Wednesday, September 25, 2019

USAGM Board of Governors announces CEO for interim period

WASHINGTON--The U.S. Agency for Global Media's (USAGM) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2019, Grant Turner, currently USAGM's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of USAGM on an interim basis until the President appoints a Senate-confirmed CEO.

"We are confident he will provide strong leadership during this time of transition," said Board Chairman Kenneth Weinstein. "Grant's strong management and process-driven background is exactly what we need to continue building on our achievements, increasing our impact and advancing our strategic plan."

"Grant has earned the respect of our Board, senior management team and employees since joining the agency and has the Board's full confidence as he takes on the role of CEO," said current CEO John F. Lansing.

Prior to joining USAGM as CFO in February 2016, Turner served as the Budget Director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, and as the Budget Director for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in Washington, D.C. Turner also worked for six years at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) where he was assigned to the National Security Division and the Office of the Deputy Director for Management. He is a 1989 graduate of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, and holds a Master's in Business Administration from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Master's in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Turner succeeds outgoing CEO and Director John F. Lansing, who previously announced his departure from the agency at the end of September to become CEO of National Public Radio (NPR). John Barkhamer, currently USAGM's Deputy CFO, will serve as Acting CFO.

While serving as CEO during this interim period, Turner will work closely with Steve Capus, Senior Advisor to the CEO with extensive knowledge and proficiency in journalism and production, and Matt Walsh, Deputy Director for Operations, as well as USAGM's network leadership and senior management.


(Press Release)

Saturday, September 21, 2019

All India Radio's special transmission for "Mahalaya 2019"

All India Radio's special transmission for "Mahalaya 2019"

Date : 28th September, 2019 (Saturday)
Time : 0355 - 0545 IST, 2225 UTC (27th Sept 2019) to 0015 UTC (28th Sept, 2019)
* some stations have late sign in & may continue past 0100 UTC

"Mahishasuramardini" is a special two hour transmission consisting of Sanskrit & Bengali recitation & music orated by Late Shri.Birendra Krishna Bhadra. All India Radio has been broadcasting this program since early 1930's. The sheer nostalgia is what makes the dawn of Mahalaya special as one of the most looked forward to Radio broadcasts. Countdown of Indian festival of Durga Puja starts from the day of Mahalaya. 

Frequencies observed during past years :

SW

4810 - Bhopal
4835 - Gangtok (Irregular)
4910 - Jaipur

MW

531 - Jodhpur
549 - Ranchi
603 - Ajmer
621 - Patna A
648 - Indore A
657 - Kolkata A
666 - New Delhi B
675 - Chattarpur
684 - Port Blair
711 - Siliguri
729 - Guwahati A
747 - Lucknow A
756 - Jagdalpur
774 - Shimla
801 - Jabalpur
810 - Rajkot A
819 - New Delhi A
828 - Silchar
846 - Ahmedabad A
891 - Rampur
909 - Gorakhpur
918 - Suratgarh
954 - Nazibabad
981 - Raipur
990 - Jammu
1008 - Kolkata B
1026 - Allahabad A
1044 - Mumbai A
1125 - Tezpur
1179 - Rewa
1242 - Varanasi
1260 - Ambikapur
1296 - Darbhanga
1314 - Bhuj
1386 - Gwalior
1395 - Bikaner
1404 - Gangtok
1458 - Bhagalpur
1530 - Agra
1593 - Bhopal A

Sign on observed by Jose Jacob at different times as follows:

2225 UTC (3.55am IST) 4910, 531, 603, 666, 675, 711, 747, 756, 774, 801, 819, 828, 891, 918, 956, 990, 1008, 1044, 1386, 1395, 1530.
2230 UTC (4.00 am IST) 4835, 1404.
2250 UTC (4.20 am IST) 846, 1179
2255 UTC (4.25 am IST) 4810, 621, 648, 810, 909, 954, 981, 1026, 1242, 1260, 1296, 1593.

Please email your observations & receptions reports to :  spectrum-manager@air.org.in

Or,

Director (Spectrum Management & Synergy)
All India Radio,
Room No. 204
Akashvani Bhawan,
Parliament Street
New Delhi 110001, India

Related :

What is Mahalaya ?


Come Mahalaya, Birendra Krishna Bhadra's recitation still default choice for All India Radio


(Alokesh Gupta)

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Special transmisson by LRA 36 National Radio Arcangel San Gabriel

LRA 36 NATIONAL RADIO ARCÁNGEL SAN GABRIEL

Saturday, September 21, 2019 LRA 36 will hold a special transmission from the Base Esperanza, Antarctica Argentina.

1300-1415 UTC (1000 -1115 hours Local Time) on 15476 kHz

Reception reports should be sent to lra36@hotmail.com and, if correct, will be verified with a special electronic QSL.

The arrival of spring is a very good reason, as well as the proximity of the 40th anniversary of the station you are met on 20 October.

The special broadcast will be in charge of the announcers LRA36 for this season: Sabrina Alanis, Costilla and Karina Beatriz Muñoz while the technical operation is José Calpanchay. They can also send their greetings to email comments and suggestions to be read during the program.

(Adrian Korol, RAE, September 17, DX LISTENING DIGEST)

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Specially designed customised postage stamp released on the ocassion of 60th anniversary of Doordarshan


Doordarshan completed sixty years of service to the nation on 15th September 2019. Starting from an experimental service on 15 September 1959, Doordarshan has become one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world and has played a pivotal role in the nation building. Generations of Indians have grown watching Doordarshan.

On the occasion, Shri Prakash Javadekar released specially designed postage stamp to mark Doordarshan's 60th Foundation Day.  

Monday, September 16, 2019

DRM at IBC 2019 - Going from Strength to Strength


DRM Highlights 'Smart Radio for All' at IBC 2019

Under the overarching theme "DRM – Smart Radio for All" the DRM Consortium had two interactive sessions looking at the practical implementation of DRM in various parts of the world. The sessions also focused on new receivers and enhancements to DRM equipment.

The first event on Friday 13th September hosted by Gospell under the title "The Gospell Receiver – End to End Solution for Your Needs", highlighted great developments in digital DRM roll-out in China and new upgrades, multi-feature and multi-standard receivers (such as the GR22) and receiver solutions from the company.   Gospell announced three DRM products; an affordable DRM receiver, car adapter and a professional measurement receiver.

On Saturday the 14th,  during an interactive sess
ion, held at the Nautel booth a panel of digital radio experts from the Consortium, answered questions on the latest implementation of DRM across the world (India, China, South Africa, Russia).

Fraunhofer IIS provided more details on the latest major release of the new DRM ContentServer R7 head-end technology for Digital Radio DRM (and DAB+). The DRM ContentServer R7 enables broadcasters to ensure consistent loudness within one programme and between programmes and builds resilience with backup audio coding to get over any interruption.

During the Nautel event RFmondial also demonstrated its advanced multiplexed DRM modulation for the FM band, that allows broadcasters to transmit multiple DRM channels on one physical transmitter.

Participants were also able to see and ask questions about the new all-band receiver, the result of the cooperation between Nedis, the Dutch consumer goods company and STARWAVES (an innovative technology radio solution company).  

On the panel were: Ruxandra Obreja (Chair, DRM Consortium), Wendell Lonergan (Nautel), Alexander Zink(Fraunhofer IIS), Haochun Liu (Gospell), Thembeka Khaka (Thembeka Khaka & Associates) and Jan Hein Knip (Nedis).

Ruxandra Obreja, the Consortium Chairman, says that: "IBC 2019 was great for DRM.  New roll out programmes and demos in India, China, several other Asian countries, Russia, Africa and Europe.  New receiver solutions, a new car adapter and improved transmitters and content servers.  DRM is going from strength to strength."

Consortium members at the IBC exhibition included: BBC, Encompass Digital, JVCKenwood, NXP, RFmondial and Sony.


From R to L - Haochun Liu (Gospell), Ruxandra Obreja (DRM, Chair,) Wendell Lonergan (Nautel), Alexander Zink (Fraunhofer IIS), Thembeka Khaka (Thembeka Khaka & Associates), Jan Hein Knip (Nedis)

(Press Release)

Gospell to announce the DRM monitoring system and imminent release of portable DRM receiver

Chengdu, China - Gospell, a leading supplier of pay TV system and equipment, satellite TV receiving products and microwave products, announces its product lineup for IBC 2019. The company will debut several new products featuring DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) for both consumer and industry market, including: 

•GR-22 - Portable DRM/AM/FM Receiver 
•GR-227 - DRM Car Adapter 
•GR-301 - DRM/AM/FM Monitoring Receiver 
•GR-310 - Audio Broadcast Monitoring Platform 
•GR-AT3 - High Performance Active HF Antenna 

GR-22 is a sleek and classy portable radio from Gospell, the contemporary stylistics of exterior design fits in your personal style, crystal clear DRM digital radio and AM/FM brings practicality and comfort to your daily enjoyment. Despite its pocket-size, it's a nifty full wave band receiver packed up in a tiny body that enables you to explore a wide variety of radio stations. It is also future-proofed for the next generation DRM-E technology. You have access to all the presets, station names, program details and even Journaline news on the easy to ready large LCD in a simple and intuitive way. Sleep timer set your radio to automatically switch off or wake up at your convenience. Listen to your favorite radio programs anywhere you like with 4 x AA batteries or connect it to mains. GR-22 is a multi-functional radio that is flexible to your listen habits. GR-22 will be available for purchase on Q2 2020. 

GR-227 is a car digital radio adapter that utilizes most advanced interference and noise cancellation technology to receive digital radio in car while achieving the best audio quality and serve it to the car audio system over aux cable or by transmitting over an unused FM frequency. The receiver is fully compatible with DRM standard that is being deployed over the world, with its latest audio codec xHE-AAC. Based on software defined radio technology, GR-227 is ready for the emerging DRM-E standard that extends the DRM broadcast to FM band. 

GR-301 is a high performance monitoring receiver that supports DRM, AM and FM. GR-301 supports the collection of key parameters of audio broadcasting, including SNR, MER, CRC, PSD, RF level, audio availability and service information. The collection and uploading of parameters meets DRM RSCI standards. The GR-301 can work independently or be deployed with other receivers to become a node in the service evaluation network. The GR-301 supports the xHE-AAC audio codec and is capable of handling the latest DRM-E standard through software upgrades. 

GR-310 is a management platform designed for audio broadcast monitoring and receiver control purposes, it manages the geographically distributed GR-301 receivers. The platform can formulate receiving schedules, configure the receivers to perform receiving tasks, perform real-time Gospell Digital Technology Co.,LTD. browsing of the reception status, store historical data, and visualize the statistic data in a intuitive way. In addition to monitoring and analyzing data, the GR-310 platform also supports real-time audio monitoring and configuration of alarm conditions, alarms will be triggered when rules are met. 

GR-AT3 is a high-performance active monopole antenna with reception frequency ranges from 0.3 to 50MHz. It is designed to work in harsh environments with respect to strong man-made noise and stern natural conditions. It is compact and easy to install, supplied accessories enable rapid installation. The antenna is comprised of a wide band amplifier in an IP67 waterproof aluminum body together with an active element made of a stainless-steel. The solid construction ensures durability and maintenance-free operation. 

"We're constantly working to ensure we're bring the latest technology in our product", says Haochun Liu, assistant to general manager, "These products underscore the Gospell's commitment to providing easy access to high quality information at affordable prices. Both consumer and industry can benefit from it." 

Gospell will be exhibiting at IBC 2019 in the Amsterdam International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) Hall 3 C67, September 13-17. To schedule a meeting at IBC 2019 or access a sample of the featured IBC showcase, email haojq@gospell.com 

About Gospell 

Established in 2001, Gospell Digital Technology Co Ltd (GOSPELL). is a hi-tech enterprise with R&D, manufacturing, business consultancy and planning, trade, delivery, project implementation and after sales service, acting as a complete DTV and triple-play solution provider for Digital TV/OTT related projects. Headquartered in GOSPELL INDUSTRIAL PARK at Chenzhou, Hunan Province for CPE related production manufacturing, GOSPELL also has its office in Shenzhen for business/marketing management and administration, in Chengdu for R&D and headend/transmitter system production/debugging and Customer Service Center, and in 12 cities in China as well as international offices in India, Africa and Mexico.

(Press Release) 

Sunday, September 15, 2019

RFmondial demonstrates multiplexed DRM at IBC 2019

Hannover, 12.09.2019 – RFmondial demonstrates its advanced multiplexed DRM modulation for the FM band, that allows broadcasters to transmit multiple DRM channels on one physical transmitter.

The newest member of RFmondial's successful LV-series of DRM modulators and exciters allows the parallel generation and transmission of up to six pure digital DRM channels, or in combined analog and digital „Simulcast" mode, one traditional analog FM channel and up to four DRM channels.

"The ability to freely mix and combine analog and multiple digital DRM signals, in adjacent channels, with individually varying power levels, supporting single frequency networks, allows broadcasters, network regulators and frequency planers a new dimension of possibilities for planning and operation of digital radio networks" states Stefan Galler, Managing Director of RFmondial GmbH in Hannover.

RFmondial demonstrates its innovation with its long-time digital radio partner Nautel at IBC 2019 (RAI Congress Center in Amsterdam, September 13-17, 2019) hall8, booth C.49

RFmondial GmbH
Appelstr. 9a
30167 Hannover
Stefan Galler
+49 (511) 330995 61

RFmondial GmbH offers professional products and services for the digital broadcasting industry as well as other industries with the need for innovative hardware and software. Research, development and prototype implementation for transmitter, receiver, and monitoring technology as well as design services for various industries are part of the core business. With broad experience in various technological areas, world-wide markets are served, "Made in Germany".

(Press Release via openPR)


Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Gospell announces several new products featuring DRM

Gospell will announce several new products featuring DRM (Digital radio Mondiale) at an event convened by the DRM Consortium is to be held on Friday 13th September (1530) at Hall 3 Stand C67 at IBC 2019

GR-22 – Portable DRM/AM/FM Receiver
GR-227 – DRM Car Adapter
GR-301 – DRM/AM/FM Monitoring Receiver
GR-310 – Audio Broadcast Monitoring Platform
GR-AT3 – High Performance Active HF Antenna

Monday, September 09, 2019

Gospell GR22 , new DRM receiver from Gospell ?

Gospell has unveiled a new DRM receiver on their facebook page, further details awaited. 
Watch this space !

Friday, September 06, 2019

List of All India Radio shortwave transmitters de-commissioned :

List of 'All India Radio' shortwave transmitters de-commissioned :

On 30 July 2019

1. HPT Khampur, Delhi - D-11 (250 kW), D-12(250 kW), D-14 (250 kW), D-15 (250 kW), D-16 (250 kW)
2. Aligarh - A-3 (250 kW), A-4  (250 kW)
3. Gorakhpur  (50 kW)
4. Jammu  (50 kW)
5. Lucknow (50 kW)
6. Shimla (50 kW)
7. Panaji - P-2  (250 kW)
8. Mumbai  (50 kW)
9. Guwahati - G-2  (50 kW), G-3 (50 kW)
10. Imphal (50 kW)
11. Itanagar (50 kW)
12. Kohima (50 kW)
13. Kurseong (50 kW)
14. Kolkata (50 kW)
15. Ranchi (50 kW)

On 23rd Aug, 2019

1. HPT Khampur, Delhi - D-13 (250 kW)
2. SPT Bangalore - BL-4 (500 kW)
3. HPT Malad, Mumbai (100 kW)
4. Port Blair  (10 kW)
5. Shillong (50 kW)

(Alokesh Gupta)

KTWR DRM broadcast schedule changes

Based on comments received from listeners, KTWR has made following changes in its DRM broadcast schedule  :

Effective 12th Sept, 2019 - 

11995 kHz 1026-1056UTC Thursday broadcast to Japan/SK will be changed to 9900 kHz 1215-1245 UTC on Thursday.

Effective 15th Sept, 2019 -

11580 kHz 1215-1245 UTC Monday broadcast to South Asia will be changed to 15200 kHz 1026-1056 UTC on Sunday.

11995kHz 1026-1056UTC Wednesday broadcast to China will be unchanged.

11995kHz 1025-1056UTC Tuesday broadcast to Australia will remain suspended.

 (Via Mika Sabin)

Wednesday, September 04, 2019

All India Radio Kurseong,Port Blair,Mumbai & Shillong shortwave transmitters decommissioned



All India Radio, Kurseong ( West Bengal) 50 kW shortwave transmitter on 4895/7230 KHz has been decommissioned with effect from 7th August , 2019. They are now on FM 103.5 MHz, 10 kW & 102.3 MHz, 5 kW.

Meanwhile the local officials & MP has requested to replace the existing shortwave transmitter with a new 300 kW DRM transmitter .

http://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com/2019/08/plea-on-hill-radio-station.html


All India Radio, Port Blair 10 kW shortwave transmitter on 4760/7390 kHz has also been  decommissioned.

All India Radio, Mumbai 100 kW shortwave transmitter carrying external services on 7340, 11935 kHz has also been closed down .

Asll India Radio, Shillong 50 kW shortwave transmitter of North East Service on 4970/7315 kHz has also been decommissioned.

( Jose Jacob via DX_India List)

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Switzerland Confirms FM Switch off Date

Radio programs will be available via FM until the end of 2024 at the latest

Bernard Maissen, deputy director for the Federal Office of Communications, has announced that Switzerland's radio programs "will only be available on the FM Band until the end of 2024 at the latest."

Read the RadioWorld story here :



Monday, September 02, 2019

Radio Romania International plans to drop shortwave ?

Zach R @SportyPorcupine on twitter mentons that due to a budget shortfall, there's a proposal afoot in Romania to shut down the shortwave radio service.  It currently broadcasts in 13 languages, here's the press release by National Press Agency Agerpres https://t.co/CJ56rxrf0l (in Romanian)

Press Release (English translation)

Do not destroy Radio Romania International!

The Romanian Syndicate of Journalists MediaSind, through the Radio Romania Branch, expresses its concern at the intention of the SRR president-general director, Georgică Severin, to suspend the shortwave broadcast of the Radio Romania International station.

Due to the superficiality with which the responsible factors of the institution treated the problem of the allocated budget, the Romanian Broadcasting Society lost, at the last rectification, 10 million lei, an amount without which the good functioning of the company cannot be ensured.

In order to cover this consistent deficit, according to some public statements of the President - General Manager, the expenses with the shortwave transmitters owned by Radiocom, which broadcasts Radio Romania International (RRI) programs in 13 languages, would be cut. dialects.

The 'solution' to closing the shortwave emission, even if it is the most handy, having immediate effect, is a totally wrong one. Indeed, as hypocritically motivated by the Georgica Severin decision, these transmitters are not useful in the country, with the expansion of the FM network.

The gravity of the decision of the Radio management is, however, a huge one, undermining even the national interest, with which even Georgică Severin has no right to play. Let us not forget that Romania has the second diaspora in the world, as a percentage of the population, after Syria. From the recent estimates of the Ministry for Romanians Everywhere, around the country live about 9.7 million countrymen whom we have to treat as Romanians with full rights, who have the right to information, including by Radio Romania International.

The head of the SRR, Georgică Severin, had to make energetic and repeated requests from the Government in order to obtain sufficient funds for the good functioning of the institution, including for the antennas, taking into account the future presidential elections of 2019 and parliamentary from 2020. Why Is the main means of transmitting messages to Romanians abroad exactly during this pre-election period being abolished? Should we consider this gesture merely as a sign of disrespecting the diaspora?

On the other hand, it should be noted that RRI issues programs for the Aromanian communities in the world, as well as for foreigners, in general, interested in Romania and the geographical area in which we are, RRI being thus an efficient polyglot software soft diplomacy tool. .

Let us not forget then that the shortwave broadcast has a strategic character, because, in case of necessity, of disasters, of calamities, but also of suspension, by hostile decisions of Romania, of the Internet, the Romanian state can communicate with the Romanians from abroad and with the world at large. As it is known, the Internet is extremely vulnerable to political decisions. Also, in the case of catastrophic floods, earthquakes, conflicts, short waves remain the only reliable way to communicate with the world.

Therefore, the idea of stopping the shortwave broadcast, coupled with another simplistic idea that RRI will successfully broadcast on the Internet, can produce serious effects, jeopardizing Romania's national security.

Exiting the Internet only means, in fact, closing the RRI station, which is in contravention of Law 41. According to art. 1 of the law, SRR makes programs for abroad, not online content; broadcast means radio broadcast, not online!

The exit of the RRI from the shortwave frequencies (this is a heritage of about 7,000 frequencies that are traded biannually by international broadcasters) will result in the loss of frequencies in favor of other countries. At the same time, Radiocom stations in Ţigăneşti, Săftica and Galbeni, where the 5 stations used for RRI are located, will be closed and Radiocom employees will be relocated or even fired. And as according to a harmful Romanian tradition, any provisional decision becomes final, it is hard to believe that it will return to the previous situation, to the issuance on short waves, even if the Government would allocate the necessary funds.

Closing the shortwave transmitters, without offering other means of transmission in exchange, would practically equate to the disappearance of the station; radio means broadcast on radio waves, analog or digital; a station on the Internet is no longer radio, it's just a multimedia product.

The next logical step, after a possible shutdown of the shortwave emission at RRI, will be the personnel restructuring. See the unhappy experience with Radio3Net station, which is only online and experimentally on DAB, in Bucharest, which has under-sized staff, even under the conditions of online production.

We consider that giving up the short wave, in whole or in part, is not a decision that falls within the competence of a president-general director because it concerns Romania's strategic interests. In this situation, the CSAT opinion should be requested and, in the Parliament, the Law on the organization and functioning of the SRR should be changed. Or, Georgică Severin is far from having the agreement of these institutions.

The role of RRI has been and is very important: promoting the country abroad and spreading Romania's opinions worldwide. By giving up any transmitter, whether from long, short or medium waves, the main object of activity of the SRR is affected, which is the realization and dissemination of programs (according to art. 15 of law 41).

Taking into account the serious situation that could arise as a result of the decision of the head of SRR, MediaSind Radio Romania requests the Parliament of Romania to intervene in an emergency regime to stop the destruction of the Radio Romania International station.

MediaSind Communication Department
Bucharest, August 26, 2019

Source :  https://www.agerpres.ro/stiri/2019/08/26/comunicat-de-presa-mediasind--360115