Yearly Archives: 2013

Vatican Radio: breaking news broken?

Pope Francis I

Pope Francis I (Photo: Vatican Radio)

A few moments ago, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected Pope, becoming the first pontiff from the Americas, and taking the name Pope Francis I. When breaking news like this is happens, I often turn to shortwave radio to hear it “from the source;” what better station for news about the Papal elections than Vatican Radio? Right?

Hm. When I turned to Vatican Radio on 13.765 MHZ at 20:00 UTC today, here is what I heard:

After a little music and announcement confusion–including what sounds like at least three audio feeds coming in at once–Vatican Radio settles on an announcement program which states, in several languages, “Vatican Radio’s programming schedule is currently being modified to cover the election of the new Pope.”

It wasn’t until thirty minutes later (20:30 UTC), when the Vatican Radio service to Africa started in French on 11.625 MHz, that I heard any substantive news about the new Pope:

radio_vaticanoOf course, I can find information about the new Pope from any one of two million different online sources, but it did surprise me that Vatican Radio wasn’t better prepared for this event.  I even wondered if there was a different broadcast running on a consecutive frequency, so I checked; all were identical, however.

Still, the radio archivist in me can’t help but experience some appreciation of the confusion on the airwaves. After all, this is a genuine piece of radio history and a fascinating thirty minutes of audio in the wake of a big decision.

In my mind, I envision the Vatican Radio staff frantically stirring to assemble news–for which they had no advance notice–regarding the new Pope. No doubt, the CNNs, BBCs, and Al Jazeeras of the world had pre-prepared material on each of the papal candidates. When the white plume of smoke announcing the election was first spotted, these broadcasters were likely more than ready to pull out the appropriate material and publish.

Perhaps this is not how Vatican Radio usually operates. Indeed, I suspect their live feed of events experienced a technical difficulty which they have, no doubt, since resolved. And for what it’s worth, their website was appropriately up-to-date.

History:  sometimes bumpy, but always fascinating.  Especially on the airwaves.

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David Goren’s numbers station installation audio

DG-Performance-ShortwaveTwo months ago, I posted that David Goren, talented radio producer and shortwave radio artist, created a Numbers Station installation in the Secret Wars exhibition at the Proteus Gowanus gallery in Brooklyn, NY.

David has recently published the audio that accompanies his installation.

Take note that this is not a radio documentary–rather, it’s an expansion of his original piece, and part of his sound installation at Proteus Gowanus.  Enjoy:

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Universal Radio: Used RFSpace NetSDR value

The RFspace NetSDR wideband receiver

The RFspace NetSDR wideband receiver

I just noticed that Universal Radio has an RFSpace NetSDR on their used list.

The NetSDR typically sells for $1449.95 new, this used one (serial number 0014) is selling for $949.95.

Though still a chunk of change, $949.95 is a bargain for the RFSpace NetSDR. If you’ve considered buying the NetSDR, you should jump on this opportunity. Universal Radio stands behind their used receivers–I’ve bought several–so you can buy with confidence.

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The Mighty KBC testing Monday & Tuesday morning

MightyKBCTruckThe Mighty KBC will be testing Monday and Tuesday mornings (March 11th & 12th) from 09.00 -11.00 UTC.

They will be on the following frequencies (simultaneously):

  • 5,955 kHz from Nauen with The Giant Jukebox
  • 6,095 kHz from Wertachtal with Transport Radio

The Mighty KBC asks that you kindly email your listener reports for both shows.

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Video: Voice of Mongolia antenna farm

In response to Chris’ recording of The Voice of Mongolia from Truk Lagoon, Mark shared his video taken from a train as he passes the Voice of Mongolia’s antenna farm earlier this year. Note the large curtain antennas. The size of the antennas is most apparent near the end of the video when the train turns; you can see the Voice of Mongolia site at a distance:

Thanks for sharing your travels, Mark!

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Pirate Radio Recordings: Boombox Radio

RadioListeningThis morning, around 11:15 UTC, I caught a pirate that I had never heard on air before: Boombox Radio.

Though rather weak, over the course of their 31 minute broadcast on 6,925 kHz AM, the signal did increase significantly (possibly as propagation improved).

I was very surprised to hear a North American pirate on at this time of the morning.

Click here to download the full recording, or simply listen via the embedded player below:

Boombox, great to hear you on the air! 

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