SWL - Radio Delta AM

This is the radio news bulletin for December 16th and 17th, 2023. We are getting closer to our Christmas show on December 25th and 26th. In this show, we will look back on the past year with our listeners at the center.

This weekend is dedicated to our Finnish listeners, who are very active and tune in every weekend. We now have a WhatsApp group of 36 listeners from Finland. You will hear a story from Risto from Finland, who used to have his own radio station called Radio Meteor. We will also share a beautiful poem from Harri from Oulu. He listens every weekend and is a big fan of the radio show “Finnish Request.” The poem reflects on the special friendships that arise through shortwave radio.

We are working hard on developing our new antennas for the 12.030 kHz frequency. We hope this will further improve reception in Europe and especially over slightly longer distances.

The Christmas tree is already up in the studio, and we have bought some lovely gifts for our team members: Emily, Dan, and Thomas. It takes a lot of time to create new content every week to share with you. They manage to make something beautiful each week.

If you have a great story yourself, here’s what you can do: write a short story and send us some photos or videos. We’ll turn it into a wonderful tale for our segment called “Radio Stories.”

Last week, we also received some wonderful audio messages from listeners. You can listen to them on Sunday morning at 8:00 UTC on the 6.110 kHz frequency. We would like to thank the following listeners: Dieter Grund from Hamburg, Ignacio Sotomayor from Spain, and Declan Mayock from Ireland. Will you also contribute something special to Radio Delta?

Harri from Oulu, in North Finland. Tunes in every weekend, with pleasure so grand. A loyal fan of our program, ‘Finnish Request’. Sending us beautiful songs, our hearts are impressed.

We spin his records on our Finnish hour, on 12.030 kHz, with music in power. Weekends filled with WhatsApp chats, so we building a special bond, year after year.

Harri’s passion for cooking, Mexican cuisine, his favorite flavors, a culinary dream. As he listens on Kiwi SDR receivers, or his own world radio, with loop antennas as believers.

We’re grateful for the friendship, so strong, for all those years, where our connection thronged. Even while x-country skiing, Harri’s delight, Radio Delta plays on, keeping his spirits bright.

Harri, we wish you years of joy and delight, with Radio Delta, our virtual team member, so right. Thank you for your loyalty, the friendship we’ve found, together, we make radio waves resound.

So, let the shortwave carry our words afar, to Harri in Oulu, where radio stars are. Tuning in, with love and cheer, Radio Delta, forever, we hold you dear.

In this post, we delve into the fascinating world of radio through the experiences of Risto, a passionate radio enthusiast from Raisio, southwestern Finland. From his childhood memories to his own broadcasting endeavors, Risto’s journey showcases the allure and power of this timeless medium.

Risto’s love for radio began during his childhood in the 1950s. He vividly remembers listening to the longwave station from Lahti and cherishes the memories of his father attempting to catch broadcasts from the Melbourne Olympics on shortwave. These early encounters sparked Risto’s interest in the world of radio.

As the 60s rolled in, Risto’s fascination with radio expanded to the realm of pop music. Radio Luxembourg quickly became his favorite station, delivering the latest hits and fueling his passion for music. Additionally, he found joy in tuning in to Radio Sweden’s Saturday Show program, further immersing himself in the wonders of radio.

Risto’s interest in radio took an adventurous turn when he discovered the realm of sea pirates. Stations like Radio North Sea and Radio Caroline captured his imagination, and he regularly tuned in to their captivating broadcasts. These offshore stations offered a unique and rebellious charm to the world of radio.

With the dawn of the 70s, Risto’s curiosity expanded to landbased pirates. He started exploring these renegade broadcasters and eventually became determined to try broadcasting himself. Constructing transmitters with power ranging from 8 to 100 Watts, Risto launched his own station, Radio Meteor, alongside its sister station Scanwood, in 1980. This venture proved to be a creative outlet for his passion for radio.

Despite the end of his pirate broadcasting days due to a raid in 1995, Risto’s enthusiasm for radio has not waned. He continues to enjoy listening to landbased pirates, as well as exploring other radio stations. One of his current joys is the increasingly good reception of Radio Delta on his receivers. Not only that, but Risto has remote listening sites in Raisio, Paimio, and Korpilahti, and his Kiwi receivers are frequently online. To keep up with his radio adventures, you can visit Risto’s pirate log page at pirateradiolog.blogspot.com

Risto’s story is a testament to the enduring allure and impact of radio. From his childhood fascination to his own broadcasting endeavors, his passion for this medium has shaped his journey. The world of radio, with its diverse programming and ability to connect people across distances, continues to captivate both Risto and countless others worldwide. So, let us join Risto in extending warm greetings to all Radio Delta listeners from Finland and celebrate the magic of radio together.

There’s a man named Gunter. With his own free radio station, called Radio Hitmix. He’s known as the audio controlle dienst, mixing tricks.

Gunter loves to tune into Radio Delta, you see. And jokes about the baby monitor’s battery. On July 1st, 2023, he went live in Radio Delta’s studio. A beautiful video was made, a memory to glow.

A fan of Cora’s single, “Amsterdam,” he truly adores. Every week, we have Whatsapp chats galore. Gunter enjoys a beer, listening to friends like Radio Akenzo. And he’s great friends with Tina and Jurgen from Radio 60, you know.

But above all, Gunter’s heart belongs to Radio Delta. He never misses a week, it’s a tradition he’ll never let go. And as he listens to the sounds, his love for Netherlands grows. Especially for the clogs, as he adores them from his toes.

So, dear listeners, join Gunter on his journey through the air. At Radio Hitmix, filled with joy and flair. Tune in, have fun, and let the music play. Because Gunter, the audio controlle dienst, will lead the way.

Thank you for tuning in, don’t forget to stay connected. Visit radiodelta.am, where memories are collected and remember, Gunter’s passion for radio will forever last. As he dances in his Dutch clogs, embracing the Netherlands’ past.

Photo’s: They are sent by Gunter, you can hear radio Hitmix sometimes on the airwaves.

This is the radio news bulletin for December 9th and 10th, 2023.

This weekend, there will be a fantastic event in Elburg called “Winter in the Vesting.” This is a charming winter event in the fortified town of Elburg, reminiscent of the year 1900. Our beautiful old city serves as a stunning backdrop, and as you walk through the streets and alleyways, there is something to see or experience everywhere. The event is organized by the residents, many of whom dress up in the style of 1900. Some wear exquisite Victorian dresses, while others dress as poor beggars. There is plenty of entertainment, including music, dance, and theater. Food and drinks are also available, and you can warm yourself by one of the many fire pits with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or other delicious treats. You can find some beautiful photos of this event on our website, radiodelta.am.

The frequency 12.030 kHz has proven to be very effective in terms of reach and reception reports. It is likely to become the base frequency for Radio Delta. The coverage is wider, and we have more listeners during the day than on 6.110 kHz. We are currently building a new antenna for 12.030 kHz, which we hope to test within 8 weeks to further improve reception in Europe. Once the antenna is ready, we will also increase the output power of this transmitter.

Our Radio Delta Jingle package has been expanded with 40 new jingles. Our radio format “5 decades of Music” is at the core, but each program component now has its own jingle package. Additionally, there will always be a connection between the shortwave listener and our Radio Delta Community.

On our website, you will find more and more information about our broadcasts and listeners. We will also start posting a “Radio Poem” and a “Radio Story” weekly. In the coming period, we will further update the website to make it more interactive with our listeners.

Lastly, some less pleasant news about “Radio Monique Internationaal.” In recent years, this LPAM station legally broadcasted on the middlwave frequency 918 kHz. You could occasionally hear Radio Monique Internationaal on our shortwave frequencies as well. This former offshore station had made memorable broadcasts from the Ross Revenge during the 80s, alongside the well-known sound of “Radio Caroline.” In recent years, a transmission location in Velsen with a 50-meter-high mast and an inverted V antenna was used. The transmission power was 25 watts carrier.

Unfortunately, the owner of Radio Monique and the team at “Radio Delta” had to make the decision to permanently shut down the transmitter on 918 kHz on Thursday afternoon. Furthermore, all digital programs on radiomonique.am will go off the air from December 11th, 2023. However, there will still be a non-stop program available. The reason for this decision can be summed up briefly: an internal coup took place, where some individuals showed their worst sides. They turned out to be not “Friends of the Radio,” but as we say in the Netherlands, “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing.” The future of “Radio Monique Internationaal” is now uncertain, but as has happened before, the station may come back even stronger than ever. Of course, this can only happen once the “Wolves” have been removed.

Photo’s: Broadcasting location Radio Monique International 918 kHz from Velsen in the Netherlands. Als some views from the place we made the photo’s.

My name is Pekka and I have been a radio enthusiast for over 50 years now.

I was born in the summer of 1964. I spent my early years dismantling all the radios in the house and “adjusting” them, trying to get foreign radio stations to sound better. Usually, it did not go well and daddy had to buy a new radio. That happened many times.

I remember as a little boy (around 10 years old), carrying a Sankyo radio-cassette recorder with me, and when the evening darkened, I tried to show and tell my friends how unbelievable it is that Radio Luxembourg plays rock music, and the station can be heard all the way here in Finland. I don’t remember anyone getting excited about it, which I didn’t understand at all.

So, I started the hobby of dx-listening as a young boy. First came listening to foreign service radio stations and sending reception reports to them. It already very early felt like hearing a new country was “the thing.” Gradually, on medium wave (MW), the Brits caught my interest and have been close to my heart ever since. North American radio seemed very difficult to hear in the early years, but slowly they accumulated too. There are also QSL treasures from the medium wave Afro stations – in a shoebox where I keep the QSL cards from the early years.

I stopped dxing for a little while (35 years!) when I went to study and work to a different town. Then suddenly I had got myself couple of kids and a lovely wife and years went by. We are still happily married but children are all grown up now and moved away from their childhood home. That is why I now have more spare time and I discovered radios and dxing again.

I love to build different kind of antennas and experiment with them. Today’s dx-listening is not just listening to radio but also fighting against radio frequency interference (RFI) and I am proud to say that I am highly skilled in that field by experience. I read and learn from the internet all kinds of things in that matter and I can’t wait to test something new.

Remotely controlled KiwiSDR receivers are also my passion. I have set up half a dozen of them for others to enjoy. It is a radio receiver that you can listen to via internet. You only need a computer with internet and a browser, no other software. In terms of education, I am an IT technician. It also helps.

Radio Delta has become my favorite radio station. I listen to it every Saturday and Sunday if I am not at work. Radio Delta has gathered voluminous and keen fan club with members all around the world. In Finland we have a Whats App -group with 34 members from which many listen to Radio Delta at weekends. We chat with Mr. Delta during the broadcast and send music requests to the studio. Many of them we can hear on Sunday’s “The Finnish Hour” which is exceptional and very unique radio program in the history of short wave radio.

From me to you, A Very Merry Christmas and A Prosperous New Year.

Pekka, Kotka from Finland.

In the town of Lahti, Kari resides, we connect every week through WhatsApp, side by side. Kari shares tales of the Lahti longwave transmitter, a historical site, now a museum, it once transmitted with splendor.

Towers high, reaching for the sky, broadcasting on 252 kHz, never shy. From 1927 till ’93, it served with pride, now a place where memories reside.

Our dear friend Kari, a loyal listener, tunes in every week to Radio Delta, a true winner. With various SDRs in Finland and sometimes in Sweden, he explores the airwaves, his passion unhidden.

A key player in Finnish Request, he takes part, sharing music that touches our hearts. Kari’s enthusiasm shines bright, his passion for radio, a guiding light.

And so, we send special greetings today the 3rd of December 2023, to our good radio friend Kari, we say, from Elburg to Lahti, our connection strong. In the world of radio, notes of friendship belong.

Picture taken by Teuvo Kanerva, Teuvo, 1980 Museovirasto
Museovirasto Museum Agency

Here are the headlines for December 2nd and 3rd, 2023:

Starting today, Radio Delta is introducing a new programming schedule for the weekends. For more detailed information, please visit our website at www.radiodelta.am.

We are excited to announce the addition of three new or improved programs: “5 Decades of Music,” “Radio Delta Goes DX,” and “Finnish Request.” These programs promise to bring you the best of music from different eras, exciting DX news, and a selection of requests from our listeners in Finland.

As part of our programming update, each show will have new jingles or jingles that are currently being created. These will be added in the coming weeks to enhance your listening experience.

Get ready for some exciting segments in each program, such as “The Track and Its Story,” “Greetings from Emily,” or “A Radio Poem by Emily.” We will also keep you informed with the latest Radio Delta News and enchant you with captivating Radio Stories.

If you, as a listener, have any content or a radio experience you would like to share, please feel free to send it to us at info@radiodelta.am.

We have a treat for you this holiday season! Mark your calendars for our special Christmas broadcasts on December 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th. During these shows, we will look back on the past year and give away some fantastic Radio Delta Merchandise. The live drawing will be open to all our listeners who have supported us throughout the year.

Today, we would like to present a special poem, About a man named Dieter, who resides in Hamburg, his beloved home. He faithfully tunes in to Radio Delta every week, a station that brings him joy, leaving him feeling so unique.

Dieter has a deep passion for history and radio, for 39 years, he’s collected tales from stations to and fro. Using his Kenwood R5000 and JRC NRD 535 DG receivers, he explores the shortwave, where he finds captivating transceivers.

With his self-built loop antenna, a loyal companion indeed, Dieter’s dedication to the world of radio is a true feat. He dives into the frequencies with great enthusiasm and zeal, bringing the waves to life, creating connections that feel so real.

So let us all applaud Dieter, the avid radio listener from Hamburg, whose love for this medium is truly remarkable, no need to disambiguate. As we embark on this special broadcast, filled with wonder and delight, may Dieter’s passion for radio inspire us all, shining ever so bright.

In the picturesque town of Rijssen, located in the east of the Netherlands, lives a remarkable man named William. Every week, he exchanges the mundane sounds of everyday life to immerse himself in the enchanting world of radio. With his faithful companions – the mediumwave and shortwave – he regularly experiences extraordinary adventures. It’s a Saturday evening, and William sits anxiously listening to his favorite stations on the mediumwave and shortwave. This evening is extra special because he is expecting a reception report that makes his heart beat faster. The radio is his window to the world, and every week, he is rewarded with a glimpse of the unknown.

In the winter months, the mediumwave comes alive, offering a fascinating DX experience. William can hear stations from Peru, the United States, and other far-off places. It’s as if the magic of radio takes him on a journey to exotic destinations without leaving his familiar armchair.Two years ago, William stumbled upon a rare gem – the radio broadcast of the legendary “Radio Veldwachter” from Alkmaar. He was so excited about this discovery that he proudly added the recording to his collection. It proves once again that radio is not just a passion but also a precious treasure full of memories.

William is overjoyed when Radio Delta plays old classics like “The Wallstreet Shuffle” by 10cc or “Up on the Catwalk” by The Simple Minds. These timeless songs take him back to special moments in his life and let him drift away in a sea of nostalgia. In addition to his radio adventures, William frequently explores the Kiwi SDRs to see how his own reception performs. It’s always exciting to discover how far the radio signal travels and what surprises the ether has in store for him. Listening to Ham radios remains a fascinating hobby for William. Recently, he even received a signal from ZL3RIK, a transmitter from Christchurch, New Zealand, using his AL1 loop antenna. It’s truly amazing how radio connections can unite us, even over long distances. William uses an NRD-535 HF receiver with an AL1 loop antenna and high-quality speakers to create an immersive sound. He values an optimal sound experience, allowing him to fully engage in his favorite radio programs.

Through WhatsApp, William regularly shares fun news with us, and we have built a warm and close connection. It’s wonderful to see how radio brings us together and fosters new friendships. At Radio Delta, we always strive to share and cherish these beautiful connections with our listeners. Besides his passion for radio, William has other interesting sides. He is a big fan of André Rieu, whom he enjoys watching live during his performances.

We want to thank William for his dedication and loyalty to Radio Delta. His listening experiences and enthusiasm mean a great deal to us. We sincerely hope to receive many more wonderful reception reports from him and that our friendship may continue to thrive for many years to come.