China Radio International adds temporary shortwave frequency

On September 25, 2025, China Radio International added eight temporary shortwave frequencies to broadcast live the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to the domestic and international audiences.

The frequencies are as follows (Beijing time):

English Real-time Simultaneous Interpretation (CRI English Information Broadcasting, also known as "CGTN Radio")
10:00-11:00 15110kHz (Kashgar, 100kW)
10:00-12:00 17740kHz (Beijing, 500kW)

Live Mandarin Broadcast (CRI Chinese Global Broadcasting)
10:00-12:00 15140kHz (Beijing, 150kW)
10:00-12:00 17510kHz (Kunming, 500kW)
10:00-12:00 17520kHz (Urumqi, 500kW)
10:00-12:00 17690kHz (Xi'an, 500kW)
10:00-12:00 17700kHz (Urumqi, 500kW)
10:00-12:00 17710kHz (Kashgar, 500kW)

Source : https://cahcn.github.io/posts/2025-09-25-the-grand-gathering-for-xinjiang's-70th-founding-anniversary.html

RTM Malaysia completes FM radio upgrade in five states

RTM Malaysia completes FM radio upgrade in five states

Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has completed the FM Radio Transmitter System Development and Upgrade Project on 25 August 2025. The RM18.75 million initiative was carried out under Phase 2 in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak and Negeri Sembilan.

The project involved 12 transmitters, four operated by RTM and eight by Telekom Malaysia (TM), with the work completed by Syarikat VME Broadcast Sdn Bhd according to schedule. The handover ceremony took place at the Tuanku Syed Putra Broadcasting Complex.

Deputy Director General of Broadcasting Operations, Ismail Sulaiman, said the upgrades had improved both broadcast quality and coverage, giving RTM stations a stronger presence in the five states.

Source : https://www.abu.org.my/2025/09/24/rtm-malaysia-completes-fm-radio-upgrade-in-five-states/

Voice of America resumes broadcasts into North Korea after months of silence

Voice of America resumes broadcasts into North Korea after months of silence

In deposition, Kari Lake implies move to restart Korean broadcasts this month came in response to Seoul's policies

More at : https://www.nknews.org/2025/09/voice-of-america-resumes-broadcasts-into-north-korea-after-months-of-silence/

TRAI releases recommendations on reserve prices for FM radio auctions

TRAI has issued recommendations on reserve prices for FM radio auctions in 21 cities, including remote towns in J&K, Himachal, and Uttarakhand. ₹3.75 lakh is proposed as the price for smaller 'E' category towns to boost private FM expansion.

Access the recommendations here :      https://t.co/ymEe9FHjG8

Swedish Radio - 100th Anniversary

"Behind the microphone" – the audience steps into the world of Swedish Radio

As part of Sveriges Radio's 100th anniversary, Sveriges Radio is opening its studio doors to 100 listeners for a day behind the scenes. The initiative is called "Behind the Microphone".

It is a way to celebrate our century-old history – together with those we exist for, says program director Sofia Wadensjö Karén .

Up to 100 listeners from all over the country will have the opportunity to visit their favorite editorial office, see how the programs are made and maybe be heard on the air themselves. A number of selected podcasts and programs are included in the initiative, including, "Ask Agnes Wold", "In the mind of Louise Epstein", "Sportextra" "Klassisk morgon" or "Klassisk förmidtning", "Morning session in P3", "Kvällspasset" and "Lantzkampen" to name a few.

The initiative is inspired by similar initiatives by international public service broadcasters. Both the BBC and DR have opened their newsrooms to the public during their 100th anniversary celebrations, which was a great success.

This is a fantastic opportunity. It is clear that listeners will enter our radio houses and studios. I hope that I will also have the honor of meeting some listeners who want to visit us, says Titti Schultz , one of the presenters of P4 Extra, which is also a program that can be visited.

Listeners apply by submitting a short motivation and information about how it works and which programs and editorial departments listeners can apply to is available via Sveriges Radio's website . Applications open on 1 September and are open until 31 September, when each editorial department will then select the listeners who will be allowed to visit at the end of the year.

More about Sveriges Radio's 100 years :  https://www.sverigesradio.se/100-ar

(Press Release) 

Call for submissions: UNDRR - The Global Radio for Resilience Initiative

The Global Radio for Resilience Initiative, led by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in collaboration with regional broadcasting unions—including the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), and European Broadcasting Union (EBU)—seeks to highlight the enduring importance of radio as a trusted, accessible, and inclusive communication tool in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Read the complete details & submission details here :

https://unric.org/en/call-for-submissions-the-global-radio-for-resilience-initiative/

Swedish DX Federation brings up motion to restore Radio Sweden broadcasts in MW & SW

Let Radio Sweden Intl. become radio again !

At the annual meeting of SDXF (Swedish DX Federation), a motion was approved to send a letter to the Riksdag regarding the restoration of Radio Sweden International's broadcasts on medium and short waves. The letter was sent to all parties in the Riksdag, members and deputies of the Culture Committee, four ministers concerned and the board of Sveriges Radio. The date has been chosen in view of the Riksdag's consideration of the bill on permits for radio broadcasts, which will be considered on 1st October.

More at : https://sdxf.se/WP/?p=21037

RNZ Pacific Frequency Change

Radio New Zealand Pacific frequency change

00:00 - 05:58 UTC on new 17675 kHz  Daily towards Pacific ( wef 5th Sept'25)

Complete schedule is available at : https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/listen

Special dawn programme "Mahishasur Mardini" by Akashvani on the ocassion of 'Mahalaya 2025'

Special transmission by Akashvani for 'Mahalaya 2025'

Date : 21st September, 2025 (Sunday)

Time : 0350 - 0545 IST, 2220 UTC (20th Sept, 2025) to 0015 UTC* (21st Sept, 2025)

* some stations have late sign in & may continue past 0100 UTC

Akashvani, Delhi will broadcast the special dawn on the programme "Mahishasur Mardini" on the ocassion of Mahalaya in following languages  :

- Hindi/Sanskrit version - on its Indraprastha & FM Gold channels. This will be relayed by all FM Gold channels and selected MW stations.

- Bengali/Sanskrit version - at same time on Akashvani Delhi FM Rainbow network and selected MW stations.

Akashvani, Kolkata will also originate the special Mahalaya programme in Bengali/Sanskrit at same time which will be relayed by selected MW & FM stations .

This programme may also be relayed over concerned DRM channels and on YouTube channel AIR Live News 24X7 & DTH.

Live-streaming on : https://prasarbharati.gov.in  and News On AIR App

"Mahishasuramardini" is a special two hour transmission consisting of Sanskrit & Bengali recitation & music orated by Late Shri.Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Akashvani 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 :

MW

531 - Jodhpur

549 - Ranchi *

603 - Ajmer

621 - Patna A *

648 - Indore

657 - Kolkata A *

675 - Chattarpur

684 - Port Blair

711 - Siliguri *

729 - Guwahati A

747 - Lucknow A

756 - Jagdalpur

774 - Shimla

792 - Pune *

801 - Jabalpur *

810 - Rajkot A *

819 - New Delhi A *

828 - Silchar

846 - Ahmedabad *

891 - Rampur

909 - Gorakhpur

918 - Suratgarh

954 - Nazibabad

981 - Raipur

990 - Jammu

1008 - Kolkata B *

1026 - Prayagraj

1044 - Mumbai A (Pure DRM)

1125 - Udaipur/Tezpur

1179 - Rewa

1242 - Varanasi *

1260 - Ambikapur

1269 - Agartala

1296 - Darbhanga

1314 - Bhuj

1386 - Gwalior

1395 - Bikaner *

1404 - Gangtok

1458 - Bhagalpur

1530 - Agra

1593 - Bhopal A

* Try also in DRM mode on minus 9 kHz of AM frequency

Reception Reports to :

Please submit your reception reports on line at:

https://prasarbharati.gov.in/reception-report/

or by email to:  spectrum-manager@prasarbharati.gov.in

or by postal mail to :

Director (Spectrum Management & Synergy)

Akashvani (All India Radio),

Room No. 204, Akashvani Bhawan,

Parliament Street

New Delhi110001, India

(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi)

FRS Holland 45th Anniversary

On Sunday, November 2nd 2025, FRS-Holland will celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Together with you! We warmly invite you to be part of the celebratory broadcast.

That day we will be on the air from 09:52 to 15:05 CET on several frequencies.

Of course we will share the exact frequencies with you ahead of the broadcast by e-mail and on our website  www.frsholland.nl 

What can you expect? A day full of surprises. We'll present a number of entertaining and varied programmes with music from the period 1980- 2015.

Several interesting topics will run as a common thread through the shows.

In one segment you, as a listener, will play an important role!  We'd like to ask you to be part of our programme content that day.

How? If you can, please send us a one-sentence answer to the following question: What does FRS-Holland mean to you?

Let us know! Reply by e-mail or via our POBox 2702 in Herten. A written message is fine; a spoken answer (mp3) is of course even better,

but we realize that not everyone has recording facilities. Please put in the 'subject' line of your mail: 'FRS 45 years'.

Because the November broadcast requires a lot of preparation, please send your contribution as soon as possible  in any case before Sunday, October 5th, 2025!

It's not much work; think it over and send it. You'll make us very happy: after all, we'd love to involve you, as a loyal listener, in the celebratory broadcast.

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025: FRS-Holland  45 years of free radio on shortwave. It will be a broadcast not soon to be forgotten!

We count on you!

73s the FRS Team

Mr.Kazuo Ozaki, the founder of HCJB Japanese Service died in USA

Mr.Kazuo Ozaki, the founder of HCJB Japanese Service, died due to pneumonia in USA, on September 16, 2025, at the age of 92.

Mr.Ozaki was born in Shimoseki, Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan in 1932. 

Graduated from Tokyo Union Theological Seminary, he joined Pacific Broadcasting Association, a Japanese production company specializing in Christian programs. 

In 1961 he was married with Hisako(1925-2006), who was his collage mate. In 1963 he was consulted to serve as a "Radio Missionary" in Ecuador. He was reluctant at first. After reading "Book of Jonah" (the story of Jonah, who was commanded to preach in Nineveh but hesitated, later repenting) in Old Testament, he felt he himself was Jonah, and decided to go to Ecuador.　

He and his wife Hisako arrived in Quito, Ecuador in early 1964. On May 1, 1964 the first HCJB Japanese service on shortwave began, targeting to the Japanese immigrants in South America. But shortwave signal propagated as far as to Japan. Many reception reports were received from Japanese shortwave listeners. Consequently, in 1965, the Japanese service directed to Japan began airing daily for 40 minutes. Both Ichiro and Hisako appeared on the broadcast themselves. The half of the programs were Christian evangelism and other half featured introductions to Ecuador, HCJB, and information for shortwave listeners. In 1964 they received 164 letters from Japan, surging to 61,449 letters in 1976.

HCJB was one of the most popular Japanese-language foreign radio station in 1970-80's. In 1977, Ichiro and Hisako temporarily returned to Japan,  deepening the exchanges with Japanese radio listeners. The Japanese broadcast received the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Award in 1987. The Japanese broadcast ended on December 31, 2000, but strong requests from Japanese listeners for its resumption led to the occasional special broadcasts thereafter. Following HCJB's withdrawal from Ecuador, the Ozaki family relocated to Wheaton, Illinois, USA, in 2003. Responding to Japanese listeners' requests, regular Japanese broadcasts resumed twice weekly in June 2006 from Reach Beyond Kununurra transmitter site in Australia. After the passing of his wife Hisako in September of the same year, Kazuo alone continued to advance the program. Every year he returned to Japan thereafter, appearing at "Listener Meeting" in many cities in Japan and "Ham Fair" (at the JSWC booth) in Tokyo, interacting with many listeners. The "Listener Meeting" held at Yodobashi Church in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on June 1, 2025, was his final interaction with the listeners.

His last voice is heard on HCJB-Japanese broadcast on September 13, 2025 (https://reachbeyond.chowder.jp/radio/japanese_13sep2025.mp3), interviewing with his granddaughter and her Italian friends.

(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan via WOR/DXLD List)

STARWAVES Launches Full-Featured Dual-Standard Android SoftRadio App for DRM & DAB+ at IBC 2025

STARWAVES Launches Full-Featured Dual-Standard Android SoftRadio App for DRM & DAB+ at IBC 2025

STARWAVES has launched the DRM-DAB+ dual-standard version of its popular SoftRadio App for Android. This unique solution enables full-featured reception of both digital radio standards in a single app – ideal for markets where DRM and DAB+ coexist, such as South Africa, Indonesia, or Australia, or for listeners in Europe who want access to both local DAB+ services and international DRM broadcasts like Radio Romania International.

Just like the existing DRM-only version, this app version supports DRM in all broadcast bands including the AM bands (LW, MW, SW) as well as the VHF Bands I, II (FM-Band) and III – depending on the capabilities of the USB-attached tuner dongle.

The app is now available on the Google Play Store for around 13 €

Here's the link for Google Play Store :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starwaves.drmdabsoftradio

WRTH ceases printed edition, to be available only in digital formats

The 80th WRTH is our last printed edition — here's how to secure your copy and what's next.‌

 

An Important Message to the WRTH Community

Dear Friends of WRTH,

As we approach the publication of the 80th edition of the World Radio TV Handbook (WRTH 2026), we find ourselves at both a moment of celebration and of change. For eight decades, WRTH has been a constant companion to radio listeners, broadcasters, and enthusiasts worldwide. We know that many of you treasure the annual arrival of the printed book, and it is with great care and reflection that we share the following news.

The Final Printed Edition

WRTH 2026 will be the last edition to appear in print. After this milestone 80th edition, WRTH will move entirely to digital formats—our regularly updated Web App and the twice-yearly E-book (Winter and Summer schedules). This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The printed WRTH has been part of the identity of our community, and we understand what it means to see it come to a close.

Why This Change Is Necessary

Over the past years, the costs of producing WRTH in print have risen sharply. Printing, paper, tariffs, shipping, and logistics have all become increasingly expensive and difficult to manage. Despite our best efforts to absorb these pressures, continuing to publish in print on a yearly basis is no longer sustainable. In order for WRTH to survive as a publication, and continue serving the global broadcasting community, we must adapt.

Pre-Order Only: A Collector's Edition

The WRTH 2026 printed book will be available exclusively through pre-order, with delivery scheduled for December 2025. There will be no launch stock or reprints. Once pre-orders close, the book will not be available again. This makes WRTH 2026 a true collector's edition—our final tribute in print to 80 years of The World's Most Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Guide to Broadcasting.

Pre-orders will open on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and close on Friday, October 31, 2025. Please watch our communication channels for the official announcement, and subscribe to our newsletter to always stay up-to-date: https://wrth.info/newsletter/

Looking Ahead with Digital

Moving forward, WRTH will be available in two formats:

The WRTH Web App, updated throughout the year with the most current data.

The WRTH E-book, released twice a year to cover Winter and Summer schedules.

We believe this transition will allow WRTH to remain relevant, accessible, and sustainable, while providing you with more up-to-date information than print has ever allowed.

Updated Pricing

To reflect the realities of production and to keep WRTH alive in its new form, prices for 2026 are as follows:

WRTH 2026 Printed Book: EUR 59,90 (excluding shipping)

WRTH 2026 Web App: EUR 47,90

WRTH 2026 E-book (Winter and Summer editions): EUR 47,90

Please note: Prices are set in EUR. Currency conversion applies at the point of purchase for all other currencies.

Shipping costs will remain similar to last year, varying by region, with WRTH continuing to subsidize rates in some areas.

A Word of Thanks

We know these changes may be difficult to accept, especially for those who have collected the printed WRTH for many years. Please know that this was not an easy decision for us to make. It comes from a deep responsibility: to ensure that WRTH not only celebrates its remarkable past but also secures its future.

We are grateful beyond words for your loyalty and support, and for the place you have given WRTH in your lives. As we turn this page together, we hope you will join us in celebrating the WRTH 2026—the final printed volume and a lasting collector's item—and in embracing the new digital editions that will carry WRTH into the years ahead.

If you have any other questions, please visit our FAQs for quick, clear answers and support.

With gratitude,

The WRTH Team

CML Micro Expands DRM1000 broadcast receiver module with integrated Journaline availability and first customer starts mass production in India

CML Micro Expands DRM1000 broadcast receiver module with integrated Journaline availability and first customer starts mass production in India

11 September 2025

Feature-complete firmware simplifies deployment and unlocks advanced services for digital radio receivers across the world

CML Micro Systems, a leading developer of mixed-signal, RF, and microwave semiconductors for global communications markets, announces a major feature expansion for its flagship DRM1000 broadcast receiver module. The full production firmware release now includes as standard, easy access to the Journaline® advanced text application data, developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS. In addition to this feature enhancement, CML Micro and Fraunhofer IIS have agreed that the DRM1000 will include a license to use the unique IP that underpins the Journaline specification.

This upgrade makes the DRM1000 a turnkey, production-ready solution for consumer digital radio manufacturers; with key audio and multimedia decoding capabilities included. In addition, data access, and IP license provisions made ready out of the box, enable faster, more cost-effective deployment of digital radio receivers worldwide without impacting the overall cost for manufacturers.

"Our goal has always been to make digital radio deployment simpler, faster and more cost-effective for manufacturers," said Matthew Phillips, Product Line Director for Broadcast and Maritime, at CML Micro. "By including easy Journaline data access, and IP licensing as part of the DRM1000, we eliminate any IP related hassles and deliver a complete, ready-to-ship platform to our customers around the world and to the 'BRICS and the Global South' countries in particular; where DRM radio broadcasting is now the most widely adopted mass market standard."

Journaline is the internationally standardised text information service for Digital Radio Mondale (DRM) and Digital Audio Broadcasts (DAB+). Delivered alongside live audio or as a stand-alone data application, it offers structured and convenient access to multilingual, graphics-enhanced news, sports, weather, flight updates, programme information, and even radio-based schooling for pupils in remote areas, directly to any Journaline-enabled radio, without needing Internet access. Moreover, Journaline is a key part of DRM's Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF), which is attracting strong interest from broadcasters and governments worldwide.

"We are delighted to partner with CML Micro to integrate Journaline functionality with ready-to-deploy content access into the DRM1000 platform, with technology royalties being taken care of for the radio set manufacturers. This makes it easier for manufacturers to deliver innovative and compelling digital radio services and receiver solutions to listeners worldwide. We look forward to a fruitful long-term relationship that will benefit all parties", says Alexander Zink, Chief Business Development Manager for Digital Radio and Broadcast Applications at Fraunhofer IIS.

The new DRM1000 firmware release has already gained traction with customers. Solar Grove Solutions in collaboration with Alongside Tech LLC has selected the DRM1000 as the heart of its N88 Portable Radio, manufactured in India for national and international markets. India represents the world's largest DRM broadcast deployment to date and the N88 will be available through a network of channel partners and distributors across the region.

"Alongside Tech, LLC is thrilled about the upcoming launch of the N88 Portable DRM Radio," says Douglas Gregson, Founder, Alongside Tech, LLC. "This affordable and efficient device is a game-changer for the radio industry, providing a much-needed, straightforward way to deliver DRM audio, emergency warnings, and e-learning media and we believe this product is perfectly positioned to enable broadcasters to make the transition from analogue to digital radio."

"The N88 isn't just a device, it's a mission and we believe learning and vital information should not be limited by geography or infrastructure," said Joel Templeton, CEO for Solar Grove Solutions. "This device is a testament to what's possible when purpose-driven design meets global collaboration. We're thrilled to bring the N88 to the world."

The N88 Radio will be commercially available from October 2025. To mark these exciting developments, Matthew Philips will be supporting a series of events organised by the Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium, at IBC from 12 – 19 September in Amsterdam. This will include an event at the Fraunhofer IIS booth in Hall 8, booth 80 on 13 September at 16:00.  To arrange to see a live demonstration of the DRM1000 during the IBC event please get in touch.

(Press Release)

Picture courtesy Solar Grove Solutions

Swiss Federal Council Sticks With FM Sunset by End of ’26

Swiss Federal Council Sticks With FM Sunset by End of '26

Drop in SRG SSR listenership fails to convince government to postpone end of FM

The country's National Council's Transport and Telecommunications committee had submitted a proposal on July 1 for the Swiss government to halt its plan to end FM broadcasts. The committee sought to extend current FM licenses and even open a call for new stations.

According to the Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes, the country's Federal Council rejected the motion. 

Read the full story here :  

https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/digital-radio/swiss-federal-council-sticks-with-fm-sunset-by-end-of-26

An IBC Invitation from DRM Chairman

An IBC Invitation from DRM Chairman

September 1, 2025

The recent DRM news from China, Indonesia, Nigeria and so many other countries across the continents have increased the interest and number of questions we have received recently from a lot of you. Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium (www.drm.org) specialists will try to answer some of these, share updates and make important announcements during its impactful, in-person presence at IBC 2025 (ibc.org), Amsterdam, the Netherlands (12th-15th September).

As the DRM Chairman, together with colleagues present in Amsterdam, I would like to invite you to Hall 8, RAI, over three days (12th, 13th and 14th September) to get and share your news during three events. These will focus on recent announcement (like digital radio decisions announced in China) receivers (latest updated versions and a new DRM-DAB app), additional services, and benefits of the standard and its distribution on all frequency bands including VHF band III.

On September 12th, the DRM Consortium will look at the latest on receivers and receiver solutions in a session hosted at the Starwaves (receivers) booth (1600-1730), part of the German Pavilion.

The next day,  September 13th, Fraunhofer IIS invites all those interested in digital radio to stop and join them at 1600-1730 to get the latest developments, like the R8 release of the DRM ContentServer technology and potentially an important industry cooperation project on the receiver side.

In the afternoon of Sunday 14th, DRM will recap all its new announcements at the Nautel booth event.

I think that at IBC we will illustrate very concretely how DRM can enable the terrestrial, one-for-all broadcast of rich content in very good audio quality. This excellent audio in all frequency bands is also accompanied by versatile multimedia. DRM is more than good audio as it can also save lives through its emergency warnings (EWF) and deliver e-learning to everyone even in the furthest corners of a country or continent. In an unstable world DRM responds to the needs of now as it is robust, open to all, saves energy and spectrum and ensures full-country coverage.

If you want to join the DRM events in person and meet me and my colleagues, come to our events, and contact us at: projectoffice@drm.org

If you want the latest on the DRM at IBC 2025 go to: www.drm.org/ibc-2025/

(Press Release)

HamFest India 2025 releases preliminary schedule

HamFest India 2025, to be held at Goa, has released its preliminary schedule.

HamFest India is a premier event uniting amateur radio enthusiasts, innovators, and experts from around the world. Engage in technical sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities designed to

celebrate and expand the ham radio community. Explore cutting-edge advancements, collaborate on projects, and enhance your skills in an environment dedicated to learning and innovation.

Preliminary schedule is available for download here :

https://tinyurl.com/323v7krn

North East Amateur Radio Conclave by Tripura HAM Radio Club

Tripura HAM Radio Club VU2THR ( A unit of Disaster Awareness Society) is planning to host  North East Amateur Radio Conclave on 26th  January, 2026 at Agartala , Tripura. Guidance and support required from all HAMs and SWL. If any suggestions/ views than please send it to vu3hvu@gmail.com

(Via Jose Jacob, VU2JOS)

6 Japanese commercial AM radio stations will switch to FM

From September 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026, the period designated by Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as the "Second Phase of Special Measures Period for Suspension of AM Station Operations" begins. During this period, AM commercial stations can suspend their AM operations. If no significant issues happen, they will be permitted to switch to FM broadcasting starting in the autumn of 2026 or later. 22 commercial AM stations have applied for this phase. The details are shown at https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/001028011.pdf  in Japanese

In these 22 stations, 6 stations, shown below, have already declared the complete FM transition, by suspending all AM broadcasting. The date indicates the suspension of AM broadcasting.

1) Aomori Hoso (RAB), Aomori  JOGR 1233kHz 5kW +5 AM relay stations  February 1, 2026  to  91.7MHz 1kW + 3 FM relay stations

2) Tochigi Hoso (CRT), Utsunomiya  JOXF 1530kHz 5kW +2 AM relay stations  December 1, 2025  to  94.1MHz 1kW + 3 FM relay stations

3) Yamanashi Hoso (YBS), Kofu  JOJF 765kHz 5kW +1 AM relay station  March 1, 2026  to  90.9MHz 1kW + 4 FM relay stations

4) Fukui Hoso (FBC), Fukui  JOPR 864kHz 5kW +2 AM relay stations  March 16, 2026 to 94.6MHz 1kW +5 FM relays stations

5) Shikoku Hoso (JRT), Tokushima  JOJR 1269kHz 1kW +2 AM relay stations March 23, 2026 (reducing power from January 16, 2026) to  93.0MHz 1kW +3 FM relay stations

6) Nankai Hoso (RNB), Matsuyama  JOAF 1116kHz 5kW +5 AM relay stations  February. 10, 2026 (reducing power from December 1, 2025)  to 91.7MHz 1kW +11 FM relay stations

Most of other commercial stations will preserve AM broadcasting in parallel with FM broadcasting, suspending all or part of AM relay stations, and/or reducing AM transmitting power.

(Takahito Akabayashi, Tokyo, Japan via WOR List)

RNE's Radio Exterior de España launches Mandarin Chinese program for the first time

RNE's Radio Exterior de España launches a new season, taking our country to the five continents.

- For the first time in its history, it will broadcast a program in Mandarin Chinese.

- New releases in movies, sports, parties, music, and geopolitics, as well as iconic programs like "Spaniards at Sea," "Hora América," "A Language Without Borders," and "Marca España."

Radio Exterior de España reinforces its commitment to being the voice of our country on five continents. It's taking on a challenge through a new programming program that combines what it has learned in recent decades through iconic programs such as "Españoles en la mar" (Spaniards at Sea) , "Hora América" (A Time in America) , "Un idioma sin fronteras" (A Language Without Borders) , and "Marca España" (Brand Spain) , with a commitment to new formats.

'China Connection'

For the first time, Radio Exterior will broadcast a program in Mandarin Chinese, adding another language to its broadcasts in English, French, Russian, Portuguese, Arabic, and Sephardic . Aware of China's importance in current geopolitics, REE is taking on this challenge. This weekly program, hosted by Song Zhang, a graduate in Hispanic Philology from Peking University, will air on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. and Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Spanish time.

'Spain in History'

Eduardo Juárez Valero, professor of history at the Carlos III University of Madrid, leads this new program with the difficult task of revealing the historical truth of a civilization like the one that led Spain. This objective is necessary to understand the present and face the future by fostering the critical spirit of listeners. It airs weekly on Saturdays at 4:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and on Mondays at 12:05 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Spanish mainland time.

'The Fans'

This is the new sports program, led by the all-rounder Fernando Orea. A double date: Fridays to warm up for the weekend's competitions and Mondays to analyze the results, both days at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Spanish time.

'Celebrating Spain'

A journey through the festivals that define our culture. Fernando Orea hosts this new weekly format alongside Alexey Ershov, who will offer a foreign perspective, immersing you in the San Fermin Festival, the Tomatina Festival, the April Fair, Carnival, and any other town's festivals. Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and also airing on Fridays and Saturdays.

'101 Spanish figures'

David Zurdo and Jota Pelirrojo rescue famous figures from history thanks to artificial intelligence. Without sacrificing historical accuracy, we'll hear, in their own voices, figures such as Queen Joanna, Christopher Columbus, Cervantes, Philip II, and Santiago Ramón y Cajal. The broadcast will air on Saturdays at 6:30 a.m., Sundays at 3:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 3:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Spanish time.

'Open Europe'

The program changes hosts: Carlos Navarro and Lola Martínez pass the baton to Ana Añó and Diego Tábara. A daily program from Monday to Friday at 4:00 PM and Tuesday to Saturday at 3:30 AM Spanish time, addresses the most pressing issues of Europe's present and future.

'Global Board'

Each week, Marta Solano will offer the keys to understanding a world in constant transformation. The best analysis of international news will help you understand how the pieces are moving on the global stage, while keeping an eye on Spain's interests and vision. Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 a.m. Spanish time.

'7 Days'

María Dillon and Tomás O'Reilly will offer a recap of the week's top news stories and tips for staying up-to-date and well-informed. Fridays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at midnight, Spanish time.

'Green Iberia'

A weekly tour throughout Spain, one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Led by Ángel Varela Pena, we'll discover UNESCO biosphere reserves, geoparks, and national and natural parks. The tours will take place on Saturdays at 4:00 a.m., Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Mondays at 3:00 a.m., Spanish time.

'Spain is Music' and 'Classics of Spanish Cinema'

Marcos Mostaza presents both programs, a two-part program dedicated to Spanish music and cinema. " Spain is Music" will air on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at different times, and " Classics of Spanish Cinema " will air on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

'Culture with an eñe'

'Link Point' changes its name and is now 'Culture with an Ñ' , to underline its objective, which is none other than culture in Spanish and, therefore, with the Ñ.

(Press Release)