cobalt pet shortwave / mediumwave weblog

20 March 2006

shortwave summary: mar 2006 (part 2)

Radio Taiwan International's commentary on China/Taiwan relations was interesting. Lots of broadcasters reported on the death of Slobodan Milosevic. An interesting facet to that story is the exile status of his wife and son, who are hiding in Russia.

Broadcasters mentioned in this report:
* Radio Taiwan International
* Radio Havana Cuba
* KBS South Korea
* Channel Africa, South Africa
* Radio Sweden
* China Radio International
* Radio Netherlands
* Radio Japan

* 08 Mar 2006, 0258 UTC, 5950 khz (Radio Taiwan International): "This is Radio Taiwan International, broadcasting from Taipei, Taiwan, the Republic of China." USA opposes unilateral status quo changes across the strait. China has 784 missiles aimed at Taiwan. In the 1990s, China launched 4 missiles into the water to oppose Taiwan elections. Ang Le won the best director oscar. He's a role model for Taiwan's filmmakers. China took credit while ignoring that Le is from Taiwan. Weather for Taipei: partly cloudy, 20-25C (68-77F). The situation in the strait is always told from one point of view. The media, including the BBC, reinforces Beijing's point of view. Don't call Taiwan "the island"; that implies it is not a country. Taiwan comprises several islands besides the main island (which was named ilha formosa by the Portuguese). Leadership referred to as "Taiwan authorities" instead of "the government". "It's part of the big lie." Calling the president an "independence-minded leader" is also unfair. Announcer made a joke about Beijing's "invasion-minded dictator". SIO 434.

* 0500 UTC, 6000 khz (Radio Havana Cuba): Broadcast running a few minutes late by my clock. "Alternative information from the source." Cindy Sheehan and 3 other protesters were arrested in New York City. Cindy was "dropped on the pavement" during arrest. USA is paying Iraqi newspapers to print favorable articles that lack attribution; supposedly not violating any USA laws or Pentagon guidelines. "Detrimental to U.S. credibility" vs. "critical tool in propaganda war." Cuba, unlike Taiwan, is perfectly happy to call itself "the island." Bernie Dwyer was recently in Boston; interviewed Noam Chomsky. His voice was easier to understand this time but still not great. John Bolton threatens military action against Iran. USA could target the core of Iran's uranium enrichment program to disable it. World Baseball Classic update; DXers Unlimited with Arnie Coro CO2KK, discussing low-budget radio. SIO 343.

* 10 Mar 2006, 0500 UTC, 6000 khz (Radio Havana Cuba): Running at least 5 minutes late. Heard the phrase "Iran's peaceful nuclear program." "Hot sun" on a winter day in Havana. Mailbag show was a repeat. SIO 322.

* 11 Mar 2006, 0505 UTC, 6000 khz (Radio Havana Cuba): Jimmy Carter urges troop withdrawal from Iraq. Viewpoint: USA is "world's worst abuser of human rights" but passes judgement on the rest of the world in an annual report. "Racial discrimination has always plagued U.S. society." SIO 433.

* 13 Mar 2006, 0223 UTC, 9560 khz (KBS South Korea): Talking to parents/children about needing counseling. Playing music. "Listening to worldwide friendship." Reading letters from listeners. About 20 minutes later, the signal was overcome by noise. SIO 544.

* 0303 UTC, 7390 khz (Channel Africa, South Africa): "...Should not underestimate the contributions that women have made", "Women's day on the 8th of March." Couldn't follow the broadcast due to the weak signal and noise. SIO 222.

* 0330 UTC, 6010 khz (Radio Sweden): "You're listening to Radio Sweden." Discussing Sweden's thriving indie music scene. Sweden is the world's 3rd-largest exporter of pop music, behind the US and UK. Bands: Legends, Loveninjas. "Who knows the sun," catchy single. Musicians' strength is in writing good melodies. Loveninjas gaining reputation for their live performances. "We just want to have as much fun as possible!" Lost their costumes in Stuttgart Germany. Writing songs about "sex, death, and Japanese girls." Many websites and blogs cover new Swedish music. Loveninjas gigs confined to Europe for now. "Radio Sweden's music magazine" called Headset. "Sweden's hip hop king is back and everything's going fine!" Transmission stopped abruptly during the closing song. SIO 433.

* 0402 UTC, 6190 khz (China Radio Intl): Slobodan Milosevic has died. Chinese army seeks to strengthen national defense, "maintain peace." National people's congress wants to make it a crime to deliberately spread HIV. 10 years to life imprisonment for an offense. Announcer speaking fast! Milosevic had high blood pressure; faced 66 war crime charges. Israel and USA have the ability to strike Iran's nuclear facilities. China economy expanding at "a tremendous rate". Revitalizing the countryside is China's main priority. Heard the phrase "new socialist countryside"...what's that? Desire to improve living standards of farmers. Milosevic "orchestrated the Balkan wars in the 1990s." His family wants autopsy performed in Moscow, not The Hague. Trial began in Feb 2002; it was about to enter the final stage. UN wants full Iranian compliance with non-proliferation treaty. Bush calls China a strategic partner. Huge trade deficit with the USA. Chinese are annoyed by the culture of tipping. They would rather save the money and give it to charity. Weather report for San Francisco: light rain, 6-10C (42-50F). SIO 533.

* 0500 UTC, 6165 khz (Radio Netherlands): "It's 0500 hours UTC...From Hilversum in Holland." Milosevic died in prison cell in The Hague. Indicted but never convicted in the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. Death ends the trial; can't continue "in absentia of the accused." Belgrade viewpoint: "the tribunal killed Milosevic", didn't provide adequate access to treatment. "Supporters are going to be very sad." This is bad for Serbia, the region, and relatives of the victims. Will be hard for Serbian government to arrange the funeral. Milosevic family is on the run, hiding in Russia. Son and wife should be arrested if they appear for the funeral. It's a tragedy "now that justice cannot be done." Milosevic was always "rigid in negotiations." SIO 444.

* 1708 UTC, 9535 khz (Radio Japan): Computer chips used in cars are seeing increased demand. Milosevic died in his cell. Attacks in Baghdad cause deaths. "Pop joins the world" music show. Band: The Tokyo Incidents; changed guitarist and keyboard in 2005. Funky song, young girl voice. SIO 454; slight fading.

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