 
Radio has come a long way since its invention, and companies such as Clear Channel Communications are helping to shape and evolve this tried-and-true technology in several ways.
 
Read the full story at :
 

Saturday, August 02, 2014

To Be Where the Audience Is — Report of the Special Committee on the Future of Shortwave Broadcasting

WASHINGTON (August 1, 2014) — The Broadcasting Board of Governors today released "To Be Where the Audience Is," a report that found shortwave radio to be essential to listeners in target countries, but of marginal impact in most markets. The report's recommendations came after a comprehensive review, grounded in audience-based research, of the efficacy of shortwave as a distribution platform for U.S. international media.
 
"Shortwave radio continues to be an important means for large numbers of people in some countries to receive news and information," said Matt Armstrong, who chaired the BBG's Special Committee on the Future of Shortwave Broadcasting, which issued the report. "However, many of our networks' target audiences have moved to newer platforms including TV, FM and digital media. This report maps a way forward for U.S. international media to remain accessible for all our audiences."
 
Research-based evidence of media trends suggests that the increased availability and affordability of television, mobile devices and Internet access has led to the declining use of shortwave around the world. Still, the report finds that substantial audiences embrace shortwave in Nigeria, Burma, North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Cuba and other target markets for the BBG.
 
At the same time, the committee's recommendations make clear that the BBG will need to continue to reduce or eliminate shortwave broadcasts where there is either minimal audience or that audience is not a U.S. foreign policy priority. It also ratifies reductions that were made in redundant signals in 2013 and further cuts in transmissions that were made in 2014.
 
Even with these recent reductions, the BBG makes programs in 35 of its 61 broadcast languages available on shortwave where there is a strategic reason to do so.
 
The report notes there is no evidence that shortwave usage increases during crises. At such times, audiences continue to use their preferred platforms or seek out anti-censorship tools to help them navigate to the news online, including firewall circumvention tools or offline media including thumb drives and DVDs.
 
The Shortwave Committee report will be discussed at the August 13 public meeting of the Broadcasting Board of Governors.


The report can be accessed here....