Ramadan and Radio


The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is observed as a time of fasting from dawn until sunset. It is considered a spiritually important time by our Muslim brothers. This year, Ramadan has taken place between July 10 and August 8, so we are now coming to the close of this period.

 I have made a few observations regarding the extended broadcasting services of several countries observing Ramadan, plus some additional transmissions that did not have schedule changes:

 3324.89  INDONESIA RRI - Palangkaraya. A solid signal from 2040 till f/out 2140 with no sign of PNG. Islamic chants at 2110, earnest Indonesian talks from 2117. Good opportunity to catch this one on early for Ramadan (usual s/on is just before 2200, which is too late in the morning for reception here), Aug 2. Then again on Aug 5 with a mix of Islamic chants and pop music!! Fascinating listening from 2045 till 2100 when a short ID and sudden s/off!

4780   DJIBOUTI. R. Djibouti -Doraleh. On late for Ramadan at 2145 with a fair signal. Afro pop music then talkback program in possibly Somali or Arabic. Full ID at 2200, a few moments of an Islamic-style chant then suddenly off at 2202. This usually squashed by ute QRM most days, but nice to hear it in the clear this morning. Aug 2.

4869.88   INDONESIA.  RRI - Wamena. Very weak at 2125 with a music program, faded by 2135, Aug 5.

5945   IRAN.  VOIRI - Ahwaz. Special service for Ramadan in Azeri to ME, noted at 2115 with religious teachings, prayers, solemn music and the occasional ID, very good signal over the top of CNR1 on Aug 5.

7405   IRAN.  VOIRI - Sirjan. Special service for Ramadan in Azeri to West Asia, noted at s/on 2330 with ID, poor signal as the band was starting to close. Aug 4.

9730   IRAN.  VOIRI - Special service for Ramadan in Turkish to ME, noted at s/on 0030 with ID, poor signal on Aug 5.

15170   SAUDI ARABIA.  BSKSA - Riyadh. Holy Qur'an service to CAs 0540 while CRI's Mandarin to FE was in the background. Noted to s/off 0601, Aug 4.

15320   IRAN.  VOIRI - Sirjan. Bosnian service to Eu 0607, very weak but in the clear Aug 4.

21520   IRAN.  VOIRI - Sirjan. A very good signal for the 30-min Russian service to CAs at 0500, Aug 4

 Rob Wagner VK3BVW

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