Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the latest entry in his Radiofax scrapbook.
Carlos notes:
Kyodo News radiofax (March 2, 2026)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Richard Cuff, who writes:
Also spotted this at the BBC Press information website — it’s been in
effect, apparently, since early in February:
4 February 2026
The programme will air daily for 30 minutes across medium and shortwave frequencies
The BBC World Service has launched a temporary emergency lifeline radio programme for Iran in response to the ongoing turmoil in the country, and the unprecedented crackdown on protests.
To complement the existing BBC News Persian video and digital services, the radio programme will be available on mediumwave and shortwave across Iran to increase the population’s access to news and information. To broaden its offer and availability of programming, the BBC World Service has also made some of its TV content available on mediumwave radio.
Since 8 January, the Iranian people have been subject to an internet blackout. Prior to this, BBC News Persian’s digital services saw their biggest reach in a year with their platforms reaching more than 33 million people.
The short-term programme will cover the latest news and developments in Iran and will place events inside the country within their wider regional and international context. It will feature voices from inside Iran alongside clear, informed analysis of the most recent political, social, and economic developments shaping the situation in the country.
The programme will air daily for 30 minutes across medium and shortwave frequencies from 4.30pm GMT / 8pm Iran Standard Time. The temporary programme has been granted resource from existing funds until the end of March 2026.
Fiona Crack, Interim Global Director, BBC News, says: “A key role of the BBC World Service is to step up in times of crisis to provide news and information for our audiences in greatest need. BBC News Persian reaches one in four adults in Iran, which is an astonishing feat considering their reporting is banned in the country.
“The team have been essential in telling the urgent story of the Iranian people to audiences around the world, and our new radio programme will give the Iranian people more ways to access independent and impartial news.”
Tarik Kafala, Interim Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa, says: “BBC News Persian have worked tirelessly to deliver journalism throughout this period of unrest as the demand for trusted news has soared in Iran. The teams have supplied extended TV hours in Iran and an increased offer on digital platforms for the Iranian people. They have reported for UK audiences across bulletins, live pages and on forensic journalism with BBC Verify.”
The BBC World Service has a history of launching emergency services in times of crisis. In April 2025, BBC News Burmese started providing audio and video content on a satellite channel in the aftermath of Myanmar earthquake.
In December 2024, following the fall of the Assad regime, the BBC World Service set up an enhanced audio channel on FM and mediumwave for the people of Syria. This follows the emergency radio service for Gaza in November 2023 and for Sudan in May 2023 amid conflict.
In February 2022, the BBC News Ukraine service extended TV bulletins following the invasion of the country.
Where to find the programme:
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Richard D’Angelo and Richard Cuff for sharing the following press release from NHK World Japan:
Press Release
March 1, 2026, Tokyo – In light of recent developments in the situation in Iran, NHK has begun temporary shortwave transmissions of its Japanese-language international radio service, NHK WORLD-JAPAN Radio, starting today (March 1). This measure is based on NHK’s mission as an international public service media to provide essential information to Japanese nationals residing in or traveling in the region.
Due to the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, internet connectivity and international telephone services in the region have become unstable, resulting in limited access to information in Japanese. In response, NHK has begun temporary shortwave transmissions of its Japanese-language international radio service, NHK WORLD-JAPAN Radio, to provide essential information to Japanese nationals staying in the area. These broadcasts started at 11:30 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) on Sunday, March 1.
NHK normally broadcasts six hours of shortwave programming per day to the Middle East. However, in view of the current situation, the broadcast schedule has been expanded to provide continuous 24-hour service. In addition to content from NHK Radio 1, the broadcasts will include timely safety and security information for those in the region.
For those in neighboring countries or other areas where internet access remains available, NHK also provides Japanese-language news on the NHK WORLD-JAPAN website, along with simultaneous and on-demand streaming of its television and radio programs. We encourage people to use these trusted sources to help ensure their safety.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN Japanese Website:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/ja/
(This service is not accessible from within Japan and is available only overseas.)
During the temporary transmission period, NHK will provide simultaneous broadcasts of NHK Radio 1, along with NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s own Japanese-language international news and “Overseas Safety Information,” which focuses on travel advisories issued by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including updates related to the situation in Iran. Because shortwave broadcasts can be transmitted directly from Japan, they are considered less susceptible to restrictions by local authorities.
The broadcast frequencies will change as needed. Information on the frequencies and other details of the temporary transmissions will be announced on the Japanese-language website of NHK WORLD-JAPAN.
NHK is providing 24-hour temporary shortwave transmissions of Japanese-language news and programming to the Middle East from the KDDI Yamata Transmitting Station in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and other relay sites.
(All times are shown in Japan Standard Time.)
| Time (JST) | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 01:00–02:00 | 11915 kHz |
| 02:00–04:00 | 11670 kHz |
| 04:00–06:00 | 9665 kHz |
| 06:00–08:00 | 11675 kHz (regular slot) |
| 08:00–10:00 | 11660 kHz |
| 10:00–14:00 | 17560 kHz |
| 14:00–18:00 | 9700 kHz |
| 18:00–22:00 | 9740 kHz |
| 22:00–23:00 | 11685 kHz |
| 23:00–01:00 | 9450 kHz |
| Time (JST) | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 02:00–04:00 | 11800 kHz (regular slot) |
| 12:00–14:00 | 6150 kHz (regular slot) |
Due to the characteristics of shortwave broadcasting, listeners may need to switch receiving frequencies every few hours.
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public service media organization. Funded by receiving fees from Japanese households, it has a reputation for impartial, high-quality news and programs including documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture, animation, and drama.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast.
Carlos notes:
China condemns assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, CGTN, 17490 kHz
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Iran to continue exercising right to self-defense, CGTN, 13630 kHz
Image Source: ABC
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributors Alan and Tracy Wood for sharing the following news. Tracy writes:
Thomas –
This has an SWL connection as VLW9 and VLW15 ABC-Perth were widely heard in the glory days of shortwave.
The article has several other stories linked to radio, the tower one being the most interesting.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/abc-radio-perth-switches-to-102-5fm/106369210
Tracy Wood
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent All India Radio broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Taliban condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes, warns of military response, All India Radio, 11900 kHz