Clandestine Radio Watch 194
--------------xxxxxxxxxx CRW 194 xxxxxxxxxx--------------
CLANDESTINE RADIO WATCH 194
November 15, 2005
CRW is the biweekly online magazine for ClandestineRadio.com (CRC), the
Web's only portal on clandestine broadcasting and subversive media.
CRW : http://www.schoechi.de/crw.html
http://www.ClandestineRadio.com/crw/
CRC : http://www.ClandestineRadio.com
Martin Schoech, Editor in Chief, Eisenach, East Germany
Nick Grace, CRW Washington & CRC, Washington, DC, USA
Richard Lafayette, CRW Midwest, Stillwater, MN, USA
Marwan Soliman, CRW Middle East
Takuya Hirayama, CRW Japan
------------xxxxxxxxxx Breaking News xxxxxxxxxx----------------
ERITREA : Eastern Radio transmitting to Eritrea on 909 kHz mediumwave
WEST AFRICA : West Africa Democracy Radio starts broadcasting on November
14, 2005
...............................................................
ERITREA : Eastern Radio transmitting to Eritrea on 909 kHz mediumwave
According to Sudanese newspaper Al-Watan, a new Eritrean opposition
station called Eastern Radio has started test transmissions on 909 kHz
mediumwave in October. Eastern Radio is said to be broadcasting at
0400-0700 UTC and at 1600-1900 UTC. Officially the station was launched
on Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival marking the end of Ramadan in the
Islamic calendar.
(www.dxing.info via M.Terry in mwdx-ML)
More on this station from the Internet:
http://dehai.org/archives/dehai_news_archive/1164.html
(not available anymore, but below a Google copy)
Eritrean radio station covering eastern Sudan to be launched soon
BBC Monitoring Service - United Kingdom; Oct 28, 2005
Text of report by Sudanese newspaper Al-Watan on 28 October
The Eastern Radio station has launched its trial broadcasts on MW 330 at
909 Khz between 7 10 a.m. and 7 10 p.m.
The Eritrean station aims at establishing principles of justice,
democracy, peace and disseminating human rights in Eritrea. Official
programmes will begin broadcasting during Id al-Fitr and will include
interviews with opposition leaders in addition to society figures and
those representing social entities.
Programmes will also concentrate on culture, civilization, arts and
society. The station, which will broadcast its programmes in Arabic and
Tigrinya, will cover the whole of Eritrea and some areas of neighbouring
states including Sudan and Ethiopia.
Source: Al-Watan, Khartoum, in Arabic 28 Oct 05
(BBC Monitoring via B.Trutenau-LTU in DXLD-ML)
...............................................................
WEST AFRICA : West Africa Democracy Radio starts broadcasting on November
14, 2005
West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) starts broadcasting on Monday 14
November 2005
Dakar, Senegal – The West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) will start
broadcasting on Monday 14 November 2005. The station will broadcast from
its studios in Dakar, Senegal, on 17555 KHz on Short Wave to the whole of
West Africa and beyond, and on 94.9 FM in Dakar. In the near future, it
will broadcast online, and also through local community radio partners in
the Mano River Union (MRU) countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
These partners will also generate some of its broadcast content.
For this phase, which ends on 1 January 2006, WADR will broadcast for two
hours in English and French starting at 07:00 GMT and will focus on the
Mano River Union countries. It has already set up offices in Monrovia,
Conakry and Freetown. The offices will generate news and other materials
that promote dialogue and democracy in the region. WADR will later expand
to bring onboard other West African countries including Chad and
Cameroon.
The station will air programmes on news and current affairs as well as
magazine programmes on good governance, health, agriculture, gender,
youth and sports with a view to promoting peace and human security,
transparency and accountability in governance, regional economic
integration, and social and cultural development amongst the peoples of
the region.
A brainchild of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), WADR
is conceived to be the hub of a West African network of public, private
and community radio stations, creating an avenue for networking between
the radio stations and a channel for dialogue among the peoples of the
respective countries they serve.
Essoh Honoré, WADR - Radio Production Officer,
Sacré-cśur 1, n°8408 Dakar, SENEGAL
Phone: +221 569 7785 / 869 15 69 – Fax: +221 864 70 09
Postal P.O.Box:16 650 Dakar-Fann, SENEGAL
E-mail:wadr@wadr.org
(E.Honoré, WADR via H.Biener-D Nov 14, 2005 for CRW)
LA WADR DEMARRE SES PROGRAMMES LE LUNDI 14 NOVEMBRE
Dakar, Sénégal – La West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) va démarrer la
diffusion de ses programmes le lundi 14 Novembre 2005. La radio va
émettre depuis ses studios de Dakar au Sénégal en ondes courtes (SW) sur
17555 Khz en direction de toute l'Afrique de l'Ouest et ses alentours et
sur 94.9 en modulation de fréquence (FM) ŕ Dakar. Dans un avenir proche,
la radio sera également diffusée en direct sur Internet et par des radios
communautaires partenaires dans les pays de l'Union du Fleuve Mano que
sont le Liberia, la Guinée et la Sierra Leone. Ces partenaires vont
également fournir ŕ la West Africa Democracy Radio, des émissions pour
ses différents programmes.
Durant cette premičre phase, qui prendra fin le 1er Janvier 2006, la WADR
va émettre pendant deux heures en anglais et en français, la diffusion en
anglais démarrant ŕ 07 heures 00 GMT et celle en français ŕ 8 heures 09
GMT. Ces programmes vont se focaliser sur les pays de l'Union du fleuve
Mano. WADR dispose déjŕ en effet de bureaux ŕ Monrovia, Conakry et
Freetown. Ces bureaux pourvoient la radio en nouvelles et autres
productions faisant la promotion du dialogue et de la démocratie dans la
région. Ce réseau va progressivement s'étendre pour intégrer d'autres
pays de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, incluant le Cameroun et le Tchad.
La WADR va diffuser des programmes traitant de l'actualité et des faits
de société de męme que des magazines portant sur la bonne gouvernance, la
santé, l'agriculture, le genre, la jeunesse et le sport. L'objectif
déclaré est de faire la promotion de la paix et de la sécurité humaine,
de la transparence et la bonne gouvernance., de l'intégration économique
régionale, sociale et culturelle, ainsi que du développement, pour les
populations de la région.
Initiée par la fondation Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA),
la WADR se veut le centre d'un réseau de radios publiques, privées et
communautaires, qu'elle anime, en offrant aux populations un forum de
dialogue intercommunautaire.
Essoh Honoré WADR – Radio Production Officer,
Sacré-cśur 1, n°8408 Dakar, SENEGAL
Phone: +221 869 15 69 – Fax: +221 864 70 09
Postal P.O.Box:16 650 Dakar-Fann, SENEGAL
E-mail:wadr@wadr.org
(E.Honoré, WADR Nov 12, 2005 in creative-radio-ML)
------------xxxxxxxxxx Schedules xxxxxxxxxx--------------------
Schedules - ASIA
Radio Free Asia
Radio Free Asia currently broadcasts at 1100-0700 UT; there are no
transmissions between 0700 and 1100 UT. Daily programming includes
Mandarin for 12 hrs, Cantonese for two hrs, Uyghur for two hrs, and
Tibetan for eight hrs.
Via US belonging transmission facilities at KHBN Palau, Kuwait-KWT,
Lampertheim-GER, Saipan-MRA, Tinian-SoMRA, WHR Hawaii-HWA as well as via
foreign relays at Al Dhabayya-UAE, Almaty-KAZ, Dushanbe-TJK,
Iranawila-CLN, Irkutsk-RUS, Taiwan-TWN, Ulaanbaatar-MNG, Vladivostok-RUS,
Wertachtal-GER.
RFA schedule in B-05, valid from Oct 30th 2005 til March 26th, 2006.
RFA uses US belonging and IBB txs at HBN/P=KHBN Palau Isl,
IRA/I=Iranawila Sri Lanka, KWT/K=Kuwait, LAM/L Lampertheim-GER,
SAI/S=Saipan, TIN/T=Tinian NoMariana Isls, WHR/H Hawaii-HWA.
And foreign relays at ALM/A=Almaty-KAZ, DUS/D=Dushanbe-TJK,
IRK=Irkutsk-RUS, TWN/N=Taiwan, UAE=Al Dhabayya-UAE, ULA/U=UlaanBataar
Mongolia, VLD/V=Vladivostok-RUS, WER=Wertachtal Germany.
0000-0100 LAO 11830I 15545T 15590V
0030-0130 BURMESE 11535D 13710S 13815I 15700T
0100-0200 UYGHUR 7480D 9365D 9645UAE 9690UAE
15270T 17570T
0100-0300 TIBETAN 7470D(D-05 season til Mar 4) 7560K 9670WER
11695UAE 15220T 17730U
15660D(M-06 season from Mar 5)
0300-0600 MANDARIN 11980IRK 13625T 13760T 15150T 15665T
17495D 17525D 17615S 17880S 21540T
0600-0700 MANDARIN 11980IRK 13625T 13760T 15150T 15665T
17495D 17525D 17615S 17880S
0600-0700 TIBETAN 17515D 17715K 17720U 21570T 21715UAE
break
1100-1200 LAO 9355S 9775T 15565I
1100-1200 TIBETAN 7470U 11540D 11590K 13625T 15435UAE
1200-1400 TIBETAN 7470U 11540D 11590K 13625T 15185S 15435UAE
1230-1330 CAMBODIAN 5910V 13725I 15395T
1230-1330 BURMESE 9365D 11795T 12105I 15700T
1400-1500 CANTONESE 9825T 11950S 15255T
1400-1500 VIETNAMESE 7380U(?5855U) 9365D 9455S 9930WHR
11605T 13725P 13865I 15470T 21625I
1500-1600 TIBETAN 7470U 7495D 11500K 15385UAE
1500-1600 MANDARIN 7540D 9905P 11945T 13670T 13745T
15510T 17565T (1530- 6095T)
1500-1700 KOREAN 7210IRK 11870S 13625T
1600-1700 UYGHUR 7515D 7530D 9625UAE 11720T 13725I
1600-1700 MANDARIN 6095T 7540D 9455S 9905P 11945T 13670T
13745T 15510T 17565T
1700-1800 MANDARIN 7540D 9355S 9455S 9905P 11945T
13670T 13745T 15510T 17565T
1800-1900 MANDARIN 6095T 7455D 7540D 9355S 9455S 11790T
11945T 13670T 13745T 15510T
1900-2000 MANDARIN 1098N 5990T 6095T 7455D 7540D 9355S
9455S 9875P 11790T 11945T 11970T 13670T
13745T 15510T
2000-2100 MANDARIN 1098N 5990T 6095T 7455D 7540D 9355S
9455S 9875P 9885T 11900T 11950T 11970T
13745T 15510T
2100-2200 MANDARIN 1098N 6095T 7455D 7540D 9355S 9455S
9875P 9885T 9920N 11950T 11970T 13745T
15510T
2100-2300 KOREAN 7460U 9385T 11785S 13625T
2200-2300 CANTONESE 9570S 9845P 11740T 11775T
2230-2330 CAMBODIAN 7185I 9930P 15485T
2300-2359 MANDARIN 7540D 9905P 11775T 13745S 13800T 15430T
15550T
2300-2359 TIBETAN 6010UAE 7415D 7470U 7550K 9875LAM
2330-0029 VIETNAMESE 7515D 9930P 11580U 11605N 11965T 13720S
13865I 15565V
(from http://www2.starcat.ne.jp/~ndxc/ and other sources via wwdxc BC-DX
Nov 15, 2005 in DXLD 5-197)
...............................................................
Schedules - CUBA
Radio Martí
R. Martí B-05, daily except silent period 04-10 UT Mon:
D = Delano, G = Greenville
17670 15-22 D
15330 14-20 G, 22-24 D
13820 13-1930 G, 1930-03 D
11930 13-24 G
11775 00-07 G
9805 04-07 G
9565 20-22 G
7405 03-10 G, 12-15 G
7365 00-04 G, 07-13 D
6030 22-10 G, 10-12 D
5980 07-13 D
5745 10-14 G
(G.Hauser-OH-USA Nov 11, 2005 in DXLD 5-195)
R. Martí is no longer using 11845 at all in the B-season, but the Cuban
commie jammer is still pulsing away on that frequency, noted at many
times, including 2249 UT Nov 11 at a rate of about 132 per minute, or
slightly over two pulses per second. So that makes it a bad frequency for
anyone else to use. Rechecked after 2300, however, the jammer was off.
(G.Hauser-OH-USA Nov 11, 2005 in DXLD 5-195)
...............................................................
Schedules - IRAN
Radio Farda
Persian (Radio Farda) Broadcasts Frequencies
http://www.rferl.org/listen/shortwave/shortwave-fa.asp
Mediumwave (MW)
BROADCAST AT (UTC) FREQUENCY BAND BROADCAST DAYS
00:00-00:00 1170 MW Every day
00:00-00:00 1575 MW Every day
Shortwave (SW)
BROADCAST AT (UTC) FREQUENCY BAND BROADCAST DAYS
00:30-08:30 9585 SW Every day
00:30-06:00 9795 SW Every day
00:30-02:30 11995 SW Every day
02:30-04:00 7105 SW Every day
04:00-06:00 12015 SW Every day
06:00-08:30 15290 SW Every day
06:00-08:00 17675 SW Every day
08:00-10:30 11845 SW Every day
08:30-17:00 13680 SW Every day
08:30-14:00 15690 SW Every day
10:30-12:30 17595 SW Every day
12:30-14:00 9555 SW Every day
14:00-17:00 9435 SW Every day
14:00-17:00 15410 SW Every day
17:00-18:00 7520 SW Every day
17:00-21:30 7580 SW Every day
17:00-19:00 11845 SW Every day
18:00-19:00 11500 SW Every day
19:00-20:00 6140 SW Every day
19:00-21:30 9335 SW Every day
20:00-21:30 9785 SW Every day
(RFE/RL via J.Miguel Romero-E Nov 10, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
...............................................................
Schedules - KOREA (NORTH)
Shiokaze / Sea Breeze
It was moved from initially 1530-1600 to 1430-1500 last week, now
matching the times given in the Japanese press. Tx site is confirmed as
Angarsk (near Irkutsk), 100kW.
(B.Trutenau-LTU Nov 8, 2005 in CDX-ML)
...............................................................
Schedules - LAOS
Hmong Lao Radio
The WHR website now shows Hmong Lao Radio:
1200 Sa 0700 AM 0800 AM Saturday Hmong Lao Radio 7520
1300 Su 0800 AM 0900 AM Sunday Hmong Lao Radio 7520
Those local times are EST, so 6 and 7 am are a bit early in
Hminnesota, unless the Hmong are early hrisers
(G.Hauser-OK-USA in WORLD OF RADIO 1292 via DXLD 5-189)
...............................................................
Schedules - MYANMAR
Democratic Voice of Burma
B-05 for Democratic Voice of Burma in Burmese to SoEaAs:
1430-1530 on 15480 A-A 200 kW / 131 deg and 17495 MDC 250 kW / 055 deg
2330-0030 on 5955 JUL 100 kW / 070 deg
(Observer 389 Nov 8, 2005 via W.Büschel-D for CRW)
...............................................................
Schedules - WESTERN AFRICA
WADR - West Africa Democracy Radio
Monitoring on 15 Nov, their schedule at the moment
seems to be:
0700-0800 UT English on 12000
0800-0900 UT French on 12000
Thanks for the tips Glenn Hauser, Andy Sennitt, Wolfgang Bueschel. The
original info via CRW was submitted by Dr. Hansjoerg Biener.
(J.Savolainen-FIN Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Just adding this about their future plans, also from WADR today: "Hello
Jari, We have started yesterday our broadcasting. We are now on 12000
KhZ. Our shortwave schedule is:
07H-08H UCT English
08H-09H UCT French
On January it will be :
07H-09H on 12000 KhZ
09H-11H on 17860 KhZ"
(J.Savolainen-FIN Nov 15, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
------------xxxxxxxxxx Logs xxxxxxxxxx-------------------------
Logs - AFGHANISTAN
Radio Free Afghanistan
19010 R Free Afghanistan 1253, interview of a woman, talks of a young boy
34433
(Z.Liangas-GRC Oct 26, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
19010 R Free Afghanistan 1257 quranic verses. OM talks abt Ramadan, news
with mentions abt Al Qaeda 45444
(Z.Liangas-GRC Oct 28, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - ASIA
Radio Free Asia
11515 RFA 1239, px in Kazakh, economic etc 35544.
(Z.Liangas-GRC Oct 27, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - CAMEROON
Radio Free Southern Camerrons
12130 R.Free Southern Camerrons Oct 30 *1800-1834 32332-34333 English,
1800 sign on with IS, Opening announce, Music, Talk, //Sun only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
12130, R. Free Southern Cameroons: NB: I incorrectly gave the time as
1600 UTC rather than 1800 in this log as it appeared in RDXP WE Oct 30;
tnx Anker P. for alerting me in DX-Window. Sun only.
(J.Berg-MA-USA Oct 30, 2005 in DXplorer-ML)
12130 Voz de Camerún, 18:18-18:58, escuchada el 6 de Noviembre del 2005
en ingles a locutor con comentarios y referencias a la independencia del
Camerún, segmento de música e identificación, cantos folklóricos. 44343.
(J.Miguel Romero Romero-E Nov 6, 2005 for CRW)
4 Audios de La Voice of Camerún en Valencia DX
http://es.geocities.com/jmromero782004/
(J.Miguel Romero Romero-E Nov 6, 2005 for CRW)
"A reminder that the second weekly broadcast of Radio Free Southern
Cameroons is coming up at 1800-1900 UT Sunday on 12130 via Russia. 73,
Glenn, 1745 UT" : Reports from the target area indicate a good reception
of this transmission on 6 November.
(B.Trutenau-LTU Nov 6, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
12130 Voz del Camerún, 18:18-18:58, escuchada el 6 de Noviembre del 2005
en ingles a locutor con comentarios y referencias a Camerún, segmento de
música y locutor con identificación, referencias a la independencia del
Camerún, cantos folkloricos. SINPO 44343
(J.Miguel Romero-E Nov 6, 2005 for CRW)
12130, R Free Southern Cameroon, via Krasnodar, *1800-1858*, Su Nov 06,
English opening ann, choir, modern folksong, 1807 political talks about
Liberation of Southern Cameroon, asked for donations, 1844 several songs
by a choir, no closing ann, 25332.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
...............................................................
Logs - CHINA
Sound of Hope
7310, Sound of Hope, via Tan Shui, Taiwan, *1300-1340, Nov 06 and 08,
Chinese talk mentioning Taiwan, many jingles, ID's: "Xiwang Zhi Sheng
Guiji Guan po dien tai", 44444. From *1325 QRM R Rossii.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
...............................................................
Logs - ERITREA
Voice of Delina
7560 V.of Delina(P) Oct 30 1836-1840 35443 Tigrigna, Talk, //Sun only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
7560 V.of Delina Nov 06 *1800-1808 35333-35433 Tigrigna, 1800 sign on
with talk by woman, Opening music, Opening announce, ID at 1802, Eritrean
pops music and talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Nov 6, 2005 in JAP 394)
9485 V.of Liberty Nov 02 *1600-1615 35443 Tigrigna, 1600 sign on with
opening music, ID and opening announce, Eritrean pops nusic and talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Nov 2, 2005 in JAP 394)
Voice of Democratic Eritrea
9820 V.of Democratic Eritrea via DTK Nov 03 *1700-1711 23432-24432
Tigrigna, 1700 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Nov 3, 2005 in JAP 394)
...............................................................
Logs - ETHIOPIA
Tensae Ethiopia - Voice of Unity
12115 Tensae Ethiopian V.O.Unity Oct 30 *1501-1512 45444 Amharic, 1501
sign on with opening music, Opening announce, Talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Heard Nov 01 with low modulation *1502-1535, Amharic talks, 33443
sideband splashes. Ex 15660 during A05.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 1, 2005 in DX-Window 284)
12115 Tensae Ethiopia Vo Unity, 15:25-15:35, escuchada el 7 de Noviembre
del 2005 en Amharico a locutor con comentarios y segmento de música
folklorica. SINPO 43332.
(J.Miguel Romero-E Nov 7, 2005 for CRW)
Radio Voice of ENUF
7590 V.of ENUF Oct 30 *1700-1710 35333 Amharic, 1700 sign on with IS, ID,
Opening announce, Talk, //Sun and Fri only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Radio Xoriyo / Radio Freedom
9820 R.Freedom via DTK Nov 01 *1630-1640 23432-34432 Somali, 1630 sign on
with opening music, Opening announce, Koran, Talk, //Tue and Fri only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Voice of Ethiopian Medhin / Voice of Ethiopian Salvation
9820 V.of Ethiopian Salvation via DTK Oct 30 *1600-1610 32432-33433
Amharic, 1600 sign on with IS, ID and Opening announce,Opening music,
Talk and Ethiopian pops music, //Sun only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Voice of Oromo Liberation / Sagalee Bilisummaa Oromoo
9820 V.of Oromo Liberation via DTK Oct 30 *1700-1707 24432 Oromo, 1700
sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk, //Sun and Tue and
Wed and Fri only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Radio Voice of Oromo Liberation Front
7590 R.V.O.Oromo Liberation Front Oct 31 *1700-1706 35333 Oromo, 1700
sign on with IS, ID, Local music, Talk, //Mon and Thu only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Voice of the Democratic Path to Ethiopian Unity
9620 V.O.Path of Ethiopian Unity via DTK Oct 30 *1830-1836 35443-35433
Amharic, 1830 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Talk, //Sun and Wed
only.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
...............................................................
Logs - IRAN
Radio International
7490 R.International Oct 30 *1730-1738 35443 Farsi, 1730 sign on with
opening music, ID, Talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
...............................................................
Logs - KASHMIR
Voice of Jammu Kashmir Freedom
5102 Jamu & Kashmir 1415 with song, talks by OM 1423 a pop sng. Marginal
signal at best
(Z.Liangas-GRC Oct 28, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
Voice of Kashmir
6100, R Voice of Kashmir, via AIR, 0238-0250, Nov 06, Urdu talk, native
songs - under DW in German, 22332.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
...............................................................
Logs - KOREA (NORTH)
Echo of Hope
6348.0, R Echo of Hope, Kimp'o, So. Korea, 1430-1530, Nov 09, Korean
talks and local music, 1500 probably news read by man and woman, 33333,
heard // 3985 (21221).
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
Shiokaze / Sea Breeze
Monitored via DXTuner.Com web receiver at Brisbane, Australia: The
"Shiokaze" programme to Japanese abductees in North Korea was observed on
5890 kHz with their second day's broadcast at 1530-1600 utc on 31
October. On 1 November however, a carrier was noted at 1525 tune-in,
under which a jammer could be faintly heard. At 1530 the programme didn't
appear, and the carrier went off at 1532 approx - so either it switched
frequency to avoid the jammer, or it wasn't on at all!
(D.Kernick-G Nov 1, 2005 in DXLD 5-189)
On October 30 and 31, the "Shiokaze" broadcast was done 1 hour later at
1530-1600; on November 1 returned to the normal time 1430-1500 UT. On
November 1 the station mis-transmitted Radio Australia for the first 10
minutes, then turned to "Shiokaze" broadcast. There has been no jamming
for these 3 days. A Chinese DXer reported me that the broadcast was also
well heard in Shanghai.
(T.Akabayashi-J Nov 2, 2005 via WORLD OF RADIO 1292 in DXLD 5-5-189)
Now (1 Nov [means 2 Nov?]) on the air at 1430 UT on 5890 kHz in Japanese;
mis-transmission on 1 Nov. at 1430 to 1441 carrying R. Australia English
(Nagoya DXers Circle Nov 2, 2005 for WORLD OF RADIO 1292 in DXLD 5-5-189)
Hi Glenn, My good friend Mauno Ritola has pointed out that Shiokaze is in
fact still on 5890 kHz, though an hour earlier at 1430-1500 UT. Sure
enough, I heard it signing-on at that time on 3 November.
(D.Kernick-G Nov 3, 2005 in DXLD 5-189)
5890 Shiokaze (Sea breeze) I have listened to this one a number of times
now at *1430 and I have yet to hear any jamming. Same piano interlude
each day with same male announcer. [heard Via DX Tuner Japan]
(H.Johnson-USA Nov 8, 2005 in CDX-ML)
Das für Nordkorea ausgestrahlte Programm "Shiokaze" ist z.Z. recht gut
mit Bericht durch OM und Klaviermx im HIntergrund auf 5890 kHz zu
empfangen (Sendezeit: 1430-1500 UTC via Angarsk/Irkutsk).
(P.Robic-AUT Nov 13, 2005 in A-DX-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - KURDISTAN
Voice of Iranian Kurdistan
3970.3, Voice of Iranian Kurdistan, Al-Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, *0247-0310,
Nov 06, *0244 Carrier s/on, 0247 non-stop Kurdish songs, 0300 Kurdish ID:
"Aira dangi Kurdistan Irana", 35343, martial song - and jamming began!
then 33342, recitations from the Qur'an. The // was not heard on 4860v,
but jamming began on 4861.6 at *0302 and it jumped to 4885.9 at 0318.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
Voice of Iraqui Kurdistan
6335,00 Voice of Iraqui Kurdistan, 0353-0401, October 30, Vernacular,
very nice local songs, ann. or identification by male, 25432
(A.Slaen-ARG Oct 30, 2005 in BCL-News-ML)
Voice of Komala
4615.1, R Voice of Komala, *0327-0340, Nov 06, Ouverture followed by six
(!) ID's in Kurdish: "Eira dengi Komala", talk, 35333 - jammed from
*0335, then 33333. // 3930 not heard, but open carrier on 3939.56 at
*0314-0335.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 6, 2005 in DX Window 285)
Voice of Mesopotamia
11530 V.of Mesopotamia Oct 30 1422-1450 45433-45444 Kurdish, Talk and
music, ID at 1448.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
7590 V.of Mesopotamia Oct 30 1650-1659* 45433 Kurdish, Music, ID at 1654,
Closing music, 1659 sign off.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
Voice of Mesopotamia: Heard *1500-1540, Nov 01, Kurdish talks, Middle
East music, 54544.
(A.Petersen-DNK Nov 1, 2005 in DX-Window 284)
11530 Dengue Mesopotamía, 14:08-14:28, escuchada el 8 de Noviembre del
2005 en kurdo a locutor con invitado en entrevista y programa de música
folklorica local con canticos, referencias al Kurdistan y cantico sin
música. SINPO 34332.
(J.Miguel Romero-E Nov 8, 2005 for CRW)
...............................................................
Logs - MALDIVES
Minivan Radio
11800 Minivan Radio, 16:50-16:59, escuchada el 7 de Noviembre del 2005 en
Dhivehi a locutora con entrevista a invitado, comentarios y segmento de
música instrumental. SINPO 43343.
(J.Miguel Romero-E Nov 7, 2005 for CRW)
11800 GERMANY (WEST) Minivan Radio 11/9 1610 music, talk in presumed
Dihevi by YL, mentions of Minivan, recording of speech to an audience @
1630 with many mentions of Maldives and Minivan, ID at 1659, possible
IS?, then off.
(R.Brandi-NJ-USA Nov 9, 2005 in DXplorer-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - MYANMAR
Democratic Voice of Burma
Democratic Voice of Burma, 9435 in presumed Burmese at 2215 11/11 with
talk by man and occ. bridge music.
(G.Dexter-WI-USA Nov 11, 2005 in DXplorer-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - SUDAN
Voice of Sudan
7999.33 V.of Sudan Oct 30 *1529-1540 34332 Arabic, 1529 sign on with IS,
Opening announce, Opening music, Talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Oct 30, 2005 in JAP 393)
...............................................................
Logs - VIETNAM
Little Saigon Radio
7380 kHz Little Saigon Radio via Taiwan. Oct.28 at 1500 (S/on) - 1530
(S/off). SINPO 44433-43433. S/on with chorus, then ID in Vietnamese.
Interview followed.
(I.Nagatani-J Oct 28, 2005 in JAP 393)
7380 Little Saigon R. via Taiwan Nov 06 *1500-1509 34433 Vietnamese, 1500
sign on with IS, Opening music, Opening announce, Talk.
(Ko.Hashimoto-J Nov 6, 2005 in JAP 394)
7380 Little Saigon Radio via Taiwan (?) *1500-1530* Nov.12 Sign-on with a
Orchestra Music, short introduction with ID in VT ' dai la Little Saigon
Radio', mention California location. Followed with more music. Most of
the program considered of commentaries and news items . Noted ID's at
1510 & 1517.(1517 a possible web site but only a partial www.) 1520 noted
with a commentary or talk, reference to Vietnam and WHO. 1526 closing
anmmts, I.D. then followed a VT Ballad with a female singer to 1530*
Reception was good to fair at times, despite the slight noise and slight
heterodyne (notch used)
(E.Kusalik-AB-CAN Nov 12, 2005 for CRW)
...............................................................
Logs - WESTERN AFRICA
West Africa Democracy Radio
On 14 Nov I noted a message from Martin Schoech/crwatch telling that West
Africa Democracy Radio will start regular broadcasts on this date 0700 UT
for two hours each day on 17555.
I was a bit late, and when tuning to 17555 at 0830 UT there was only a
strong open carrier, which closed a few seconds later. Did anyone listen
at 0700 if WADR was on the air?
(J.Savolainen-FIN Nov 14, 2005 in HCDX-ML)
RE: WADR 17555 : Interesting - sometime today they added "12000 kHz" on
their Home Page, along with Dakar 94.9 FM. Maybe there was a last-minute
change of frequency? And the time given at the top of the Home Page is
now 0700-1100 UTC, but the schedule page only shows programmes between
0900 and 1100. Senegal is on UTC, so none of this makes any sense.
http://www.wadr.org/english/indexang.html
(A.Sennit-HOL Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
The 0900-1100 portion is supposed to be in French, and a grille has been
on their site for some time at http://www.wadr.org/grille.html
(G.Hauser-USA Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
I don't know if this is old or new, but at
http://www.wadr.org/english/presentationang.html
they say:
FREQUENCIES
WADR shall broadcast on 12,000 Khz between 7.00 and 9.00 UCT and on
17,860 Khz between 9.00 and 11.00 UCT on SW to the whole of West Africa
and Chad and Cameroon as well as 94.9 on FM (Dakar only). It shall also
be rebroadcast on various other FM frequencies by local broadcast
partners in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone who will receive WADR
programmes by digital satellite radio. This will be available to
individuals with digital satellite receivers in the whole of Africa.
(J.Savolainen-FIN Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Ah, I see what they have done. The English Home Page links to the same
page in French. I guess it's supposed to link to a page in English, which
doesn't exist yet, giving programmes from 0700-0900. But they seem to be
still building the website. The new frequency information wasn't there
when I checked earlier today.
(A.Sennit-HOL Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Not exactly. As I think I already pointed out, there is an English
program grid at http://www.wadr.org/english/grille.html
tho the links to it may be incorrect.
(G.Hauser-USA Nov 14, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Re: WADR 17555: 12000 Switched on my rx around 0712 UT and noted an
English language program in progress, with some 'smooth' French accent of
the commentator. Many African items covered. So I guess 0700-0900 UT
schedule on 12000 kHz fits. Signals sounds like 'skip over my head' one
from RMP/WOF in U.K. towards Africa.
(W.Büschel-D Nov 15, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Yep, WADR signed on at 0700 on 12000. Fair signal with co-channel Arabic
station. But getting stronger later. The first hour was in English and at
0800 they switched to French. Let's see if they start at 0900 on 17860 or
then not. (Nov 15)
(J.Savolainen-FIN Nov 15, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
...............................................................
Logs - WESTERN SAHARA
National Radio of the Arab-Saharan Democratic Republic
Polisario Front radio from Tindouf Algeria now on air with new equipment
on exact 1550.00 kHz, starts with Holy Quran prayer at 1700 UT daily,
nearby Moroccan counter jammer starts at 1658 UT on 1553.3 kHz and fades
up to 1553.7 kHz around 1715 UT. (heard while travelling in Andalusia /
Spain)
(W.Büschel-D Nov 4, 2005 in CDX-ML)
1550 | ALGERIA | RASD Clandestine, Tindouf, NOV 7 2342 - North African
music (similar to Berber stuff 1044 often plays); good, way over
CBE/WDZK. [Connelly*rw-MA] + NOV 8 2212 - Arabic talk by man, synthesizer
music segments; a lot weaker than at Rowley, but still dominating the
channel.
(M.Connelly*B-MA-USA Nov 7, 2005 in HCDX-ML]
(cf. DXLD 5-193 of 09 Nov), Raúl Saavedra in Costa Rica and Miguel Romero
in Spain, the Polisario Front dropped 7460 even before (some 2-3 days
earlier) silencing 700 kHz (my last recorded observation was on 10 Oct
last) again, to reactivate 1550 kHz, which is running at its normal
schedule, with later (1 hour) sign-off on Friday morning. Manuel Méndez
in Spain and Wolfgang Büschel in Germany now say they've got a new
transmitter. I can't notice any difference in their steady, normal,
strong, clean 1550 kHz signal, nor do I notice the Moroccan jammer
Wolfgang says he logged while touring Southern Spain. Interesting to note
how reception conditions can be so different in a small area.
(C.Gonçalves-POR Nov 10, 2005 in DXLD 5-194)
12000 kHz - Switched on my rx around 0712 UT and noted an English
language program in progress, with some 'smooth' French accent of the
commentator. Many African items covered. So I guess 0700-0900 UT schedule
on 12000 kHz fits, English 0700-0800, French 0800-0900 UT. Signals sounds
like 'skip over my head' one from RMP/WOF in U.K. towards Africa.
(W.Büschel-D Nov 15, 2005 in A-DX-ML)
------------xxxxxxxxxx QSL Verifications xxxxxxxxxx------------
Qsl's - ASIA
Radio Free Asia
RFA Koror, Palau 13775 kHz, E-QSL in 4 ore, cartolina QSL in 6 giorni!!!
E-rpt spedito a: qsl@rfa.org V/s: AJ Janitschek aj@rfa.org
(L.Botto Fiora-I Nov 10, 2005 in JAP 394)
...............................................................
Qsl's - CUBA
Radio Martí
According to Mr. Michael Pallone, Director of Engineering and technical
Operation of Radio Martí, they are now developing a new QSL card. As they
are keeping the data of the past reporters, the card will be sent to them
when available. They also hope non-Cuban listeners to learn Spanish
through listening to Radio Martí. The recent schedule is available at
http://www.martinoticias.com
(T.Akabayashi-J Nov 9, 2005 in DXLD 5-193)
...............................................................
Qsl's - GAMBIA
Save The Gambia Democracy Project / Voices from the Diaspora
9405, Save the Gambia Project via Juelich verified an e-mail report with
an e-mail reply via T-Systems in 25 days from v/s Walter Brodowsky,
Account Manager for short-wave broadcast. Walter's e-mail states: Thank
you very much for your kind reception report which we confirm and which
is attached to this email. You did listen to a transmission of Radio
Miami International (RMI) which was broadcasted towards Gambia by using a
100 kW transmitter from Short-wave Radio Station Juelich. Your reception
report is highly appreciated and we forwarded it to our Customer, too. We
would like to thank you for your efforts in this matter."
(R.D'Angelo-PA-USA Nov 6, 2005 in DXplorer-ML)
------------xxxxxxxxxx Other News xxxxxxxxxx--------------------
Other - CAMEROON
CHIEF AYAMBA'S RE-ARREST COULD BE LINKED TO SCNC RADIO BROADCAST
Chief Ayamba Ette Otun, Chairman of the mainstream faction of the
Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC), was on Monday, October 31,
re-arrested soon after his release from detention in Mamfe. It is
suspected that Ayamba’s rearrest could be linked to the broadcast Radio
Free Southern Cameroons launched by the SCNC on 30 October.
In a one-page press release dated October 31, Nfor Ngala Nfor, SCNC Vice
Chairman, said Chief Ayamba was arrested at 7.30 a.m by 10 policemen led
by the Manyu Police Commissioner, Jean Baptiste Hanghou, after a search
of his house.
The Commissioner was acting on the instructions of Manyu Senior
Divisional Officer, SDO, Venant Abome Alume. Chief Ayamba was arrested
and taken to the police charge office at 9 am, where he was interrogated
and later released without charge.
Nfor Nfor's release expresses worry that the "occupation forces" could
have planted anything incriminating in Ayamba’s house in order to
implicate the SCNC leadership. "The occupation forces have all along
accused the SCNC of terrorism and violence without any iota of
justification," it states.
The statement appeals to the UN and other democratic governments and
defenders of human rights and freedom, to mediate in the conflict between
the Southern Cameroons and La République du Cameroun (two former UN Trust
territories) as the only logical means of achieving peace and stability
in the West African Sub-region.
The Broadcast
Meanwhile, the Radio Free Southern Cameroons broadcast of October 30 took
place as promised between 7 and 8 pm. It began with the singing of the
Southern Cameroons' national anthem "Freedom Land."
The broadcaster, whose voice was clearly that of an elderly person, did
not disclose his identity and the address was simply a reproduction of a
38-page SCNC publication titled "Understanding The Southern Cameroons
Question."
It concluded with two songs, one titled "Pack Your Bags and Go" addressed
to La République's occupation forces and anther by a Bamenda-based
musician, John Minang, advising outsiders not to weep louder than the
bereaved. Commenting on the broadcast, an elated Nfor Ngala Nfor told The
Post that he had received several calls from Southern Cameroonians in
Nkambe, Douala and Buea, saying they followed
it.
As opposed to Hitler Mbinglo, SCNC Northern Zone Chairman, who said
before the broadcast that he knew nothing about the radio, Nfor Nfor said
he was fully aware of the circumstances that led to its creation.
"We knew that the struggle was to reach a point when the SCNC would have
to address Southern Cameroonians through a radio," he said. He said he
was certain Chief Ayamba's arrest was partly caused by the broadcast.
He said occupational forces were also provoked by the fact that far from
showing remorse, Chief Ayamba looked unruffled and unrepentant when he
was released on bail after the previous arrest.
Asked if he was not afraid of arrest himself, Nfor Nfor said Cameroon is
already a huge prison, especially for Southern Cameroonians. "I am
already a prisoner. What else should I fear?" he said.
Gendarmes have since mounted a search for the site of Free Southern
Cameroons Radio, which they are convinced is situated in Bamenda.
(Source: The Post Online via Unrepresented Nations and Peoples
Organisation - UNPO)
http://www.unpo.org/news_detail.php?arg=59&par=3184
(A.Sennit-HOL Nov 4, 2005 in Media Network blog via DXLD 5-190)
...............................................................
Other - CUBA
R. Martí is yet another station suffering a serious disconnect between
studio and transmitter. Nov 4 at 2259 I caught the frequency announcement
on 15330. They don`t say directly that they are about to change, or which
frequencies are going off, but supposedly which frequencies will be on
during the hour to follow; in this case: ``6030, 7365, 11775 and 13820``.
There are always no more and no less than four at a time, yet 15330 kept
right on going after 2300! Then checking the ones announced, definitely
nothing on 7365, 13820 was very strong; 11775 and 6030 jammed heavily but
RM could have been somewhere down there on 6030, but unannounced 11930
was running during the 2300 hour, heavily jammed but holding its own
here. So I was listening to 11930 at 2359 for the next frequency
announcement. ``6030, 7365...``, and 11930 cut off before the
announcement could be completed! That was the frequency where would-be
listeners really needed to know all the upcoming channels. I should have
been on 13820, which kept on going in the 0000 hour, but now 15330 was
off, 7365 and 11775 were on, and I guess 6030 was on. Let`s get all this
straight by consulting the R. Martí color-coded frequency grid at
http://www.martinoticias.com/rm_sch_spa.html
No, that previously bookmarked page no longer goes anywhere. Here it is
at a simpler URL: http://www.martinoticias.com/frequencies.htm --- but
this one is still dated April 1, and obviously out of date, e.g. still
showing 21500 and not 17670, almost a week into B-05 season! Wake up, Don
Mansfield, credited as the preparer of the page. At least a current
weekly program grid does appear at
http://www.martinoticias.com/media/Schedules/rm_sch_spa.html but without
mentioning frequencies. Could be the OCB is in no hurry to post or
announce an accurate schedule due to jamming, but just to be safe, Commie
Cuba leaves jammers on frequencies previously used, or used at other
times of day, as well as the actual ones. As to not announcing the right
frequency group, could they be confused about the time zone changes? They
are aware that Cuba is still on UT -4 as a 2319 UT timecheck was for
7:19, hora de Cuba
(G.Hauser-OK-USA in DXLD 5-190)
Glenn, I noted the first time Radio Martí on 5745 kHz Monday morning
without jammer and this Tuesday morning with jammer. Around 1100 UT
(B.Malm-EQA Nov 1, 2005 in DXLD 5-190)
...............................................................
Other - EASTERN EUROPE
RADIO FREE EUROPE/RADIO LIBERTY APPOINT ACTING PRESIDENT |
Text of press release by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty website on 9
November
Washington DC, 8 November: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's [RFE/RL]
longest-serving president, Thomas A. Dine, departed the US
government-funded international broadcaster on 31 October. Dine, who
served as RFE/RL's chief executive for more than eight years, will now
take up new responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish
Community Federation of San Francisco. The US Broadcasting Board of
Governors has appointed Jeffrey N. Trimble as acting president of RFE/RL.
Mr Trimble has served as director of policy and strategic planning at
RFE/RL for the last three years.
Mr Dine became the president of RFE/RL in August 1997 and shaped the
radios into a multiple media company with the ability to reach its
audiences on the radio, via e-mail and the internet. RFE/RL's total
weekly audience has more than doubled during Dine's eight years as
president.
RFE/RL now broadcasts to 19 countries in 28 languages and most of these
broadcasts are directed at majority-Muslim populations. With a mandate
from the US Congress, Dine expanded RFE/RL's broadcasts beyond its
traditional focus, the former Soviet Union to Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan,
demonstrating the effectiveness of US surrogate broadcasting in
conducting the war on terrorism.
In earlier remarks to RFE/RL staff informing them of his decision to
leave RFE/RL, Dine said: "I know that the company I am leaving is
healthier and stronger than the one I took over in 1997 - and I derive
great comfort from knowing that its fate going forward rests in the hands
of the most talented, motivated and creative staff I have ever had the
pleasure of working with... and, it will be better positioned than ever
to fulfil its crucial role in the spread of freedom and democracy around
the world."
Jeffrey Trimble took over on 1 November as acting president of RFE/RL. He
joined RFE/RL in May 1997, first as associate director of broadcasting,
but soon thereafter was appointed director of broadcasting. From 2002
until this week, he has served as RFE/RL's director of policy and
strategic planning. Before coming to RFE/RL, Trimble worked for 15 years
at US News and World Report magazine in a variety of positions, including
assistant managing editor, foreign editor, and Moscow bureau chief (from
1986 until 1991). As Mediterranean bureau chief, based in Rome, Italy
(1983-1986), Trimble reported on developments in more than 20 countries
in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the Mediterranean region.
Earlier, he was a diplomatic correspondent in Washington (1983) and a
regional correspondent in New York (1982-1983), where his duties included
covering the United Nations.
In accepting his new appointment, Trimble said "It is an honour to serve
as acting president of RFE/RL, and I look forward to supporting the work
of RFE/RL's dedicated staff to promote freedom and democracy with
information products that are balanced, accurate and
comprehensive."
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty press release, Washington DC, in
English 9 Nov 05 (via BBCM via DXLD 5-193)
JEFFREY N TRIMBLE NAMED ACTING PRESIDENT OF RFE/RL
The US Broadcasting Board of Governors has appointed Jeffrey N Trimble as
Acting President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), replacing
Thomas A Dine who left on 31 October.
Jeffrey Trimble joined RFE/RL in May 1997, first as Associate Director of
Broadcasting, but soon thereafter was appointed Director of Broadcasting.
From 2002 until this week, he has served as RFE/RL's Director of Policy
and Strategic Planning. Before coming to RFE/RL, Trimble worked for 15
years at US News & World Report magazine in a variety of positions,
including Assistant Managing Editor, Foreign Editor, and Moscow Bureau
chief (from 1986 until 1991). As Mediterranean Bureau Chief, based in
Rome, Italy (1983-1986), Trimble reported on developments in more than 20
countries in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the Mediterranean
region. Earlier, he was a diplomatic correspondent in Washington (1983)
and a regional correspondent in New York (1982-1983), where his duties
included covering the United Nations.
In accepting his new appointment, Trimble said "It is an honour to serve
as Acting President of RFE/RL, and I look forward to supporting the work
of RFE/RL's dedicated staff to promote freedom and democracy with
information products that are balanced, accurate and comprehensive."
(A.Sennit-HOL Nov 9, 2005 in Media Network blog via DXLD 5-194)
...............................................................
Other - ETHIOPIA
ETHIOPIANS IN DIASPORA ACCUSE VOA OF INCITING ADDIS VIOLENCE |
Text of report in English by Ethiopian news agency ENA website
Addis Ababa, 9 November: Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia residing in
the United States asked the US Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) to
take appropriate measures to stop the VOA [Voice of America] Amharic
staff in inciting violence, encouraging civil strife, hatred and anarchy
in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Observer posted on its web site that Ethiopians,
Ethiopian-Americans and friends of Ethiopia, who are concerned and
disturbed by the VOA Amharic language service deliberate incitement and
encouragement of civil unrest and violence in Ethiopia, requested the BBG
to take immediate and expeditious measure.
"The VOA is an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by
the US government through the BBG. It is paid by American tax dollars to
render services strictly to foreign audience," they said.
VOA is an extension of US foreign policy and a means to extend democratic
influence and American values to the rest of the world, they added.
They recalled that the Amharic service of the VOA has been on air since
1982 and has been serving the people of Ethiopia in various educational,
entertainment and current affairs programmes.
However, they said, in the past two decades the style and content of VOA
Amharic programme has been dependent up on the political and ideological
inclination of the individual broadcaster or announcer. In fact, lately
it has been extremely partisan and highly politicized, they added.
They further said when one of the Ethiopian opposition parties, namely,
Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) announced its plan to incite
strikes, demonstrations, and street violence beginning 31 October it
officially declared the Amharic programmes of the VOA as its main
propaganda tool.
To this end, the CUD called up on its members and followers to only
listen to VOA as its main communication outlet, they added. For quite
some time, they said, even before CUD's announcement, the Amharic
programme of the VOA has been the mouthpiece of the opposition,
contravening the principles and ethics of journalism.
Since the Ethiopian democratic election of 15 May 2005, VOA has been
airing partisan propaganda bent on destabilizing the peace and stability
of the Ethiopian people, they recalled.
CUD had also officially declared the Amharic programmes of the VOA and
Deutsche Welle Radio as well as certain private newspapers as its main
propaganda tools.
The executives of CUD called up on its followers while announcing its
programme of violence here on 29 October 2005 to listen only the stated
media, including Tinsae Radio, which are its main propaganda outlets.
Source: ENA website, Addis Ababa, in English 9 Nov 05 (via BBCM via DXLD
5-195)
Ethiopian Exile Broadcasters Jailed
CPJ press release
New York, November 10, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists
unequivocally condemns plans by the Ethiopian government to charge
journalists detained during a wave of anti-government protests with
treason. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Wednesday treason charges would
be brought against opposition leaders and journalists arrested in
connection with clashes last week between protesters and security forces
in which more than 40 people were killed, according to international news
reports.
At least six journalists are in detention. Most of the private press is
hiding, local sources told CPJ. Zenawi told members of the foreign press
that the journalists "are not just journalists. They will not be charged
for violating the press laws. They will be charged, like the [opposition
party] CUD leaders, for treason," the London daily The Independent
reported. Treason is punishable by death in Ethiopia.
"CPJ is appalled that Ethiopian authorities are considering using such
an outrageous charge against members of the press," said Ann Cooper,
executive director of CPJ. "We urge the Ethiopian government to release
all detained journalists, and to end its campaign of intimidation
designed to shut down the private press."
Four journalists turned themselves in to the police on Wednesday, after
their names appeared on a list of people, published by state-owned media,
whom the government plans to prosecute for attempting to "violently
undermine the constitutional order in the country." They are Zekarias
Tesfaye, publisher of the private, Amharic-language weekly Netsanet;
Dereje Habtewolde, deputy editor of Netsanet; Fassil Yenealem, publisher
of the Amharic-language weekly Addis Zena, and Wosonseged Gebrekidan,
editor-in-chief of Addis Zena.
Two editors of the private, Amharic-language weekly Hadar who were
arrested on November 2 are also in detention. Dawit Kebede,
editor-in-chief of Hadar, and deputy editor Feleke Tibebu are being held
at the central prison in Addis Ababa. According to local sources, the
editors appeared in court on Monday as part of a large group of political
detainees. The group, which included senior opposition members and local
leaders, were denied bail and returned to jail until November 22 but they
were not charged.
The government’s wanted list included 17 publishers and editors of eight
private, Amharic-language weekly newspapers, in addition to opposition
leaders, the heads of the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association and local
representatives of the international charity Action Aid, many of whom are
already in jail. It also included the president of the Ethiopian Free
Press Journalists’ Association (EFJA), Kifle Mulat. State media have
disseminated photographs of many of these journalists, and have called on
the public to tell police their whereabouts.
Authorities have also used state-owned media to launch a smear campaign
against broadcasters Voice of America (VOA) and Germany’s Deutsche-Welle.
Both broadcast local-language news programs into Ethiopia via shortwave,
and are a popular source of information in a country which has no local
independent radio stations. Today, the state-owned Ethiopian Herald
published an article accusing VOA, Deutsche Welle Radio and the private
press of "promoting the destructive missions of opposition parties."
ctor of the Committee to Protect Journalists. "We call on Ethiopian
authorities to stop harassing and intimidating Gudu immediately."
(CPJ Nov 10, 2005 via H.Johnson-USA Nov 12, 2005 in CDX-ML)
http://www.cpj.org/news/2005/Ethiopia10nov05na.html
(Published as publ. at CPJ-homepage, beginning of last paragraph is
missing. CRW)
ETHIOPIA: GOVERNMENT ROUNDS UP JOURNALISTS, OPPOSITION LEADERS
Ethiopian authorities are hunting down journalists, civil society
activists and opposition leaders in a bid to clamp down on government
critics following public protests that left more than 40 dead at the
hands of security forces, report the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists'
Association (EFJA), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters
Without Borders (Reporters sans frontičres, RSF) and the Committee to
Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The Ethiopian government has issued a "wanted" list of 58 people,
including 17 publishers and editors, who will be prosecuted for
attempting to "violently undermine the constitutional order in the
country." State media have disseminated photographs of many of the
journalists and have called on the public to inform police about their
whereabouts. The head of EFJA, Kifle Mulat, is on the list. He is not in
the country. Leaders of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association and local
representatives of the international charity Action Aid, are also on the
list.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said the individuals on the
list will be charged with treason, which carries the death penalty in
Ethiopia. He has accused some journalists of working hand-in-hand with
opposition parties and promoting street protests in Addis Ababa.
CPJ says eight journalists have been detained so far: Andualem Ayle of
the private, Amharic-language weekly "Ethiop"; Nardos Meaza of the
private, Amharic-language weekly "Satanaw"; Zekarias Tesfaye, publisher
of the private, Amharic-language weekly "Netsanet"; Dereje Habtewolde,
deputy editor of "Netsanet"; Fassil Yenealem, publisher of the
Amharic-language weekly "Addis Zena"; Wosonseged Gebrekidan,
editor-in-chief of "Addis Zena"; Dawit Kebede, editor-in-chief of
"Hadar"; and Feleke Tibebu, deputy editor of "Hadar". Police have
searched the offices of "Netsanet" "Ethiop" and "Abay", and confiscated
documents, computers, money, and other equipment and materials.
Ethiopian authorities have also used state-owned media to launch a smear
campaign against broadcasters Voice of America (VOA) and Germany's
Deutsche-Welle.
Both broadcast local-language news programmes into Ethiopia via
shortwave, and are a popular source of information in a country which has
no local independent radio stations. The state-owned "Ethiopian Herald"
published an article accusing VOA, Deutsche Welle Radio and the private
press of "promoting the destructive missions of opposition parties."
International news organizations say more than 40 people were killed in
clashes between security forces and opposition supporters who accused
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of rigging polls in May to get re-elected.
Visit:
- CPJ: http://www.cpj.org/news/2005/Ethiopia14nov05na.html
- IPI: http://www.freemedia.at/Protests2005/Ethiopia14.11.05.htm
- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=15595
- Human Rights Backgrounder:
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/01/13/ethiop9833.htm
- List of "Wanted Journalists":
http://www.ethiomedia.com/fastpress/sixty_sued.html
IFEX is managed by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
(http://www.cjfe.org).
(IFEX Communiqué VOL. 14 no. 46 Nov 15, 2005 via H.Biener-D for CRW)
ETHIOPIANS DEMONSTRATE OUTSIDE VOA HQ IN WASHINGTON |
Text of report in English by VOA News.com website on 14 November
The Voice of America normally covers the news, but Monday morning [14
November] it was in the news itself - the focus of demonstrations by
Ethiopians in Washington. Two groups gathered outside VOA headquarters -
one demonstrated in support of VOA's reporting, the other demonstrated
against what they described as biased coverage.
Green, yellow and pink placards praised VOA's coverage. About 100
Ethiopians demonstrated - some wearing their national dress. A long white
banner with green block letters read: "One Country, One People, One
Africa." Another read: "Democracy plus Voting equals Voting plus Lawful
Counting." Yet another said: "Respect the Vote of the Ethiopian People."
And another said: "Ethiopians Deserve the Government they Voted for."
"I came here to support what Voice of America [is] doing," said Samuel,
one of the demonstrators. "As you know, [the] Ethiopian government [has]
shut down all free press. So the only press in Ethiopia is broadcasting
from [the] USA, Voice of America, so we're supporting for [the] free
press."
Not all agree. A Washington-based organizing committee, Ethiopians For
Peace and Democracy, circulated a press release saying the United States
plays a "constructive and even-handed" role in discussing the current
political issues in Ethiopia since the election in May. But it says of
the three Ethiopian languages broadcast by VOA, the Amharic section
broadcasts inaccurate and inflammatory reports. VOA also airs programmes
in Afan Oromo and Tigrigna. The press release says the Amharic broadcasts
appear calculated to provoke discord and conflict among the diverse
elements of Ethiopian society.
Near the VOA building another group of about 50 people protested against
the Voice America's Ethiopian political coverage. One sign read: "VOA
Amharic service, don't sabotage and undermine democracy in Ethiopia."
"Stop your inflammatory propaganda of hate and racism," said another.
"What they transmit to Ethiopia most of the time is hate and propaganda
to each other," said one demonstrator. "To hate each other, to fight each
other. We don't need that [in] Ethiopia. We support the system in
Ethiopia, and we need Voice of America to see we are very [angry.] Unless
they correct this problem, we'll be back!"
In a statement responding to the demonstration, the chief of the Voice of
America's Horn of Africa Service, Timothy Spence, said it is committed to
reporting the news and information people need to make decisions in a
democratic society. He said VOA's employees adhere to strict standards of
neutrality, objectivity and ethics. Mr Spence said the Horn of Africa
Service seeks information from all voices in the Horn of Africa, whether
the news is good or bad, and will continue to do so. Mr. Spence also said
the service welcomes feedback from its listeners, and respects the right
of people to express their views.
Source: VOA News.com website, Washington D.C., in English 14 Nov 05 (via
BBCM via DXLD 5-196)
...............................................................
Other - GERMANY
Today was the first day of the Ernst Zündel trial. Just two of many news
reports:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1769992,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4417298.stm
Much more can be found via Google News. Apparently not a single report
mentions his broadcasts, but perhaps some faint shortwave signals (faint
in Europe, of course) really do not matter that much. And mediumwave
worked out only two times
(K.Ludwig-D Nov 8, 2005 in DXLD 5-193)
GERMAN HOLOCAUST DENIER ON TRIAL
Ernst Zuendel has said his struggle will not end despite the charges A
German Holocaust denier who has regularly lavished praise on Adolf Hitler
has gone on trial in Germany.
The case was delayed as soon as it had started, when the judge dismissed
a member of Ernst Zuendel's defence team for having a racist
conviction.
Mr Zuendel, 66, moved to Canada in 1958 but was judged a national
security threat and deported earlier this year.
He denies inciting racial hatred and spreading Nazi propaganda. He faces
up to five years in jail if convicted.
Mr Zuendel once published a book called The Hitler We Loved and Why, and
described the former Nazi leader as "a decent and very peaceful
man".
Denying the Holocaust is a crime in Germany.
In a 20-page charge sheet, Mr Zuendel is accused of using
"pseudo-scientific" methods to try to rewrite the accepted history of the
Nazi Holocaust, in 14 pieces of written work and internet publications.
He is charged with incitement offences, as well as libel and disparaging
the dead. He denies the charges, asserting his right to free speech, and
questions the constitutionality of the laws being used against him.
Calm
In court in the western German city of Mannheim, Judge Ulrich
Meinerzhagen dismissed Mr Zuendel's defence lawyer Horst Mahler on the
grounds that he was barred from practising earlier this year, and had
been convicted of incitement for distributing anti-Semitic propaganda.
Fellow defence lawyer Juergen Rieger complained: "These are measures not
even used in the gulags in the Soviet Union."
The defendant's supporters in the gallery cried "Shame!" Mr Zuendel
appeared calm in court, wearing a dark suit and a light shirt.
The judge told him he must also answer charges of denying the Holocaust
after claiming that the death camps were merely a Jewish plot to extort
money from post-war Germany.
His wife, Ingrid Rimland, described the charges against him as
"politically tainted".
On the move
His appearance in Mannheim was the climax of a lengthy effort by German
authorities to bring him before a court. He was arrested and fined 6,400
euros (Ł4,300) in 1991 on a previous visit to Germany.
US supporters of Zundel opposed his extradition to Germany
In 1988 he was convicted in Canada of "knowingly publishing false news"
after issuing a leaflet carrying the title Did Six Million Really Die?
But in 1992, the Supreme Court struck down the "false news" law on the
grounds that it violated freedom of expression.
Mr Zuendel, who never managed to obtain Canadian citizenship, moved to
the US in 2001 but was later deported back to Canada for allegedly
violating immigration laws.
Germany obtained an international warrant for his arrest in 2003, but it
was two years before Canada judged him to be a security threat and
ordered his deportation
(BBC News via DXLD 5-193)
NEO-NAZI TRIAL IN GERMANY BEGINS --- Germany | 08.11.2005
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Zündel faces up to five
years in prison
The trial of one the world's most notorious Holocaust deniers, Ernst
Zündel, was postponed shortly after it started on Tuesday in the German
city of Mannheim. The judge dismissed two members of Zündel's defense
team.
If convicted on charges of inciting racial hatred, Ernst Zündel could be
sentenced to five years in prison. But the trial, which started on
Tuesday in the German city of Mannheim, was postponed after Judge Ulrich
Meinerzhagen ruled that Horst Mahler, a member of Zündel's defense team,
could not participate in the proceedings.
Mahler, who in the 1970s was associated with the far-left movement, has
since become a vociferous proponent of far-right, anti-Semitic ideology.
He was disbarred last year and sentenced to nine months in prison in
January for provoking racial hatred.
Judge Meinerzhagen also dismissed Zündel's publicly appointed defender
Sylvia Stolz on the grounds that her written submissions to the court
reflected the ideas of Horst Mahler. Although the defendant said he was
satisfied with the rest of his defense team and did not need a publicly
appointed defender, the judge ruled that a new public defender should be
appointed. The trial will resume on Nov. 15.
Two decades of hate
Zündel has been a leading Holocaust denier for more than two decades. The
65-year old German left his home country at the age of 19 and emigrated
to Canada where he soon came under the influence of leading North
American Neonazis.
In the 1970s, Zündel set up Toronto-based "Samisdat Publishing," which
soon became one of the world's main distributors of Nazi propaganda and
memorabilia. Through this company he issued his book "The Hitler we loved
and why," along with countless leaflets carrying with titles such as "Did
six million really die?"
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Zündel
denies that millions were murdered by the Nazis
His repeated denials of the Holocaust resulted in several trials in
Canada, where authorities convicted him of "knowingly publishing false
news" in 1988. Only four years later the Canadian supreme court, however,
overturned the ruling, decreeing that it violated freedom of expression.
Anti-Semitism via the Internet
In 1995 Zündel took his propaganda to a new level when he became the
inspiration and the key content provider of the the so called
"Zündelsite," a leading online forum of Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic
propaganda.
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Zündel
supporters protested against his extradition
Through the Internet, Zündel's anit-Semitic theories could be easily
accessed and read from anywhere in the world, including Germany. This
eventually prompted German authorities to pen a case against the
Holocaust denier on charges of inciting racial hatred.
It was only this year that Canadian authorities finally agreed to his
extradition, opening the way for Zündel trial in Germany.
German law requires prosecution
"In 1993 denial of the existence of the Holocaust became a crime in
Germany," said Wolfgang Kapust, a journalist and specialist on the
subject. "Since that time German prosecutors can -- in fact must --
intervene in such cases."
Kapust added that the prosecution of Nazis, Neonazis and Holocaust
deniers has been quite successful since then.
Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Zündel
in Canadian detention in 2003
While Zündel is on trial in Germany, his Web site is, however, still
spreading anti-Semitic and right extremist propaganda. Operated by his
American wife and webmaster, Ingrid Rimland, the US-based website can
still be accessed, promoting Zündel's "letters from the cell" and calling
for donations to support him.
The trial against Ernst Zündel was scheduled to last five days, with a
verdict originally expected to be delivered on Nov. 24.
(Deutsche Welle news via DXLD 5-193)
...............................................................
Other - IRAN
DUTCH GOVERNMENT READY TO FUND INDEPENDENT IRANIAN RADIO STATION
Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot is not prepared to donate money from
government funds to set-up a satellite TV station to provide Iran with
independent news. Left wing Greens (GroenLinks) MP Farah Karimi, who was
born born in Iran and has been pressing for such a station, says she is
extremely disappointed that Bot will not subsidise a TV channel. She said
the House had specifically urged this. However, in a letter to the Lower
House Mr Bot said he is prepared to fund an independent radio station and
two Internet newspapers, as well as a number of other projects.
Under pressure from the Lower House, Bot decided last June to allocate a
maximum of 15 million euros to stimulate the Iranian media. A total of 48
project proposals were since received from 37 organisations. Bot cannot
make public the names of organisations, the submitted proposals and other
confidential information because of the "strong interest in preserving
anonymity", he told the Lower House.
In allocating the subsidies, Bot decided "to finance only the project
proposals" which satisfied quality standards. In total, he is subsidising
"one independent radio station, two Internet magazines that are each
focussed on a specific theme (democracy and women), and one project
concerned with children's rights and media. Also receiving funds are a
further seven projects which cover various media and will focus on
training and furthering the abilities of Iranian
journalists".
As Bot states, the projects will be implemented by "reputable
organisations" in the field of free media. He believes "these activities
aim to have a lasting impact on journalism in Iran". A total of
14.636.000 euros has been appropriated.
(A.Sennit-HOL Nov 9, 2005 in Media Network bloog via DXLD 5-193)
...............................................................
Other - KOREA (NORTH)
Japanese Try to Contact Abductees in North Korea by Radio
VOA story, with audio, confirms that VT Communications is the broker for
these transmissions, and also says they will run for one year. Gives the
frequency, too :-)
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-11-01-voa5.cfm
(via A.Sennit-HOL Nov 1, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
Japanese Try to Contact Abductees in North Korea by Radio
By Steve Herman, Tokyo
01 November 2005
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-11-01-voa5.cfm
A citizens' group in Tokyo is taking to the airwaves, trying to contact
hundreds of Japanese who may still be alive in North Korea, years after
being kidnapped by the communist state. The group has begun beaming a
daily half-hour shortwave radio program to North Korea, using a
transmitter in a third country. The message to any Japanese in North
Korea who may hear it is that they have not been forgotten.
The unprecedented broadcast begins with an announcer telling Japanese in
North Korea to hang in there, because "it will not be long until we
definitely rescue you."
Soothing piano music plays in the background as the announcer reads the
names of possible Japanese abduction victims, the dates when they
disappeared and their ages.
Takushoku Univ. professor Kazuhiro Araki, center, helps COMJAN volunteers
fold newsletters announcing group's plan to try to contact Japanese
abductees in North Korea via shortwave radio An organizer of the
grassroots project, Takushoku University professor Kazuhiro Araki, says
the group believes North Korea kidnapped at least 265 Japanese, beginning
in the 1950s.
Professor Araki says shortwave radio is a good way to reach the
abductees, or anyone who knows the missing Japanese. He explains that
former U.S. Army soldier Charles Jenkins, who emerged after spending
decades in North Korea, has revealed that some North Koreans and foreign
abductees secretly tune in VOA and other international broadcasts.
In North Korea it is illegal to listen to foreign broadcast stations.
Japan's government currently acknowledges 10 abduction cases involving 15
Japanese. North Korea previously admitted kidnapping 13 Japanese to train
its spies in Japanese language and culture. Pyongyang allowed five of
them to return home in 2002 and has said the other eight Japanese died in
North Korea.
Professor Araki is a representative of the group known as COMJAN, or the
Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to North
Korea. He says anyone who hears the transmission is being urged to get a
message out that he or she is still alive.
Professor Araki says the broadcasts will include information and
instructions for Japanese in the event of upheaval in North Korea.
The program, in Japanese, is called "Shiokaze," or "Sea Breeze." It will
air nightly (at 1430 UTC on 5.890 megahertz) for the next year.
Because Pyongyang could try to jam the signal, COMJAN hopes to raise
money for added frequencies and more broadcasting time. The group is
spending $30,000 for a one-year contract with a British company (VT
Communications) that acts a broker for shortwave transmitters in many
countries, including Russia.
COMJAN has not identified the location of its transmitter beyond saying
it is in a country close to North Korea.
(VoA Nov 1, 2005 via U.Fleming-USA in CDX-ML)
'Sea Breeze' radio reaches out to Japanese abductees in North Korea
November 5, 2005
Mainichi
A private group in Japan has begun a short-wave radio program to
encourage Japanese nationals believed abducted to North Korea.
The program, launched by the Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese
Probably Related to North Korea, is called "shiokaze" (sea breeze)
because group members hope sea breezes will transport their voices to
abducted people.
"If abduction victims learn that we are carrying out rescue activities,
it will give them hope," said Kazuhiro Araki, representative of the
group.
The program is aired in the frequency band of 5.89 megahertz for 30
minutes every night.
Group members record the contents of the program at their office in
Tokyo's Bunkyo-ku.
The program starts with the call, "This is shiokaze." The names of about
50 missing people and their birth dates are read out on each program. The
time and locations of suspected abductions are also read.
The list of names includes 11 people recognized by the Japanese
government as those abducted, 250 people who went missing, and five
others who were probably kidnapped.
The group plans to air the voices of relatives of the suspected abduction
victims.
"We apologize to abduction victims for conducting few rescue activities
so far. You will definitely be saved," Araki often says in the program.
"Hang on a little longer."
At the request of the Japanese group, a London-based broadcasting service
relays the group's shiokaze program through a facility in a third
country. The group doesn't reveal the location of the facility for
security reasons.
The program costs the group about 3 million yen a year. The group covers
the costs by contributions from supporters.
Tamaji Takeshita, an elder sister of Noriko Furukawa who went missing in
1973, said, "I hope the program will reach missing people to give them
encouragement."
Security officials in Japan say that radio ownership must be reported to
authorities in North Korea and the available frequency bands are limited
there, adding that radio waves are jammed to prevent people from
listening to overseas programs.
Toru Yamashita, director of a private broadcasting research group,
however, said that Chinese-made short wave radio receivers are probably
on sale in the underground market of North Korea, and that short-wave
bands are not too jammed.
Charles Jenkins, husband of former abductee Hitomi Soga, says in his book
that he listened to a Voice of America news program about the 2002 summit
meeting between Japan and North Korea on a radio he secretly owned in
North Korea.
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20051105p2a00m0na020000c.html
(Mainichi-msn.co Nov 5, 2005 via M.Terry-G in DXLD-ML)
PRIVATE JAPAN RADIO REACHES OUT TO ABDUCTEES IN NORTH KOREA |
Text of report in English by Japanese newspaper Mainichi Daily News
website on 5 November
A private group in Japan has begun a short-wave radio programme to
encourage Japanese nationals believed abducted to North Korea. The
programme, launched by the Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese
Probably Related to North Korea, is called "shiokaze" (sea breeze)
because group members hope sea breezes will transport their voices to
abducted people.
"If abduction victims learn that we are carrying out rescue activities,
it will give them hope," said Kazuhiro Araki, representative of the
group.
The programme is aired in the frequency band of 5.89 megahertz for 30
minutes every night. Group members record the contents of the programme
at their office in Tokyo's Bunkyo-ku.
The programme starts with the call, "This is shiokaze." The names of
about 50 missing people and their birth dates are read out on each
programme. The time and locations of suspected abductions are also read.
The list of names includes 11 people recognized by the Japanese
government as those abducted, 250 people who went missing, and five
others who were probably kidnapped.
The group plans to air the voices of relatives of the suspected abduction
victims. "We apologize to abduction victims for conducting few rescue
activities so far. You will definitely be saved," Araki often says in the
programme. "Hang on a little longer."
At the request of the Japanese group, a London-based broadcasting service
relays the group's shiokaze programme through a facility in a third
country. The group doesn't reveal the location of the facility for
security reasons.
The programme costs the group about 3m yen a year. The group covers the
costs by contributions from supporters.
Tamaji Takeshita, an elder sister of Noriko Furukawa who went missing in
1973, said, "I hope the programme will reach missing people to give them
encouragement."
Security officials in Japan say that radio ownership must be reported to
authorities in North Korea and the available frequency bands are limited
there, adding that radio waves are jammed to prevent people form
listening to overseas programmes.
Toru Yamashita, director of a private broadcasting research group,
however, said that Chinese-made short wave radio receivers are probably
on sale in the underground market of North Korea, and that short-wave
bands are not too jammed.
Charles Jenkins, husband of former abductee Hitomi Soga, says in his book
that he listened to a Voice of America news programme about the 2002
summit meeting between Japan and North Korea on a radio he secretly owned
in North Korea.
Source: Mainichi Daily News website, Tokyo, in English 5 Nov 05 (via BBCM
via DXLD 5-191)
...............................................................
Other - KURDISTAN
DANISH POLICE TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED PKK FUNDING FOR KURDISH TV STATION |
Text of report by Danish newspaper Politiken website on 6 November;
subheading as published:
Turkey claims that a Kurdish television station in Copenhagen receives
money from the PKK. The Copenhagen police are to investigate whether a
Kurdish television station is financed by money from the PKK, an
organization which is on the EU's terrorism list, Radioavisen [Danish
television news programme] reported on Sunday [6 November].
The station is ROJ TV, which broadcasts news, entertainment, films and
children's and discussion programmes to Kurds in Denmark from H.C.
Andersens Boulevard in Copenhagen.
Criticism of Denmark
During a visit to Stockholm this weekend, Turkey's justice minister
voiced strong criticism of Denmark for not banning the station. In the
past ROJ TV has denied any link with the PKK. "I am able to confirm that
we have received an official complaint," police solicitor Michael
Joergensen told Ritzaus [Danish news agency]. No-one has been charged.
Source: Politiken website, Copenhagen, in Danish 6 Nov 05 (via BBCM via
DXLD 5-192)
TURKEY: KURDISH TV SAYS IT ABIDES BY DANISH, EU PRINCIPLES |
Text of report by Copenhagen-based Kurdish Roj TV on 8 November
Roj TV, the voice of peace, freedom, and the brotherhood of peoples, has
issued a statement in response to the Turkish state's efforts to have it
closed down. In its statement, Roj TV says that contrary to allegations,
it broadcasts in line with EU broadcasting principles. It calls on the
Kurdish people and the public opinion to be sensitive in connection with
the pressures.
Roj TV says that ever since it received a Danish licence to broadcast on
19 December 2003, it has been abiding by the Danish and EU broadcasting
principles. It recalls that the Turkish state has been attacking it
systematically from day one, and that a new wave of attacks has been
started in recent days. We had to inform our millions of viewers and the
public opinion about this state terrorism, Roj TV says, adding that the
current Turkish policy on education, culture, and the media is based on a
single nation, single language, and single religion. All institutions,
planning, communications, and policies are organized on the basis of this
official ideology, the statement says, and the Turkish Constitution and
the Turkish Penal Code prevent the voicing of differences.
The statement then says: The European Court of Human Rights has hundreds
of decisions that prove how Turkey punishes ideas that are not in line
with the state's official ideology. The Radio and Television High Council
has not yet granted private television channels and radio stations the
right to broadcast in Kurdish. Media organs that broadcast in Kurdish are
put on trial and punished. Turkey
has dared export its bans and restrictions to Europe even though it is
constantly cautioned by the EU in connection with this issue.
Roj TV concludes its statement by calling on Roj TV viewers and
international free media organizations to be sensitive in connection with
the dirty moves of the Turkish state.
Source: Roj TV, Copenhagen, in Turkish 1800 gmt 8 Nov 05 (via BBCM via
DXLD 5-193)
...............................................................
Other - MIDDLE EAST
Al Hurra Under Investigation
More in the Tomlinson Saga:
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/04b325be-4ce6-11da-89df-0000779e2340.html
US-backed Arab TV network to be investigated
By Guy Dinmore in Washington
Published: November 4 2005 03:55 | Last updated:
November 4 2005 03:55
US flag and television setAl-Hurra, the Arabic language satellite
television network set up by the US administration to promote freedom and
democracy in the Middle East, is to be investigated for possible
irregularities, the state department confirmed on Thursday.
The Broadcasting Board of Governors, a federal agency, has asked the
state department's inspector general to investigate, a spokesman for
Karen Hughes, under-secretary for public diplomacy, told the Financial
Times. Mrs Hughes, a board member, was aware of allegations and awaited
the findings, he said.
The House of Representatives subcommittee on oversight and investigations
is also looking into al-Hurra, which started broadcasting in February
2004. A hearing has been set for November 10 with Kenneth Tomlinson, BBG
chairman, and Mouafac Harb, the news director of al-Hurra, called as
witnesses.
Al-Hurra - which means "The Free One" in Arabic - is funded by the BBG
and has a budget from Congress of $49m for 2005. Based in Virginia, just
outside Washington, it was created to counter the perceived anti-American
bias of the Qatar-based al-Jazeera. It broadcasts to 22 countries,
claiming an audience of 21m people weekly.
Officials declined to elaborate on the precise nature of the allegations
but said they involved procurement and contracting. There was also
concern that viewing figures might be inflated. Media analysts said
al-Hurra's programming had come to reflect the preponderance of Lebanese
on the staff, rather than projecting a pan-Arab outlook.
Mr Harb rejected allegations of any wrongdoing. He told the FT he
expected the inspector general to look into the whole operation,
including programming. He called it a general review into whether
al-Hurra was fulfilling its mission.
"There's a campaign against al-Hurra by some people in this city who
don't like our dedication to freedom and democracy," he said.
(news.ft.com Nov 4, 2005 via C.Listensprechen-USA in DXLD-ML)
Re: Al Hurra Investigation, BBG Docs Seized
http://rawstory.com/news/2005/Tomlinson_1104.html
Raw Story report says documents seized by State Department regarding use
of funds and hiring practices.
(rawstory.com via C.Listensprechen-USA Nov 4, 2005 in DXLD-ML)
BROADCAST OFFICIALS DEFEND US-FUNDED ARAB TELEVISION |
Text of report in English by VOA News.com website on 11 November
US broadcast officials have defended the American-funded Arab satellite
television station, Al-Hurra, against allegations of mismanagement. A
House subcommittee held a hearing looking into the charges, and the
impact the station is having in the Muslim world.
Al-Hurra television broadcasts in 22 countries in the Muslim world, and
is a key part of an overall US government public diplomacy strategy aimed
at counteracting the influence of Al-Jazeera
television.
The State Department recently confirmed that its inspector-general is
conducting an audit of Al-Hurra, which officials have described as
routine.
However, the subcommittee on oversight and investigations of the House
International Relations Committee called a hearing in response to
complaints from former employees about alleged financial improprieties
and hiring practices.
These involve issues of outside services contracted by the station,
specifically to Associated Press Television, and a Beirut-based company
Quantum Communications.
Some Al-Hurra employees have alleged what they call a narrow Lebanese
bias in programming, resulting from a staff stacked with talent from
Lebanon.
One former employee (Magdi Khalil) has spoken of "mismanagement and
blatant abuse of power" at the station, which he said raised doubts about
the US government's ability to compete successfully with
established Arab channels.
At Thursday's [10 November] hearing, Al-Hurra News Director Mouafac Harb,
who is originally from Lebanon, said there has been a campaign waged
against the station by individuals, who he does not name,
opposed to Al-Hurra's mission.
He said Al-Hurra broadcasts on what he calls a battlefield of ideas, and
has won high viewing rates across the Middle East. "Congress asked us to
provide objective and accurate news and information, and to explain US
policy, believing that even if audiences do not like the policies or us,
at least they will understand us, then we will have done our job. And
that is what we do, day in and day out."
Responding to questions from Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, Mr
Harb said a decision to use contract services of Associated Press
Television was necessary for news coverage.
As for the allegation that programming has been influenced by Lebanese
staff members reducing its impact for the greater Arab world, Mr Harb
said he does not believe this is a problem now.
Democratic Congressman Howard Berman described Thursday's hearing as an
opportunity for Mr Harb to respond to allegations, adding he hopes the
importance of US Arabic-language broadcasting is not lost in the
controversy. "This war on terrorism is much more than a military
struggle, it's a war of ideas. Broadcasting is the only means for America
to reach out to the broader public in the Arab world."
In testimony to the House subcommittee Thursday, the board's chairman,
Kenneth Tomlinson, said the station in a short time has succeeded in
opening what he calls a new window of truth for the Middle East.
But critics of Al-Hurra, as well as the US-funded Arabic language Radio
Sawa, say they have failed to achieve the level of audience impact
originally hoped for.
Critics also accuse the Broadcasting Board of Governors overseeing
Al-Hurra and other US-funded international broadcasters, including Voice
of America, of not exerting strong enough control over the station, a
charge board officials strongly dispute.
Congressman Adam Schiff cites Nielsen surveys he says show that Al-Hurra
is having an effect. "The most weighty issues involve are we succeeding
in our outreach through Al-Hurra and Radio Sawa? And the Nielsen findings
I think are very impressive. The market share that both enjoy is quite
astounding given the short tenure of both."
But critics have complained about what they call misleading statistics
used by the station to give the appearance it is having a greater impact.
Andrew Kohut, Director of the Pew Research Centre for the People and the
Press, says while Al-Hurra can help improve America's perception in the
Arab world, US policies remain the source of anti-Americanism.
"The primary sources of anti-Americanism is not values, this is not an
argument about values and culture. It has to do with American policies,
and that is a very important thing to understand," he said. "The ongoing
conflict in Iraq continues to fuel anti-Americanism. The war on terrorism
is perceived negatively in the region, and the perception that the United
States acts unilaterally in foreign policy is a big negative not only in
the Mideast but around the world."
The Broadcasting Board of Governors says it is awaiting results of the
State Department audit of Al-Hurra television.
Source: VOA News.com website, Washington D.C., in English 11 Nov 05 (via
BBCM via DXLD 5-195)
...............................................................
Other - WESTERN ARFICA
West Africa Democracy Radio website has finally
started to come to life: http://www.wadr.org/
There is an obscure link on the default French homepage to English,
http://www.wadr.org/english/indexang.html#
which also has a program grid supposed to be in English, but actually
just leads back to the French portion:
http://www.wadr.org/english/grille.html
Most of the links are not yet going anywhere. Links to satellite, SW and
FM frequencies are not yet connected either. So it looks like they are
getting ready to go, but perhaps not yet on the shortwave air.
(G.Hauser-OK-USA Nov 5, 2005 in DXLD 5-190)
Media: Station aims to become regional hub for democratic radio (Senegal
- WADR)
From:
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/newsarticle.asp?UILang=1&CId=303984&CIdLa
ng=1
Station aims to become regional hub for democratic radio
Nov 15, 2005
An ambitious new radio station hopes to become the hub of an
international network for stations across West Africa.
Based in Senegal, West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) started broadcasting
on November 14. The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA)
conceived the station as ~an avenue for networking between the radio
stations and a channel for dialogue among the respective countries they
serve,~ according to a news release.
The idea is for the station to become the center of a network of West
African community radio stations, as well as those run by governments or
private owners. Its programming will include news and other content that
promotes dialogue and democracy in the region.
The organizers also hope to launch online broadcasts soon. They also plan
to share content with local community stations in Guinea, Liberia and
Sierra Leone, where partners also would provide some content. WADR
already has offices in those three countries.
WADR is broadcasting on 94.9 FM in Dakar and 17555 KHz via short wave to
the rest of West Africa. The station is currently broadcasting for two
hours a day, starting at 7 a.m. GMT, in English and French.
For more information, contact WADR Radio Production Officer at
wadr@wadr.org, telephone +221 569 7785, or visit http://www.wadr.org/.
OSIWA: http://www.osiwa.org/en/node.
(ijnet.org Nov 15, 2005 via U.Fleming-MD-USA in CDX-ML)
...............................................................
Other - ZIMBABWE
Voice of People Jamming
10 November 2005 from the Reporters Without Borders Website (This article
says they are on 7120 at 1800, but the RN website says it is *1659 on
11705.) [H.Johnson]
"State sabotage" of radio station’s broadcasts
"Robert Mugabe’s government has once again shown that its policy is to
systematically gag all independent news media," Reporters Without Borders
said. "The use of Chinese technology in a totally hypocritical and
non-transparent fashion reveals the government’s iron resolve to abolish
freedom of opinion in Zimbabwe."
The press freedom organisation added : "We reiterate out belief that
Zimbabwe’s progressive submission to the dictatorship of a single view is
being made possible by the incomprehensible failure of the great African
democracies to take a stand against this behaviour by the Harare
government."
VOP beams a radio programme to Zimbabwe every evening from 7 to 8 p.m.
(18:00 to 19:00 GMT) on the 7.120KHz shortwave frequency using a relay
station belonging to the Dutch public radio station Radio Netherlands on
the island of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean.
"Our signal is no longer as clear as it is supposed to be," a VOP
employee told Reporters Without Borders. "There is a funny noise and this
is affecting our evening programme. We can say we are being jammed." The
VOP staff suspect that the government is using sophisticated jamming
equipment imported from China.
This hour of VOP programming has offered the sole opportunity for
Zimbabwean listeners to tune into to an alternative to the Zimbabwe
Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) ever since deliberate jamming of the
London-based exile station SW Radio Africa began in February. SW Radio
Africa is no longer able to broadcast on the short wave.
Voice of the People was created in June 2000 by former ZBC employees with
help from the Soros foundation and a Dutch NGO, the HIVOS foundation. The
police raided its studio in Harare on 4 July 2002 and took away
equipment. It was then the target of a bombing on 29 August 2002 which
wrecked the entire studio. It was nonetheless able to resume
broadcasting.
A frequently-used jamming technique is to broadcast a noise on the same
frequency as the target signal using another radio station’s
transmitters. The power and location of these transmitters determine the
area where the jamming is effective. According to the information
obtained by Reporters Without Borders, VOP can now only be heard in the
rural part of Matabelele Land, an area not covered by Zimbabwe’s public
radio station. This suggests that the noise jamming VOP’s programmes is
being broadcast by the Zimbabwean authorities using the public radio
station.
These illegal practices, which violate international regulations
governing telecommunications, are one of the specialities of the Chinese
government. Jamming is standard practice in China, especially the jamming
of Tibetan radio stations and foreign radio stations beaming programmes
to the west of the country. A Reporters Without Borders release described
this policy as the "Great Wall of the airwaves."
According to a source in Zimbabwe, a number of Chinese intelligence
officers have been stationed in a luxury hotel in Harare since January.
Chinese experts have been invited to give training in telecommunications
and radio communications to Zimbabwean technicians under economic and
technical cooperation accords signed between China and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s already significant relations with China have been stepped up
even more as a result of its diplomatic isolation, which culminated in
its departure from the Commonwealth in 2003. Ideological affinity and
interest in its natural resources have prompted the Chinese to sign many
political and trade accords. China has become the leading foreign
investor in Zimbabwe.
Their collaboration in the area of censorship may not be limited to radio
broadcasts and could also extend to the pirating of websites. Reporters
Without Borders has previously voiced concern about the Zimbabwean
government’s acquisition of equipment that could be used to monitor
Internet traffic. But its expertise is almost certainly not up to using
this kind of equipment, which suggests that it has subcontracted the
implementation to its Chinese suppliers.
(Reporters Without Borders Website Nov 10, 2005 via H.Johnson-USA in
CDX-ML)
------------xxxxxxxxxx Feedback xxxxxxxxxx----------------------
OPPOSITION RADIO TARGETS LIBYA VIA SATELLITE, INTERNET
"The Libyan airwaves have once again heated up with the launch of an
opposition radio programme that seeks to build support within the country
for Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi's overthrow," Clandestine Radio Watch's (CRW)
Nick Grace reported on 26 September. CRW is the biweekly online magazine
for ClandestineRadio.com, a portal on clandestine broadcasting and
subversive media. The CRW report added:
"Broadcast 24/7 from an unknown location in Europe, the Voice of
Libya/Voice of Libya in Exile began test transmissions on satellite and
the internet on 19 September 2005.
"The programme can be monitored on the web at
mms://64.71.150.30/radiolibya and on the Eutelsat Hotbird satellite at:
"Downlink frequency: 12.597 MHz
"Symbol Rate: 27,500
"FEC: 4/3
"Its main sponsor is the National Front for the Salvation of Libya
(NFSL), a well-known exile group that maintains strong resources within
the country and was once supported by US and UK intelligence. Between
1984 and 1990 the NFSL broadcast the `Voice of the Libyan People" from
transmitters in Sudan, Egypt and Chad until the US pulled support for the
project. The station resumed briefly in 1994 via satellite.
"Plans for the new programme, according to a source within the Libyan
exile community, were hatched during a major conference of the country's
opposition in London last June and its establishment was included as one
of the meeting's final resolutions. In addition to the NFSL, the station
is also supported by the Libyan National Movement, the Libya Alliance,
the Republican Grouping for Justice, and the Amazigh Grouping. The Muslim
Brotherhood boycotted the conference.
"A press release on the NFSL website announces the lauch of Voice of
Libya/Voice of Libya in Exile and solicits reports on reception within
Libya. http://www.libya-nfsl.org/PressReleases/3078.htm
(BBC Monitoring confirmed on 31 October that the internet stream was in
programming.) Source: BBC Monitoring research 31 Oct 05 (via DXLD 5-189)
------------xxxxxxxxxx Sources xxxxxxxxxx----------------------
Contributors: Anker Petersen, Edward Kusalik, Hansjoerg Biener, Jose
Miguel Romero, Oliver Benjamin Hemmerle, Wolfgang Büschel
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