News Archive

# ICELAND # INDIA # INDONESIA # IRAN # IRAQ # IRELAND # ISLE OF MAN 
# ISRAEL # ITALY

ICELAND
Midsummer observations:
I forgot it yesterday, so this is the closest I can get to a MW report at low night on summer solstice. I used the Panasonic GX700/RF-3700 digital portable in free (if slightly chilly) air.
Signals were generally pretty good, with something audible on most channels. German and Spanish stations ruled on the lowest channels. I managed to hear a bit of NRK on 630 but forgot to crosscheck 675. There were two signals strong enough to light the "TUNED" marker: 882 and 1215. As usual, there were two problems to contend with: What to listen
to, and How long till my hands get numb.
Don't you sometimes wish you had a receiver and loop you could place permanently well out of town and control from your computer? [Oh yes, I do!]
Reynir H. Stefánsson (22/6-2008)

ICELAND
189 kHz: One of my favorites because of its extreme northern latitude and eclectic programming, I have been monitoring this station the past 3 days. Noted at 0009 UT December 7 at good level with news in presumed Icelandic. Then into a few seconds of The
Doors' "Riders On The Storm" at 0012 before switching to a different song. Also noted at fair level 1052 Dec 5 and as late as 1057 Dec 6, and also at 2157 Dec 6. This time of year there is a gray line between Iceland and the East Coast of No America as late as 1115 UT. I find it fascinating to hear a LW TA at that very late hour.
Marc DeLorenzo, South Dennis, MA, Dec 6, IRCA via DXLD 7-148 (7/12-2007)

ICELAND
Effective 2007-02-01 RUV has dropped its old news jingles for a new one that sounds rather dull and indistinct; unlikely to come out well on LW.
Reynir H. Stefánsson (3/2-2007)

ICELAND
Gufuskalar 189 is in western Iceland, Eidar 207 in the east; therefore most favorable conditions for both groundwave and skywave (if any!) should be toward NA on 189, EU on 207. Both antennas are non-DA, so no directive effect other than topography/conductivity is present.
Ben Dawson, WA, Jan 22, DX Listening Digest 6-015 (23/1-2006)
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INDIA
& BANGLADESH
These press releases [see this page under April 16th items/ed] are infuriating in leaving out essential details, and trying to mislead.
There is already MW in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep on 1584 kHz per WRTH 2008. It may just be a relay now with no local content, but you don`t necessarily have to buy a new Thomson transmitter in order to have local programming.
As for Bangladesh --- ?? The first graf refers to 1000 kW transmitters (plural), but the rest of the story is about ONE transmitter. There is a slight difference. WTFK?! The present listed 1000 kW transmitter is Dhaka-A on 693 kHz. Is this to replace it? Something wrong with it? I don`t see the name Dhamrai in WRTH listings as a transmitter site or anything else.
Furthermore, the Lakshadweep Islands (a.k.a. Laccadive), are about as far as you can get from Northeast India mentioned in the release: off the southwest coast.
73, Glenn Hauser via MWC (17/4-2008)

INDIA
Thomson M2W Transmitter used by All India Radio for Broadcast of First Local Radio Programs to Lakshadweep.
All India Radio (AIR) has selected Thomson's (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) M2W medium-wave transmitters for the launch of the first local radio channels to India's Lakshadweep Islands. The new service will go on air during 2008. Thomson's M2W 10kW medium-wave transmitters, already in use at AIR stations all over India, will now be used to broadcast the first local content from Kavarati radio station throughout the Lakshadweep Islands.
AIR is India's national broadcaster and has one of the largest radio networks in the world, covering over 99% of the Indian population. The Lakshadweep project falls under a special program driven by the Government of India for the development of the North Eastern region. The economy and infrastructure of the entire North East region is lagging far behind the rest of the country and the government is providing a booster for this.
The Lakshadweep medium-wave project marks a new milestone in the successful cooperation between Thomson and Broadcast Engineering Corporation India Limited (BECIL), who are supplying the auxiliary items for the transmitter.
In spite of recent penetration by other media such as cable TV, radio remains the most common means of gaining access to information and entertainment in India, as radio receivers are relatively cheap and affordable.
"Local public service broadcasting is an important cornerstone in our mandate to educate, inform and entertain. The ability to generate local programs will encourage the people on the islands to participate. The broadcast scenario has undergone revolutionary changes in the last few years. Medium wave broadcasting is an important platform for media distribution in India, and we are following the progress of the digitalization of the AM bands with great interest," said a senior spokesperson from AIR.
"Medium wave broadcasting is a cost-efficient alternative for local, regional or even national coverage. Thomson M2W transmitters reflect a through-and-through perfect combination of innovative technology and dedicated craftsmanship. Thanks to their high overall efficiency, this transmitter line makes a comprehensive contribution to cost-effective media implementation" said Patrick Montliaud, Senior Vice President of Thomson's Integration and Networks Solutions business unit, within the Systems division.
About M2W:
The M2W transmitter line is Thomson's answer to the needs of high quality analog and DRM performance from 10 kW to 250 kW. Built exclusively on digital processing techniques, the M2W is equipped with the advanced modulation technology and intrinsic flexibility needed for the complex modulation schemes of digital modulation techniques.
Factory equipped for digital AM, the M2W line allows broadcasters to switch modes with a simple push of a button. The compact, all-in-one modular design of the M2W line with its low life-cycle costs meets today's standards for cost-effective transmission with high reliability and availability of service. M2W transmitters come equipped with a Web interface for remote control.
About All India Radio:
AIR is India's national broadcaster and has one of the largest radio networks in the world ing service planned, developed and operated by the Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation of India and is one of the largest radio networks in the world. With a network of 229 broadcasting centers, AIR covers 91.79% of the entire Indian area and 99.14% of the population.
Las Vegas - National Association of Broadcasters Convention - Booths SL106/SL2120) April 12, 2008 - via Steve Whitt, MWC (15/4-2008)

INDIA
JAMMING OF TRANSMISSION OF RADIO PAKISTAN LAHORE 630 KHZ BY INDIA FROM 1330-1400.
630 kHz Medium Wave, 100 kW, 1330-1400 UT, Radio Pakistan, Lahore Channel 1 broadcasts half hour transmission titled "Punjabi Darbar" in Punjabi language for the Sikhs (a religious minority) in the Indian state of Punjab.
The transmission consists of well researched talks and commentaries primarily aimed at inciting discontentment against the Indian Government. The program has developed wide listenership in rural areas of Indian Punjab .The program team has arranged the programs as per listeners` interest and is quite successful as compared to pathetic standard of programming of  other external services of Radio Pakistan.
In view of growing listenership, the Indian Government has initiated jamming of the special broadcast and a transmitter from India starts noise signal at the commencement, i.e. 1330 till 1400 UT at the frequency of 630 kHz. The jamming transmitter muffles the audio at
times and the moment transmission of the Punjabi Darbar concludes at 1400 UT, the jamming transmitter also goes off air.
Regards Aslam Javaid, 136/H Model Town, Lahore, Pakistan, Sept 20, DXLD 7-114 (20/9-2007)

INDIA
Dear Friends, The tropical cyclone named "Fanoos" is now active in the Bay of Bengal. Due to this there is a threat to the Indian East coast.
Our local station AIR Hyderabad is now operating with special transmission round the clock on 738 kHz (200 kW) and on 7140 kHz (50 kW). The SW frequency will change to 4800 kHz from around 1130 UT.
I have contacted the station and got information that tonight they will operate continuously. So watch out 738 kHz and 4800 kHz (and any other AIR stations of Tamilnadu/Andhra Pradesh States).
For details of the cyclone please click on the following sites:
http://www.hurricanealley.net/Storms/06B.html http://metoc.npmoc.navy.mil/jtwc/warnings/io0605.gif  http://metoc.npmoc.navy.mil/jtwc/satshots/io0605sams.jpg 
Thanks to my friend Mr.Sushil Kumar Dhingra, VU2LFA for details on his links page http://www.qsl.net/vu2lfa/links.htm
73 Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Hyderabad 500082, India, dx_india via DXLD yahoogroup (8/12-2005)

INDIA
AIR: The 1000 kw MW transmitter near Kolkata operating on 594 & 1134 is now running at only 500 kW.
73 Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, Raj Bhavan Road, Hyderabad 500082, India, dx_india Oct 31 via DX Listening Digest 5-188 (1/11-2005)

INDIA
Dear Friends, It is now confirmed that the 1000 kW transmitter operating from Rajkot on 1071 kHz for External Services of AIR has closed down in June 2004. It started transmissions sometime around (August) 1970 and used to beam towards Pakistan and Afghanistan.
They used to issue nice QSL cards. To view the one I got please click: http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/qsls/rajkot_1071.jpg 
73 Jose Jacob, VU2JOS, National Institute of Amateur Radio, dx_india via DXLD
Was still in WRTH 2005; So is India also abandoning use of 1071 kHz by any other transmitter? That`s a big hole some other country could fill. There is a 100 kW in Kazakhstan and a 10 kW in Thailand.
Glenn Hauser, OK, DX Listening Digest 5-169 (26/9-2005)
Top

INDONESIA
/ PAPUA
A remote village in the central highlands of Indonesia's Papua province is now better connected to the outside world because of a new radio station.
Until three months ago, if tribesman from Yahukimo wanted to get the latest news, they could rely on word of mouth, or make the arduous trek to town, almost 100 kilometers away, to buy a newspaper. Yahukimo had no electricity and no access to radio or TV.
But last September, the villagers took their first step in connecting with the rest of the world when a media group helped them build a community radio station, Radio Pikonane. They also built a small, hydro-powered electric generator to run the radio station.
During the rainy season, when roads and bridges are washed out, people from Yahukimo can only reach town by slogging several hours on foot. When famine struck in late 2005, it took two months to contact local officials to ask for emergency rations.
It was this devastating isolation that prompted the New York based Media Development Loan Fund to provide money to start the radio station.
"There was a failure of the crops and the people in that local community, basically 60 of them, starved to death," said Tessa Piper, the organization's Jakarta representative. "So when we heard this, we felt clearly that information was key to this, as in so many parts of the country. So that was what led us to consider setting up a station there."
Piper says the opening of Radio Pikonane [1278 kHz?/ed] was a huge event in Yahukimo. No less than the nine pigs were cooked in the traditional Papuan way - in a massive stone pit. The radio station was blessed with the blood of one of the pigs, and by a local priest.
"What I don't think any of us had expected was that around five-thousand people turned up to this event. This meant that they had all walked either for hours or even for days to attend," she said. "And I think that was for all of us who had been involved in the setting up the station, one of the most rewarding element[s] of the whole process, was just underlining how important the local population felt this station was."
Piper says the highlanders are very enthusiastic about using radio not just to communicate with other parts of Papua and the local government, but also to understand what is going on in the outside world.
She says the residents of Yahukimo often suffer from easily preventable diseases, so they asked for programs that provide basic health information.
"Well, malaria is a major, major problem there, but also skin ailments of a whole variety, which I as a non-expert can't really comment too much upon," said Piper. "But it's very clear when you look at the men, women and children, a lot of them - a very high percentage of them - suffer from various skin ailments."
But with the famine still fresh in the minds of the area's subsistence farmers, agricultural news is also very popular.
"I've got lots of news, but it's local news - cost of food and other basic goods, because we know that the cost of goods is expensive in Papua," said Kathe Vince Damara, one of Radio Pikonane's lead reporters. "So, I did a report on the cost of things in Yahukimo versus the cost in other areas of Papua."
Damara says news on how the local government plans to help develop their region is also well received.
There are no telephones in the village, or even cell phone coverage, so listeners do not call in to the station. But that doesn't stop them from making their views known. Damara says if villagers like what they hear on Radio Pikonane, they walk to the station to ply reporters with questions, turning Radio Pikonane into a social hub.
In addition to local news stories, Radio Pikonane also broadcasts national and international news produced by radio 68H, an independent, Jakarta-based partner station.
28-year-old Damara is still learning the ropes of reporting from 68H, which trains reporters and provides assistance to stations across Indonesia.
Radio Pikonane's reporters have all trained with more experienced broadcasters in Jakarta. But Eni Mulia, a 68H trainer, says basic reporting is often a challenge.
"There are some students who don't even know how to research, and they've never used the Internet, and do research for their news from the Internet. Some of them have experience, but others have very little," said Mulia.
With training and small steps forward, Damara and the other Radio Pikonane reporters are helping connect the villagers of Yahukimo with the rest of Papua, Jakarta and the entire world.
By Marianne Kearney in Jakarta for VoANews.com (7/2-2008)

INDONESIA
Here are some observations by Alan Davies. 
-Boyolali, C Java:
Radio Bima Sakti moved to 837 kHz, ex-711. I mistakenly conjectured last year that the station on 837 might be Radio Immanuel, Surakarta.
Radio Karysma moved to FM ex-1080 kHz.
-Delanggu, C Java:
Radio Suara Delanggu Bersinar (Radio Swadesi) moved to 1152 kHz ex-1131v.
-Jombang, E Java:
Radio Gita Nada is silent on 666 kHz and was last heard in Dec 2004. It may have moved to FM (possibly 97.4 MHz).
-Kediri, E Java:
A new station is operating on 1458 kHz. The ID sounds like 'Radio Sega' (as heard, not confirmed).
-Madiun, E Java:
RKPD Madiun is on 1485 kHz.
-Pekanbaru, Riau:
RRI Pekanbaru is inactive on 1116 and 1188 kHz. 927 kHz continues to operate a split schedule.
-Surakarta [Solo], C Java:
Radio Immanuel is still on 846 kHz.
-Surabaya:
Radio Carolina Arjuno moved to 1117v kHz ex-1080 in late Jan or early Feb 2005. I haven't heard the frequency announced, so it may be a deliberate move or a happy accident. Either way it leaves RRI Singaraja in the clear on 1080 kHz and reduces mixing products with Radio Sangkakala 1062 kHz, which is located just down the road in the same neighbourhood of Surabaya.
-Tanjung Pinang, Bintan, Riau Is:
RRI Tanjung Pinang was silent on 1341v kHz when checked from Singapore, 19-21 Feb. During middle of the day, the mediumwave band in Singapore was dead except for very weak signals across the South China Sea from Thoi Long, Vietnam, on 711, 783 and 873 kHz.
-Wonogiri, C Java:
Radio Gelora Indah Swara has moved to FM, ex-1098 kHz.
via Olle Alm, ARC Information Desk 14 March via DX Listening Digest 5-048 (19/3-2005)
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IRAN
From a Word document received from IRIB, here's Iran's B07 English schedule (FM and satellite times omitted):
IRIB ENGLISH RADIO BROADCASTING SCHEDULE (B2007)

10:30-11:30 15460,17660 Indian Subcontinent, Pakistan & Kashmir
10:30-11:30 702 Republic of Azerbaijan, 765 Pakistan
15:30-16:30 6160,7330 Indian Subcontinent
19:30-20:30 6225 Central Europe
19:30-20:30 6010,7320 Europe
19:30-20:30 9855,11695 South Africa
01:30-02:30 6120,7160 North America

Please mail your correspondence to IRIB English service, P.O.Box No:19395-6767,Tehran I.R of Iran. E-Mail:: Englishradio@irib.ir
M. Schiefelbein via dxld yg (28/10-2007)

IRAN
1368 kHz, Radio Golestan in Gorgan seems to have a high power transmitter on this fq. Heard very well with full ID " Injah Gorgan est, Radio Golestan" and local programming at 1500 thanks to tip from Mauno Ritola. Excellent signal every afternoon in Växjö. According to MR the Iranian stations have introduced a new ID-style: " Injah (capital) ast Radio (province)". Same type of ID heard from other Iranian stations.
Bengt Ericson, ARC Information Desk 13 Nov via Olle Alm, DXLD 6-178 (3/12-2006)

IRAN
IRAN LAUNCHES DIGITAL RADIO
The first phase of test broadcast of digital radio has started on the AM (DRM) band on the 1350 kHz frequency. The two-hour-long test broadcast is transmitted from a transmitter in Tehran from 1000 to 1200 hours [local time] everyday. The deputy director for project and development [at the Iranian radio-TV organization] told ISNA: This programme could be received on standard digital receivers. He said that the project has reached its objectives. In the next phases of this project, all of the analog transmitters currently in use will be digital-enabled. The Iranian radio-TV organization is to decide on the time for the official launch of digital radio across Iran. 
Source: ISNA web site, Tehran, in Persian 0600 gmt 20 Jul 05 via BBCM via DX Listening Digest 5-119 (21/7-2005)

IRAN
Since May 6th Iran has placed a bubble jammer on 1573kHz up against the high power R.Farda on 1575kHz which is heard hear at a semi local level obliterating the Aussie on the channel.
Also this morning Sunday 8th our time I heard Central Asian music and unid language on 1557kHz over 2RE (not coming from Family Radio - not a Chinese lingo).
Cx continue to be delivering much of interest.
Cheers Chris Martin S.E.Queensland via MWOZ - Australian - NZ - Asia MW group (8/5-2005)
Top

IRAQ
Radio Shanasheel from Basra in Southern Iraq has been reported heard on 1395 kHz mediumwave. The station actually began broadcasting already in September 2005, but was not reported on the air before October 2006 by the BBC Monitoring Service. The independent private broadcaster is reportedly transmitting at 0400-2300 Universal time. Arabic-language programming is funded by the director of the Organization for Human Life, a non-governmental organization. According to BBC Monitoring, the name of the station "Shanasheel" (balcony) is derived from the architectural style of houses in southern Iraq, specifically those on the river banks in Basra. Radio Shanasheel can be contacted by email.
DXing.info, (15/11-2006)

IRAQ
AM stations (all frequencies in kHz)

531 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
540 kHz Radio Kuwait Main Programme
549 kHz BSKSA General Programme
558 kHz IRIB Radio Farhang network, in Persian
567 kHz GTRK Volgograd, in Russian
576 kHz IRIB Arabic Service
585 kHz BSKSA General Programme
594 kHz Radio Anass. 0300-1400S (parallel with 96.6 MHz) http://www.radioannas.com
594 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
603 kHz Republic of Iraq Radio, southern Iraq. http://www.imnsr.com
612 kHz IRIB Arabic Service
621 kHz Voice of the Arabs, Egypt
630 kHz Radio Kuwait Koran Programme
639 kHz IRIB World Service, in Kurdish
648 kHz BSKSA General Programme
666 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
675 kHz Republic of Iraq Radio (parallel with 98.3 MHz). 0400-1410 (inactive since June 2006)
684 kHz BSKSA General Programme [2210]
702 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
711 kHz IRIB Ahwaz regional, in Arabic and Persian
720 kHz Voice of the Mojahidin
729 kHz Emirates Radio, Abu Dhabi, UAE
747 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
756 kHz Dar al-Salam Radio. 0400-2000. (1116 kHz, //91.0 MHz). Not audible in Baghdad.
http://www.darusalam.org
765 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
774 kHz IRIB Arak regional, in Persian
783 kHz BSKSA 2nd Programme
792 kHz VOA Rhodes, Greece, various languages [1845]
792 kHz IRIB Zanjan regional, in Persian
810 kHz Radio Umm al-Qura. 0300-1800S
819 kHz Syrian Arab Republic Radio Main Programme
828 kHz Syrian Arab Republic Radio Main Programme
837 kHz IRIB Isfahan regional, in Persian
846 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
855 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
864 kHz IRIB Kermanshah regional, in Persian
864 kHz Trans World Radio, in various languages, via Armenia
864 kHz RFE/RL in Turkmen, via Armenia
873 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
882 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
882 kHz IRIB Mahabad regional, in Persian
900 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network in Persian
909 kHz Radio Basra (IMN). (formerly Radio Nahrain). http://www.imnsr.com
918 kHz Syrian Arab Republic Radio Main Programme
936 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
954 kHz Radio Qatar
963 kHz Radio Kuwait Multilingual Programme
972 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
981 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
990 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
990 kHz Radio Sawa, Cyprus
999 kHz Bilad Radio
1008 kHz IRIB Semnan regional, in Persian
1017 kHz TRT-1, in Turkish, Turkey [2150]
1044 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian [2145]
1053 kHz Al-Salam Radio. 0600-1600.
1053 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1062 kHz TRT-4 Diyarbakir, Turkey, in Turkish [1850]
1071 kHz Radio Babil (IMN), Hilla
1080 kHz IRIB Arabic Service [2215]
1089 kHz BSKSA 2nd Programme
1089 kHz GTRK Kuban, Krasnodar, in Russian
1107 kHz Voice of the Arabs, Egypt
1116 kHz Dar al-Salam Radio. 0300-1900S. (parallel with 756 kHz, 91.0 MHz)
http://www.darusalam.org
1134 kHz Radio Kuwait Main Programme
1143 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1152 kHz IRIB Radio Farhang network, in Persian
1161 kHz IRIB Arabic Service
1170 kHz Radio Sawa, via UAE http://www.radiosawa.com
1179 kHz Voice of Iraq. http://www.voiraq.com
1188 kHz Radio Payam network, in Persian
1197 kHz IRIB Moghan regional, in Persian
1206 kHz Voice of the People of Kurdistan, in Arabic, Kurdish and Turkoman
1215 kHz BSKSA General Programme [2130]
1224 kHz IRIB Arabic Service
1233 kHz Radio Monte Carlo-Middle East, Cyprus, in Arabic & French*
1242 kHz Radio Sultanate of Oman
1251 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1260 kHz Radio Sawa, Rhodes, Greece
1269 kHz Radio Kuwait Classical Arabic Music Service
1278 kHz IRIB Kermanshah regional, in Persian
1287 kHz IDF Radio, Israel, in Hebrew
1295 kHz Voice of Azerbaijan in various languages - including Radio Liberty relay
1305 kHz Radio Al-Mustaqbal (parallel with 95.5 MHz)
1305 kHz IRIB Bushehr regional in Persian
1314 kHz BBC World Service in Persian, via Abu Dhabi
1323 kHz BBC World Service, Cyprus, in English
1332 kHz IRIB Tehran regional, in Persian
1341 kHz Radio Kuwait 2nd Programme
1350 kHz Transworld Radio, via Armenia, multilingual
1350 kHz Radio Russia, via Armenia, in Russian
1350 kHz Deutsche Welle, via Armenia, in Arabic [2100-2130]
1359 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1368 kHz IDF Radio, Israel, in Hebrew
1377 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1395 kHz Voice of Armenia, in Armenian
1404 kHz IDF Radio, Israel, in Hebrew [2130]
1422 kHz BSKSA Radio Riyadh, in English and French
1430 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1440 kHz BSKSA General Programme
1449 kHz IRIB World Service, in Russian
1458 kHz Radio Tirana, Albania, in Albanian
1467 kHz BSKSA General Programme
1476 kHz Emirates Radio, Dubai, UAE
1485 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network in Persian
1494 kHz Radio Jordan General Programme (1700-0130)
1494 kHz ERA Rhodes regional, Greece, in Greek
1503 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1512 kHz BSKSA Koran Programme
1521 kHz BSKSA General Programme
1521 kHz IRIB Radio Farhang network, in Persian
1530 kHz IRIB Radio Iran network, in Persian
1548 kHz Radio Sawa, via Kuwait
1575 kHz Radio Farda, in Persian, via UAE
1593 kHz Radio Free Iraq, in Arabic/VOA in English, Kurdish, Persian. Via Kuwait
Source: BBC Monitoring research 27 Oct 06 via DXLD 6-161 (28/10-2006)

IRAQ
Radio in Iraq - updated February 2006 
BBC Monitoring can confirm hearing the following broadcasters as of February 2006: AM stations (all frequencies in kHz)
594 People's (Al-Nas) Radio - 0400-1500
603 Republic of Iraq Radio - southern Iraq
675 Republic of Iraq Radio (parallel with 98.3 MHz) - 0500-1510 [Inactive when checked in January 2006]
909 Radio Nahrain (IMN), Basra
999 Radio Bilad (Lands) - 0500-1300
1030 Al-Salam Radio - 0700-1700
1053 Al-Salam Radio - 0700-1700 (alternative to 1030 kHz)
1071 Radio Babil (IMN), Hilla
1116 Dar al-Salam Radio - 0500-1800 (parallel with 1152 kHz and 91.0 MHz)
1152 Dar al-Salam Radio - 0500-1800 (parallel with 1116 kHz and 91.0 MHz)
1179 Voice of Iraq - 0400-1800
1206 Voice of the People of Kurdistan, in Arabic and Kurdish
1305 Al-Mustaqbal Radio (parallel with 95.5 MHz)
1395 Al-Mustaqbal Radio - southern Iraq
1593 Radio Free Iraq, in Arabic/VoA in English, Kurdish, Persian
Source: BBC Monitoring research 24 Feb 06 via DXLD 6-037 (27/2-2006)

IRAQ
675, Republic of Iraq Radio (RIR) is broadcasting from Baghdad in English between 0500-1510 UT. RIR is broadcasting in English 2315-0130 UT on 603 Southern Iraq, 864 Ramadi and 1215 Tikrit.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan plans a new 50 kW transmitter in Kirkuk area. Frequency 1350 kHz. Name: Radio New Kirkuk.
WRTH 2006, via ARC Information Desk via Olle Alm via DX Listening Digest 5-196 (15/11-2005)

IRAQ
BBC Monitoring observed radio Voice of the Mojahedin on mediumwave 720 kHz at 1200 gmt on 25 June 2005. The previously-observed parallel 90.1 MHz frequency could not be confirmed on this occasion as it is now blocked in Baghdad by a new local FM station, Today Radio. The service is no longer observed on the Hot Bird satellite at 13 degrees east, and their website and accompanying audio stream at http://www.radiomojahedin.com  no longer exists. Voice of the Mojahedin uses Iranian facilities to broadcast in Arabic to Iraq. The station's programming suggests it is affiliated with the Tehran-based Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, which has an Arabic/English website at http://www.sciri.org 
Source: BBC Monitoring research 25 Jun 05 via DX Listening Digest 5-106 (28/6-2005)
WRTH 2005 shows Iran has two powerful transmitters on 720: 
750 kW at Mahidasht, and 400 kW at Tayebad, one of which is closer to Baghdad than the other.
Glenn Hauser,  DX Listening Digest 5-106 (28/6-2005)
Voice of the Mojahedin not only uses high-power IRIB transmitters, it also appears to be a program produced in the studios of IRIB. The now defunct website www.radiomojahedin.com  was hosted on an IRIB server, so was the audio streaming, and on the Hotbird satellite the radiochannel was part of the IRIB package.
Bernd Trutenau, LTU via DXLD yahoogroup (28/6-2005)

IRAQ
MEDIA IN IRAQ - UPDATED 17 JUNE 2005
BBC Monitoring can confirm hearing the following broadcasters as of May 2005:
AM stations (all frequencies in kHz):
594 People's (Al-Nas) Radio - 0400-1500
603 Republic of Iraq Radio - southern Iraq
675 Republic of Iraq Radio (parallel with 98.3 MHz) - 0500-1510
756 Information Radio
909 Radio Nahrain (IMN), Basra
999 Radio Bilad (Lands) - 0500-1300
1030 Al-Salam Radio - 0700-1700
1053 Al-Salam Radio - 0700-1700 (alternative to 1030 kHz)
1071 Radio Babil (IMN), Hilla
1116 Dar al-Salam Radio - 0500-1800 (parallel with 1152 kHz and 91.0 MHz)
1152 Dar al-Salam Radio - 0500-1800 (parallel with 1116 kHz and 91.0 MHz)
1179 Voice of Iraq - 0400-1800
1206 Voice of the People of Kurdistan, in Arabic and Kurdish
1395 Al-Mustaqbal Radio (frequency in southern Iraq - parallel with 95.5 MHz)
1593 Radio Free Iraq, in Arabic/VoA in English, Kurdish, Persian
Source: BBC Monitoring research in English 19 May 05 BBC Mon MD1 Media FMU amdc/pf/cmc/dak BBCM June 16 via DX Listening Digest 5-098 (17/6-2005)

IRAQ
New Radio Voice of University and other Baghdad observations.
BBC Monitoring undertook a survey of the mediumwave and FM radio bands in Baghdad on 10-14 April 2005, with the following changes noted since late January 2005:
96.0 MHz FM: Unidentified station broadcasting Arabic music and Koranic recitations, no announcements observed.
97.0 MHz FM: Voice of the University [Sawt al-Jam'ah]. New station broadcasting in Arabic.
1053 kHz mediumwave: Al-Salam Radio. Reversion to former frequency, after a time on 1030 or 1040 kHz.
1305 kHz mediumwave: Radio Al-Mustaqbal no longer radiates on this frequency, only on 95.5 MHz FM.
Source: BBC Monitoring research 14 Apr 05 via DX Listening Digest 5-064 (14/4-2005)
Top

IRELAND
567 and 729 kHz from RTE - now carrying a message advising you to retune to FM or LW.  The message will continue to broadcast until and including 31 March and then be switched off.
James Robinson Ireland (14.29 25/3-2008)

IRELAND
I can confirm that 729 kHz (Cork) is identical to 567 kHz, and is carrying a messge advising the servicce has ended. 
Correction:  The transmitters were silent between 1500 and 1530 GMT.  Message started at 1530.
James Robinson Ireland (25/3-2008)

IRELAND
RTE has left 567kHz for good and is airing a repeating information message since 1500utc.
I presume that 729 in Cork has closed. Can anyone check?
At 1615 I'm hearing a weak signal from Family Radio in Taiwan on 1557kHz, mixing with Euro signals.
73 Steve Whitt via MWC (24/3-2008)
Yes there's repeating info message on 729.
Paul Crankshaw via MWC (24/3-2008)

IRELAND
Date: Monday 24th March 2008
Time: 1.30pm
Presenter: Brendan Balfe
RTÉ's broadcasts began life on the MW service as 2RN, later known as Radio Athlone and Raidió Éireann, and in more recent times as RTÉ Radio 1.  RTÉ introduced the superior sound of the FM service in 1966 to counteract interference and poor reception on the medium wave band.
For Medium Wave Goodbye, which will be broadcast on all wavelengths, on the internet and on RTÉ's digital radio trial service, Brendan has assembled a nostalgic programme highlighting some of his favourite moments on Irish radio.  Brendan promises an entertaining and fascinating 90 minutes of memories of a service which has brought the world into homes all over the country since 1926, capturing moments of history and life through decades of news, sport, features and entertainment.  The programme includes archive audio of request programmes, pop and trad music, features, documentaries and
commentaries.
After the 24 March listeners can continue to enjoy RTÉ Radio 1 broadcasts not only on FM and LW 252, but also via cable television, satellite, the internet and in Greater Dublin, the North East coast area, and Cork and Limerick cities, on RTÉ's DAB digital radio trial service.
Listeners who tune into MW specifically for extra RTÉ Radio 1 programmes including weekday sports broadcasts and Sunday religious services will find those programmes on LW 252, cable television and the internet.
For an alternative to sports broadcasts on Saturdays and Sundays listeners will find a selection of RTÉ Radio 1 arts, features and drama on RTÉ's digital radio test station, RTÉ Choice, and as downloadable podcasts from www.rte.ie/radio1
MW listeners can call the RTÉ Information Unit on: 01 208 3434 for further information or can email: staytuned@rte.ie
Steve Whitt via MWC (24/3-2008)

IRELAND
Details of the final mediumwave programme:
MEDIUM WAVE GOODBYE, Monday 24th March, 1.30 p.m. to 3 p.m [567 kHz]
Presenter: Brendan Balfe.
RTE's broadcasts began life on the MW service as 2RN, later known as Radio Athlone and Raidió Éireann, and in more recent times as RTÉ Radio 1. RTÉ introduced the superior sound of the FM service in 1966 to counteract interference and poor reception on the medium wave band.
For Medium Wave Goodbye, which will be broadcast on all wavelengths, on the internet and on RTE's digital radio trial service, Brendan has assembled a nostalgic programme highlighting some of his favourite moments on Irish radio. Brendan promises an entertaining and fascinating 90 minutes of memories of a service which has brought the
world into homes all over the country since 1926, capturing moments of history and life through decades of news, sport, features and entertainment. The programme includes archive audio of request programmes, pop and trad music, features, documentaries and commentaries.
Further information on the switch-off: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/specials/1193939.html
Mike Barraclough via MWC (18/3-2008)

IRELAND
As previously reported the RTE Tullamore medium wave transmitter on 567 will close on 24 March. The details of exact times are given below:
This weekend will see sport on mediumwave and VHF output on longwave during opt-outs from the main service.
From closedown on 567, longwave will then carry the sport opt-outs currently on mediumwave. RTE Europe on Sky will become the longwave service from then.
On 24 March, RTE Radio 1 will be on 567 kHz until 1330.
At this point, there will be a "countdown to the end" so they describe, with a final goodbye to medium wave, until 1500 hrs when the transmitter will be switched off.
RTE via James Robinson, uk radio listeners via Mike Barraclough, dxld yg (15/3-2008)

IRELAND
RTÉ Radio is to change one of its Radio 1 FM frequencies in order to improve reception in the greater Belfast area and parts of the border region.
It follows criticism from some Northern listeners who have been tuning into the Medium Wave transmitter in Athlone (567kHz), which is due to be switched off in three weeks' time.
The decision to close the medium wave service was defended last week by RTÉ representatives at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, when they were asked about the position for listeners in Northern Ireland.
FM reception of RTÉ Radio 1 is currently poor in the Belfast region.
From 14 March, Radio 1 will swap frequencies with Lyric FM and will be broadcast on 87.8FM from the Clermont Cairn transmitter beside the border near Dundalk, Co Louth.
Listeners to RTÉ Radio 1 in the Belfast region, counties Armagh and Down, and particularly Louth and Monaghan, should retune from 95.2FM to the new frequency.
RTÉ says the move will enable more listeners in the North East to receive its main speech service.
RTÉ will shortly apply for a new frequency for the music channel Lyric FM. As an interim measure, from 14 March Lyric FM will be available on 95.2FM (currently used by Radio 1).
RTÉ Radio 1 will continue to be available on Long Wave 252kHz and on the internet here.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0305/rte.html 5 March 2008
RTÉ News via Mike Terry, mwdx yg (5/3-2008)

IRELAND
UCB Ireland proposes to use the RTE Transmitter site at Tullamore, Co Offaly which becomes available at the end of 2008 when RTE Radio 1 ceases transmitting on AM. This site is already coordinated for 567 kHz and could, with agreement from the RTE Authority, provide Quasi-National coverage of Ireland. In the event of this not being possible, UCB
Ireland has been advised by RTE NL that the site could be re-coordinated for 612 kHz and provide similar coverage.
Source: http://www.bci.ie/documents/ucb_7.pdf via Mike Terry, MWDX (9/2-2008)

IRELAND
RTE must have known that axing its medium-wave service would be unpopular, but the Irish broadcaster could not have expected the furore that has followed.
For generations of Irish nationalists and republicans in Northern Ireland, RTE Radio 1 was a link to the Irish nation beyond the border. Even today, for many in Northern Ireland the "national" broadcaster isn't the BBC, but RTE.
Now, RTE's decision to unplug its medium-wave service on the island has provoked a political row that even encompasses the Good Friday agreement.
The station stands accused of abandoning nationalists in the north who, apart from those living in areas close to the frontier, can listen to RTE radio only via medium wave. They are so incensed that they have taken their grievance all the way up to the Irish foreign minister.
PJ Bradley, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the nationalist SDLP, is a regular listener to RTE Radio 1. "On learning of the proposal I first asked myself, 'Can they do such as thing?'. My concern is already on the desk of the minister for foreign affairs, and I await his views on the matter - including just where the RTE decision slots in with the ethos of the Good Friday agreement.
One of the principles enshrined in the 1998 peace accord was that nationalist/republican culture would be given "parity of esteem" with unionist/British culture. The British government agreed to pour millions into Irish-language projects, for instance, and the Irish government extended its television broadcasting reach far into Northern Ireland. The Irish-language state television station, TG4, can now be viewed in most parts of Northern Ireland.
Bradley and other northern critics of RTE's decision to scrap its medium-wave radio signal say that the broadcaster is depriving nationalist listeners of a vital daily part of their culture.
The Republic's foreign ministry is so concerned about the fears of northern nationalists that it has consulted the department of communications about what can be done. It is understood that one option being considered is for RTE to invest in technology that will allow its FM services to be received all over Northern Ireland.
An RTE spokesperson said: "RTE is acutely aware that listeners in Northern Ireland and the Irish community in Britain need access to Irish news, current affairs and culture. This is why RTE has decided to maintain its LW 252 service, which provides approximately 80% coverage in Britain. RTE, unlike other broadcasting corporations, does not have the population or resources to support three frequencies, which are expensive to operate."
RTE Radio 1 on FM, unless and until it is extended to all of Northern Ireland, is unlikely to calm northern nationalists sense of betrayal.
"FM is fine, but it only reaches out to a small percentage of RTE listeners," says Bradley. "If they had a full service reaching out via FM to all parts of the island, from Fair Head to Mizen Head, I could accept their decision to abandon the medium wave service.
Henry McDonald, The Guardian (28/1-2008)

IRELAND
Anger as RTE to switch off medium wave band.
It's being billed as "goodbye to an old friend". RTE is to axe Radio 1's medium-wave services [Tullamore 567 kHz and Cork 729 kHz/ed], in a move which has drawn political criticism and which is set to provoke outrage among churchgoers.
Since 1926, the much-loved service has been a mainstay for people living in rural areas where FM reception is poor and a vital tool to broadcast church services.
But station executives believe that modern technology, has signed medium wave's death warrant, and it will switch off on March 24.
RTE also believes the transmission costs of supplying the service no longer justifies its existence, since the content is now available elsewhere.
Medium-wave shares almost all its content with the FM version of Radio 1, except for Sunday religious services and a mid-week soccer game.
There is to be a public information campaign ahead of the switch-off date. This will highlight the fact that the full Radio 1 MW services will remain available on long-wave radio.
The broadcaster is also talking to charities about providing subsidised radios for those who don't have sets with FM or long-wave frequencies.
The station's research shows that one in 10 radio listeners use the medium-wave version of Radio 1, with the service particularly popular with the elderly and those living in remote areas.
Fine Gael communications spokesman Simon Coveney said shutting down medium wave transmissions has implications for people in rural parts of the country and at sea.
"This is a public service broadcaster and this shouldn't be abandoned," he said. Labour communications and marine spokesman Michael McCarthy said the decision would have the biggest implications for fishermen working 50 or 100 miles off the coast and relying on the broadcasts for weather reports and for farmers.
http://www.independent.ie:80/national-news/anger-as-rte-to-switch-off-medium-wave-band-1269254.html (19/1-2008)

IRELAND
Local AM stations launched.
In Ireland, a temporary station "949 The Rock" is licensed to broadcast on 1278 kHz mediumwave during the weekends until December 2. 949 The Rock - simulcasting on FM 94.9 MHz - began transmissions at midnight on September 27, according to Radiowaves.fm. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, covering the capital Dublin area. The Rock plays a mix of rock music from the 1960s to the present day. The station can be contacted by writing to 949 The Rock, Marina House, Clarence St., Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland, by phone at +353-1-2844738 or by email.
DXing.info (29/9-2007)

IRELAND
Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has started testing DRM. Enda O'Kane writes: "DRM will be carried on RTÉ's longwave 252 kHz transmitter. Nightly commencing 08/08/07 until 15/08/07 from 0100 to 0700 UT.
In addition to above :
Mon August 13th commencing 2100 ending 0800 on Tue Aug 14th
Tue August 14th commencing 1400 ending 1400 on Wed Aug 15th
These tests are to gauge public reaction to this technology and RTÉ regrets any inconvenience to listeners. After these tests RTÉ will review the results. It is important to stress that RTÉ has, as yet, no plans for a DRM launch.
Source: Enda O'Kane via Brian Greene via Media Network blog via DXLD 7-095 (10/8-2007)

IRELAND
RTE is currently broadcasting in DRM on 252kHz.
Service Data:
RTE Summerhill
Encoding AAC SBR mono 19.6 bps
TEXT: RTE 1 Longwave DRM transmission
SNR on On-line Receiver 21 dB.
Regards Tony Hudson, mwc (29/3-2007)

IRELAND
Irish public broadcaster RTE carries a notice on its teletext service that the longwave transmitter on 252 kHz will be off the air from 0800 UTC on 26 March to 1700 UTC on 30 March while a new DRM-compatible transmitter is installed at the Summerhill transmitter site. When the new transmitter is installed, some DRM tests will take place at night, probably at 0100-0400 UTC.
RN media Network weblog via Steve Whitt, mwc (16/3-2007)

IRELAND
Got this info passed on today:
CCN Ireland, Radio Maria:
Leasing from RTE, 612 with 10kw initially from Summerhill then switching to Tullamore at end 2008 when RTE ceases broadcasting in AM and using 612 with 100kw. Switching to 567 in 2009. Whilst at Summerhill also use 1278 Cork 10kw.
Spirit Radio:
Instead of leasing from RTE, have purchased their own site near Athlone. Would use 612 with 100kw and a DRM capable transmitter.
Would later add 25kw transmitters on 675 for South West Ireland and on 549 for North West Ireland.
UCB Ireland
Same as CCN and Radio Maria except they don't propose any initial period at Summerhill.
Yes Radio
Use a 25kw transmitter from their current site in County Monaghan on 549 (this is the one that, until last year, was relaying UCB without a licence. After three years use a second site with 25kw, details of this site and it's frequency are in the confidential section of its
submission.
Posted on Yahoo message board via James Robinson (9/1-2007)

IRELAND
I just got the following interesting answers from RTE:
1) Yes we do still broadcast RTE Radio 1 on 729 kHz with an ERP of 10kW.
2) RTE has no plan to shut down either 567 or 729 at this point in time.
3) RTE has no plan to shut down LW on 252 kHz at this point in time, and of course we are looking at DRM as a possibility among others.
Herman Boel, EMWG (8/1-2007)

IRELAND
I have just received word that RTE are to switch off their MW transmitters from the end of 2007. This would mean the end of 567 and 729 and basically the death of high-power MW in the Republic of Ireland.
Instead, there would be quasi-national AM Christian services for which applications have currently been received at the BCI (www.bci.ie).
73 Herman Boel, EMWG (7/1-2007)

IRELAND
Update on RTE: Test transmissions in DRM will be carried out on 252kHz LW from the new transmitter at the existing site from a date yet to be announced, power approx 20kW (TBC) - any tests will initially take place between 0200-0500 UTC.  More details when known.
Source: RTE via James Robinson (13/12-2006)

IRELAND
DRM for LW 252 kHz --- RTE will install a Transradio DRM- capable system at its Summerhill transmitter site. The system includes a Transradio TRAM 300L transmitter and DRM-DMOD2 exciter. Factory acceptance tests are due in mid-December 2006 and RTE expects to have
the transmitter in operation by the end of the first quarter of 2007.
Radio World International edition Nov 2006 via Medium Wave Report, Dec BDXC-UK Communication via DXLD 6-182 (9/12-2006)

IRELAND
The ICB transmitter on 549kHz has closed down. More on http://www.gracefellowship.ie/silent.htm 
Jack FitzSimons via emwgyg (12/2-2006)

IRELAND
IRISH CHRISTIAN BROADCASTERS SWITCHES OFF MEDIUMWAVE TRANSMITTER.
Irish Christian Broadcasters (ICB) announces on its website that it has turned off the 549 AM Transmitter in Monaghan that was heard across Ireland and much of the UK. The transmitter has been rebroadcasting UCB Europe for the past 5 1/2 years. ICB says plans are well advanced towards obtaining a national licence. This week, it had a visit from officials of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) who instructed ICB to cease the mediumwave transmissions. Read the full statement Irish Christian Broadcasters http://www.gracefellowship.ie/silent.htm 
# posted by Andy @ 12:46 UT Feb 9 Media Network blog via DX Listening Digest 6-027 (9/2-2006)

IRELAND
Listeners to RTÉ Radio 1 will once again be able to hear our weekend sports coverage on both the FM and Longwave 252 frequencies.
The popular service had recently been withdrawn for a short period to accommodate other programming, but RTÉ Radio have decided to restore the coverage to both frequencies after receiving feedback from listeners.
The service returns this Saturday, July 16, and will give Irish sports fans abroad the opportunity to keep up with all the latest action every Saturday and Sunday.
Listeners can continue to enjoy the Second Helpings arts and features programming exclusively on the MW frequency.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/2005/0714/radio.html via Mike Terry via DXLD yahoogroup (14/7-2005)

IRELAND
RTÉ puts sports coverage back on 252 kHz.
Following a lot of complaints from Irish citizens in the UK, Ireland's public broadcaster RTÉ has put its weekend sports coverage back on 252 kHz longwave, which is audible over much of the UK. The past two weekends, sports coverage was on FM only, in order to accommodate a programme called 'Second Helpings', featuring the best of the week's output, which was placed on both the longwave and mediumwave frequencies. Now RTÉ says that "From this Saturday, 16 July, listeners to RTÉ Radio 1 will be able to hear our weekend sports coverage on both the FM and Longwave 252 frequencies." The Second Helpings' programme will now be aired on mediumwave 567 kHz only.
# posted by Andy @ Media Network blog (14/7-2005)

IRELAND
LOBBY GROUP SAYS RTÉ IN A POSITION TO ADOPT DRM.
Radiowaves reports that lobby group Irish Overseas Broadcasting are claiming that Irish public broadcaster RTÉ is now in a position to introduce DRM digital broadcasting that will serve not only home interests, but also those interested in Irish affairs abroad. Enda O'Kane, who is a former RTÉ Technical Representative, claims that financial constraints are preventing RTÉ from exploring the full benefits that DRM digital radio can provide.
"The excitement of the possibility of listening to our national culture across Europe is really a dream," says Enda. "Our FM signals are of adequate level across the island, unlike the situation in the UK, so I don't see the need for RTÉ to spend €15M on DAB when we have no [portable] radio service into Europe."
Read the full story http://www.radiowaves.fm/news/index.shtml 
# posted by Andy @ 12:21 UT June 20 Media Network blog via DXLD
It seemed they were talking about MW, mentioning the Athlone site, but computed PROCAP coverage maps, courtesy of IBB, fine print, are for 9700 and 4000 kHz!
Glenn Hauser, DX Listening Digest 5-101 (21/6-2005)

IRELAND
Stations on 549 and 846 kHz to be licensed? TWO ADDITIONAL MW FREQUENCIES MAY BE USED IN IRELAND.
Ireland's Commission for Communications Regulation has published its Response to the Consultation on a Strategy for Management of the Radio Spectrum. Among the things in the document is a status report on two mediumwave frequencies that may be available for use in Ireland. The Commission says:
Twelve respondents to the consultation brought up the issue of reassigning two medium wave frequencies, originally allocated to the Russian Federation, to Ireland for the establishment of Christian broadcast services.
ComReg is aware of this issue and had been working thorough the ITU with a view to coordinating these two frequencies (549 kHz and 846 kHz) for use in Ireland. This work is being carried out in accordance with the treaty covering the use of this spectrum.
The current status after more than two years of effort is as follows:
. Co-ordination for use of the frequency of 846 kHz in Ireland is complete. Due to the nature of radiowave propagation at these frequencies, this frequency is not usable above 300 watts in Ireland in order to avoid harmful interference to the service area of a cochannel transmitter located in Rome. It is doubtful if use of this frequency, at such a low power, is of any practical use in Ireland.
. Co-ordination for use of the frequency of 549 kHz in Ireland is reaching a conclusion. Current indications are that the frequency may be usable below 40 000 watts in order to avoid harmful interference to the service area of a co-channel transmitter located in Spain.
Once co-ordination and reassignment is completed these two frequencies will be made available for licensing by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI).
Media Network weblog 17 May, via BDXC-UK via DX Listening Digest 5-084 (20/5-2005)

IRELAND
Re Mikes message - or relay of another one - I have just been listening to one of my favourite Sunday morning programmes of Irish music and song via RTE on air Sundays at 0705-0755UTC and via 252LW. The quality of the audio was exceptionally good and clear and superior to that heard via 567MW, which always sounds "muffled" to my ears - even after the recent overhaul. Another commendable point is that the audio is not splashing unduly onto adjacent frequencies as it once did in the days of Atlantic 252. I assume that some other type of audio processing was in use which caused that to occur. Reception of Kalundborg 243 and whatever appeared on 261 was completely spoiled - but not now. However, I note that power has been reduced to 'only' 300kW and this allows the Algerian signal to appear below that of RTE at times, even at my location in daytime, so it may be more of a problem further east and south of me.
73s, Noel R. Green [NW England] via DXLD yahoogroup (10/4-2005)

IRELAND
31 March 2005:  RTE are testing a new Optimod 9200* with version 3 software on 252 Long Wave over the next days/weeks and are looking for reception reports which can be sent via www.rte.i.e. (Digital Spy).
4 March 2005:  RTE are currently using 300kw daytime 100kw nightime on 252, they've just added a new Optimod audio processor, so the audio is now much louder which should help with DX' ing the station outside Europe.
It sounds much better and should greatly improve reception of RTE Radio 1 in the UK.
* Digital Audio Processor for AM. OPTIMOD-AM 9200 combines the stability and programmability of digital with the well-known benefits of the OPTIMOD sound. With OPTIMOD, news has more crisp presence, sports has more natural ambience, and music jumps out with more bass punch and high-end sparkle. A single less-more control lets you adjust processing without complex tweaking of parameters, and the 9200 can automatically switch your presets in sync with dayparts or special events.
Paul Strickland, Longwave Message Board, http://www.orban.com/orban/products/radio/am/9200_overview.html 
Mike Terry via DXLD yahoogroup (9/4-2005)
Top

ISLE OF MAN
Isle of Man International Broadcasting, the much-delayed longwave station on 279 kHz, seems to be getting closer to launch. On its website, an RSS feed has been added. The station says that “in combination with our NEWS page, our dedicated news feed will provide the latest information on the station launch as it becomes available.”
Isle of Man International Broadcasting http://www.iomib.com/
Andy, Media Network blog via DXLD 7-087 (24/7-2007)

ISLE OF MAN
This announcement has been made today by the IOM Long wave station - frequency 279 kHz:
Anticipated start of test transmissions: (early 2007)
Expected Full Programme Launch Date: (test plus four weeks)
Scheduled Tx power levels: Year 1  250 kW (Day) 100 kW (Night)
Post Txer site development: Year 2  500 kW (Day) 100 kW (Night)
Programme line up to be announced one week prior to launch.
John Williams via mwc (23/12-2006)

ISLE OF MAN
The launch of the new longwave station on 279 kHz by Isle of Man International Broadcasting plc has been delayed again. The station's website now says that the
anticipated start of test transmissions is early 2007, explaining that the latest delay is due to a change in antenna supplier following a breach of contract, as we previously reported.
http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/?p=6506
The website gives an outline timetable for construction of the radio station's facilities:
"The Company has existing offices in the Viking Complex in St Paul's Square, Ramsey, which are being expanded to form a 6,000 square feet studio and office complex. A Marketing Suite and small presentation theatre will be incorporated, along with programme preparation and production suites, on air studios and technical areas. The remainder of the space will be taken up by offices.
Equipment for high power transmission facilities is never available 'off the shelf' and our transmitter and antenna are each custom built units which must also be properly interfaced.
After being held to ransom by an antenna supplier IMIB has now chosen to obtain this item elsewhere. This has been difficult due to patent protection applying in many countries however, in early November we reached agreement on all matters, the supplier has been paid a first installment and work is now underway.
Construction and delivery time has been quoted as 8 weeks (i.e. around the turn of the New Year) however this is clearly subject to external influences such as supply of materials (Teflon insulators, aircraft grade aluminium and the correct encapsulating material for copper components in the array. In order to avoid further delays and to protect our suppliers from unwanted attention and publicity, by we shall not disclose further details until the station is ready to launch.
(The above indications are our aspirations and the Company regrets any delays due to factors beyond its control.) "
http://www.iomib.com/timetable.html by Andy Sennitt Media Network (17/11-2006) via Mike Terry, dxld yg (18/11-2006)

ISLE OF MAN
Isle of Man 279 station.
Re the item below via Paul David...........I'm puzzled by what makes them think they can make a profitable radio station work on 279 when the two attempts via Ireland on 252 failed. The costs of setting up a 500kW transmitter on a sea platform using a unconventional antenna must be astronomic, and apparently they plan to use other outlets too. My guess is that only the backing of the IOM government has kept the project alive so far. What are they going to broadcast that we cannot already hear in the UK via many other stations anyway - and via better quality FM and DAB?
The frequency of 279 will have been agreed internationally, and I assume that the IOM signal will not have to cause harmful interference to the Belarussian transmitter already using the frequency. The morse code signal that Paul hears is probably from an aero beacon transmitter, probably CHT Chiltern for Northolt on 277, and which I can sometimes hear. If 279 ever comes on air it may have to shift, although they are only for short range use, but the good people of Northolt will have QRM to 279 if they try to listen!
73 Noel R. Green (NW England) via dxld yg (2/9-2006)

ISLE OF MAN
Isle of Man 279 station.
Judging from recent issues of DX Listening Digest, it is hard to tell whether the proposed LW station from the Isle of Man will *ever* start broadcasting. On the one hand, the company say they are recruiting staff, and have quashed rumours of resignations, even including founder Paul Ruisling. On the other hand, the station's 2 websites were apparently removed in mid-August. It was claimed these were costing £600 per year to run, and if they can't afford £600 per annum to run websites, what does it say for the rest of the operation?
I reckon it must be odds-on that the station will *never* be heard. Then again, they could surprise us. I wonder, though, how many long-wave radios tune up as far as 279 kHz. Mine do, but they are all continuous tuning radios from 150-29999 kHz. Also, there is a Morse Code signal around that frequency, which could cause problems for the station, or the station could cause problems for whomsoever is operating the Morse Code signal.
Paul David, Wembley Park, United Kingdom via dxld yg (2/9-2006)

ISLE OF MAN
IOMBC - "VESSEL READY FOR LONG WAIT RADIO STATION".
The glory days of Radio Caroline could be recaptured when the Island's latest broadcasting venture launches.
Isle of Man International Broadcasting, the firm behind the as yet unnamed long-wave radio station, is planning to begin transmitting from a ship in Ramsey Bay.
It will echo the golden days of radio in the mid-1960s, when pirate station Radio Caroline steamed into the bay and brought the Island worldwide attention.
It will also mark the start of broadcasting by the long-awaited long- wave station, which has been beset by delays and problems.
This website has learned IoMIB has acquired a radio vessel called St Paul, which until last year was the base for Radio 603.
For 18 months it broadcast from the coast of the Finnish Aland islands. The vessel is now in Denmark, preparing to come to the Island.
IoMIB will use the vessel as a temporary broadcast platform while the long-wave station proves its economic viability.
The company has permission to create a permanent transmission platform, but it is understood the company wants to show the business will work before investing several million pounds in the platform.
The ship is expected to be moored in the same position as the permanent platform was intended for.
IoMIB founder Paul Rusling said he isn't a position to comment in detail on the station's plan, but confirmed all the technical equipment needed to begin broadcasting has been secured and the antennae has been tested and is 'working well'.
The launch is now expected in July, after the Communications Commission granted another two-month extension.
Mr Rusling admitted there has been a 'minor setback' relating to finances, but that shouldn't take long to resolve. He added launching in July is 'certainly still do-able'.
It was hoped the station would be launched early last year, but technical and financial problems have seen the start date pushed back.
That has been a theme throughout the project, which battled for several years to gain planning permission for a transmitter at Cranstal before plumping for an offshore platform.
IoMIB is also hoping to announce several big names in its launch line- up, including former Radio Caroline North DJs Mick Luvzit, Emperor Rosko and 'Ugli' Ray Teret, former BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read and 'at least one Manx Radio personality'. 
http://www.iomonline.co.im/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=870&ArticleID=1559505 via Mike Terry, June 13, dxldyg via DX Listening Digest 6-087 (17/6-2006)
[I remember, how the ship, I was working on as a very young sparks, anchored in Ramsey Bay back in 1966, neighbouring Radio Caroline, while we were waiting for the tide going up to Preston/yours truly]

ISLE OF MAN
ISLE OF MAN INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING NOW PLANS SPRING LAUNCH.
The Isle of Man Communications Commission has agreed an extension to the licence start date for Isle of Man International Broadcasting (longwave 279 kHz), which now plans to launch by 1 May. Station founder Paul Rusling admitted there have been problems. "Effectively one of our shareholders had a shift in investment policy and that line of funding dried up. Certain policies of the alternative funders that we had immediately available were not acceptable to us and we dug in our heels and ran out of money."
However, Rusling says preparation of the technical aspects of the station, the name of which still hasn't been revealed, is progressing well. He added: "We are now confident of being able to launch around Easter, but will not give a date until the facilities are all operational."
The cost of broadcasting from an offshore platform — put at £3 million — means the first broadcasts could be at a lower power than originally planned. However, IMIB hopes after a 'proving period' the station will be successful and able to grow. It is also planned to make transmissions available on mobile phones and over the Internet.
Source: Isle of Man Today
Isle of Man International Broadcasting http://www.longwaveradio.com  posted by Andy Jan 10 on Media Network blog via DX Listening Digest 6-007 (10/1-2006)

ISLE OF MAN
Long Wave Radio --- I have checked the web site for the Isle of Man station scheduled to broadcast on 279 kHz. It states ``Construction of the antenna is almost complete; it has now passed the 'testing' stage and its phasing sections are being assembled. Final installation and commissioning will take place as soon as possible after that, with a period of test transmissions to thoroughly prove the system prior to the launch of official programmes. The above indications are our aspirations and the Company regrets any delays due to factors beyond its control.``
I received no reply from my email to them over a month ago. http://www.longwaveradio.com/index.html 
John Williams, The Home Front, Jan Mediumwave News via DX Listening Digest 6-003 (6/1-2006)
Top

ITALY
New tx on mediumwave in Rome for Radio Broadcast Italia testing on 1485 Khz (150 watt, FP 1 Kw). They have also a little TX in fm operating in Frosinone area.
Roberto Scaglione http://www.bclnews.it via dxld yg (18/5-2008)

ITALY
RAI is now transmitting 2 DRM audio signals on 846 kHz via Santa Palomba: RAI Radiouno in Stereo with 19,06 kbps and RAI ISORADIO in mono with 12,30 kbps. RAI ISORADIO is a programme for motorway users with pop music and traffic information normally broadcasted only on FM 103,3 MHz.
73 from Austria, Patrick Robic (30/1-2008)

ITALY
As many DXers reported RAI started to broadcast in DRM also on 846 kHz from Santa Palomba. According to Andrea Borgnino it is on air with a 25 kw tx. On his blog you can find several images of RAI Santa Palomba: http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/palomba.html
Giampiero Bernardini, Avvenire Milano, Italy via mwdx yg (16/1-2008)

ITALY
This morning January 15th, 2008 I heard the RAI DRM test with the label "RAI WAY ROMA" on 846 kHz for the first time. So they must have started sometime in the last 24 hours.
Patrick Robic, Austria (15/1-2008)

ITALY
According to Italian DXer & Ham Andrea Borgnino in next days RAI will start broadcasting in DRM on 846 kHz (Santa Palomba TX). The power could be 75 KW. So far RAI is using DRM 24 h on 693 kHz. So RAI will have two MW channels in DRM.
Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italy via dxld yg (12/1-2008)

ITALY
Mr. Andrea Borgnino working at RAI Roma in Saxa-Rubra reports informations from RAI WAY, concerning the recent activation of the RAI Pisa-Coltano new transmitter ( 2 x 55 kW Harris) on frequency 657 kHz , at present moment RAI Pisa-Coltano is still active also on 1062 kHz,  after the end of the TESTING period, the 1062 kHz transmitter will be  closed down, the RAI 1 Firenze-Testarossa 1368 kHz will be closed down.
Some photos from the site http://www.mediasuk.org/archive/coltano/rai.html
Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italy, Play DX group list via MWC (18/12-2007)

ITALY
RAI heard now on 846 kHz. Is Rome testing?
73, Mauno Ritola via mwc (31/1-2007)

Right now, RAI transmitter on 846 kHz is on with a soccer game (Roma-Milan) and usual huge signal. It's unclear if it shlould be considered a temporary or definitive reactivation.
Renato Bruni via mwc (31/1-2007)

Yes, RAI Rome, Italy, is back again on 846 kHz! It happened yesterday 31 January.It was first reported at 19.15 when it was heard by Enrico that reported it on FMDX_Italy Yahoo Group (see www.fmdx.altervista.org ) broadcasting Radiotre (3rd channel), later at 2030 with Radiouno (1st channel). It seems to be with a low power, less than older RAI Radiodue.
The original message, sent at 2051 UTC:
Rilevo questa sera la ritornata presenza di una emissione RAI sulla frequenza 846 Khz, ex ROMA 2, spenta nel maggio 2004. Alle ore 20:15 portava la modulazione di radio 3, ora (21:30) modula radio 1. L'intensità del segnale è scarsa, ben al di sotto di quella dell'originario ROMA 2, ma la ricezione è buona vista la completa pulizia del canale, esclusivo per l'Italia nella nostra area geografica. Potrebbe trattarsi di un nuovo impianto oppure anche della risintonizzazione del piccolo impianto 1107 khz rimasto a Roma, che qui in lombardia non ricevo per le forti interferenze straniere: invito chi volesse a mettersi in ascolto e comunicare qui le impressioni, in particolare chi vive nella zona di Roma!
Then it was reported by other DXers. Now at 0030 1 Feb it is in // with 900 kHz Milan.
73 Giampiero Bernardini via mwc (1/2-2007)

About RAI again on 846 Andrea Borgnino, first on Radiorama group list, confirmed, that RAI is testing this frequency with 50 KW. They want to measure pollution. If test will be OK the site will remain on air.
Giampiero Bernardini via mwc (1/2-2007)

ITALY
RAI started to broadcast in DRM, via Milano Siziano transmitter, on 693 kHz. Power is supposed to be 100 KW. Last night at 2230 UTC 7 April 2006 it broadcast RAI Radiodue, in parallel with FM Radiodue. The same this late morning 8 April 2006. Some audio problems in the night, perfect in the morning. You can find other info in my blog http://rxreport.blogspot.com/ (in Italian) RX: CiaoRadio H101 + Dream Software
Ciao Giampiero Bernardini, Milano, Italy, April 8, DXLD 
This will probably mean good bye to another TA frequency (690). DRM is the most serious threat today to the fantastic hobby of DX'ing. If you love DX'ing - fight against DRM!
Arnstein Bue, Norway, HCDX via DXLD
693 kHz at 1830 UT RAI Milano in DRM mode, -- and V. of Russia, Oranienburg Zehlendorf Germany on equal level in southern Germany. Fine Russian folk songs could be noted though. 
73 Wolfgang Büschel, Stuttgart, April 8, HCDX via DXLD
Just noted in my files that Milano-Siziano ran in fact 100 kW AM carrier power on 693 until the frequency had been closed down in May 2004. So they will have to keep the DRM power 7 db below 100 kW, i.e. at about 20 kW.
Right now I hear on 693 VOR Sodruzhestvo via Zehlendorf (AM/DRM simulcast). A DRM hiss is present underneath but could well originate from the Zehlendorf transmitter itself. I am quite curious how both DRM signals from Zehlendorf and Siziano will co-exist. No actual reports posted in the concerning thread http://www.drmrx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1379 so far.
Kai Ludwig, Germany, April 8, DX Listening Digest 6-060 (9/4-2006)

ITALY
On 24 July at 2129 UT, on the RadioRama mailing list (the e- mail list of the Associazione Italiana Radioascolto), the Italian DXer Angelo Pacorig (from Palmanova, near Udine) reported a new MW private station from Verona, in northern Italy:
Radio Verona, on 1584 kHz.
Subject: RADIO VERONA 
Ascoltato: STAZIONE - RADIO VERONA - Mx italiana + ID "RADIO VERONA" ripetuto ogni 15 / 20 minuti DATA - 24 / 7 / 2005 ORE - 21:29':24" UTC FREQUENZA - 1584 KHZ SEGNALI - 44333.
After his announcement I checked the frequency and heard the station with non-stop music and IDs as "Radio Verona" on 24 July, at 2200 UT; signal was weak and interfered by co-channel Radio Studio X, but it could be easily identified. Radio Verona is also a weak but readable daytimer here. I'm listening from Forlì, 150 km south of Verona and 150 km east of Studio X location.
The station has the web site http://www.radioverona.it with streaming live audio available. Address is: Radio Verona, piazza Cittadella 26, 37122 Verona (VR), Italy. tel (+39) 045 8000896 fax (+39) 045 8000481
Full credit must be given to Angelo Pacorig on RadioRama mailing list as the first reporter of this station Angelo Pacorig, Italy, in RadioRama ML, via Fabrizio Magrone, Italy, mwdx July 24 via BCDX July 27 via DX Listening Digest 5-124 (27/7-2005) 
Compare to time in 5-123: that was 15.5 hours earlier (gh)

ITALY
Hi! From past Sunday morning 24 July around 0600 UT has been reported the reactivation of Radio Verona on MW on 1584 kHz, reported by PierLuigi Villa in Modena city. The station was active in the earlies '90 and closed down for technical problems with co-channel stations from RAI 2 Vicenza (which has been closed 2 years ago). However on 1584 kHz is active in Italy Radio Studio X from Momigno and the reactivation of Radio Verona is now totally stopping the listening to Radio Studio X in north Italy. Reception in Milano on 26 July Tuesday morning 0630 UT is good with good modulation, with my JRC 525 and 90 cm Loop antenna. Milano is 200 Km from Verona. Now it is possible a "radio war" ??? on 1584 kHz in Italy.
Here the details to contact Radio Verona :
http://www.radioverona.it Email: radioverona @ sis.it
FM : 103.00 & 103.90 MHz
Director : Mario Puliero
In the WEB no found info about the new MW service.
Radio Verona Srl
Piazza Cittadella 26
37122 Verona
tel (+39)045.8000896 fax (+39)045.8000481
Good listening of Radio Verona if you are crossing the north east area of Italy.
Dario Monferini, PLAYDX ITALY http://www.playdx.com July 26, DX Listening Digest 5-123 (26/7-2005)

ITALY
Miniradio from Italy begins broadcasting on 1566 kHz.
A new Italian station has conducted test transmissions on 1566 kHz mediumwave. Miniradio says they have tested 1566 kHz in June (not confirmed by DXers), and will begin regular broadcasting around November 2005. Currently Miniradio is broadcasting on 102.35 MHz. The station is located in Castano Primo in Milan. Broadcasts should be in AM stereo with transmission equipment purchased from the United States. Transmission power is said to be 5 kW. Miniradio has a staff of seven. The station can be contacted by phone at 199 44 35 33, and there are separate email addresses for the administration and staff. Andrea Russo was the first DXer to inform about the station on Radiorama mailing list on July 8. However, DXers have not reported actually hearing the station on the air. 
DXing.info (9/7-2005)
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