Local AM stations launched in Poland and Ireland

A new Polish station has been recently launched on the mediumwave frequency of 1332 kHz. Twoje Radio Stalowa Wola has a power of 0.5 kilowatts. News about the new stations was published by Bernd Trutenau on mwdx mailing list on September 29.
     In Ireland, a temporary station "949 The Rock" is licensed to broadcast on 1278 kHz mediumwave during the weekends until December 2. 949 The Rock - simulcasting on FM 94.9 MHz - began transmissions at midnight on September 27, according to Radiowaves.fm. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, covering the capital Dublin area. The Rock plays a mix of rock music from the 1960s to the present day. The station can be contacted by writing to 949 The Rock, Marina House, Clarence St., Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland, by phone at +353-1-2844738 or by email.
(DXing.info, September 29, 2007)

Nighttime digital broadcasting begins on the US AM band

Several broadcasters around the United States turned on their digital AM transmitters last night, as soon as it was allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As a result, interference caused by digital transmitters to analogue broadcasters has increased considerably. Until now, digital IBOC broadcasting was only allowed during the daytime to minimize interference. Skywave propagation during the night enables digital hiss to spread much further.
     DX listeners have reported several strong stations switching to IBOC immediately after midnight, September 14, resulting in severe adjacent-channel interference. Among the strongest stations using IBOC at night are WHO Des Moines IA (1040 kHz), WTAM Cleveland OH (1100 kHz), KFAB Omaha NE (1110), KEX Portland OR (1190) and KFBK Sacramento CA (1530 kHz).
     Many dxers fear that widespread adoption of IBOC can render the AM broadcasting band useless for long-distance analogue reception. For example, Clear Channel Communications, which is the largest radio station owner in the U.S. operating more than 1200 stations, is planning to begin nighttime digital broadcasts on all its stations capable of doing so. However, many other radio stations are still reluctant to switch to IBOC because of high costs, marginal improvement in reception, and low penetration of digital HD receivers.
(DXing.info, September 14, 2007)

The purpose of the radio news section is to inform about new mediumwave (AM) and shortwave broadcasting stations worldwide. Other news are published only on major international broadcasters or issues very relevant to DXers. New programs and schedules are not covered.

The news are edited by Mika Mäkeläinen. Extracts from news items may be quoted if the website http://www.DXing.info is mentioned as source. See terms of use for details.