Author Archives: Thomas

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of Radio Mitre (June 7, 2025)

Sporadic-E and FM DXing

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Alan, who shares this Radio World piece which explores the fascinating world of long-distance FM reception via sporadic-E (E-skip), including rare double-hop events: Double-Hop Dreams and the Mystery of Long-Distance FM

A great read for anyone interested in the world of VHF propagation!

Alan also shared these resources:

Australian Bureau of Meteorology – Propagation Modes: Learn about various propagation mechanisms, including transequatorial propagation.
HeyWhatsthat.com Path Profiler: Calculate great-circle paths, view terrain profiles, and check Fresnel zones. Ideal for evaluating DX paths and terrain obstructions.
FCC FM Query: Look up FM station data, including transmitter location, ERP, and HAAT—helpful for assessing potential reception range, even for low-power stations.

Thanks, Alan!

How Radio Carried the News of D-Day: Broadcasts from June 6, 1944

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American GIs heading toward the shoreline of Omaha Beach around June 7, 1944. (Photo Courtesy of The National WWII Museum)

Today marks the anniversary of D-Day—Operation Overlord—the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

If you’ve never listened to how the news broke here in the U.S., the Internet Archive hosts a remarkable collection of recordings from that historic day. It’s fascinating to hear the unfolding coverage in real time—an extraordinary window into the role of radio during one of the most pivotal moments in history.

Complete Broadcast Day – D-Day (June 6, 1944)

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of ZP-30 (June 5, 2025)

AP: Congressional letter obtained by AP outlines drastic job cuts expected at Voice of America

(Source: The Associated Press)

Congressional letter obtained by AP outlines drastic job cuts expected at Voice of America

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration appointee overseeing the Voice of America has outlined job cuts that would reduce employment at the state-run news organization from over 1,000 people to 81.

The Voice of America, which has delivered news to countries all over the world for the better part of a century, has been largely silent for two months following an executive order by President Donald Trump. He believes Voice of America, and similar organizations like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, have reported with a liberal bias.

Most of VOA’s employees have been on administrative leave since mid-March amid reports that layoff notices were forthcoming.

Kari Lake, who has been overseeing the U.S. Agency for Global Media for Trump, outlined planned employment changes in a letter Tuesday to U.S. Sen. James Risch that was obtained by The Associated Press. Lake said Trump had directed the agency “to reduce the performance of its statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” [Continue reading…]

TWR Guam To End Broadcasting

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The Guam Transmitting Site (Source: TRW)

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Tracy Wood, who write:

This is sad but expected news. Guam is seeing a lot of land acquisition pressure due to greater military and commercial activity on the island.

https://twr.org/story/transition-for-twrs-guam-station

Dan says it’s, “Just like the good ol’ days on 60 meters.”

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who writes:

Hi Thomas:

One of the benefits of DXing in 2025 is the ability to tune into a signal far from your listening post, yet still get strong, generally clear reception, all by simply finding a suitable receiver much closer to the station’s transmitter site. Well, sometimes it is not quite that simple. For example, the selection of Kiwi SDR’s from which to choose, is far less in Africa and South America than what is available in Europe or the USA.

Tonight, I came across a decent signal on 4775 kHz while listening on a Kiwi located in Lima, Peru. Just after 2300 UTC (when I began this brief recording), the announcer began rattling off a bunch of station call letters and frequencies in Spanish. This was followed by “Transmite Radio Tarma. Desde Tarma, Peru en America del Sur.” The program that followed was called “Antena Deportiva”, or Sports Antenna in English. This program can be found listed on their website.

Recording: