Sunday, September 07, 2025

Seminar Unveils the Power of Radio Journalism


Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College’s PG Department of Journalism & Communication is proud to announce a seminar titled “The Voice Profession: Unlocking Radio Journalism Career” on 8th September 2025 at 2:30 PM, AV Room, Ganga Block.


The upcoming seminar aims to explore the dynamic world of radio journalism, offering students and aspiring professionals valuable insights into this vital media field. Attendees will learn from broadcasting professionals and gain expert guidance on building a successful career in radio journalism.


Key Highlights

- Understand radio journalism insights from an industry expert.

- Learn best practices in broadcast media.

- Receive personalized professional career guidance.

The seminar features Dr. T. Jaisakthivel, a renowned figure in journalism and mass communication, who will share his expertise and experience with the attendees. The event is intended for students of BA & MA Journalism and is open to all who wish to explore career opportunities in radio broadcasting.


Organized By

The event is coordinated by faculty members including Mr. P. Rajesh Kumar (Faculty Coordinator), Dr. A. Pragathi (Asst. Prof. & Head i/c), Dr. S. Santosh Baboo (President), and Dr. Ashok Kumar Mundhra (Secretary), with Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College committed to academic excellence and professional development in the field of journalism.


For further information, please visit the college website or contact the Journalism & Communication Department.



Dxers Guide - September 2025


Listening to shortwave radio stations during a lunar eclipse is important because eclipses cause significant changes in the Earth's ionosphere, which affects radio wave propagation. During an eclipse, the sudden reduction or blocking of sunlight temporarily alters ionization levels in the ionosphere, especially in the D and E layers. This change can improve the reflection and travel distance of shortwave radio waves, allowing signals that are usually weak or undetectable during the day to be received more clearly and over longer distances at that time.


Eclipses create a natural experiment for observing how the ionosphere responds to rapid changes in solar radiation. By listening to shortwave radio stations during an eclipse, researchers and radio enthusiasts can study how ionospheric properties affect radio signal strength, propagation, and fading. This helps improve understanding of radio communications critical for emergency responders, aviation, maritime navigation, and global communication. Specifically, the eclipse-induced "night-like" conditions temporarily reduce the ionospheric absorption of radio waves, enhancing the reception of distant shortwave broadcasts that are otherwise masked during daylight [1][2][3][4].

In summary, listening to shortwave radio during a moon or solar eclipse provides an opportunity to observe and study atmospheric and ionospheric changes that impact radio wave behavior and communication capabilities.



Citations:

[1] Audio eclipse may fill the sky - EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1021230

[2] “Observe” August's Eclipse with Your AM Radio - Sky & Telescope https://skyandtelescope.org/2017-total-solar-eclipse/how-to-hear-the-solar-eclipse/

[3] How Ham Radio Operators Do Eclipse Science https://www.sciencefriday.com/articles/ham-radio-eclipse-citizen-science/

[4] The Solar Eclipse and Ham Radio https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/the-solar-eclipse-and-ham-radio

[5] The odd way eclipses affect radio - BBC https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20231005-eclipses-do-odd-things-to-radio-waves-to-learn-more-an-army-of-american-amateurs-will-broadcast-during-the-next-ones

[6] Beyond DXing: Analyzing Medium Wave Propagation During the ... https://swling.com/blog/2025/02/beyond-dxing-analyzing-medium-wave-propagation-during-the-2023-annular-eclipse/

[7] Ride the Wave of Radio Astronomy During the Solar Eclipse https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/ride-the-wave-of-radio-astronomy-during-the-solar-eclipse/

[8] How is it like to use radio during an eclipse? : r/HamRadio - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/HamRadio/comments/1k15jvc/how_is_it_like_to_use_radio_during_an_eclipse/

[9] Ham Radios Crowdsourced Ionospheric Science During Eclipse - Eos https://eos.org/articles/ham-radios-crowdsourced-ionospheric-science-during-eclipse

[10] Eclipse Radio: Several NASA-Funded Science Projects https://swling.com/blog/2024/02/eclipse-radio-several-nasa-funded-science-projects/

[11] Ham Radio Operators, We Need Your Help During Solar Eclipses! https://science.nasa.gov/get-involved/citizen-science/ham-radio-operators-we-need-your-help-during-solar-eclipses/

[12] NASA-Funded Science Projects Tuning In to 'Eclipse Radio' https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/nasa-funded-science-projects-tuning-in-to-eclipse-radio/

[13] Sky and Telescope: “Observe” August's Eclipse with Your AM Radio https://swling.com/blog/2017/06/sky-and-telescope-observe-augusts-eclipse-with-your-am-radio/

[14] HamSCI Reminder: Contribute to ionospheric research during the ... https://swling.com/blog/2023/10/hamsci-reminder-contribute-to-ionospheric-research-during-the-october-14-2023-solar-eclipse/

[15] Eclipses do odd things to radio waves. An army of amateur ... https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1716y1c/eclipses_do_odd_things_to_radio_waves_an_army_of/

[16] Monitoring radio reception during the eclipse https://www.ukssdc.ac.uk/ionosondes/eclipse/outline.html

[17] Effect of total lunar eclipse of 27th July 2018 on the D- ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273117721007201

[18] Shortwave radio proves simple, powerful — and necessary - RedTech https://www.redtech.pro/shortwave-radio-proves-simple-powerful-and-necessary/

[19] Ham Radio Operators' Ionospheric Science During The ... https://hackaday.com/2023/10/31/ham-radio-operators-ionospheric-science-during-the-solar-eclipse/

Sunday, June 01, 2025

A Radio Postcard Journey - 71


A Postcrossers Naren, recently sent a postcard featuring a unique image: the International AM/FM/LW Stereo Dual Cassette Recorder AK-21. The postcard, depicting a classic boombox with its dual cassette decks, sparked a wave of nostalgia online.


Adding to the retro charm, the cassette slots on the recorder are labeled with "Ilayaraja" - a likely reference to the popular music of the renowned Tamil  film composer.


The postcard, sent from Sholingur, a town in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu, India, has generated interest among vintage audio enthusiasts and fans of Ilayaraja's music alike. The image serves as a reminder of the era of cassette tapes and portable stereos, a time before digital music streaming.


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Friday, May 30, 2025

Article on Community Radio in Madras Musings



Just read a fascinating article on Community Radio, published by Madras Musings! 


A big thank you to Madras Musings and the author, Roshan Zahin, for shedding light on this important and engaging topic with me. 


It's wonderful to talk more about how community radio serves and connects people right here in our city.


If you'd like to read the full article,

you can find the link below! 👇


https://madrasmusings.com/vol-35-no-3/a-voice-for-the-voiceless-chennais-community-radio-service/


Or download this issue here


https://madrasmusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM-Vol.-XXXV-No.-3.pdf





Saturday, April 05, 2025

Celebrate the Legacy of Wireless Communication Pioneer with Limited Edition Postcards



Postally Postcards Launches Special Set of 7 Cards for Guglielmo Marconi's Birth Anniversary


April 5, 2025 — In celebration of the birth anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless telegraphy and a pioneer of modern radio communication, Postally Postcards proudly unveils a special edition set of 7 uniquely designed postcards. Marconi, born on April 25, 1874, is commemorated globally on his birthday, with the Saturday closest to it observed as International Marconi Day.


Each postcard in this collector’s set features distinctive artwork and historical imagery capturing Marconi’s groundbreaking contributions to wireless communication. Designed to inspire radio enthusiasts, collectors, and history buffs alike, the postcards are both a tribute and a visual journey through Marconi’s revolutionary work.


Set Details:

7 exclusive postcard designs

Price: ₹70 (excluding postage)

Printed by: Postally Postcards


Celebrate the legacy of a true innovator and share the story of Marconi with these beautifully crafted cards — perfect for collectors or as gifts to fellow wireless enthusiasts.


For more details or to place an order, WhatsApp the number mentioned in the poster.


BUY NOW and mark this International Marconi Day with a touch of history.

Stay connected. Celebrate innovation. Postally Postcards

 

Friday, April 04, 2025

Interview on Radio Journalism in the social media Age

I'm excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to sit down with  Roshan Zahin for an insightful interview on Radio Journalism, especially in today's era of rapidly evolving social media platforms. 🎙️

Roshan asked some truly thought-provoking questions that really made me reflect on the changing landscape of media and how radio continues to play a vital role. We delved into the challenges and opportunities that arise when traditional journalism meets the dynamic world of social media, and I think you'll find our conversation quite engaging. 📻

A huge thank you to Roshan for her brilliant interview skills and for making me feel so comfortable! 🙏 I truly appreciate her dedication to exploring these important topics.

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing team at Chennai FM Rainbow! Specifically, a massive thank you to Mr. Sudharsan, the Program Head, for his vision and support. Mr. Vignesh, the Program Executive, for his meticulous planning and execution. Ms. Vimala, the Program Assistant, for her invaluable assistance.

You all made this experience truly memorable! 🌟 Don't miss the chance to listen to our English Program! Tune in to 101.4 MHz Chennai FM Rainbow on: April 5th, 2025 (5.4.25) at 8:45 PM and April 12th, 2025 (12.4.25) at 8:45 PM

I hope you enjoy the program as much as I enjoyed being a part of it! Let me know your thoughts after you listen! 😊

#RadioJournalism #SocialMedia #FM #ChennaiFMRainbow #Interview #RoshanZhareen #Media #Broadcasting #ListenNow #DontMissIt #Jaisakthivel #Radio #AllIndiaRadio #Akashvani

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

A Belgian Radio Celebration: The 75th Anniversary Stamp


This charming stamp, a thoughtful gift from @maya_ansje in Belgium, holds a special place in my collection. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of Belgian Radio, a significant milestone in the country's broadcasting history. 

Issued in 2005, the stamp features a vibrant design that immediately catches the eye. The prominent pink and white color scheme, reminiscent of a vinyl record, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of radio.  

The stamp proudly displays the logos of various Belgian radio stations, including:

RTBF Channels:La Première, VivaCité, Musiq3, Classic21, PureFM, and RTBF International (representing the French-speaking public broadcaster).

VRT Channels: Radio 1, Radio 2, Klara, Studio Brussel, Radio Donna, and RVi (representing the Flemish-speaking public broadcaster).

These logos, arranged in a gradient arc, symbolize the diverse range of programming offered by Belgian radio over the years. The central design element, a stylized microphone, further emphasizes the stamp's celebration of radio broadcasting.

The inscription "75 RADIO" in bold lettering, along with "ANS-JAAR" (Years in French and Dutch) and the year "2005", clearly marks the anniversary.  The "BELGIQUE BELGIË" and the value "0.50" (likely in Euros) are standard postal markings.  "16 bis Valérie Paul" likely refers to the designer or a specific detail related to the stamp's creation.

For me, this stamp is more than just a piece of postage. It's a window into Belgian culture and a reminder of the power of radio to connect people.  The thoughtful gesture from @maya_ansje makes it even more special, a tangible connection to a friend and a distant land.  It's a testament to the beauty of collecting and the joy of sharing passions across borders.

In essence, this stamp is a miniature celebration of Belgian radio history, a vibrant piece of design, and a cherished gift that I will treasure.

 

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Calling all Radio Lovers!


I'm thrilled to invite you to "Radio Revolution," a special seminar on February 13th at KSR College of Arts and Science in Tiruchengode.  I'll be there, along with other guests, to celebrate all things radio!

Join us at 10:00 AM in Sangam Hall to hear from experts and explore the fascinating world of broadcasting.  It's a great opportunity for radio listeners to connect and learn more about their favorite medium. Hope to see you there!


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