New digital radio system for the Netherlands

After extensive market research, the Dutch infrastructure provider, KPN, selected London based radioscape to provide the new Eureka 147 (DAB / DAB+) Encoding / Multiplex systems to replace the system originally installed in 2005 and that has been providing up to 12 channels of Digital Radio in DAB for the Dutch Public Broadcaster.

The new system was installed for KPN and will take over from the current system after 6 weeks of trials are completed. During this time, training was carried out for staff to prepare them for the new digital environment that will become the norm in the Netherlands and may include other advances available from radioscape, such as:

5.1 Surround Sound
Visual Slide Show
Electronic Programme Guide
Traffic and Travel Information
DAB+ (with significantly more stations on each ensemble grouping).

Radioscape’s Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Tony Orwin has been involved with DAB in the Netherlands since 2004 and as he commented, “I believe that it is the company’s policy of “partnering” with their existing and new clients to help the technology advance in the global market place that has enabled us to become intimately aware of the precise needs of the broadcasters and to design systems that meet those technical, commercial and operational requirements so well.

“It has been a pleasure working with KPN over that period and to have been able to deliver a system now that so closely matches their ongoing requirements. Radioscape’s engineers and sales team have worked closely with KPN to ensure that the system will support KPN and its role of delivering Digital Radio to the people of the Netherlands - well into the future”.

(Source: radioscape via Media Network Weblog)

Games Hook Shortwave Listeners

Ways to listen to Radio Prague

Radio Prague broadcasts in English, German and Russian in Prague and its surroundings from Monday to Friday from 18:05 to 18:25 UTC on 92.6 FM – twelve minutes of that time is dedicated to the English broadcast – a news bulletin and two daily reports. All the ways in which you can hear our programmes are listed on our website

http://www.radio.cz/en/static/about-radio-prague/how-to-listen-to-radio-prague

Regarding reception reports: an updated version of the old reception report form will be put up on our website soon at http://www.radio.cz/en/report . It should be quite self-explanatory.

(Source : Radio Prague Website)

RNW increasing its broadcasts to Egypt

Radio Netherlands Worldwide is increasing its broadcasts to Egypt after the authorities shut down internet and mobile services. RNW will increase its Arabic broadcasts using satellites that are not controlled by the Egyptian authorities. RNW journalists are also producing text-television which can be received through satellite. RNW programmes which can be downloaded through satellites are also broadcast on local FM stations.

Satellite details are now as follows:

1900-2300 UTC

Hotbird 6, 13.0° East

Footprint: Europe, North Africa and Middle East

11.604 GHz/H
symbol rate: 27.500
FEC: 5/6
Channel: RNW4 left

1900-2000 and 2200-2300 UTC 

Hotbird 6, 13.0° East

 
Footprint: Europe, North Africa and Middle East
12.597 GHz/V
symbol rate: 27.500
FEC: 3/4
Channel: Sawt Al Alam

Arabsat BADR 4, 26° East
Footprint: Africa and Middle East
11.996 GHz/V
symbol rate: 27.500
FEC: 3/4
Channel: Sawt Al Alam

NileSat 101, 7° West
Footprint: Africa and Middle East
11.765 GHz/H
symbol rate: 27.500
FEC: 3/4
Channel: Sawt Al Alam

There are also extra shortwave transmissions in Dutch for the estimated 8,000 Dutch citizens in Egypt:
0600-0700 UTC on 9830 kHz
1600-1700 UTC on 5955 kHz + 9750 kHz
1730-1830 UTC on 11615 kHz + 11655 kHz

(Source : Radio Netherlands Media Network Weblog)

Winners of CRI's Zhejiang Knowledge Contest

Winners of Zhejiang Knowledge Contest 





First prize winners 10 ( Mouse and Silk Mouse Mat ) 

Hedley Williams,USADr. Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso,USA
Richard P. Wilds,USA
Mary Quill,USA
Daniel Say,CANADA
Calvin Lyn Kew,Canada
Brian Kendall,U.K.
Robert Morrison, U.K.
Marc Soens,Belgium
Mg Thein Soe,Malaysia

Second prize winners 20 (Silk Mouse Mat)

Maili Tannbaum,Estonia
Ivar Lass,Estonia
Viktor O. Ledenyov,Ukraine
Keith A. Simmonds,U.K.
Greti Yaneva Terzieva,Bulgaria
Kim Yeonjoon,South Korea
Aruna S. Hapuarachchi,Sri Lanka
Rafiullah Mandokhail,Pakistan
S.P.Garg,India
Chin Fok Min,Malaysia
Bernadette-Ann Simmons,Trinidad & Tobago
Richard Chen,Trinidad &Tobago
Mohamed Fathy,Egypt
Hanan Osman Abdel Kader,Egypt
Nuraddeen Ibrahim Adam,Nigeria
Salisu M.Dawanau,Nigeria
Abdellah Rahmouni,Algeria
Hugo Longhi,Argentina
Carlos Campos Aldana,Cuba
Ray Davey,New Zealand

Third prize winners 30 ( Silk Wrist Bag)

Helen Tiu,Philippines
Santhad Prakkamakul,Thailand
A.Balendra,Sri Lanka
Shanthi Hapuarachchi,Sri Lanka
Gayan Lenagala,Sri Lanka
Sanusi Isah,Morocco
Taoufik Jaber,Morocco
Stephen Wara,Cameroon
Mrs. Fru Glory Zii,Cameroon
R��gis Bonnet,France
V��ronique Bonnet,France
M. Jayadi D.,Indonesia
Kim Yeonjoon,South Korea
Tanzin Khan,Bangladesh
Mrs. Rehana Huda,Bangladesh
Md. Sahadot Hossain,Bangladesh
Rahat Nisar,Pakistan
Riaz Ahmad Khan,Pakistan
Sheryaar Hashmi,Pakistan
Syed Ali Akbar,Pakistan
Sajid Ali Soomro,Pakistan
Mrs.Sudeshna Bosu,India
Surendra Kumar,India
Kamlesh Gautam,India
Mr.Adarsh Jawale,India
Prmod Kumar Maheshwari,India
Mrs. Anasuya Ghosh,India
D. R. Chhatri,India
Tikaram Ghimire,Nepal
Ian Morrison,USA


(Source : CRI Website) http://english.cri.cn/6909/2011/01/28/53s618069.htm

Frequency Change

Czech Republic: A frequency change made by Radio Liberty in Kyrgyz:
- from 12.00 to 12.30 hours on a new frequency of 11805 Tinang 250 kilowatts/315 degrees, with interference from the Voice of Turkey in Chinese. The new frequency is 11955.

Turkey: Some frequency changes made by the Voice of Turkey and effective from January 14 through a transmitter in Emerler 500 kilowatts:
- from 12.00 to 12.55 hours in Chinese with new frequency 11805/72 degrees to East Asia, with interference from Radio Liberty in Kyrgyz until 12.30 hours. The new frequency is 17715.
- from 13.30 to 14.25 hours is the new time of the broadcast in Uyghur at the frequency 13685/72 degrees to East Asia rather than from 15.00 to 15.55 hours on 11620.
- from 16.00 to 16.55 hours in Persian on a new frequency of 5930/105 degrees for Western Asia, with strong interference from Radio Prague in German until 16.30 hours. The changed rate is 9530.
- from 23.00 to 23.55 hours in English on a new frequency of 7335/310 degrees for North America, with interference only on Saturdays from World Harvest Radio International (WHRI) in English. The new frequency is 5960.

United Kingdom/Armenia: Frequency change made by FEBA Radio:
- from 16.00 to 16.30 hours in Guragena from Monday to Wednesday and in Amharic from Thursday to Sunday and
from 16.30 to 17.00 hours in Amharic daily on a new frequency of 9940 Yerevan 300 kilowatts/192 degrees to East Africa. The new frequency is 9900 kHz.

Germany: Frequency change made by Deutsche Welle in its English broadcasts to South Asia:
- from 16.00 to 17.00 hours on a new frequency of 15275 Sines 250 kilowatts/080 degrees. The new frequency is 9560.

USA: Frequency change made by the VOA in its Albanian-language broadcasts:
- from 19.30 to 20.00 hours on a new frequency of 6015 Sao Tome 100 kilowatts/20 degrees instead of on 11740.

USA: At the end, the winter schedule of WEWN Global Catholic Radio via transmitters in Vandiver, Alabama, with a capacity of 250 kilowatts:

- in English:
from 00.00 to 03.00 hours on 11520 and from 12.00 to 15.00 hours on 15610, azimuth 40 degrees to the Middle East;
from 03.00 to 06.00 hours on 11520 and from 15.00 to 19.00 on 15610, azimuth 40 degrees to Western Europe;
from 06.00 to 09.00 hours on 11520 and from 19.00 to 24.00 on 15610, azimuth 85 degrees to West Africa;
from 09.00 to 12.00 hours on 9390, Azimuth 335 degrees to Southeast Asia.

- in Spanish, azimuth 155 degrees to South America:
from 00.00 to 10.00 hours on 11870, from 10.00 to 17.00 hours on 12050 and from 17.00 to 24.00 on 13830.

- in Spanish, azimuth 220 degrees to Central America:
from 00.00 to 05.00 on 5810, from 05.00 to 13.00 hours on 7555, from 13.00 to 18.00 on 11550 and from 18.00 to 24.00 on 12050.

(Source : Ivo Ivanov, Frequency Manager of Radio Bulgaria via DX Mix) 

RFI to expand editorial coverage of Rwanda

Following the restoration of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and France, the Managing Director of Radio France International (RFI), Geneviève Goetzinger, has announced that RFI is set to expand its coverage across the country. Ms Goetzinger, who is on a one-week working visit to Rwanda, said in an interview yesterday that her visit is aimed at hiring correspondents.

“We have been on Rwandan airwaves since October last year but we didn’t have correspondents here, and now we are expanding coverage especially on health issues, the current country’s developments, internal political affairs and education and among others,” she said. “We are going to use local journalists who know the country very well; we shall only bring two French technicians. We will be reporting current affairs values and viewpoints independently, impartially, honestly and pluralistically.”

Ms Goetzinger noted that the new development will help revive the station’s fan base in the country and further strengthen relations between Rwanda and France. According to the official, RFI’s audience is estimated at 35 million regular listeners worldwide.

(Source: The New Times via Radio Netherland's Media Network Weblog)

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) President to step down

The ABU President, Yoshinori Imai, announced today that he is resigning on 29 January both as Executive Vice President of Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, and from the ABU position.

In a letter to ABU members, Mr Imai noted that the President of NHK, Shigeo Fukuchi, had also left his position with the termination of his term and had been succeeded by Masayuki Matsumoto, former Vice Chairman of Central Japan Railway Company.

“Appointment of my successor will be announced shortly. Regrettably, this means that I am also now unable to continue as President of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.”

Mr Imai, who has been ABU President since 2008, thanked members for their warm support and cooperation.

Under the ABU statutes, Datuk Ibrahim Yahaya, Vice President of the ABU and Director-General of RTM-Malaysia, will become acting President until a new President is electing at the coming General Assembly in November.

Mr Imai said he was confident that under the leadership of Datuk Ibrahim and the Secretary-General, Javad Mottaghi, the union would continue to develop and to serve its members.

“My heartfelt thanks go to all of you who understand the importance of the activities of the broadcasting union and share the professional spirit to work for the sake of viewers and listeners.

“The last few years in which I served for the ABU were the time of historic change for us broadcasters where the monopoly of information by the mass media is challenged by the emergence of the Internet.

“Against this backdrop, broadcasters have to embrace the change and will have to adapt themselves to the new era.”

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, http://www.abu.org.my/abu/index.cfm)

Radio Prague’s Christmas Competition Result

Christmas Competition 2010 

The contest is over! We thank to all participants. 

The solution of our crossword is TŘEBECHOVICE. You can visit the photogallery of this Nativity scenes on our pages http://www.radio.cz/en/static/christmas/trebechovice-gallery

Winners

 
Mike Shea, UK
Sandeep Jawale, India
Steve Hurry, Luxembourg
Freddy De Groote, Belgium
Veronika Podzorova, Russia

Tetjana Tkačenko, Ukraine
Mirka Pětivoká, Czech Republic
Jérôme Favre, Switzerland
Tahar Djefel, Algeria
Tatjana Birjukova, Kazachstan

Michail Vladimirovič Kobrin, Belarus
Ricardo Castillo, Mexico
Lea Sabrsulova, France
Maria Francisca S. Gomes, Brasil
Monica Ayejes de Havlíček, Czech Republic

Martina Pohl, Germany
Hans Gosdschan, Germany
Yaimara Crespo Ramos, Cuba
Miguel Dominguez Jurado, Spain
Andreas Hanslok, Germany

Günther Wagner, Germany
Otto Břunda, Czech Republic
Luděk Rosendorf, Australia
Roberta Clarissa Leite, Brasil
Fr. Stephen Wara, Cameroon

Lucien Vidal, France
Anna Pytlíková, Czech Republic
Jindřiška Mazáčová, Czech Republic
Amis de Sedlcany, France
Edvinas Slavinskas, Lithuania

(Source : Radio Prague Website http://www.radio.cz/en/static/christmas-contest-2010/

BBC World Service cuts language services and radio broadcasts to meet tough Spending Review settlement

BBC World Service gave details of its response to a cut to its Grant-in-Aid funding from the UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office today.

BBC World Service is to carry out a fundamental restructure in order to meet the 16 per cent savings target required by the Government's Spending Review of 20 October last year.

To ensure the 16 per cent target is achieved and other unavoidable cost increases are met BBC World Service is announcing cash savings of 20 per cent over the next three years. This amounts to an annual saving of £46m by April 2014, when Grant-in-Aid funding comes to an end as BBC World Service transfers to television licence fee funding, agreed as part of the domestic BBC's licence fee settlement announced on the same day.

In the first year, starting in April 2011, the international broadcaster will be making savings of £19m on this year's operating expenditure of £236.7m (2010/11).

The changes include: 

five full language service closures;
the end of radio programmes in seven languages, focusing those services on online and new media content and distribution; and
a phased reduction from most short wave and medium wave distribution of remaining radio services.

BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks said: "This is a painful day for BBC World Service and the 180 million people around the world who rely on the BBC's global news services every week. We are making cuts in services that we would rather not be making. But the scale of the cut in BBC World Service's Grant-in-Aid funding is such that we couldn't cope with this by efficiencies alone.

"What won't change is the BBC's aim to continue to be the world's best known and most trusted provider of high quality impartial and editorially independent international news. We will continue to bring the BBC's expertise, perspectives and content to the largest worldwide audience, which will reflect well on Britain and its people."

BBC World Service also plans spending reductions and efficiencies across the board, targeted in particular in support areas where there will be average cuts of 33 per cent.

BBC World Service also expects to generate additional savings from the new ways of working after the move to the BBC's London headquarters at Broadcasting House in 2012, and also by the transfer of BBC World Service to television licence fee funding in April 2014.

Under these proposals 480 posts are expected to close over the next year.

By the time the BBC World Service moves in to the licence fee in 2014/15 we anticipate the number of proposed closures to reach 650. Some of these closures may be offset by new posts being created during this period.

It is expected that audiences will fall by more than 30 million from the current weekly audience of 180 million as a result of the changes this year.

The changes have been approved by the BBC Trust, the BBC Executive and, in relation to closure of services, The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, William Hague, as he is required to do under the terms of the BBC's agreement with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The changes in detail are:

Full language service closures
There will be the complete closure of five language services – Albanian, Macedonian, Portuguese for Africa and Serbian languages; as well as the English for the Caribbean regional service.

End of radio programming
BBC World Service will cease all radio programming – focusing instead, as appropriate, on online, mobile and television content and distribution – in the following languages: Azeri, Mandarin Chinese (note that Cantonese radio programming continues), Russian (save for some programmes which will be distributed online only), Spanish for Cuba, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian.

Reductions in short wave and medium wave radio distribution
There will be a phased reduction in medium wave and short wave throughout the period.

English language short wave and medium wave broadcasts to Russia and the Former Soviet Union are planned to end in March 2011. The 648 medium wave service covering Western Europe and south-east England will end in March 2011. Listeners in the UK can continue to listen on DAB, digital television and online. Those in Europe can continue to listen online or direct to home free-to-air satellite via Hotbird and UK Astra. By March 2014, short wave broadcasts of the English service could be reduced to two hours per day in Africa and Asia.

BBC World Service will cease all short wave distribution of its radio content in March 2011 in: Hindi, Indonesian, Kyrgyz, Nepali, Swahili and the Great Lakes service (for Rwanda and Burundi).

These radio services will continue to be available for audiences by other means of distribution such as FM radio (direct broadcasts and via partners); online; mobiles and other new media devices.

Short wave broadcasts in remaining languages other than English are expected to end by March 2014 with the exception of a small number of "lifeline" services such as Burmese and Somali.

English language programmes
There will be a new schedule for World Service English language programming – a focus on four daily news titles (BBC Newshour, BBC World Today, BBC World Briefing, and BBC World Have Your Say); and a new morning programme for Africa. There will be a new daily edition of From Our Own Correspondent; and an expansion of the interactive World Have Your Say programme.

There will be a reduction from seven to five daily pre-recorded "non-news" programmes on the English service. This includes the loss of one of the four weekly documentary strands. Some programmes will be shortened. Titles such as Politics UK, Europe Today, World Of Music, Something Understood, Letter From…, and Crossing Continents will all close. There will also be the loss of some correspondent posts.

Audience reduction
Audiences will fall by more than 30 million as a result of the changes announced on 26 January 2011. Investments in new services are planned in order to offset further net audience losses resulting from additional savings in the 2012-14 period.

Professional Services
There will be a substantial reduction in an already tight overhead budget. Teams in Finance, HR, Business Development, Strategy, Marketing and other administrative operations will face cuts averaging 33 per cent.

Job losses
Under these proposals 480 posts would be declared redundant; of these 26 posts are currently unfilled vacancies. BBC World Service is proposing to open 21 new posts. Therefore the net impact of these proposed changes could result in up to 433 posts being closed this financial year against a total staff number of 2400.

By the time the BBC World Service moves in to the licence fee in 2014/15 we anticipate the number of proposed closures to reach up to 650. Some of these closures may be offset by new posts being created during this period. 

Source : BBC World Service Press Office 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/01_january/26/worldservice.shtml

VOA eliminates Indonesian and Vietnamese shortwave, reduces Mandarin and French

On 15 January 2011, the Voice of America ended shortwave transmissions in Indonesian and Vietnamese, and reduced shortwave in Mandarin and French (to Africa).

Indonesian was at 0000-0030, 1130-1230, 1400-1500 and 2200-2400 UTC. VOA Indonesian has its largest audience by way of its television programs seen on Indonesian stations. These and VOA radio rebroadcasts in Indonesia continue.

Vietnamese was 1300-1330, 1500-1600 and 2230-2330 UTC. VOA Vietnamese has larger audiences via its medium wave frequencies, which were (and presumably still are) 1575 kHz via Thailand at 1300-1330 and 1170 kHz via the Philippines at 1500-1600. Audio via Asiasat and the internet also continues.

Mandarin shortwave is eliminated at 0100-0300 (09.00-11.00 China time) and 0700-0900 (15.00-17.00 China time). These are not prime listening times in China, and most VOA Mandarin programming during these hours is repeats. Audio streams via internet and satellite continue during these hours. VOA Mandarin continues on shortwave eight hours per day.

For French-to-Africa, leased shortwave transmissions at 0530-0630 (Mon-Fri) and at 2030-2100 (Sat-Sun) UTC are eliminated.

Source : http://www.kimandrewelliott.com/ 

Radio Netherlands will close its Bonaire shortwave relay in October 2012

Sergio Acosta interviewing Jan Willem Drexhage, head of Radio Netherlands distribution department: "SA: In an internal communication has been said that Radio Netherlands decided to close our relay station on Bonaire in late October next year, 2012. This is very sad news, this is the end of our jewel in the Caribbean. If so, then what is the future then our shortwave broadcasts? JWD: We regret it very much. It is a beautiful station, with good equipment, very good to reach North America, Central and South, but we see that for years, the number of hours we transmit through the station is falling. We anticipate that by the end of 2012, the number of hours used Radio Netherlands will be so small that it would be too costly to maintain the station. That does not mean we stop immediately with the shortwave as lease time on other stations in the region, for example in French Guiana Montsinery and Sackville Radio Canada. This means that when we close Bonaire it does not automatically mean that we end shortwave."

Source : (http://www.rnw.nl/espanol/article/radio-nederland-cerrara-la-estacion-en-bonaire)
via http://www.kimandrewelliott.com/

Charming Jiangxi CRI Knowledge Contest

China Radio International in association with the Tourism Administration of Jiangxi Province has organized a knowledge contest on the province's abundant tourism resources. Listeners and readers can read related material on the official contest webpage on CRIENGLISH.com and complete the answer sheet to participate in the contest.

Timeline: January 1 to April 1, 2011.
Prizes: Ten top prize winners will be chosen and invited on a free trip to Jiangxi
Winners for the first, second and third prizes will be presented with souvenirs
Every participant will receive a memorial card from CRI

Thank you for your support and good luck!

Timeline: January 1 to April 1, 2011.

Ten top prize winners will be chosen and invited on a free trip to Jiangxi

Winners for the first, second and third prizes will be presented with souvenirs

Every participant will receive a memorial card from CRI

http://english.cri.cn/7146/2011/01/05/Zt902s613490.htm

(Source : CRI English Website)

50th Anniversary of Radio Korea International (now KBS World Radio)

 http://world.kbs.co.kr/archive/50yers/eng/listeners/parade/listner_english.html  

50th Anniversary of Radio Korea International (now KBS World Radio)

 

http://world.kbs.co.kr/archive/50yers/eng/listeners/parade/parade.html 

Deutsche Welle Greek broadcasts to continue

The German government has assured that Deutsche Welle’s Greek radio broadcasts will continue and will not be silenced within the framework of restructuring for the period 2010-2013. Government spokesman Stephen Zeibert confirmed in Berlin that the “Deutsche Welle’s Greek radio broadcast will not be stopped”, stating that this information was given by the competent Deputy Minister of Culture, Bernd Neuman.

Today the Deutsche Welle radio council is finalizing the station’s program for the 2010-2013 period. The initial proposal, which was overturned by the government spokesman’s statements, foresaw, among other things, the termination of the Greek radio broadcasts.

Currently, Deutsche Welle broadcasts a daily half hour programme in Greek, which is also re–broadcast by around 40 radio stations in Greece and Cyprus.

(Source: greekreporter.com via Media Network Weblog)

BBC Hindi Frequency Change

Frequency change made by the BBC in Hindi to South Asia: 

1400-1500 new frequency 11985 kHz Limassol 250 kW / 097 degrees. The replaced frequency is 11620, due to interference from All India Radio in English and KTWR in Korean.

(Radio Bulgaria DX MIX by Ivo Ivanov, Frequency Manager of Radio Bulgaria)

Radio Bulgaria Frequency Change

Valid from Sunday, 30 January, Radio Bulgaria will carry out the following frequency changes in the direction of Southern Europe-Spain:
2100-2200 in Spanish and 2200-2300 in Bulgarian on new frequencies 6000 kHz Plovdiv 170 kW / 260 degrees and 9400 Plovdiv 170 kW/ 245 degrees, replacing 5900 and 7300 kHz.

(Radio Bulgaria DX MIX by Ivo Ivanov, Frequency Manager of Radio Bulgaria)

KBS World Radio SW Frequency Change

Frequency change made by KBS World in Arabic to the Middle East:
2000-2100 new frequency 9840 kHz Sines 250 kW / 105 degrees, instead of 9430.

(Radio Bulgaria DX MIX by Ivo Ivanov, Frequency Manager of Radio Bulgaria)

Tighter focus, cuts, ordered at Deutsche Welle

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet yesterday ordered Deutsche Welle to tighten its focus and to cut back its programming for Germans living abroad. Deutsche Welle, which is funded by the German taxpayer and broadcasts in some 30 languages, is to pare back its shortwave and medium ave radio transmissions - once the backbone of the service - and concentrate on FM broadcasts in selected countries.

Deutsche Welle, which receives 273 million euros ($368.4 million) in annual funding, also has television broadcasts and webcasts. The new instructions were based on a 400-page report by Deutsche Welle on how it plans to change.

The internet, which allows Germans all over the world to catch up with news from German websites, has reduced the need for Deutsche Welle to address German expatriates. Regular German TV channels are also accessible by satellite far from home. In future Deutsche Welle, which has a workforce of 1,500, is to focus on its audience of non-Germans and pay greater attention to German foreign policy interests, according to the cabinet resolution. Up to 2013, it will also gradually focus on key audiences in Asia, Africa, Arab nations and Latin America. Shortwave radio transmissions will be mostly dropped, and will only continue to a few regions, an announcement said.

(Source: DPA via monstersandcritics.com via Media Network Weblog)

Deutsche Welle English freq update

Transmitters in Portugal and Sri Lanka

Frequency change of Deutsche Welle in English

All times UTC

1600-1700 new freq 15275 SIN 250 kW 080 deg to SoAS from Jan 20
1600-1700 on 9560 TRM 250 kW 345 deg to SoAS till Jan 31

(R BULGARIA DX MIX News, Ivo Ivanov, via wwdxc BC-DX TopNews Jan 18)
(DX Mix News # 660, wb, Germany, via http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/)

CRI Launches New Media Broadcasting Network

A new media broadcasting network, the China International Broadcasting Network or CIBN, has been officially launched in Beijing.

The network will be based on CRI Online, the world's largest multilingual website run by China Radio International.

Featuring 61 languages, CIBN will be a convergence of a website, online broadcaster, network television and mobile service terminal. It's set to become a new state-level broadcasting organization that caters to audiences from all over the world, thanks to the rapid development of the Internet and mobile communication technology.

CRI's wholly-owned Global Broadcasting Media Group, or GMG, was also established on Tuesday. It will function as the investing and operating platform for CIBN.

(Source : http://english.cri.cn/6909/2011/01/18/2742s616142.htm)(Media Network Weblog)

(Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/ Liu Donghui)

KBS World Radio Quarterly Quiz

Quiz for 1st Quarter, 2011

Question 1

Located to the southwest of the Korean Peninsula, this is the largest Korean island. The volcanic resort island is gaining popularity and recognition from overseas thanks to its scenic beauty.

• Ulleung-do
• Jeju-do
• Dokdo-islets
• Yeongjong-do

Question 2

Situated 750 meters above sea level in the mountainous Gangwon Province, this eco-friendly city was a candidate for both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Having failed to attract the winter games both times, this city is now bidding for the right to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. What is the name of the city?

• Pyeongchang
• Busan
• Gangneung
• Incheon

Radio México Internacional will add English/French

Radio México Internacional, which was re-launched on 1 January 2011, is currently in Spanish only, but has already announced the launch of programmes in English and French, as well as in some dialects of South American Indians.

Radio México Internacional was a shortwave broadcaster until 2004, when it was closed due to deterioration of the transmitters and the advent of new technologies. But the closure was not due to shortage of funds. Dolores Bestegi, the CEO of IMER (Instituto Méxicano de la Radio) at the time, said “Radio México Internacional was a shortwave project, working with six transmitters, five of which were worn out. To repair them would cost 60 million pesos. We could find 60 million pesos, but it was unclear who now listens to broadcasts on shortwave. Therefore, we closed the project. ”

In 2009, IMER launched a special radio station to mark the 200th anniversary of the independence of México, which received great success in the world. Now the technical base of this channel has become the basis for the resumption of the new Radio México Internacional.

(Source: ephekto.com via Media Network Weblog)

End of Shortwave (Radio Slovakia International)

Dear listeners,
we are very sorry to inform you that from January 1, 2011 Radio Slovakia International will no longer broadcast on shortwave. The decision was made by the Government and the management of Slovak Radio in order to enable all sections of Radio Slovakia International to utilize modern technology and function effectively. This, however, doesn´t mean we will cancel our daily shows. From now on our broadcast will be available for you via satellite at www.wrn.org and via internet at www.rsi.sk. The good news is our website gets a fresh new design, which shall make it easier for you to access, browse and enjoy our programmes. Our team would like to sincerely thank everyone who’s been in touch with us via shortwave. We hope you will stay with Radio Slovakia International in the upcoming year and we will do our best to satisfy your thirst for information about Slovakia. We look forward to your constant feedback via email, online social networks and letters.Your RSI Team

(Source : http://www.rozhlas.sk/inetportal/rsi/core.php?lang=2 )

Radio Prague's shortwave broadcasting to end on January 31, 2011

Radio Prague – the international service of Czech Radio – will cease broadcasting on shortwave after January 31, 2011, following a significant cut in our budget. The Czech Foreign Ministry, which finances Radio Prague, has reduced our funding for next year significantly, in line with the government’s austerity measures aimed at lowering the budget deficit. Final negotiations are still underway, but it is expected that Radio Prague will continue producing programmes in six languages, including English.

The internet will become Radio Prague’s main broadcasting platform, with shows also being broadcast in Europe via satellite. In addition, Radio Prague will cooperate with partner stations in re-broadcasting, and will continue its FM broadcasting in Prague in four languages: English, French, German and Russian. Changes to our programme, along with any new developments, will be announced in January.

(Source : http://www.radio.cz/en/static/shortwave/) 

NHK WORLD Radio Japan's Thai section is looking for service - entrusted staff

NHK WORLD Radio Japan's Thai section is looking for service - entrusted staff for reading and translating scripts. Candidates should be living in or around Tokyo, Thai native or have native-level fluency in Thai.

«Basic services entrusted»Translation of news and other programs from English (or Japanese) into Thai, and reading them in Thai on air. Basically once or twice per week, depending on broadcasting schedule. News is normally broadcast live from 20:30.

«Contract term»1-year contract

«Remuneration»To be set according to NHK regulations

«Number of people to be admitted or accepted»Some

«Qualifications»

- Candidates should be living in or around Tokyo and be able to come to NHK Broadcasting Centre in Shibuya within 1 hour.

- Candidates should have a strong interest in current affairs and be able to understand English news perfectly.

- Candidates should be Thai native or have native-level fluency in Thai.

- Candidates should possess a proper visa if they are not Japanese nationals.

- Candidates should be skillful at typing in Thai.

Applicants will be tested on their writing and reading skills. The writing (translation from English into Thai) and voice test will be held at NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. We will contact all applicants to inform the results.

Candidates are to meet at West Entrance of NHK Broadcasting Centre in Shibuya at 13:00 on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. (2-2-1, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) Map is available at (http://www.nhk.or.jp/pr/koho-e.htm). Candidates are required to bring their own writing materials, a copy of their CV (including passport number, visa status and expiration date), a photo (3×4cm). Dictionaries in any kind are not allowed to be used during the test.

Those interested in taking the test are requested to submit an application by postal mail to Radio Japan, Thai Section, by Monday, January 31th, 2011. (Mails postmarked by Monday, January 31st, 2011 will be accepted.)Inquiries by e-mail, telephone, and prior visits to NHK are not accepted.

Postal address: Radio Japan Thai Section,

NHK WORLD, 2-2-1, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,150-8001

The application should include candidate's name, occupation (or name of the school), phone number, fax number, mobile phone number, e-mail address, and postal address in Japan.

Personal information of the applicants will be only used for the screening.

All submitted documents will not be returned. Thank you for your interest.

(Source : NHK Website) (http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/info/info01.html)