AIB Member Radio Prague, the international arm of Czech Radio, has signed a contract with VT Merlin Communications – also an AIB Member -to broadcast programming on its network of high power short wave radio transmitters. The programme is a daily service in Spanish directed at the Southern Americas. It runs from 0000 to 0030 UTC on a frequency of 11.665 KHz.
The programme is down linked from the Eurobird satellite in the UK. It is then sent via fully staffed control facilities, to a transmission site operated by VT Merlin in the Atlantic. This enables a live broadcast to be made, providing listeners with up to the minute news and information.
The use of a transmission facility close to the target area will enable listeners to receive Radio Prague’s programmes clearly. The broadcast is made at 250KW.
Miroslav Krupicka, Director of Radio Prague said, “This is a good opportunity to enhance our listenership in South America. With the advent of new technologies such as the Internet and DRM, we also want to demonstrate that we do not forget about our short wave audience. The first reports from our listeners are encouraging.”
Richard Hurd, Head of Transmission Services at VT Merlin Communications commented “Radio Prague and VT Merlin Communications discussed this opportunity at the AIB Global Media Business Conference in London in 2003. We are proud that Czech Radio have trusted us with their international transmission requirements. This is the start of a new broadcast relationship which will benefit Radio Prague’s listeners and programme makers.”