--------------xxxxxxxxxx CRW 208 xxxxxxxxxx-------------- CLANDESTINE RADIO WATCH 208 Jun 15, 2006 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 GCW : http://www.globalcrisiswatch.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---------------- ............................................................... ------------xxxxxxxxxx Schedules xxxxxxxxxx-------------------- Schedules - BELARUS Radio Baltic Waves As there are some changes in our broadcasting, please find below the updated schedules, effective from June 1. [some entries not for Belarus or non-clandestines removed by M.Schöch] RADIO BALTIC WAVES Vilnius 612 kHz 100 kW UTC 0300-0500 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarussian * 0500-0600 European Radio for Belarus, Belarussian * 0600-0700 Radio Racja, Belarussian * 1500-2100 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarussian * 2100-2200 Radio Polonia, Belarussian * RADIO BALTIC WAVES INTERNATIONAL Sitkunai 1557 kHz 150 kW UTC 1600-1700 Radio Polonia, Polish * 1700-1800 Radio Polonia, Belarussian * 1800-2000 China Radio International, Russian * Bubiai 1386 kHz 7 kW UTC 1500-1630 Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russian Note: The * marked programs are intended for listeners in Belarus (R.Pleikys-LTU Jun 1, 2006 for CRW) ............................................................... Schedules - ETHIOPIA Some TDP changes: Voice of Oromo Liberation in Oromo: 1700-1730 NF 11840 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg to EaAf Mon/Thu, ex 12120 Voice of Ethiopian People in Amharic: 1700-1800 NF 11840 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg to EaAf Tue/Sat, ex 12120 Voice of Ethiopian National United Front in Amharic: 1700-1800 NF 11840 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg to EaAf Fri/Sun, ex 12120 Dejen Radio in Tigrigna: 1700-1800 NF 11840 SAM 250 kW / 188 deg to EaAf Wed, ex 12120 (DX Mix News, Bulgaria, June 13, 2006 via DXLD 6-087) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Logs xxxxxxxxxx------------------------- Logs - CAMEROON Radio Free Southern Cameroons 15695 R.Free Southern Cameroons Jun 11 1850-1859* 45433 English, African pops music and talk, 1858 IS and ID, 1859 sign off. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 11, 2006 in JAP 425) ............................................................... Logs - CUBA Radio República 7110 R. Republica *0159-0220+ Jun 4. S/on with usual ID "Esta es Radio Republica, Voz del Directorio Democratico Cubano, transmitiendo para Cuba", then into program of actualities. Good signal,on top of the jammer. (J.Wilkins-CO-USA Jun 4, 2006 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - ERITREA Voice of Delina 11830, Voice of Delina, via Armavir (?), 1718-1730, Jun 01, continuous talks mentioning Derbina, Khartum, Sudan follwed by music. At 1730 R Horyall program followed with quranic preaches, 34434. (Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 1, 2006 in DX Window 300) 11830 V.of Delina Jun 05 *1700-1729* 34433-44444 Tigrigna, 1700 sign on with ID, Opening announce, Music, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 5, 2006 in JAP 424) Voice of Eritrea 15260 V.of Eritrea Jun 01 *1600-1610 44444 Tigrigna, 1600 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Eritrean pops and talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 1, 2006 in JAP 424) ............................................................... Logs - ETHIOPIA Dejen Radio 11840 Dejen R. Jun 07 *1700-1711 45444 Tigrigna, 1700 sign on with ID, Opening announce, Ethiopian pops and talk, Frequency change, //(ex:11640 kHz). (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 7, 2006 in JAP 425) Radio Voice of ENUF / Ethiopian National United Front (ENUF) 11840 R.V.of ENUF Jun 04 *1700-1710 44444 Amharic, 1700 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Talk and local music. Frequency change, //(ex,11640 kHz), (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 4, 2006 in JAP 424) Tensae Ethiopia Voice of Unity 15660 Tensae Ethiopan V.O.Unity Jun 04 *1500-1510 35433 Amharic, 1500 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce,Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 4, 2006 in JAP 424) Voice of Ethiopian People 11840 V.of Ethiopian People Jun 06 *1700-1715 43443-45444 Amharic, 1700 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Ethiopian pops, Talk, Frequency change, //(ex,11640 kHz). (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 6, 2006 in JAP 424) 11840 V.of Ethiopian Poeple Jun 10 *1700-1710 44444 Amharic, 1700 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Local music and talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 10, 2006 in JAP 425) Voice of Oromo Liberation 13830 V.of Oromo Liberation via DTK Jun 04 *1700-1712 45433 Oromo, 1700 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk and local music. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 4, 2006 in JAP 424) 11840 R.V.O.Oromo Liberation Front Jun 05 *1700-1715 45444 Oromo, 1700 sign on with IS, ID, Talk and Ethiopian pops music, Frequency change, //(ex,11640 kHz). (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 5, 2006 in JAP 424) Voice of the Democratic Path to Ethiopian Unity 15565 V.O.Dem.Path of Ethiopian Unity via DTK Jun 02 *1900-1910 35433 Amharic, 1900 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 2, 2006 in JAP 424) ............................................................... Logs - KURDISTAN Voice of Free Kurdistan June 7 at 1730 tune-in heard Voice of Free Kurdistan in Kurdish on a clear channel 4675. Audio was slightly distorted. Their ID starts "Dengi Azadi Kurdistan, dengi....". After couple of minutes Iranian jammer came to the frequency. Sign-off at 1830. Haven't heard them here during evenings for some time, but it seems the station is still active. (J.Savolainen-FIN Jun 7, 2006 in CDX-ML) When checking on Jun 10 and 11, I was unable to hear the station, but there was a jamming station on 4670 (Jun 10) and 4675 (Jun 11) during the same timeperiod. (A.Petersen-DNK Jun 11, 2006 in DX Window 300) ............................................................... Logs - LAOS Hmong Lao Radio 15260, Hmong Lao Radio (presumed) via Taiwan, June 7 (Wed.), 0143-0159*, checked at 0100-0105 for sign-on but was not able to heard anything. At 0143 man talking in SE Asian language, 0156 folk song till 0159*, when transmitter suddenly off. Stayed off for about one minute till the start of Hmoob Moj Them. Poor reception. (R.Howard, Shanghai, China Jun 7, 2006 in DXplorer-ML) Moj Them Radio 15260, (Laos), Hmoob Moj Them (presumed), June 2 (Fri.), 0206-0226, non-stop talking, clearly some type of SE Asian language, 0226 nice songs (sounded like folk music), signal fluttery and only fair, but by 0230 was poor. Not heard after 0230, so probably did signed off, bit I was unable to make out any sign-off announcements. (R.Howard, Shanghai, China Jun 2, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 15260, "LAOS", (P)Hmoob Moj Them, 0222-0241, June 6, (P) Laotian, Continuos talks by YL, w/ occasional OM, b/w brief musical bits. Poor w/ 15255-WYFR splatter. Thanks Rich D'Angelo tip. (S.R.Barbour-NH-USA Jun 6, 2006 in CDX-ML) 15260, Hmoob Moj Them (presumed), via Taiwan, June 7 (Wed.), *0200-0227, on with singing, into non-stop talking, same language as heard last Fri., some music, 0230*, not as good a reception as last Fri. Sorry I did not have a chance to check if this is only on for their scheduled Wed. & Fri. broadcast. (R.Howard, Shanghai, China Jun 7, 2006 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - LIBYA Sawt Alamel / Libya's Voice of Hope 17675 Sowt Alamel Jun 05 1221-1232 34433-33443 Arabic, Talk, ID at 1223, QRM of Bubble jamming and V.O.Africa on c/c. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 5, 2006 in JAP 424) 17695 Sowt Alamel Jun 11 1219-1232 33433 Arabic, Talk and arabic music, ID at 1224 and 1226, QRM of Bubble jamming and V.O.Africa on c/c, This V.O.Africa is parallel to 17670 kHz. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 11, 2006 in JAP 425) 1 Junio En el día de hoy la propagación seguía siendo mala y con mucho ruido, a las 12:00 inicia transmisión por segundo día en 17665 La Voz de África en su emisión musical y hasta las 14:00, se aprecia emisión en árabe de La Voz de África en paralelo por la frecuencias de 17660 y 17670, también emisión de La Voz de África en Hausa y emitiendo en paralelo por 17610 y 17725, a Sawt Al-amal no consigo escucharla en ninguna frecuencia en ésta primera hora, a las 13:06 la escucho en 17695, a las 13:12 se inicia emisión jammer musical, a las 13:17 se hace presente una señal de burbuja y a las 13:22 Sawt Al-amal cambia a la frecuencia de 17690, en ésta segunda hora las emisiones de La Voz de África en árabe y en Hausa no llegan a escucharse. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 1, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 3 Junio Persisten las malas condiciones de propagación, aunque en el día de hoy se observa una ligera mejoría. A las 1200 comienza la emisión de La Voz de África en su programa musical en la frecuencia de 17665. También a la misma hora y en emisión en paralelo por las frecuencias de 17660 y 17670 La Voz de África en árabe, y en Hausa por las frecuencias de 17610 y 17725. A las 1213 consigo escuchar a Sawt Al-amal por la frecuencia de 17695; en esos momentos la emisión en 17660 deja de emitir y empieza por la frecuencia de 17695, así se mantiene hasta las 1300. Sawt Al Amal pasa a la frecuencia de 17690; poco después las emisiones en árabe de La Voz de África se establecen en paralelo por las frecuencias de 17690 y 17695. A las 1318 comienza emisión jammer musical en la frecuencia de 17690 y se prolonga hasta las 1530. Las emisiones de La Voz de África en árabe, en Hausa y la emisión musical cesan a las 1400. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 3, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 4 Junio Cómo ya va siendo habitual, a las 1200 comienza por la frecuencia de 17665 la emisión musical de La Voz de África; sin embargo en el día de hoy la emisión en árabe de esta emisora comienza por las frecuencias de 17670 y en 17625, emisión en paralelo. Las emisiones en Hausa por 17610 y 17625 [17725 that should be?], frecuencias que hasta ahora no han variado. A Sawt Al-amal no se la escucha hoy por ninguna frecuencia, tampoco se escucha hoy la emisión jammer musical estilo afro-pop. Todas las transmisiones de La Voz de África comenzaron a las 1200 y terminaron a las 1400; ninguna de ellas cambió de frecuencia. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 4, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 5 Junio En el día de hoy se han producido ciertos cambios; en 17665 la emisión musical de La Voz de África hasta las 1400. Por otra parte La Voz de África en árabe comienza con emisiones en paralelo en 17660 y 17670. A Sawt Al-amal se la escucha en 17675; esta situación cambia a las 1220 en que cesa la emisión de 17660 y pasa a 17675 atorando a Sawt Al-amal y en paralelo por 17670. A las 1230 se inicia señal de burbuja en 17675; Sawt Al Amal se mantiene en esta frecuencia hasta las 1311 que pasa a 17685. Poco después cesa la emisión de 17670 y aparece en 17685 y en paralelo con 17675; también aparece la señal de burbuja en esta frecuencia. A las 1313 comienza la emisión jammer musical estilo afro-pop tras estar un minuto en portadora sin señal. Entonces en esta frecuencia de 17685 ocurre algo curioso: las emisiones de La Voz de África y la emisión jammer pugnan con fuerza; sin embargo a veces baja la potencia de la jammer y se escucha sin problemas a La Voz de África y al revés, llegan a desaparecer una para dejar paso a la otra; las señales son muy fuertes y Sawt Al-amal ya no se la escucha. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 5, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 6 Junio Según voy chequeando a Libia, observo unas particularidades; he observado que las transmisiones en hausa de La Voz de África que se transmiten a las 1200-1400 en paralelo por las frecuencias de 17610 y 17725 van acompañadas de un zumbido característico y que en las transmisiones en árabe eso no ocurre; también se observa esa particularidad en el servicio en hausa por la frecuencia de 15660 y que he podido escuchar entre los horarios de 1800-2000. ¿Quizás estas transmisiones provengan del mismo transmisor? (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 6, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 6 Junio Poca actividad en las emisiones de Libia; a las 1200 en 17665 La Voz de África en su emisión musical hasta las 1400, emisiones en árabe de La Voz de África en 17670 y en paralelo por 17625, de 1200 a 1400, no se escucha a Sawt Al-amal ni tampoco la emisión jammer musical estilo afro-pop. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 6, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 7 Junio Hoy se inicia a las 1200 por 17665 emisión musical árabe y La Voz de África en paralelo por 17660 y 17670; a las 1213 cesa emisión en 17660 y aparece en 17635 junto con Sawt Al-amal. A las 1300 Sawt Al-amal cambia a 17630 y a las 1306 cesa emisión en 17670 y pasa a 17630 y en paralelo por 17635; hoy tampoco aparece emisión jammer musical estilo afro-pop. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 7, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 8 Junio Situación parecida al del día de ayer: a las 1200 comienzan emisiones en 17665 con la emisión musical y en árabe por 17660 y 17670; a las 1210 cesa emisión en 17660 y pasa a 17635 donde está emitiendo Sawt Al-amal, a las 1307 se observa a Sawt Al-amal en 17625 y a las 1308 cesa emisión en 17670 y pasa a 17625 y en paralelo por 17635. Parece que ésta es la estrategia de Libia, parece pues que han cesado las emisiones musicales estilo afro-pop; hoy tampoco emitió y ya son varios días sin ser escuchada. En Este proceso de interferir a Sawt Al-amal se observa que las emisiones de La Voz de África en 17610 y 17725 de 1200 a 1400 en hausa no entran en juego; por el momento no se observa ningún cambio, sus emisiones son regulares. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 8, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 9 Junio La situación hoy a sido de la siguiente manera, a las 11:59 se inicia sesión de La Voz de África en árabe por 17670 y a las 12:00 inicia transmisión en paralelo por 17660, por otra parte la emisión musical en 17665. A las 12:05 cesa la emisión en 17660 y a las 12:11 aparece en 17625 tapando a Sawt Al-amal que llegaba con muy mala señal. A las 13:15 cesa emisión en 17670 y aparece en 17630 tapando a África Nº1, a las 13:19 inicia emisión jammer musical estilo afro en 17630 junto a la Voz de África y África Nº1. Ayer comenté que llevaba varios días sin escuchar a ésta emisora, sin embargo ayer apareció a las 13:36, poco después de haber enviado el informe. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 9, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 10 Junio A las 12:00 inicia emisión de La Voz de África por las frecuencias de 17660 y 17670 con identificación en inglés, locutora con titulares y boletín de noticias en francés, la emisión musical de La Voz de África en 17665. Sawt Al-amal se escucha en 17690, pero a las 12:03 cesa la emisión en 17660 y aparece en 17690 además una señal de burbuja, a las 13:00 Sawt Al-amal cambia a 17695 y a las 13:23 cesa emisión en 17670 y pasa a 17695 en paralelo por 17690. Hoy no hubo emisión de música afro-pop. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 10, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 11 Junio Similar situación que la de ayer, a las 12:00 emisiones en paralelo por 17660 y 17675, emisora musical en 17665, Sawt Al-amal en 17695, a las 12:10 cesa emisión en 17660 y aparece en 17695, por otra parte se observa que las emisiones de La Voz de África en Hausa y emitiendo en paralelo por 17610 y 17625 están en portadora, estos servicios no se activaron hasta las 12:17. A las 13:00 Sawt Al-amal cambia a 17690, a las 13:14 se inicia en esa frecuencia la emisión jammer musical y a las 13:20 cesa emisión en 17670 y pasa a 17690 en paralelo con la de 17695. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 11, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 12 Junio Curioso la situación de hoy, a las 12:00 comienza emisión de La Voz de África sólo en 17660 y la emisión musical en 17665, Sawt Al-amal en 17625, así durante la primera hora de emisión, a las 13:00 Sawt Al-amal cambia a 17620 con fuerte colisión de RFI y a las 13:05 regresa a 17625 en colisión con CRI en Mandarín, la emisión de 17660 cesa y aparece en 17625. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 12, 2006 in DXLD-ML) 13 Junio Hoy no sé lo que pasó con Sawt Al-amal, desde las 12:00 a las 13:00 emisión musical de La Voz de África en 17665 y emisiones en árabe en 17660 y 17670. La misma situación desde las 13:00 a las 14:00, sin embargo a las 13:42 aparece la emisión jammer musical en 17675 en colisión con La Voz de África en esa misma frecuencia. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 13, 2006 in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Logs - MALDIVES Minivan Radio Minivan Radio (t) 13620 via Jülich in presumed listed Dhivehi language at 1640 6/14 with occ. man speaking. Overcome by RTTY-like QRM at 1645. (G.Dexter-WI-USA JUn 14, 2006 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - MIDDLE EAST Radio Sawa 11705 R.Sawa via Tinian Jun 10 1511-1522 43443 Arabic, Talk and music, ID at 1514. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 10, 2006 in JAP 425) 13625 R.Sawa via Tinian Jun 10 1314-1358* 33443-43443 Arabic, Music and talk, ID at 1315,etc, Thanks for tip from S.Aoki via NDXC BBS. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 10, 2006 in JAP 425) 15225 R.Sawa via Tinian Jun 11 *0100-0123 43443-44444 Arabic, Music and talk, ID at 0103,etc. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 11, 2006 in JAP 425) 21500 R.Sawa via Tinian Jun 11 0603-0630 55444 Arabic, Music,etc, ID at0605,etc. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 11, 2006 in JAP 425) R. Sawa abandoned SW a couple years ago. Can anyone confirm this? Also seems unlikely they would use a site so far away from the Arab world as Tinian. (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 16, 2006 in DXLD-ML) All these frequencies are indeed supposed to be on air from Tinian ..... but with RFA in Tibetan. (K.Ludwig-D Jun 16, 2006 in DXLD-ML) Kai, 13625 Should be Tinian site but in RFA - KOREAN, 73 (Wolfgang Büschel-D Jun 16, 2006 in DXLD-ML) Re 6-086, "Sawa on SW via Tinian?" These are all supposed to be RFA[sia]. I sure hope it's not still going on! Sawa is NOT on shortwave. (B.Whitacre-IBB-USA Jun 16, 2006 in DXLD 6-087) ............................................................... Logs - SOMALIA R al-Mustaqbal 15515, R Mustaqbal, via Dhabbaya, 0805-0813, Jun 06 and 08, Arabic speaking fast, but with big gaps, numbering, spelling letters and a drum play. Possibly drum lessons? 0811 Horn of Africa song, possible ID under fade out, S 1-2. (Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 8, 2006 in DX Window 300) Radio Horyaal 11830 R.Horyaal Jun 05 *1730-1740 44444 Somali, 1730 sign on with opening music, ID, Koran, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 5, 2006 in JAP 424) ............................................................... Logs - VIETNAM Degar Voice 7250 Degar Voice Jun 06 *1300-1311 43443 Vietnamese, 1300 sign on with IS, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 6, 2006 in JAP 424) 7350 Degar Voice Jun 10 1301-1329* 53443-54444 Vietnamese, Talk and music, 1328 IS, 1329 sign off, //Jun 06 7250 kHz. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 10, 2006 in JAP 425) Little Saigon Radio TAIWAN, 7380, Little Saigon Radio (presumed), June 2, *1500-1530*, at tune-in at 1458 found heavy splatter from 7375 (Chinese language station). ToH, on with assume Vietnamese song, man and woman talking in what I am fairly certain was Vietnamese till 1510 short musical fanfare, more talking by woman, played several songs (dramatic ballads), occasional brief piano selections, off with a tone. Poor, due to heavy QRM from 7375. (R.Howard, Shanghai, China Jun 2, 2006 in DXLD-ML) Que Huong Radio (The Country Radio) 15680 Que Huong R. Jun 06 *1200-1210 45444-43443 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Music and talk, QRM of Jamming from 1203. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 6, 2006 in JAP 424) ............................................................... Logs - WESTERN AFRICA West Africa Democracy Radio 17875 West Africa Democracy R. via Woofferton Jun 10 1012-1020 35333 English, Talk, ID at 1015. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 10, 2006 in JAP 425) ------------xxxxxxxxxx QSL Verifications xxxxxxxxxx------------ Qsl's - ASIA Radio Free Asia RADIO FREE ASIA, 17615, recibida tarjeta QSL conmemorativa del 50 aniversario del Danish Short Wave Club International (1956-2006), datos completos, no V/S. Tardaron en contestar 16 días. El informe se envió por e-mail a la siguiente dirección: qsl@rfa.org Esta tarjeta se puede conseguir enviando informes de recepción durante los meses de Abril, Mayo y Junio de 2006, tal como dice en la tarjeta: "This card commenorates de DSWCI's 50th anniversary. The event was celebrated May 4-7 at Vejers Strand, Denmark. This QSL will be used for all confirmed reception reports from April-June 2006. Please continue to send your reception reports to us via our Internet link at www.techweb.rfa.org or email them to qsl@rfa.org" (M.Méndez-E Jun 13, 2006 for CRW) ............................................................... Qsl's - LAOS Moj Them Radio 15260, Hmoob Moj Them verified an e-mail report in one day (actually only 3 hours) with a no data e-mail from info@mojthem.com thanking me for the reception report and indicating "the quality of the broadcast is not as good as expected." Subsequent e-mails established I was dealing with the station´s receptionist. (R.D´Angelo-PA-USA Jun 4, 2006 in DXplorer-ML) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Miscellaneous xxxxxxxxxx----------------- Misc - BELARUS European Radio for Belarus I just listened to Gabriel Stille's upbeat report on European Radio for Belarus (Media Network Weblog, 06/07/2006). It's too bad that he forgot to point out that currently this "semi-virtual station" is nothing more than a waste of EU taxpayers' money. Technically, only few people can pick it up in Belarus. - ERB relies mostly on Internet to deliver its signal. But even if they could, would they care to? I doubt. ERB, similarly to Belarusian State Radio, broadcasts mostly in the Belarusian language. That's despite the fact that Russian is the language of choice for the vast majority of people in Belarus, esp. the young ones. ERB's rather bland music diet isn't so helpful, either. It's no competition for the highly professional commercial stations in Belarus. Obviously, ERB is a feel-good project for some Polish politicians and a few EU bureaucrats. But for now, with no reliable technical platform to deliver its signal to its target audience and no appealing content to speak of, ERB's propaganda impact can only be compared to that of US-sponsored TV Marti in Cuba. In other words, it's non-existent. (S.Sosedkin-CAN Jun 8, 2006 in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Misc - EASTERN EUROPE PRAGUE BACKS PLANNING CHANGES FOR NEW RFE/RL SITE Text of report in English by Czech news agency CTK Prague, 14 June: A new seat of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) can be built in Prague 10-Hagibor neighbourhood, deputy Prague mayor Jan Buergermeister (Civic Democrats, ODS) told CTK today. The City Council has proposed that the necessary change to the zoning plan in this respect be approved, Buergermeister added. The RFE/RL will move from the former building of the Federal Assembly on Wenceslas Square in Prague centre, from where the RFE/RL has broadcast since 1995, to Prague 10 where the Orco Property Group will build a new house for the radio station. Prague representatives will deal with the change to the zoning plan concerning a half-hectare area in late June. Now the plots are registered for sport purposes. The relocation of the US-funded radio station from Prague centre started to be discussed after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001. Since then the RFE/RL seat has been guarded and its area has been protected by concrete barriers. Czech and US officials agreed to move the radio to a district outside the centre in order to raise the safety of the station and its surroundings. The RFE/RL's relocation is planned for the end of 2007. In about two years it is to start broadcasting from the new premises. Source: CTK news agency, Prague, in English 1636 gmt 14 Jun 06 (via BBCM via DXLD 6-086) ............................................................... Misc - IRAN U.S. Station Seeks Ear of Iran's Youths Radio Farda Goes Easy on the News, Heavy on Pop Music to Capture Vast Under-30 Audience David Finkel, Washington Post, June 5th The typical listener is probably a male (but might be a female), most likely under 30 (but might be over), and is almost certainly listening in a house (but might be in a car). When it comes to knowing its audience, the U.S.-funded Radio Farda knows only two things for sure: that the audience is surreptitiously listening somewhere inside Iran, and that the Iranian government doesn't want anyone to hear what a U.S.-funded radio service has to say. How, then, does Radio Farda -- which receives about $7 million in federal funding and is hoping for substantially more as the United States expands its push for democracy in Iran -- decide on what to broadcast to such an audience? Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/04/AR2006060400890.html (Washington Post via M.Barraclough-USA Jun 6, 2006 in DXLD-ML) The tone of the article sounds skeptical. And well it should be. Not that popular music -- Western or Persian -- is bad content. It's just a very thin reed on which to rest an important international radio service. Seems that the consultants (Kleineman) think young Iranians want exactly what young Americans want. Is that why the U.S. stations they advise are losing listeners in droves to satellite radio? A lot of money has been spent on Farda...A LOT! This seems a very poor (and poorly planned, designed) return on that investment. Especially when one considers what has been dismantled in order to build it. (J.Figliozzi-USA Jun 6, 2006 in Media Network blog via DXLD 6-084) ............................................................... Misc - IRAQ "RADIO TIKRIT" BACK ON THE AIR IN IRAQ A little over three years ago, a radio station called Radio Tikrit came on the air in Iraq as part of the US psyops campaign. Now, the city of Tikrit - the birthplace of Saddam Hussein - again has US-operated radio station. This time, it's being run by the 3rd Brigade Combat team, 101st Airborne Division, and the purpose is to try to open lines of communication between the Coalition Forces and their Iraqi neighbours. The military are concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the area. The station's programming includes live call-in shows, enabling local citizens to express their feelings and ask questions. (Source: Army News Service via A.Sennit-HOL Jun 5, 2006 in Media Network blog via DXLD 6-084) ............................................................... Misc - MÉXICO Radio Insurgente en la 6.20 MARCOS OCUPO LA FRECUENCIA DE LA 6.20 PARA EXIGIR JUSTICIA RADIO INSURGENTE entra al aire y demanda liberar a atenquenses La noche del lunes Radio Insurgente, "La voz de los sin voz", a través del subcomandante Marcos, "ocupó" las frecuencias de la estación 6.20 de amplitud modulada ("la música que llegó para quedarse") para demandar la libertad de los presos de Atenco y acusar a los gobiernos de Vicente Fox y Enrique Peña Nieto de la muerte de Alexis Benhumea Hernández y Javier Cortés; de la violencia de los días 3 y 4 de mayo en Texcoco y Atenco, y de los ultrajes sexuales a las detenidas durante aquel operativo gubernamental. El subcomandante Marcos insistió en los principales planteamientos de la otra campaña, en sus críticas a los comerciales "que parecen vender desodorantes". Llamó a la audiencia para que, "vote o no vote, piense", pues mejor que alguien piense por nosotros "es pensar por nosotros y tomar nuestro propio destino". Cuando Radio Insurgente inició transmisiones a las 20 horas del lunes, en la 6.20 se vio suspendida la emisión casi en cadena del debate entre los candidatos a la jefatura de gobierno del Distrito Federal. En el espacio del programa Política de banqueta, producido por el Frente del Pueblo (como "tribuna" para los habitantes de la ciudad y la zona metropolitana), el delegado Zero programó la música, entrevistó al entrevistador habitual de dicho programa (a quien tocó reseñar el ataque policiaco contra San Salvador Atenco) y criticó los anuncios transmitidos en el corte comercial del medio tiempo. "Los anuncios que escucharon son puras mentiras", señaló Marcos, en referencia a un promocional que alababa las acciones en materia de seguridad pública del Senado de la República, "encabezado por ese ratero de Diego Fernández de Cevallos". A lo largo de la "transimisión especial" de Radio Insurgente en el corazón de la metrópoli, el delegado de la Comisión Sexta del EZLN habló repetidamente de las mujeres ultrajadas por la policía, de los presos políticos en el estado de México y de la muerte de Alexis Benhumea. "Las compañeras recibieron agresiones sexuales. Cualquier mujer de esta ciudad sabe que no puede ir, o incluso estar en el trabajo, sin ser molestada por los hombres. En este caso, fue la policía la que las agredió indignamente." Apuntó que la otra campaña "está tratando de organizar a las mujeres que luchan, no por sacar raja o ganar un puesto, sino por un mundo donde puedan caminar sin miedo y donde sean valoradas por su calidad y su inteligencia, no por su cuerpo". En este punto aprovechó para dedicar también el programa "a todas las feas", pues los medios de comunicación "son los que nos dicen cuáles nos deben gustar". Citando a Joan Manuel Serrat, a quien programó enseguida, Marcos dijo: "sería fantástico que todas las cosas cambiaran y fueran mejor". Empleando el espacio "usurpado" a Política de banqueta "para decir lo que están callando los de arriba", pues para ellos "no importamos para nada", agregó que "allá arriba no quieren que pensemos, sólo que 'compremos' sus 'artículos' electorales. Este programa quiere que la gente piense, analice. La otra campaña propone que cada quien se organice según su modo y su lugar para exigir lo que es justo, que nuestro trabajo sea justo". Leyó múltiples mensajes de los radioescuchas. Uno decía que "Vicente Fox no sirve", y Marcos se manifestó de acuerdo: "Cualquier gringo nos truena los dedos y los políticos ponen el lomo para que se les suban encima". Al anunciar la canción Mariana, de Oscar Chávez, envió "un saludo especial a la compañera presa Mariana Selvas, un símbolo que tenemos nosotros", junto con las demás mujeres en prisión y las que fueron agredidas por las policías Federal Preventiva, del estado de México y municipal, cuando "por miles, la tira se dejó venir sobre los miembros del Frente de Pueblos en Defensa de la Tierra, conocidos en el México de abajo porque se organizaron y resistieron lo que el gobierno les quería imponer, el aeropuerto". Insistió en que la otra campaña ha decidido mantener la movilización, "tratando de hacer conciencia" y exigir la liberación de todos los que fueron "tomados presos ilegal e ilegítimamente por el gobierno mexicano". Denunció las muertes "de un muchachito que se asomó por ahí, pues el poder también mata a los que están por ahí", y esa "desgracia", el fallecimiento del estudiante Alexis, saludó a la familia Benhumea Hernández, y mencionó a Magdalena García Durán, "compañera mazahua" detenida en Santiaguito. En esta nueva incursión radiofónica, Marcos aseguró que la otra campaña lucha "por un mundo donde no haya niños de la calle, y no porque los vayamos a esconder, sino porque se van a poder dedicar a estudiar y jugar". Despidió la emisión con Cartas marcadas, canción de Pedro Infante, "ese feminista". Fuente: Hermann Bellinghausen, La Jornada, 14 de junio 2006, Mexico via J.Alba-MEX in ListaConDig-ML) Note: obviously written by someone unfamiliar with radio. "6.20" must refer to the 620 kHz MW station in México DF, not 6.2 MHz. Several Mexican stations have "6-20" in their IDs (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 18, 2006 in DXLD 6-088) ............................................................... Misc - RWANDA Rwandan radio chief is jailed for genocide http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=819862006 MARGARET NEIGHBOUR A UNITED Nations court trying the masterminds of Rwanda's 1994 genocide yesterday handed a six-year sentence to the former director of a radio station whose broadcasts were accused of encouraging the killings. Joseph Serugendo was a member of the governing board of the Radio Television Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), and of the national committee of the Interahamwe za MRND militia group. The RTLM was notorious for its radio broadcasts encouraging the killing of "cockroaches", as Tutsis were called during the genocide in which 800,000 people were killed. "He pleaded guilty to public incitement to commit genocide and persecution as a crime against humanity," the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) said in a statement yesterday. "He further acknowledged having used his influence within the MRND and Interahamwe to incite others to kill or cause serious harm to members of the Tutsi population." The ICTR said the court took into account the gravity of Serugendo's crimes as well as his guilty plea. "The Chamber noted that he expressed genuine remorse and a desire to help establish the truth regarding the events in Rwanda," the statement said. "This may encourage others to acknowledge their involvement in the 1994 genocide and contribute to national reconciliation in Rwanda." The court added that Serugendo had recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness and ordered that he should receive medical treatment. The ICTR said the judgment brings the number of persons whose trials have been completed to 28. The backlogged tribunal is under pressure to clear many cases by the expiry of its mandate in 2008. (news.scotsman.com via Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 3, 2006 for CRW) ............................................................... Misc - SOMALIA Somalia: Radio Journalist Physically Abused http://www.garoweonline.com/2004pro/index.php?id=3745 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is today condemning.... The brief detention and harsh pounding of Radio Shabelle Reporter, Ms Maryan Mohamud known Maryan Qalanjo, in southwest town of Baidoa, the headquarters of Bay region. The Radio reporter was assaulted two times by militias loyal to Rahanweyn Resistance Army (RRA) of the Digil and Mirifle ethnic group, who have power over the south-western regions of Bakool and Bay. Initially, the journalist was attacked in the Baidoa airport while she was in the Taxi that took her from her hotel to cover the arrival of the Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheik Adan from Galka'yo of Puntland. "The militiamen opened her door and directed towards her their guns by saying 'get off the car' but she refused and the Taxi driver drove her back to her hotel" a witness told NUSOJ who asked anonymity. The second show of aggression happened at the journalist's hotel by the same militias. She was removed from her room forcibly and was hit several times and taken to Baidoa police station, according to reliable sources at the scene. "I was detained at 12:30hrs (Local time) but freed at 15:30hrs" Maryan Qalanjo told NUSOJ. "I am feeling pain at the head, kidney and the spine" she added. The Organising Secretary of NUSOJ Ali Moallim visited her at the cell in the police station. "I saw Maryan crying as a result of ache of the maltreatments" Ali added. "She really suffered substantial abuse and her face seemed changed". However, the Minister of Farming Colonel Hassan Mohammed Nur, nicknamed Shatigadud, who is at the same the acting Minister of Interior of the Transitional Government, issued decree ordering her release, but as well banned to carry out her journalistic work in Baidoa. Apart from the ministerial post, Shatigudud is a member of the parliament and the chairman of one of the RRA factions. Government officials told NUSOJ that they were disturbed by disinformation that Radio Shabelle is reporting on government leaders particularly the speaker of the parliament. The officials claimed that the Station aired a falsified report which reasoned the trip of the speaker of the parliament to Puntland was to take billions of counterfeit money. But the speaker's trip was to settle dispute between Premier Ali Mohammed Ghedi and Puntland Authority on production of oil in Puntland regions, according to major local media reports. Again, the TFG was annoyed by a Radio Shebelle report on the agreement the speaker of the parliament signed with Puntland president Gen. Adde Muse of resolving the political conflict between TFG and Puntland. But the Radio report stated that the speaker has the work of the legislative body (parliament) but not the work of the executive organ (the government) such as the agreement with Puntland. "This is hard-hearted and premeditated attack aimed to hurt Maryan bodily and her job" said the NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman. "We appear our complete solidarity for our colleagues who are carrying out their work energetically and objectively". "We call the TFG to lift the ban on Maryan's journalistic work immediately and unconditionally". Daily operations of the Radio in Baidoa were briefly suspended on 22 May by infuriated militias who belong to Digil and Mirifle ethnic group. Radio Shabelle is Mogadishu based FM station. - (garoweonline.com via Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 2, 2006 for CRW) Shabelle Radio Female Journalist Seriously Ill After Torture Shabelle Media Network (Mogadishu) http://allafrica.com/stories/200606020944.html June 2, 2006 Posted to the web June 2, 2006 Mustafa Haji Mogadishu Health situation of Shabelle Radio female journalist in Baidoa is critical after been tortured by militiamen loyal to Somalia transitional Federal Government. Maryan Mohamoud, Shabelle correspondent in Baidoa has been beaten and drugged on the ground before she was snatched and thrown into jail by armed militiamen leaving her severe injuries yesterday. Shabelle Chairman Abdulmalik Yusuf said this morning he reached Maryan on the phone in a bid to take her to Mogadishu for treatment but could not be possible. "She was on bed this morning and could not wake up for the injuries, so that we have decided to look for other options to bring her to Mogadishu where she can get special treatment" Abulmalik said. "Ordinary civilian buses could not be used to take her according to injuries part of her chest, Ambulance might be better like this time but unfortunately we couldn't reach Ambulances in Baidoa" he added. Meanwhile, Local Radio Stations authorities have condemned the inhumane action against Maryan Mohamoud by Some security men of Somalia Speaker. "This incident is clear violation against Freedom of Expression, how could they dare tortured and imposed job restriction on her" director of Banadir Radio Axmednur said. Parliamentarians have also criticized the act saying humiliations against Journalist will be discussed in front of the sessions. (allafrica.com Jun 2, 2006 via Z.Liangas-GRC for CRW) ............................................................... Misc - TURKEY Turkey: Restrictions on Kurdish broadcasts relaxed Text of report by Zihni Erdem published by Turkish newspaper Radikal website on 11 June entitled "Restrictions lifted on Kurdish broadcasts"; sub-headings as published Ankara - The RTUK [Radio and Television High Council], making a very significant modification in the "45 minutes per day, four hours per week" restriction on television and radio stations broadcasting in Kurdish, has done away with the restrictions for cultural broadcasts such as films and music. Thus the way has been opened for televisions with authorization to broadcast in Kurdish to show full-length films dubbed in Kurdish, and for them to broadcast Kurdish concerts to their listeners. On channels that have permission to broadcast in Kurdish, the previous restrictions will continue in terms of news and discussion programmes. In its most recent meeting, the Radio and Television High Council discussed a request regarding the restriction on local television and radio stations authorized to broadcast in Kurdish contained in the "Directive on Broadcasts in Different Languages and Dialects", which stipulated that these not exceed 60 minutes per day and five hours total per week for radio broadcasts and 45 minutes per day and four hours per week for television broadcasts. The channel owners based their request for a review on the rationale that "This period cannot be filled with Kurdish news programmes, while it is insufficient if music and films are broadcast." The RTUK evaluated the request as a request aimed at culture, and removed the limits of 60 minutes per day and five hours per week for radios and 45 minutes per day and four hours per week for televisions from the restrictions. According to this decision, which was taken unanimously, private television and radio stations that broadcast in different languages and dialects such as Kurdish will not encounter any restrictions in broadcasting films and music. But the rule requiring Turkish subtitles in film and music broadcasts will continue to apply. The restrictions put in place previously will also continue unchanged for news and discussion programmes. Still not unrestricted Even so, this decision by the RTUK does not open the path for 24-hour broadcasting in Kurdish by radio and television stations. Because not only is it impossible for thematic channels broadcasting only films or music to obtain permission to broadcast in Kurdish, but in addition, it appears impossible, based on the licenses they have obtained, for those television and radio stations that have obtained authorization to broadcast in Kurdish to broadcast films and music on a continual basis. Very difficult beginning Turkey was obliged to begin Kurdish broadcasts during the EU adaptation process. The laws and then the directives were amended, and a provision was instituted that "Broadcasting can also be conducted by public and private radio and television broadcasters in the different languages and dialects that Turkish citizens have traditionally used." Within this framework, broadcasts were initiated on 19 July 2003 in the different languages and dialects of Bosnian, Arabic, Circassian, and Kurdish. When broadcasting was conducted in each language on one day a week for 30 minutes, this practice did not satisfy the EU. Last March, following study lasting two years, certain local radio and television broadcasters were able to obtain permission to broadcast in different languages and dialects. Following concurrence by MIT [National Intelligence Organization], the RTUK, in exchange for written commitments, granted authorization to Medya FM radio and Gun TV and Soz TV. Source: Radikal website, Istanbul, in Turkish 11 Jun 06 (BBCM Jun 13, 2006) ............................................................... Misc - ZIMBABWE Radio station wins BBC award Text of report by London-based opposition newzimbabwe.com website on 13 June The Voice of the People radio station (VOP) - one of the few independent radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe - has received the coveted One World Special Award sponsored by the BBC World Service Trust. The award is given to "an overseas media project that has made a unique contribution to human rights". The radio station that has survived police raids, arrests, frequency jams and an impending court case, was honoured at a ceremony in London last week for being the "voice of the voiceless under trying circumstances". Despite repressive media laws which have seen foreign correspondents deported, VOP broadcasts a daily programme, providing a lifeline for up to half a million listener's hungry for information. Each day, the station broadcasts a one-hour programme in the country's three national languages - Shona, Ndebele and English. As well as providing news and debate, including the exposure of human rights abuses, the station covers health and education, especially around HIV/AIDS. Journalists from VOP, including director John Masuku, made a special trip to London to collect the award. Masuku said: "In its lifetime, the station has been criticized, threatened and jammed but what drives us on is the belief in giving a voice to the voiceless - giving the people of Zimbabwe an opportunity to speak freely about issues that affect their lives and country. This award provides huge encouragement to us all. Thank you." The ceremony was hosted by Channel 4 News' main news anchor Jon Snow, a supporter of the awards. The trial of Voice of the People (VOP) board members accused of operating a radio station without a licence in terms of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) has been set for 15 June 2006 at the Harare Magistrates Courts. Masuku and fellow VOP board members, David Masunda, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Lawrence Chibwe, Millie Phiri, Arnold Tsunga and Bella Matambanadzo go on trial on 16 June accused of contravening section 7(1) of the Broadcasting Services Act which prohibits broadcasting without a licence. Zimbabwean prosecutors say the VOP bosses established an office in Harare which they equipped with computers and produced news programmes. The news programmes were allegedly then dispatched to a transmitter in the Netherlands from where they were relayed to Madagascar. The station in Madagascar, prosecutors say, beamed the programmes into Zimbabwe via short wave. Source: newzimbabwe.com website, London, in English 13 Jun 06 (BBCM Jun 13, 2006) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Sources xxxxxxxxxx---------------------- Contributors: Anker Petersen, Manuel Méndez, Rimantas Pleikys, Wolfgang Büschel, Zacharias Liangas In order to unsubscribe please login to www.clandestineradio.com or to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/crwatch/ and change your user settings.