Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Adrian Korol, of RAE Argentina to the World, who shares the following news:
We are happy to announce that RAE Argentina to the World will broadcast on shortwaves in its 8 languages starting May 22nd.
Click here for PDF Schedule (in Spanish today)
Thanks for your attention.
Regards
Adrian Korol
Many thanks, Adrian. It’s been great to hear RAE on the shortwaves again! Thanks for keeping us updated!
Image: ACMA
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Phil Brennan (VK8VWA), who shares the following:
I spotted this bit of research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority regarding radio listening habits of people living in remote Western Australia.
Click here to download report (PDF).
It shows that radio very much remains a big part of people’s lives in the bush, particularly AM radio. I’m sure these findings would be replicated in the Northern Territory where I live, but as you are only too aware, we’ve had our remote SW radio service axed by the ABC. Anyway, it may be of interest to you and your readers.
Thank you for the tip, Phil. This is a pretty fascinating report. As you mention, the use of AM radio is quite heavy–no doubt due to the vast broadcast footprint. It’s this sort of report that should have been done prior to any decision about axing ABC’s NT shortwave service.
(Source: RNZ via Dennis Dura)
ABC opposes bill to restore Pacific shortwave service
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has made a Senate submission opposing a bill which would force it to restore its shortwave services for the Northern Territory and the Pacific.
The bill was introduced by South Australian Senator Nick Xenophon after the ABC switched off its shortwave transmitters in late January.
The ABC is opposed to the bill and said in its submission that its passing would impinge on its independence by directing the ABC to use broadcast technologies for diminishing audiences and at significant maintenance costs.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Nigel Holmes, who shares the photo above and notes:
Better get your cameras & long lenses oiled & hard hats, safety glasses & ear plugs ready. Or see your bank manager about an investment loan. I wonder if Babcock want a site down here?
Certainly not encouraging in terms of any future for this former Radio Australia transmission site. I imagine there would be a substantial up-front cost to simply tear down the existing infrastructure.
Thanks for the tip, Nigel!
Many thank to SWLing Post reader, Stefano Mollo–a licensed Australian broadcaster–who shares the following news:
Hi, Thomas,
I have started test transmissions from Perth, Western Australia, on 5,045 kHz, at 75 watts (300 PEP).
Stefano’s HF transmitter
For the time being, I am using the same audio of my other station–77.4 MHz FM–which you can also find and stream online here: www.77400.fm
My test transmission are on the air from about 7:00 pm to about 10:00 pm every evening, local Perth WA time (11:00 – 14:00 UTC).
Please direct listener reports and any enquiries to [email protected].
Thank you for sharing your news, Stefano!
Post readers: While 300 watts PEP is a modest broadcast signal, no doubt many in Australia, Oceania and Asia will be able to log Stefano’s station when conditions are favorable. During band openings, his signal might travel quite a distance.
Let’s help Stefano by contacting him with detailed listener reports!
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, John from VORW Radio International, who writes:
Thanks to the support of our VORW Radio listeners, I am proud to announce that VORW Radio International now has a transmission to South America on 9955 kHz!
Each broadcast features a mixture of my commentary and listener requested music. You’ll hear a great variety of music in this program, from Classical to Classic Country, from Rock to Smooth Jazz, you’ll hear it all!
If you’re interested in listening, the updated broadcast schedule is as follows:
Thursday 1200 UTC – 9875 kHz – Tashkent 100 kW – East Asia
Thursday 2000 UTC – 11580 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – Western Europe
Thursday 2200 UTC – 9955 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – South America
Friday 0000 UTC – 9395 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – North America
Friday 0000 UTC – 9455 kHz – WRMI 100 kW – Central America
Friday 0000 UTC – 7490 kHz – WBCQ 50 kW – North AmericaQuestions, comments, reception reports and music requests may be sent to [email protected]
Reception reports will receive a QSL!
John, I’m so impressed with the number of relays you now have on shortwave–you’re truly a global broadcaster! Keep up the good work!
(Source: WRMI)
Recently Radio Tirana in Albania ended its broadcasts on shortwave. Radio Tirana’s programs were legendary during the years of the Cold War, when it was one of the strongest signals on the shortwave bands. Its programming is entirely different now in a free Albania, but the signal was quite poor in recent years, at least in the Americas.
Now, WRMI will be relaying Radio Tirana’s daily English program Monday-Saturday at 2300 UTC on 5850 kHz to North America, beginning today, April 27, 2017.
