Adventist World Radio

Wavescan  program #511 -- 43/1

10/17/2004

 

Main Script for Wavescan, Edition number 511 for airing on Sunday10/17/2004. 

 

Host 2

From the studios of Adventist World Radio, This is Wavescan.

Host 1

Our programme for shortwave listeners and radio hobbyists from around the world.   I’m ___________ (Host 1).

Host 2

And I’m ____________ (Host 2).

 

Bring music up and then down. 

Host 1

In today’s edition of Wavescan we take a look at Radio Broadcasting in Mexico

Wavescan topic

Give you more details on changes within Adventist World Radio – including changes to Wavescan

Travelogue

We hear about the teacher who ended up on the streets speaking a strange language

Feature

We'll have simple wisdom from a homeless person.

2nd DX report

And hear from Paul Ormandy with the South Pacific DX report.

 

PAUSE HERE  . . .  with music fade in.

Host 2

So let’s start in with our Wavescan topic for this week.  Radio Broadcasting in Mexico. Here’s Steve Hamstra.

 

WAVESCAN TOPIC  (5 minutes)  Normally read by Student Volunteer

 

Play Wavescan topic: The earliest origins in the story of wireless and radio in Mexico go back a long way, exactly one hundred years in fact.  According to the recent book on the story of shortwave broadcasting in Mexico, which was published in Spanish by Pepe Gonzales, the government communication department was ordered to import wireless equipment from the Marconi company in England.  The type of equipment that was ordered in 1904 is described as the "Slaby Spark", a type that was developed in Germany.

 

          Subsequently, Mexico took progressive delivery of wireless equipment from England, sufficient for as many as 23 communication stations throughout Mexico.  The final delivery of all of this equipment occurred in the year 1911.

 

          The earliest known experiments in Mexico, using primitive wireless equipment, took place in the regional city, Monterrey in the year 1908, just 13 years after Marconi began his earliest experiments in Italy.  These experiments were conducted by Sr Constantino de Tamava, apparently using items of equipment that he himself constructed.  Subsequently, another experimenter, Sr Bonilla, built a small transmitter in Chapultepec, as well as a cluster of small stations in the Fresnillo area.

 

          According to the radio historians, the first radio broadcast in Mexico took place in Mexico City on September 27, 1921, when Dr. A. G. Hernandez commenced a series of regular program broadcasts.  Soon afterwards, the aforementioned Tamava also began a series of radio broadcasts at night from his same location in Monterrey.  The Monterrey station was on the air under the unusual callsign, "24A".

 

          Regular radio broadcasting in Mexico commenced in 1923 when three stations were launched in Mexico City. These stations identified on air with the callsigns, JH, CYB & CYL.  In 1929, international regulations required that all radio stations in Mexico should change their callsigns to an X prefix, and thus CYB was re-designated as XEB, the oldest radio station in their country. 

 

          Experimental broadcasting on shortwave commenced in 1922 when a 50 watt transmitter was installed in the Esto Theatre in Mexico City.  Programming for these transmissions on 120 metres were live broadcasts presented from the regular performances on the stage in the theater.

 

          A regular shortwave service was commenced in the year 1928 when station XC51 was inaugurated in Mexico City.  This station was noted in subsequent years carrying at times the programming from the well known mediumwave station XEW.

         

          Over the years, Mexico has been noted for the fact that a multitude of shortwave stations were available to the shortwave listener.  In the mid 1930s for example, 20 different shortwave stations were on the air, most of which took a relay from the mediumwave parent station.  In fact right through into the late 1990s, there were still more than 20 shortwave stations on the air throughout Mexico, though not all of them were active throughout the year.

 

          In the late 1990s, the number of shortwave stations in Mexico began to diminish rapidly, until today, just eight are listed in the current edition of the World Radio TV Handbook.  Even so, only three or four of these stations are considered to be active at the present time.

 

          It was in 1989 that Radio Mexico International was launched under the callsign XERMX, using equipment provided by East Germany.  This station was the only truly international broadcaster on shortwave in Mexico, and it too went silent just a few months back. 

 

          Our QSL collection contains close on 200 QSL cards and letters from radio stations in Mexico, confirming broadcasts on both mediumwave and shortwave.  Maybe you should obtain your QSLs from the remaining shortwave stations in Mexico while they are still on the air.

 

          In a recent news item, it is stated that Mexico has adopted the DRM standard for radio broadcasting, so perhaps this development will bring a revival of interest in international radio broadcasting also in this rapidly developing country, just "South of the Border", as they say.

 

Host 1

Thanks Steve.  Now some more information on the changes to the English Language Service as announced on this programme a couple of weeks ago.  This is the official news release from Shelley Nolan Freesland, Communication Director for Adventist World Radio.

- - -

Adventist World Radio’s English language service will be converted from a centralized global service to a local regionalized service beginning January, 2005.

 

          The production of English programs currently takes place at AWR’s Europe region office in England. Under the new plan, local studios — primarily in Africa and Asia/Pacific — will produce their own English programs in areas where there is a satisfactory level of listener interest. This change is consistent with the rest of AWR’s operations, where programs in all other languages are produced locally.

 

          AWR president Ben Schoun states that: 

 

“AWR is primarily supported by the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and giving has continued to increase year by year.   However, many organizations need to sharpen their focus from time to time in relation to their core business. This move is a result of a re-examination of AWR’s priorities. It will make us be more consistent with our mission, which is to reach people groups in their own languages. In examining our need/cost ratio, we realized that regional studios are capable of producing English programs where needed and can do it quite economically. It is our goal to add broadcasts for our areas of highest need, in languages such as Arabic and Turkish. As well, we feel that our English programs will contain more cultural flavor and meaning when created by local producers.

 

          Some experts indicate that the growth of English as the global language may be slowing, while other major languages are becoming more widely used. Other global broadcasters such as the BBC and Voice of America moved to a regionalized model some years ago. This regionalization trend also takes into account the fact that English usage and pronunciation are different in various areas of the world.

 

          AWR’s English language service in England will be phased out by the end of 2004, and resources will be shifted to a broader base of broadcast needs. AWR’s Africa region already airs a substantial number of locally-produced English programs, and this service will be enhanced in 2005. New services will also be developed in the Asia/Pacific region. Beginning January 1, 2005, listeners will be invited to write to their local studio at the address given on the broadcast, instead of the central listener mail address in London, England.

 

          Schoun says, “While local studios have produced English programs in the past, AWR decided to add a global service in 1993. During this time, our staff has done an outstanding job producing some favorite programs, such as Network 7 News, Wavescan, and Bible Answers. We appreciate the dedication and leadership that our English producers have demonstrated and the excellent contributions from our international correspondents around the world.”

 

          “Wavescan,” the English program produced for shortwave radio hobbyists, will be shifted to a studio location in the Asia/Pacific region, where the largest DX communities are found. The international DX program will continue with the participation of AWR’s DX editor, Dr. Adrian Peterson. Contributions from large radio listener clubs in Japan, India, Bangladesh and other locations will be added to the regular content.

 

          The final edition of “Wavescan” produced in England will be aired at all usual times and frequencies on Sunday, December 26, 2004. The first program produced in Asia will be broadcast on Sunday, January 2, 2005. Listeners sending reception reports and requesting QSL cards will be invited to write to the new address given in Wavescan.

 

In the new year, “Wavescan” will be broadcast from AWR’s station KSDA on the island of Guam; the specific schedule will be announced in advance.

 

 

Host 2

You’re listening to Wavescan and if you’d like to write or comment, Our address is,  AWR, 39 Brendon St . . .   Or e-mail letters@awr.org.  Those details again at the end of the programme.

 

Travelogue  (5 minutes)

Host 1

In today's travel log we take a quick trip to Jamaica to learn about a teacher who ended up on the streets speaking a language that needs some interpretation. Here's our International Correspondent Monica Johnson with the story.

 

Play Travelogue: 1589:Talking Blues:

IN: "Bob Marley wrote cold ground  was my pillow . . . "

 

OUT: ". . . ready to restore."

Host 1

That was our International Correspondent Monica Johnson  with that explanation of the popular Jamaican phrase "Talking Blues", and ending on a very encouraging note.

 

P A U S E    H E R E    P L E A S E

 

DX Report (IC and/or programme hosts)  (4 minutes IC and 2 minute host tips.  Total 6 minutes.)

Host 2

You’re listening to Wavescan, Adventist World Radio’s programme especially for shortwave listeners and radio hobbyists.  Our DX report this week is from  Paul Ormandy in the South Pacific.

 

DX Report

Host 2

Thank you Paul – and sadly it is the final time to say thank you and you spend a little more time on the amateur radio side of your hobby – but thanks for all your contributions and help over almost 7 years, indeed, since February 15, 1998.  Our deep appreciation.  I know our listeners often comment on your contributions.  We’re going to miss them.  Thanks again.

 

Feature  (5 minutes) 

Host 1

I suppose we’ve all seen them from time to time.  People on the street – usually in the larger cities -- asking for money.   And while we don’t know their background – if they’re homeless or in genuine need -- we know that its not uncommon for them to ask for spare change.

 

While not necessarily begging, this act is officially – in the US at least -- called panhandling.  Recently while in the US, AWR’s David Barasoain met a seemingly different kind of panhandler. 

 

He not only had a different approach, but a different attitude.

 

Play Feature 882: Compliments for a quarter:

SFX Traffic sounds . . . This is pacific avenue

I’m David Barasoain SFX out

Ending

1  Host 2

And that joyful and positive note brings us to an end of this week’s edition of Wavescan – a production of Adventist World Radio.  Next week we will be:

1. back at the Japan Radio Fair where we meet an amateur radio club with a difference.

2.  We’ll have our international and South American DX reports

3. and in the week before the US presidential elections we’ll as, “Do politics and religion mix?”

2  Host

Your reception reports, tips and comments are always welcomed.  Here’s our address:

3  Host

AWR, 39 Brendon St, London, W1, England, or e-mail us at letters@awr.org.  

4  Host

That’s also the address for your Bible questions or free Bible Guides:  AWR, 39 Brendon St, London, W1, England, or e-mail us at letters@awr.org.  

5 Host

Wavescan is written and produced by Adrian Peterson and Steve Hamstra.  You can find it on the web at:  english.awr.org/Wavescan.  I’m . . . (Me)

6 Host

. . . and I’m . . .  (You) Thanks for joining us.

Radio Broadcasting in Mexico

 

References

 

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Year  Date       Call      City                  Information                                                           Reference

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1904                            Mexico DF       Marconi equipment Slaby Spark type imported          Pepe

1908                            Monterrey        Constantino de Tarnarva experimental station  PlayDX117

1913                Xxx      Mexico             7 communication stations in use            YBWT&T 82.7 202

          Later                  Chapultepec    Sr Bonilla small transmitter                          PlayDX 117 22

          Later                  Fresnillo          Sr Bonilla, several stations                           PlayDX 117 22 

1919                XDA                                                                                                        XDA 84.447

1921  Sep 27               Mexico DF       Dr A G Hernandez series of broadcasts      PlayDX 117 22

1921                24A      Monterrey        de Tamava with night broadcasts                PlayDX 117 22

1921                XAx      Mexico             15 communication stations in use          YBWT&T 82.7 566

1922                            Mexico DF       1st experiments with shortwave broadcasting              Pepe

1923                JH        Mexico DF       Jose de la Herran with music broadcasts    PlayDX 117 22

1923                CYL     Mexico DF       1st station El Universal paper & radio agency    TMAA 173

1923                CYL     Mexico DF       Managed by Luis & Raul Azcarraga        TMAA 173

1923  Sep 15   CYL     Mexico DF       500w 588 kHz  Raoul Ascarraga                        PC 6-89 18 

1923  Oct 10   CYL     Mexico DF       Closed for antenna modifications                        PC 6-89 18

1923  Dec 7    CYL     Mexico DF       Re-activated, heard in USA                                 PC 6-89 18

1923                XAx      Mexico             16 communication stations in use          YBWT&T 82.7 499

1923                CYB     Mexico DF       2nd station El Buen Tono cigarette co, later XEB     TMAA

1924  Mar        CYX     Mexico DF       3rd station Excelsior paper & Parker radios         TMAA 173

1924  Dec 1    CZE     Mexico DF       1st educational station 540 kHz 150 w              LADX 87-87

1925                CYX     Mexico DF       Exclesior Parker 500 watts on 325 m                FRBS 1925

1925                            Mexico             13 MW stations listed mostly CY callsigns    RN 4-25 1934

1926                            Mexico             26 MW broadcasting stations listed                   FRBS 1926

1926                            Mexico             Vera Cruz - CYC & CYD; Puebla - CYU            FRBS 1926

1928                XC51   Mexico DF       SW station 44 m = 6820 kHz                                  RN 7-28

1929                Xxxxx   Mexico             New prefix X required                                          RD 1929 92

1920s End       CYL     Mexico DF       Closed                                                                 PC 6-89 18 

1930  Sep 18   XEW    Mexico DF       MW station opened                               RNM 82 ETI 8-85 98

1930  Mar 12   XEU     Vera Cruz        Station inaugurated                                           ADXN 9-89 8

1930                XEUW Vera Cruz        Launched relay XEU                                          PC 12-88 13

1931                XDA     San Lazaro     3 channels, Mexico DF                               NZRHA 1931 11

1932                XFD     Mexico DF       3 channels                                                     WSWBS 1932

1932                X26A    Nuevo Laredo  7616 kHz                                                        WSWBS 1932

1934                XETE   Mexico DF       9600 kHz                                                         SWC 7-34 72

1935                XEBR  Hermosillo       Launched La Correcominos                              PC 12-88 13

1935                XEBT   Mexico DF       El Buen Tono, TS car horn like cuckoo call   LI 5-10-35 38

1935                SW      Mexico DF       Stations XDA XDC XDM XDS XEBT XFD       SWL 2-35 43

1935                XAM     Merida             5760 & 11817 kHz                                          SWL 2-35 43 

1935                XEW    Mexico DF       Broadcast station on 6023 kHz                        RN 8-35 112

1936                SW      Mexico             20 different SW callsigns                                      RHD 1936

1936                XEFT   Vera Cruz        9600 kHz broadcast station                                  RHD 1936

1936                XFA2   Vera Cruz        6600 kHz communication station                         RHD 1936

1937                XEYU   Mexico DF       Launched, Radio Unam                                     PC 12-88 13

1937                XEUW Vera Cruz        6020 kHz broadcast station                                  RHD 1936

1938                XEUW Vera Cruz        Open March Victoria, close La GolondrinaLi 12 RHA 1938

1939  Nov 5     XEQW Mexico DF       (XEQQ?) new station, relay XEQ         R&H 77.10 12-39 67

1939                XEQK  Mexico DF       MW with classical music                               IMR Document

1940                XEQM Tus Panteras   Launched 250 watts, relay XEMQ                    PC 12-88 13   

1940                XEQK  Mexico DF       Launched 500 watts Hora Observatorio            PC 12-88 13

1941                XEWW Mexico DF      Approx, SW stations inaugurated          QSL & LADX 87-84

1942                XEOI    Mecico DF       Launched with 250 w  relay XEOY                    PC 12-88 13

1943                XEICM Mexico DF       1 kW RCA SW, later became XEPPM              LADX 87-87

1944                XEQK  Mexico DF       SW La Hora Exacta                          IMR Document 

1947                XEWW Mexico DF      9500 & 15160 kHz with 25 kW, 1st listing in WRHB

1947                SW      Vera Cruz        XEFT XEUQ                                                       WRHB 1947

1947                XECC  Puebla             50 w on 6185 kHz                                              WRHB 1947

1950                            Mexico DF       TV introduced                                                 Russian Encyc

1957                XEEW Mexico DF       New call for XEW on SW                   R&H 79.14 12-57 112

1957                XEEW Mexico DF       New call for XEW on 15160 kHz, C & SAM    WRHB 1957

1969                XERH  Mexico DF       SW smallest QSL card                                     Weatherly L

1989                XERMX Tectihucan     New SW transmitter site E Germany                       BBCMS

1969  Sep 10   XERMX Mexico DF     Official opening transmission                        XERMX Folder

1970                XERMX Mexico DF     Launched; 15430 50 kW & others 10 kW       PC 12-88 13

1971                XERMX Mexico DF     Test transmissions many channels     R&H 79.17 3-71 161

1971  Oct 9                   Mexico DF     Postage stamp, 50th anniversary                   Postal History

1979                XERMX Mexico DF     100 kW SW unit installed never activated      PC 12-88 13

1985                SW        Mexico           All SW stations must activate to retain channel     ETI 8-85 

1980  Oct        All          Mexico           Ban on religious broadcasting began             DXM 4

1989                XEG     Monterrey        Photo                                                                  PC 11-89 10

1989                XERMX Mexico DF     New 100 kW under installation                      ODXA 1-89 56

========================================================================

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting in Mexico - SW Stations

 

World Radio TV Handbook Entries - 1

 

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Year                 1947    1948    1949    1950    1951    1952    1953    1954    1955    1956    1957

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Stations           18        21        18        14        19        20        32        22        17        17        20

==========================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting in Mexico - SW Stations

 

World Radio TV Handbook Entries - 2

 

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Year                 1958    1959    1960    1961    1962    1963    1964    1965    1966    1967    1968

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Stations           24        25        26        28        26        26        27        27        28        29        29

==========================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting in Mexico - SW Stations

 

World Radio TV Handbook Entries - 3

 

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Year                 1969    1970    1971    1972    1973    1974    1975    1976    1977    1978    1979   

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Stations           27        28        32        33        27        30        31        30        18        19        18

==========================================================================

 

 

 

 

 

Radio Broadcasting in Mexico - SW Stations

 

World Radio TV Handbook Entries - 4

 

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Year                 1980    1981    1982    1983    1984    1985    1986    1997    1988    1989    1990

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Stations           20        20        21        21        21        21        22        22        22        20        20

==========================================================================

 

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