Last week, I received a message from Peter De Groot, who announced a special broadcast of Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW).
RNW has been off the air for more than 2.5 years, so we can assume this was not sponsored by RNW.
Though scheduling (and the fact I forgot to start a spectrum recording–!) interfered with my ability to listen to the first broadcast on January 17, I was able to catch the January 18 broadcast at 01:00 UTC on 7,570 kHz. The show was relayed by WRMI.
The broadcast came in so strong, when I heard the interval signal, it instantly transported me back to the days when Hilversum targeted eastern North America. Gave me chill bumps.
I was able to record the entire program but did not include the WRMI station ID before and after the special.
For your listening pleasure, one full hour of Radio Netherlands Worldwide via WRMI in Florida USA–click here to download the recording as an MP3, or simply listen via the embedded player below. Enjoy:
This recording was made with my Elad FDM-S2 hooked up to a large horizontal delta loop antenna.
Note: I will reach out to WRMI to see if the person or group behind the broadcast plans to issue QSL cards.
It is all still a bit of a mystery to me. Let’s see: 1980’s interval signal, a Media Network jingle, an archive recording a transmission from 1961 just before the station moves to new studios and sign-off with the Dutch national anthem. This is all pre-Bonaire days.
It all seems to be material in the public domain – I just don’t understand why it makes sense to put it back on shortwave out of context like this. I think BBC Radio 4’s archive hour is much better project.
Jonathan, I was going to email you asking if you could ID the various components of the broadcast.
Cheers,
Thomas