2021 - Radio Delta AM

Radio Atlantis was a Belgian-owned offshore pirate radio station, which operated in 1973 and 1974 from the coast of the Netherlands and Belgium. The station began broadcasting from the Radio Caroline Ship MV Mi Amigo. It was originally intended that programs would begin on 15 July 1973, using Mi Amigo’s 10-kilowatt transmitter on 773 kHz (388m). The station was owned by Belgian businessman van Landschoot’s. The station taped programs aimed at Flemish and Dutch audiences. They were recorded in a studio at Oostburg the Netherlands.

In October 1973, the station’s contract with Radio Caroline was terminated, following the collapse of the mast on Mi Amigo. The station acquired its own ship, naming it after van Landschoot’s wife, the MS Janine. Following three weeks of tests the station recommenced broadcasting on 30 December 1973. Both taped Flemish and mostly live English programmes were broadcast until the station was forced off the air by the Dutch Marine Offences Act. Radio Atlantis closed on the evening of 31 August 1974, the day before the act came into force.

On this page you can find photo’s from our personal collection:

The MS Janine
The MS Janine in Vlissingen harbour september 1974
Studio 2
Fred van den Bos (DJ) | van den Bos is weer los
Theo van de Velde
Luk van Kapellen (DJ) | Luc brengt u van uw stuk
Victor van Rein (DJ)

Since Radio Mi Amigo had closed suddenly in October 1978 the new ship finally appeared on the North Sea anchoring in various locations in mid-June 1979 and finally ending up in a position near the Thornton Bank, off the coast of Belgium.

Test broadcasts of continuous music, with occasional Radio Mi Amigo ID announcements, started on 25th June 1979 and continued for three days. After a further two days od silence, tests started again on 1ste July 1979.

Below you can find photo’s from our personal collection.

During the vibrant era of the eighties, we embarked on numerous broadcast adventures in collaboration with Radio Perlee. Reflecting on that cherished period, we reached out to him to contribute his insights for our audience.

Graciously responding to our request, he expressed his nostalgia, “Thank you for your message,” he paused momentarily, reminiscing about frames of time that date back over 37 years to our joint broadcasts with Radio Delta International. He fondly recalled your parents as extraordinary individuals, exuding a rare warmth and hospitality that left an indelible mark on him. The camaraderie we shared during those days was unmatched, leaving unforgettable memories etched in our hearts.

In the summer of 1983, your father graced us with his presence, and together, we constructed the studio (as depicted in the photo). It was a time of creativity and innovation, as I crafted a new transmitter specifically for him. With this cutting-edge equipment, we delivered captivating programs on the frequency of 7325 kHz, captivating our listeners with each broadcast.

Following one of our successful transmissions, we embarked on a memorable journey to visit the renowned DXer Arie van Dam from de Bilt, further deepening our bonds through our shared passion for radio.

These anecdotes from the past serve as poignant reminders of a bygone era filled with shared experiences, technological advancements, and the enduring camaraderie that characterized our collaborations. In revisiting these moments, we pay tribute to the legacy of Radio Delta International and the remarkable individuals who contributed to its rich tapestry of history.

Remembering the Golden Era of Pirate Radio

In a serendipitous discovery, we stumbled upon a treasure trove of old cassette recordings that harken back to the golden age of radio broadcasting. These recordings date back to the initial broadcasts on January 8th on the 48m shortwave band, a time when the airwaves were alive with the spirit of adventure and rebellion

A Glimpse into History

Join us on a journey through time as we revisit the era when Radio Delta International reigned supreme. Through the “Radio Delta goes DX” program, we delve into the rich tapestry of the past, exploring the legacy of “the big one from Holland” that captured the hearts of listeners far and wide.

Capturing the Essence of an Era

Prepare to be transported back to a time when the airwaves crackled with the energy of Dutch pirates, their voices echoing across the seas. Experience the nostalgia as we play snippets from those bygone days, evoking memories of a time when radio was not just a medium but a way of life.

The Soundtrack of a Generation

Listen closely, and you’ll hear the voices of our beloved DJs, their words tinged with the unmistakable AM sound of yesteryear. And as a tribute to that magical period, the iconic track “Tell me what is your name – Johnny Walker” will echo through the broadcast, a symbol of a time that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Join Us on this Journey

Tune in to Radio Delta International as we embark on this nostalgic voyage through time. Let the warmth of the old recordings envelop you, weaving a tapestry of memories that speak to the soul. Together, let’s relive the magic of a bygone era and celebrate the enduring legacy of Radio Delta International.

Stay tuned for a trip down memory lane with “Radio Delta goes DX” – where the past comes alive through the crackle of old recordings and the echoes of a time long gone.

The waves of Radio Delta are reaching far and wide, resonating on frequencies 6020 kHz and 6005 kHz on the shortwave. The response has been overwhelming, with messages pouring in from around the globe, carrying with them a treasure trove of cherished memories.

Week after week, we are greeted by dozens of emails, each a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that Radio Delta has woven over the years. Stories of bygone days, music that stirred the soul, and connections that transcended borders – all echoing through the digital corridors to our humble station.

But amidst this sea of letters, we yearn for more. We invite you, dear listeners, to delve into your archives, dig through old boxes, and dust off those relics of yesteryear. If you hold in your hands an old QSL card, a faded photograph, or any memento that speaks to the era when Radio Delta was a beacon of the airwaves, we implore you to share it with us.

Let us ignite the flames of nostalgia together, as we piece together the puzzle of Radio Delta’s history. Your contribution, no matter how small, is a thread in the fabric of our shared legacy.

So, reach out to us, reach into your past, and let us weave a tapestry of memories that spans continents and eras. Together, let’s paint a vivid picture of Radio Delta’s journey, one email, one QSL card at a time.

Join us in this voyage through time, as we celebrate the magic of radio and the timeless allure of human connection.

Unique photo’s of our private collection: Radio Atlantis

Unique photo’s of our private collection: Radio ship Magdalena

Memories with our good old friend Radio Perlee (Walvisbaai)

A famous soundtrack of Radio Delta

Our old QSL’s