Two Exciting Items From PCJ Media

PCJ Media Presents War of The Worlds as originally aired. This will take place on Oct 30th, 2010 At 0:00UTC, on 9955Khz. What better Halloween treat could us radio addicts ask for? 

 This item from the PCJ Media Archives is for those of you who enjoy a good conspiracy story. CJAD aired a piece about Montreal, Canada, being the target of a major terror plot. Listen HERE 

History Of The California Repeater Wars - Part 1

Shortwave America was listening to the Los Angeles "Renegade Repeater" 147.435, on 10-10-2010. Given the date and the history of this repeater, it was no surprise to hear the group ripping on some younger guy named "Danny". One man in the conversation kept referencing how illegal it is to threaten a "County Employee" and accused "Danny" of threatening him. It is important that this author say that no threats were made during the time spent listening. The only thing heard was lots of unorthodox operation, swearing, and jamming.

This whole mess continued on into the early morning hours of 10-11-2010.

The funniest part of this whole skirmish was when they questioned "Danny's" food certification for working at Red Robin. At 5:03AM Central time, a jammer was heard playing a 435 user in a repeating loop recording saying "Yeah, I don't think Danny's ever heard of Homeland Security, everyone's connected to that, he'll learn."

It needs to be said that SWA is a stern advocate for professional operation, and has also learned that some repeater owners/trustees in the U.S. allow unorthodox operation to occur which doesn't always mean that an FCC violation is occurring because no one is truly being offended by the on-air antics of the repeater users. 
It's all just one big act to be honest. Shortwave America became curious about how this group of amateurs came to be. A nice thread at QRZ was found:

WA6ITF quoted from a QRZ thread on the subject:

"The rules violations began back in 1978 on the .435 repeater (when it was still reversed channel from today) with the formation of the now long defunct ham radio political movement known as "Underground Radio." The stated purpose of "UGR" as it called itself was: "...to free repeater users from the totalitarian rules imposed by repeater owner operators using any means at its disposal..."

Since there were few rules on the .435 repeater nobody ever figured out why it began there -- but it did. And from a small central core of a dozen or so whose calls are long forgotten -- there began an all-out war against every 2 meter repeater within the LA - San Diego RF corridor that lasted close to 4 years.

UGR formed "attack squads" that would show up on repeaters, jam out QSO's with high power mobile or remote base radios and leave as suddenly as they appeared.

One repeater -- the old K6MYK machine owned by the late Art Gentry (W6MEP) -- the person generally credited with inventing the first practical ham radio repeater -- converted his machine from a repeater to a 24 / 7 code practice channel. Others fought back in kind by invading .435 and jamming the stations who had jammed their repeaters.

By '82 many of us had simply abandoned 2 meter FM -- going to 222 or 440. 222 was of little interest to UGR and they seemed to be scared to try to tangle with those on 440. In that day and age a ham did not dare to show up on a 440 repeater without a specific invitation to use the band as issued by its then inhabitants. In fact, the local retailers were quite reticent to sell the average ham a 70cm radio for fear of reprisal from the 440 community. Actually, its a lot more complex than that -- but it would take pages to go into full detail.

So UGR stayed on 2 meters and harassed any group it pleased. But one day they made the mistake of taking on the '76'ers -- the group that had for decades kept repeaters off of 146.76 MHz simplex-only and considered it their own private channel. When the UGR folks showed up on .76 they were literally met with what one could equate as an organized military response. UGR never again showed up on 146.76 -- likely in fear of their personal safety. (.76 was a closed community detailed in "The Chronicles of .76" as authored by the late Kendal Webster Sessions, K6MVH. It had its own society, its own rules and even its own police force known as the Seven Six Secret Service or SSSS.)

But the real downfall of the UGR movement was when it went up against the DX Club repeater. A group of very wealthy doctors, lawyers, bankers, film industry executives and the like who had the "connections" to force the issue. It also had a hard-bitten attorney, the late Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, who had personal contacts at the level of the U.S. Congress. Within weeks of UGR's assault on the DX Club repeater, Merdler made a trip to Washington to meet with Rep, Jim Corman. Within a month of that meeting the local LA FCC office had begun targeting hams breaking the rules -- especially those identified as members of UGR. I still recall being at the ARRL SW Division Banquet in 1980 when the then ARRL Division Director introduced two Federal agents who in turn announced the arrest earlier that day of one of the most blatant violators. By late 1982 UGR was gone but the toll it took on 2 meter FM operation likely will never be accurately assessed.

But the remnants of UGR hung around on .435 but as long as they stayed there nobody cared. Just as long as they stayed off everyone else's repeater -- all was well in the world. Those there now -- whomever they are -- are there because they cannot operate elsewhere in the unorthodox style -- the dame as their predecessors. To out of town'ers who hear it on the Internet and to newcomers who hear it for the first time -- live -- it tends to be upsetting. But once people understand the "unofficial truce" that exists, it just becomes a way of life.

In the end I think its safe to say that its there because the overall SoCal ham community might consider it an eyesore; might in public demand it be taken off the air -- but in reality would rather have it in one place rather than all across the 2 meter band.

Oh yes: Hundreds of hours of tape exist from this period. I have several dozen hours here -- somewhere. Maybe one day Ill try to find the box with the cassettes. I suspect that the voices will be different but the conversations will be about the same."

Shortwave America spoke with Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF after viewing this comment and asked him to dig up the tapes. The following transcript was the result of an E-Mail reply sent to Shortwave America by Bill Pasternak:

"Most of the story of .435 -- Underground Radio and its followers is what was posted.  More detail can be found in late 1979 and early to mid 1980's issues of 73 Magazine which I wrote for back then.  Look for the column titled "Looking West."

One thing not mentioned in the posting was the work of the late attorney Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, in trying to stem the tide of this organized interference and through him the involvement of former US Congressman James Corman (D. Cal) that forced the issue with the FCC.  (When a US Congressman demands a meeting with an agency, his wants become an urgent priority.)  For his work, Merdler was awarded

As Ive said before:  The real downfall of the UGR movement was when it went up against the DX Club repeater. A group of very wealthy doctors, lawyers, bankers, film industry executives and the like who had the "connections" to force the issue. It also had a hard-bitten attorney, the late Joseph Merdler, N6AHU, who had personal contacts at the level of the U.S. Congress.

Within weeks of UGR's assault on the DX Club repeater, Merdler made a trip to Washington to meet with Rep, Jim Corman. Within a month of that meeting the local LA FCC office had begun targeting hams breaking the rules -- especially those identified as members of UGR. I still recall being at the ARRL SW Division Banquet in 1980 when the then ARRL Division Director introduced two Federal agents who in turn announced the arrest earlier that day of one of the most blatant violators.

But the UGR fought back -- and did so with overt violence.  As noted above, Joe Merdler was both an attorney and ham radio activist leading the fight against UGR and other copycat groups that had formed.  One morning he was awoken by the fire department responding to a report of a lawn fire at his North Hollywood home. What was burning were three foot high crosses on his lawn The incident made national news on all 3 TV networks. It was widely believed that the crosses were a warning from Underground Radio to Merdler to "..back away or else..." Merdler would not back away but did take the precaution of getting a permit to carry a concealed weapon and never left home without it after that incident.

A few weeks later, another person believed to be a UGR member attempted to force Joe off the road and into the barrier of the Hollywood Freeway.  The antenna-laden pick-up truck with no license plates (as described to me by Joe) was going to try to do whats now called a PIT maneuver and force Joe to crash.  Joe was driving a full sized Cadillac with a "big ass" engine.  As the guy tried to ram Joe, he simply accelerated (again -- that big V8) and the pick-up was what hit the separator.  There were no cellphones back then so Joe asked another ham to call thew CHP to report the incident, but by the time the CHP arrived, the pick-up and its occupant were gone.  Joe said he stopped on his way home at the North Hollywood PD Station and filed a report.

In addition to fighting jamming, Joe was an avid DXer, has also been practicing law for 16 years, and combines his profession and hobby well. He is President of the Personal Communications Foundation, Legal Advisor to the Two Meter Spectrum Management Association, an Assistant Director for the ARRL Southwestern Division, and an Advanced Class licensee. My take is that Joe would likely still be leading the fight against jammers if he had not suffered a fatal heart attack in January of 1996.

By late 1982 UGR was gone but the toll it took on 2 meter FM operation likely will never be accurately assessed. But the remnants of UGR hung around on .435 and as long as they stayed there nobody cared. Just as long as they stayed off everyone else's repeater -- all was well in the world.

Those there now -- whomever they are -- are there because they cannot operate elsewhere in the unorthodox style -- the same as their predecessors. To out of town'ers who hear it on the Internet and to newcomers who hear it  live for the first time, it tends to be upsetting. But once people understand the "unofficial truce" that exists, it just becomes a way of life. And that in essence is the reason its still there.  And I seriously doubt that its user base today even remembers Underground Radio, Joe Merdler, or even the generation of hams that preceeded them on that repeater."

Bill has promised to send Shortwave America MP3 files from these old days of the "435" machine, and in the meantime, to keep the great, loyal, readers here informed and entertained, Shortwave America has a recent recording of 10-10-10 from the Renegade Repeater, humorously called "Background Checks"! Note that this video is rated "R" for use of adult language, and coarse behavior.

This publication will seek out the articles referenced by Mr. Pasternak, as well as the book about the "76'ers" and attempt to bring you a series on what we all know as the California Repeater Wars. Shortwave America thanks Bill Pasternak for his gracious reply and the time he took out of his schedule to give everyone more insight into what those old days were like.

Radio Intruder Alert: Illegal Broadcast Transmitters In Church

It isn't everyday that we hear about Churches breaking the law, but churches in Europe are doing just that! It is evident that some churches have self - ordained themselves to be fit commercial radio  broadcasters. With this, comes an enforcement effort and this time, it is both the Amateur Radio community as well as SWL's who are being asked for their help. 


Ger McNamara, EI4GXB, is the Irish Radio Transmitters Society's IARU Intruder Watch  coordinator. Ger is asking anyone with a radio that can tune Ten Meters on 28.030Khz and 28.265 FM.  Anyone who hears these stations is highly encouraged to send Ger an E-Mail at the following address: ei4gxb (at) gmail (dot) com 

Read the entire story at Amateur Radio Newsline, and be sure to scroll down a little bit to see these details under the Enforcement category of the news.

Clandestine

Clandestine is a movie about numbers stations, filmed n black & white as a short form documentary by Gideon C. Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater. Clandestine is said to intermingle fact with fiction, winning awards already from IDFA Competition For Short Documentary 2009, Thin Line Film Fest Official Selection 2010, and Atlanta Film Festival Official Selection 2010.

The Clandestine Movie Blog tells the story about the movie's successes and travels, along with interesting links and the biography of both film makers. Clandestine has a Facebook Group

This trailer for the movie is downright spooky, and quite reminiscent of Night Of The Living Dead or even the all American thriller, Psycho! These artists who made Clandestine are geniuses through and through, with the right amount of enthusiasm, mystery, adventure, and everything it takes to be legends of the film world; heroes to the radio crowd.

Clandestine is a work that will leave you saying "wow!" in a whole new way! This short film based on real world radio happenings should be made into a full feature presentation. Shortwave America wishes these two film artists all the best of success now and in the future!

U.S. Federal Trade Commission Visits Blog

Shortwave America wishes the U.S. FTC would contact this author if they think there's a problem. Shortwave America noticed a hit from the United States Federal Trade Commission at the stat counter. Whatever it is you Feds want, you've been noticed. Speak up, but please do not go sneaking around because you HAVE been noticed. However, please do NOT make the mistake of thinking that this author is legally bound to say a damned word to you until you are extremely clearly detailed about what you want, and why you're sniffing around!

If this has to do with your silly new law affecting bloggers, sorry, I don't get paid to do this nor do I receive any goods nor services for my works here, although it would be nice if eventually this author could get paid for activities involving Shortwave America. In case you're wondering, yes, this author is bravely holding up the bird at the FTC because the 1st Amendment allows it!    

Shortwave America Surpasses Three Thousand Readers!

As of today, because of all of you who love the Shortwave America brand of radio related news, entertainment, station loggings, silliness and sarcasm, this web publication has surpassed three thousand (3,000) views! Although there are only two official followers, the numbers show astounding loyalty to this publication from all over the world.

Shortwave America has it's faithful from specific countries whose numbers are always rising on an almost daily basis. Canada, The U.K., China, Russia, Italy, Germany, and South Korea. It is suspect that there are more than that because SWA has found a problem or inconsistency with Blogger's counting method. The SWA bar graph will show higher readership than what the other numbers are showing, and when checked against other variables in the stats here at SWA, the bar graph and other stats are showing that the actual count of hits per day category has some sort of kink in it, but then it somehow catches up to the bar graph 24 hours after the fact.

Shortwave America recently got it's first three hits from Iran! Up until now, there was no way to be sure if this publication was making to those troubled regions of the world. Slovenia, Estonia, Italy, Spain, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Uruguay, Ukraine, France, Sweden, Colombia, Isle Of Man and everyone else from all over, thank you so much for choosing this as your place to read!

Shortwave America is still working on part three of the focus on radio communications in Iran, will be bringing you new material such as a new look at disappearing shortwave stations and the stations who are growing, stations taking the place of those who are now silent, as well as an update on the recent piece "When Kids Die From Bullying" and what specific real world efforts are being made by this publication in memory of victims and their families, prevention, partnerships, etc.

The radio world CAN make a difference in the community, no matter what country! It doesn't matter if it's the listeners / hobbyists, licensed amateur operators, professional broadcasters, broadcast associations, radio clubs, or those who are just good people with big hearts who want to play a part in being part of their local community.

Shortwave America is keeping an eye on changes that may be coming to the Amateur Radio bands, which will be helpful in international communications. Always remember, the comments section is open for your use on any topic and requests for coverage on radio related topics are always accepted. An author or a team of authors can write and write, but it is teh readers that make the publication work!

Shortwave America may possibly expand in the future beyond being just a web based publication. Research is underway into what is best in this pursuit. Maybe the audience would be interested in a Shortwave America Store? Coffee Mugs, T-Shirts/Sweatshirts, Hats, Mousepads? What would the readers like to see in a Shortwave America store?  What would the readers like to see Shortwave America do with an expansion?
Leave your comments here, and notes will be made!  

 

Classic Media Network

The Classic Media Network has been around since Thursday, May 7th, 1981. The show was around for almost 20 years, and published over one thousand editions (episodes) originally airing on RNW (Radio Netherlands). Hosted by Jonathan Marks, this is a show with a focus on providing the public with an internal view of the world of radio. Classic Media Network took the form of a first of it's kind communications magazine. Jonathan Marks was proud to show his audience what was happening in the radio business and why.

In an effort to stay on the cutting edge of the technology of the 80s, Classic Media performed experiments with BBS Systems otherwise known as computer bulletin boards before moving on to e-mail during the year of 1991. With the use of e-mail becoming available, listeners could send in material for the show quickly. Three years later, a new development would follow as a dramatic improvement over the BBS and would enhance the image of Media Network. They now had their own web presence and were able to boast of being on the list of shows to be first with this new electronic showing of their presence.

The year was 1994, and with this new presence, Classic Media Network could post things on it's site that were usually sent to listeners on request. Two of the items posted were text from the Receiver Shopping List and the ever famous, always wanted item "The Booklist". Now enter a new individual who had been a contributor to the show, Andy Sennitt. Andy had been the editor of the World Radio TV Handbook, and was now a full timer at Radio Netherlands. 

Andy did lots of work to expand what was a small website into what was called a "webzine". Without any given reason that can be found at this time, the show came to an end in October of 2000. Spring of 2003 brought challenges for Andy and Jonathan. War was declared in Iraq, and they had to do something to keep the public apprised of what was happening. At this time, the Media Network Weblog became a permanent reality. As the weblog became more popular, RNW approved using it as a wide use news - feed telling the public what was happening in radio media from all over the world. (Source Radio Netherlands Worldwide)

 Quick Facts about Jonathan Marks: 

Jonathan Marks was Head of the English Language Department at RNW.

Jonathan was promoted to service at RNW as Director of Programmes.

Jonathan's final position at RNW was that of Creative Director.

Jonathan is now the Founder and Owner of a Media Consulting Group called Critical Distance.

Critical Distance was formed in 2003 when Jonathan left RNW. 

Classic Media Network Signs With PCJ Media

Classic Media Network was back on the air on September 4th, 2010 in a new partnership with Keith Perron and PCJ Media. Altogether, there are six shows in the archives since Classic Media Network has been back on the air. The latest show was aired on October 9th, 2010. 

Here are direct links to the Archives: 

Oct. 9th, 2010

Oct 2nd, 2010

Sept. 25th, 2010

Sept. 18th, 2010

Sept. 11th, 2010

Sept. 4th, 2010

Special Post: When Kids Die From Bullying

This is not at all related to radio today, as Shortwave America felt moved to cover the story of 4 families in Ohio who lost their children to chronic, severe, and inhumane bullying

In Memory of Suzana Vidovic, whose tormentors laughed at her laying in her casket while her family looked on! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101008/ap_on_re_us/us_bullying_one_town

If anyone in the shortwave radio circles, amateur radio, pirate radio, broadcast radio media would consider devoting some special coverage or time of some sort to recognize these families and families before these who lost their kids to bullying, I'm sure the families would appreciate it more than any of us could imagine. 

The radio hobby, and those who are professionals in the radio world have such a wide reach that maybe there is a way we can find time to be a part of the solution. Radio offers a wide world view, teaches about cultures, current events, geography, math, and so much more! When tormentors can show up at their victim's funeral and continue their victimizing ways, it is time that everyone step up to do something! Kids deserve to have a future and to have a chance to move forward to become survivors of these acts until this epidemic comes to an end.

Work with your schools, youth clubs, social service agencies, and whoever else!  Radio is one activity with a universal focus that can offer a distraction, an activity to those kids who have little supervision and too much time on their hands. 

.

RadioReference - An Exhaustive, Comprehensive Look At Today's Radio Communications Information Leader

RadioReference has grown over time, and one feature people enjoy are the Radio Reference internet feeds to various Public Safety Departments, aviation operations, amateur radio repeaters, railroad radio systems, and other offerings. This is a complete directory listing of radio feeds found on  RadioReference, PLUS an exhaustive / comprehensive look at what RadioReference means to the communications world. Being able to tune into a nation full of radio activity is quite exciting and innovative, especially given that we all can't live in every place at once and band openings that allow us to hear many states away don't happen every day.

From Analog to Digital P25 systems, Radio Reference has it all thanks to the miracle of internet radio linking.
There are those who don't care for internet assistance of a radio signal, even for listening. They don't know what they're missing out on! Some of these radio feeds may not be active, some may be off the site permanently due to the use of things such as encryption, OpenSky, Mototrbo, IDen, etc.

Amateur Radio

D-Star Reflector 1C

The Los Angeles NUT repeater, covering most of Southern California. This system is not always family friendly. Often times called the "Renegade Repeater", you'll know why when you listen. 

WB2JPQ IRLP Reflector 9050
This feed is in New York

N2ACF Repeater
Quote from RadioReference Feed:
"N2ACF system simulcasts on 443.850, 449.875, 444.450, 444.850, 445.125, 442.800, 223.820, 146.460, 927.850, 53.370 & 29.640 repeaters. This scanner will be on 443.850mhz. For more information go to www.rra.net"

Peekskill And Cortland Amateur Radio Club repeater feed (PCARA)

See the entire Amateur Radio feed list here

NASA
Kennedy Space Center
Left audio channel is the KSC trunked system, Right audio channel is Aviation AM such as chase planes, etc

Aviation Feeds
Entire Aviation Radio Communications Feed List

Railroad
Railroad Radio Feed List

Marine Radio Feeds
Entire Marine Radio Feed List

New York City.: This is the direct link to the entire list of available feeds for New York, which includes a few Amateur Radio repeaters, key Public Safety Agencies, and Aviation Operations from New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
New York City Feed List

Washington D.C: Capitol Police radio found in this feed
D.C. Metro Police, Fire and EMS

Other Category
Entire Category listing
Mostly severe weather feeds, but there are other items as well.

Official Feeds
Entire List

New Feeds
Follow this link for a listing of newly added feeds

Top Feeds
Entire list of top feeds

Search RadioReference feeds by State, city, Zipcode, Metro Area, and Country!

RadioReference provides feeds from nine different countries counting the U.S. The nice thing about these feeds is that you don't have to be stateside to hear them! Anyone from anywhere in the world can just click and listen. Depending on your operating system, you may be able to use the web player to listen. From it's very inception to this current day, RadioReference is something you don't want to shrug off! When the founder of the original Police Call died and the book went out of print, RadioReference became THE PLACE for people to go whether it be those who are curious about radio, what radio is and how it works; those who are die hard listeners, and those people who are Licensed Amateur Radio Operators, GMRS Licensees, and even industry professionals.

Those people who provide feeds are doing so voluntarily, without any compensation whatsoever. All it takes is a radio covering the bands you take interest in, a USB cable, and an internet connected computer with a sound card. If you wish to provide a feed, you can seek out that information HERE.

Lindsay Blanton is the owner and founder of RadioReference, and he has built a great place for everyone. Lindsay believes in his vision. He takes all sorts of time to make the site what it is, having even fought against legal beagles for the public's right to FCC Database Information and the right to monitor radio traffic that is unencrypted. Lindsay is probably the biggest advocate the radio world has known. So, what's it cost Lindsay to run the site? Read that HERE

As with any other internet audio feed, you'll have to deal with buffering. Some feeds are not always up, some feeds have downtime for technical reasons. RadioReference offers extra features for those people who wish to become Premium Subscribers at a rate of fifteen dollars for a short subscription, and thirty dollars for a 360 day period.

RadioReference - Better Than QRZ

The only thing QRZ has over Lindsay Blanton's RadioReference is an amateur radio callsign database with an interactive forum. Lindsay has more than just an interactive forum and radio audio feeds! There is a wiki page for just about everything radio related, a submittal form that is used for radio listeners to submit frequency and radio system information anonymously. A search for identified frequencies requires that you become a premium subscriber. The RadioReference structure does not rely on flashy graphics that stall your computer, cause browser crashes, etc. RadioReference is supported via it's premium subscribers, and the income Lindsay makes from the site using his corporate strategy. Just over a year ago, Lindsay partnered with ScannerMaster in a deal to distribute his RadioReference Database Disc. What was once a CD-R is now a DVD-R. Also known as "The Reference", Lindsay's site offers a classifieds section for buying and selling radio gear. Buyers and sellers are quick to speak up about those who do not honor their deals, commit fraud, etc.

Read about the "Reference" leadership

"The Reference" is best used when combined with E-Ham, where everyone can get equipment reviews directly from those who have used everything out here, many of these people have even performed complicated technical investigations before writing their user reviews. Shortwave America already has links to "The Reference" in the links section that deal with Shortwave/HF listening. Taken altogether, "The Reference" has far surpassed Fred Lloyd's QRZ and in all reality, it is highly unlikely that Fred could ever surpass or even compete with Lindsay Blanton and his team.

One can only hope that in the future, we will see a fine line of products such as instructional books or DVD's / CD's. It would be nice to see Lindsay Blanton produce a radio show one day with a dedicated focus on all things radio. People can dream can't they?

An Example Of Advocacy


A day came about when Lindsay Blanton received a rather silly letter from "MRA" claiming that U.S. Federal Law was violated when he allowed or caused to happen, the posting of radio frequencies and radio system details about "MRA". Lindsay obtained legal counsel to prove that U.S. Federal Law allows the posting of information made public by way of the United States FCC License Database, and that such information being public record, no violation could even be remotely possible unless someone was posting details of what they heard on the system. In the end, Lindsay deleted or caused to be deleted the LCN numbers for the "MRA" radio system, but kept all other information intact. Because Lindsay knew the law and knew his rights, he was able to stand up for radio hobbyists, and the legal communications practices of law abiding radio enthusiasts.  

See the closed thread: MRA Demands Removal Of Information From Radio Reference
MRA is the acronym of Mobile Relay Associates. Another example would be when Dan Brady, an Illinois politician pushed a law that would have made listening to or causing to be relayed, radio traffic over the internet or even listening with a radio receiver capable of receiving Illinois Public Safety Radio Systems. This knee jerk reaction by Brady came about when a Motorola vendor decided it was a great idea to transmit a working radio on the Illinois Starcom21 system. CARMA partnered with Radio Reference, and RadioReference backed them as did the many members of the forums there. Everyone came together to point out that listening is not illegal and that by banning listening, the State would be unfairly making criminals out of law abiding citizens. Lindsay Blanton, CARMA, and RadioReference members were loud enough, used enough factual information, and presented themselves so well that Brady was able to get the law re-written to read that only an unauthorized radio programmed to actually TRANSMIT on the Illinois Public Safety System is now a crime in Illinois. Federal Laws already make this unlawful to begin with, but leave it to Illinois to double the effort! CARMA is the acronym for the Chicago Area Radio Monitoring Association.

Listening and The Law

U.S. Department Of Justice Complete Text Of 47 USC 605
U.S. Department of Justice Complete Text Of  Chapter 119, Title 18 § 251

The most important parts of these laws are below:

Except as authorized by chapter 119, Title 18, no person receiving, assisting in receiving, transmitting, or assisting in transmitting, any interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning thereof, except through authorized channels of transmission or reception,......

(g) It shall not be unlawful under this chapter or chapter 121 of this title for any person--

(i) to intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public;

(ii) to intercept any radio communication which is transmitted--

(I) by any station for the use of the general public, or that relates to ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress;

(II) by any governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile, or public safety communications system, including police and fire, readily accessible to the general public;

(III) by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated to the amateur, citizens band, or general mobile radio services; or

(IV) by any marine or aeronautical communications system;

(iii) to engage in any conduct which--

(I) is prohibited by section 633 of the Communications Act of 1934; or

(II) is excepted from the application of section 705(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 by section 705(b) of that Act;

(iv) to intercept any wire or electronic communication the transmission of which is causing harmful interference to any lawfully operating station or consumer electronic equipment, to the extent necessary to identify the source of such interference; or

(v) for other users of the same frequency to intercept any radio communication made through a system that utilizes frequencies monitored by individuals engaged in the provision or the use of such system, if such communication is not scrambled or encrypted.

Chapter 119, Title 18 § 2510 defines what "readily accessible to the general public" means as shown below:

(16) "readily accessible to the general public" means, with respect to a radio communication, that such communication is not--

(A) scrambled or encrypted;

(B) transmitted using modulation techniques whose essential parameters have been withheld from the public with the intention of preserving the privacy of such communication;

(C) carried on a subcarrier or other signal subsidiary to a radio transmission;

(D) transmitted over a communication system provided by a common carrier, unless the communication is a tone only paging system communication; or

(E) transmitted on frequencies allocated under part 25, subpart D, E, or F of part 74, or part 94 of the Rules of the Federal Communications Commission, unless, in the case of a communication transmitted on a frequency allocated under part 74 that is not exclusively allocated to broadcast auxiliary services, the communication is a two-way voice communication by radio;


In spite of these Federal Laws that permit listening to unencrypted signals that are also not scrambled, the individual states retain their rights to make their own state laws regarding possession & transport of radio receivers capable of receiving public safety or special emergency frequencies to include restrictions on portable and mobile use. portable means to carry a radio receiver while on foot between one place and another outside of one's home or business. See Scanner Laws Of All 50 states

Licensed Amateur Radio Operators are exempt per FCC Docket / FCC Memorandum Opinion, and Order
PR91-36 (This, however does not pertain to scanners)

For information about how to become a Licensed Amateur Radio Operator, Federal Laws Governing Amateur Radio, and other related subjects, please go to the ARRL Website See the Shortwave America links section for a link to Amateur Radio Practice exams.

RadioReference is the people's source for radio learning, enjoyment, information, and listening all in one!

Please note that information at any of the sites linked to may be subject to change at any time and most times without notice. The information at sites linked to may be subject to becoming outdated at any time due to system upgrades, changes, system removal, maintenance, amendments to laws, repeal of laws, etc. The RadioReference logo is Copyright 2010 by Radioreference, LLC, all rights reserved and is used by permission.

How To Screw With Restrictive Middle East Regimes Using Radio Technology

It's as easy as partnering with a radio show host who has a good thing going at an already internationally recognized radio station, then developing relationships in the radio world with people who can get things done thereby obtaining point to point distribution with a satellite feed which then gets the show on the shortwave bands right into where said inhumane government regime doesn't want it and right into the radio receivers of the people who have to live under such inhumane conditions so that they may hear about what's really happening.

Jamming? Yeah, sure this regime is gonna try it. This regime has no clue that there are people in the world who know enough that their jamming is futile for reasons that will not be given out here. Shortwave Central wrote about the Taliban using clandestine radio which we all know employs more than just propaganda. They depend on their broadcasts to overpower or jam stations they don't want people to hear. They got it all wrong, but they don't know that!

Keep tuned to this publication for further information. Shortwave America readers will be surprised at what is about to happen in an effort to not only bring non-state sanctioned radio to a certain part of the middle east, but what it will mean in the war against censorship across the globe. Technical details have already been obtained, but until the deal is signed in ink, mum's the word! 

As The Radio World Turns

Bayerischer Rundfunk had Shortwave Operations until October 1st, 2010 and SW Radio Africa ended their news via SMS on the same date, while Voice of Russia has expanded their programming into New York City on the FM dial. It seems that as we say goodbye to some stations or station formats, we say hello to stations doing new things as part of an expansion effort in regards to their world reach.

Shortwave Central gets the credit for offering these news developments to the listening world. While the doom and gloomers of radio may be tempted to say "I told you so", they should not speak prematurely. Radio is a changing thing, never staying the same. Let's not forget that just because a station shuts down or stops a certain mode of communications does not mean that the station won't ever come back or re-start the previously stopped mode of communications.

As the radio world turns, each station and mode of communications tends to have it's time in the spotlight. What we are seeing here sort of mirrors the Depression of the 1930s and the days of WW-II. Radio eventually rose again. This author is sure that there are those people who will remember the rise of radio in the 1980s and then the lull that again followed in the 1990s.

What we saw then was a mix of newer issues having mainly to do with the "obnoxious"   age of radio when everyone wanted to be Steve Dahl, Garry Meir, Kevin Matthews, Howard Stern, or some other big name. Can anyone forget Mancow or Brandmeier? In this age being referenced, obnoxiousness equaled ratings, and a chance for well established radio personalities to show how cool it was to challenge station management, the FCC, and pushing the envelope was the thing to do.

BBC once pulled their BBC World Service from the radio waves only to have it re-appear on other frequencies on both the Medium Wave AM Dial and the FM Satellite feeds to local stations across the world. Radio tends to logically follow the trends in listener desire and demand as well as reinventing itself. Everyone is sorry to see SW stations go, but that sweetens the experience of hearing them again one day. 

Have You Forgotten? A Tribute To The Heroes Of 9-11-01

Faithful readers may have noticed that there was no article written on this site for 9-11-2010. That is because this author spent that day with family remembering that day nine years ago when our country lost thousands of innocent lives, and the lives that are still being lost due to incurable illness caused to the paid and volunteer emergency responders upon inhaling toxic materials at Ground Zero.

The heaviness, terror, and confusion of 9-11-01 will not be forgotten by this author. There are many untold stories of this tragic event as it affected major cities beyond the four points of impact. There are those people who worked in private industry as Security & Public Safety Professionals at major points of interest in major cities that were possible or confirmed targets of this national day of mourning. Until all flights were grounded, and the only aircraft in the skies were those belonging to the United States Armed Forces, no one knew for sure how many more aircraft could possibly be involved.

This author was one of those people charged with the security & safety of a known terror target in Chicago, Il. in a Command position. While I cannot publicly give sensitive details about operations on that day, I can tell you that none of us knew if we were going home alive, much less what more to expect. This author has a family member who was in the U.S. Armed Services and called into emergency response on 9-11-01.

Although there was an entry on this site previous to 9-11-10 about the N3U Special Memorial Amateur Station, it is only fitting that the last day of this month be closed out at Shortwave America in tribute to the lives lost, those dying from illness caused during performance of emergency duties, those living on in perpetual mourning caused by traumatic loss of loved ones, and the Amateur Radio Operators who kept communications up when Police, Fire, and other Public Safety Systems were non-existant.

In remembrance of:
American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Flight 93

All of the United States Armed Services Members who have been permanently injured and those who gave their lives defending our homeland in the war against terror!

All of the families who lost their Mothers, Fathers, Sons, Daughters, Brothers, Sisters, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and other family members serving their country!

CNN Presents: A 9/11 Memorial Tribute with indexed list of souls lost

9-11-01 Wikipedia Entry

Official FDNY 9-11 Tribute Page 

Official NYPD Fallen Officers Page (scroll down to see list of Officers lost on 9-11-01)

"9-11-01, This is Not A Test" - QST Magazine Article Detailing The Amateur Radio Response To 9-11-01
You will need Adobe Reader for the QST article, as it is a PDF File.

Amityville Record Archive Article:  KA2D "Top Gun," Tom Carrubba receives award on behalf of 800 or more Amateur Operators for providing emergency communications on 9-11-01  

Those who survived 9/11/01 regardless of who you are, your occupation, age, race, ethnicity, religion, social or political preference.

Those who suffer in any way from having  witnessed the events of 9-11-01 unfold. Don't be blinded or numbed by the media footage, for it was not violence for the sake of sensationalism, it was the footage of innocent people from all walks of life becoming heroes, all except for the cowards who became mass murderers on that day. It IS historical footage of real evidence that will prove that we as a nation survived 9-11-01 and that we rose again from those tragic ashes.

The hundreds, possibly thousands of Amateur Radio Operators who passed traffic, performed net control duties, and performed other needed tasks beyond the communications scope. You performed your service to the nation in a heroic fashion!  

On 9-11-01, America's enemies learned two things: America will not bow to terrorism at any time, and we will not forget!

Have YOU forgotten?

Shortwave America Special Focus: Shabnam Assadollahi - How Will Iran Fare Under Sanctions? (Part Two Of A Three Part Series)

In the first part of this series focusing on the control of the Iran government over it's people in the context of communications, Shortwave America interviewed Shabnam Assadollahi of Radio Hamseda aired weekly at CHIN Radio Canada. This second installment in a three part special focus on the condition in Iran and how a lack of freedom to receive and send communications impacts the people of that region, brings Shabnam Assadollahi back again as a guest writer with an interview of Dr. Mehrdad Emadi, Senior Economic Advisor to the European Union. This is a key piece in telling the world, as well as those interested in world communications into and out of Iran what the road to economic growth will look like for business to flourish in Iran, and what it means for Iran altogether.

Without the leadership making the right decisions, without the proper economic growth, there can be no freedom for anyone; just a slave-master relationship in which the people suffer at the hands of an unrepentant regime. Without further delay, Shortwave America Presents Shabnam Assadollahi in her guest role for this series: 

Interview with Dr. Mehrdad Emadi, Senior Economic Advisor to the European Union
Translated by : Aita Eraani
Hamseda Radio, CHIN Ottawa
www.radiohamseda.net
~~~ How will Iran fare under the yoke of Sanctions? ~~~
Host, Shabnam Assadollahi – Welcome to our program Dr. Emadi.
Mehrdad Emadi – Thank you, I'm glad to have another opportunity to speak with you and your listeners.
Shabnam – Our listeners have called in from all over the globe with questions for you and they are tuned in now for this important discussion.  The first question is: Given the stiffling sanctions and the expansion of doing business with the private sector, do you think it would be possible now to reduce people's financial dependence on the regime and maybe even abolish this slave-master relationship between the government and the people?

Mehrdad Emadi – Yes, anytime the main goal for the economic growth allows a space for the private sector to expand beyond the fields of government control; the short term effects of that would catapult the private sector into a gradual growth process that can help it move from always depending on the government, to a self reliant, productive and job producing entity that can instead generate revenues for the government by paying taxes.  Therefore, we can transform the system from the slave-master condition – as accurately described by your listener – into a carrier of regulations willing and able to pay the cost of the regulations, as exemplified by the behavior of more developed countries.

Host – The next question.  Rather than a gradual pressure, is it possible to apply an economic shock so as to eliminate the chance for regime's capitulation as well as to reduce the consequences on ordinary people; since the gradual pressures in the last 30 years have not been effective?

Mehrdad Emadi – Well, yes, there is that hesitation about whether or not to enforce the sanctions in a sudden and physical move, bringing all trade of merchandise and financial transactions to a halt; or to apply them in a step by step manner in order to show the regime that continuing its behavior can only increase the cost of the sanctions.  Of course an economic shock would initially have a stronger effect and it will show the regime that the situation is serious; besides, the administrators of the sanctions intend to impose maximum limitations on Iran.

However, since we are utilizing the best non-military and most effective tool we have, there is no reason to worry.  This is to some degree against the diplomatic language the EU wishes to use.  We do not wish to adopt a confrontational manner, but rather a methodology that can effect change in the behavior of the regime.  And should we see that change in behavior, we are very much willing to normalize the relations.  I also must point out that the strong and sudden move with the sanctions, right from the beginning, will make it easier for the regime to drop the sudden and huge cost on the people in one fell swoop.  The step by step and gradual application of pressures will also serve as a message to Iran's leaders that it is them who are forcing us to make such moves that are necessary to protect our own economic and geographic security.
We can already see that the Iranians are assessing and recognizing the source of the problem as their own leaders, whose illogical behavior has put their country at, adds with the rest of the world.
Host – The next question also presented by a listener from inside Iran asks: "Since much of Iran's current imports of products come from the neighboring countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates; how close and precise is the EU's observation of these trades?"

Mehrdad Emadi – This is an excellent question.  We do know that over the last six months, the rate of trade between Iran and UAE, as opposed to the EU, has doubled; meaning that it has gone from direct to indirect and through middle men and brokers.  As for having these trades under a microscope, the sanctions are no longer administered solely by the EU and the US.  There are now several nations involved in overseeing of proper management and application of the sanctions, through a collaborative effort.  These tri-level sanctions are strongly affecting the country's foreign trade, as confirmed by the Bazaaris and the merchants we have spoken with.

First, we look at all the banking and financial transactions, more specifically at what bank accounts and what trade credits are being used which reveals the type of activity and, or the intention behind it.  The second level investigates all imported merchandise by others, a historical record of which - particularly in the case of the UAE – shows the average annual volume of imported industrial products.  And any excess to that trend, would point at purchases made from Iran, as our natural conclusion.  The third level provides the easiest audit trail; and that is all the ships at sea, the point of origin of which is known to us.  This quickly reveals the two sides of the deal which is now even easier to recognize due to the wide range of cooperating nations.  A review of the ships' records can tell us whether one side is merely a broker functioning on behalf of the Iranian banks or the Sepaah itself; or the main part and parcel in the deal.  This means that all cargo upon unloading at the UAE or any port in the southern Persian Gulf would be subject to inspections; which can also lead to two other major issues.  One is the substantial increase in the cost of shipments between Iran and the UAE, and the other, the increasing reluctance of the international insurance companies in providing coverage for such shipments.

Host – Which would also take their toll on social and economic lives of the people; should the sanctions continue this trend.  Let me ask you this: How have the sanctions affected the regime so far and how will they in the future?

Mehrdad Emadi – A cursory review of all the statements made on the subject, by the office of the president and the Parliament alike, shows a relentless denial and dismissal of the impact or effectiveness of the sanctions.  However, in reality, regime officials in their discussions in private meetings with the members of the Parliament or the merchants, or the recently formed special committee for resisting the impact of sanctions, or even the various committees within the framework of the Parliament whose function is to control the impact of the sanctions in order to minimize the economic turmoil; prove that these government officials are fully aware of the impact of the sanctions.  Even the situation with the Iranian banks and merchants whose regime-related bank accounts were recently frozen by European authorities; and even the two banks currently under a microscope for having violated the sanctions; has made the regime realize the seriousness of the issue facing the regime as a whole.

The continuity of Iran's foreign trade and the very strength of the regime itself ride on this issue, especially an economy so heavily dependent on Imports, particularly in the area of industrial goods.  Almost 88% of Iran's industrial production depends on the imported unfinished goods.  They are fully aware of this fact. Weekly reports from the factories reflect a continuous drop in production as a direct result of reduction in imports.  Therefore, the government's denial of the sanctions' impact is completely disingenuous.

As I've always said, even though the regime's analytical views, its values and beliefs are vastly different from ours; but it's not stupid; and its conclusive analysis of the outcome of economic market performance is the same as ours.  They are aware of the deep and far reaching impact of the sanctions.  The production of oil/gas alone in the next 6 months will be almost crippled as all the tools, such as power compressors, pumps, and other instruments necessary for production, are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.  And these two are the main sources of revenue, making up over 85% of Iran's income.  And thus we conclude that the effects of the sanctions have been enormous, both on the people and on the regime.

Host – Of course, they must have affected the Sepaah's foreign policy, the most.

Mehrdad Emadi - Yes, in fact prior to aiming at the banking system and the Oil/Gas industry, the sanctions' main target was the Sepaah; so the impact on them is most noticeable.  Those bank accounts recently seized in Germany and those in Austria belonged to certain private citizens who had taken over the management of these accounts from the Sepaah and these individuals and entities are totally crippled now.  In my recent talks with several Iranian merchants in Belgium, Hamburg and Munich, they confided in me that their business activities have reached a near total halt and if this trend continues, they will soon have no choice but to lay off their staff, and shut down the business and maybe even sell the buildings they own.  They said they are unable to just continue absorbing the cost of doing business when such gloomy news about the imminent darkening of foreign trade is looming over head.  This is why I think the businesses owned by the Sepaah or those infiltrated by them, are facing harsher impacts of the sanctions, than those authentically owned by the private sector.

Host – Let's return to the question about Iranian merchant doing business outside Iran and their future.  This was also a question posed by a listener in Iran.

Mehrdad Emadi -   Yes, this is a legitimate concern, as there are those innocent ordinary people paying a price here, while they have had no involvement in the creation of this problem and the decisions that have brought us to this point.  There are also others who are paying a price here.  There are merchants who had been working for years in various capacities of facilitating Iran's foreign trade, either directly operating as a merchant, or simply managing certain affairs from handling government contracts to translating documents.  And then there were those who strictly had side businesses such as contacting the merchants inside and facilitating the sales or purchases of certain products for which they felt there was a market in Iran.

Something that is troubling me personally as an Iranian is that many of these merchants who had spent 20, 30 years establishing their businesses; but left totally paralyzed, over a few short months.  For example, a prominent merchant of industrial goods, currently living in Germany, whom I had recently spoken with, told me that his business has suffered a 75% drop.  Another one in London told me just last week that over 90% of his business activity has come to a halt and when he requested a line of credit in order to open a new line of business with the UAE, the bank refused to extend credit to him, solely based on his Iranian background.  People like these merchants whose works have been completely free of any political ties; essentially belong outside the parameters of the sanctions.  However, since the Sepaah has infiltrated every sector of Iran's economy, then the sanctions by default apply to all Iran related trade, until every business is investigated and proven to be either connected to the Sepaah or functioning independently.  This is why so many private businesses are also suffering because all banking operations involving trade with Iran are currently closed, in an effort to prevent potential new fictitious businesses and the regime's attempts at circumventing the sanctions.

At this point in time, all merchants' and entities' efforts to continue their economic lives, are under heavy scrutiny, and should these sanctions last for two more years, we might witness total closure or even bankruptcy of over 50% of all Iranian merchants outside the country.

Host – We ask our last question which you pretty much answered in your last remarks.  It also comes from the inside.  How do you see the future of the private sector inside Iran, within the framework of militarization of the economy?

Mehrdad Emadi – See, all these issues are interconnected.  If we look at the combination of factors: The price paid by the merchants in Diaspora, and the significant reduction in business of the merchants inside the country, as well as the ever increasing share of the Sepaah from all sectors of the economy; from construction, to oil and gas production, to energy, industrial productions, transportation, communication and every area of our economy; the more careful implementation of the sanctions, will cover every corner of the private sector.

Unfortunately the truly independent private business that lacks access to vast financial resources and the powerful disposition of the regime that can and will circumvent the sanctions and avoid paying taxes; therefore, the private business will suffer the cost.

Based on our analyses of 2-3 months ago, we believe that over the next 12 months, the private sector will see a 35-55% drop in its activities.  In comparison, during a full blown war in any country, the private sector would typically lose about 40-50% of its income in the first year of war.  This proves the degree of the adverse effects of Sepaah's influence in the economy and its dire consequence on the genuinely and authentically private sector that is totally independent of the government.  We may be reaching a point where in the next 3-4 years we could be witnessing the demise of an economic force with 300-400 years of active and productive history in Iran. 

Host – And again the heaviest blow is felt by the people.  These are extremely painful days, politically, economically, and socially; we are going through very difficult times.  In conclusion, do you wish to add anything?

Mehrdad Emadi – The only thing I would like to add, whenever stress, whenever given a chance, is that the sanctions are not desired by the European Union: nor are they desired by Japan, Korea, Australia or Canada.  The sanctions are the direct result of the wrong policies adopted by the leadership in Iran which is only increasing the daily cost paid by the people of Iran.  Iranians should analyze this for themselves and determine if this cost is justified in anyway, and if not, maybe the time has come to make a wise examination of their lives and to make dramatic amends in the way the country relates to the rest of the world...
*******************
Link to Orig.in Persian:
http://www.4shared.com/audio/PmY-1-aO/Intrv_DrMehrdadEmadi_Prog353Au.html

Part three of this special focus will combine an interview between Dr. Hamid Akbari, David Kilgour, and Mehrdad Emadi, Senior Economic Adviser to the EU with the Author of Shortwave America.

Shortwave America Special Focus: Shabnam Assadollahi - Broadcasting For Freedom

Not very long ago this publication posted a brief piece about Shabnam Assadollahi, a Canadian radio broadcaster who focuses on human rights violations in Iran. In the first post about radio Hamseda, SWA said that a working relationship would be pursued with Shabnam with the idea of getting her show put on international airwaves, and that relationship has been put into motion.

Over the course of  several weeks, Shabnam has been so kind as to spend her time corresponding with Shortwave America about her show, Radio Hamseda. Shabnam has shared with this publication    generously, graciously, openly, and with great happiness.

Shabnam is a woman of great heart with fiery passion, tempered evenly in great concern for compassion.
First, a few facts about Shabnam so that the audience can become aquainted with her as SWA moves into the hours, days, and weeks of conversation had with Canada's own host of  Hamseda Radio.

Shabnam states a great concern for the state of communications, freedom to communicate, and the impact it has on Iran which results in an impact far outside of Iran. "I'm not a politician" she says; all I want to do is play a part in helping to bring freedom to people who have done nothing wrong, and have no reason to be oppressed." "The expression & flow of different views & ideas is part of what makes democracy." "Radio is the absolute greatest medium the public has, my heart is there for people of all walks of life because that's what freedom means, Iranians are human beings & I am into letting people have the right to be human."
   
Here are just the beginning of the many questions asked by SWA:

Could you tell Shortwave America where and how the show started?

Do Iranians have access to shortwave radio or other types of media and how restricted their access is?

How did your dream of using radio to defend human rights start?

When did you start pursuing it? How did you pursue it?

These questions are answered in the text below:

Shabnam Assadollahi is an active member of the Community.

Has utilized her personal and educational experiences to promote the well being and re-settlement of the immigrants and refugees from different cultural backgrounds in their new home, Canada.

As a young immigrant to Canada, she worked for "Trans World Radio" which is a Christian Broadcasting Org.; her programs were aired into Iran, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and reached millions.

She is not only the host of  Hamseda, but also the Producer.

Radio Hamseda is a Persian Language Radio program on CHIN radio International heard in the Nation’s (Canada's) Capital and beyond with simulcast via internet with listeners throughout the world.

In the past, Shabnam has worked with Victim Assistance Services of Ottawa-Carleton. She was also executive board member/advocate and the treasurer of several organizations that focus on defending the rights of people against ethnic & racial discrimination.  

Shabnam sits on the board of "Neda For a Free Iran" a human rights NGO.

Approximately, 12,000 Iranians and 7,000 Afghans live in Ottawa and the area. "Hamseda" started in 2003 under CHIN International Radio CJLL 97.9 FM and is aired every Sunday live in Ottawa from 11:00 AM to 1:00 P.M. EST. Radio Hamseda just aired their 357th Live episode in September 2010.

Shabnam tells Shortwave America the following:
She doesn't get paid to do Radio Hamseda. Shabnam makes her money from serving those in need as an employee of a non-profit organization. According to the 2006 Census Data, over 121,000 residing in Canada self-identified their Iranian heritage. Like other ethnic groups that form the vibrant fabric of our country, Iranian-Canadians are contributing members of society and are working hard to form a new life in Canada.

At the same time, the brutality of the Islamic Republic of Iran – which the world has witnessed over the past few months and which the international community, including Canada, has strongly condemned – remains at physical distance but so close to the hearts of the Iranian settlers of Canada. This is such that they have come to cherish values that are Canadian, democratic values, and refuse to accept autocratic rule by coercion. The Canada Iranians care about their place of descent and for those who continue to live there.
As human beings they refuse to turn a blind eye to human rights violations in Iran.

Over the past 12 months, through the cries of the youth in Iran – these brave individuals who are being slaughtered ruthlessly by a regime that refuses to accept its defeat – we have heard a new message: that the political apparatus in Iran does not represent its people. In this context and regardless of their ethnic background, Canadians have stood in solidarity with Iranians, who now more than ever are striving to gain freedom, basic human rights, dignity and right to choose their representatives. The Government of Canada, as a champion and an advocate of democracy as well as human rights, both at home and in troubled corners of the planet, must do more, and we can.

As a Canadian/Iranian, I believe that we CAN do more! Moreover, that not only CAN we do more, but we MUST do more! We cannot turn a blind eye to over 30 years of injustice, to the cries of a people who are being oppressed, raped, tortured and murdered through the most brutal means (e.g., by stoning, public hangings, setting a flame), to the rights of women being denied and treated as second-class citizens, and for violations of the rights of a child (e.g., forced into wars, hard labour, sex trade, and executed by the State).

As Canadians, we are respected for our integrity, for upholding freedom, justice and democracy as principle foundations of our society, with a vibrant background yet a harmonious coexistence. We can play an important role in advocating democracy in Iran through education – for education is revolution.

Shabnam further tells Shortwave America that the Islamic regime is holding events disguised as diplomatic, cultural events but these are really publicity stunts to cover for the gross violation of human rights in Iran. "As long as the regime shows two faces, and keeps living a lie, the people of Iran will never see a democracy. For democracy to happen, we do not need a war with Israel or for America to come and blow Iran to bits, so Iran can end up like another Iraq or another Afghanistan." "Recently, an Iranian Canadian who blogged was arrested and the regime is seeking capital punishment for him simply because he openly expressed his views. That is not democracy."
 
SWA Asks: Are Iranian citizens limited to what they can hear, and how they can communicate?

Shabnam:
Currently, there are limited sources for information that Iranians rely on. The Iranian state televisions are the regimes mouthpiece, bombarding the society with continued propaganda. They keep the society misinformed, spread the message of hate (both inside and outside of Iran), hail brutal acts of terrorism, and effectively support the regime to cling on power. They have also served as a means to divide a society based on economic, ethnic and religious lines. Outside of Iran, private satellite stations have their own political agenda and biases, increasing the confusion that the domestic state television stations are already serving. The Islamic regime is quite aware of radio broadcasters.

SWA Asks: Are shortwave radios or two way radio communications difficult for Iranian citizens to obtain and use in their homes?

Shabnam says: Just about every home in Iran has a shortwave radio and it is part of the daily routine in most homes to listen. However, the Islamic regime jams many stations such as VOA & BBC. BBC's signal has increased so much since the jamming started, that the regime has an extremely hard time coming over them. More experimentation with satellite radio, and satellite television is happening, but some of those stations are being jammed too. BBC has a program on television in Iran that lasts only a few hours. You can bet that the Islamic regime is also watching every move broadcasters make. Most all of the stations Iranians hear are from broadcasts originating outside of Iran. 

You can forget about using two way communications in Iran according to Shabnam. This comment came about after SWA made the observation that other than a few sporadic contacts with Israel & India, amateur operators last had contact with King Hussien of Jordan during his time on this earth as JY1.
Shabnam's words have proven to be true, per the Amateur Radio Society Of Iran where we see that using modern technology to communicate is extremely difficult due to the factors spoken of in the club's history.

Shortwave America also asked these questions:

For those of us who have never traveled to Iran, and have only a limited understanding of the culture and people, can you tell us about the reality of everyday life in Iran and how the suppression of communication affects everyone there?

Why does the Islamic regime insist on such restrictive practices when it comes to radio & television? What are they afraid of?

Why is it that shariah law means so much to the Iranian Government and how can the public tell the difference between propaganda lies and broadcasters being truthful?

In many countries around the world, all people hear about on their radio stations is about the violent side of Iran, and this gives a certain image which would tend to spread Islamophobia and fear of middle eastern people which is wide reaching. Can you tell us about different Islamic practices, beliefs, culture and how it translates in the context of communications?

Where do you see the entire middle east region heading in the context of radio, free exchange of ideas, and free expression of views?

What roles does Iran play in all of this in the context of their influence on other Islamic leadership in the middle east, and what do you think it will take to bring about the free exchange of communications, beliefs, and ideas?

How can existing shortwave broadcast stations help this cause? What could they do, how could they do it, and would it make a positive impact for bringing a free radio broadcasting community?

Shabnam stated that she has lived in Canada for so long now that it would be difficult for her to really give a good answer to these questions with any honest insight, and referred Shortwave America to to three sources whom would be better suited to speak on these topics. This author is awaiting interviews with these sources which will be published in a third installment of this special focus. These sources will be named at the end of part two of this series.   

Hamseda is a very popular and respected show with a great range of audience. Please visit our website to see our team of professionals and "about us"page@ the Radio Hamseda Facebook Page

Shabnam has a message for other Canadian broadcasters:
As freelance and independent Persian radio program producers/hosts in Canada, you may be interested to further brainstorm in how we can propose to the Government of Canada to support Iranians by making a medium for objective and transparent information possible.

In part two of this series, Shabnam Assadollahi becomes a guest here with her interview of  Dr. Mehrdad Emadi, Senior Economic Advisor to the European Union.

All photos in this article are Copyright 2010, Shabnam Assadolahi / Radio Hamseda, All Rights Reserved, Used By Permission.