As of 29 March 2009, Radio Romania International’s English Service will start broadcasting programmes to Central Africa at 1100-1200 UTC on 15430 and 11790 kHz. From the same date, the English broadcast to Western Europe currently at 1200-1300 UTC will be on the air an hour earlier, at 1100-1200 UTC on 11775 and 15210 kHz.
(Source: RRI website)
on Mar 7th, 2009 at 16:02
It’s about time. Daily, RRI English carries 5 hours to W.Europe, 3.5 hours to N.America and 1.5 hours to Asia. And nothing to Africa! RRI French Service is also devoted almost explusively to broadcasting to W.Europe/Canada. It has only one hour towards Maghreb countries and nothing to C.Africa.
It’s as if RRI is still stuck in the Cold War mentality. Considering where the SW audiences are today, RRI should devote most hours to serving Africa with a few more targeting Asia. I’m sure those of us who live in Europe/N.America will be able to pick up those broadcasts with no problem.
RRI should be complimented on fixing its faulty transmitters. Now they need a few good antennas targeting the right areas.
on Mar 7th, 2009 at 19:17
WHo need Radio Romania in Africa? Better take all the money spent for those transmissions and improve the life of those poor orphans seen on Tv. Since when does Romania has any important interests or community of immigrants in Africa?!!?!
on Mar 7th, 2009 at 20:35
“I’m sure those of us who live in Europe/N.America will be able to pick up those broadcasts with no problem.”
I’m not so sure. I’ve been trying to pick up Radio Japan’s French service for Africa but I haven’t succeeded yet (I only have consumer radio equipment though.)
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 01:35
They have brand-new shortwave transmitters and refurbished antennas, as a result of an extensive modernization project carried out in last year, like the previous refitting of their complete mediumwave network by American contractors.
Stuck in Cold War mentality? Yes, this is about the only explanation for such big investments in shortwave facilities these days.
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 07:36
Yes, Kai, RRI-SW never sounded as clear in the past as it does today. I do enjoy their lively folk-music.
But now, after completing such an extensive and expensive modernization project Romania is broke and needs a bailout. In its broadcasts RRI is pleading daily with old Europe to move quick with its aid package, for European solidarity’s sake. Do you copy in Germany?
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 14:04
You have to ask that the >>> opinion formers and decision makers <<< (or were it the opinion makers and decision formers?). Personally I have some doubts that they listen to shortwave radio.
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 17:25
They wouldn’t watch Romania International TV either, if such a thing existed. So shortwave is the better deal
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 17:45
The external service of TVR (TVR I) has existed for some years now.
It can be viewed at 13 degrees east on 11.623 GHz Vertical!
?!?!?!
on Mar 8th, 2009 at 20:22
Haven\’t heard about it, never watched it, so it kind of proves my point
On a serious note, it looks like TVR I is in all Romanian, which means it\’s not of much interest to a non-Romanian audience.