7100 to 7200 kHz allocation for amateurs in India

As decided at World Radio Conference 2003 (WRC03) the segment 7.1 to 7.2 MHz which was occupied by commercial broadcasters, was to revert to the amateur community from 29th March 2009.

This was as a result of intense campaigning by the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) during the years leading to WRC03 and WRC 07 and at the conferences. ARSI represents IARU in India, and a part of subscriptions to
ARSI goes to fund IARU, which depends solely on subscriptions from member societies to work for amateur radio when there are so many demands on frequencies from other services.

In many countries the allocation was made well before the deadline of 29th March, but there are still some broadcasters occupying some frequencies there.

The Amateur Radio Society, on behalf of all VU hams, have made a formal application and personal representation on 16th and 17th April 2009 to WPC and the Department of Telecommunications for this segment to be allocated to
the amateur community.

Representations have also been made for regular allocation of frequencies in the 6 meter and 30 meter bands, which were given on a short term basis earlier, but later withdrawn. Temporary allocations have been made for some
Dxpeditions also but we have asked for it on a permanent basis.

The question of life time and long term licenses was also taken up, as well as speedy clearances for new licenses and quick renewals ARSI will continue to follow up these matters, but it will help if all clubs and individual hams write to WPC on this to put more pressure on them.

Please forward copies of your correspondence to WPC on this subject to me to enable me to use it for future follow up. (Gopal VU2GMN, President ARSI & Director International Amateur Radio Union Region 3)

For Contact
Gopal Madhavan,
"Shreyas Apartments",
128 (old 63) Greenways Road,
R A Puram,
Chennai- 600 028, India,
Tel: +91 44 2493 7724/ 42303129,
Mob: +91 94440 18452,
E-mail: gopal.madhavan@ gmail.com

The new IRC, known as the Nairobi model

The new illustration that will adorn the international reply coupon (IRC) as from 1 July 2009 was unveiled today in Geneva during a plenary meeting of the 24th Universal Postal Congress. A Luxembourg artist won the competition, organized by the UPU's International Bureau in order to find a design for the next generation of IRCs. The work by Rob vAN GOOR, a graphic artist from the Luxembourg Post, was selected from amongst 10 designs presented by UPU member countries. The artist interpreted the theme of the contest, "The postage stamp: a vehicle for exchange", by depicting the world being cradled by a hand, and the perforated outline of a postage stamp. All 169 countries present at the UPU Congress had the opportunity to cast a vote for the winning design.

The new IRC, known as the Nairobi model, will go on sale on 1 July 2009. Postal customers, collectors and philatelists will probably be able to exchange it until the end of 2013. It will replace the current coupon, known as Beijing 2, which first went on sale on 1 July 2006 and will remain valid until 31 December 2009.

The international reply coupon is a postal product exchangeable in every UPU member country for one or more postage stamps representing the minimum postage for an ordinary priority letter-post item or an ordinary airmail letter sent abroad for the reply. Some 2.2 million reply coupons are sold each year by 121 postal administrations. While not all countries sell IRCs, all the postal operators of the UPU's 191 member countries, and their territories, are required to exchange them.

More than a century after it first appeared in 1907, the international reply coupon remains a useful item. Aside from its traditional use for correspondence, two particular groups of users have emerged: students, who use it as a means of exchanging correspondence with academic institutions, and amateur radio enthusiasts, who use coupons when exchanging their "QSL cards" confirming radio reception.

++++++
Just a reminder for those who like to stockpile International Reply Coupons
(IRCs) - the current IRC will expire at the end of year.

Unlike the old style coupons, the current types all have an expiry date,
giving them a maximum life of 3 years. If you purchased a current IRC today,
they will still expire on December 31, 2009.

Ken, ZL2HU, advises us on the following information from the International
Postal Union in Geneva:

"The current issue (Beijing 2) IRC may be exchanged up to 31 December 2009
(date printed on coupon). In principle, Beijing 2 coupons will no longer be
sold from 31 August 2009.
"The new international reply coupon (Nairobi model) is due to go on sale
from 1 July 2009, and will be valid for exchange until 31 December 2013."

Ken states, "So make sure you aren't holding any of the Beijing 2 coupons at
the end of this year."

To see what the new IRC looks like, go to:

http://www.upu. int/news_ centre/2008/ en/2008-08- 08_irc.shtml

Source: OPDX via Southgate
http://www.southgat earc.org/ news/april2009/ irc_dates. htm

(Mike Terry Via DXLD)

ITU Corporate Annual Report 2008 released online

The ITU Corporate Annual Report 2008 reviews the activities of the Union for 2008, in the context of its overall Strategic Plan. The Report describes how ITU is fulfilling its seven strategic goals in progress and achievements. The message from the Secretary-General considers how Members' needs are changing and how ITU's work programme has been reviewed, in light of the financial crisis. ITU Corporate Annual Report 2008 is available online free of charge.

BBC Russian site relaunched

The website for the BBC's Russian service, BBCRussian.com, has become the latest of the 33 World Service language sites to relaunch.

The page is now over 20 percent wider, giving more space - a full 214 extra pixels, in fact - to showcase the very best of the BBC's Russian language output.

In particular, a new Rolling News index has been added - which allows users to see the latest news stories as they are published onto the site - a first for the BBC language services.

"We are publishing six to eight short stories an hour to reflect the news as it comes in," explains Dmitry Shishkin, editor of BBCRussian.com.

"This is another feature very popular in the Russian market where the audience clearly needs it. We tried to boost the video and interactive presence as well as keeping a very significant amount of news stories and analysis on the front page."

Perfect platform

As a result, there is now more video available than ever within a single click on the site. This will soon be followed by new indexes for all of the Russian radio programmes.

"We always distinguished ourselves as being the only news site in Russian which gives the user the ultimate multiplatform experience. When a big story breaks the user reading our text story is also able to watch an embedded video, a picture gallery, to read and/or contribute to a forum on the issue, to listen to the radio discussion, and to comment on a blog," says Dmitri.

"The new site is a perfect platform for this task."

It follows the BBC World Service sites for English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Persian, Urdu and Portuguese.

"It was always our great disadvantage that the old site looked really different in comparison to the competitors' sites," Dmitry adds.

"We simply looked unusual and rather dated, the site was too compact in Russian terms - the market there is used to very long front pages. So we wanted to address that when we discussed the redesign."

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BBC rides FM poll wagon with election capsules

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) flagged off its on air initiative across FM stations in India on 16 April, airing capsules that are 65 per cent Hindi, with the rest in English.

This week, it has introduced 'BBC Election Q&A', one minute capsules for raising awareness on the voting procedures, working of the voting machine, political system etc. BBC World Service India FM Desk Editor Rashika Kaul says, "It is a brain teaser to create curiosity about the electoral process and empowering the listeners with information delivered in an engrossing style." BBC Election Q&A started airing from 13 April and has slots three times a day, during the morning and evening drive time and during the day.

Already on air from 16 April, the second capsule, 'BBC Ek din ka pradhan mantri' is aired four times a day and showcases people from different spheres. "It would be short, crisp, impactful programming featuring people from diverse sections of society expressing their actions if they were prime minister for a day. The key of this capsule is the diversity in the people involved." BBC Ek din ka pradhan mantri also has film stars, journalists, IIM students, housewives, cab drivers, celebs like Javed Akhtar, Aamir Khan and Rahul Bose.

BBC has worked with Indian Railways to design a timetable for the 'BBC Express' project where BBC reporters will travel across India. The train will travel along the following route: Delhi-Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Hyderabad-Bhubaneswar-Kokata-Patna-Allahabad-Dehli. Covering areas across provincial towns and rural areas, BBC's global audience will get to hear the views of a wide range of Indian voters.

Says Kaul, "Apart from being a publicity exercise for BBC, it is an interesting concept of connecting to the real India. As news is not permitted on radio, there won't be any serious issues discussed but quizzing on the electoral process, constituencies etc." Aired four times a day, the RJs on the journey will be linked live to the radio station carrying BBC capsules. Starting from 25th April, BBC Express will be a month long segment covering elections.

The election capsules would be aired across all stations of Radio One, regional FM stations like Radio Choklate (Bubhaneshwar, Rourkela), Radio Chaska (Gwalior), Radio Tadka (Udaipur, Jaipur), Radio Tomato (Kolhapur), Radio Rangeela, and Radio Misty (Siliguri).

Apart from India, it will be broadcasted in six frequencies of World band Radio across Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Jose, Washington etc. Quizzed about the listenership of Indian election broadcast internationally, Kaul verifies, "World Band Media has many south asian listeners who are interested in keeping a tab on the election scenario in India. The capsules aired in the US would be similar to the slots in India."

Online users will be able to track the journey of the train through a special interactive map and a daily blog available on the BBC's India Election webpage www.bbc.com/india.

http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/bbc-rides-fm-poll-wagon-with-election-capsules

(Jaisakthivel, Chennai,India)

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Prime Kagiso provides IPL updates to radio stations in India

Primetime Kagiso, a joint venture between Primetime International and Kagiso Media (South Africa's private radio network) is providing updates on the Indian Premier League (IPL) across various radio stations in India.

The radio content will include access to on-ground events, interactive contests, on-air polls, expert analysis and exclusive audio bytes from the ground.. "We will have a 'nerve centre' studio where the programming will be packaged and relayed as a feed to a network of radio stations. Apart from a team and technical producer, we hope to have the services of a specialist on board to choreograph new elements into the broadcast as this is a first for FM radio in India," says PrimeTime-Kagiso chairman Omar Essack.

Radio City 91.1FM has joined hands with Primetime Kagiso to be the official radio partner for IPL2. Under the terms of the agreement, the radio station will provide moments from both on and off the field throughout the IPL season.
http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k9/apr/apr220.php

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BBC Russian now on Nokia internet radio

BBC Russian-language radio can now be listened to live on Nokia mobile phones.

The Russian channel will be added to three audio channels currently available - BBC World Service in English, BBC World Service's 24-hour rolling news in English, and BBC Arabic.

All four channels will be available for live streaming, offering high-quality, impartial and editorially independent news and information. The new Russian channel will offer eight hours of live radio every weekday, from 14 April. Transmissions will run from 0100 to 0130 GMT; 0230 to 0600 GMT; and 1300 to 1900 GMT. In addition, weekend programming will run from 1600 to 1730 GMT on Saturdays and Sundays.

New and recent models of Nokia phones will come with the pre-installed radio application which can be found in the Applications menu. BBC channels are listed in the station directory.

Ruxandra Obreja, Controller, BBC World Service Business Development team, says: "We're delighted to continue strengthening the BBC's agreement with Nokia, launching another language stream and giving listeners a richer, broader offering while they are on the move."

Karl Kathuria, Head of Digital Delivery, BBC World Service, adds: "This shows our commitment to offering our content to multiple platforms in a variety of ways."

Nokia's head of radio business, Teemu Tarnanen says: "The BBC channels are consistently in the Top 10 most popular channels in Nokia Internet Radio.

"We're thrilled to have more BBC content available to the millions of mobile listeners through the service."

If your Nokia handset doesn't already have the radio feature, you can download the application from nokia.com/internetradio.

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“THE WORLD OF STAMPS” CONTEST 2009

“The World of Stamps” show invites all listeners of Radio Havana Cuba to answer the annual philatelic question, which this time is dedicated to the “50th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.”

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE STAMPS ISSUED IN CUBA DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD?

Contest deadline is December 31st, 2009.

Every participant will be awarded a prize, consisting in a Cuban stamp series issued as of 1959.

Send your essay to: Radio Havana Cuba
P. O. Box 6240
Havana Cuba
E-mail: radiohc@enet.cu

I&B Ministry grants 3 years to World Space for new licensing

Popular satellite radio service provider World Space India has sought five-year time to migrate into the new licensing regime once it is finalised.

World Space, in a official communiqué to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, said that the company would divest 26 per cent equity in favour of Indian equity investors, within a five-year timeframe. This will be in consonance with the new licensing regime proposed by the government.

However, the government has offered World Space India, a three-year deadline to migrate into the new licensing regime. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of World Space Asia based in Singapore.

At present, World Space provides 34 radio channels in India that include BBC World and London-based WRN news channels. The government foresees entry of topnotch foreign players into the virgin satellite radio services market once the licensing regime being considered by union cabinet is put in place.

World Space was launched with the intention of providing digital satellite radio primarily in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. The radio services are provided on a subscription basis and the radio services are uninterrupted because it has no spots. The only source of income is subscriptions.

Already, US-based Sirius XM Radio, the largest satellite radio player internationally, has evinced keen interest in making a foray into Indian satellite radio market. Sirius that has operations in North America, Canada and Alaska had acquired XM in July 2008.

The satellite radio networks will allow subscribers access to programmes relayed worldwide via fixed, portable or vehicular radio sets. Opening up satellite radio to new domestic and foreign players will widen choice of programmes already the subscribers have through AM & FM radio broadcast of All India Radio (AIR).

As per draft cabinet note circulated by Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the 74 per cent FDI cap will be set for Satellite radio operators, on par with those on other platform services like teleports and Direct to Home (DTH).

The bidding for licenses to enter the satellite radio space may be held once the current Lok Sabha elections are completed, an official said on condition of anonymity. The government also foresees a chunk of FM radio broadcasters offering satellite services, as most of the licence norms would be similar between the two.

FM radio service providers cover 35.50 per cent population and a geographical area of 24.41 per cent. About 245 FM channels are operational in the country across 87 cities. As per policy formulation under consideration, FM services may be extended to another 210 cities.

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Channai Ham Meet-2009

On 12 April 2009 Sunday evening in the Maharastra Nivas, Alwarpet, Chennai some of the SWL's and plenty of Hams were meet together.
I went there at 4 o'clock.. Already some of the Ham were there including Mr. Deepan and Mr. Vipin.
I am very much happy to see the active hams after long back in one place.
This is the first time here in Chennai the meet were arrange by SWL and active Hams. (Some of the group meeting was also going on, but it is different from that)
Some of the SRM students were also attend the event.
Mr. Gopal Madavan gives the special speech for budding hams. Before that Mr. Deepan give the welcome address.
Some of the veteran hams also share their experience.

If you are in Chennai..
Are want to become a Ham?
Are you willing to write the exam in June?
Then you must be always visit www.chennaihams.blogspot.com
Also you register your mail ID to hamexams@gmail.com

Some More photos

"Puduvai Vaani" is a Community Radio Station from Pondicherry

Recently I have a chance to visit Pondicherry University's community FM "Puduvai Vaani". It is 12 km from the main bus stand. Station have plenty of space. Infrastructure were also unbeatable with All India Radio, Pondicherry. You will see these photos in the following link and agree with me.

Photos

Pondicherry University launches community FM Puduvai Vaani 107.8MHz on January 2009. The new Community Radio Service, initiated and implemented by University. The FM reaches a distance of about 12 kms radius. Regular transmission is going on air from Jan 1, 2009. Besides the faculty and students of University, programmes are also presented by the community people. The language of broadcasting primarily includes Tamil and English.

Puduvai Vaani has been started with an aim to make awareness among the people to improve their nature of life style. Puduvai Vaani is the public broadcaster to awaken, inform, enlighten educate and entertain all section of the people including the programme on women empowerment, communal harmony, health and education. It also brings out the hidden talents of the students in and around the University campus. CRS also includes its service on the practical session for the students of Centre for Electronic Media and Mass Communication.

Prof. J.A.K. Tareen, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University said in his message, "The voice of the community should also be heard and attended to. The "Puduvai Vaani" is a Community Radio Station established by the University with the support of CEMCA, Commonwealth of Learning (COL), New Delhi and provided by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, GOI. It works under FM 107.8 Mhz a frequency which is currently extended to a catchment's area of 20 km radius from the university campus. By linking with other similar stations, the university plans to reach the mass at large for their community development, people's participation, and knowledge and information transformation."

Special programmes in standard format both in Tamil and English are produced by production team. Radio Tutor series and subject related documentaries are aimed at providing Adaptive Learning Methods for the students of primary, secondary and higher education. Rural men and women, children and senior citizens will be given enough opportunities to share their views, experiences and expectations. "Puduvai Vaani" is a good platform for aspiring media professionals to get themselves trained and empowered in New Media.

Programme Schedule

Academic Co-ordination:

Prof .A.Balasubramanian
Director - Culture and Cultural Relations

Mr. A. Muthamil, Centre for Electronic media
Mrs. Radhika Khanna, Centre for Electronic media

Production Team: ( Audio/ Video)

Mr. J.A .Sanjeev Kumar, Producer (A/ V)
Mrs.S.Saleema Rabiyath, Programme Executive (FM - CRS)
Mr. S.Balamurugan, Production Asst. (A/ V)
Mr. K. karthikeyan, Translator - Cum- Announcer (FM- CRS)
Mr. M.Iyyanar - Technician (A/ V)
Mr. G.Govindaraj - Sound Recordist (FM - CRS)
Mr. S.C. Hema Kumar - Studio Asst
Mr. G.Siva Kumar - Studio Operations
Mr. D.Durai Vijayan - Studio Operations
Mr. V.Meenakshi Sundaram - Studio Operations
Mr. M.Umeshan - Studio Operations
Ms. M.Manamathi - Digital Music

For Details Contact:

Sri .S.Loganathan, Registrar
Sri. S. Raghavan, Finance Officer
Dr. J.Sampath, Controller of Examinations (I/c)

Address to contact:

Puduavai Vaani FM 107.8 MHz
First floor, Convention- Cum - Cultural centre, (Opp to PEC),
Pondicherry University,
Puducherry -14.
Email: puduvaivaani@gmail.com
Web: http://www.pondiuni.edu.in/fmradio/
Tel: 0413 2655997, 2654552

Zee to pull down shutters on radio biz in UK

Zee is pulling down the shutters on its radio business after a year's presence in the UK market. Hit by recession and deciding to focus on the group's core television
business, a senior company executive said Zee Radio would cease broadcasting from 30 April.

"We wanted a 24-hour radio station on air. We thought we would get the licence in a year's time. That didn't happen. Zee Radio would stop transmission from 30 April," Zee Network UK and Europe head Govind Shahi told Indiantelevision.com in a telephonic conversation from London.
(http://www.indiantelevision.com)

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BBC commissions India Election Train to cover polls

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has launched a unique multiplatform, multilingual initiative, the 'India Election Train' to cover news on the go during the run-up to the country's General Elections in May.

Working with the Indian Railways, reporters from the BBC's Global News division will travel through India by train, investigating what Indians want from their General Election and the key themes surrounding it from 25 April until 13 May.

On board the train will reporters from BBC World Service English, BBC Hindi, BBC Urdu, BBC Tamil, BBC Bengali, BBC Somali, BBC Swahili, BBC World News television, Arabic TV, Persian TV and BBC.Com/news. Highly knowledgeable about the country, a number permanently based there, the journalists will broadcast stories to the world, across radio, TV and online.

The BBC has worked with Indian Railways to design a timetable for the project and the train will travel along the following route: Delhi-Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Hyderabad-Bhubaneswar-Kokata (Kolkata)-Patna-Allahabad-Dehli. With the team visiting major population centres, as well as contrasting provincial towns and rural areas, the BBC's global audience will get to hear the views of a wide range of Indian voters.

Online users will be able to track the journey of the train through a special interactive map and a daily blog available on the BBC's India Election webpage www.bbc.com/india.

BBC reporters will investigate a variety of topics throughout their journey, with a key one being India's response to the current economic crisis. India's economy is still growing and some believe it could assist the recovery of other markets around the world.

Richard Sambrook, Director BBC Global News, says: "The BBC's approach to covering the India Election is unique and representative of the breadth and depth of its newsgathering facility. Multiplatform and multilingual, the BBC India Election Train will provide audiences in India and around the world with an in-depth view of the election and the key themes and issues surrounding it". (Radioandmusic.com)

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AIR A09 PG (Scanned copy)

Now all of you access the original scanned copy of All India Radios' Home Service and External Service programme schedule in the following link.
http://adxc.wordpress.com/2009/04/03/air-external-service-a09/
http://adxc.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/air-a09-pdf/
- Jaisakthivel, Chennai, India

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All India Radio Home service scedule A09

Now you will access the All India Radio Home service scedule on the following link
http://adxc.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/air-a09-pdf/

Informal HAM Eyeball at Chennai on 12th April 2009 !!!

Dear All

As a precursor to the world amateur radio day coming up in April month (18th April) the Chennaihamsblogspot invites all the Chennai HAMS and SWL's to come together for the passion of this wonderful hobby under one roof in chennai for an informal eyeball on April 12th 2009 at 4:30PM onwards . Its long time since Chennai has an interaction like this.

The Eyeball Venue address:

SS RAGHAVENDRA PRIMARY SCHOOL
20 , PARTHASARATHY SWAMY KOVIL STREET
TRIPLICANE,CHENNAI
LANDMARK END OF VEERASWAMY STREET

The eyeball meeting is a casual interaction meet for all SWL's/budding HAMS to meet around with buddies to discuss on preparation plans to take up ASOL exams and also for all OM's to catch up old friends , have a chat etc.

Its also an opportunity to share suggestions/ ideas for the improvement of the blogsite as well overall HAM activities in Chennai or any other subject related to ham radio.

Your presence for this gettogether will be the key to success of the event and a stepping stone for organising further HAM activities during 2009 in Chennai.

For any further info/suggestions pls call anyone below.

Deepan/VU2DPN/ 9840790506
Vipin/SWL/984087357 8
Devdas/VU2DH/ 9841015516
Sathyan/VU3MES/ 9840988517

Look forward seeing you during the eyeball.

With Regards

ChennaiHamsblogspot team

Yugadi & New Year Wishes to all the Hams & SWLs.

In series with the Celebrations of Golden Jubilee Year of Bangalore Amateur Radio CLub - VU2ARC and Hamfest India 2009, the Organising Committee is pleased to announce the Tenth VHF Fox Hunt in Bangalore on 17 May 2009. This day also happens to be celebrated as "World Telecom Day" across the Globe.

The complete details of the event, entry fee, rules & regulations, etc are available at
www.hamfestindia. com
or

www.barc.in

We expect your participation in big numbers. Please feel free to write to us at info@hamfestindia. com or info@barc.in for any further information.

Via
Ramesh Kumar
VU2LU
Member, Organising Committee
Hamfest India 2009
+91-9845057731

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Adventist World Radio Wavescan DX Contest 2009

Once again, Adventist World Radio takes pleasure in conducting an annual
listener contest, and for this year the title is: "Silent Shortwave Station
Contest". You are invited to search through your own QSL collection and
assemble together all of your QSLs that verify the reception of shortwave
stations and/or shortwave transmitters that are no longer on the air. In
addition to the regular awards worldwide, there will be special awards for
those who include a reception report of our DX program, "Wavescan", via
radio Miami International WRMI, in Miami Florida. Here are all of the
details:-

1. List what you consider to be the five best QSLs from shortwave stations
or transmitters that are no longer on the air. The "best" may be described
as the station or the transmitter itself, or the distance, or the power, or
the age, or the circumstances under which you heard the station; or the QSL
card itself, etc. (Do not send the original cards.)

2. In one paragraph each, describe the reason why you consider each card to
be one of the best in your collection.

3. Enclose a photocopy or each of these five cards, preferably in color,
though black and white may be acceptable. Remember, do not send the
originals.

4. Send at least three reception reports on any AWR broadcast from KSDA
Guam, or any AWR relay broadcast via any relay station anywhere in the
world. The AWR broadcasts may be on shortwave, mediumwave, or FM. All
reception reports will be verified with a contest endorsement on the QSL
card.

5. Where possible, please enclose three radio cards for inclusion in the
Indianapolis QSL collection. These cards may be old or new, and they may be
QSL cards, reception report cards, picture cards, etc. Not valid for this
contest are amateur nor CB QSL cards.

The 2009 AWR DX Contest, "Silent Shortwave Station Contest", will run
through the month of June. All contest entries must be postmarked at the
listener's location in any country of the world on any date during the month
of June, and they must be delivered to the AWR postal address in
Indianapolis no later than the end of July 2009. Return postage in the form
of currency notes in an international currency, mint postage stamps, or IRC
coupons would be appreciated. Also, where possible, provide a self
addressed envelope, business size or half quarto size.
The only address for the 2009 "Silent Shortwave Station Contest" is:-

Silent Shortwave Station Contest
Box 29235
Indianapolis
IN 46229 USA

The awards for this year's contest will be similar to all previous contests.
There will be a special award for the world winner, one of the Jerry Berg
radio history books; and "World Radio TV Handbook" or "Passport to World
Band Radio" for continental winners. In addition, there will be special
awards for those who send in a reception report on the broadcast of
"Wavescan" over the shortwave station in Miami, WRMI.

(Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, India Via Dr.Adrian Peterson)

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Senecas acquires licence to operate commercial radio station

Seneca Nation of Indians acquired a construction permit from Federal Communications Commission to operate an FM radio station. The permit was purchased for $250,000. Broadcasting is expected to start in the second half of 2009. In addition to providing entertainment and news, the radio station will also promote Seneca culture and tradition while opening up new avenues of employment.

The radio station will located in the Allegany territory with the antennae site in Little valley. Signals will reach Jamestown, Salamanca, Olean, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties, as well as neighboring communities in the Western New York region and Northern Pennsylvania.
(Indiantelevision.com)

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HD Radio launches 1,000 multicast stations

HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the rollout of HD Radio, announced that 1,000 multicast stations are now being broadcast on-air and 100 SKUs are available at retail.

"In this economic environment, being able to receive all these extra stations around the country for free is immensely appealing," says HD Digital Radio Alliance president Diane Warren. "We intend to continue to educate and inform radio consumers and listeners about HD Radio, the new free stations, and the devices with the new radio advertising campaign in 100 markets on over 700 stations." (indiantelevision.com)

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7 illegal FM radio channels blocked in Charsadda, Pakistan

On the directive of federal government, the Charsadda District Administration Sunday closed seven illegal FM radio stations.

According to sources, the district administration was advised by the federal government to immediately block the transmission of all FM radio stations operating illegally in the area.

As a result, the local authorities blocked transmission of seven FM radio stations set up in Charsadda city and Shabqadar.

These radio stations were being used in seminaries and mosques for the purpose of teaching. (thenews.jang.com.pk)
____________________
Jaisakthivel, Chennai, India

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PTSW A-09 English shortwave schedules

The first schedule listing for English shortwave broadcast is now available at Prime Time Shortwave. The schedules are available in Excel, DBase, and ASCII text formats.The Palm OS file will be available soon.

- Daniel Sampson
www.primetimeshortwave.com

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QSL letter from BBC New Delhi office

The above QSL letter was send by BBC from New Delhi office on 8 January 1965. On that time BBC office was located in Rafi Marg, New Delhi. Also note the Post Box number in this letter. (Source: V. Balasubramaniyam, Chennai)

AIR A-2009 schedules

For the A-2009 schedule effective from 29 March 2009, the SW Schedules of All India Radio is available in different formats as follows:   1. Frequency wise :   http://www.qsl. net/vu2jos/ sw/freq.htm 2. Station wise  :  http://www.qsl. net/vu2jos/ es/transmitter. htm 3. Station wise1: http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/fp/loc.htm   External Services:   1. Time wise: http://www.qsl. net/vu2jos/ es/time.htm 2. Language wise: http://www.qsl. net/vu2jos/ es/language. htm   - Jose Jacob, Hyderabad

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BBC cool on Channel 4 tie-up

The BBC told ministers yesterday that while it recognised it could do more to help struggling commercial broadcasters, a proposed joint venture between its commercial arm and Channel 4 would not solve its rival's financial problems.

The link between BBC Worldwide and C4 is one of the proposals that the Digital Britain review - headed by Lord Carter, the communications minister - is investigating.

In its submission to the review, the BBC said: "A BBC which focused entirely on its own success, which refused to help the wider sector to make its own successful migration to digital, would not deserve public or political support."

But it added the financial benefits of a BBCW/C4 tie-up would not be sufficient to fund an alternative public-service broadcaster as the government says it wants to do. (http://www.ft.com)

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Canadian Broadcaster Cuts 800 Jobs as Revenue Falls

Canadian Broadcasting Corp., the country's government-run radio and television agency, plans to cut as many as 800 jobs, or almost 10 percent of its workforce, to trim costs as advertising plummets.

The broadcaster faces a funding shortfall of C$171 million ($139 million) this year, forcing it to fire workers and scale back programming, according to a statement from Ottawa today. Factors contributing to the shortfall include declining advertising, aging infrastructure and increased programming costs.

"The shortfall was there and we were looking for ways of managing it and this is where we are today," said Angus McKinnon, a spokesman for the broadcaster. Read it in details on http://www.bloomberg.com

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BBC appoints new radio drama chief

The BBC has appointed Jane Berthoud its new head of radio comedy.

Berthoud, who has worked at the BBC's comedy department for 14 years, will be the first woman to hold the role. Her credits include At Home with the Snails, World of Pub and Audio Diaries for Radio 4 and Alan's Big One with Alan Davies for Radio 1.

"I am delighted that Jane is going to lead the Comedy team in Audio and Music," said Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer. "She has a terrific track record. The department is vital to the Radio 4 audience and the whole of the BBC. It continues to produce many hits and with Jane at the helm I am sure it will continue to do so."

Berthoud will take up the role on May 4. In a statement, she said: "It's a very exciting job. With audiences in excess of five million per week, radio comedy remains a jewel in the crown of British culture and it's a privilege to be taking the helm." (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting)

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The Amazing World of Short Wave Listening

The above advt. were published in the National Geographic magazine on 1960's. Interesting advertisement?!

All India Radio on SW (Home & External Services) A-2009 by VU2JOS

Click here to access the A09

or here for all the A09 Schedules

ADXC A09

DRM general assembly to discuss DRM+ technology for FM

The DRM Consortium annual General Assembly to be held in Erlangen, Germany on 26-27 March will hear and debate how the recent decisions of India and Russia to implement DRM technology for their SW and MW bands, will become the driving force for the rollout in the rest of the world.

Held under the theme of 'DRM Digital Radio - From Possibility to Reality' the General Assembly will be attended by Consortium members, experts, broadcasters, service providers and manufacturers from all over the world. India and Russia have recently made public their decision to implement DRM as the solution for digitising radio in their respective countries.

The DRM General Assembly will also assess the standardisation plans of DRM +, the technology to digitise FM bands with all existing DRM features plus CD quality sound. Scientists and experts involved in the development of DRM+ will explain how this new addition will complete the DRM family and make it a viable, total solution for broadcasters all over the world.

An independently commissioned business case study for DRM+ will also be unveiled at the event in southern Germany.

The technical heads of the European and Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Unions will also take part and express their views on the digital scene in the two continents. Ruxandra Obreja, Chairperson, DRM Consortium and Controller, Business Development, BBC World Service says, "I am excited and encouraged by the developments in India and Russia with their huge broadcasting networks and where DRM implementation will give radio a new and exciting 'digital' lease of life. The DRM General Assembly is well-timed to discuss the implication of this roll-out and that of DRM+, expected to join the family of openly-available worldwide DRM standards later this year."

The rollout of the DRM technology also heralds an opportunity for manufacturers to tap into these huge markets with smart receivers offering the consumers an enhanced radio experience. (Radionadmusic.com)

BBC ready to woo Indian viewers with new campaign

International news broadcaster the BBC is rolling out a multi-media campaign targeted towards the Indian audience for its flagship primetime property, World News Today. Telecast daily at 9.30 pm, World News Today is an hour-long show that aims to give a comprehensive analysis on all the 'world' happenings that takes place all through the day.

According to the channel, the objective of the India-specific campaign is to drive relevance for international news on BBC World News and build an international news genre through the channel's key property, World News Today.

Says BBC Global News head - marketing and communications Vaishali Sharma, "The challenge was to closely link international news to people's lives in a manner that is seamless and creates impact." (Indiantelevision.com)

DW launches TV channel in India; looks for radio partners

Germany's international broadcaster Deutche Welle, which already runs DW-TV Asia in India since 1996, today announced the launch of a channel, DW-TV Asia+. The company is also eyeing local partners for its radio business. DW-radio airs programmes on three Indian languages.

Commenting on the channel launch, Deutsche Welle director of distribution Petra Schneider said: "Deutsche Welle has a history of being involved in fine arts and culture and the launch of the living channel DW-TV ASIA+ is a strong testimony to our international efforts in bringing this to India." Detail news on http://www.indiantelevision.com/

Chennai Live 104.8 FM is the first English radio station in Tamil Nadu

The Muthoot Group-owned radio station, Chennai Live 104.8 FM debuted in August 2008. Unlike the other seven players in Chennai, the radio station is in English, rather than the language of the land, Tamil.

The station also boasts of programming led by the talk-format, where the focus is on conversation with listeners, rather than music. Besides Chennai Live, the other players in the Chennai market are Radio City, Big FM, Radio One, Radio Mirchi, Aahaa FM, Suryan FM and Hello FM. Read it in detail on http://www.afaqs.com/main1.html

Rediff Y&R, Publicis win in radio categories at Adfest 09

Indian agencies have won big at Adfest 2009, held over the weekend at Pattaya.

In the campaign for retail category under Radio, Rediffusion Y&R Mumbai won a gold for 'Themes' for Seventymm. In the single for health and personal care category under radio, Publicis Communication Mumbai won a silver for '400 Times' for Mosquito Repellent/Killer.

In the single for social engagements category under Radio, Rediffusion Y&R Mumbai got a silver for Vandana American India Foundation.

Meanwhile, in the single for best use of music track under Film Craft, JWT Mumbai won a silver for 'A Day in The Life of Chennai' for The Times of India. Read it in detail on http://www.radioandmusic.com

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40 YEARS OF RADIO VERITAS IN ASIA

Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), the only continental Catholic short-wave station in the world, will celebrate forty years of broadcasting on April 15 and 16, 2009.

The station first aired its regular overseas and domestic programs on April 11, 1969 after a longer period of test broadcasts. The jubilee celebration on April 16 will be preceded by a symposium on April 15.

Radio producers, programmers and other invited professionals will share their experiences and insights on the theme "Catholic Radio Broadcasting in Asia." The jubilee celebration proper on April 16 stands under the heading "Crossing Borders, Sharing Christ." It will be opened by Archbishop Claudio Ma. Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications in the Vatican, who will give the keynote address. This will be followed by greetings and reflections from the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Joseph Edward Adams, and other Church and secular authorities.

Radio Veritas Asia operates in the responsibility of the "Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences" (FABC). It broadcasts in 15 different Asian languages via short-wave. Some programs are also available via the Internet. The studios of RVA are in Quezon City, Metro Manila; whereas the transmitter site is in Palauig, Zambales, some 230
kilometers north-west of Manila. Major parts of the programs are produced in the local target areas (Indian Catholic via Roberto Scaglione, Sicily, bclnews.it yg via DXLD)

'Painful' BBC Cuts to Hit Top Talent

BBC director-general Mark Thompson outlined plans today to slash .400 million in "painful cuts and reductions" from the corporation's budget. The cuts to balance the books would range from freezing senior management pay to the amount paid to the corporation's top talent.
Mr Thompson also defended the licence fee, saying that the idea that the creative industries needed further investment reductions made little sense. Mr Thompson's speech to the Changing Media Summit in London comes in the same week that Tory leader David Cameron said that the Conservatives would freeze the BBC licence fee for one year in response to the recession. (Via http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com Dave Alpert/ABC News, Los Angeles via Rachel Baughn)

IIT Bombay students launch web campus radio

Students of IIT Bombay have launched their own campus web based radio station.

The students were inspired by leading universities like MIT, Harvard and Yale that have their own successful on campus radio stations. Sajid Shariff, the general secretary of cultural affairs, IIT Bombay, says that they intend to provide the students through their LAN based radio station with a platform to voice their opinions, take part in debates and allow them to be more informed. The shows will include campus, city, national and international news, music, reviews of websites, information on books to read, gadgets, movies to watch, places and restaurants to hang out and extra-curricular activities. This is the first time a university in India has taken such an initiative.
Read it in detail on http://www.radioandmusic.com

EC allocates time for poll broadcasts on DD, AIR

Politcal parties are given 110 hours of broadcast facillity by the Election Commission (EC).

The parties will get a total of 10 hours on Doordarshan and AIR. They will get initially 45 minutes each, but the remaining four hours and 45 minutes will be divided among them in proportion to the percentage of votes polled by them in the last general elections. The parties will have to follow certain guidelines, the Commission has said.

Even as the EC has permitted seven national political parties and 39 state parties to use Doordarshan and All India Radio to make election broadcasts for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, it has said the transcript of any political advertisement by any party in Hindi, English or regional languages should be submitted to the office of the screening committee in the office of the Central Election Commission in Delhi.
Read more on www.indiantelevision.com

Anusat by Anna University to be launched in April 2009

A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV –C12) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting ready to put in orbit Israeli satellite RISAT in the first week of April along with a mini- satellite called Anusat built Anna University, Chennai.

Anusat, an amateur communication satellite weighing 38 kg was integrated at the Madras Institute of Technology, Chennai of Anna University. It is undergoing tests at the ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore. It will reach Sriharikota soon. Its integration helped the students to get hands on experience in understanding the complexities in building a satellite

The PSLV that will put RISAT and Anusat in orbit in April from Sriharikota’s second launch pad is a core-alone version without the six strap-on booster motors that form part of the standard PSLV .The core-alone vehicle weighs 230 tonnes while a normal PSLV weighs 295 tonnes. The PSLV is 44 metres tall. (The Hindu 19 March 2009 Via National Institute of Amateur Radio)

AIR Changes in A09

Shifting of AIR freq’s from 7100-7200 kHz Band wef 29th March,2009
AIR changes for A09 - Regional SW Transmitters

Station Time (IST) Time (UTC) Freq(kHz) Old New
———— ——— ——— ——— ———
Bhopal 0755-1600 IST 0225-1030 UTC 7180 7430
Chennai 0830-1700 IST 0300-1130 UTC 7160 7380
Hyderabad 0755-1715 IST 0225-1145 UTC 7140 7420
Imphal 0800-1530 IST 0230-1000 UTC 7150 7335
Jaipur 1130-1645 IST 0600-1115 UTC 7120 7325
Lucknow 0945-1615 IST 0415-1045 UTC 7105 7440
Port Blair 0845-1615 IST 0315-1045 UTC 7115 7390
Shillong 1000-1615 IST 0430-1045 UTC 7130 7315

Reports to : spectrum-manager@ air.org.in
- Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi

All India Radio Pennant

All India Radio Pennant published by Qiao Xiaoli (Chinesh Listener)
http://dx-china.blog.163.com/blog/static/8216325420086122119249/

Dxers Guide - Jan~Mar 2009

CONTENTS of THIS ISSUE

DX DIARY
INTERFERENCE BY AIR
HAM NEWS
MAHAM MEET
INDIAN NEWS
DX SCHEDULES
COMMUNITY RADIO
WORLD NEWS
AIR 7 MHZ CHANGES
FM NEWS
BEACON NETWORK
VISIT TO AIR MUSSORIE
HAPPY STATION
HF LOGS

You will access this issue on the following link..
Dxers Guide Jan-Mar 2009

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சர்வதேச வானொலி - ஜனவரி 2009 (மாத இதழ்)

முத்திரை நேயர் - விஜயராம் அ. கண்ணன்
இலங்கை வானொலி இளம் அறிவிப்பாளர் ராதிகா கலைமணி செவ்வி -கன்னியாகுமரி சகாதேவன் விஜயகுமார்
ஏற்காடு ஹாம் சந்திப்பு என பல பகுதிகளுடன் வெளி வந்த இதழை நீங்களும் படிக்க வேண்டாமா...
ஆண்டு சந்தா ரூ. 100/- மட்டுமே.
சந்தாவை பண விடையாக (எம்.ஒ) அனுப்ப வேண்டிய முகவரி

தங்க. ஜெய்சக்திவேல்,
# 59, அன்னை சத்யா நகர்,
அரும்பாக்கம்,
சென்னை - 600106,
பேச : 98413 66086.

BBC revamps mobile homepage

The BBC has announced a new customisable homepage for the mobile version of its website that brings the phone version up-to-date with its full online offering.

The beta version of the homepage is available now for owners of some BlackBerrys, the iPhone, iPod touch and Google Android phones, for handsets running the Opera browser, all Nokia Nseries as well as "high-end" Sony Ericssons, Nokias and Samsungs.

The Beeb says the homepage has a "more live and up to date feel" and the customisation means users can create "localised" content, such as news, weather and TV schedules as well as chose favourite areas to appear on their main screen.

The BBC is currently asking for feedback on the new version and says they hope to be ready to remove the beta status and replace the current homepage at the end of March. (http://www.pocket-lint.com)

Sirius XM Radio to launch Apple iPhone mobile app

Sirius XM Radio has revealed that they are planning to launch a mobile application for the Apple iPhone users. This application would be launched in the second quarter of the year. The company is also in talks with satellite TV provider DirecTV Group for a possible collaboration. Sirius XM Radio said that they are looking at new avenues to generate revenues in these tough times. The application for the iPhone would also be available to the owners of Apple iPod Touch. Sirius President of Operations and Sales Jim Meyer spoke about this app: “This is a large and interesting opportunity that will maintain our subscription-based economics while providing customers easier access to our content through means other than our traditional satellite-based platform.” (http://stuff.techwhack.com)

BJP to give FM radio a leg up in poll campaign

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will use the FM radio a lot more than the other media platforms even as it kicks off its ad campaign for the general elections on 16 March.

Says BJP spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh, “I have asked my media buying agency Frank Simoes-Tag to create a balance media buying chart, which while not being too expensive will give us the maximum reach. FM radio will play the most important role for us as it covers 280 constituencies, reaching extreme interiors and giving the widest possible reach.” .... dtail story on http://www.radioandmusic.com

VoA steps us Net usage to reach listeners

The Voice of America, which now broadcasts 1,500 hours of radio and television news and feature programmes each week for a foreign audience of 134 million people, is increasingly using the Internet to interact with its audience.

In addition to transmitting news and information, it operates social networking programs on its website and uses blogs and webchats to encourage audience participation.

It also uses the Internet for English language learning programmes. In 2008, VoA awarded a contract to Alelo Inc to develop an interactive Web-based learning portal to teach English as a second language. The portal is extremely popular with college-age students in China and Iran.

VoA Director Dan Austin said in a recent interview to America.gov that it had been told the new Obama administration feels that “what we do, dollar for dollar, is one of the better investments the American taxpayer can make.”

Austin said the VoA will continue to provide timely news and information to more than 130 million people worldwide while pursing innovative ways to engage this audience.

The former Wall Street Journal reporter and executive, who now oversees VoA’s $190 million budget, said, “Our fundamental mission has basically remained the same” since VoA began broadcasting in 1942 during World War II.

“Our task is still to provide accurate, balanced and comprehensive news and information programs for foreign audiences. We are just expanding our technical ability to do that while at the same time using state-of-the-art information technology to have a dialogue with people.”

Its 1,100 journalists and technicians broadcast in 45 languages (25 through its television arm), using a growing network of 1,200 local radio and television stations, as well as cable systems.

“Our strategy for reaching audiences is market- and research - driven,” Austin explained.“We are investing a fair amount of money into our technological infrastructure,” Austin said. “Right now, we have one foot in the analog world and one foot in the digital world.”

“But, bit by bit, we’re putting together a [digital] system,” he said, that eliminates tapes and similar recording and playing equipment, relying instead on computerization to get better quality quickly and cost-effectively. (Radioandmusic.com)

A Sticker from SLBC's City FM

Mahapalipuram meet: An overview

I fell I am very lucky this year, Yes, I am continuously having many opportunities to attend ham meets one after the other and able to see all my good old friends frequently. Thanks to the organizers of these meets for enabling me to do so.

After the Yecaud meet in January, on 14th Feb, I went to The MA-HAM meet, arranged by of the veteran, VU2VIT Vittalji, VU2INA Inar, VU3MPK Appan and VU2KBX Anna. As usual this is another meet at the famous tourist spot Mahapalipuram, started at 9.am in the morning and went on till 5 pm in the evening.

Every year this MA-HAM meet is arranged on the second Saturday of February. For this meet no registration or entrance or any other fee is charged. In this respect I would dare to say that THIS IS THE ONLY ONE HAM MEET BEING CONDUTED AT SUCH A LOW AND CHEAPER COST EVER IN INDIA. All hams were invited earnestly, received respectfully in the venue, allowed to meet each other, chat, discuss and exchange information and experience between themselves through eyeball and a few talks and speeches were given by some hams, arranged on the spot. Between 1 pm to 2 pm all were requested to go for lunch to any hotels nearby, which are many in number, and have the food, to suit their taste and pocket. Really this was a thrilling experience to everyone who participated in such a meet.

I went through a record kept at the venue for registration and found that the number of participants in the year 07 was 54, in 08 was 143 and during this year, 09 it was 89. The entire expenses were born by sponsors, VU2TTL, VU3MII, VU3CPE, VU3MPK and SWL Nathan only, by way of their own contribution and private collection. They refused to receive any more donations from others. When I asked them why, the answer was that do not want to have any more money than what is required and they had sufficient fund by that time. When I again suggested receiving and keeping that for next year’s need, they replied that if they have more money then it would lead to politics and problems and hence declined that suggestion. What a fine statement? Have your ever heard like this in your life? In this world where chances are expected by all to get money, these individual behaved differently. I was really surprised and astonished. Really it was a bold venture and attempt by them to satisfy the hunger of all the hams by their own efforts.

Right from 8-30 am on words, all the hams started flowing in one by one and in groups, with lot of expectation and anxiety. By 9-30 the entire hall was full and I could see all the hams chatting with each other happily, exchanging greetings and reminding their earlier meets with them and passing on their activities details and improvements and new applications made in their shacks. I could see a great happiness in their eyes and in the interaction between all of them. Every one was shifting their positions from one to the other and was discussing with lot of interest. This went on till 11 am and after that, all were requested to take their seats and an informal meeting started. Every one was requested to make a self introduction.

After this, VU2PTR gave a talk on “Tips for a Home Brewer”; VU2GUR talked on “Satellite Communications”. Then some others came and expressed their critical experience on various applications. At 1 pm the crowd dispersed for lunch.

After the Lunch, all assembled to witness the different stalls exhibited by VU2LB, VU2PTR, VU2PAL, VU2MPK, VU2VSD, VU3STJ, VU2ARA, held personal discussions with them to satisfy their requirements and received their need also from them. A CD from VU2RQ, jam, containing very useful information was also available,

During this period all SWLs separately had a small gathering between themselves and they met some experienced hams, to get details on subjects such as, how to become a ham, how to attend the classes, what are the subjects to be studied, what would be the type of exam they have to undergo, where to write the exam etc., They were fully informed and I felt they were much benefited by such eyeball discussion.

With much happiness and satisfaction that they all attended a useful meet, one by one left the premises, taking leave of others and I also did the same and came back with a similar satisfaction and experience.

I thought that I should express my impression and as the result I have reduced everything as a small write up, which I hope all the readers will read, enjoy and have a feeling that either they should have attended this meet or they must avail at least the next opportunity without fail. - K.Santhanam VU2YFS, 176,West Sambandam Road, R.S.Puram, Coimbatore.641002, Ph. 0422-2554433, 94422 42523, e-mail whyeffess@gmail.com

AIR's 25th anniversary

All India Radio - Here are some items from All India Radio, which began broadcasting in 1936: a first day cover issued on June 8, 1961 in commemoration of AIR's 25th anniversary, an informative pamphlet issued by AIR in connection with the event, and a postcard of the AIR building constructed in New Delhi in 1940. The postcard was sent from Colombo, Ceylon to New York in 1954. (Source: Ontheshortwave.com Mr. Jerry Berg)

50th Anniversary of Radio Nepal, 2000

Thanks to Ontheshortwaves.com Mr. Jerry berg

MAHAM 2009 Photos

The Mahabalipuram ham meet successfully held on 14th February 2009 at Hotel Veeras. The organizers of MAHAM eye ball meet are proud to dedicate this 2009 meet to OM M.V. Chauhan in recognition of his service to promote ham radio in India more particularly in Chennai. Here in the following link you will get some glimpses of the meet.
MAHAM 2009 Photos

Voice of Tigers back to shortwave?

Since the government of Sri Lanka has revoked the FM licence of the LTTE's radio station, Voice of Tigers, the station has regained its pirate/clandestine status. It has operated on shortwave in the past, and it seems to me highly probable that it will reappear on shortwave in the near future, assuming that the Sri Lanka Government puts its FM transmitters out of action. Something to listen out for... (DXLD Via Andy andys@euronet.nl)

COMMUNITY RADIO STATION MANAGERS WORKSHOP

SECOND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP FOR FUNCTIONAL COMMUNITY RADIO STATION MANAGERS
Held on February 10-11, 2009 EMMRC, ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI
Organised by
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India
Jointly with
Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia
In association with
EMMRC, ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI

RADIO HAVANA, CUBA, NEW PHILATELIC CONTEST

*PHILATELIC CONTEST OF THE WORLD OF STAMPS SHOW*

*Honouring Ernesto Che Guevara on the 40th anniversary of this
death in Bolivia and his 80th birthday.
*Questions:*
What's your opinion about the first stamp dedicated to the heroic guerrilla
Commander?
What's the importance of the Cuban postal issues about Ernesto Guevara?
The best 40 answers will be awarded Cuban postal issues on various topics.
Besides, all participants will receive Cuban stamps dedicated to Che.

*Contest deadline is **December 31st, 2009*
**
*R Havana website www.radiohc. cu *

Via Swopan Chakroborty, Kolkata, India

BBC suspends FM broadcasts via Sri Lankan national broadcaster SLBC

PRESS RELEASE

BBC suspends FM broadcasts via Sri Lankan national broadcaster SLBC following “interference”
BBC World Service is suspending its FM programming to the Sri Lankan national broadcaster SLBC from Tuesday, February 10 due to deliberate interference of its broadcasts by the Sri Lankan network.
BBC programmes and individual news reports in the English, Sinhala and Tamil languages have been blocked by SLBC and have not been broadcast to listeners in Sri Lanka.
The BBC noted 17 instances of interference to BBC Tamil and eight similar instances to BBC Sinhala broadcasts between November 27 and early January. Sometimes whole current affairs segments of BBC programming were not broadcast on SLBC.
The BBC expressed its concern directly to SLBC Chairman Hudson Samarasinghe in a series of letters and meetings throughout December and early January.
The BBC made it clear to SLBC that such interference and blocking meant that BBC programming was being editorially compromised by SLBC’s actions and this was contrary to the BBC’s contractual agreement with SLBC.
Despite the warnings, last week there were several further instances of interference to BBC programming in all three languages being broadcast on SLBC. There have been three instances of interference on BBC Tamil output, one on BBC Sinhala and two instances on the English language programming in the past 10 days.
BBC World Service Director Nigel Chapman says: “We are dismayed that the BBC’s programmes in the English, Sinhala and Tamil languages have been interrupted on the SLBC network. We are equally disappointed to see that our programmes continue to be interfered with even after our representations.

“We have no choice but to suspend broadcasts until such time as SLBC can guarantee our programming is transmitted without interference,” he says.
“In order to cover news events in the most comprehensive and balanced way for our audiences, the BBC adheres to specific editorial values that include impartiality, editorial independence and seeking a relevant range of views on any topic. In this way we can meet our audiences’ high expectations and maintain our reputation as the world’s most trusted international broadcaster.”
He said: “The BBC has had a very cordial and effective partnership with the SLBC since 1998 – part of a strong relationship with listeners in that country that goes back to the 1940s. We are keen to keep this relationship going provided that SLBC adheres to the agreements we have with it. But at the heart of these agreements is the guarantee that our programmes in English, Sinhala, and Tamil are broadcast uninterrupted. If this can not be guaranteed we can not continue our relationship.
“We are prepared to have further discussions to resolve this issue and will investigate any specific detailed complaint SLBC may have about BBC output. So far, no specific complaint has been raised,” he says.
The BBC’s services in all three languages remain in Sri Lanka via short wave; on bbc.com/news, bbcsinhala.com and bbctamil.com via the Internet; and news bulletins in English are available via the Sri Lankan commercial broadcaster MBC.
Editor’s notes
These are the short wave frequencies and timings to hear BBC services in Sri Lanka:
BBC Tamil
15:45-16:15 GMT = 21:15-21:45 Local Time
6135 kHz (49 mb), 7205 kHz (41 mb), 9540 kHz (31 mb)
BBC Sinhala
16:30-17:00 GMT = 22:00-22:30 Local Time
7345 kHz (41 mb), 9615 kHz (31 mb)
BBC World Service in English
Details of BBC World Service programmes and services in English can be found at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/schedules/internet/800/radio_frequencies_south_asia.shtml
Mainstays of the 24 hour a day coverage (but mainly daytime) are 17790 kHz (16 mb) and 15310 kHz 19 (mb).
Evenings: 11915 kHz (25 mb), 9740 kHz (31 mb), 7355 kHz (41 mb), 5975 kHz (49 mb)
Ends
For more information please contact:
BBC World Service International Publicity
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Community Radio Station at Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India has permitted the DHAN Foundation Madurai to establish, maintain and operate a Community Radio Station at Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu. The Community Radio Station is expected to be operational within three months as per the agreement.

DHAN Foundation, Madurai is a Non Governmental Organization. The Kalanjiam Community Radio Station will be established at Village-Vizhunthama vadi, Block-Keelaiyur, Distt-Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu.

It may be recalled that Nagapattinam is a tsunami affected area. The Community Radio Station is expected to serve particularly, the women, farmers, fishermen and empower them with information and communication critical for disaster preparedness and management. The community management committee has made linkages with the local government institutions like panchayats, health centers, schools and disaster management related Government institutions to establish a disaster management mechanism to face natural calamities.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting expects that the Community Radio initiative of the Ministry will provide an opportunity to the local communities to be better informed about the developmental initiatives of the Government and promote transparency in the implementation of the schemes.
(PIB, Govt of India Via Alokesh Guta)

For more details
DHAN Foundation
18, Pillaiyar Koil Street
S.S. Colony, Madurai - 625 016.
Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Tel: +91 - 452 - 2610794, 2610805
Fax: +91 - 452 - 2602247
Email: dhan@md3.vsnl.net.in
Web: http://www.dhan.org/media/index.php
Related News :
Tsunami-affected TN village to get community radio station
http://www.hindu. com/thehindu/ holnus/001200902 051922.htm

BBC World Service's "World Agenda"

After stop of the BBC "On Air" magazine, now BBC World Service send the 28 pages "World Agenda" (A4 Size) magazine to their listeners / Government / diplomatic services / Media / culture / Business and trade / Development agencies / NGOs and Education / research people.
To request a free copy of World Agenda or confirm your mailing details complete the form in the following link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/worldagenda/registration_form.shtml (Jaisakthivel, ADXC, Chennai, India)

IRC Coupons run out of stock in India

Source: Deccan Chronicle, Chennai Edition, 29 Jan 2009 Page 5

Yercaud Ham Meet Entry badge: 2009

Radio City School of Broadcasting to target graduates

Radio City has marked its foray into education business with the launch of Radio City School of Broadcasting (RCSB), an autonomous educational unit, instituted by Music Broadcast Pvt. Ltd. (MBPL), which owns and operates the radio station brand.

Apurva Purohit, CEO, Radio City and chairperson, RCSB, said, "Our school aims to provide students a 'real time, real world' radio experience. Involvement of the Radio City team as faculty will ensure that students are mentored through a truly robust radio training programme. The idea is to create world-class radio professionals with hands-on radio experience who are industry-ready from the word go." read more

Gurgaon to have its own community radio

Gurgaon based NGO, TRF (The Restoring Force) would be soon launching its community radio in Udyog Vihar, villages of Garhi Harsaru, Dhankot and adjoining areas. TRF had already been allotted frequency of 107.8 MHz by the Information and Broadcasting ministry. The NGO had applied for a radio license in the start of last year and received the Letter of Intent from I & B ministry in August 2008.

With the NGO working independently in the areas of education and vocational training, the community radio initiative aims to intervene in the inequality of access and opportunity. TRF community radio project manager Arti Jaiman says, “We have multiple aims for our community radio initiative, we plan to take our programmes to a larger audience. Through the initial stages of setting up the radio station, we were successful in breaking the barriers of caste that still exists in these regions.” Read more

Sri Lanka bans LTTE's FM radio

After cornering the LTTE to the thick jungles of Sri Lanka's north-east, the Government has banned the official radio of the rebels' -- Voice of Tigers -- two weeks after it proscribed the militant organisation.

The Government on Monday banned the Voice of Tigers (VoT), the mouthpiece of LTTE, Director General of the Media Center for the National Security Lakshman Hulugalle said.

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission on Monday terminated the broadcast license granted to the radio during the tenure of the United National Front Government headed by Ranil Wickramasinghe.

The ban on VoT became mandatory after the Government proscribed the LTTE, Chairman of the TRC told The Island newspaper.

"This (ban) was discussed very much during the last couple of weeks, but decision was only taken on Sunday," he said.

The Sri Lankan Government banned the LTTE on January 7, five days after its army captured the rebels' de-facto capital of Kilinochchi, accusing it of holding the civilians in areas controlled by it against their will.

The Army had on Sunday claimed to have captured the last rebel stronghold of Mullaitivu, considered as the headquarters of 'Sea Tigers', the coastal wing of LTTE. (hindustantimes.com)

Misty launches in Gangtok

The PCM Group's Radio Misty launched its Sikkim station at Gangtok on 31 January.

With this launch, the group now has two FM stations, Siliguri being the first one. Radio Misty Sikkim 95 FM is the first 24X7 FM station of Sikkim, claims the company.

Radio Misty Sikkim will play a blend of popular Hindi music, English music along with local songs, pops, fusion, remixes, retro music and international music. The focus will be on promoting local music.

Radio Misty, that has partnered the BBC and Radio Netherlands worldwide, will air exclusive international music and programmes provided by the two content sources.

A state of art studio is ready at development area in Gangtok, says the company. More details..

150 scholarships announced - IGNOU's community radio programme to become more job oriented

IGNOU's community radio programme to become more job oriented Indopia - India To impart practical knowledge to its students of certificate programme in community radio, IGNOU has entered into an understanding with the
Commonwealth ...

To impart practical knowledge to its students of certificate programme in community radio, IGNOU has entered into an understanding with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) http://www.cemca. org/ and 10 broadcasters across the country.

The broadcasters are mostly based in the Southern states and in Jharkhand, West Bengal and Orissa. They will impart on-the-job-training to the enrolled students of the certificate programme at their centres and hands-on training to the pass-outs in the initial stage, said an IGNOU spokesperson.

" Half of the course component is thoroughly practical and will be learnt through apprenticeship, " he said.

The broadcasters would, in turn, be financially supported by IGNOU and CEMCA. CEMCA has also announced 150 scholarships for students willing to set up community radios, the spokesperson said.

Importantly, he said, IGNOU's School of Journalism and New Media Studies has also decided to utilise the Gyan Vani facility in selective charts of time-slots to run community radio broadcasting schedule. These efforts are
likely to generate jobs and boost extension services in agriculture, fisheries, floriculture, horticulture, among others. (George Lessard)

HAM RADIO CLASSES IN BANGALORE AT I.I.H PREMISES

Indian Institute of Hams (I.I.H.) is conducting classes for Amateur Radio Examination. The classes will commence on 15 th of Feb 2009 for a duration of 6 days (3sat & 3Sun). The examinations will be in the month of April 2009. Those who are interested may please pass on this info to SWLs to join the classes. Location :-Sree Kanteerava outdoor stadium second floor. contact vu2fi on email : ham7388@gmail. com. (vu3iti)