DX LISTENING DIGEST 1-102, July 24, 2001 edited by Glenn Hauser, wghauser@hotmail.com {Items from DXLD may be reproduced and re-reproduced only if full credit be maintained at all stages and we be provided exchange copies. DXLD may not be reposted in its entirety without permission. For restrixions and searchable 2001, 2000 contents archive see} http://www.angelfire.com/ok/worldofradio/Dxldmid.html [NOTE: If you are a regular reader of DXLD, and a source of DX news but have not been sending it directly to us, please consider yourself obligated to do so. Thanks, Glenn] ** AFGHANISTAN. Kabul, Kandahar radio schedules | Text of report by Afghan newspaper Tolu-e Afghan on 10 June Radio Voice of Shari'ah in Kabul broadcasts its programmes from 1700 to 2200 [1230-1730 gmt] on mediumwave 657 kHz, corresponding to 457 metres band, and on shortwave 8700 [as published, Kabul radio's usual SW frequency is 7080 kHz], corresponding to 41 metre band. The station also broadcasts from 0500 to 0700 [0030-0230 gmt] on mediumwave 41 metre band [as published], corresponding to 1107 kHz. The Kabul Radio Voice of Shari'ah also broadcasts on the above frequencies from 1150 to 1310 [0720-0840 gmt]. Radio Voice of Shari'ah in Kandahar broadcasts interesting political, religious, health, educational, entertainment and social programmes every day from 1800 to 2000 [1330-1530 gmt] on mediumwave 864 kHz. The station also broadcasts from 0700 to 0815 hours [0230-0345 gmt] on the above frequency. Also on Fridays, on the above frequency, the station broadcasts a special programme from 1000 to 1200 [0530-0730 gmt]. The broadcast includes religious, political and scientific programmes, and programmes for children. Source: Tolu-e Afghan, Kandahar, in Pashto 10 Jun 01 p 4 (via BBC Monitoring July 23 via DXLD; note date: BBCM must get their copy by P-mail) ** AFGHANISTAN. Recent international news has revealed a worldwide outrage that the Taliban government has destroyed the two huge Buddhist statues in the Bamiyan (BAH-mee-YAHN) Valley. These priceless statues have stood for hundreds of years and historians look upon them as a remarkable reminder of events in Asia in bygone eras. These two statues were destroyed in a massive explosion and they disintegrated before the movie cameras in a cloud of pulverized dust [sic]. The huge and historic statues, carved into the cliffs in the beautiful Bamiyan alley, are pictured on QSL cards that were issued by Radio Afghanistan more than 30 years ago. They present an aspect of national history that is now gone, and these QSL cards are now indeed a rare collector`s item (Wavescan #328 of AWR via Harold Sellers, ODXA Listening In, July via DXLD) ** ANGOLA [and non]. KIM: Radio Ecclésia, the Catholic radio station in Angola and one of the few sources of independent news in that country, returned to the air last weekend after being off the air for a few days. Radio Ecclésia transmits on FM in Luanda, the capital of Angola. And many shortwave listeners are familiar with the station because of its transmissions via Deutsche Telekom in Jülich, Germany, which enable Radio Ecclésia to be heard in the rest of Angola. Dan Owen in Swaziland tells me that those shortwave transmissions are on the air this week. Thursday evening and Friday morning, Dan heard both the morning and evening transmissions with good reception: fair signal but no interference. The schedule is 5 to 6 UTC on 15545 kilohertz and 18 to 19 on 13810. Neils [sic] Lindquist [sic], chief of VOA`s Portuguese to Africa Service, is in the studio. Neils, did Radio Ecclésia go off the air temporarily because of pressure from the Angolan government? (interview) – [not transcribed, as usual, so here we go: Under pressure past month from anonymous columns in MPLA newspaper calling it the new VORGAN Radio, which was UNITA`s clandestine, off the air for 3+ years now. Was discussion at highest levels of Angolan Catholic church on whether station had swung too far to the anti- government side, and looked upon by government as being the enemy. There is yet to be an understanding that a free society can have an opposition press. R. Ecclésia is by far the Angolan news organization most quoted around the world, so it has a very high profile, of concern to the Angolan government. They never actually went off the air, but played sacred music only for a while. When resumed regular programming, expanded from 18 to 24 hours per day. Was an executive retreat. No difference noted now in their editorial line, as hard- hitting as the local government will allow, still investigative reporting, roundtable discussions on dicey issues, but wording has changed slightly. RE`s audio stream is a useful source of news to VOA. Government`s R. Luanda FM is also available as a net stream (gh’s summary of Lindqvist`s remarks)] Neils Lindquist is chief of VOA`s Portuguese to Africa Service. [See the VOA Luanda news center site: http://www.ebonet.net/voa/ ] (Kim Elliott, VOA Communications World July 21 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** ARGENTINA. La BBC no es la pirata, sino la emisora argentina NO OFICIAL y sin autorización del COMFER para operar los 1670 kHz (como las cientas de emisoras que operan en la ARGENTINA), al negar su ubicación física y sólo dar una dirección electrónica de la web, es CLANDESTINA. ILEGAL Y PIRATA. 73's (Nicolás Éramo, Argentina, radioescutas via DXLD) ** BOLIVIA. 6054.4, Presumably R Juan XXIII, San Ignacio de Velasco, Jul 21, 2145 and for another 10 minutes only, in a typical greyline- sunset opening (sunset in San Ignacio @2220; dusk at the receiving end). SS interview with a lowlander playing their typical kind of flute sounding quite different from the Andean variety (Henrik Klemetz, Sweden, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Hmmm, Malm in Quito reported this as R. Mauro Núñez in DXLD 1-099... {Agrees to JXXIII ID in DXLD 1-103} ** BRAZIL. 2420, 22/07 0521-0607, Não Identificada brasileira sòmente com músicas sem propagandas comerciais ou anúncios. Recepção regular, SINPO 34333. Esta freqüência pertenceu a Rádio São Carlos, São Carlos SP, que está inativa há muitos anos. Pelas características da escuta, eventualmente poderia se tratar de algum teste de transmissão. Convem ficarmos atentos a esta freqüência (SÉRGIO DÓRIA PARTAMIAN, ESCUTAS REALIZADAS EM MAIRIPORÃ SP Receptor: Sony ICF 2001-D Antenas: Longwire 35 metros e RGP3 para Onda Médias, radioescutas via DXLD) Sérgio e amigos, A UNID em 2420 kHz é a Rádio São Carlos, São Carlos- SP!! Está no ar agora com um programa jornalístico. Eles me haviam informado há um ano que existia a intenção de retornar a esta freqüência; não achava que fosse justamente agora em pleno racionamento de energia. Mas aí está, seria um bom momento de reportá-la, talvez animando o pessoal da emissora. Acredito seja melhor enviar o relatório à Lilian Rossi (filha do fundador e grande entusiasta do Rádio no Brasil, Gisto Rossi). No horário noturno, depois das 0300 TU de fato a emissora não tem se identificado, apenas música. O endereço da Rádio São Carlos é : Rádio São Carlos Caixa Postal 115 13560-970 São Carlos SP Um abraço, (Samuel Cássio, July 23, Conexión Digital via DXLD) Amigo Samuel, Muito grato pela informação. Desconfiei que fosse São Carlos. Mas como a emissora não se identificava preferi não arriscar. Samuel e demais amigos, Realmente a escuta de 22/07 como UNID era da Rádio São Carlos retornando aos 120 metros depois de muitos anos inativa. Consegui reporta-la novamente hoje durante o dia: 2420 23/07 1937 R São Carlos, São Carlos SP, programa "Festa Sertaneja" ID "R São Carlos o som que todos ouvem", boa recepção 44544 73 (Sérgio Dória Partamian, July 23, Conexión Digital via DXLD) A Rádio São Carlos está 24 horas no ar. Irei confirmar com a emissora a potência utilizada; sei que usavam anteriormente 250 watts em 2420 kHz; acredito que ainda seja isto. 73 (Samuel Cássio, July 24, radioescutas via DXLD) [R. São Carlos has reactivated 2420 after several years` silence; on air 24 hours now] ** CANADA. Glenn, I enjoyed the latest COM and particularly the last item about classical music keeping away loiterers. They have been playing operatic selections outside certain entrances to the largest shopping mall here, "Oshawa Centre", for quite some time. I have noticed that there are fewer groups of teens hanging around, but some are still not deterred. In addition, at the eastern end of the Toronto subway system, "Kennedy Station", classical music is piped to the bus bay waiting area. Years ago, certain young people would bring their boom boxes and play their hip-hop music there at a very loud level. That has disappeared with the introduction of classical music (as well as beefed-up security). 73, (Ivan Grishin, Ont., DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHECHNYA [non]. Chechen radio "has no licence from Georgia" | Text of report in English by Russian news agency ITAR-TASS Tbilisi, 20 July: Georgia's National Commission on Communications "has no information on broadcasts by a Chechen radio station from the village of Duisi in the Pankisi gorge," a representative told reporters on Friday [20 July]. The commission noted that "broadcasting of any radio station in Georgia without a licence is regarded as illegal and the commission did not issue such a licence to any Chechen radio station." This did not rule out existence of an illegal operation, the state agency said. A high-ranking representative of Georgian secret services said on Thursday that "in compliance with a request by the Russian side, competent Georgian bodies have started a search for the whereabouts of a Chechen radio station in the Pankisi gorge." He said national law enforcement bodies "were given instructions to find out the exact location of this station and if spotted, to take measures to seize it." Georgian authorities "will not permit the operation of any illegal or underground radio stations on the country's territory, the source said. Quoting Moscow contacts, TASS reported on Thursday that the radio station "Independent Ichkeria" had started broadcasting near the Pankisi gorge village, transmitting on a shortwave frequency in the Chechen and Russian languages. The Russian president's information directorate said "a Chechen information centre" had been operating in Duisi since late last year. Source: ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow, in English 0931 gmt 20 Jul 01 (via BBCM via DXLD) ** CHECHNYA [non]. Web site says Russia panicking over Chechen radio station in Georgia The web site of the Chechen Marsho news agency has said that the Russian authorities are anxious to stop a Chechen shortwave radio station broadcasting from Georgia to Chechnya as its activities threaten Russia's information blockade of Chechnya. It said that Russia did not have the moral right to expect the Georgian leadership to help it stop the station's broadcasts as it has played too many dirty tricks on Georgia. The following is the text of the report from the Chechen Marsho news agency web site on 21 July: 20 July, Marsho correspondent Artur Chantiyev: Moscow is on the verge of its latest panic. Several months ago, the Kremlin was dissatisfied with Radio Liberty's decision to begin broadcasts in the Chechen language. This time, they are particularly worried about a shortwave radio station called Free and Independent Ichkeria-Caucasus [Stantsiya svobodnoy nezavisimoy Ichkerii-Kavkaz]. The mojahedin are broadcasting to occupied Chechnya, which gives their fellow-citizens an opportunity to find out truthful information regarding the events in Chechnya. The presidential executive staff's information department think that it is located near the village of Duisi in the Pankisi gorge. On the subject of the current position of Chechen propaganda, then it can be said that fortunately, it proved possible long ago at an international level to break through the information blockade erected by Russia. But until recently this could not be said about the situation in Chechnya itself. Sooner or later the situation was bound to change, and the only surprising thing is that this was not done sooner. The fact that representatives of the Chechen Resistance have managed to get on the air is a colossal blow to Russia's prestige as up to now Russia has maintained its position exclusively thanks to the information blockade both around Chechnya and within it. For this reason the Kremlin's propagandists are so furious: "The launch of the radio station has effectively widened the spectrum for the propaganda efforts of the Chechen separatists dug in in Georgia to express their anti-Russian and extremist views without hindrance. Any continuation of this practice will definitely have a ruinous effect on Russian- Georgian relations." In the view of those working for the presidential executive staff, the territory of Georgia is openly used by representatives of "international terrorism" as a base for disruptive propaganda activities against Russia. As for the "Chechen radio", it broadcasts audio-taped news bulletins in the Chechen and Russian languages, and also texts with a religious content in the Chechen language. "The broadcasts are in the spirit of the fighters' chief propagandist Movladi Udugov" - that is how analysts from the information department characterized its activity, making it clear the extent of the threat it poses to Russia. What has really embarrassed Moscow is that the radio told the whole truth about the recent fighting in the Sharo-Argun gorge in Chechnya, which official Russian propaganda had presented as the routing of "bandit groups". In fact, what really took place here was a major successful mojahedin military action, which the radio reported, citing reliable sources. The Russian leadership is also seriously concerned about these broadcasts because they can see in this step "psychological support for the fighters", and also, as the Russian analysts themselves admit, there is a risk that "soon the separatists will try to organize regular broadcasts on the territory of Chechnya and neighbouring North Caucasus republics". This already represents a serious threat to Russia's interests in the North Caucasus! The stepping up of Chechen propaganda has become the latest stumbling block for relations between Georgia and Russia. An attempt is being made to use political blackmail and put pressure on the Georgian leadership: this activity is aimed at "continuing the terror and against the territorial integrity of the Russian state"; "continuation of this practice will have a ruinous effect on Russian- Georgian relations" etc. As for Russian-Georgian relations, they have been spoilt over and over and today's conflict was preceded by a whole string of Russian dirty tricks against Georgia. At the end of the day, everyone knows whose forces are on the territory of Abkhazia and South Ossetia! Consequently, there is nothing surprising in the passive reaction of official Tbilisi to all Moscow's moves. What else could Russia expect given the way it tirelessly intrigues in the Caucasus against its neighbours!? Does it today have the moral right to count on the cooperation of the Georgian leadership!? The answer to that question is perfectly clear. Source: Marsho news agency web site in Russian 21 Jul 01 (via BBCM via DXLD) WTFK!! Is it, or is it not, the following? R. Kavkaz moved to announced earlier 7350 kHz. Today monitored since 1447 on 7350.2, dozen Hz deviation, mediocre modulation. And what is worse, been jammed in severest manner since around 1500 UT. Jammer, hard to say, resembling "Mayak" type slightly. On 99% guess - Russ military jammer. Readability even worse than in yesterday's heavy QRMs, hets on 7143.05 [sic] (Vlad Titarev, Kre., Ukraine, July 23, EDXP via DXLD) Hi, nothing heard in Stuttgart around 1800-1820. 73 wb (Wolfgang Büschel, Germany, July 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Nothing audible on 7350 here when I checked yesterday, too. Today at about 1620 I noted traces of a carrier on 7350 but squeezed between powerhouse Rimavská Sobota on 7345 and Shijak on 7355. Hopeless as long as they are on (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CHINA. China Seeks to Build the Great Firewall: http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=995666807411&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News&col=968793972154 (Toronto Star July 20 via Tom Roche, DXLD) And part 2: Internet forums `hotbed of evils' http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=995752875465&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News (Toronto Star July 22 via Tom Roche, DXLD) ** CHINA / SINGAPORE. Glenn, I've read your reply. My invitation still stands. Part of the reason for my invitation is so that you will see we are not necessarily less free than the society that you live in. I am also not justifying the imperfections that exist in Chinese or Singapore societies, just that one needs to look at their own backyard before passing comments like the ones that you passed. Why do China jammed broadcasters? (I am not justifying it, but rationalising). It is because western broadcasters try to tell the Chinese how they should run their own country when there are just as many examples of injustices in western societies. Such injustices are often reported in Chinese media as well. We don't see Li Peng or Zhu Rongji saying US should adopt its form of govt! I don't pretend to know whether CNN, CBS etc cover as much about rights violations in western countries, but if they don`t, then I suppose they are not that much different from China which says nothing on Tibet and Xinjiang. So, the PRC govt does not really see jamming as suppressing free information which is your take on this issue. But I think that the PRC should stop jamming the VOA and BBC so that the Chinese people would see how ridiculous some of the western preachings are. (I do listen to the Mandarin services of these broadcasters as well). I don't agree that not having a codified bill of rights means that we are lacking in rights. As far as I remember (please correct me if I'm wrong here), Britain does not even have a constitution. As for caning, I don't even think many or most Americans agree with the American media, Clinton or yourself. Just a personal exchange of ideas. You may choose to publish this in your DXLD or send me a personal reply (which will shorten the thread invariably.) 73s, (Richard Lam, Singapore, DX LISTENING DIGEST) First of all, I am not (very) responsible for the policies of the US government, and certainly not CBS or CNN and as a free citizen of the world consider myself at liberty to critique any country regardless of US shortcomings. I am well familiar with ``my own backyard,`` but that was not the impetus for this discussion --- China`s getting the Olympix was. BTW, a columnist, Andy Rooney, had an interesting take on this. While he had mixed feelings, he felt that in pursuing the quintuple-O`s, the Chicoms were making a big mistake in that the country would be overrun by western media during the games, and all its imperfexions played up. Well, western reporters already exist in China, but it appears they are heavily controlled, and/or their HQ are uninterested in such exposés. As China`s economic power grows, there will be even more reluctance to buck Chicom government policy. That`s why the rest of us should encourage however we can, the evolution of China away from communist dictatorship, if not by revolution. I am unapologetic for feeling the Chinese (and all) people deserve a better form of government than communism (even capitalistic communism), i.e. our form, which with all its imperfexions is the best yet invented. Try it; they`ll like it. Yes, poor Britain has no constitution and no equivalent to the Bill of Rights, which is why freedom of media and freedom of speech are so restricted there. Basically, the government does not have to answer to the people, Official Secrets and all that. Be sure to read the two Toronto Star articles linked above, about the extreme measures the Chicom dictatorship is taking to control people`s access to the Internet. I have just been watching the appearance by the Chinese ambassador to the U.S., Yang Jiechi, at the National Press Club, 1701 UT July 24 via C-SPAN2. He, of course, maintains, that the Chicom government has the support of the Chinese people in such matters as suppressing Falungong. That may well be, but no one dared, or even thought, to ask him the most basic of all questions --- how can you legitimately speak for the Chinese people, since your government is illegitimate, an unelected dictatorship? For those unaware, previous discussion on this subject was banned by the Ontario DX Association, and both of us were labeled ``clowns`` for daring to discuss politics on a DX list. That is certainly ODXA`s privilege. While I don`t want to overdo it here either, my take is that since politics (and religion!) are an integral part of international SW broadcasting, indeed the very raison d`être for most stations, they are certainly *not* off-topic for discussion by listeners... of course, only the 100% `pure` DXer professes absolutely no interest in the content of broadcasts, beyond a few programming details and feigning interest to get a QSL (Glenn Hauser, USA, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** CONGO. 4765, Radio Congo, easily the strongest African on 60 meters. First heard 24 June at 2126 with EZL music, seemingly overmodulated slightly. Heard here until 27 June when switched to 5985. At 1926, reception was very good. Following day, signed on at 1900 without any IS or ID. On 29 June, heard in English until 1943, then a Spanish ID, but then into French. Poorly modulated that day. On 6 July, English started at scheduled 1930, but modulation was so bad that it was difficult to make out what the announcers were saying (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) See REPORT FROM ALSACE at the end ** ECUADOR. unID LA on 24 Jul 2001, 0915-1001 UT, 3278v kHz in Spanish. Great music - ocarina accompanied stringed instruments. No clear station ID as heavy static buried the signal. Any idea what this might be (ILG indicates possible 'Voz del Napo', Ecuador on 3279.5 kHz)? (Rich Skoba, New Jersey, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Yes, as recently reported here (gh) ** EQUATORIAL GUINEA. 6249.3 (approx), presumed Malabo with poor signal at 2130 24 June. Had to use LSB to avoid a heavy ute. A far cry from the great signal from Radio Bata 5003 (approx) at 2100 with sudden sign-off on 25 June. Following day a lovely signal at 1927. Full ID in Spanish at 1934 also including frequency. Same canned ID at 2042:30 as Radio Nacional Guinea Equatorial, Radio Bata (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** INTERNATIONAL VACUUM. XM Satellite sets Sept, 12 service in 2 states NEW YORK, July 24 (Reuters) - XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. said on Tuesday it planned to launch its service of 100 channels of audio on Sept. 12 in the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Diego markets. Chief Executive Officer Hugh Panero told reporters at a press conference here that he expected the initial subscriber base to be between 50,000 and 60,000 by the end of the year, the high end of analyst estimates of 25,000 to 75,000 subscribers. From: http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/010724/n24161408.html (via Sergei Sosedkin, IL, July 24, DXLD) Lots of stories have run, and many more will about XM and Sirius, but I am resisting filling DXLD with this subject. Now, why, and how, can this continental+ coverage medium limit itself to only two markets??? (gh, DXLD) ** IRAN. Radio Shalom's program was monitored from 6 July for about 5 days between 1900 and 1927. 7175 was always under a strong cochannel, but 9745 was in the clear. I never heard any speech, only continuous middle eastern music. Always off at 1927. Never heard any IS, NA or IDs, so this is a presumed logging (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY. 3985, IRRS, as expected always heard with great strength. Heard at 2158 on 24 June announcing, "This is I Double R S. You may now retune to 7120. From south of the Alps in northern Italy, this is I Double R S Nexus". Very good. 7120 signed off following a lengthy announcement with phone numbers, fax, Italian NA, and final announcement at 0655. Generally programming is uninteresting consisting of American religious broadcasters (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** ITALY. Glen[n], A most interesting catch yesterday evening (22nd July 2001) at 2200 UT. RAI External service in Rome came over quite well on 11900 at that time with an SIO of 422. The broadcast was in English and was en-route to Asia and Far East countries. As I am in Europe, I was quite surprised to get a signal going miles off target from where I am. After 2200, another station came on using a nearby frequency so I was forced to quit listening at 2215 by which time the SIO was 211. Quite a drop! (DXDave, Bristol, England, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** MALI. Re Thorsten Hallmann`s remarks: I concur with what he says concerning 9635 and 4783. However, 4835 // 5995 are being regularly heard evenings and also once again some mornings after 0600. Both are very strongly heard here around 2130. There's no mistaking their "local music", which has been featured by Andy Kershaw on BBC radio. "Something" very occasionally appears on 7285 around 0800, and I suspect this is Mali. It was a regular signal last winter, though never very strong. Within Europe, the only chance we have to hear 11960 is on Sat/Sun (When RDP Lisbon is elsewhere) and after Jordan goes off c0810. I have tried, but with no success so far - but I read that it has been heard in SW Europe. Best 73's (Noël Green, England, July 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEPAL [non]. UK? 7235, Everest Radio heard with Tibetan [? sic] programming between 2030 and sign-off at 2129. Many ads in English for UK businesses, such as Hastings Appliances, Zero Print London, and the London School of Management. Always very good reception. First heard 26 June. On 30 June, Indian subcontinent music already on at 2028, then cuts into a fanfare for 30 seconds, then back to the Indian music, followed by Nepali ID, with "Nepali" heard clearly several times, as well as "Everest Radio" (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) via AUSTRIA ** NETHERLANDS. EUROPIRATE, 9290, Mike Radio heard at 1938 on 26 June with ongoing pop music. Good reception. ID as "This is Mike Radio with golden oldies from the Netherlands. Remember Mike Radio." Very good at 2055. On 30 June, heard at 2006 with frequent transmitter breaks. Same song over and over, then dead air. At 2057, "from the Netherlands, this is Mike Radio International. Good evening. West Europe is calling." Gave ID and phone number (0031615560932)/ (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** NEW ZEALAND. RADIO NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL TE REO IRIRANGI O AOTEAROA, O TE MOANA-NUI-A-KIWA P O Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand Phone:+(64 4) 4741 437 Facsimile +(64 4) 4741 433 E-mail address: info@rnzi.com Web Address: http://www.rnzi.com FREQUENCY SCHEDULE Updated: Friday, July 20, 2001 Frequency Schedule 02 September - 28 October 2001 UTC kHz MB Primary Target Azimuth Days 1650-1850 9825 31 NE Pac, Fiji, Samoa, Cook Isls 35' Mon-Fri 1851-2215 15160 19 All Pacific 0' Daily 2216-0458 17675 16 All Pacific 0' Daily 0459-0705 15340 19 All Pacific 0' Daily 0706-1105 9885 31 All Pacific 0' Daily 1106-1305 11675 25 NW Pac, Bougainville, EaTimor, As 325' Daily 1305-1650 6095 49 All Pacific 0' Usual Close-down is 1305 UTC This frequency is for occasional over-night broadcasts to the Pacific, for Sports commentaries or Cyclone Warnings. (Adrian Sainsbury, Technical Manager, Radio New Zealand International http://www.rnzi.com July 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** PERU. Lima, 4914.5, Radio Cora del Peru, 1139-1236, lots of talk by mainly male announcers in Spanish and lots of canned ``Radio Cora`` IDs, talking about South America, lots of countries mentioned. 30 minute soundfile available although I have close on an hour on tape. Stable signal till 1220, then faded quickly (Tim Gaynor, Gold Coast, Q, Australia, ATS803A and 60 metre longwire, July 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** POLAND. I spent a sizable amount of time listening to Radio Polonia's English broadcast, especially during Pope John-Paul II's papal visit to Ukraine. Clearly Radio Polonia's transmitters have seen better days. At best reception was good, but often much worse. Most of the transmitters suffer from a very distinctive warble, and low modulation. First heard at 1200 in English on 25 June on 9525 and 7270, both good, while 6095 is only fair, and 11820 is under cochannel. At 1700 on 26 June, heard them in English on 7285 (good), and 5985 (fair). At 2000 they were heard on 9540 (very good), 7265 and 7165 both fair. Radio Polonia is hardly ever heard on the west coast of North America. Years ago they used to have a North American service, but they need an upgrade in equipment! Too bad, as their programs were interesting (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. 6125, Listened regularly to the program Radio Radonezh, the Russian Orthodox station broadcasting from Samara to Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus` and western Europe. Programming consists occasionally of call ins, and other times soft spoken preaching by a R.O. priest. First heard on 26 June at 1725. Usually suffers from some adjacent splatter, with signal strength 3 to 4 (out of 5). Heard signing on at 1700 on 8 July with well known orthodox hymn, which is, if I recall the same as the beginning of the 1812 Overture (??) by Tchaikowsky. Off at 1900. Radio Studio from St Petersburg on 7370 was heard regularly with also frequent adjacent splatter, but strength good+. Numerous IDs at 1806, including in English. Russian rap music at 1855. Sign-off announcements at 2027, including a Radio Gardarika ID. Transmitter off at 2030. First heard 26 June. Signed on at 1800, with ID loop until 1807, "Radio Studio, Sankt Petersburg....7370 in the 41 meter frequency range....Broadcasting house Gardarika" (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** RUSSIA. Last night I checked 9665 and 11750 after the recent discussion about their origin: Reception within the noise on the interlocking tower was quite poor but I think both outlets had the peculiar 905 Hz Grigoriopol` pips prior to 0000, indicating that they indeed originate both from this site. At least as long as MCCBN has still access to Grigoriopol`. In general I would consider site info from VoR as more reliable than HFCC entries in such cases, i.e. when the VoR data contradicts the registrations (Kai Ludwig, Germany, July 24, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** SRI LANKA [non]. 6010, Heard 7 July in English at 1944 with good reception, and ID in English as the European service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. Harold Fernando announcer. Superb reception at sign-off. Tune in next Saturday for our weekly program from 1900 to 2000 hours. I don't remember when I last saw this one reported (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) via UK ** SWITZERLAND. RTTY is getting into SRI`s 9885 as a cochannel, affecting NAm Service English. It`s quite annoying (Bob Thomas, CT, July 19, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Well, wait until November, when the RTTY will be in the clear (gh, DXLD) ** SYRIA. 12085, Radio Damascus heard with English broadcast 24 June in English with buzzy signal and low modulation. Cochannel over Voice of Mongolia clearly heard underneath at 2128. Nothing heard on 13610. On 26 June, however, both frequencies were on at 2021. Other days only 13610 heard, so frequency usage is quite variable (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** UKRAINE. Dear friends, according to A. Yegorov (Kyyiv), RUI via Mykolayiv made azimuth change since today: 7150 0200-0600, 1600-2100 100 kW at 004 deg; 12040 2300-0400 1000 kW at 314 deg. (ex 307) RRT interested in reports on how it performs now comparing to previous beam. If some observations to share, please reply to me directly. (I'm keeping contact with RRT by phone) (Vlad Titarev, Kremenchuk, Ukraine, July 23, SWBC via DXLD) Glenn, Mistake or changes? RUI July 24, 2001 0000 UTC 12040 kHz is not English. I've emailed Alexander Yegorov of RUI asking why. I just had an email from him today and he didn't mention any changes. I will keep you posted. 73, (-.. . Kraig, KG4LAC, Krist, July 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ** U A E. UNIDENTIFIED. Glenn, I am hearing an unidentified apparently Middle Eastern station on 6180. There is a test tone prior to 0200, then a guitar interval signal that sounds very Middle Eastern at 0200. An anthem is played at 0203 and a half for about one minute, then sign on. Even though the signal is fairly strong, I can't hear any of the spoken word due to co-channel interference from Radiobrás at about equal strength. Within a minute or two they go into Koran recitations, further indicating Middle East or North African origin (Alan Knapp, Forest, VA, July 23, DX LISTENING DIGEST) Alan, 6180 struck me as a UAE frequency, and indeed your log fits nicely with current A-01 listings in HFCC http://www.hfcc.org : 6180 0200 0400 38NE,39NE,39SW DHA 500 300 1234567 250301 281001 D UAE EBC EBC 736 EBC = Emirate Broadcasting Corporation DHA = Dhabayya UAE 24N11 054E14 That`s 500 kW beamed 300 degrees toward us. 73, (Glenn, DXLD) ** U K. Earlier this month, there were several news items in the British press about the possibility people may have to pay to receive BBC content via the Internet. This is because the cost of transmitting content via the Net increases with the number of users, at least with present technologies. This news had participants in Internet discussion groups about shortwave wondering if World Service listeners would also have to pay for content via the Internet, especially now that BBC is no longer transmitting via shortwave to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. But Mike Garder [sic] of the BBC World Service press office assures me that no one will have to pay for content on BBC World Service Online. This is because the British government gave World Service funds specifically to increase and improve internet streaming to those for whom it is their primary way of accessing World Service content. The BBC decision to cut back shortwave continues to receive press attention. Peter Coffee, writing in the ZDNet publication eWeek looks at it from an unusual angle. Mr. Coffee said that ``International shortwave broadcasts enable anyone to listen to anything; no one has any knowledge of what programs you subsequently choose to receive.`` He added: ``I imagine listeners to Radio Free Europe being told to get the truth from a U.S. government Web site followed by their own government`s seizure of Internet service provider data to determine who has been downloading what.`` The BBC shortwave decision was also the subject of a long article in the July 18th edition of Radio World, a U.S. trade weekly. In the article, Jerry Timmins, head of the Americas Section of World Service, said he doesn`t want to lose any shortwave listeners, but wants them to explore other listening options. He added that if the alternatives to shortwave are not attractive today, in one to two years they will be. Larry Magne, publisher of the reference book Passport to World Band Radio, disagreed. He and representatives of Grundig/Lextronix and Sony noted increases in the sales of shortwave radios in the United States. I have a link to this Radio World article in the script for today`s program. http://www.rwonline.com/reference-room/special-report/rwf-bbc-July18.shtml Most of the frequencies to North America that were vacated by BBC on July first were used for two weeks by Radio Netherlands, in a publicity campaign. Now Radio Canada International has placed its programming on some of those ex-BBC frequencies via Sackville, New Brunswick. Gerald Théoret, frequency manager at RCI, tells me that RCI will use these frequencies at least until the present shortwave frequency season ends on October 27th. (Kim Elliott, VOA Communications World July 21 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** U K. 15475, at 1925, 11 July, looking for Antarctica, stumbled on Salama Radio. Superb reception. The address as I copied was as follows: PO Box 126, Kensington, Surrey K29 2WJ, or PO Box 287, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Mentioned 11850 (sic) from the international shortwave station in Britain, the United Kingdom. Nothing heard there, however. Said they started on the 6 July. This program sounded very similar to the Nigerian clandestine programs from a few years back. Very similar style, and perhaps the same announcers as well. Heard them again the next day signing on 1900, with sign-on music until 1902:45, then "Welcome to Salama Radio" (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) should be listing as NIGERIA non ?? ** U S A. Last Saturday, the Los Angeles Times published an article about the major new Arabic-language broadcasting initiative being organized within the Voice of America. It focused on the efforts of Norm Pattiz, Los Angeles resident, member of the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors and Chairman of Westwood One, the largest domestic radio network in the United States. Mr. Pattiz is the leading force behind the drive to reorganize VOA`s Arabic Service and to increase its audience size. Mr. Pattiz said that the new radio service is inspired by the Qatar-based al-Jazeera satellite television service. He wants Congress to allocate 30 millions dollars for the project. This is the second article the Los Angeles Times has printed in recent months about the new, as yet unnamed, Middle East broadcasting initiative. While negotiations to establish transmitters and studios for this new broadcasting service take place, officials of U.S. international broadcasting are generally not issuing statements about the new service, or answering most questions. The new Arabic-language service will use FM rebroadcasting in countries that will permit it. Elsewhere, listeners will tune in via satellite and regional medium wave relay transmitters. A request for proposals recently distributed by the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors informs interested bidders about plans, contingent upon Congressional funding, to purchase seven new medium wave transmitters. Four of these would be located in countries where they could be useful to the new VOA Middle East broadcasting service. Transmitters with powers of six hundred kilowatts each would be placed at Cyprus, Djibouti, Kuwait, Morocco, and Botswana, and a one megawatt transmitter would be installed in Thailand. In Cyprus, Djibouti, and Morocco, these would be the first medium wave transmitters for U.S. international broadcasting. The transmitters in Kuwait, Thailand, and Botswana would join VOA medium wave relays already in operation. The Board also is asking for bids for a 100 kilowatt medium wave transmitter to replace the one presently used for Radio Martí at Marathon, Florida. International Broadcasting Bureau engineers tell me that frequencies have not yet been selected for any of these, except for Marathon, which already transmits on 1180 kilohertz. Wolfgang Bueschel in Germany asks me if the new Cyprus medium wave relay would replace the VOA medium wave transmitter at Rhodes, Greece, on 1260 kilohertz. The engineers tell me that Cyprus would be in addition to Rhodes (Kim Elliott, VOA Communications World July 21 via John Norfolk, DXLD) ** U S A. A federal judge has ruled that the Federal Communications Commission cannot force public radio and television stations to compete in auctions with commercial broadcasters for nonreserved FM and TV frequencies. Although public broadcasters are exempt from auctions for reserved frequencies (those set aside for educational broadcasting), the FCC held that they were not exempt from bidding on commercial channels even when they proposed noncommercial operations. Public broadcasters argued that they could not come up with the big sums needed in such auctions to compete effectively with commercial bidders. When the FCC refused to back down, public broadcasters united and brought suit. Today's verdict sustained their cause. A federal judge said that although the law involved was poorly drafted, the intent of Congress was clearly that noncommercial broadcasters are exempt from auctions. The Feds will now have to come up with new administrative policies and regulations regarding the competition of noncommercial and commercial broadcasters for the same frequencies. The FCC reported in February that there are 5 such contested full-power television channels. There are, by CRU's investigations, dozens of such contested channels for low-power or translator television channels. In FM radio, there are 350 vacant channels going up for auction in early December, and another 250 vacant channels scheduled for auction after that. Because the FCC has not announced applicants for the December auction, there is no way of knowing how many FM frequencies will be contested between commercial and noncommercial applicants. Such contests have not been rare in the past, and there are several that are still before the FCC. Although reports generally said that the court decision applied to public broadcasters, it would seem that all non-commercial applicants, including religious broadcasters, would be included. There is a lawsuit pending in a federal court on the eligibility of religious groups to occupy noncommercial, reserved TV channels and FM frequencies, when these groups propose predominantly religious programming. That case and its verdict when it comes will be celebrated or condemned, according to the parties' positions. It is a crucial case in public broadcasting because of the increasingly scarce vacant reserved FM frequencies and TV channels, and because of the thousands of applications filed by religious groups such as American Family Radio and Educational Media Foundation seeking nationwide outlets for their satellite programming (Catholic Radio Update #131 via Conexión Digital July 22 via DXLD) ** U S A [non]. Na Voz Cristã tudo é possível. Eu também estive escutando, com grande surpresa, em 21500, música catalogada como Latin Jazz cristão além de música salsa de categoria, interpretados por Bobby Rosario. Entre as 1900 e 2100 horas TU vai ao ar o programa "Contacto Xplosivo", apresentado por "el loco Iván", Iván Hernández, locutor que trabalhava, há poucos anos, no Canal Jovem da Radiodifusora Nacional da Colômbia. Quanto ao Pastor Bobby Rosario, trata-se de um verdadeiro craque. Para conhecer mais do seu album "Holy Latin Jazz", vejam http://store.yahoo.com/paraisomusic/bobroshollat1.html Cordiais saudações (Henrik Klemetz, Suécia, radioescutas via DXLD) ** YEMEN. 9780 (approx), Radio Sana'a was a very enjoyable station to monitor. Signals were always strong and well modulated. Heard 24 June at 2130 with excellent reception in Arabic. Heard 11 July at 1830 with "The time in Sana'a is 9:30. The news presented by,..." Music followed, usually a western tune followed by a middle eastern song. Regularly checked their previously listed English program between 0600 and 0700 but never heard a peep, so I question whether this really exists (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) REPORT FROM ALSACE by WALT SALMANIW During the period June 23rd to July 20th, my family had the good fortune of spending an extended European vacation in France. For most of the time, we were in Andlau, a town of 1250 people in the Alsace area, south of Strasbourg. Travelling very light, I still managed to pack my Sony 1000T, a Kiwa pocket loop, and about 10 meters of wire with an alligator clip. Though nowhere close to a DX machine, the little 1000T nonetheless proved itself to be a capable little machine. I have several hours of tapes to convert to MD. I'm going to share the most interesting catches with you. The difference in signal strengths between west coast North America and Europe is quite astounding. Many of the international broadcasters were well heard with only the whip, a rare occurrence on the west coast! One of the most enjoyable aspects was listening to the many hobby pirates on the 48 meter band. One Saturday evening the segment from 6200 to 6400 seemed virtually full of hobby pirates, though I later realized that some of the signals resulted from receiver images 910 kHz above in the 41 meter band. Another big difference was the difficulty in hearing anything from the Pacific. Apart from R Australia, didn't hear much else. Africans were easy catches, especially in the early evening starting around 1800. The Americas weren`t well heard except after midnight local, usually past my bedtime! I give top marks to the Kiwa pocket loop. It really enhanced receivability. Up to now I've rarely used it in North America and was considering selling it, but after this experience, I think I'll keep it. While in Paris last week, I had the honour of meeting well known clandestine DXer John Campbell. Enjoyed a drink at a cafe before watching the fireworks over the Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day (Walt Salmaniw, Andlau, France, DX LISTENING DIGEST) ###