Thursday, October 25, 2012

Monitoring Somaliland



SOMALILAND

All times UTC  * sign-on / sign-off*

Log edited for clarity

7120 kHz, Radio Hargaysa, 1310-1400* and *1501, Oct 25. Am now able to definitely confirm they have an English program, probably started in English at 1320, but I was unable to confirm English until 1328 with female announcer. After 1330, male announcer remains in English, 1336 announcement for the end of the program. Filler pop music played (not as Horn of Africa style)  until  1340. English segment with an interval signal type music that I have heard before on their English audio streaming at their website. At 1340 clearly switched over to what sounded like Somali language with local news (many mentions of “Somaliland”) and international news (several mentions of President “Obama”) to 1350, followed by Horn of Africa music. Station identification at 1359 for “Radio Hargaysa” (so no name change yet!). Signal began out poorly with intermittent interference from strong over-the-horizon radar and improved to almost fair by sign off. Another sign on noted at 1501 with Horn of Africa music. Signal weak. At 1504 a big boost to the audio output with reciting from the Qur’an (qira’ut). With better conditions it might be possible to actually hear some specific details of their English program.

Was interested to hear from Dave Valko from the east coast. He was also able to hear them today. His reception began at 1301, which tends to indicate they broadcast from 1300 to 1400 and again beginning at about 1500
 (Ron Howard, Asilomar State Beach, CA, USA, Alinco DX-R8T and Par Electronics EF-SWL antenna)