Author Archives: Thomas

Judge Sides with VOA Journalists in Legal Challenge

Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station in North Carolina

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking efforts by the Trump administration to shut down Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded international broadcasters. The judge determined that the administration’s actions may have exceeded its authority, as the broadcasters were established by Congress.

The court decision follows recent moves to suspend operations and funding for networks like VOA, Radio Marti, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Some services have since resumed limited operations while legal challenges continue.

Click here to read the full article on CNN.

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Report and Recording of the Voice of Korea (March 27, 2025)

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares illustrated radio listening report of a recent Voice of Korea broadcast.


Carlos notes:

Kim Jong Un inspects AI suicide attack drones, Voice of Korea:

Part of the Voice of Korea (DPRK) Spanish-language news bulletin on the reconnaissance and attack drone test inspected by Kim Jong-un. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on a Panasonic RF-B11 receiver.

Click here to view on YouTube.

Federal Judge Temporarily Preserves RFE/RL Funding

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from cutting off funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a lack of proper justification. The ruling allows the network to continue operations while the legal case moves forward.

Read the full story at NPR.

Radio Deals: Qodosen DX-286 on Sale

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Barry, who writes:

Thank you for the tip about the XHDATA deals on Amazon. I picked up a D-808; I’ve always wanted one.

Your readers might be interested to know that the Qodosen DX-286 is also on sale for $67.99 on Amazon. I already have one and love it. I paid $80 last year for it. This is the lowest price I’ve seen for it. Thanks.

Thanks for the tip, Barry! Click here to check out the Qodosen DX-286 on Amazon.com. Note that this spring sales event only lasts a few days and while supplies last. Also note that this link is an affiliate link that supports the SWLing Post at no cost to you!

Carlos’ Illustrated Radio Listening Reports and Recordings of Radio Nikkei 1 and 2 (March 26, 2025)

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist Carlos Latuff, who shares illustrated radio listening reports of recent Radio Nikkei 1 and Radio Nikkei 2 broadcasts.


Carlos notes:

News and music from Radio Nikkei 1 and 2

Click here to view on YouTube.


Click here to view on YouTube.

[Updated] Radio Deals: The XHDATA D-808 and D-220 via Prime Spring Sale

Please note that two excellent shortwave portables are on sale during Amazon’s Prime Spring Sale:

XHDATA D-220 PortableThe D-808 remains a favorite among SWLing Post readers for its all-around great performance (Carlos Latuff even uses it for many of his recordings), while the D-220 earns praise for its affordability and simple, ultralight design — you might remember Jock Elliott’s “Nutty Idea” DX Contest last year, inspired by this little radio.

Additionally, XHDATA is a proud sponsor of the SWLing Post, and purchasing through these affiliate links helps support the site at no extra cost to you.

UPDATE: Additional Discounts

XHDATA sent me the following additional discounts for SWLing Post readers:

Note: Only available on Amazon US for the time being.

Exclusive Discount Details:

  • 5% Discount Code for R108 and D808 Radio (Black & Gray): 05D808SPRING
  • This discount can be combined with the Spring Deal Price!

Product Links:

R108: R108 Radio (Black)   R108 Radio (Gray)
D808: D808 Radio (Black)   D808 Radio (Gray)
Effective Dates:

From Mar 25, 2025, 00:00 to Mar 31, 2025, 23:59 (PST).