Photo by Borderpolar Photographer
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia for sharing the following news and holiday tradition from NDR Hörfunk.
Each Christmas Eve, NDR airs its beloved “Gruß an Bord” (Greetings on Board) program–a broadcast of messages from families in Germany to loved ones serving at sea. It’s a tradition stretching back to 1953, connecting crews on merchant ships, research vessels, and naval ships with home during the holidays.
To ensure these greetings reach listeners far beyond FM and online streams, NDR has leased shortwave frequencies once again this year. Here’s the 2024 recording recorded by Richard Langley on the Shortwave Radio Audio Archive.
Between 18:00 and 21:00 UTC (19:00–22:00 CET), the program will be transmitted on the following frequencies:
Shortwave Frequencies (December 24, 18:00–21:00 UTC):
• Europe: 6080 kHz
• Atlantic – Northwest: 15770 kHz
• Atlantic – South: 13830 kHz
• Atlantic – Northeast: 6030 kHz
• Indian Ocean: 9635 kHz
• Atlantic / Indian Ocean / South Africa: 11650 kHz
If you’ve never heard Greetings on Board, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
You can read the full article here: https://www.yacht.de/en/special/people/greetings-on-board-ndr-broadcasts-christmas-messages/
Let us know if you plan to tune in and when you do, any notes about the broadcast.