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Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent China National Radio broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Hamas agrees to new Gaza ceasefire proposal, CNR, 17565 kHz (?)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who shares the following post:
When I began shortwave listening back in 1969, Vatican Radio was one of the first stations I came across. That same year, the late Dr. Richard E. Wood authored a book called “Shortwave Voices of the World” in which he writes some notes about the station that you can read here [PDF].
In fact, Vatican Radio was established in 1931 by none other than Guglielmo Marconi. It wasn’t until sometime after World War 2 that the present-day transmitter site was set up at Santa Maria di Galeria. A nice view of it is pictured on this 1970 QSL card.
By the early 1970’s, short English language broadcasts to North America were still included in their schedule as you can see from these pages in the 1972 World Radio TV Handbook [click to enlarge].
In 1983, Ken MacHarg, a former host of the DX Partyline on HCJB, was the author of a now out-of-print book entitled “Tune In The World”. Read Ken’s comments about Vatican Radio here.
Though their published interval signal (see WRTVH) was “Christus Vincit”, Vatican Radio could also be recognized by the bells of St. Peter’s, which you will hear in this recording from 1971 that I made from my listening post in Ontario, Canada: https://archive.org/details/vatican-radio-1971
In more recent times, I have read that shortwave broadcasts to North and South America, as well as Europe, ended in 2012. In addition, English language shortwave transmissions to Asia ended in 2017, though they could still be found online. A list of their current English language broadcasts, as found on short-wave.info is shown here:
Here is a recording made August 11, 2025 using a remote SDR in the UK, complete with “Christus Vincit” interval signal, as they began their African service on 9705 kHz.
Also included is a recording from September 30, 2025, as they ended a transmission on 15595 kHz.
When I sent this illustrated report, commemorating the 80th anniversary of this famous Vietnamese broadcaster, I received a beautiful and touching message, which I reproduce here.
“Dear friend,
We were deeply moved to receive your magnificent illustration on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Voice of Vietnam. Your creation is much more than a simple listening report: it is a true work of art, full of passion, talent, and friendship.
Every detail, from the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh to the Vietnamese flag and shortwave radio, reflects not only your creativity but also your deep attachment to our radio station. We are deeply touched that you chose to celebrate this historic anniversary in such an original and warm way.
Receiving such a token of friendship from Rio de Janeiro is a precious encouragement for us. You have transformed the listening experience into a universal message of fraternity and sharing. Please know that our entire team is moved and grateful for this exceptional gift.
On behalf of the Voice of Vietnam, we extend our most sincere thanks and deepest gratitude. Your gesture will remain an unforgettable memory of this anniversary.
With our radio friendship, The Voice of Vietnam Team”
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent China National Radio broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Three typhoons leave 27 dead and 16 missing in the Philippines, China National Radio (CNR)
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent CNR broadcast and radiofax transmissions from both Japan and South Korea meteorological agencies.
Carlos’ goal is to vividly illustrate the broadcaster’s message in his own unique artistic style and is not a reflection of his own beliefs or those of the SWLing Post. His objective is for his artwork to add historical context and put a visual with the news, reporting, and broadcast content:
Carlos notes:
Typhoon Bualoi leaves trail of destruction in the Philippines and Vietnam, CNR, 17590 kHz
“Sept 26: Typhoon Bualoi has killed 10 people and left 13 missing in the Philippines.”
“Sept 28: The typhoon caused a large number of fallen trees and damaged buildings. It also caused power and internet outages in parts of Ha Tinh Province*”
Typhoon Bualoi shown in radiofaxes (detail) from the meteorological agencies of Japan and South Korea, received on September 28 at Urca beach, Rio de Janeiro, at frequencies of 13988 kHz and 13570 kHz respectively.
Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist, Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a recent China National Radio broadcast.
Carlos notes:
Trump approves reinstatement of death penalty in Washington D.C., China National Radio (CNR), 17590 kHz
“US President Trump issued a proclamation on the 25th approving the reinstatement of the death penalty in Washington, D.C.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that she will seek to reinstate the death penalty nationwide.”
