The SWLing Post

Do You Need a Break from Radio? by Bob Colegrove A couple months ago I became one of the last 10 people east of the Mississippi River to acquire a smart phone. It was a great improvement for someone who had been trying to navigate through modern life for several years using a flip phone. [...]

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM A friend, Bob, is a professional in the two-way radio business with deep experience and expertise. I mentioned to him this post and told him about my strong preference for radios that would run on off-the-shelf alkaline batteries. He had a few things to say about batteries for emergency radios that [...]

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

Award-winning journalist Katie Thornton has launched a new season of the Peabody-winning podcast, The Divided Dial, produced by On the Media and WNYC Studios. In this season, Katie focuses on shortwave radio-a medium that is near and dear to our hearts. In Episode 1, Fishing In The Night", Thornton explores the international ambitions and shadowy [...]

An interesting article caught my attention on spaceweather.com concerning new research on what is called the Gleissberg Cycle. Interested? Read on! THE COUNTER-INTUITIVE QUIET CONTINUES: Big sunspots usually produce big solar flares. Giant sunspot 4079 is an exception to the rule. All week long, it has been strangely quiet, producing only a handful of puny [...]

By Jock Elliott, KB2GOM Recently, this blog featured great coverage of the use of battery-powered radios during the recent blackout in Europe. It was a serious business: electric power, cell phone networks, internet, all gone in a moment, followed by an instant information vacuum. Battery-powered portable radios and local broadcasters with backup power came to [...]

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has announced a new partnership wherein Voice of America (VOA) will incorporate content from One America News Network (OAN), a media outlet known for its conservative perspective. This decision, introduced by USAGM senior adviser Kari Lake, aims to provide VOA with additional news resources at no cost. The [...]

Make the Month of May Even Merrier: Earn Your First Credit Toward the 2025 Checkered Flag Award By Brian D. Smith, W9IND Never mind the old saying about April showers bringing May flowers. In Indianapolis, the month of May ushers in auto racing season, with two major events scheduled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's [...]

Greetings to all SWLing Post readers from all the Imaginary Stations crew. This week we bring you more programmes featuring the international onshore/offshore pirate radio sounds of Skybird Radio International. Get your shortwave radio ready for an audio journey on Saturday 10th May 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and then again for Sunday 11th [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the followingillustrated radio listening report of a recent ZP-30 broadcast. Carlos notes: Radio ZP-30: (Russia) Drone attack repelled; 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany defeat: Part of Paraguay's Radio ZP-30 news bulletin (in German) about a Ukrainian drone attack repelled by Russian army, and the [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Richard Cuff, for sharing this article from Metro.co.uk: Radio is still the ultimate survival tool during blackouts and emergencies." The piece underscores radio's enduring role as a reliable source of information when modern digital networks fail. In an age of increasing reliance on internet and mobile phone services, it's [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor David Iurescia for sharing this excellent article from Radio Prague International, which commemorates the 80th anniversary of Radio Plzen's powerful broadcast urging resistance during World War II: https://english.radio.cz/radio-plzen-voice-changed-history-80-years-ago-8849932

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Mark Hirst, who writes: Thomas, K-dramas with Korean subtitles can be a useful form of language immersion, so I recently came across this comedy sitcom on YouTube. In this clip, we see Winter, Karina, and Giselle of the K-pop girl group Aespa. Behind them are what appears to be [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the followingillustrated radio listening report of a recent ZP-30 broadcast. Carlos notes: International news of Radio ZP-30, from Paraguay, 610 kHz AM Part of Paraguay's Radio ZP-30 news bulletin (in German). Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on a Xhdata d-808 receiver. Click here to [...]

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 Six) - Huehuetenango by Don Moore 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 [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Dennis Dura, who shares the following video from CBS Mornings: R.E.M. has given its first single Radio Free Europe" a new remix. The song was named after the service that provides crucial, uncensored information in places with limited press freedom. Now, Radio Free Europe is one of the federally-funded [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Paul, who writes: Hi ThomasI thought readers may be interested in this YouTube video about Ham Radio in the Movies. It details quite a number of radios that were featured in different movies. Click here to view on YouTube. Cheers, Paul Christchurch, New Zealand

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares the following illustrated radio listening report of a special Radio Nacional de Espana broadcast. Note that the Spanish version of this post follows the English version: This illustrated radio listening report was particularly special to me. It's a radio station's acknowledge of the importance [...]

Good day all SWLing Post readers from us here at Imaginary Stations. Here's our transmission schedule for the forthcoming week. The first programme is a return of the onshore/offshore pirate radio sound of Skybird Radio International. It goes out on Saturday 3rd May 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and then repeated on Sunday 4th [...]

In the comments section of this recent post about the massive blackout in Europe, SWLing Post contributor Pedro Moreno shared an insightful firsthand account from Madrid. He captured the value of radio during a communications outage so effectively that I wanted to give it more visibility by highlighting it in its own post: Listener Report [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent Radio La Red broadcast. Carlos notes: Massive blackout in Spain, Radio La Red, Argentina, 910 kHz AM: Part of Radio La Red news bulletin (In Spanish) about the massive blackout in Spain. Listened (indoor) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, [...]

Today, parts of Spain, Portugal, and France experienced widespread power outages, knocking out electricity, internet, and mobile networks for hours. One BBC article captured a personal account of how radio became a vital lifeline. SWLing Post contributor Balazs Kovacs shared this note from the BBC Live Update: Meanwhile, a friend of our family living in [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Jamet, who shares the following information. However, I want to acknowledge that we are late in posting this message that Paul originally shared on April 14, 2025. Hi Thomas, Following the demolition of the rotary antenna at Moosbrunn near Vienna, Slovakia has announced - in its French-language program [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Mark Hirst, who writes: Thomas, I picked up Season 5 of the cult TV show The Avengers" at a street market last weekend. In the episode Never, never say die", Mrs Emma Peel follows a lead and meets a radio ham playing chess with other radio hams around the [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report covering the funeral of Pope Francis from several international and local broadcasters. Carlos notes: Funeral of Pope Francis: BBC, Vatican Radio, NHK and Radio Mitre: Part of news bulletins from four radio stations (BBC, Vatican Radio, NHK and Radio Mitre) about [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall for once again sharing a remarkable collection of vintage off-air AM radio recordings. In this post, he shares recordings made from his home and during his travels across North America and the Caribbean. Dan writes: Hi Thomas Judging by the interest on my Internet Archive page, vintage [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a special Vatican Radio broadcast. Carlos notes: Part of Vatican Radio's news bulletin (in English) about Pope Francis' funeral. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on XHDATA D-808 receiver. Click here to view on YouTube.

by Jock Elliott, KB2GOM Just how hardcore are you as a DXer? I received the following from a ham radio friend: Greetings all! I received an interesting opportunity for anyone capable and interested in helping NYS DEC. This was aimed at Warren County, however I thought hams in the Northern District surrounding counties could also [...]

Readers of the SWLing Post have been sharing various articles concerning the recent ruling by a federal judge, which directs the Trump administration to reinstate the USAGM staff. This decision was initially reported by Paul Walker earlier this week. Below is further analysis from several news sources shared by Ed C, Ron Smith, and Dennis [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor, Bill Tilford, who shares the following update: From the Isle of Music, May 2025 May's program will feature music from two Cuban artists in Scandinavia, Yeisy Rojas in Norway and Eliel Lazo in Denmark. Friday, May 9: 6070 kHz at 1700 UTC 3955 at 2100 UTC Sunday, May 11: 9670 kHz [...]

Hi to all the SWLing community worldwide. Imaginary Stations have a couple of programmes on the shortwaves this week for your listening pleasure. The first is on Saturday 26th April 2025 at 1100 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and then repeated on Sunday 27th April 2025 at 0900/1300 hrs UTCon6160 kHz and at 2000 UTC on 3975 [...]

Published by SWLing.com contributor Paul Walker From Politico: A federal judge agreed Tuesday to block the Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America, the 83-year-old international news service created by Congress. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the administration illegally required Voice of America to cease operations for the first time since its [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who shares an illustrated radio listening report from Vatican Radio reporting the death of Pope Francis, along with a recent Kyodo News Agency Radiofax, and numerous archived reports from Carlos also featuring Pope Francis: Carlos notes: Pope Francis has passed away: Full news bulletin (in English) [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Fred Waterer for also sharing the following article from Tibetan Review. This piece raises questions about the future of Tibetan-language broadcasting and the broader implications of VOA and RFA closures: Click here to read: The Silencing of Tibetan Voices: Who Benefits and Who Loses from the Closure of VOA [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Fred Waterer, who shares the following post from James Cridland's blog and notes: Overseas listeners could listen to BBC Domestic broadcasts, then they couldn't, then they might be able to and then they might be able to for a fee and then who knows.... https://james.cridland.net/blog/2025/bbc-radio-overseas-what-now/

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 Five) - Visiting Nahuala 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 book and [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dan Greenall, who writes: Hi Thomas: The SWLing Post reported the start-up of an International Service from Radio Nacional da Amazonia in Brazil back on March 27. Since then, I had been intending to give a listen, and finally, last night (April 18 UTC) I was able to do [...]

Many thanks toSWLing Postcontributor and noted political cartoonist,Carlos Latuff, who sharesillustrated radio listening report of a recent NHK broadcast. Carlos notes: Japan-US trade talks held in Washington, NHK, Japan, in Russian, 7375 kHz: Part of NHK news bulletin (in Russian) about Japan-US trade talks in Washington. Listened in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on a Xhdata d-808 [...]

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Frank, who notes that he's just published a post exploring the world of virtual amateur radio via HamSphere 5.0-a platform that simulates real-world radio propagation using the internet and VoIP. He shares his experiences since 2012, highlighting thousands of contacts, numerous awards, and how the platform has deepened his [...]

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 [...]