Monthly Archives: August 2026

Radio Prague: “Microphones against tanks”

Radio Prague editors in 1968. Photo: Radio Prague International

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia for sharing the latest installment in Radio Prague International’s fascinating series on the history of Czechoslovak broadcasting. This continuation of the series, “Microphones against tanks: The voice of freedom on the airwaves and the invasion meant to silence it,” explores how Czechoslovak Radio evolved during the political thaw of the 1960s—and how that newly independent voice was confronted by the Soviet-led invasion of 1968. It’s another fascinating look at the important role radio played during one of the most turbulent periods in Czechoslovak history.

Read the full article at Radio Prague International: https://english.radio.cz/microphones-against-tanks-voice-freedom-airwaves-and-invasion-meant-silence-it-3-8889748

BBC Radio 5 Live Closing More AM Transmitters

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Majid Hussain, who points us to this RadioToday report on the BBC’s continuing reduction of its mediumwave footprint.

The BBC has begun the phased closure of some BBC Radio 5 Live AM transmitters, with the first two transmitters scheduled to close at the end of July. The move is part of the BBC’s broader transition toward FM, DAB, television, and online listening, and marks another significant step in the gradual decline of AM broadcasting in the UK.

Click here to read the full article.

RTI’s August Direct Transmissions: New Frequency and Special QSL

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Jamet for noting that Radio Taiwan International (RTI) is changing one of its frequencies for its French-language broadcasts to Europe and North Africa during August 2026.

RTI will be conducting direct transmissions from its Tamsui transmission center in northern Taiwan every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from August 7 through August 30, 2026.

The revised schedule is:

15145 kHz: 17:00–17:30 UTC
11850 kHz: 17:30–18:00 UTC

The second frequency represents a change from RTI’s previously announced schedule. According to RTI, listeners reported recurring interference on 11995 kHz during the German service broadcasts in July. As a result, the French service will use 11850 kHz instead. RTI thanked listeners who helped test the new frequency over the past several days.

RTI is also offering a special QSL card to listeners who submit reception reports for these broadcasts. Reports can be sent by email to [email protected].

Paul also shared a scan of the special QSL card he received (above) after participating in RTI’s frequency tests last June.

This should provide an excellent opportunity for European and North African listeners to put both frequencies to the test—and perhaps add a special RTI QSL to their collections in the process.