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

Another One Bites The Dust In Brazil?!?!

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Written/Published/Edited by SWLing.com Contributor Paul Walker, avid SW DXer and manager of KSKO 89.5 McGrath, Alaska

Surprisingly, RBC’s 7.5KW signal on 11815khz was quite regular here and heard very well at times. A few weeks ago, I realized I hadn’t heard it in several months, which has never happened really. I’m a member of the North American Shortwave Association so I posted a question there, because no matte how niche a station may be, someone can usually find or knows the answer.

I was greeted with this answer from Rich D’Angelo:

The following ius from May’s Listeners Notebook contributed by Brazilian DX’er Pedro de Castro:

Rádio Brasil Central AM – which currently operates at 1270 – will migrate to FM, according to the process approved by the Ministry of Communications at the end of last February. According to the president of Agência Brasil Central, Reginaldo Junior, the migration will guarantee the survival and legacy of 75 years of the station. The AM operation will be terminated at Fazenda Bananal, where the transmitters of these operations in medium, short and tropical waves are installed. Two other FM radio stations may be created with the migration of shortwave and tropical frequencies as well, still unpredicted. (Juliana Carnevalli via Agência Brasil Central (ABC) – Government of Goiás/Pedro de Castro-Brazil)

Sad to hear, but we must face the reality and progression of time and technology. SW equipment is tough, expensive and time to repair, maintain or purchase new. With a few well placed FM signals, they can cover the areas that really matter in much better, much more consistent quality. We have to remember we as DX’ers aren’t the target and the fact we can hear a sub 10,000 Watt signal outside of its target area wasn’t intended and just a bonus. The electricity costs for a few FM signals are likely less than a 50KW full time AM and 2 full time shortwave signals.