Amateur Radio Supplies announces giveaway to promote youth in Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio Supplies of Haverhill, Mass., have announced a new biannual giveaway to promote youth in amateur radio DXing and contesting. 

“Getting on HF (high frequency) in today’s economy is very challenging for many, but especially for our youth operators,” said Jeff Demers, owner, Amateur Radio Supplies. “Many youth operators are unable to purchase the needed equipment to get on the air. Here at Amateur Radio Supplies, we want them to experience the joy that has propelled us in this hobby for many decades. Thus, on January 1, 2013, we’ll be doing the first of many station sponsorships to support youth in DXing and contesting.” 

Amateur Radio Supplies will give a complete HF (high frequency) station to the selected applicant, including:

• Alinco DX-SR8T/E 160-6m All Mode Transceiver & 30 Amp PS
• LDG AT-100 Pro II Desktop Antenna Tuner
• Choice of Rugged All Band G5RV or HyGain DX-77A Vertical
• 100’ of Premium RG-213 Coax
• Vibroplex Brass Racer Iambic Paddles
• SignaLink USB Sound Card for Digital Modes
• Heil Pro Set Plus Headset

Applicants from any country under the age of 21 are invited to provide brief answers to the following three questions, as well as their name, call sign, and license class, online at http://www.amateurradiosupplies.com/youth-s/222.htm.

1. How often are you able to operate on the HF bands?
2. Where (what QTH) do you typically operate from?
3. How do you intend to use the equipment provided?

Nominations will also be accepted. If you know of a deserving youth, please email Randy Rowe at randy@amateurradiosupplies.com.

About Amateur Radio Supplies
Founded in 2012, Amateur Radio Supplies provides a full line of gear, including antennas, transceivers, coax, antenna wires and countless station accessories. Amateur Radio Supplies was founded in order to provide amateur radio operators with the supplies they need to pursue their passion – ham radio.

Amateur Radio Supplies, www.amateurradiosupplies.com, offers low prices and a full selection of tools and station supplies, baluns, antenna wires and more.

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News)

Swedish radio amateurs have lost the 2300 MHz band

Swedish radio amateurs have lost the 2300 MHz band although they have gained some spectrum at 1.8 MHz.

The Swedish Amateur Radio Society (SSA) has announced the loss of the 2300 MHz band with effect from October 1. 2400-2450 MHz is still allocated for amateur radio operation but the power there is limited to just 100 milliwatts at the antenna.

Sweden used to have "Top Band" allocations of 1810 - 1850 kHz (max 1 kW) and 1930 - 2000 kHz (max. 10 W). From October 1 this will change to 1810 - 1850 kHz with 1 kW and 1850 - 2000 kHz with a maximum of 10 watts. Power output is measured at the antenna.

Sweden - Microwave Spectrum Issues at EME 2012
http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=10253

Swedish Regulator PTS decides on more space for unlicensed radio use
http://tinyurl.com/Sweden-PTS-2012-10-01

Swedish Amateur Radio Society (SSA)
http://tinyurl.com/SwedenSSA

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News)

ABU Technology Showcase issues new guidelines for deploying digital radio

New guidelines for deploying digital radio have been released in a joint initiative involving the ABU.

They were issued at the end of a four-day DAB+ Technology Workshop and Transmission Demonstration in Jakarta jointly organised by the ABU, WorldDMB, the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Indonesia and Radio Republic Indonesia.

The workshop developed recommendations on steps necessary when moving towards planning for the successful implementation of digital radio services. The recommendations will be circulated among ABU members and other stakeholders providing guidelines in deploying digital radio services. 

More than 55 industry experts from South-east Asia attended the workshop that showcased the DAB+ digital radio standard and its transmission technology, demonstrating its features and efficiency improvements compared to analogue FM broadcast. 

The event began with the a two-day technology workshop, followed by a two-day transmission demonstration using a DAB+ transmitter installed at RRI’s facility to conduct field measurements in and around the city of Jakarta. 

Participants represented radio broadcasters and regulators from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia and the event was being supported by industry partners including Commercial Radio Australia, Harris, ATDI, KeyStone Semiconductor Corp, Factum Electronics, Radioscape and Southern Cross Austereo. 

 

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

DRM Launches Multi-Sector Platform in Brazil

The Digital Radio Mondiale Consortium (DRM) and Brazilian specialists will celebrate the launch of the Brazilian DRM Multi-Sector Platform on October 1st in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Following from the increased interest and presence of DRM in Brazil, the event and workshop which will launch the Platform will give a chance to all interested parties and stakeholders, including the listeners, to understand how DRM can meet all the needs of the vibrant, fast developing radio sector and industry in Brazil. 

While the choice of the digital audio broadcasting standard is still under scrutiny and discussion in Brazil, the new Platform will be able to promote the only all-band, open, global standard – DRM – as the best solution and the basis of the Brazilian broadcasting standard. 

The Brazilian DRM Platform unites researchers, broadcasters, manufacturers as well as other public or private organisations. Their aim is to promote DRM in Brazil and explain how this standard can best give access to content that is relevant to as many Brazilian listeners as possible, wherever they are and whenever they want it.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

IRF: Future of Swiss radio is DAB

The next generation radio in Europe will witness the switch from FM to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) by treating content as king and creating the same radio experience over different emerging platforms due to advancements in digital technology. 

The session ‘Future of Swiss Radio’ at the International Radio Festival in Zurich explored the advantages of DAB technology in the medium and the possible opportunities in view of its successful implementation in the country.The session was conducted by European Broadcast Union technical activities incharge Mathias Coinchon. 

Driven by the offer of new channels and many more programmes, the only reason DAB was avoided earlier was due to high cost which proved unaffordable for smaller stations. But now DAB is all set to replace the AM space in the country and the future of radio is set on internet, mobile and mobile TV. 

Talking about the implementation of DAB, Coinchon said, “DAB has been deployed already in countries like UK, Germany, Norway and Denmark. There are already 20 percent listeners on the technology and about one million receivers have been sold in Switzerland with AM being phased out. UK and Norway will also phase out FM if they reach about 50 per cent of listenership on DAB as the FM network in the countries is not very good.” 

With the AM and FM space gradually disappearing from the forefront, broadband internet, WiFi radio, smartphone radio apps and online music platforms have been widely deployed all over and have become the new way to discover music. DAB has been widely integrated in cars and various mobile handsets through chips specially created for it. 

New forms of radio like Radio Vis and Radio Tag have dominated the market now. Radio Vis is a form of visual radio allowing slideshows on mobile handsets where ads or program related information can be synced with audio and played. Radio Tag is all about bookmarking and interaction where you can bookmark your content to browse later by pairing the radio device with a broadcast server. It helps in bringing the interaction of social media platforms to radio easily. 

“We are now trying to create DAB broadcast at a lower cost since radio has become a multiplatform where the era of exclusive coverage is over. It’s still difficult to obtain new licenses but anyone can start an internet radio so you have to try and protect your market,” he asserted. 

The session also highlighted the advantages of DAB which were listed as free to air, lower distribution cost per program and flexibility for new programs amongst others. 

(Source : Radioandmusic.com)

Scotland: Two community radio licences awarded

Radio regulator Ofcom has announced the award of two new community radio licences for services in Scotland.

Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest.

The awards are to:

• Crystal FM, Penicuik, Midlothian
• East Coast FM, Haddington, East Lothian

Crystal FM will provide a community radio service catering for all residents of Penicuik and surrounding villages in Midlothian.

East Coast FM proposes to serve those living and working in Haddington and in the surrounding area.

In a statement, East Coast FM said they were delighted with the award: “A huge, huge ‘thank you’ goes to everyone – past and present – who has contributed to and supported East Coast FM over the last 3 years as we worked towards this day.”

The CMA extends its congratulations to the two new licensees, and wishes the very best of luck to both in getting on the air. 

 (Source : Community Media Association, UK)

ABC Western Victoria: Change is in the air for the Dooen transmitter

The Dooen mast

The iconic Dooen transmitter that beams 594 AM across vast expanses will be taking a bit of a breather, but it will be back and better than ever shortly.

Since 1936, 594 AM ABC Western Victoria has been integral to the local radio service we provide to the western half of the state.

But like all critical infrastructure, our impressive antenna and mast at Dooen near Horsham needs some tender loving care and a much needed upgrade - and will also broadcast the ABC's newest Wimmera service, ABC News Radio.

This means for the next four weeks, broadcasts from ABC Western Victoria are going to be regularly disrupted and put on low power.

But while reception on 594AM will suffer, especially outside the Wimmera/Souther Mallee, there are other local radio alternatives in Hamilton, Mildura, Swan Hill, Bendigo and Ballarat.

For listeners in the Wimmera, we're hoping reception won't be too badly affected, but for listeners on the outskirts of our core Wimmera and southern Mallee area, we're hoping you'll find an FM Frequency to meet your needs while our "stick" is upgraded.

South of Horsham, you can try our ABC South West local radio station on FM 94.1, while to the north we have services on ABC Mildura/Swan Hill, 104.3 FM in Mildura and district and 102.1 FM in Swan Hill.

To the east of the Wimmera you can choose ABC Ballarat on FM 107.9 or ABC Central Victoria from our Bendigo studios on 91.1 FM.

Read More

(Source : ABC North and West SA)

NAB Radio Show: radio is not dead

Leslie Moonves at this year's NAB Radio Show

"I'm so tired of hearing people say, radio is dead... it's not dead," said Leslie Moonves, President of CBS Radio at the NAB Radio Show in America.

Follow tweets from the show at #RadioShow2012

As in Australia, multi-platform delivery is a key topic of discussion, with listeners consuming radio through mobiles and online, as well as traditional radio. Gordon Smith told the conference: "Radio’s future lies in being incorporated into every new device... No other form of communication matches broadcasting’s one-to-all transmission.There is no more reliable resource for information in a crisis."

The conference heard that News talk is the most popular format in the US by number of stations. "Each week, nearly a third of U.S. radio listeners tune to News-Talk." Given the US election is only weeks away, news talk listening is up strongly.

Radio’s audience has increased slightly this year, over the previous year, by 249,000 people aged 12+, representing nearly 93 percent of the population. According to Arbitron's data, younger radio listeners were largely responsible for the year-over-year increase, with 18 to 34 year olds showing the largest gain in weekly listeners.

The conference will continue over the next three days.

(Source : Radioinfo.com.au)

European Radio Amateurs' Organization's First Newsletter

The European Radio Amateurs' Organization has just released its first newsletter, which explains who it is, what it does and why it exists.

The Newsletter, which will be released quarterly, will inform about their members' activities and other interesting amateur radio news.

Also a weekly news flash version will be sent by email for free. You can subscribe here: http://www.eurao.org/newsletter

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News) 

India: Ham Radio in Cyclone Risk Management Project

Amateur radio features in the National Cyclone Risk Management Project of the Indian Government

DNA India reports that:

State revenue minister Raghuveera Reddy said that of the Rs 758 crore, the state government would share 25 per cent of the project. "Of the total amount, Rs 637.15 crore will be spent on improvement of coastal infrastructure like roads, bridges and 148 multi-purpose cyclone shelters in the nine coastal districts. We will also start emergency operation centres in the state capital as well as district headquarters and equip them with the latest satellite phones and HAM radio sets," he said.

Read the full DNA India story at
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_govt-to-implement-national-
cyclone-risk-management-project_1739161

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News)

BUAA-SAT Amateur Radio Satellite

BUAA-SAT is a university micro-satellite project developed by the students of Beihang University (Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It carries an amateur radio 435/145 MHz FM voice transponder.

The satellite has a mass of 30kg, dimensions of 30cm*30cm*50cm and aims to go into a 600-800 km Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO) from Taiyuan in late 2014. The primary missions are:

- To study the application of COTS components used in the onboard electronic system
- To demonstrate the coilable mast deployment mechanism
- To carry out imaging using three CMOS cameras

Moreover, it provides a 27dBm U/V FM voice transponder for the use of radio hams world-wide as well as a 20dBm CW beacon and a 27dBm AX.25 beacon also in the 145 MHz band.

BUAA-SAT website http://sat.buaa.edu.cn/

BUAA-SAT Group in Google English http://tinyurl.com/BUAA-SAT-Group

(Source : AMSAT-UK)

ABU partners with WorldDMB and RRI on Indonesian DAB+ trial

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology of Indonesia (KOMINFO), Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), WorldDMB and the ABU are holding a DAB+ Technology Showcase in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The DAB+ technology workshop and transmission demonstration will comprise of a two day technology workshop followed by a  two day transmission trial and field measurement exercise in and around the city of Jakarta, Indonesia from 24- 27 September. 

The workshop will provide  participants with up-to-date information on all aspects of planning and digital radio implementation of  DAB+, its transmission technology and will demonstrate its enhanced features and efficiencies compared to analogue FM broadcast.

DAB+ has emerged as the digital radio standard of choice in Europe and Asia Pacific and has been adopted in over 40 countries including Australia, Hong Kong France, Germany the 

United Kingdom, Italy and many more.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

Deutsche Welle and the United Nations to step up cooperation

Deutsche Welle has signed an agreement with the United Nations expanding their cooperation. It is the latest development in a partnership set up five years ago. 

DW Director General Erik Bettermann and UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal signed a broadcast agreement on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York, aimed at boosting cooperation in the field of media.

Launsky-Tieffenthal said that “we at the UN are glad that we can build upon our long-term cooperation with Deutsche Welle, which is based on trust. This agreement lets us further expand and deepen that cooperation.”

Speaking for Deutsche Welle, Bettermann stressed that “the promotion of human rights, participation and democratization is a central aspect of our multimedia programming in 30 languages, just as it is for the UN. Cooperation between DW and the UN is particularly important for us because of this shared sense of purpose. We will be glad to continue working together in the future as well.”

The agreement enables DW to supplement its television programming with materials from UN-produced documentaries. DW welcomes this as a way of enriching its internationally-focused television series like World Stories with new perspectives and high-quality reporting from around the world.

Available in English, Spanish and Arabic, World Stories draws on content from DW's premium partners and presents highly captivating stories around the globe.

DW's globalization magazine Global 3000, broadcast in German, English, Spanish and Arabic, is a prime example of this cooperation: Deutsche Welle has been able to include selected UN materials in the program, and, in turn, the UN's television station, UNTV, has broadcast Global 3000 since the partnership was set up in 2007.

Beyond television, bilateral cooperation has grown in many other fields in the past five years including media partnership for UN events, media workshops ahead of the Copenhagen climate summit, involving UN experts in DW’s annual conference Global Media Forum, and integrating UN-relevant topics into DW’s multimedia projects such as Education for All, Voices from Today – Ideas for Tomorrow, or the educational program Learning by Ear for Africa.

Moreover, DW Akademie has opened its media training programs to UN staff. In cooperation with UNESCO, it conducted a series of training projects at universities in Morocco, Kenya and South Africa, and on behalf of the UNDP, DW Akademie provides media training to parliamentarians from Moldova. This year it is also planning radio workshops for UN reporters based in Darfur.

(Source : Deutsche Welle Press Release)

DW launches “Futurando” in Brazil

Deutsche Welle (DW) is producing a new science and technology show in Portuguese for viewers in Brazil. Futurando premiered on Rede Minas on September 15 and will be shown weekly. 

DW has created a new show in Portuguese which was premiered for Rede Minas viewers in Brazil on September 15. Futurando will provide a weekly look at the latest sci-tech and environment news.

DW reporters will investigate the latest ideas and bold experiments designed to make the world a better place. Topics range from space research to medical innovations along with ways to create sustainable cities in the face of climate change.

Futurando brings you the faces behind these projects, whether they have already been implemented or are still just ideas. You'll get to meet internationally renowned researchers while DW reporters explore their work and explain how it can impact our daily lives.

The program pays special attention to Brazilian researchers and dives into the issues stirring debate in Brazil.

“We have been looking to expand our presence in Brazil by working with local partners and developing even more high-quality multimedia content – and Futurando is a great next step,” says Rodrigo Rimon Abdelmalack, Head of the Brazilian Department at Deutsche Welle. “With Rede Minas, we have also found a partner that reflects our standards of quality and journalistic excellence.”  

Viewers who don’t have Rede Minas will still be able to tune in. Episodes will be available on demand at dw.de/futurando, along with articles that go into the week's topics in greater depth.

The launch of DW’s first ever TV magazine for Brazil coincides with the 50^th anniversary of its Brazilian Department. After decades of radio broadcasting to Brazil, DW has been focusing on online content for Brazilian users since 2000. The multimedia website www.dw.de/brazil provides up-to-date news and features background information on international topics from a German and European perspective, as well as internationally relevant Brazilian subjects and bilateral themes.

In addition to journalistic content, the website also provides many services, including the successful German language courses and information on studying in Germany.

(Source : Deutsche Welle Press Release)

Radio Netherlands Worldwide appoints New editor-in-chief

The Board of Supervisors of Radio Netherlands Worldwide has appointed William Valkenburg as Editor-in-Chief as of 1 January 2013.  Mr Valkenburg will set out the new course for the organisation with the recently appointed director general Robert Zaal.

RNW will focus on free speech in countries where press freedom is limited and William Valkenburg will take responsibility for journalism within the organisation. 

Chairman of the Supervisory Board Bernard Bot is pleased with the appointment of Mr Valkenburg, he said  “The organisation is now ready for a new future. His extensive experience of journalism and journalistic innovation, new media and change processes makes William is the right man at the right time.” 

Mr Valkenburg said “The new organisation faces the challenge of reaching young people in the most difficult countries and giving them a taste of new media freedom. The opportunities are greater than ever before. I am looking forward to seeking original and creative ways to fulfil this brief with our experienced journalists and producers.” 

As of 2013, Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s main focus will be on Africa and the Arab World, as well as countries like China, Cuba and Venezuela.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

Radio Romania Int.'l Contest : “Romania’s Salt Mine Spas”

Dear friends of RRI, you are invited to participate in a new prize-winning contest entitled “Romania’s Salt Mine Spas”, dedicated to one of the country’s main mineral resources, salt, which has both economic and health importance, given the therapeutic qualities of salty air. With 2.35 million tonnes extracted in 2011, Romania is one of the biggest salt producers in the world, while mining is one of the oldest occupations on this territory. 

Salt deposits are found in places whose name often contains the word “ocna”, which in Romanian means “salt mine”, or “slanic”, which means “salt” in Old Church Slavonic. Such examples are Ocna Sibiului, Ocnele Mari, Ocna Mures, Targu Ocna, Ocna Dej, Slanic Prahova, Slanic Moldova, etc. Salt mines can also be found in Praid, Turda and Cacica. Salt is extracted by SALROM, the National Salt Company. Experts say Romania has salt reserves to last it a thousand years. 

Salt mine spas are an increasingly popular tourist attraction. The curative properties of salty air have led to the development of speleotherapy and climatotherapy, the treatment of conditions underground, in caves and salt mines. This form of treatment consists mainly in the inhalation of the air in salt mines and is used to cure respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis and allergies. Not to mention that the former salt mines have excellent acoustics, which makes them ideal venues for concerts. 

All you need to do in order to win a prize is to listen to RRI’s broadcasts, visit our website, as well as our Facebook, Twitter and Flickr profiles, and provide correct answers to our questions in writing. The contest closes on 28th February 2013 mailing date. 

 

The Grand Prize is a 10 day trip for two, with full board accommodation for 9 nights, between 15th and 24th May 2013, in four different areas in Romania that are famous for their salt mines: Slanic Prahova (in Prahova County), Targu Ocna (in Bacau County), Praid (in Harghita County) and Turda (in Cluj County). 

The sponsors of our competition are SC Salina Turda Durgau SA and Pensiunea Elena and Motel Anda in Targu Ocna. Our contest partners are the Bacau County Council, the Prahova County Council, the Ploiesti City Hall, the Turda City Hall, the Harghita Intercommunity Development Association, the Metropolitan Bishopric of Cluj, Alba, Crisana and Maramures, The National Salt Company SA, including its branches in Targu Ocna, Slanic Prahova and Praid, as well as the Ploiesti, Bacau and Turda branches of the Union of Fine Artists, the Harghita County Cultural Centre, the Turda Municipal House of Culture, the Tudor Jarda Arts and the Crafts School in Cluj-Napoca. 

As usual, winners are responsible for transport to and from Romania and, if necessary, the entry visa. For the runners up we have prizes and special distinctions provided by our partners consisting in objects related to the exploitation of salt and the four above-mentioned areas. 

The questions:

1. For how long can Romania cover its salt consumption from domestic reserves?

2. Name at least three salt mine spas in Romania.

3. What is the name of the treatment using the curative properties of salty air?

4. What salt mine spas will be visited by the winners of the Grand Prize? 

Please let us know what motivated you to take part in the contest and your alternative sources of information, if applicable, aside from our broadcasts, website and Facebook profile. As always, our mailing address is: Radio Romania International, Str. G-ral Berthelot nr. 60-64, sector 1, Bucharest, PO Box 111, cod 010165, fax 00.40.21.319.05.62, e-mail: engl@rri.ro. We expect your answers by 28th February, post date. The winners will be announced after 15th March 2013, allowing them to prepare their journey to Romania. Good luck! 

(Source : Radio Romania International)

Radio Slovakia International Listeners' Competition: Slovak Traditional Music-1st round

In traditional societies singing was a natural part of special festive occasions – and everyday life. These situations conditioned the characteristics of folk singing and in this context a number of song genres appeared. They are diverse with clear-cut forms & styles - all linked to different occasions. At the same time they reflect the thoughts and feelings of the people of traditional societies. They will be the focus of Radio Slovakia International’s new competition, which has 5 rounds, with each round being broadcast in the first weekend of the month. After each round, we will ask you a question. We will then draw a winner from those who sent in the correct answers to each round. The lucky person will receive books, traditionally crafted products, or a CD.

At the end of the competition we will draw the winner of the main prize, which is a week stay for two people at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Bratislava.

Listen carefully to the first round featuring hay-harvesting songs (at the bottom of the page) and answer  the following  question:

On what occasions are the hay-harvesting folk songs  called “travnice” performed?

Please send your answers by October 2^nd to:

englishsection@slovakradio.sk

or by regular post:

English Section
Radio Slovakia International
Mytna 1, POBOX 55 81755
Bratislava, Slovakia

Good luck!

Traditional music_round 1.mp3 

(Source : Radio Slovakia International)

Radio Sweden quiz (German Service) : Alcohol - always a controversial issue

With gifts from the radio-Sweden-box surprise

 

This time it's proof drinks:

 

The Swedish government has made new decisions to always contentious issue of alcohol sales.

What?

 

a) Sweden repurchases a world absolutely leading vodka brand. As part of the deregulation trademark and production of the drink in 2008 had been sold for almost six billion euros to a French company. The Government is of the opinion that the character of the wheat schnapps is inextricably linked with the established image and Sweden brings the brand back into the country.

 

b The farmers and tourism industry long awaited sale of wine in farm shops) is finally a reality! From January 2013, interested parties can taste wine not only the producer, she may also buy by the bottle there. The only caveat: Swedish wine may not be taken by private citizens abroad - even in EU countries.

 

c) The State's chain of liquor stores, Systembolaget may deliver the ordered goods to their customers to your door. The new rule applies from autumn tentatively in six regions of the country. After an evaluation of the test phase, the areas expanded or adjusted deliveries.

 

Your response should be sent to:

radioschweden@sverigesradio.se

Deadline is Monday, the 24th September 2012. In our pod broadcast on the same day, you will learn who won.

(Source : Radio Sweden German Service, Translated by Google Translation)

Original Text in German Language

Radio Schweden Quiz: Alkohol - stets strittiges Thema

 Mit Geschenken aus der Radio-Schweden-Überraschungskiste

Diesmal geht es um prozentige Getränke:

Die schwedische Regierung hat neue Entscheidungen zum stets strittigen Thema Alkoholverkauf getroffen.

Welche?

a) Schweden kauft eine weltweit absolut führende Wodkamarke zurück. Im Rahmen der Deregulierung waren Warenzeichen und Herstellung des Getränks im Jahr 2008 für nahezu sechs Milliarden Euro an einen französischen Konzern veräußert worden. Die Regierung ist der Ansicht, dass der Charakter des Weizenschnapses untrennbar mit dem etablierten Schwedenimage verbunden ist und holt die Marke ins Land zurück.

b) Der von Landwirten und Fremdenverkehrsbranche lange gewünschte Verkauf von Wein in Bauernläden wird endlich Wirklichkeit! Ab Januar 2013 können Interessenten Wein nicht nur beim Erzeuger verkosten, sie dürfen ihn dort auch flaschenweise kaufen. Die einzige Einschränkung: Schwedischer Wein darf nicht von Privatleuten ins Ausland mitgenommen werden – auch nicht in EU-Länder.

c) Die staatliche Kette der Alkoholläden, Systembolaget, darf ihren Kunden die bestellte Ware bis an die Haustür liefern. Die neue Regelung gilt ab Herbst versuchsweise in sechs Gebieten des Landes. Nach einer Auswertung der Testphase werden die Bereiche ausgeweitet oder die Lieferungen eingestellt.

Ihre Antwort schicken Sie bitte an:

radioschweden@sverigesradio.se

Einsendeschluss ist Montag, der 24. September 2012. In unserer Pod-Sendung am selben Tag erfahren Sie, wer gewonnen hat.

(Radio Sweden, German Service)

BBC must deliver world-class creativity, says new Director-General

BBC Director-General George Entwistle today said he would put outstanding, world class creativity at the heart of the BBC.

Unveiling his plans to staff a day after taking over as Director-General, he asked everyone in the BBC to challenge themselves to deliver more creative and distinctive output for licence fee payers.

And he announced a series of management changes to turn the BBC into “a more creative organisation, led and managed in a radically simplified way”.

“I intend to change the way we’re led to put the emphasis where it belongs – on creative people doing creative things; on our audiences and the exceptional quality of work they deserve,” he told staff across the BBC.

Speaking from the studio in New Broadcasting House where Newsnight and the Andrew Marr Show recently began broadcasting, the new Director-General said he was privileged to have been asked to lead the finest broadcasting organisation in the world.

Citing the London 2012 Olympics as an example of how good the BBC can be when everyone pulls together to deliver outstanding coverage, he asked staff to use this as a template for all their work.

But he challenged the BBC to meet the audience’s ever-increasing expectations. 

“Though our best is often brilliant – in some of our output, we do settle for less than we should. So I believe we owe our audiences a determined effort to raise the creative quality of what we do.”

Speaking to staff in the studio and on the BBC’s internal video channel, he said: “I want to make a promise – to listen to you and to work tirelessly on fixing the things that get in the way of high creative quality, making the BBC a place where you really can do your best, and deliver the best of British creativity to our audiences.” 

Announcing plans to reduce the management board from 25 to just 12, Entwistle also announced the closure of the Operations division. 

“With immediate effect, I’m reorganising the BBC to group all the operational and finance functions in one business division under the Chief Financial Officer.”

Entwistle said his focus on creativity could not be in isolation of the BBC’s financial challenges, but savings could not just be imposed from the centre. Instead, front-line content makers also needed to be responsible for cost savings – incentivised by allowing them to reinvest some of the savings in better funded output.

(Source : BBC Press Office)

George Entwistle: speech to BBC staff

George Entwistle's speech to BBC staff from Broadcasting House, London on 18 September 2012.

Good morning everybody.

I am privileged to have been asked to lead the finest broadcasting organisation in the world – following a period of extraordinary success into a period of extraordinary change. 

I do this with a sense of honour, responsibility and great excitement.

My good fortune is to inherit from Mark Thompson an organisation in robust health – one that in this amazing year has reminded us on many occasions what it’s capable of achieving. 

Mark was a remarkable Director-General. He walked into a BBC on its knees, but he picked us up and has given us eight years of farsighted and totally committed leadership. 

He goes to the New York Times with my personal gratitude for the many occasions he’s helped and guided me; and with all our best wishes for the next chapter in an outstanding career.

Now, as you know, I was an “internal” candidate for DG – and that’s a matter of some pride to me. It means I know this place pretty well. I know what works brilliantly – what we need to build on. And I know what holds us back – the things we need to stop.

Almost twenty-three years ago to the day, I sat in the old reception of this wonderful building in my new suit, about to start as a Broadcast Journalism trainee. I had to pinch myself to believe I had the right even to walk through the door...

My first proper attachment was in this building too. I worked on The World Tonight, where I cut quarter inch tape with razor blades, drank whisky implausibly early in the afternoon and did journalism that genuinely mattered for the first time in my life.

Since then I’ve spent years as a producer – in News, Current Affairs and Television. I’ve tried to ask awkward questions on Panorama, with On the Record, and as the Editor of Newsnight. I was a pioneer of Out of London: leading the Culture Show from bases in both Glasgow and White City. 

I’ve been a commissioner, moving Panorama back to primetime. And as a Controller and Director, I’ve brought parts of the BBC together to make more sense of our Science, Arts and Music output across all our platforms.

Full Speech

(Source : BBC Media Centre)

The newest amateur radio club in the UK launched

Thames Amateur Radio Group (TARG for short) started its first day of operations with a special event station from the studios of local community radio station Phoenix FM in Brentwood using the callsign GX0TRG. 

By working together with Phoenix FM, the team have been spreading the word about amateur radio with the station’s audience, and updating them on the number of contacts made throughout the day.

Club secretary Pete M0PSX says “Thames Amateur Radio Group is a brand new group that’s been formed to promote and further the interests of amateur radio in Essex. We're proud to be working with Brentwood-based Phoenix FM on our launch day, allowing us to link community radio and amateur radio together. We're planning to make as many contacts with other amateur radio operators around Essex, and around the world, and will keep listeners to Phoenix FM up-to-date with our progress throughout the day."

The new group, based in South Essex aims to spread the word about the amateur radio hobby, work from exciting and unusual locations in Essex, and most importantly, have fun. As well as talking to other amateurs around the world, the group will be promoting some of the less-common data modes, to showcase the variety of ways to use the amateur radio frequencies. The group plans to be out-and-about in Essex promoting the hobby, and encouraging new people to get a licence and get on-air. 

Club chairman Mike 2E0NGY: “We decided to form a group to explore all aspects of amateur radio and to bring the hobby right up to date. Our aim is to participate, demonstrate and teach all modes of amateur radio operation. Amateur Radio is a great hobby, and our aims are to pass on the knowledge of how to become an efficient radio operator, and how to make your signals reach the far corners of the globe.” 

Phoenix FM presenter Scott Ross is currently taking up the challenge of getting his amateur radio licence, after spending many years as a shortwave listener. His interest in the hobby was rekindled after finding out about the Foundation licence, which offers an easy point of entry to the hobby. Assuming Scott passes his Foundation exam next month, expect Scott to be transmitting to the world, as well as broadcasting to a more local audience on 98.0MHz FM.

To find out more about the Thames Amateur Radio Group, go to www.thamesarg.org.uk or follow ThamesARG on Twitter

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News)

Request for proposals to fund a radio propagation-related project

The Radio Society of Great Britain, RSGB's Propagation Studies Committee is inviting proposals to fund a radio propagation-related project, up to a maximum of £1,000.

The PSC was recently bequeathed £1,000 by the late Charlie Newton, G2FKZ, who died earlier this year. 

Charlie was an active member of PSC and also helped educate other amateurs about propagation matters through talks and lectures.

He was also the author of the book Radio Auroras, which is viewed as a definitive guide to this type of propagation. 

His bequest was made to help fund propagation-related research and the PSC is looking to hear from any person or group who might have a detailed proposal for how the money could be used. 

Full written proposals, including details, costings and likely timescales, should be submitted to PSC chairman Steve Nichols, G0KYA by email to steve<at>infotechcomms.co.uk by 31 December 2012.

www.rsgb.org/psc

(Source : Southgate Amateur Radio News)

Malta: KISS on DAB+ launched

One Productions Limited has launched KISS, a radio station aimed at the young and young at heart, in a bid to extend its message to the digital platform DAB+.

The radio station plays music 24/7 and has a comprehensive playlist of over 30,000 tunes from all decades, artists and music genres.

KISS will entertain its listeners with classified music shows at different time slots, featuring niche selections from the golden oldies to country, to the 70's, 80s' and 90's.

It will also provide listeners with news, weather and sport updates on the hour, every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

KISS on DAB+ can be accessed along with all other analogue local radio stations and main digital European Radio stations on DAB radio sets accessible on the local market as well as through the internet or the digital television platform.

Several car manufacturers are also including DAB+ in their new models.

 

(Source : Times of Malta via WorldDMB)

Swedish taskforce affirms value of public media to democracy

An expert committee in Sweden has found that public service media (PSM) have “great intrinsic value'  to democratic society.

Tasked by the Swedish government to  analyze the conditions for public service radio and TV, the committee also concluded that only a 'clear division between broadcasters and state' can safeguard independence and integrity.  

Entitled 'New conditions for Public Service', the report also recommends that PSM be subjected to 'as little detailed regulation as possible' and that broadcasters 'assume a high degree of responsibility for themselves.' Cilla Benkö, director general-designate of Swedish Radio (SR), says the report reinforces the important role of SR in digitisation.

"Among other things, it recommends that the government increase allocation of funds for the next license period to provide for the development of digital radio,” she says. “This is confirmation that independent PSM must be on all platforms to meet public expectations, whatever form they take."

Ms Benkö is currently deputy director general of SR and a member of the EBU’s Executive Board.

The report also observes that increasing use of the internet has had a major impact on radio and TV markets and that former potential sources of income, such as subscriptions and advertising, may diminish if more and more TV content moves to the internet in the form of on-demand services.

Circulation of the report's summary comes as SR begins work on a new charter for 2014-19, and the EBU launches 'Vision 2020,'  a multi-annual strategic plan that ensures the primacy of PSM amid a converging media environment.

The Committee, chaired by Judge Martin Holmgren, also included media professor, Lars Nord, lawyer and former legal advisor to commercial television station TV4, Helena Miksche, former deputy general of Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, Katarina Kämpe and the former deputy director of Swedish Television (SVT) Leif Jakobsson.

Click here to read a full summary of the report.

(Source : European Broadcasting Union)

1st International Radio Orchestras Festival

The 1st International Radio Orchestras Festival 'RadiRo', a major, new event proposed by Radio Romania, will be held in Bucharest from 23rd  to 29th of  September.

This edition, animated and marked by the personality of its Artistic Director - the pianist and conductor Christian Zacharias - will bring together some major symphony orchestras: Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della Rai, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and Orchestra Nationala Radio Romania.

Music lovers will have the possibility of listening to the concerts live, not only in the concert hall, but also on two of Radio Romania's channels: Radio Romania Cultural and Radio România Muzical as well as via the internet on www.radioromaniacultural.ro and www.romaniamuzical.ro.

All concerts will be offered to EBU members.

(Source : European Broadcasting Union)

Radio Reunited: BBC Radio at 90

When the first BBC transmitter, known as 2LO, crackled into life on November 14th 1922 few could have guessed the impact that radio would have on our world. A few thousand enthusiasts, listening by headphones to primitive crystal radio sets, heard a news bulletin read by Arthur Burrows, the director of programmes of the newly formed British Broadcasting Company (as it then was).

Britain was a very different place, still convulsed by the aftermath of the First World War and just entering a new era of technology. However, while motor vehicles and domestic telephones led to more long distance contact with friends and family, it was radio, as the first mass broadcasting medium, that bought people together across the nation to share experiences together. As we know, television and the internet have burst upon us in the decades since, but the wonders of radio have endured. Indeed, today radio is flourishing.

To mark the 90th anniversary the BBC is attempting an ambitious first, bringing together around 60 our stations (network, local, national and international) for a single remarkable moment – a three-minute piece of history broadcast simultaneously around the UK and the world. At its heart will be an idea that explains radio’s success: listening to each other. 

So if you could talk to the audience of the future, people listening 90 years from today, what would you say? What would be your hopes, fears or observations to a generation yet unborn? It may be a piece of advice, a wish or a question. You might address it to the world at large or more personally, maybe to a great grandchild. You’ll need to keep it short, probably no more than 20 words because we reckon the pithier the thought, the better the broadcast. Personally, I think I may remind people on the limits of technology and enduring beauty of the British landscape. Or maybe just celebrate the fact that the relevance of the wireless has never faded.

We’re thinking of this Radio Reunited moment as a message in a bottle across the years. I’m delighted that Damon Albarn has agreed to set the best of the thoughts to music which we can play out to our listeners on November 14th 2012 at 5.33pm, to mark the first broadcast from 2LO. Radio has come a long way since those crystal sets – short wave, medium wave, FM, digital and now the internet – and there’s no telling how it will be broadcast in 2102. But one thing I am willing to bet is that 90 years from today someone in the BBC will dig out our 2012 90 year broadcast and millions of people will still be tuning to radio to hear it once more.

Send your entries by text or email to your favourite station’s drivetime show or tag your tweets using the hashtag #BBC90. You can also leave your entry in the comments below. 

The best will be given to Damon to include in his unique composition. All entries must be submitted by Friday 14th September 2012. Listeners whose messages are chosen will be invited by their chosen station to record their thought.

Tim Davie is director of BBC Audio & Music 

• The information you provide will be collected and compiled by the BBC for purposes of broadcast on air, possible inclusion in Damon Albarn's piece for the 90th Anniversary of BBC Radio and possible inclusion in The Mass Observation Archive at the University of Sussex for research purposes. Full names will not be broadcast or published online or given to the University of Sussex. The BBC may wish to use your contribution in other BBC services, strictly in accordance with the BBC’s Terms of Use (http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/).
• Your details will not be passed to anyone else and we will only contact you with regard to your contribution and its use by the BBC. If you submit a text, tweet or email by anyone other than yourself, you must obtain their permission first and if the person is a child you will need to obtain their parent’s written consent. Please visit the BBC's Privacy & Cookies Policy (http://www.bbc.co.uk/privacy/) for more information.
• The BBC may need to edit your contribution for technical or operational reasons and we cannot guarantee that your contribution will be broadcast. Please ensure that your contribution complies with the BBC's Terms of Use (http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/), and any local terms and House Rules.

(Source :  BBC Radio Blog)

Tivizen radio DAB +

Using your Apple iPod Touch, iPad and iPhone for a radio everywhere, without internet connection The Tivizen Radio DAB + is a 30-pin radio tuner for digital DAB radio. The tuner supports DMB and DAB and DAB + and enables crystal-clear, digital radio and mobile multimedia display of DMB content. The device is available from the end of September for 59.95 euros (RRP).

 

Digital radio anytime and anywhere

No need for WiFi or 3G connection  

Free App "Tivizen DMB / DAB +" in the Apple App Store

See More : www.tivizen.com 

 

(Source : Tivizen via DiIGITAL RADIO BAYERN via Google Translate)

IBC: Broadcasting awards focus on consumers

The annual IBC awards this year have focused on new technologies for consumers.

The International Broadcasting Convention’s CEO Michael Crimp said the industry was changing, with new delivery platforms and business models expanding on the foundation of the long history of broadcasting.

“This year our awards have really reflected these changes, taking us right into the home with new ways of discovering and enjoying the finest content,” he said.

This year’s honours went to companion apps and asset management, the latest in home content delivery, an 80-year history of ground-breaking broadcast developments, cutting edge research and the best in exhibition stand design. 

The President of Japanese public broadcaster and ABU member NHK, Masayuki Matsumoto, was at the conference in Amsterdam to accept the IBC International Honour for Excellence for NHK’s Science and Technology Research Laboratories (STRL) for developments over more than 80 years. 

He said he had a firm belief in research and development and it was an honour to receive the award on behalf of all the engineers at NHK.

The IBC Innovation Award for Content Creation went to FX UK for its companion app for The Walking Dead. The Award for Content Management was won by the American motor sport NASCAR with Telestream, in association with Promise Technology and Quantum, for developing a “compact and powerful” system which put control of multiple video replays into the hands of race officials. The Award for Content Delivery went to 4oD, the video-on-demand service from Channel 4 in the UK

The IBC2012 Judges’ Prize went to the Framework for Interoperable Media Services, a collaboration led by the Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) which jump-started the process of agreeing file exchange standardisation.

The IBC2012 Best Conference Paper Award for a technical paper which best communicates cutting-edge research was won by a team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications Heinrich Hertz Institute for their paper on auto-stereoscopic television - 3D without glasses.

The three IBC2012 Exhibition Design Awards were won by Marvell Semiconductors, Netgem and SES.

(Source : Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)

Sweden : Head of Swedish Radio reject tax plan

Cilla Benkö is the incoming head of Swedish public radio

A proposal to replace the Swedish television licence fee with a tax on everyone over 18 has been criticised by the leaders of Swedish public radio.

A government investigation is to decide the future direction of Sweden's public service broadcasters: Swedish Television (SVT), Swedish Radio (SR) and the Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR). Radio Sweden is part of SR.

Writing in Tuesday's Dagens Nyheter the investigators propose replacing the licence fee with a income-based tax to pay for public service broadcasting.

But the heads of Swedish Radio, Mats Svegfors and Cilla Benkö, say that this move would be "a blow against our independence" and bring the public service broadcasters closer to the politicians.

The investigation also proposes switching radio over to digital. Currently only 35 percent of Swedes are in an area with digital radio coverage.

The government study is to be officially presented at lunchtime today.

(Source : Radio Sweden)

Radio Schweden Quiz: Nordpol-Expedition der Oden [German service]

With gifts from the radio-Sweden-box surprise

Sweden's largest icebreaker for the seventh time on Arctic travel. On behalf of the Swedish Polar Research Institute leads the team of Oden - who is also a research vessel yes - by drilling. Twelve cores, scientists have already taken.

The benefits they expect from the analysis of these samples?

a) Several countries are fighting over the rights to the Arctic. Sweden wants to know how much oil and gas can be obtained from the so-called Walfriedhöfen 10,000 years ago. Only if it is worth Sweden will continue to stand up for their rights in the Arctic.

b) The researchers want to check their models for climate change thousands of years ago. If these models agree, they can be reliably used to predict the climate of the future.

c) The cores of eternal ice to provide information on what types of fish from the penguins to 10 000 years ago ate in the Arctic.

Your response should be sent to:

radioschweden@sverigesradio.se

The closing date is Monday 17 September 2012. In our pod broadcast on the same day, you will learn who won.

 

(Source : Radio Sweden, German Service) (Translated via Google Translation)

 

 

Original Text in German

  

Radio Schweden Quiz:

Nordpol-Expedition der Oden

Mit Geschenken aus der Radio-Schweden-Überraschungskiste

Schwedens größter Eisbrecher ist zum siebten Mal auf Arktisreise. Im Auftrag des schwedischen  Polarforschungsinstituts führt das Team der Oden – die ja auch ein Forschungsschiff ist – Probebohrungen durch. Zwölf Bohrkerne haben die Wissenschaftler bereits entnommen.

Welchen Nutzen erwarten sie von der Analyse dieser Proben?

a) Mehrere Länder streiten sich um die Rechte an der Arktis. Schweden will wissen, wie viel Erdöl und -gas man aus den sogenannten Walfriedhöfen vor 10.000 Jahren gewinnen kann. Nur wenn es sich lohnt, will Schweden weiter für seine Rechte in der Arktis eintreten. 

b) Die Forscher wollen ihre Modelle für Klimaveränderungen vor tausenden von Jahren überprüfen. Wenn diese Modelle stimmen, kann man sie zuverlässiger für die Vorhersage des Klimas der Zukunft benutzen.

c) Die Bohrkerne des ewigen Eises geben Aufschluss darüber, von welchen Fischarten die Pinguine sich vor 10 000 Jahren in der Arktis ernährten.

Ihre Antwort schicken Sie bitte an:

radioschweden@sverigesradio.se

Einsendeschluss ist Montag, der 17. September 2012. In unserer Pod-Sendung am selben Tag erfahren Sie, wer gewonnen hat.

(Radio Sweden, German Service)