The SWLing Post

by Karl D. Forth On mediumwave, Cuba was a heavyweight, with many high-powered transmitters all over the dial, exceeding the already generous allocation agreed to by the North American nations in 1941. In 1971, Radio Havana Cuba broadcast on shortwave with Spanish to the Americas, English, French, Portuguese, and a few other languages. Later, I [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the followingillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Nanduti broadcast. Carlos notes: Paraguay vs Germany: Reporter from Paraguayan Radio Nanduti comments on the public celebration after Paraguay's victory over Germany: The Guarani lion ate the German shepherd!" Click here to view on YouTube.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Carlos Latuff, who shares the following article. Carlos writes: Panasonic Microcassette Recorder To record my radio listening sessions, I usually use a Sony digital recorder, model ICD-PX240. However, last week I purchased another beauty-this time a Panasonic microcassette recorder, model RN-305, manufactured in Japan in 2000. I decided to [...]

A reader, Michael, recently shared a new online resource he created for the shortwave listening community called HQ Shortwave Radio: https://hqshortwaveradio.com According to Michael, the site lets users enter a frequency and uses AI to help identify what's currently on the air. It also incorporates current broadcast schedules, propagation information, station listings, maps, and a [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia, who shares this BBC article about the end of an era in British broadcasting: the BBC has permanently switched off its longwave Radio 4 service after nearly a century on the air. The closure marks the end of longwave broadcasting in the UK, with the historic 198 [...]

Many thanks to SWling Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes: Thomas, My local charity shop received a donation recently in the form of a Grundig Elite Boy 500. It's in working order, although the volume control needed some Deoxit D5 to solve some bad scratching. Good cosmetic condition and works across all the bands. Here's [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Gerard Koopal, who writes: Dear Thomas, Just to let you know that Radio De vliegende Hollander" will transmit on August 14th at 1800 UTC on 1467 kHz. from Roumoules in France with 500 kW. Radio De vliegende Hollander" is a LPAM-station from Meppel, the Netherlands. I realize that this [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here's what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to the ionosphere this week. On Wednesday June 24th at 2000 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz via Shortwave Gold, we bring you Skybird Jams. The show is entitled Music to increase your attention span" with DJ Frederick, in other words, extended [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Greenall, who writes: The Voice of America is currently using its Tinang, Philippines site for a broadcast in Chinese beginning at 2100 UTC on 9535 kHz. Here are 2 recordings of their sign-on with English ID and Yankee Doodle, one using a Kiwi SDR in Athens, Greece, and [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor, Bill Tilford, who shares the following update: From the Isle of Music, July 2026 This month, some new releases of Cuban jazz Friday, July 10, 2026, 9670 kHz, 1800 CEST (1600 UTC), repeat on 3955kHz at 2400 CEST (2200 UTC) Uncle Bill's Melting Pot, July 2026 Friday, July 17, 2016: 9670 [...]

by Thomas (K4SWL) First, a huge thank you to everyone who has submitted recordings of this year's BBC Midwinter Broadcast to Antarctica on our recording-sharing post. It's been a real pleasure browsing reception reports and recordings from around the globe. If you haven't yet shared your recording, there's still time! Please add it to the [...]

In the comments section of this post, I'd like you to share your recording of the 2026 BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast! Time and frequencies Thanks to Dave Porter, who has confirmed these three shortwave frequencies for the annual BBC Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast (2130-2200 UTC Sunday, June 21, 2026): 9460 kHz from Woofferton 9510 kHz from [...]

Every year, the BBC broadcasts a special program to the scientists and support staff in the British Antarctic Survey Team. The BBC plays music requests and sends special messages to the small team located at various Antarctic research stations. Each year, the thirty minute show is guaranteed to be quirky, nostalgic, and certainly a DX-worthy [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following article about a growing trend among automakers: removing not only AM receivers from new vehicles, but FM as well. This is in favor of internet-connected streaming services. While the shift may seem inevitable, it raises important questions about emergency communications, rural connectivity, and [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Richard Cuff, who shares this review of the Choyong LC90 by James Careless at Radio World: https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/the-choyong-lc90-delivers-a-mixed-bag

Each year, we look forward to one of the most unique traditions in the world of shortwave radio: the BBC's Antarctic Midwinter Broadcast-a special program beamed to a handful of overwintering scientists and support staff at British Antarctic research stations. SWLing Post readers around the globe regularly tune in and make off-air recordings of this [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the followingillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio 10 AM broadcast. Carlos notes: Radio 10 AM 710 kHz, Buenos Aires, Argentina Click here to view on YouTube.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carlos Latuff, who writes I recently purchased a Sony SRF-S84 radio, which, despite its diminutive size, has excellent sensitivity. From what I've researched, this model began production by the Japanese company in 2001 and was discontinued around 2010. Below are the radio's specifications, taken from its instruction manual. The [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Majid Hussain, who notes that the BBC is beginning the phased closure of some of its BBC Radio 5 Live AM transmitters. According to RadioToday, the first two AM transmitters are scheduled to close at the end of July 2026, marking the start of a wider reduction in the [...]

Hi to all the SWLing Post community. Here's news of what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to the airwaves this weekend. On Saturday 20th June at 1100 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and again on Sunday 21st Juneat 1300 hrs UTC on 6160 kHz and 2000 hrs UTC on 3975 kHz/6160 kHz via Shortwave Gold [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia, who shares the following announcement from Radio Taiwane International's French Language service (first the English translation, then the original in French): Dear Listener, The French Service would like to inform you that during August 2026 (August 7-30), Radio Taiwan International (RTI) will broadcast directly from its Tamsui [...]

Dear Listeners, Due to significant interference which has emerged from a neighboring station - causing reception issues for the existing broadcast on 9705 kHz, I have made the decision to immediately change frequencies in order to resolve this issue. This one-time newsletter is being sent in order to inform listeners of this change. Effective immediately, [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares news from Radio World that DXing will be featured for the first time at the Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic (Madison Clinic") this September. The presentation will introduce broadcast engineers and industry professionals to the fascinating world of radio signal propagation and DX reception-and perhaps inspire [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dan Greenall, who writes: Hi Thomas, In 1976, amateur radio operators in the United States were allowed the option of using a special prefix in place of their regular one to celebrate the country's bicentennial year. Many amateurs issued special QSL cards for this bearing the new prefix, making [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who shares his A-26 (version 3.0) season guide to music on shortwave. Alan provides this amazing resource as a free PDF download. Click here to download Music on Shortwave A-26 v3.0 (PDF) Alan has also created at-a-glance, single-page PDF programme grids for BBC World Service, CGTN Radio, Radio [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Scott Gamble, who writes: Hi Thomas - An interesting article was published in the most recent issue of Inside GNSS magazine that suggests that the US Military has been using an obscure field in GPS broadcasts to deliver encoded messages, potentially for use by intelligence agencies. The article The [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dennis Dura, who shares the following article from Radio World about the impending shutdown of Canada's iconic CHU shortwave time station. We've covered CHU's imminent closure several times here on the SWLing Post, but this Radio World piece provides a particularly nice overview of the station's history, purpose, and [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here's news of what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to those shortwave bands this week. We have the fourth programme in the Downbeat on Shortwave series via Shortwave Gold, where guest DJs Jesse Yuen and One Deck Pete bring you two 15-minute downtempo mixes each over the hour-long show. [...]

by Karl D. Forth Reading through the 1971 World Radio-TV Handbook only as a reference source was interesting, but as I started listening more I also realized I felt part of what was happening - I could hear many of the countries described, one way or another. I've always liked directories. You can often learn [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor Terry (N5RTC), who shares the following schedules for Texas Radio Shortwave (click image to enlarge):

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following announcement: 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026 During the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Automobile race, the amateur radio operators of the Sarthe Radio Club F6KFI will be in the spotlight! To celebrate the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, the amateur [...]

By 13dka Following up on the article I recently wrote about the MLite-880, I still had a comparison with a reference radio on a proper antenna on my to-do list. I wasn't in a hurry because I got pretty fascinated with exploring what I can get out of various magmounts on my car with this [...]

by Dan Robinson The Tecsun PL-520 has been out for some time now though units have been getting into the hands of more reviewers such as myself in recent weeks. There are a number of excellent overview videos available on YouTube, so my purpose here won't be to dive into sensitivity level and similar comparisons [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia, who shares the following news: In 2026, Radio Bulgaria is issuing a new series of 12 QSL cards to confirm listeners' reception reports. Each card highlights a key historical moment from the history of Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and the Radio Bulgaria programme. At the beginning of [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here's news of what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to the ionosphere this week. We have the second episode of Radio 250 via Shortwave Gold, which is full with all sorts of genres of music celebrating and bringing you more of a musical history lesson over the shortwaves. The [...]

by Karl D. Forth Many of the African nations achieved independence in the 1960s, and as they raised their new national flag they wanted to be connected to the outside world. One of the first things they often did was build an airport so they could be accessible. The second was setting up a shortwave [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia, who shares the following news item about a new museum dedicated to the history of media and communications technology. Located in Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District, the Media Tech Museum features more than 900 artifacts tracing the evolution of communication-from telegraphy and early radio to television, film, [...]

by Satoshi Miyauchi, JP1SCQ, with Nick Hall-Patch, VE7DXR Introduction In early November 2025, several members of our Totsuka DXers Circle in Japan (TDXC https://www.tdxc.net/abouttdxc/ ) traveled from the Tokyo area to Tanohata village in Iwate prefecture on northern Honshu island in order to take part in a medium wave (MW) DXpedition that took place on [...]

by Dan Greenall Time and standard frequency stations have been around for a long time. In my early years of DXing, there were more than 20 of them scattered all over the globe. These two pages from the 1972 World Radio TV Handbook show what could be heard back then, along with the frequencies used. [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor, Bill Tilford, who shares the following update: From the Isle of Music, June 2026 This month, we feature three new releases - special guest Hugo Cruz will be with us to help present his second release, Figure It Out". The album also has a fascinating back story. Unless you have a [...]

Many thanks to SWling Post contributor, Rich Cuff, who shares this piece from Hackaday: So Long, CHU, And Thanks For All The Time Signals." It's well worth a read-and if you've never tuned in to CHU before, now may be your last chance. Read the full article here: https://hackaday.com/2026/05/27/so-long-chu-and-thanks-for-all-the-time-signals/ Please note, I would appreciate any [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Frank, who is once again hosting a radio contest for shortwave listeners and mediumwave DXers this summer. Frank's SWL Contest 2026 focuses on AM radio listening and is open to radio enthusiasts who enjoy logging stations, comparing reception conditions, and simply exploring the radio spectrum. If you're looking for [...]

by Carlos Latuff I found it strange to come across interference from a Chinese radio station on the BBC's shortwave broadcast. For about a month, between April and May 2026, I was monitoring this special BBC radio service, transmitted from a station in Madagascar and aimed at Sudan and Gaza in Arabic. Aside from some [...]

Hi to all SWLing Post community. Here's news of what Imaginary Stations will be bringing to the shortwaves this week. Thanks to the services of Shortwave Gold we have the first episode of Radio 250. It's all about celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States. There are two wonderful shows lined up with all [...]

By 13dka After all the recent buzz and watching and reading every video, review, and discussion thread/group I could find about this radio, as per usual, I knew I had to buy one in order to find out if I want one...again. This is not a review, but taking notes while getting acquainted with it [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the followingillustrated radio listening reports of recent BBC World Service broadcasts. Carlos notes: Ebola outbreak in D.R. Congo via BBC Click here to view on YouTube. Click here to view on YouTube.

Today, BBC Radio 4 will air The Sound of Soft Power, a documentary presented by Josephine McDermott exploring the history of international broadcasting and the role shortwave radio played as a tool of soft power during the Second World War and Cold War. The program features a number of familiar voices from shortwave history, including [...]

I was saddened to learn this morning (from multiple readers) that Canada's venerable shortwave time station, CHU, may soon fall silent. According to a notice posted by Canada's National Research Council, CHU's shortwave broadcasts are scheduled to end on June 22, 2026. For many listeners outside of the shortwave community, this may seem like an [...]

by Carlos Latuff I bring to the brothers-in-radio of SWLing Post a short report on my recent listening sessions of the BBC's emergency radio service, which broadcasts half an hour of Arabic-language programming from Sunday to Thursday to Sudan and Gaza on the frequency of 15280 kHz. The programming consists of a podcast entitled Middle [...]

by Dan Robinson The MLite-880 portable has been on the market for some time now. There have been a number of important developments, so it's time to update my original articles for those who already own the receiver and those who are still considering purchasing. A note to begin: I have no financial interests [...]