Category Archives: International Broadcasting

An Uncertain Future for Radio Slovakia International

Paul’s Message

Support for Radio Slovakia International: Let’s not silence a precious voice of Slovakia

I was deeply saddened to learn about the planned closure of Radio Slovakia International (RSI). As a loyal listener for more than thirty years,

I wish to express my strong attachment to this radio station and to emphasize its vital role in promoting the culture, history, and vitality of Slovakia throughout the world.

Since its creation, RSI has managed to project an open-minded, thoughtful, and respectful voice, contributing to international understanding and enhancing

Slovakia’s global image. In my view, RSI is much more than a radio station — it is a true instrument of soft power, a cultural ambassador that strengthens the positive perception of the Slovak Republic.

Over the years, RSI’s team has built an authentic human connection with its listeners — one based on respect, loyalty, and friendship.

This international community is an invaluable intangible asset that deserves to be preserved, not dismantled.

While I fully understand the budgetary challenges faced by public broadcasters, I am convinced that other solutions exist: modernizing broadcast formats, strengthening online presence, and expanding cooperation with cultural and diplomatic institutions. Closing RSI would mean extinguishing a remarkable showcase of Slovakia and depriving the country of a respected and credible international voice.

I sincerely hope that the Slovak authorities will recognize the enduring value of this unique media and find ways to keep this wonderful radio adventure alive.

Paul Jamet – French service listener for over 30 years

L’Isle-Adam – France, October 27, 2025

Of course, everyone is free to personalize their own message of support based on their relationship with RSI.

Thank you and have a nice day. Best regards.

Paul JAMET

Radio Club du Perche.

New 300 kW Weekly Broadcast of VORW Radio International to East Asia!

1 Reply

Hello listeners! I have some news about a new weekly broadcast of VORW Radio International for listeners in East Asia and beyond!

Beginning Thursday the 30th of October and continuing every Thursday – my radio program will now be heard across East Asia thanks to a 300 kW Transmitter in Paochung, Taiwan.

The broadcast is beamed to Japan and the Korean Peninsula but it should be audible across all of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Pacific and perhaps into the Americas as well!

The program is 1 hour in length and the aim of this radio show is to provide good music and news commentary to listeners worldwide. Oftentimes, listener music requests are taken and played – and all are invited to participate.

Here is the broadcast schedule for this new airing:

Thursdays 0900 UTC – 9705 kHz – Paochung 300 kW – East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Pacific

Reception reports (which will be verified with an E-QSL) and additional feedback are most welcome at [email protected]

I hope you can listen in!

John

Voice of Hope Africa Is Off the Air

Dan Shares Recordings of the Golden Days of European Shortwave Listening

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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who shares the following guest post:

Europe on shortwave in the 1970’s

by Dan Greenall

During the golden years of shortwave listening, many European countries had an international shortwave service and broadcast programs to North America (where I live) in English. As a result, these stations were usually among the first that a newcomer to the hobby would find. However, since there was no internet or e-mail, schedules often had to be found in the various club bulletins and hobby magazines. QSLs arrived through the postal system and could often take months to arrive.

I soon developed the habit of making a brief recording of each station as additional “proof of reception,” and many of these have survived to this day. These were typically made by placing the microphone directly in front of the speaker of my receiver. In recent years, they have been uploaded to the Internet Archive, and links to some of them from the early 1970s can be found here.

[Note that each title links to the Archive.org page where you can find more information and QSLs.]

Radio Moscow

Deutsche Welle, Cologne

Radio Berlin International

Belgian Radio

Radio Belgrade

RAI, Rome

ORTF, Paris

IBRA Radio via Radio Trans Europe in Portugal

Radio Sofia Bulgaria

Austrian Radio

Radio Prague

Radio Denmark

Radio Luxembourg

Vatican Radio

Radio Sweden

Trans World Radio Monte Carlo

Radio Kiev

Radio Free Europe

Radio Nordsee International

Radio Prague Interview: Jeff White on Why Shortwave Still Matters

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Speaking from Prague at the latest HFCC (High Frequency Coordination Conference), Jeff White—chairman of the HFCC and founder of Radio Miami International—shares why shortwave broadcasting still matters now more than ever. He reflects on decades of shortwave listening, recalls how Radio Prague hooked him in as a kid, and shares the practical work the HFCC does to keep global broadcasts interference-free.

White also reminds us why shortwave endures: it reaches places with little or no internet, rural areas where AM/FM won’t cut it, and listeners who simply love hearing signals from halfway around the world. Despite funding challenges and broadcast cutbacks, he believes shortwave has a bright future—and a fascinating story behind it.

Read the full article at Radio Prague International

Many thanks to David Iurescia for sharing this tip!

U.S. Global Media Agency to Lay Off Hundreds at VOA, RFA, and RFE/RL

View of the Capitol Building from the roof of the Voice of America on 330 Independence Ave., S.W.

The Guardian is reporting that more than 500 full-time employees at Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded broadcasters will soon be laid off. The U.S. Agency for Global Media announced that 532 federal positions are being cut, part of a larger restructuring effort that’s already stirred up legal challenges and concerns about leadership changes at VOA.

These broadcasters—including Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty—collectively reach over 400 million people worldwide. Employee groups and unions are warning that the cuts could undermine U.S. public diplomacy and even pose risks to national security. It’s a significant shake-up for organizations that have long played a role in bringing independent news to international audiences.

Read and comment on the full article in The Guardian.