Draft 2027 budget contains zero funding for Radio Prague International

Draft 2027 budget contains zero funding for Radio Prague International

The Czech Republic’s draft state budget for 2027 does not include any funding for Radio Prague International, the news outlet Seznam Zprávy reported on Tuesday. In a chapter outlining the specific budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which funds the station, no money is allocated for international radio broadcasting.

The minister of foreign affairs, Petr Macinka, cut Radio Prague International’s budget by one-quarter this year and had said it would not receive any state backing in 2027.

The station celebrated 90 years since its first broadcast on Monday of this week.

(Source: Radio Prague)

FEBC Philippines to close down shortwave broadcasts

FEBC SW Philippines to close

I just wanted to let you know that FEBC Philippines is planning to close our facilities in Bocaue and Iba in March 2027. As a result, the following transmitters and related equipment will be for sale at that time:

Continental Model 418F - 2 units (new in 2001)
Continental Model 418F - 2 units updated from 418D (from FEBC Saipan)
Continental Model 418 F - 1 unit  updated from 418D or E1 (Updated Iba unit)
Continental Model 418 D one unit (original edition Iba unit)

 The 418F model is supposed to be able to be updated to DRM capable use by updating the digital modulator cabinet.  Back in the day (2005 ish) that was expected to be about a $50,000 job.  Of course, that price may be different now.

By the way, these transmitters have been well maintained and are in great condition. I can send photos to anyone who is interested.
Also for sale are spare parts and all the accessories, modulation monitors, audio processors, etc.  Please let your member stations know about this sale, and feel free to pass along my contact information to anyone who might be interested.

David Creel, CPBE
Broadcast Engineer
Far East Broadcasting Company/Voice of Love Cambodia
Email:  dcreel@febcintl.org
8D Street 355
Toul Sangke, Russey Keo
Phnom Penh, Cambodia 120706
Telephone: +855-087-693-522 

(National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters on Facebook)

DRM Pre IBC Virtual Event and In Person Events at IBC 2026

Digital Radio Mondiale Prepares Pre IBC Virtual Event and In Person Events at IBC 2026

The Digital Radio Mondiale DRM Consortium (www.drm.org) is ready to start its IBC 2026 series of events with a dedicated virtual pre‑IBC event on 8 September at 1200 CEST, giving participants worldwide the opportunity to receive the latest updates from members of the Consortium on the Digital Radio Mondiale standard, ahead of the industry’s flagship gathering in Amsterdam.

Registration is now open at s.drm.org/register-zoom-pre-ibc-26.

 

The pre‑IBC session of 90 minutes will offer an in‑depth, first‑hand look at new developments, deployments and innovation announcements across all regions. 

Following the virtual event on the 8th, the Consortium will host two in‑person DRM events during IBC 2026, in partnership with Fraunhofer IIS and Nautel:

 

• 12 September 1600 –1730 CEST – Fraunhofer IIS (Booth 8.B80)
  Attendees are invited to see directly a few new innovations and network with digital radio specialists and hear the latest from DRM and Fraunhofer experts IIS.
   
• 13 September 1530–1700 CEST – Nautel (Booth 8.B73)

DRM solutions and global rollouts will feature at the Nautel Booth the next day. DRM will be part of the panel presenting at the dedicated digital radio session.

 

Across all events, participants will have the opportunity to meet and hear from DRM specialists, explore new receiver solutions, many multi-standard, and connect with companies advancing the global, efficient, all‑frequency DRM digital radio standard.

We will also share details about ground-breaking projects using the versatile features of the DRM global standard like: e-Learning and Emergency Warning Functionality (EWF).

According to DRM Consortium Chairman Ruxandra Obreja: “Digital radio is making progress and is not being pushed aside by G6, Ai or other on demand platforms. DRM is the proof as this year we have registered many exciting DRM developments for DRM in parts of the world like China, Indonesia etc. It’s important for us to share this progress with everyone interested, whether they join us virtually or in person at IBC in Amsterdam. There is so much our DRM members can share and these events give everyone the unique opportunity to exchange opinions, give feedback and influence the future of digital radio.”

For regular updates visit the dedicated IBC page https://www.drm.org/ibc-2026/ or contact projectoffice@drm.org.

About DRM

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

DRM on short, medium and long wave up to 30 MHz provides for efficient coverage in large areas with at least FM quality, while significantly reducing power consumption. DRM in the FM & VHF bands above 30 MHz enables flexible local and regional broadcaster-controlled services, with up to 3 stereo audio programmes plus multimedia components in half the bandwidth of a single analogue FM signal.

ITU recognised the DRM Consortium for its outstanding contribution to the Telecommunications sector over the past year. The DRM Consortium has signed the EBU Smart Radio Memorandum that promotes access to free to air radio on all devices. 

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

Go to newsletter.drm.org to subscribe to the general DRM Newsletter or the special Africa Newsletter with all the latest DRM news.

If you want to become a member of the DRM Consortium or to enjoy only a free one-year introductory DRM Membership, please contact: projectoffice@drm.org.

Watch the latest DRM video: videos.drm.org.

 

(DRM Consortium Press Release)