The SWLing Post

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Ronald, who writes: I am 83 years old now. When I was actively DXing from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s, some stations, such as Radio Prague and Radio Nederland, and clubs such as the Japan Short Wave Club (JSWC) organized contests with prizes, usually special QSL cards. In [...]

Guest Post by Robert Gulley K4PKM I wanted to pass along three useful references I came across from several posts in the Utility DXers Forum posted by Steve Handler. The first is: Radio Aids to Marine Navigation 2025 (Atlantic, St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Arctic and Pacific" (Both English and French versions are available, [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Carlos Latuff, who shares the following guest post: The Beast" by Carlos Latuff Since December 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height, I have had an inseparable companion: the XHDATA D-808 radio. This receiver has accompanied me in many situations, on the beach, in the countryside, in [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jim Salmon, who shares the following information sheet via www.volaonair.com and www.retworldservice.com:

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM Here is an idea thought up by a radio pal of mine, Andy, W2SRA. It's an exercise to get us operating our portable mutliband radios from manufacturers such as Grundig, Sony, XHDATA, Tecsun, Sangean, and so on. If you own a digital multiband radio that has an ATS' search function, that [...]

Dear Readers, Over the 17 years I've been running the SWLing Post, I've done my best to make this space a safe haven from divisive politics. This site has always aimed to bring people together through a shared love of shortwave listening, international broadcasting, and radio communications - no matter where they live or how [...]

Hi to all of the SWLing community worldwide. Imaginary Stations are at it again transmitting over those airwaves this week with a couple of programmes for your listening pleasure. The first is on Saturday 19th April 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and on Sunday 20th April 2025 at 0900/1300 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul Walker, who writes: This is the A25 Schedule for Radio Havana Cuba. Only English, Spanish, and Portuguese remain on shortwave (SW) broadcasts. You'll notice that only two frequencies, 6000 kHz and 15230 kHz, are still in use. Unfortunately, the antenna systems and transmitters are probably beyond repair, and [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank, who notes that he has added a new post to his blog where he shares a simple method for tuning in to radio amateurs using the KiwiSDR network. He wrote this for anyone curious about exploring ham radio activity online. You can check it out here: How to [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent CGTN broadcast. Carlos notes: Chinese people do not provoke trouble, nor do we fear it." CGTN Radio, China, 11770 kHz. Part of CGTN Radio's news bulletin (in English) about the Chinese government response to Trump's tariffs. Listened in [...]

From Radio World: In a rare move, the FCC has approved two new construction permits and granted a full license for international shortwave broadcasting-prompting questions about their true purpose. All three applicants-DPA Mac, Parable Broadcasting, and Turms Tech-claim intentions to use the DRM standard, yet past filings and meeting summaries suggest possible ties to high-frequency [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Alan, for his recent article in Radio World titled The Modernization of Broadcast Radio." In it, Alan argues that the proposed AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" in the U.S. should go beyond preserving legacy systems and instead embrace Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) as the future of terrestrial broadcasting. [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor, Alan Roe, who shares his A-25 (version 1.0) season guide to music on shortwave. Alan provides this amazing resource as a free PDF download: Click here to download Music on Shortwave A-25 v1.0 (PDF) Alan notes thatcopies of his at-a-glance" single-page PDF programme grids of all BBC WS, CGTN Radio, [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor Terry (N5RTC), who shares the following schedules for Texas Radio Shortwave (click here for a printable PDF):

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM Bob Colegrove inspired this, with his excellent post Pressing Buttons. Twirling Knobs and Throwing Switches."If you haven't read it, go do so now. And it was our Maximum Leader, Thomas, who some time ago was asked What's the best shortwave radio?" His response (if I recall correctly): The one you enjoy [...]

A big hello to the SWLing community far and wide. Here's what Imaginary Stations are transmitting over the airwaves this weekend. The first is on Saturday 12th April 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and on Sunday 13th April 2025 at 0900/1300 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2000 UTC on 3975 kHz and 6160 kHz. [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Robert, who shares the following: Hi Thomas - I visited the President Truman Library today and noticed an interesting item in their Oval Office recreation. It appears that not only did Mr. Truman have the first television inside the Oval Office, he apparently also had a Hallicrafters model SX-28 [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist Carlos Latuff, who shares anillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio Nikkei 1 broadcast. Carlos notes: Tokyo stock market crash, Radio Nikkei 1, 6055 kHz: Part of Nikkei Electronic News bulletin (in Japanese) about Tokyo stock market crash dueTrump's tariffs. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, [...]

Pressing Buttons. Twirling Knobs and Throwing Switches By Bob Colegrove Move along. Nothing informative to read here, just the wandering of an idle mind scheming with meandering fingers on a keyboard. On the other hand, if your curiosity can't be controlled, consider that a significant amount of enjoyment in this hobby is the mere operation [...]

The Battle Harbour Marconi Towers, located on Labrador's rugged coast, are the last of their kind in North America and possibly the world. Built in 1904, they played a pivotal role in early global communications, notably transmitting Admiral Robert Peary's 1909 North Pole expedition announcement. However, over a century of harsh weather and the impacts [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonistCarlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening reports of recent CNR and Radio 2 broadcasts. Carlos notes: Myanmar earthquake death toll, Malvinas Veterans Day in Argentina: CNR (China) and Radio 2 (Argentina) Click here to view on YouTube. Click here to view on YouTube.

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares an illustrated radio listening report of recent CNR and CGTN broadcasts. Carlos notes: China, ASEAN steps up humanitarian aid to Myanmar: CNR and CGTN Radio Part of news bulletins from China National Radio (CNR) and China Global Television Network (CGTN) Radio, in Chinese and [...]

A big hello to all the SWLing community everywhere. Imaginary Stations have a couple of interesting programmes going out over the airwaves this week. The first is on Saturday 5th April 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 6th April 2025 at 0900/1300 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2000 UTC on 3975 [...]

From CBS Evening News: After Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, a couple of radio broadcasters played a critical role in keeping residents informed. Now, six months later, they have taken on a new role in the recovery. Skyler Henry reports. Click here to view on YouTube. Having experienced the devastation of Hurricane Helene firsthand, [...]

Jeff and Joe Geerling provide a quick but insightful overview of the FCC's DELETE, DELETE, DELETE" docket, offering their thoughts on its implications-especially from Joe's perspective as a broadcast engineer. Their discussion is a great starting point for understanding how these regulatory changes could impact radio and wireless communications. Click here to view on YouTube. [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent NHK broadcast. Carlos notes: Myanmar earthquake: 1,644 dead, NHK, Japan, 11630 kHz Part of NHK news bulletin (in Japanese) about the massive earthquake that hit Myanmar. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on a Panasonic RF-B11 receiver. Click here [...]

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking efforts by the Trump administration to shut down Voice of America (VOA) and other U.S.-funded international broadcasters. The judge determined that the administration's actions may have exceeded its authority, as the broadcasters were established by Congress. The court decision follows recent moves to suspend operations [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Voice of Korea broadcast. Carlos notes: Kim Jong Un inspects AI suicide attack drones, Voice of Korea: Part of the Voice of Korea (DPRK) Spanish-language news bulletin on the reconnaissance and attack drone test inspected by Kim Jong-un. [...]

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) from cutting off funding to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, citing a lack of proper justification. The ruling allows the network to continue operations while the legal case moves forward. Read the full story at NPR.

With thanks to Atsuhiko Takezawa in the World Radio & Television Handbook Facebook group for the tip-off Starting March 31st, Radio Nacional will broadcast a 10 minute program in english and spanish at 01:50UTC! EBC's Executive Radio Manager Thiago Regotto says this new programming is in response to listener requests when they send in reception [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Barry, who writes: Thank you for the tip about the XHDATA deals on Amazon. I picked up a D-808; I've always wanted one. Your readers might be interested to know that the Qodosen DX-286 is also on sale for $67.99 on Amazon. I already have one and love it. [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor and noted political cartoonist Carlos Latuff, who shares illustrated radio listening reports of recent Radio Nikkei 1 and Radio Nikkei 2 broadcasts. Carlos notes: News and music from Radio Nikkei 1 and 2 Click here to view on YouTube. Click here to view on YouTube.

A big hello to all the SWLing community. Imaginary Stations have a couple of great programmes going out on air this week. The first is on Saturday 29th March 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and also on Sunday 30th March 2025 at 0900/1300 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2000 UTC on 3975 kHz and [...]

Please note that two excellent shortwave portables are on sale during Amazon's Prime Spring Sale: XHDATA D-220 ($9.95 on sale) - A compact, ultra-affordable pocket radio. XHDATA D-808 ($87.55 on sale) - A feature-packed portable with SSB, air band, and great performance. The D-808 remains a favorite among SWLing Post readers for its all-around great [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Post contributor Terry (N5RTC), who shares the following April 2025 schedule for Texas Radio Shortwave (click here for PDF version):

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahon, who notes that he's published a new article on the Herculodge reflecting on his latest impulse radio purchase: the Tecsun PL-330. Jeff shares how this venerable compact portable seduced him - despite an already impressive collection of Tecsun greats. Click here to read his full post.

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor, Bill Tilford, who shares the following update: There are some schedule changes for April 2025 in From the Isle of Music and Uncle Bill's Melting Pot: From the Isle of Music, April 2025 (NOTE NEW SCHEDULE) April's program will feature a tribute to one of the giants of Cuban timba, Paolo [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who shares the following recordings and writes: Hi Thomas As a result of recent actions by the Trump administration, a number of shortwave stations have recently gone silent. Whether or not this will change is anybody's guess, but the situation is currently looking grim. I am providing [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of recent NHK and Nikkei 1 broadcasts. Carlos notes: More radio news from Japan: Click here to view on YouTube. Click here to view on YouTube.

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Giuseppe Morle (IZ0GZW), who writes: Dear Thomas and Friends of SWLing Post, I am Giuseppe Morle from Formia, Central Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. This time, I want to share a very simple antenna setup for listening to and attempting extreme DX on Medium Waves. I first saw this [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Jeff McMahan for his mini update of the Qodosen DX-286. While it excelled at music, Jeff found its DSP filtering took a serious toll on voice clarity - enough to lose its coveted spot as his Bedroom Radio." Check out his full write-up on the Herculodge.

Greetings to all the SWLing community, hope things are well, wherever you are. This week coming, Imaginary Stations hoist the sails on the pirate ship Skybird again and brings you another audio voyage in the Free Radio Skybird series and it's the third and final planned broadcast of the station this year. Tune in on [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Fred Waterer, who shares this update from James Cridland. After initially announcing that BBC Sounds and music radio stations would no longer be available outside the UK, the BBC has quietly revised its FAQ. While you still can't access content directly from BBC apps or websites, international listeners can [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent NHK broadcast. Carlos notes: Ukraine: U.S. and Russian leaders to hold phone call. NHK, Japan, 11630 kHz Click here to view on YouTube. Bonus Kyodo News Radiofax Today's Kyodo News Evening Edition, received in Porto Alegre via radiofax [...]

A Note to Our Readers: On the USAGM Shutdowns and Keeping the Conversation Respectful At the SWLing Post, we've always strived to keep this space a safe haven - free from the divisive politics that so often cloud the media landscape. Our focus remains on sharing the joy of radio, supporting international broadcasting, and fostering [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributorDon Moore-notedauthor, traveler, and DXer-for the latest installment of hisPhoto Album guest post series: Don Moore's Photo Album: Guatemala (Part Four) - To the Western Highlands More of Don's traveling DX stories can be found in his bookTales of a Vagabond DXer[SWLing Post affiliate link]. If you've already read his [...]

Following an earlier report from NPR covering (and other sources) the U.S. Agency for Global Media's restructuring, this is the full official announcement from USAGM. It outlines the agency's efforts to comply with an executive order aimed at reducing non-statutory functions, cutting costs, and downsizing operations: USAGM, Senior Advisor Kari Lake cancels obscenely expensive 15-year-lease [...]

Journalists at Voice of America and the Office for Cuba Broadcasting arrived for work today only to find themselves locked out, following an order from President Trump's administration. Over 1,000 employees were placed on indefinite paid leave, and contracts with international broadcasters like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia were abruptly terminated. According [...]

Pairing a Phone or Tablet with a Radio By Bob Colegrove The Internet is full of resources for radio listeners and hobbyists. There are numerous examples of general information, frequency, and schedule lists. There are also WebSDR sites, which allow you to compare reception experiences from around the world. All of these can be accessed [...]