--------------xxxxxxxxxx CRW 233 xxxxxxxxxx-------------- CLANDESTINE RADIO WATCH 233 Jun 30, 2007 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 ------------xxxxxxxxxx Breaking News xxxxxxxxxx---------------- AFGHANISTAN : Taleban radio station back on air KOREA NORTH : New station: Radio Furusato no Kaze - Wind of Hometown ............................................................... AFGHANISTAN : Taleban radio station back on air Die BBC berichtet auf ihrer Homepage, daß die Taliban-Station Voice of Sharia in Afghanistan reaktiviert wurde. Frequenz wird keine genannt. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6224972.stm (P.Robic-AUT Jun 21, 2007 in A-DX-ML) news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6224972.stm (Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 21, 2007 in CDX-ML) TALEBAN RADIO STATION BACK ON AIR By Pam O'Toole, BBC News A pirate Taleban radio station, Voice of Shariat, or Islamic law, has begun broadcasting again, reports from south-eastern Afghanistan say. A Taleban spokesman said a half-hour programme was broadcast on Tuesday night and would now be broadcast daily. The broadcast had a message from the fugitive Taleban leader, Mullah Omar, Kor`anic verses and criticised the presence of foreign press. The station closed six years ago with the fall of the Taleban regime. Local people said the station could be heard in parts of four south-eastern provinces - Paktika, Paktia, Khost and Ghazni. Weak reception The sound quality may have been poor, and reception faint, but the content of the latest transmission from the Voice of Shariat was familiar to those who remember the station which used to carry the Taleban's message across Afghanistan. An Afghan official in Paktia province confirmed the programme could be heard there, but he said reception was weak. It is not clear where the broadcasts originate from. Two years ago, the Taleban announced they were relaunching the Voice of Shariat as a pirate radio station from somewhere in their former stronghold of the south. They said they would use a mobile transmitter to avoid being shut down by American or Afghan forces. Last year its broadcasts could be heard briefly and intermittently in some southern provinces. Un-Islamic But this is thought to be the first time it has been heard in the south east. The Taleban took over Afghan radio when they swept to power in Kabul in 1996. They threw out female presenters and banned music, but used radio to broadcast their hardline Islamic view of the world to the rest of the country. They were tougher on television, outlawing it as un-Islamic. And they were famously known for hanging television sets. However, nowadays, the Taleban and their allies are thought to be behind fairly sophisticated propaganda videos circulating in Pakistan and Afghanistan and some Taleban commanders have even allowed Western camera crews to film them. The Taleban also make extensive use of the internet and have their own internet site (BBC News via DXLD 7-072) AFGHAN TV STATION REPORTS "OFFICIAL" LAUNCH OF TALEBAN RADIO | Text of report by Afghan independent Ariana TV on 21 June Residents of Paktia and Paktika provinces say Voice of Shari'ah radio, launched recently in the area by the Taleban, is urging people to rise up against the Afghan government and foreign peacekeepers. Zabiollah Mojahed, who calls himself a Taleban spokesman, said the radio began broadcasting on Wednesday night [19 June]. [Correspondent] Purported Taleban spokesman Zabiollah Mojahed says the Voice of Shari'ah launched officially on Wednesday night. Some locals say they have been listening to the station - which follows the Taleban's former policy and carries religious anthems instead of music - for some time. It is said the Taleban have launched a propaganda campaign against the Afghan government and foreign peacekeepers deployed in the country. Locals say the Taleban are using the radio to urge the people to rise up against the government and NATO forces. Paktia's Information and Culture Department has confirmed that the station is on the air, saying it can be received on 88 [MHz] FM, and covers few areas. The move is not surprising; the Taleban have already launched a website, a magazine and a daily news publication to publicize their aims and activities. Nevertheless, it is unclear where these publications are printed. [It is believed that] they have been smuggled into the country, though. It should be noted that Pakistan is usually known as a good place for the movement to carry out its political and cultural activities. Source: Ariana TV, Kabul, in Dari 1530 gmt 21 Jun 07 (via BBCM via DXLD 7-072) AFGHAN OFFICIAL DISMISSIVE OF TALEBAN RADIO | Text of report by Afghan independent Tolo TV on 22 June [Presenter] The Interior Ministry has dismissed the importance of the Taleban-run Radio Sada-ye Shariat's broadcasts inside Afghanistan. Zmaray Bashari, the spokesman for the ministry, said that the whereabouts of the radio station has not been identified but it is believed that the programmes are broadcast from outside of the Afghan territory. The Taleban spokesman in a telephone conversation told Tolo TV that they aired the programmes from Paktia Province. [Correspondent] Three days ago, the Taleban reported the launch of their radio station in the provinces of Khost, Paktia, Paktika and Ghazni. Radio Sada-ye Shariat programmes were aired in most parts of Afghanistan during the Taleban regime but they stopped with the Taleban's collapse. The Ministry of Interior spokesman said that Radio Sada-ye Shariat covers a small region and airs programmes for few hours only. He added that the Taleban wanted to turn the public against the government of Afghanistan through their radio programmes. During the Taleban regime, Radio Sada-ye Shariat was the only media source in existence in Afghanistan. The station used to air domestic news and inform the people about the orders of Mullah Mohammad Omar, the Taleban leader. Songs without instrumental music and answers to questions about Shariat were among other programmes of the radio station during the Taleban regime in Kabul. The only other sources which the people had access to during that time were foreign radio stations which aired programmes from outside of Afghanistan in Dari and Pashto languages. Source: Tolo TV, Kabul, in Dari 1330 gmt 22 Jun 07 (via BBCM via DXLD 7-072) Das unter DXern und "Media Professionells" sehr beachtete RNW Media Network Weblog meldete am Morgen des 21. Juni den Beginn eines scheinbar neuen Radiokriegs in Afghanistan. Die BBC-Meldung, die Andy Sennitt zitiert, darf jedoch aus guten Gründen bezweifelt werden. Es scheint, dass die Welt mal wieder der Taliban-Propaganda aufgesessen ist. Wie schon zwei Jahre zuvor. Weiter: http://radioskala.blogspot.com/2007/06/propaganda-oder-nicht-taliban-radio.html#links (T.Kamp-D Jun 24, 2007 in A-DX-ML) Taleban radio station back on air Kabul 25 June, 2007 Onlinenews, Pakistan A pirate Taleban radio station, Voice of Shariat, or Islamic law, has begun broadcasting again, reports from south-eastern Afghanistan say. A Taleban spokesman said a half-hour programme was broadcast the other night and would now be broadcast daily. The broadcast had a message from the fugitive Taleban leader, Mullah Omar, Koranic verses and criticised the presence of foreign press. The station closed six years ago with the fall of the Taleban regime. Local people said the station could be heard in parts of four south-eastern provinces - Paktika, Paktia, Khost and Ghazni. The sound quality may have been poor, and reception faint, but the content of the latest transmission from the Voice of Shariat was familiar to those who remember the station which used to carry the Taleban's message across Afghanistan. An Afghan official in Paktia province confirmed the programme could be heard there, but he said reception was weak. It is not clear where the broadcasts originate from. Two years ago, the Taleban announced they were relaunching the Voice of Shariat as a pirate radio station from somewhere in their former stronghold of the south. They said they would use a mobile transmitter to avoid being shut down by American or Afghan forces. Last year its broadcasts could be heard briefly and intermittently in some southern provinces. But this is thought to be the first time it has been heard in the south east. The Taleban took over Afghan radio when they swept to power in Kabul in 1996. They threw out female presenters and banned music, but used radio to broadcast their hardline Islamic view of the world to the rest of the country. They were tougher on television, outlawing it as un-Islamic. And they were famously known for hanging television sets. The Taleban also make extensive use of the internet and have their own internet site. http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=114086 (via M.Terry-G in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... KOREA NORTH : New station: Radio Furusato no Kaze - Wind of Hometown Radio Furusato no Kaze - Wind of Hometown Dear OM, Japan to launch radio program for abductees in N. Korea in July. The government will launch a shortwave radio program as early as on July 9 aimed at Japanese abductees possibly surviving in North Korea, Kyoko Nakayama, the prime minister's adviser on the abduction issue, said Saturday. The daily program will carry information on Japan's efforts to save the abductees and on the victims' hometowns, Nakayama told a meeting on the abduction issue in Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture. de Kyodo News June 16. http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=320838 A schedule & frequency are unknown. (S.Hasegawa-NDXC-J Jun 17, 2007 in DXLD 7-070) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Schedules xxxxxxxxxx-------------------- Schedules - BELARUS Radio Racja Re: Lithuania: Radio Racja via Sitkunai 6225 This is an additional broadcast; the transmissions via Warsaw (1930-2130 on 6105) are unchanged. (B.Trutenau-LTU Jun 19, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) From June 18 Radio Racja in Belarussian relayed via Sitkunai 1530-1729 on 6225 SIT 100 kW / 259 deg. Very good reception here in BUL. (R Bulgaria DX-Mix 473 Jun 19, 2007 via W.Büschel-D for CRW) ............................................................... Schedules - ETHIOPIA "Zena Tewahedo the Ligament Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Exile" [religious prgr] New on the TDP schedule website: religious "Zena Tewahedo the Ligament Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Exile", Mondays in Amharic 1600-1700 on 15260kHz. Scheduled to start on 2 July. (B.Trutenau-LTU Jun 18, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Schedules - KURDISTAN Voice of Mesopotamia The TDP schedule website shows a new schedule for Dênge Mezopotamya: 0400-2000 on 11530 (ex0200-0400 on 7590, ex0400-1600 on 11530). (B.Trutenau-LTU Jun 18, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Schedules - LAOS Suab Xaa Moo Zoo [religious prgr] "LAOS". Frequency change on the TDP schedule website for the U.S. produced religious prgr "Suab Xaa Moo Zoo" in Hmong: now on 11655, ex11650. (B.Trutenau-LTU Jun 18, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Logs xxxxxxxxxx------------------------- Logs - BELARUS Radio Racja Saludos cordiales, hoy 18 de Junio desde Valencia en España no se capta ninguna señal en 6225 a las 17:10. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 18, 2007 in CDX-ML) Radio Racja via Sitkunai 6225: Here at 1721 strong signal, talks about Belarus and pop-tunes. No id heard, audio went off mid-music around 1729, carrier off a moment later. (J.Savolainen-E Jun 18, 2007 in CDX-ML) Jari greetings, from Valencia I did not catch signal some, nevertheless at the 17:30 service of VOIRI in German arrived with excellent signal, seems to be that this transmitter I will not be able to catch it from Valencia, if it does not accompany the propagation. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 18, 2007 in CDX-ML) 6225, R Racja, via Sitkunai, *1530-1730*, Jun 21, jingle and verbal ID clearly heard. (Koie). But no signal heard on this frequency on Sa Jun 23! (A.Petersen-DNK Jun 21, 2007 in DW-Window 327) 6105, R Racja, via Warsaw, Poland, 1925-2015, Sa Jun 23, Vernacular talks, songs, 2000 news and ID, 24333. (A.Petersen-DNK Jun 23, 2007 in DW-Window 327) ............................................................... Logs - CHINA Voice of Tibet 17550 V.of Tibet Jun 26 *1400-1411 35433-32432 Tibetian, 1400 sign on with opening music, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 26, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - CUBA Radio Martí 530 FLORIDA AIRSPACE (CLANDESTINE) Radio Martí (via presumed 193rd SOW's EC-130J); *2200-2210 22 June, 2007. Snapped on at precisely 2200, as usual, on this local Friday with the Martí theme, parallel 6030. Very weak and quickly drowned out under the Radio Rebelde blocker on 530 kc/s. Reliable sources tell me this remains a 193rd operation at least in part, despite the "private" firm contracted last year to take over this important task. (T.L.Krueger-FL-USA Jun 22, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) Radio República Finally checking out a report that R. República was no longer heard after 0300 on 6100: June 16 at 0309 something in Spanish was there, rather distorted, and jammed, so I suspect that was indeed R. República, presumably via Rampisham UK now, until 0400*. (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 16, 2007 in DXLD-ML) R. República via Rampisham, UK and RHC, 6100 kHz, 0220 - 0246+, 6/20/07. I went to check 6100 at 0220 to see how R. Republica was doing. There is R. Habanna in English blasting in with Spanish under. Eventually there was an ID, and some Cuban music, and other programming including a discussion between the same woman and a man with many references to "Catholica." No bubble jamming was audible. I checked R. República last night (6/19/07) at 0205, and it was on with the usual bubble jammer, but no RHC. 5910 is with a OM and usual bubble jammer way under. I can't find any reference to RHC on this frequency before for the past two months of DXLD or reflected in EiBi, Aoki, or WRTH May update. I wonder if it's a Cuban mistake or new jamming strategy. (M.Taylor-USA Jun 20, 2007 in DXLD-ML) On 6/20/07 I heard a loud R. Habanna Cuba in English on 6100 covering R. República via Rampisham, UK at 0220 - 0300+. In checks of 6100 on 6/21/07 at 0210 RR was clear with a carrier, but no audible signal under. Today - 6/22/07 - at 0227, the signal has slight bubble jamming audible with ID sequence. 5910 via Germany had the usual bubble jamming present to some extent all three days. (M.Taylor-USA Jun 21, 2007 in DXLD-ML) Radio Republica, 23-24 June: CUBA [non]/ENGLAND: R Republica 6135 at 2330 in Spanish. Good signal, no jamming on 23 June. On 24 June, heard on 6155 at 0120, jammed. At 0217 on 6100, not jammed. All via Rampisham, 500kw 285 deg. (L.Cameron-MI-USA Jun 24, 2007 in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Logs - ERITREA Voice of Meselna Delina 11765 V.of Meselna Delina Jun 22 *1700-1710 33433-35433 Tigrigna, Eritrea pops, Talk, ID at 1700. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - ETHIOPIA Andanet Le Democracy 15260 Andenet Ledemocracy, 1600-1607, June 24, Vernacular, transmission via Samara, Russia, announcement by male, instrumental music, announcement by male and news by same male, 34433. (A.Slaen-ARG Jun 24, 2007 in DXLD-ML) Radio Xoriyo / Radio Freedom / Ogadenia National Liberation Front 15260 Radio Xoriyo Ogadenia (t) via TWR via Samara, 1617-1627, June 16, Vernacular, Very long talk by male and local song, 24232. (A.Slaen-ARG Jun 16, 2007 in DXLD-ML) Tensae Ethiopia Voice of Unity 15660 Tensae Ethiopia V.O.Unity Jun 19 *1500-1510 35433 Amharic, 1500 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 19, 2007 in JAP 478) Voice of Oromia Independence 15650 V.of Oromia Independence via DTK Jun 30 *1700-1711 25432 Oromo, 1700 sign on with R.Miami Int.'s ID, Opening music, ID, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 30, 2007 in JAP 480) Voice of Oromo Liberation / Sagalee Bilisummaa Oromoo / Oromo Liberation Front 13830, Sagalee Bilisummaa Oromo, 20 June, 1720-1740. First in Oromo, a man in studio and people phoning him. Language changed to Amharic at 1728: "..miterbends .. salyasa kilohertsi ..". Talk followed, with mention of Washington D.C. and Ethiopian Embassy at 1738. (D.Mezin-RUS Jun 20, 2007 in Signal 173) 13830 V.of Oromo Liberation via DTK Jun 21 *1700-1710 25432 Oromo, 1700 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 21, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - IRAN Radio Democracy Shorayee / Radio Council Democracy 12120 R.Democracy Shorayee Jun 22 *1700-1710 34433-35433 Farsi, 1700 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) Radio Payam-e Doost 7480 R.Payam-e Doost Jun 22 *1800-1810 33333 Farsi, 1800 sign on with opening music, ID, Talk and music. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) 7480 R.Payam-e Doost Jun 27 *1800-1810 24332 Farsi, 1800 sign on with opening music, ID, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 27, 2007 in JAP 480) ............................................................... Logs - KASHMIR Voice of Jammu Kashmir Freedom 5102 V.O.Jammu Kashmir Freedom Jun 19 *1259-1310 43443 Kashmiri, 1259 sign on with opening music, ID, Koran, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 19, 2007 in JAP 478) 5102 V.O.Jammu Kashmir Freedom Jun 22 *1300-1306 44433 Kashmiri, 1300 sign on with opening music, ID, Koran, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) 5102 V.O.Jammu Kashmir Freedom Jun 25 1420-1432* 44444 Kashmiri, Music, ID at 1425, 1431 Closing music, 1432 sign off. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 25, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - KOREA (NORTH) Open Radio for North Korea 9935 Open Radio for North Korea via KWHR, 1145-1200, June 16, Korean and English, interview, talks, very clear identification at 1159 UTC, s/off 24232. (A.Slaen-ARG Jun 16, 2007 in DXLD-ML) Hola Arnaldo - assume you heard them on 9930, right? (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 17, 2007 in DXLD-ML) And how much English??? See Craighead, above. This was supposed to be M-F only, but June 16 was Sat. Let`s look at the WHR online schedule for this transmitter at http://www.whr.org/index.cfm?fa=schedule It refers to ORNK merely as ``Korean Cultural Programming`` and M-F only with something else Sat during the 1130 semihour, Love of God, with Randy Brodhagen. However, the sked cannot be totally accurate, as in the very next line after Korean Cultural Programming, still shows at 1105 weekdays, what K.C.P. must have replaced, Music from Lesea, and at 1130 weekdays, Live from Studio B, which are both just ubiquitous fill programs for unsold time. Looking further into this schedule, there is some more interesting new clandestine(?) programming shown: Wed 1200-1300 on 12130, Hoa-Mai Radio, with Nguyen Cong-Bang Tue & Thu 1200-1300 on 12130, Hmong World Christian Radio with Pastor Gia Tou Lee Fri 1200-1300 on 12130, Radio Hmong Radio with Kou D. Her These Hmong programs are separate from Hmong Lao Radio on WHRI Mon - Fri 1400-1700, back on 9930, Sound of Hope Here are the same entries as displayed with UT and Eastern time; note that the days of week next to UT time do not always match those following Eastern time!: 1100 Mo-Fr 0700 AM - 0800 AM Monday - Friday Korean Cultural Programming - 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 1105 Mo-Fr 0705 AM - 0730 AM Monday - Friday Music Lesea Productions 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 1130 Mo-Fr 0730 AM - 0800 AM Monday - Friday Live From Studio B Lesea Productions 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 1130 Sa 0730 AM - 0800 AM Saturday Love of God Randy Brodhagen 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 1200 We 0800 AM - 0900 AM Monday - Friday Hoa-Mai Radio Nguyen Cong-Bang 12.130 Mhz ANGEL 3 1200 Tu. Th 0800 AM - 0900 AM Monday - Friday Hmong World Christian Radio Pastor Gia Tou Lee 12.130 Mhz ANGEL 3 1200 Mo 0800 AM - 0900 AM Monday - Friday Radio Hmong Radio Kou D. Her 12.130 Mhz ANGEL 3 1400 Mo-Fr 1000 AM - 1100 AM Monday - Friday Sound of Hope - 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 1600 Mo-Fr 1200 PM - 0100 AM Monday - Friday Sound of Hope - 9.930 Mhz ANGEL 3 (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 16, 2007 in DXLD 7-070) Per http://www.nkradio.com/eng/sub.html?s=2_2 they are on Monday - Friday, 8 PM - 9 PM [Pyongyang Standard Time] [11 UT - 12 UT] on 9930. The program I heard on June 12 [Tue.] is available for listening at http://www.nkradio.com/eng/sub.html?s=4 ORNK started their programs via 9930 (KWHR) on June 11, so am not sure about their providing audio for their Sat. and Sun. [June 9 & 10] programs (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 1x, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 9930, Open Radio for North Korea - RE: DXLD 7-070: indeed there is no weekend broadcast, as confirmed by their lack of a June 16 & 17 audio recording at http://www.nkradio.com/eng/sub.html?s=4. (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 17, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 9930 Open Radio for North Korea(p) via KWHR 1135-1158* Jun 18. Current affairs with EG sound bytes followed by Korean translations; a Mozart piece at 1141 was followed by more Korean talks; KWHR ID at 1158 and off. Fair signal and improving. (J.Wilkins-CO-USA Jun 18, 2007 in CDX-ML) RE: DXLD 7-070: Weekend reception of Open Radio for North Korea? Checked 9930 on June 30 (Sat.), 1059-1107, ID for KWHR Hawaii, ToH into religious program in English, produced by the Matthew Flanigan Ministries, gives postal address in Hastings 3915, Victoria, Australia. Per: http://www.mfmaust.com/Radio%20Broadcasts.htm this is on Saturday to Asia on Angel 3, 1100-1300 UTC via KWHR-3 on 9.930 MHz and also Saturday to Australia/NZ/NG/Pacific on Angel 4, 0730-0800 UTC via KWHR-4 on 11.565 MHz. Supposedly ORNK will in the future broadcast on weekends, but not yet. (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 17, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) 9930, Open Radio for North Korea via KWHR, *1100 June 26, orchestral theme, woman with Korean ID and opening anmts over mx, then woman talk over solo piano melody reminiscent of Shiokaze. This lead into a lengthy alternating items read by a man and woman with symphonic mx bridges between segments. No English hrd and good signal overall. (J.Herkimer-NY-USA Jun 26, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) Radio Free Chosun 9785, R Free Chosun, 19 June, 2000-2015+, in Korean. Started with a kind of anthem. News and/or commentaries all the time. 23432 at first, raised to 33433 then. Transmission goes via Taiwan. Splashed from both sidebands: music (presumed RAI Int) on 9780, RFI in French on 9790. (D.Mezin-RUS Jun 19, 2007 in Signal 173) Shiokaze / Sea Breeze Shiokaze a rarity here, but poorly audible June 20 at 1310 on 9485 via Taiwan, when KAIJ 9480 was not too strong. Seemed to be in English but with heavy accent, narrative stories of abduxions, mentioning years. 1315 music break, and maybe into non-English, as reception worsens. 1329 piano theme music audible and off. (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 20, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 9485, Shiokaze - Sea Breeze via Taiwan. The Tue. pattern for English continues. YL heard June 19 (4th consecutive Tue.) with details about abductees. The pattern for English on Sat. ended June 16. Instead heard English on Wed., June 20, YL sign-off announcements at 1327, "This is Shiokaze Sea Breeze from Tokyo, Japan". (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 20, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 9485 Shiokaze *1300-1330* Jun 19 (Tues). Usual three-minute opening sequence, then details of several abductions from the early 1970's; the entire program was in EG by a YL ancr, except for an occasional brief ID by a man. Also noted in EG on June 20 (Wed) and June 24 (Sun); did not check on other days. (J.Wilkins-CO-USA Jun 24, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) 9485 Shiokaze (via Taiwan) *1300-1330* Jun 27. Noted today (Wed.) in Chinese, the first time I've heard them using that language. Usual 3-minute opening w/piano background, followed by a long list, presumably the usual abductee roster; usual closing anmt, followed by usual Radio Free Chosun at *1330. Good signal but nasty splatter from KAIJ on 9480 blasting in at S9+50 dB. (J.Wilkins-CO-USA Jun 27, 2007 in CDX-ML) 9485, Shiokaze - Sea Breeze via Taiwan, *1300-1330. The Tue. pattern for English ended June 26. John and I have both spent considerable time monitoring this and as he has noted, today (June 27) was the first time we have heard their program in Chinese, from 1320 to 1330 with fair reception. (R.Howard-CA-USA Jun 27, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - KURDISTAN Voice of Mesopotamia 11530 V.of Mesopotamia Jun 19 1445-1504 35443-34443 Kurdish, Talk, ID at 1500. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 19, 2007 in JAP 478) ............................................................... Logs - LAOS Hmong Lao Radio Following the arrest of Vang Pao, I made a point of checking Hmong Lao Radio, Sat June 16 at 1301 via WHRI 11785. Opening news segment mentioned FBI, California, homosex, Fresno, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Warren Russelman(?), US Attorney – Scott, etc., etc. So this is no doubt still the number one story for HLR. More: http://www.startribune.com/484/story/1225057.html and there have been several follow-up stories; search the site on vang, such as: http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1230389.html PDF: Complaints against Vang Pao [90 pages, double-spaced typed, tilted, photocopied] http://media.startribune.com/smedia/2007/06/04/20/jackcomplaint.source.prod_affiliate.2.pdf (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 16, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 15260 Hmong Lao R. via Taiwan Jun 22 *0100-0110 35433-34433 Laotian, 0100 sign on with IS, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) Moj Them Radio 15260 Moj Them R. via Taiwan Jun 28 *0100-0110 35333-33333 Hmong, 0100 sign on with opening music, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 28, 2007 in JAP 480) ............................................................... Logs - LIBYA Sawt Alamel / Libya's Voice of Hope 17662.50 Sowt Alamel Jun 19 1202-1212 35432 Arabic, Opening music, Koran, Talk, ID at 1204 and 1207. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 19, 2007 in JAP 478) 17627.50 Sowt Alamel Jun 21 1205-1215 25432-35433 Arabic, Koran and talk, ID at 1208. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 21, 2007 in JAP 479) 17637.50 Sowt Alamel Jun 22 1231-1245 33333 Arabic, Talk, ID at 1243. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - MYANMAR Democratic Voice of Burma Democratic Voice of Burma, 9430 via Wertachtal with W in presumed Burmese at 2340 on 6/20. . (G.Dexter-WI-USA Jun 20, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) 17625 Dem.V.of Burma via Madagascar Jun 26 *1429-1436 35433 Burmese, 1429 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk, //15480 kHz. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 26, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - RUSSIA Radio Liberty Radio Liberty, 7185 via Rampisham in listed Tartar-Bashkir. All M/W talk. A recent change from 9855. (G.Dexter-WI-USA Jun 18 (?), 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - SRI LANKA IBC Tamil GERMANY/SRI LANKA [non]: IBC Tamil at 0045-0052 w/"A Week in Politics". News about Sri Lanka, pro-Tamil, etc. Tamil after 0052. Fair. 18 June. (L.Cameron-USA Jun 18, 2007 in DXLD-ML) IBC Tamil, 7115 via Wertachtal in presumed listed Tamil at 0012 on 6/21. (G.Dexter-WI-USA Jun 21, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) 7115, IBC Tamil, via Wertachtal, Germany, *0000-0015, Jun 26, Tamil ID, talk about Sri Lanka, Norway and Oslo, Tamil songs, 54544. (A.Petersen-DNK Jun 26, 2007 in DW-Window 327) ............................................................... Logs - VIETNAM Degar Voice 7350 Degar Voice Jun 23 *1300-1307 43443 Vietnamese, 1300 sign on with IS, ID, Talk, This frequency only on Saturday. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 23, 2007 in JAP 479) 7250 Degar Voice Jun 26 *1301-1311 43443 Vietnamese, 1301 sign on with IS, ID, Talk, This frequency only on Tuesday. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 26, 2007 in JAP 479) Little Saigon Radio 7390 Little Saigon R. via Taiwan Jun 27 *1500-1510 33433 Vietnamese, 1500 sign on with IS, Opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 27, 2007 in JAP 480) Que Huong Radio 15655 Que Huong R. Jun 20 1213-1258* 35333 Vietnamese, Talk, Former South Vietnam national anthem at 1225 and 1242, ID at 1257, Closing announce, 1258 sign off, (ex:15665 kHz). (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 20, 2007 in JAP 479) 15655 Que Huong R. Jun 21 *1200-1206 35322 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 21, 2007 in JAP 479) 15655 Que Huong R. Jun 22 *1200-1212 35433 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 22, 2007 in JAP 479) 15655 Que Huong R. Jun 23 *1200-1210 25432 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 23, 2007 in JAP 479) 15670 Que Huong R. Jun 25 *1200-1211 35433 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk, (ex:15655 kHz). (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 25, 2007 in JAP 479) 15670 Que Huong R. Jun 26 *1200-1211 35333 Vietnamese, 1200 sign on with opening music, ID, Opening announce, Talk. (Ko.Hashimoto-J Jun 26, 2007 in JAP 479) ............................................................... Logs - WESTERN SAHARA National Radio of the Arab-Saharan Democratic Republic 6300, CLANDESTINE. Radio Nacional Saharaui (Rabouni), 2342-2400*. 06/16/07, Arabic. OM with impassioned talk with musical backgrounds followed by ethnic instrumental music. Several IDs. Into orchestral music (NA?) and off at 2400. Fair. (J.Wood-TN-USA Jun 16, 2007 in NASWA Flashsheet via DXLD 7-071) ARGELIA 6300 Radio Nacional Saharaui, 18:00-18:15, escuchada el 16 de Junio en Hassanía, dialecto árabe hablado por el pueblo saharaui, comienza el locutor con saludo "Salam Alikum" e identificación, canto del Corán, emisión de música folklórica local, SINPO 44343. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 16, 2007 for CRW) 6300 Radio Nacional Saharaui, 20:35-20:51, escuchada el 17 de Junio en Hassanía, dialecto árabe hablado en el Sahara a locutora con comentarios y música folklórica local, SINPO 55544. (J.Miguel Romero-E Jun 17, 2007 in DXLD-ML) 12035 SW Radio Africa, 1708-1714, June 18, English, report by male, interview. Programme conduced by male, 34333//11775 kHz with 23322 (A.Slaen-ARG Jun 18, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) ............................................................... Logs - ZIMBABWE Radio Voice of the People Am MI, 20.06. um 04.25 UC..... Radio Voice of the People nach Zimbabwe auf 9765 kHz in Vn. An sich mit O=3, aber wegen der (fuer mich) Unsitte, Musik und Sprache auf Kurzwelle gleichzeitig zu senden, war das Zuhoeren eher unlustig. Verstanden haette ich - ausser ID + addr - aber auch andersrum nichts ;-) (H.Meixner-AUT Jun 20, 2007 in A-DX-ML) 9765, Radio Voice of the People via Madagascar, *0357-0417 Jun 30, open carrier until 0400 musical opening followed by a man with ID and frequency announcements in local language and English. News and various reports with "Radio Voice of the People, VOP" IDs. Good signal. (R.D'Angelo-PA-USA Jun 30, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) SW Radio Africa 12035 SW Radio Africa, 1708-1714, June 18, English, report by male, interview. Programme conduced by male, 34333//11775 Khz with 23322 (A.Slaen-ARG Jun 18, 2007 in HCDX-ML) Clandestine SW Radio Africa targeted to Zimbabwe in English, 11810 [via RUSSIA], June 22 and 24 from 1700 to 1900 s/off with anthem and vernacular afterwards. Good signal here, SIO 433 with a report from a correspondent based in Washington, and Egypt's drive to help rid Zimbabwe of Mugabe. (M.Delfín-E Jun 24, 2007 in DXLD-ML) ------------xxxxxxxxxx QSL Verifications xxxxxxxxxx------------ Qsl's - AFGHANISTAN Radio Free Afghanistan SRI LANKA Radio Free Afghanistan (a division of Radio Lyberty), 17685 kHz, RR sent by ordinary mail. Reply in 28 days. See image at http://vizin3.narod.ru/card/Free_Afghanistan.pdf (A.Myadel-BLR Jun 24, 2007 in Signal 173) ............................................................... Qsl's - ASIA Radio Free Asia NORTHERN MARIANA IS. 15430, R. Free Asia, f/d "Youth Drawing" card with site handwritten as "IBB Tinian" in 18 days for rpt on Mandarin prgm using RFA's online reception report form at http:// www.techweb.rfa.org/form/dx.html. (J.Herkimer-NY-USA Jun 26, 2007 in DXplorer-ML) 9455 Radio Free Asia Burmese BCB (via IBB Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands ) Full data 'democracy and freedom' ( with transmitter site indicated) QSL card in 14 days. Rpt sent to qsl@rfa.org (E.Kusalik-AB-CAN Jun 29, 2007 for CRW) Re R. Free Asia`s reluctance to specify transmitter sites on QSLs, even tho their registrations are hardly any secret --- While I have no evidence this is so, it occurs to me that one of many tactix a jammed service might employ would be to switch transmitter sites around in case one would work better than another under prevailing propagation conditions and/or to keep the enemy confused. It could be that RFA would rather not specify a site, which might not be true anyway for a particular reception, since this could tip their hand, or later be proven lying about it. (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 26, 2006 in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Qsl's - ERITREA Voice of Democratic Eritrea 13630 Voice of Democratica Eritrea ( via DTK-Jülich Transmitter).My CD Report to: Postfach 1946, 65409 Rüsselsheim, Germany , was 'returned to sender with insufficient address indicated'. This after 2 months in transit. (E.Kusalik-AB-CAN Jun 29, 2007 for CRW) ............................................................... Qsl's - RUSSIA R Chechnya Svobodnaya Heute kam eine weitere det. QSL-Karte vom Saint Petersburg Regional Centre, die mir einen Bericht über Radio Chechnya Svobodnaya via Krasny Bor auf 15605 kHz vom November 1999 bestätigte. Laufzeit: 2767 Tage (wohlgemerkt ohne reminder). Mikhail Timofeyev scheint zur Zeit die alten Berichte aufzuarbeiten. (P.Robic-AUT Jun 21, 2007 in A-DX-ML) R Liberty Radio Lyberty, 9725 kHz, via Juelich. RR by ordinary mail, reply in 28 days. I enclosed another report on 15215 kHz via Morocco, but it remained unanswered. See image at http://vizin3.narod.ru/card/R_Liberty.pdf. (A.Myadel-BLR Jun 24, 2007 in Signal 173) ............................................................... Qsl's - WESTERN AFRICA West Africa Democracy Radio Die QSL von West Africa Democracy Radio kam nach 20 Tagen Laufzeit aus dem Senegal. Rückporto war 1 US$. Gehört hatte ich die Sendung auf 17875 kHz via Wooferton mit O= 3-2. (E.Röscher-D Jun 19, 2007 for CRW) ............................................................... Qsl's - ZIMBABWE SW Radio Africa 12035 SW Radio Africa ( via Rampisham ) Same type of E-mail verification (QSL) letter but sent from UK Address in 10 days. v/s: Gerry Jackson (E.Kusalik-AB-CAN Jun 29, 2007 for CRW) ------------xxxxxxxxxx Miscellaneous xxxxxxxxxx----------------- Misc - AFGHANISTAN TOP TALIBAN DEFECTS. http://theweekmagazine.com/news/worldataglance.aspx http://theweekmagazine.com/search/articles/info.aspx?ArticleID=5337 A former top propagandist for the Taliban has defected to the Afghan government. Mullah Mohammed Ishaq Nizami ran the Voice of Sharia from 1996 to 2001, while the Taliban was in charge. Most Afghans know his voice well from the many radio speeches he gave praising then-leader Mullah Omar. Nizami returned to Kabul from Pakistan to accept the government’s offer of amnesty, an offer 2,000 other ex-Taliban have already taken. A Taliban spokesman confirmed the defection, saying Nizami was "mentally sick" and "not an important person." It now appears Nizami may not have been as hard-line as the regime he served. Even though music and movies were banned under the Taliban, Nizami preserved much of the country’s music and film archives. (The World at a Glance, The Week, Jun 22, 2007 via DXLD 7-071) ............................................................... Misc - ARMENIA Government Moves To End RFE/RL Broadcasts In Armenia By Ruzanna Khachatrian and Karine Kalantarian The National Assembly is due debate on Thursday government bills that could end the Armenian-language broadcasts of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a key source of information for a considerable part of Armenia's population. The two bills sent to the parliament late on Tuesday were swiftly condemned by local media rights groups and top opposition leaders as an attempt to muzzle what they regard as the only electronic media outlet not controlled by the administration of President Robert Kocharian. One of the proposed legal amendments would ban the Armenian Public Television and Radio (HHHR) from retransmitting programs of foreign broadcasters. RFE/RL's Armenian Service primarily relies on the HHHR's radio frequencies to air its daily news programs across Armenia. Under the other amendment, the private radio stations, which air some of those programs, would have to pay hefty fees to the state budget. Government officials have yet to explain the rationale for the proposed changes which seem to have taken leaders of the parliament's pro-government majority by surprise. They on Wednesday praised RFE/RL's activities in Armenia but would not specify if they will urge fellow lawmakers to reject the government initiative. "I will express my view once the discussion begins," said parliament speaker Tigran Torosian. "I think we should stay calm and wait until the government rapporteur presents the bill and his arguments in its favor." The opposition minority in the parliament was quick to condemn the bills, with Raffi Hovannisian, leader of the Zharangutyun (Heritage) party, saying that he fears that they are a prelude to ending RFE/RL broadcasts in Armenia. "The prime minister and the government must be mindful of the goals and consequences of their legislative initiatives," said Hovannisian. "Zharangutyun will vote against them. We consider this a blow to the interests of the Republic of Armenia and the rights of our citizens." The condemnation was echoed by virtually all other major opposition groups not represented in the recently elected legislature. "Radio Liberty is the only free broadcaster operating in Armenia," said Vazgen Manukian of the National Democratic Union. "Shutting it down would mean shutting down Armenia. This would be the greatest disgrace of recent years." "Why are they doing this? Because they are afraid of Radio Liberty," said Aram Sarkisian, another prominent oppositionist. "Radio Liberty is the only broadcaster which is independent and not controlled by the authorities." "During all these years our public received objective information only from Radio Liberty's Armenian service," agreed Grigor Harutiunian of the People's Party of Armenia. "In the run-up to the presidential elections they are moving to strip the public of this sole source of objective information." RFE/RL had for decades served as one of the few sources of uncensored information for the peoples of the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satellites. The collapse of Communism enabled the U.S.-funded corporation to legally operate inside the former Communist bloc and reach retransmission agreements with local broadcasters. RFE/RL's Armenian service was likewise able to openly operate in Armenia and lease state radio frequencies until being controversially forced off the air in late 1994 by then President Levon Ter-Petrosian. The move forced the service to rely only on the far less accessible shortwave broadcasts from Europe. Kocharian resumed the retransmission of its programs by state radio shortly after he came to power in 1998. But in recent years, he has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with RFE/RL's coverage of elections and other political developments in Armenia which he says casts his administration only in a negative light. Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, who intends to succeed Kocharian in next year's presidential election, has likewise criticized RFE/RL's news reporting and coverage of last month's parliamentary elections in particular. During the election campaign he specifically faulted the Prague-headquartered broadcaster for quoting participants of rallies held by his Republican Party as saying that they were forced to attend the gatherings by government officials. By contrast, RFE/RL's election coverage has always been praised not only by opposition politicians but also Western election observers. The latter have been far more critical of the Armenian TV and radio stations, virtually all of them loyal to the country's leadership. Armenia's leading media associations take a similar view. Their representatives expressed serious concern at the government bills, saying that their main target is RFE/RL. "They should have officially called it a bill on discontinuing retransmission of the Radio Liberty programs," said Mesrop Harutiunian of the Yerevan Press Club. "I believe that both bills are directed against Radio Liberty," agreed David Sandukhchian, a lawyer at the media support group Internews Armenia. "Their purpose is to at least complicate its work." http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniareport/report/en/2007/06/A02E3B4D-03F3-4B15-840A-0C865371B5C0.ASP (via A.Gupta-IND Jun 28, 2007 in CDX-ML) ............................................................... Misc - CUBA More Cubans watching TV Marti, says government report Text of press release by the US Department of State website on 20 June, summarizing the inspection of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) by the US Department of State and the Broadcasting Board of Governors Office of Inspector General. OCB operates Spanish-language broadcasting to Cuba on behalf of the US Government The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) has significantly improved its broadcasting operations under the current director and with the support of the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the International Broadcasting Bureau. The director and his senior staff have implemented an organizational realignment that combined the Radio and Television components of OCB and streamlined its operations. This reorganization has facilitated efforts to improve the quality of broadcasts. IBB quality reviews show that radio and television broadcasts have markedly improved over the past two years in production quality and content. Greater emphasis is needed on internal quality control to ensure editorial standards are followed. The introduction of new technology allows OCB to broadcast television signals live into Cuba using airborne platforms. These continuously moving aircraft make it significantly more difficult for the Cuban government to jam or disrupt the signal. Indications are that more Cubans are watching Television Marti broadcasts, and OCB has increased the quantity of daily programs. The airborne platforms concept was originated by the technical operations staff at OCB. Now operational, this innovative approach has applications for transmitting broadcast signals into other hostile theatres of operation. The Office of Inspector General team considers the use of an airborne platform, Aero Marti, to be a Best Practice. As Cuba transitions from the Fidel Castro regime, OCB will be challenged to continually produce high-quality programs that meet the informational and entertainment needs of the diverse Cuban populace. What is missing is a long-term strategic plan that anticipates the future needs of the Cuban audience, provides a template on how to compete with commercial broadcasters, and addresses what to do with OCB and its broadcasting facilities if and when uncensored broadcasting is allowed inside a democratic Cuba. Source: US Department of State website, Washington, DC, in English 20 Jun 07 (BBCM Jun 20, 2007 via CRW) REVIEW SHOWS U.S. BROADCASTS REACH CUBANS BUT FEW NUMBERS CITED --- By LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ Associated Press Writer MIAMI (AP) -- The U.S. government's anti-Castro radio and TV stations have improved significantly in recent years after allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to a draft State Department review of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. But how many people are watching and listening to the stations, designed to offer an alternative to the tightly controlled Cuban media, is unclear. The report, obtained by The Associated Press on the eve of a congressional debate over future Cuba-related funding, cites a boost in TV Martí's [hereafter: Marti, as published] signals reaching Cuba, but it bases those conclusions on anecdotal evidence not included in the report. "We're very pleased. I think it reflects the hard work that's being done here," said Alberto Mascaro, chief of staff for the Cuba broadcasting office, "and more importantly it reflects the hard work of our employees." Though similar reviews of the stations included listener and viewer data in past years, the recent audit, conducted from January through March, did not. However, the review lauded the broadcasting office's use of a Gulfstream jet to beam signals into Cuba, saying it could be replicated in other parts of the world where governments attempt to block U.S. broadcasts. Mascaro said conducting accurate surveys of Cuban listening and viewing patterns is next to impossible in the communist nation. Radio and TV Marti are requesting $33 million in next year's budget, down from $38 million they received last year. The Bush administration also requested $46 million for other Cuba-related programs to promote political change on the island, but a House bill likely headed to the floor this week slashed that to $9 million. That makes money for the Marti stations all the more important for those who support the current U.S. policy toward Cuba, which has been under an American trade embargo for more than 40 years. Critics, including U.S. Reps. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., have long accused the network of airing one-sided broadcasts and giving jobs to political allies. They also maintain the TV broadcasts are a waste of money because they have long been jammed by Fidel Castro's government. Delahunt, who said he has not yet seen the review, planned to conduct interviews this weekend and listen to concerns regarding Radio and TV Marti. The report makes a number of recommendations, including evaluating whether Marti programs recently carried on South Florida TV and radio stations reach Cubans. It also urged tighter security and better quality control to make sure Marti employees follow standards. Finally, the review urged the Cuba broadcasting office to create a long-term plan for providing programming in a post-Castro Cuba, as well as how to compete now with the "Telesur" satellite broadcast, funded by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's government. A spokeswoman for the State Department's inspector general's office, which conducted the review, said the agency would not comment on a report that had not yet been released. The review's findings were first reported by the Miami Herald (AP-NY-06-20-07 2125EDT via D.Alpert-CA-USA in DXLD 7-072) Report: TV, Radio Marti Reach In Cuba 'Improving' http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_171220345.html (CBS4) WASHINGTON The U.S. government's anti-Castro radio and TV stations have improved significantly in recent years after allegations of corruption and mismanagement, according to a draft State Department review of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. The report obtained on the eve of a congressional debate over future Cuba-related funding cites a boost in TV Marti's signals reaching Cuba, but it bases those conclusions on anecdotal evidence not included in the report, not on independent facts. "We're very pleased. I think it reflects the hard work that's being done here," said Alberto Mascaro, chief of staff for the Cuba broadcasting office, "and more importantly it reflects the hard work of our employees." A spokeswoman for the State Department's inspector general's office, which conducted the review, said the agency would not comment on a report that had not yet been released. Details of the report were first published in Wednesday's edition of CBS 4 news partner The Miami Herald. Radio and TV Marti are requesting about $34 million in next year's budget, down from $38 million they received last year. The Bush administration also requested $46 million for other Cuba-related programs to promote political change on the island, but a House bill likely headed to the floor this week slashed that to $9 million. That makes money for the Marti stations all the more important for those who support the current U.S. policy toward Cuba, which has been under an American trade embargo for more than 40 years. The U.S. transmissions were designed to offer an alternative to the tightly controlled Cuban media. Critics, including U.S. Reps. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., have long accused the network of airing one-sided broadcasts and giving jobs to political allies. They also maintain the TV broadcasts are a waste of money because they have long been jammed by Fidel Castro's government. The report makes a number of recommendations, including evaluating whether Marti programs recently carried on South Florida TV and radio stations reach Cubans. It also urged tighter security and better quality control to make sure Marti employees follow Voice of America standards. Finally, the review urged the Cuba broadcasting office to create a long-term plan for providing programming in a post-Castro Cuba, as well as how to compete now with the "Telesur" satellite broadcast, funded by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's government. The review lauded the broadcasting office's use of a Gulfstream jet to beam signals into Cuba, saying it could be replicated in other parts of the world where governments attempt to block U.S. broadcasts. The Cuba broadcasting office's deployment cost $10 million in 2006, and it plans to add another plane later this year. Both aircraft should cost about $6 million annually. Although in past years, similar reviews of the stations included listener and viewer data, the recent audit, conducted from January through March, did not. Mascaro said conducting accurate surveys of Cuban listening and viewing patterns is next to impossible in the communist nation. (CBS4 via Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 21, 2007 in CDX-ML) Radio, TV Martí debate revived June 23, 2007 By Tere Figueras Negrete Miami Herald U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt renewed his call for congressional hearings to examine the funding and content of Radio and TV Martí, visiting Miami during a week that included a passionate debate in Washington over federal funding of programs pushing for democracy in Cuba. The Massachusetts Democrat has been an outspoken critic of the Bush administration's policy toward Cuba, and advocates loosening the trade embargo and travel restrictions to the island. "If we truly embrace freedom, we have to do it in a way that makes a difference," said Delahunt. He said an examination of Radio and TV Martí's operations and finances are part of an overall need to revamp attitudes toward U.S.-Cuba relations. "Those who have stayed the course have not made a difference in 50 years. With all due respect to them, they are the indispensable allies of Fidel Castro," he said. Delahunt, who brought with him members of the congressional investigative staff, met with Radio and TV Martí officials including Pedro Roig, head of the U.S. Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Alberto Mascaró, chief of staff for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, said the congressman came at the behest of Radio and TV Martí officials. "It's important to note that we actually invited the congressman to visit us," said Mascaró, who described the talks as "cordial" and said network officials were confident in the transparency and efficiency of the operation. "He did mention some things he'd like to have hearings on," he said. ``That's the American system and the right of Congress to do." Delahunt singled out finances, content, and whether Cubans on the island are able to hear the broadcasts as reasons for the hearings. Delahunt also described the meeting as amicable, and said Roig was ``very forthcoming and pledged his cooperation. As a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, he had promised congressional hearings last year shortly after Democrats won control of Congress. Delahunt, who previously said the hearings would take place by February, said Saturday there is no set date for the hearings, but they should take place ``in a couple of months." The Miami-based Radio and TV Martí, which in recent years has faced allegations of mismanagement and political cronyism, have cost taxpayers more than $250 million in the past decade. The anti-Castro television and radio stations, overseen by Office of Cuba Broadcasting, were created to beam pro-democracy messages to people on the island. Congress approved $33 million for the agency's budget last week, including $5 million a year for an airplane to broadcast TV Martí to the island, one of the tactics used to avoid Cuban authorities jamming the broadcast signal. Critics, including Delahunt, have long accused the network of airing one-sided broadcasts, awarding plum jobs to political allies, and question whether the TV broadcasts -- frequently jammed by the Cuban government -- are worth the money. Earlier this week, a draft report from the State Department concluded the broadcasts had improved significantly in recent years. The official report has not been released, but the draft noted that anecdotal evidence suggests the broadcasts were reaching a larger audience on the island, although it did not provide any concrete numbers. U.S. Rep Lincoln Díaz-Balart said Saturday he supported any congressional examination of Radio and TV Martí, but said the Massachusetts congressman's broader criticisms of Cuba policy were off-base. "With regard to transparency, it's good to show these are important and effective programs," said Díaz-Balart, who said he hoped the review will help Radio and TV Martí improve their broadcasts. ``But with regard to Mr. Delahunt, he has become one of the most constant advocates of the same position shared by the Cuban dictatorship." Added Díaz-Balart: ``He really has become predictable in his extremism." Last week also brought a heated debate onto the House floor over the future of U.S. funding of democracy programs in Cuba. The vote was the first on Cuba legislation under a Democrat-controlled Congress. On Thursday, the House approved a major increase in money for U.S. programs that support dissidents on the island. President Bush requested almost $46 million for Cuba democracy programs for the 2008 fiscal year, five times the amount allotted for 2007. A group of Democrats had earlier cut the aid back to $9 million, arguing there was not enough oversight to justify the money would be well-spent. They noted a government report that cited abuse in the programs, such as the purchase of cashmere sweaters and pricey chocolates. But a successful amendment proposed by two Cuban-American congressmen -- Díaz-Balart, a Republican, and New Jersey's Albio Sires, a Democrat -- brought the dollar amount back to the original proposed by the president. http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/149468.html (Miami Herald Jun 23, 2007 vai M.Terry-G in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Misc - IRAN History: Vo Mojahed This personal website http://www.khodabandeh.org contains a biography that describes some of the operations behind the clandestine radio station "Voice of Mojahed" (cf. http://www.clandestineradio.com/intel/station.php?id=86&stn=44 ), mainly from the 1980s. (B.Trutenau-LTU Jun 18, 2007 in DXLD-ML) ............................................................... Misc - ISRAEL West Bank and Gaza: PFLP radio station robbed in Gaza City Text of report in English by Palestinian Ma'an News Agency website The PFLP-affiliated [Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine] Ash Sha'b radio station in Gaza City was burgled on Friday evening [15 June]. The station's board of directors issued a statement saying that an unidentified mob ransacked the station's headquarters on Jamal Abd An Nasser street in Gaza City and stole the contents of the building, which are estimated to amount to 70,000 US dollars. The chair of the board of directors, Tho il Faqar Swear, condemned the assault and held the "parties in charge" responsible for the robbery. Source: Ma'an News Agency website, Bethlehem, in English 1725 gmt 17 Jun 07 (BBCM Jun 17, 2007 via CRW) PALESTINE TV IN GAZA FALLS INTO HAMAS HANDS The Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation has been paralyzed since it was taken over by Hamas over the weekend. PBC employees in Gaza are barred from reaching their workplace, while Hamas has confiscated the broadcasting equipment, studios and archives and are using it for their own programming. The Palestinian television channel is no longer transmitting pictures from Gaza, and has transferred all of its broadcasting to Ramallah. PBC Chairman Bassem Abu Sumayya said the PBC was using another frequency for its broadcasts. The building accommodating the Voice of Palestine radio station was set alight. Read the full story at The Media Line http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=18017 (A.Sennit-HOL Jun 18, 2007 in Media Network blog via DXLD 7-071) ............................................................... Misc - KOREA (NORTH) Japan to launch radio program for abductees in N. Korea in July WAKAYAMA, Japan, June 16 KYODO http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=320838 The government will launch a shortwave radio program as early as on July 9 aimed at Japanese abductees possibly surviving in North Korea, Kyoko Nakayama, the prime minister's adviser on the abduction issue, said Saturday. The daily program will carry information on Japan's efforts to save the abductees and on the victims' hometowns, Nakayama told a meeting on the abduction issue in Kainan, Wakayama Prefecture. (Kyodo via Z.Liangas-GRC Jun 16, 2007 in CDX-ML) ............................................................... Misc - LAOS [Re 7-067, is Hmong Lao Radio involved, or not?] PAO VANG ARRESTED IN CALIFORNIA --- AUTHORITIES: PAO MASTERMIND IN VIOLENT PLOT TO OVERTHROW LAOS GOVERNMENTUPDATED: 11:48 am CDT June 6, 2007 MADISON, Wis. -- Opponents to naming Madison's newest elementary school in honor of a controversial Hmong general have a new argument in their ongoing battle to change the school's name: Vang Pao is now under arrest and charged with plotting a violent overthrow of Laos' communist government, according to Forbes Magazine. VIDEO: Watch The Report According to The Associated Press, Vang Pao was the mastermind behind the plot. Eight others were also arrested and charged; authorities said that they believe there will be more arrests. Vang Pao is in federal custody after a raid near Fresno, Calif., involving 200 agents. Federal prosecutors said that Pao, and a former lieutenant colonel with the California National Guard were raising money to recruit a small army, as well as stockpiling weapons, including anti-tank missiles and grenade launchers. Prosecutors said they didn't know the arms dealer was an ATF agent. . . http://www.channel3000.com/news/13442082/detail.html (WISC Jun 6, 2007 via DXLD 7-070) Much more detailed report, still not mentioning HLR: http://www.startribune.com/484/story/1225057.html [and there have been several follow-up stories; search the site on vang, such as: http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1230389.html - gh] TUESDAY: VANG PAO CHARGED IN LAOS PLOT By Curt Brown, Star Tribune Last update: June 05, 2007 – 10:46 PM The once revered leader of Minnesota's Hmong and eight others were arrested in an alleged plot to overthrow the Laos government. In an indictment sure to jolt Minnesota's large Hmong population, federal authorities in California charged Gen. Vang Pao and eight others Monday with plotting to overthrow the Communist government in their former homeland of Laos. "We are looking at conspiracy to murder thousands and thousands of people at one time," Assistant U.S. Attorney Bob Twiss said in court. Vang Pao led Hmong soldiers who fought alongside the CIA and U.S. troops during the Vietnam War, paving the way for thousands of Hmong to end up in Minnesota. Once revered, Vang Pao has had his popularity and credibility decline in recent years. Two years ago, the Minnesota attorney general's office forced the Vang Pao Foundation to close and pay restitution after violating state nonprofit laws. Vang Pao splits his time between homes in Minnesota and Orange County, Calif. He was scheduled to be in St. Paul for next month's Hmong soccer tournament. He is now in custody after being arrested at his home in Westminster, Calif., on Monday morning. "Some people have positive feelings about the general, some don't like him ... but this will come as a shock," said Ilean Her, director of the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans. "I have to see some evidence," she said. "He's at the trail end of his popularity and I would say these charges would have had more credibility 10 years ago when he had much more influence, at least here in Minnesota." Xang Vang -- who drives the general when he comes to Minnesota, including a trip for a veterans' celebration earlier this year -- said that despite the recent controversies with his foundation, Vang Pao remains highly respected in the local Hmong community. "He's like George Washington to the American citizens," said Vang, who runs the Hmong American Mutual Assistance Association. "Without him, the Hmong would all be dead in Laos." Vang Pao has long been unwavering in his promise to Hmong refugees that he would help them overthrow the Communist government of Laos so that they could one day return to their homeland. He has reportedly raised millions of dollars in the past 25 years, often from impoverished Hmong families who make monthly contributions to a secretive organization called Neo Hom. Her said the indictment will likely spark fear in the local Hmong community, which is considered the largest urban concentration of Hmong in the country. "Resistance fighting can now be labeled as terrorism by U.S. authorities," Her said. "The local community will want to see the evidence." Six-month investigation The nine men indicted, including Harrison Ulrich Jack, a 1968 graduate of West Point, allegedly conspired to obtain hundreds of AK-47s, Stinger missiles, anti-tank missiles, mines, rockets and C-4 explosive, as well as smoke grenades, to overthrow the Laotian government. All the suspects are in custody and appeared before a federal magistrate judge in U.S. District Court in Placerville, Calif., on Monday afternoon to hear the charges read against them. The charges stem from a six-month undercover investigation, dubbed "Operation Tarnished Eagle," that included a series of meetings with undercover federal agents during which the plotters allegedly discussed moving weapons into safe houses in Thailand and Laos. Vang Pao is accused with the eight others of violating the U.S. neutrality act by plotting on American soil to invade a foreign country. Jack, a former U.S. infantry officer who retired in 1977 as a lieutenant colonel in the California National Guard, allegedly approached defense contractors seeking munitions for the plot, according to a criminal complaint. Some of the suspects allegedly sought out former Army Special Forces and Navy Seal veterans to serve as mercenaries. 125 AK-47s and 20,000 rounds The complaint charges that since January the suspects have inspected a wide variety of weapons, including AK-47s, Stinger missiles and Claymore mines. The complaint said the group purchased "an initial installment of 125 AK-47 machine guns, 20,000 rounds of ammunition, and crates of smoke grenades for a purchase price of $100,000, to be delivered in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 12, 2007." A $50,000 payment was to be made June 11, with the balance to be handed over the next day, when the weapons were to be received, the complaint said. A third payment of $50,000 was to cover the purchase of some Stinger missiles, the government contends. Jack allegedly met and spoke with an undercover federal agent several times to discuss weapons procurement, and had budgeted $9.8 million for the desired munitions. The money was to come from "contributions from community leaders through the clan leadership," the complaint says. Various discussions of the plot allegedly took place at Sacramento-area bars, restaurants and hotels, and the parking lot of a Kmart near Hwy. 99 in Stockton. Reducing targets 'to rubble' In May, the complaint said, the suspects had "intelligence operatives" in place in the capital city of Vientiane, Laos, "conducting surveillance of military and government facilities in downtown Vientiane." The suspects also "issued an operations plan to a contractor to conduct a military strike in downtown Vientiane," the complaint said, "against specifically identified military and civilian government personnel and buildings." It said the suspects told their mercenary force "to reduce [the targets] to rubble, and make them look like the results of the attack upon the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001." 1 PDF: Complaints against Vang Pao [90 pages, double-spaced typed, tilted, photocopied] http://media.startribune.com/smedia/2007/06/04/20/jackcomplaint.source.prod_affiliate.2.pdf Staff writers Howie Padilla, Paul McEnroe and the Sacramento Bee contributed to this report (Star Tribune Jun 5, 2007 via WORLD OF RADIO 1363 in DXLD 7-070) ............................................................... Misc - USA US House to approve increased funds for international broadcasting Excerpt from report by VOA News.com website on 20 June The House of Representatives is considering a 34bn dollar measure for U.S. international assistance programmes and other foreign affairs priorities. Known as the foreign operations bill, the measure contains money for a range of global priorities, from AIDS treatment and prevention, and assistance to Darfur to peacekeeping and democracy-building. [passage omitted] The legislation, which must also be approved by the Senate, also contains money for U.S. government-funded international broadcasting, including Voice of America. In providing about 32m dollars more than 2007 levels for broadcasting, and 14m above the president's original request, lawmakers provide funding to roll back proposed cuts to specific language programmes. VOA English, which has been slated for elimination, is described as making an essential contribution to U.S. public diplomacy, and especially important since it provides accurate, objective and comprehensive news to a potential English-speaking audience of 1.6bn people worldwide. Lawmakers also recommend full restoration for VOA broadcasts in Albanian, Bosnian, Croatian, Greek, Macedonian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Uzbek, Hindi, Cantonese, Thai and Tibetan. Similar recommendations are made regarding proposed cuts in Tibetan and Cantonese at Radio Free Asia, along with five European language services of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The legislation also funds increased broadcasting to North Korea in accordance with the North Korea Human Rights Act approved by Congress in 2004. Lawmakers are withholding funds to enhance the U.S. funded Al-Hurra Arabic language television for the Middle East, in the wake of controversy over programming it aired, including anti-American and anti-Israel statements by Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. That controversy led to the recent resignation of the station's top official in charge of news, and Congress is awaiting reports from the Broadcasting Board of Governors and the State Department Inspector General on management and other changes. Source: VOA News.com website, Washington D.C., in English 20 Jun 07 (BBCM Jun 20, 2007 via CRW) ............................................................... Misc - VENEZUELA US Congress approves funding for broadcasts to Venezuela Excerpt from press release by the official state.gov website of US Congressman Connie Mack on 21 June The House of Representatives approved an amendment offered by Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today [21 June] that will provide an accurate and comprehensive alternative source of news to the people of Venezuela. Mack's amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which passed by a voice vote, would grant the Broadcasting Board of Governors the tools to increase broadcasting to Venezuela and Latin America. On the House floor earlier today, Mack, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and one of Congress' most outspoken critics of Hugo Chavez, gave the following address: "While we in this chamber can debate in freedom, the American people can hear and see our every word thanks to a free press. But in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela, the only thing the people can see or hear are the things that Hugo Chavez lets his media print and broadcast. "Freedom of the Press died in Venezuela on 27 May 2007, when Chavez shut down Radio Caracas Television (RCTV). "This was just the latest in a long line of actions to snuff out free press, free speech, and free thought. "By shutting down the largest and oldest TV network in the country, Chavez is sending a message to all other media that he has the power to do anything he wants with radio and TV stations." [passage omitted] "As the window on independent media in Venezuela closes, Voice of America will play a critical role in getting the truth out about what is happening in the country. "Voice of America must provide and create additional programmes. With targeted funding, Voice of America can have an even greater ability and capability to broadcast longer with more programming. "Voice of America serves a significant counter to Chavez propaganda being exported to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador and Cuba. "Mr. Chairman, my amendment would specifically grant the Broadcasting Board of Governors the tools to increase broadcasting to Venezuela and Latin America. [passage omitted] In 2005, the House passed Mack's amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act that would authorize the U.S. Government, through the Broadcasting Board of Governors, to initiate radio and television broadcasts that will provide a consistently accurate, objective, and comprehensive source of news to Venezuela. Source: US Congressman Connie Mack website press release, Washington, DC, in English 21 Jun 07 (BBCM Jun 21, 2007 via CRW) HOUSE APPROVES MACK AMENDMENT PROMOTING VOICE OF AMERICA BROADCASTS TO VENEZUELA --- June 21, 2007 - http://mack.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.View&ContentRecord_id=391 "While we in this chamber can debate in freedom, the American people can hear and see our every word thanks to a free press. But in Hugo Chávez’s Venezuela, the only thing the people can see or hear are the things that Hugo Chávez lets his media print and broadcast." – Congressman Connie Mack WASHINGTON - The House of Representatives approved an amendment offered by Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) today that will provide an accurate and comprehensive alternative source of news to the people of Venezuela. Mack’s amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which passed by a voice vote, would grant the Broadcasting Board of Governors the tools to increase broadcasting to Venezuela and Latin America. On the House floor earlier today, Mack, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and one of Congress’ most outspoken critics of Hugo Chávez, gave the following address: "While we in this chamber can debate in freedom, the American people can hear and see our every word thanks to a free press. But in Hugo Chávez’s Venezuela, the only thing the people can see or hear are the things that Hugo Chávez lets his media print and broadcast. "Freedom of the Press died in Venezuela on May 27, 2007, when Chávez shut down Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV). "This was just the latest in a long line of actions to snuff out free press, free speech, and free thought. "By shutting down the largest and oldest TV network in the country, Chávez is sending a message to all other media that he has the power to do anything he wants with radio and TV stations. "The government is targeting opposition voices because of their massive reach, appeal, and influence throughout the country. "Chávez said, "I am going to go after those who resist the revolution and eliminate them one by one" in reference to one of the only remaining independent voices left in Venezuela. "As the window on independent media in Venezuela closes, Voice of America will play a critical role in getting the truth out about what is happening in the country. "Voice of America must provide and create additional programs. With targeted funding, Voice of America can have an even greater ability and capability to broadcast longer with more programming. "Voice of America serves a significant counter to Chávez propaganda being exported to Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador and Cuba. [a reference to TeleSur? --- gh] "Mr. Chairman, my amendment would specifically grant the Broadcasting Board of Governors the tools to increase broadcasting to Venezuela and Latin America. "Chávez’s communist plans for the future do not include independent media and freedom of the press. "We must recognize the War on Terrorism is in our backyard. The gang of countries lining up with Chávez is powerful: Bolivia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and others together with the likes of Iran. We must recognize the serious threat to our national security. "In fact, just this morning, Chávez announced plans to visit Iran in a few weeks, following a long courtship between the two countries. "The window on freedom is closing fast. "We cannot turn our backs on the people of Venezuela. We must do more to promote freedom inside Venezuela. "America has always been the beacon of freedom in our hemisphere. "Now we must be the pillar of hope for the people of Venezuela and our friends and neighbors in Latin America who fear Hugo Chávez and his communist revolution." In 2005, the House passed Mack’s amendment to the Foreign Relations Authorization Act that would authorize the U.S. Government, through the Broadcasting Board of Governors, to initiate radio and television broadcasts that will provide a consistently accurate, objective, and comprehensive source of news to Venezuela. -- 30 – (C.Mack`s website mack.house.gov via DXLD 7-072) Sergei Says: June 22nd, 2007 at 15:12 e --- First, the US Congress basically shut down all VoA’s Spanish-language programming into Latin America. Now they scramble for a new service. Go figure! Is it going to be Radio Bolívar or Free Venezuela? (S.Sosedkin-CAN Jun 22, 2007 in Media Network blog via DXLD 7-072) ?? VOA Spanish to LAm amounts to two sesquihours a day, still: http://www.voanews.com/english/about/frequenciesAtoZ_s.cfm And part of it in the morning is for the Andes, which includes Venezuela. One could not expect Mack to know that. (G.Hauser-OK-USA Jun 23, 2007 in DXLD 7-072) Venezuelan Information Minister Willian Lara: "This constitutes an escalation in the media campaign that Bush has unleashed against the Venezuelan revolution. Truth is winning and will keep winning this battle. Imperial lies against Venezuela will be defeated." http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=aWIagrBQRIVg&refer=latin_america (Bloomberg, Jun 22, 2007 via kimandrewelliott.com via DXLD 7-072) ............................................................... Misc - WESTERN ARFICA ............................................................... Misc - WESTERN SAHARA ............................................................... Misc - ZIMBABWE ------------xxxxxxxxxx Sources xxxxxxxxxx---------------------- Contributors: Anker Petersen, Eckhard Röscher, Edward Kusalik, Gaku Iwata, José Miguel Romero, Wolfgang Büschel, Zacharias Liangas Also thanks to BBCM, BCDX, DXLD, DXW and JAP. 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