Sweden Calling DX-ers

SVENSKA RADIOARKIVET ingemar@radioarkivet.se - 0736 13 14 89

Sweden Calling DX-ers was a weekly programme on Radio Sweden International. It was introduced by Arne Skoog in 1948, and through decades hosted by George Wood. Eventually it became the world’s oldest of its kind, later renamed MediaScan, with its final broadcast on July 17, 2001.

During the British offshore radio era, SCDX-ers also had the courage – in spite of what can be assumed a more "appropriate" procedure of a loyal EBU member – to give detailed reports about the developments on this radio scene. Here’s an outdraw of these reports from Sweden Calling DX-ers through the years 1964 -1970.

1964

April 7

Radio Caroline on 1519 kHz located outside Harwich, England on international waters, recorded by Rex A Duffy, Winchester, Hamps England. Operates 0500-1700 with approx. 10 kW on 1519 kHz, varies a little. First day of transmission March 28th. Address wanted.

April 21

The address of Radio Caroline is 54-62 Regent St., London W.1. This is the address of Planet Productions who are dealing with the advertising to be heard from Radio Caroline this week onwards. Another ship, the "Mi Amigo" is being fitted out at the moment and is due to join the "Caroline" in two months time, broadcasting as Radio Atlanta. Will be anchored in a position near the "Caroline".

May 12

Radio Atlanta aboard the "Mi Amigo" (old Radio Nord ship "Bon Jour") now anchored off Frinton, Essex, England, is said to be testing at 0500-1700 on "197 metres in the medium wave band". However, does not seem to be on the air yet. Further the other "pirate" Radio Caroline although announcing "199 metres" is actually on 1519 kHz = 197.5 metres! Verification cards, schedules etc. of Radio Caroline will be available only from the end of this month.

May 19

Radio Atlanta, 1493 kHz, aboard M/S Mi Amigo, anchored in international waters off Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, England. Started tests on May 9 around 1730 on 1519 kHz. Now regular broadcasting on 1493 kHz (frequency varies) at 0500-1900.

June 23

Radio Vannin, a projected station, will be put in operation if Radio Caroline does not turn up in the Irish Sea. It is located at Douglas Head, Isle of Man and has an installed power of 20 kW; four medium wave lengths are available. Radio Caroline is now on the air at 0500-2000 and at 2300-0200 hrs. Another pirate radio station "Mary Rose" is to start transmissions to Northwest England from its moorings off Liverpool.

June 16

The people behind Radio Manx wants to operate on medium wave during daylight and in the FM band after dark. The FM frequency has been cleared by Post Master General, but the medium wavelength was refused. Radio Manx was on the air for about 5 hours on June 6th but on FM only. Now off the air because of the a/m refusal. It is now feared that a "pirate" station may begin broadcast off their coast. Radio Caroline now broadcast on 1520 kHz and lately heard 0500-2000 and 2300-0200 (however, not heard on the night of June 15). Radio Red Rose is expected to be on the air before the end of this month from off the Lancashire coast. Target area will be Liverpool and Mersey side. The station scheduled to open on June 9th from off the coast of Kent is called GBLN, Radio GB London. To broadcast news and "adult" type music to Britain for 12 hours and another 12 hours in French to Europe during the hours of darkness. Wavelength "around 310 metres". The call "GBLN" was used by a similar project testing on 980 kHz in April 1962.

Aug 4

New address of Radio Caroline: P.O. Box 3, Ramsey, Isle of Man. New schedule of Radio Sutch: 1100-1300 and 1500-1800. New equipment will soon be in operation. On July 29th, a new pirate station directed to the Dutch audience started from a platform built in the North Sea just off the Dutch coast. Announces in Dutch as Radio North Sea, and is said to be on the air all days and night. Broadcast on "215 metres", corresponding to 1400 kHz. Is expected to start TV service within a few weeks.

Aug 18

Radio Albatross, a converted minesweeper, is expected to start regular broadcasting 18 hours daily from the Wash beaming to East Anglia commencing the third week of September. Radio Nordsee was testing between June 26 - July 26 on 1070, 1475 and 1485 kHz, announcing in English as "Your station from the sea". Regular broadcasting in Dutch started on July 27 on 1400 kHz (1 kW). Present sched. is 0900-1100 and 1600-2000.

Aug 25

Radio Sutch uses 1529 kHz. Radio Lambay will be anchored 5 miles out from Dublin Bay, Ireland.

Oct 27

Manx Radio, Isle of Man, operating on 89.0 and 91.2 MHz (1 kW each) and testing on 1594 kHz (0.05 kW). Schedule: 0800-1000 and 1200-1400. Radio Caroline South, 1495 kHz, around 1120. Radio City (ex-Radio Sutch) now under new ownership. Tested new 1 kW tx from Oct. 5 - 7 on 1034 kHz with old tx in parallel on 1529 (also reported as 1523) kHz. Suggested freq. is 1020 kHz. Present schedule 1000-1800 (or 1900) will be extended to 2100. Radio Invicta, 980 kHz, now operates 2300-1700, but plans for a 24 hrs. service. Power 1 kW will be raised to 4-6 kW. New address: 35 Bouverie Square, Folkestone, Kent, England. Radio Caroline North, 1520 kHz, schedule now 0600-2100. The late night transmissions presently discontinued. Radio Caroline South, 1495 kHz, schedule now 0600-2000.

Nov 3

Radio Invicta, outside Kent coast on international waters at 1205 hrs on 980 kHz with 1 kW.

Nov 17

Radio Lambay will soon begin operations. Will use "499 metres", which corresponds to approx. 600 kHz. Radio London was due to start from a boat on Nov. 12th or 13th, from the Thames Estuary. Power 50 kW and aerial mast 200 feet high.

1965

May 4

The owner of Radio City plans to start another pirate station from an old Royal Navy supply boat in the Bristol Channel near Lundy Island to S. Wales and the West Country. - Radio London puts out 18-20 kW – not 55 kW as announced recently on 1125 kHz, Acc. to a letter from the station.

May 11

Radio Caroline North, Box 3, Ramsey, Isle of Man, England, is testing at 2300-0100 hrs, asking for reports, in English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish.

May 25

KING Radio will soon extend its schedule into the night. Tests are being made on some evenings at 1800-2100 hrs. Reports are requested. Radio City is carrying out irregular tests out of normal broadcasting hours in conjunction with proposed power increase to 10 kW. At present, power on 1033 kHz varies about 3 to 5 kW.

June 1

Radio Pamela began test broadcasts on May 19th from an 18 ft. motor boat off the Essex coast. The owner, who is a TV engineer, built the equipment himself, and hopes to be broadcasting regularly from 23 May 1965, covering en area of about 60 miles.

Aug 17

A new pirate station called Radio Falcon will began transmission off the coast of Scotland at the end of this week. Frequency not yet known.

Aug 31

Radio Scotland, last week reported not to go on the air at all, is really to be on the air from a 500 ton converted trawler, anchored either in the Firth of Forth or on Clyde River Mouths. That will be in December this year. - Radio City, 1033 kHz now on the air at 0500-1700 hrs.

Sep 7

Radio City has left 1615 kHz, and is now putting out 13 kW on 1033 kHz daily at 0500-1800 hrs, but has been noted until switchoff at 2300 hrs on a Saturday. The fort where the station is located is to be pulled down before the end of the year, so the owner of the station has bought a 162 foot schooner, on which the station will be installed in about 5 weeks time. The ship will be anchored off the Devon coast, broadcasting to Wales and the West Country.

Oct 5

The old pirate KING Radio on 1268 kHz is replaced by Radio 3-9-0. It is more powerful and transmits at 0600-2300, some reporters say 0600-1800. Daytime programmes comprise EVE, the woman's magazine of the air at 0600-1800 hrs. Also heard as late as 0200, Reported frequency varies from 755 to 785 kHz. The address is BCM 390, London WC-2, England.

1966

Feb 1

Radio Caroline South on 1493 kHz usually scheduled at 0600-2000 has ceased transmissions from Jan 20th following the grounding of the Caroline vessel "Mi Amigo". It is not expected to be on the air, if the ship is refloated, until at least a fortnight's time.

May 2

Radio Caroline South is now testing new 50 kW tx onboard the "Mi Amigo". Trying to find a new freq. between BBC Light Programme (1214) and Radio London (1133) they tested on 1169 around April 18. On 1187 since late April.

May 10

Radio Caroline South back on old ship “Mi Amigo”, with new 50 kW equipment. However, only half that power at present. Now on 118? kHz, but may abandon this fq. as still seeking for a suitable wavelength. Will perhaps go back to old 1169 kHz. Times now 0500-2300 hrs. Radio Caroline North relays Caroline South, same broadcasting hours, now from vessel "Cheeta II", formerly used by the Swedish pirate Radio Syd. - Twin station project Radio Britain and Radio England due to start on May 5th, with 55 kW each. Radio Britain with pop music on a 24 hour schedule, and Radio England with light romantic music for 21 hours a day. Ship "Olga Patricia" renamed "Laissez Faire". - Radio City on 1033 kHz, 20 kW, now 0600-1800. Also reported switchoff at 2400 hrs, but is probably sporadically. - Radio Scotland moved from 1241 to 1260 kHz. Plans to increase from 20 to 50 kW soon. Is now on a 24 hours schedule. Radio Essex on 1351 kHz. Address: c/o T.P. Bates, 33 Avenue Road, Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex, England. - Radio Dynavision calling was heard on April 30th, at 1430-1530, on approx. 1280 kHz. Perhaps some of the projected stations testing? Radio 270 now repaired after having its mast broken when it set out for the start on April 2nd. Will begin operations mid-May. - Radio Channel anchored off Bexhill, Sussex, plans to start very soon. - Radio Tower, 1266 kHz, will soon operate, at 0600-1800 hrs.

May 24

The planned station in Hauraki Bay off Auckland, N Z will be called Radio Hauraki and operate with a power of 2 kW. The frequency is not yet known. Radio Invicta was heard testing until sign off at 0945 on 1493 kHz with 60 kW. Another station was heard on a Sunday morning around 1000 identifying itself as Radio Jim on 1511 kHz. Any information?

Oct 4

The British Government has decided to set up a "pop only" radio station run by an entirely new authority. The cost will almost certainly be met by advertising. This means certain doom for the pirates. They will be off the air soon after Easter when the recently bill becomes law. Stations operating from the Thames Estuary forts may be gone even before the bill is passed, as a decision to demolish the forts is expected at any time. Plans for the new official pop station are being completed, and it is expected that they will be published within a few weeks. The BBC will have no hand in the new station. Summonses were served on Sept. 21st on the company operating Radio 390 and its secretary, Mr. David Lye. The case, which is regarded as a test case, will be held at Canterbury magistrates' court on Nov. 24th. Mr. Ted Allbeury managing director of Radio 390 said in an interview, that there are over 300 unauthorized radio stations, and they include Radio Vaticana, The Voice of America and A.F.N. "We are in very good company", Mr. Allbeury points out. Radio Caroline asks its listeners to write in for printed forms for protests against the Government action against unauthorized radio stations. - What happened to Radio Channel, Radio Mayflower, Radio Caesar, Radio Jim and Radio Dynavision? - Radio Jim heard on Sunday mornings on 198 M. announcing "Your Sunday music station Radio Jim". Irish pirate noted on 300 m. The name given is Radio Ballyvaughan with address at Main St. Ballyvaughan. - A "mini" station heard on 3.8 MHz.

Oct 25

Acc. to press, Ireland is to have another pirate station within the next months, wiz. Radio Waterford, on board a 120 ft. coaster-type ship, anchored 12 miles off Dumore East, off S.W. Ireland. 25 people, including 10 disc jockeys, are interested in the project. - Has any Irish DX-er really heard Radio Ballyvaughan on 300 metres? - The mini-Irish on 3.8 MHz may be Shannon Air Radio, which sometimes broadcast pop records on 3001 kHz. - Radio Jim is generally supposed to be based on land, just as Radio Jaqueline on 21? M is supposed to be based in Ireland.

Nov 8,

A new Radio Caroline station heard 0030 hrs on 1169 kHz. Is 3rd Radio Caroline? Radio Caroline North alternates two frequencies as follows: 0600-2030 on 1520 kHz, and 2230-0600 on 1169 kHz. Asks for listerner reports to Box 3, Ramsey, Isle of Man. - Radio England will change to Radio Holland soon.

Nov 29

Radio 390 stopped transmissions last Friday since a British court found that the fort where the transmitter is placed, actually is situated on British territorial waters. - As from Nov. 14th ex-Radio England is broadcasting in Dutch as Radio Dolfijn (Radio Dolphin) at 0500-2300 with programs of light romantic music, evergreens, aimed at people over 25 (housewives and the like). Announces address in Amsterdam, but still onboard the ship "Laissez Faire" off the coast of Essex. Plans are being made to anchor the ship off the coast of Holland. Frequency is still 1322 kHz. Twin station Britain Radio broadcast pop music in English on 845 kHz as before. - Radio Essex, has been renamed BBMS - Britains Better Music Station.

Dec 20

Two Birmingham youths were recently fined for running a station Radio Atlanta without a license. Other illegal stns, e g Radio 365, Cristina, Radio Birmingham, have been scared off because of them being fined.

1967

Jan 3

Radio 247, the BBC answer to the pirates, will begin early in the new year. Will probably be on the air 0530-0200 hrs, not 24 hrs. -Radio Hauraki operates a 2 kW transmitter on 1480 kHz from the 93 ft MV "Tiri", and is well heard all over New Zealand. Schedule: Monday-Thursday 1800-1000 GMT. Fridays 1800-1200 hrs, Saturdays 2100-1300 hrs, and Sundays 2100-0900 hrs.

Jan 10

Radio 390 ordered to stop transmissions and fined 100 Pounds, lost appeal in High Court, so will not be on the air again. However, shortly before midnight on Dec. 31st Radio 390 resumed transmissions on 773 kHz and scheduled 0630-0040. The controller of the station, Mr. Edward Alderbury, has said that there is new evidence to show that Redsands Fort, where the station is situated, is outside the jurisdiction of the English courts. - Radio London can be heard daily in Italy from 0530-0200 hrs on 1137.5 kHz. The week before Christmas Radio London tested on some nights at 2300-0200 hrs on approx. 1080 kHz. Reception was bad, although they announced prior tests to have been successful. - Also Radio Essex was fined 100 Pounds, but changed its name and still operates on 222 metres. It is now named B.B.M.S., which stands for Britains Better Music Station. Address: 33 Avenue Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England.

Jan 31

Like Mr. Wilson and Mr. Brown, the pirate radios are now approaching the Common Market. In a few weeks Radio London will commence German broadcasts, and the stations is looking for German speaking discjockeys. Plans are also under way to erect a new station called Radio Europe onboard a ship. Programmes will be broadcasts in French, German and Flemish.

Feb 7

A new illustrated programme-paper exclusively devoted to the nine off-shore stations broadcasting for England, is Radio News published by Britain Press Ltd., Classified House, New Bridge Street, London E.G.4. Radio Scotland has its own magazine "242". Address: Radio Scotland House, Cranworth Street, Glasgow, W.2. Scotland.

Feb 14

Radio City, with the new address: Clifford House, 15 Clifford Street, London W.1., has been served with a summons for illegal broadcasting. Scotland Yard has informed the owner, Mrs. Dorothy Calvert, that the station will probably be boarded again by a raiding party. - Radio Essex is preparing a new station on the Rough Tower Fort off Harwich. Negotiations are going on for a new station by Radio Caroline and Radio Essex's chiefs on a fort 6 miles off Felixstove. The new Radio Europe reported two weeks ago is Radio Dolphin, which plans to broadcast programmes in French, German and Dutch. - Both Radio Dolphin and Radio Veronica are soon to be stopped by the Dutch Parliament by law. Radio Veronica now operates with 8 kW on 1562 kHz, Acc. to verification received.

Feb 21

Radio City, mentioned last week, has been fined 100 pounds for broadcasting without a license, and went off the air during the evening of February 8th. Mrs. Dorothy Calvert, the owner of the station, which transmitted from the A.A. Guntowers in the Thames Estuary, has said it is not worth carrying on. The equipment is currently being dismantled, and the staff, who is being kept on, will leave the fort within the next week. - On February 15th the House of Commons in London gave approval in principal to stop the activities of the British offshore pirate stations by making it illegal to supply them.

Mar 21

"Fight for free Radio" appeals have been frequently made by Radio Caroline, Radio London, Radio 270 and Radio Scotland. The public is asked to write to the Prime Minister in a last-minute bid to keep the offshore stations in the air. But the Government’s Bill to outlaw pirate radios has already passed its second reading and is expected to become law in July. A new radio society, The Free Radio Supporters Ass., Raleigh, Essex, has been set up to fight the Government’s plans to close the independents stations operating around the British Isles. Radio 270 also sends a sticker in the fight for free radio. - A new double transmitter is being used in test broadcasts by a ship calling herself Radio Sandown and Radio Isle of Wight. Can be heard most nights at 2130 on 312 and 418 metres. Britain Radio and Radio Dolphin both onboard "Laissez-Faire” off Essex have not been heard since March 1st, following damage to the antenna mast, shared by both stations. The vessel has left anchorage for repairs in Holland.

Apr 4

Britain Radio and Radio Dolphin returned to the air on March 15th following repairs to the antenna mast on board "Laissez-Faire". During the course of the first day back on the air, the name of Britain Radio was changed to Radio 355, and Radio Dolphin to Radio 227. - Radio Scotland was recently fined 80 pounds in an Ayr court for broadcasting without a license within British territorial waters. House on board the converted lightship "Comet" Radio Scotland is now towed from the location off Troon, Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland and will drop anchor off Berwickshire in the North Sea. - New Zealand is to have a 2nd off shore station, Radio Ventura, on April 30th. With a 5.5 kW transmitter the new station, which is American owned and operated, will be anchored in the Hauraki Gulf, like Radio Hauraki. - P.S. Radio Scotland returned to the air on March 30th.

Apr 11

After all, Radio Scotland did probably not resume transmissions from a new location in the North Sea, as reported last week. The Directors rejected this idea. Instead they seeked an anchorage point in the Irish Sea, probably off the coast of County Down, Northern Ireland.

May 9

Starting on May 21st, a new low powered pirate, Radio Activity, will operate on 222 metres with 15 hors daily of pop music.

May 23

A new offshore pirate station, Radio Vectis City, 267 M. 60 kW, is expecting to be in service on May 27 from 2 p.m. onwards. Has carried out preliminary test.

June 20

A new pirate heard testing June 10th on 1358 kHz or 22 metres with fair reception. Ended at 1505 with "this off-shore radio signing off". Seems to be located in Essex. Acc. to earlier report heard at least a month ago with earlier tests. The DJ asked for a report from Radio Horsham, a land based pirate on the same frequency. Radio Victor has been heard on 240 metres offering cheap equipment. Also Radio Sid operates on medium waves from unknown location. - Radio Vectis City, which was supposed to be in service on 267 metres from May 27, never appeared. Nor did Radio Sandown or Radio Isle of Wight. The same goes also for King's Radio of the Aberdeen Student's Charities Campaign. The Marine Broadcasting Offences Bill may take two months to complete its slow and tedious passage through Parliament. The appeal by several pirate stations to write to the Prime Minister about the forthcoming ban resulted in a reported one million letters being received at 10 Downing Street. - Radio Caroline South has transferred its headquarters from London to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The move had take place in greatest secrecy, as the station expected to be thrown out of the London office in July. But the station will continue to broadcast in English to the U.K. Also programmes in Dutch are planned. Radio 227 new address: Box 1390, Amsterdam, Holland.

July 4

Radio Victor, is not in international waters but 5 miles north of Birmingham, England. When a pirate starts there is lot of publicity in newspapers, etc. I would like to ask those DX-ers who send in information on new pirates like Radio Victor to use their common sense before writing in. I'm sure most DX-ers feel the same way as I do on this point.

Aug 1

Marine Broadcasting Offences Bill will come into force on August 15th making broadcasting stations on international water illegal. Most of the "pirate" stations will probably cease operation.

Aug 8

Radio 227 stopped transmissions on July 23rd due financial difficulties. Twin station Radio 355 will peace broadcasts on August 15th. Radio 390 finally closed down on July 28th having lost its appeal also in the High Court. All remaining offshore stns around the British Isles will close down before August 15th, except Radio Caroline. The Irish owner of the two Caroline stns intends to bring their case to the court of human rights is Strasbourg if they are prosecuted under the Marine Offences Bill when it becomes law on August 15th.

Aug 22

Letter from Sheffield, England:
As a contributor to SCDX, I recently wrote to the Legal Dept. of the G.P.O. in London asking specifically if it would, after Aug. 15 when Marine Broadcasting Act become operative, be an offence to inform you of the activities of any surviving off-shore stations. From the reply dated Aug. 10th it would appear that by continuing to supply you with any information about such station a British DX-er is risking 3 months in prison or 100 pounds fine, or both. The G.P.O. "cannot give assurance that supplying information would not be an offence".
Paul A. Harris.

Sep 5

Only remaining British offshore stations are Radio Caroline North and Radio Caroline South on 1169 and 1187 kHz, both now renamed Radio Caroline International. - It appears that the Manx Government earlier this year rejected the Marine Offences Broadcasting Act. Now the British Government, by an Order in Council, has ordered the Manx Government to apply the Act to Radio Caroline North. This Order in Council was rejected on the 8th and 9th of August, which means that if Radio Caroline North is to be prosecuted it will have to be done by the British, not the Manx Government. All this may be linked with the recent G.P.O. rejection of a request from the Manx Government for permission to increase the power of the commercial Manx Radio to enable it to reach listeners in Northern England and South-West Scotland. - Meanwhile, the Irish managing director Mr. Ronan O'Rahilly, has reported that he has been able to see his Radio Caroline Network to American "Advertising Tycoons" as a sort of CBS network serving the British Isles. Some months ago Basil van Rensburg from Radio Caroline went to the Netherlands with 1000 pounds to look for a suitable building for headquarters in Amsterdam. But he disappeared with the money. However, offices of Radio Caroline International are now opened at Singel 160, Amsterdam, Holland, Paris, New York and Toronto. A regular Dutch programme will start in September and will be broadcast over a new transmitter of Radio Caroline. An amplifier to the coast of 250 000 Mark has been delivered to Radio Caroline by a German firm.

Sep 5

Sep 19

An Israeli businessman and former pilot, 40 year old Mr. Abie Nathan, is going to start broadcasts from an old German gunboat "Shalom" off the Israeli coast, which will be outfitted in Piraeus, Greece. Peace messages will be broadcast to the people in the Near East. - Recently the RAF destroyed an offshore fortress Acc. to the Government in order to stop offshore radio stations from using this as a supply base. The boss of the former Radio Essex has stated his intention of setting Dough Tower, 7 miles off Dovercourt, up as a new nation and would apply to the UN for membership. However, he denied intending to set up a radio station.

Nov 14

On Dec. 24 another radio pirate, Radio Pegasus, will commence broadcasts at 0600-1200 hrs on 1235 kHz from a vessel off Christchurch, New Zealand. Radio London, formerly off Britain, is under offer to a N.Z. company. If purchased, it will sail to New Zealand and broadcast off Auckland with 50 kW, and it is stated retain the call of Radio London. - Radio Hauraki, P.O. Box 1480, Auckland, on 1485 kHz, 2 kW, has completed its first year of broadcasting from MV "Tiri". Now 1700-1300 hrs.

Dec 5

When Radio Caroline International was off the air Nov. 18-19 due to generator trouble, a station calling itself Radio Magna was, Acc. to press reports, noted in South England. The station was believed to be located in one of the old anti-aircraft forts.

Dec 19

During the past week Radio Caroline South was sending out SOS to its Amsterdam office for food and water. No supply boat has been near the ship for 2 1/2 weeks. "The crew has hunger", one of the DJ's said. However, Radio Caroline International has left its HQ in Amsterdam because of bad financial circumstances in the Netherlands. - Mr. Roy Bates, former owner of Radio Essex and BBMS, most probably operates Radio Magna. He has set up his own "country", known as "Sealand" on a fort and is issuing his own stamps for Christmas.

1968

Jan 16

Two Dutchmen, Jacques Soudan and Pieter van Dijk, disc jockeys of Radio 227, Britain Radio and Radio Caroline, have purchased the 75 kW transmitter of ex-Radio London and they hope to come on the air from a fort 12 1/2 miles off the British coast in May or June. The new station will be called Radio Swinging Holland. HQ. in Utrecht. Tests will be made on 199, 290 or 390 metres.

Feb 6

Disc jockeys of Radio Hauraki on board the 160-ton "Tiri" broadcast a running commentary when she recently drifted on to the rocks of Gt. Barrier Island. Thousands of listeners heard a commentary ending with grinding crach, the wail of a siren, and the words: "The rocks are within swimming distance.....! love you, Mum and Dad". Tiri developed engine trouble as she returned to her moorings after joining the search for a man missing from a fishing launch. She is believed to have broken her back on the rocks, but the crew reached safety. The station's owner say that, despite intended Government legislation against pirate ships, a new vessel will be obtained and transmissions recommenced. - Sat. Jan. 27th at 0850 am "Big L" was heard for 20 min. with the full strength of 150 kW on 266 metres. Also picked up most nights recently from 2000 hrs onwards. - Radio Pegasus, reported to be going on the air on Dec. 25th on 1235 kHz, has been delayed somewhat. Now schedule to be on the air by March 31st. Transformer parts being the hold up. Newspaper reports indicated that very low power tests have been conducted, but no concrete to hand. Location to be off shore from Christchurch, New Zealand. Further information, names and fq’s wanted about two pirate radio stations off the coast of Russia. The Russian Government said that they are harmless and are not going to put them off the air.

Feb 20

The former Swedish pirate Radio Syd will soon commence Swedish commercial programmes intended for Scandinavian tourists from "Cheeta II" anchored off Las Palmas, Canary Islands. Later on there will probably also be commercial TV programmes from Radio Syd, according to the owner, Mrs. Britt Wadner.

Feb 27

A new offshore pirate called Radio Atlantic South started broadcast recently on 213 metres. At present, there are test transmissions. But daily broadcasts will commence on March 1, from 0600 to 2000 hrs. Radio Caroline South now uses a new "super-power" transmitter. Asks for reports. By the way, several letters during the past weeks indicate that Radio Caroline will probably leave the air, if in the future Manx Radio increases power so that it will be able to cover the whole Britain with commercial programmes.

Mar 12

On about Feb. 12th Radio Caroline North broadcast a message Acc. to which it was officially denied that Radio Caroline would ever leave the air. Caroline is here to stay until they can resume under license on land, which may be sooner than looks likely at present, it was stated. However, on Sunday March 3rd both Radio Caroline North and Radio Caroline South were towed by Dutch tugs to the Java Haven in Amsterdam, Holland. A Caroline official in Amsterdam stated that both ships have had generator trouble, and it has been decided both ships should be taken to port for generator replacements and repairs. - A mysterious pop station, Radio England, came on the air deputizing for Radio Caroline South and asked listeners to report reception to an address in Frinton. - On Feb. 28th Radio Hauraki resumed transmissions on 1480 kHz, 2 kW, from a new ship "Tiri II" 160 tons.

Apr 16

Last week's gale over the South Pacific not only caused tragic ferry catastrophe. It also hurt the pirate Radio Hauraki on board Tiri II. Acc. to Ass. Press, the Radio mast was lost when Tiri II run aground, but the vessel was not seriously damaged.

May 14

As of May 3rd Radio Veronica became Radio Veronica International, and jingles once used by Radio Caroline are now broadcast from the station. Anyone wishing details of the Free Radio Ass. are requested to send two international reply coupons to Stephen Cole, 61 Ebenzer Drive, Rogerstone, near Newport, Monmouthshire, U.K. In reply they will receive the 1968 Free Radio Newsletter plus information on how to receive photos of the ex-pirate ships, tape recordings, etc. - Free Radio Association, 239 Eastwood Road, Rayliegh, Essex, England, has issued a gramophone record with the last minutes of the transmissions of Radio London, including the farewell of the DJ's and the signature-tune of the Big L.

May 21

Radio Concorde will broadcast on longwave 254 kHz, 50 kW in English, French and German at 0500-0100 hrs from a, vessel under the flag of Honduras anchored in the English Channel.

May 28

The old Radio 270 ship is being taken to the Canary Islands. Here she will be used to broadcast radio on MW and FM and also TV. - Acc. to news and rumors from the Free Radio Ass. Centre, Radio Caroline will be back in mid-June with a much increased power, 75 or 90 kW. At the beginning there will be only one station.

July 2

Ex-Caroline DJ Robbie Dale has his own English show Sundays, Mondays and Wednesday at 2130-2300 hrs over Dutch Radio Veronica, operating on 1562 kHz daily at 0500-2400 hrs. - On June 22nd a station calling Radio Euro Weekend or Europe Weekend Radio was heard on 6040 kHz. Dutch and English with pop music. - The owner of Radio Syd, Mrs. Britt Wadner, Lund, Sweden, has got permission from the Gambian Parliament to broadcast from Bathhurst. Will commence operation in November, 21 hrs a day, in collaboration with Radio Gambia.

July 9

Acc. to letter received by a leading British record magazine, Swinging Radio England is broadcasting on 1520 kHz on Saturdays and Sundays at 0600-2400 hrs. Located 4 1/2 miles off the Sussex coast.

July 16

Acc. to press reports, Belgium will have a new "pirate" named Radio Marina. The transmitters of Radio Marina will operate on 2 freq. with separate programmes in French and Dutch. - A station broadcasting taped music in French and English, but no announcements, has been noted since July 6th on 254 kHz. Heard from around 2210, that is after the sign off of Lahti. Between each selection the morse code signals for "EW" are given. Any connection with Radio Concorde?

July 23

Swinging Radio England has no connection with the station of the same name operating from the ship Laissez Faire a few years ago. Probably it is not even off shore but a low powered land base operation.

Aug 13

Boss Radio is said to broadcast every Saturday and Sunday 1100-1230 on 213 metres. - During late September, an ex-American destroyer anchored 4 miles off Great Yarmouth, England, will operate 3 radio and 1 TV station. - Radio Marina will start Sept. 1, not from a fort but from a ship off Frinton-on-Sea. Pop music (Marina I) on 1160 (or 1187) kHz, sweet music (II) on 773 kHz. Will have offices in Holland.

Aug 27

A new pirate, Radio Free London, 204 metres, went on the air on Aug. 15th 1968 to mark the anniversary of the Marine Offence Bill of Aug. 15th 1967. Antenna mast was attached to the fire exit of the BBC TV studio in west London. BBC staff noticed the antenna and alarmed the police. When the police invaded the studio of Radio Free London they came across seven young men and a girl in addition to a very simple transmitter. The equipment was insulated with milk bottle tops. On Sat. August 17th the Free Radio Ass. Rally met at Trafalgar Square and marched, despite the rain, to No. 10 Downing Street, chanting "Bring back Caroline" outside the Prime Minister's house. During the rally Radio Free London was relayed and later on was raided again. The station's operators claimed they fooled the GPO engineers who took away a transmitter, which was, in fact, a useless collection of sockets and valves. The real transmitter was hidden in the same room. It was moved to a new location within 20 minutes.

Sep 10

On Aug. 27th Mr. John Dane, boss of Radio Marina, allowed that the FBI have impounded the ship holding the transmitters in Miami harbor on instructions from the British Government, and it looks like the end of the station. However, Mr. Dane added that he was convinced - and not through wild rumors - that Radio Caroline will be back before Christmas. - Also the old Radio London was due back on the air on August 14th, but insurance on their ship, the Galaxy, was refused as the hull is paper-thin. The ship is now in Hamburg harbor, Germany, having repairs carried out. Due on the air by the end of November on old 1133 kHz with 75 kW, anchored 4 miles off Frinton-on-Sea, Essex. Radio Concord will probably start broadcasting on longwaves during the first part of September.

Sep 24

Dutch owned Radio Vandella is ready to start transmissions soon from M/V Deca 7 miles off Frinton, with 15 DJ's. Also a five-man syndicate is in negotiation with a Dutch company to by one of the Radio Caroline boats and put the station on the air again within four weeks. They plan to anchor off Frinton and beam a 24 hour signal on the old 199 metre wavelength. - Radio 255, The Voice of Free Radio, heard with pop music on the announced fq. of 1181 kHz at 1630-1700 hrs. Transmitting time is Saturday and Sunday 1200-1300 hrs. Heard for the past month. On Sunday Sept. 22nd on the air at 1200-1500 hrs. 200 Watts. Also heard on 1331 kHz on Sept. 15th testing with pop music and Dutch talks. - Radio Euroweekend is on the air Saturday and Sundays 0800-1300 hrs in Dutch with news and weather reports at 1130 and 1230. On Sundays 1200-1230 also an English programme called Caroline. Beginning Sept. 22nd there will also be English lessons at 0830. The jingles of the former Radio London are used. Location not known. Operates on SW 6040 kHz and FM channel 51. Information from listening on Sept. 7 and 8th.

Oct 8

A new Dutch-German based pirate, Radio Extra International, will broadcast every Saturday at 0800-0900 hrs, starting Oct. 5th, on 6150 kHz with programmes mainly in English. Reports will be welcome, and the address will be announced over the air.

Oct 22

Radio Euro Weekend now heard at 1540-1600 hrs on 6040 kHz with English, Dutch or German pops.

Oct 29

Radio Nordsee will commence broadcasts of commercial programmes in German 24 hours a day on 266 metres on Dec. 1st from old pirate radio vessel "Mi Amigo" anchored off Helgoland. A businessman from Liechtenstein is behind the new project, which is said to be concentrated in Switzerland. - Roy Bates, owner of former Radio Essex, has established himself as prince Roy of Sealand. Sealand is a fort from the 2nd World War some 20 kilometres off Essex, and now by prince Roy claimed to be the world's smallest independent nation. There he intends to install a commercial broadcasting station for the London area.

Nov 12

Radio Nordsee is not on board Mi Amigo but M/S Galaxy, ex-Radio London. Will start with 50+10 kW, later on 75 kW. Fq. 1124-1130 kHz, and after the change over the AFN from MW to FM-band, Radio Nordsee will take over the AFN-freq. 1112 kHz. Tests will commence on Nov. 15th and regular broadcasts on Dec. 1st from 3 miles off the mouth of Elbe. Programmes in German daily at 0400-2400 hrs, including 15 minutes in the Swiss-German dialect. Die Deutsche Bundespost has investigated the possibilities of stopping this new pirate, but there is nothing to do, but wait and listen. - Acc. to Sunday Times, Nov. 3rd, 23 year old John Dane plans to start his Radio Marina on Christmas Day, four miles off Frinton, Essex. All DJ's will be US subjects. - Dutch ship Ocean 7, former Radio 270, never did get to the Canary Islands, but has been moored in Whitby harbor, Yorks., since August 1967. With her radio equipment and 154 ft aerial mast stripped and sold separately, she has been bought by a scrap and salvage merchant of Hartlepool in C.Durham. On Oct. 27 the ship left Whitby for Hartlepool but will not necessarily go for scrap.

Dec 10

The former mine-sweeper Galaxy with Radio Nordsee is still waiting for some equipments from USA in the Hamburg harbor. Will commence broadcasts on Dec. 16th at 0800 hrs. In the meantime the government in Bonn is acting in order to stop the pirate according to the recommendation of the European Council. Radio Nordsee will be on the air from Dec 12th onwards. - Radio Modern is a new station on 259 metres expected to be on the air from Dec. 1st onwards from a boat off Felixstove, England, Acc. to spokesman Mike Young.

1969

Jan 21

Radio 295 plans to go on the air on March 2nd from a fort in the Thames Estuary. The offices will be based in France. - Radio Hauraki, 1480 kHz, may not be a pirate much longer. The New Zealand government has introduced legislation for establishing private broadcasters. Many applications are received.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~No reports from this long period of 1969~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sep 9

A pirate radio station called The Voice of Peace will be broadcasting to the Middle East from a ship anchored in the Mediterranean Sea. The Israeli bar-owner Abie Nathan has bought a ship for 45 000 Dollars and has installed an american transmitter. The new station is expected to begin broadcasts in the middle of September, in Arabic, English, French and Hebrew. Signature tune will be "Give Peace a Chance" by the Plastic Ono Band.

Sep 30

The Abie Nathan project called The Voice of Peace was expected to take the air from the Mediterranean Sea with broadcasts to the Middle East during September. The ship, however, left Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago bound for the USA, where Abie Nathan is expected to raise some money to buy a transmitter, according to local Dutch papers. A student at Brooklyn Technical High School has done some works for Abie Nathan earlier this month as a volunteer. The ship is docked at 59th Street and the East River in Manhattan. Supposedly equipment is being donated, including two 500 Watt transmitters.

Nov 11

Radio Scotland is back on the air from M/V “Liberation“ in the North Sea. Scheduled Saturdays and Sundays at 1200-1900 hrs. Signals good in Edinburgh during the past three weeks. Fq.? - Holiday Radio, owned by Radio Investments pty, began operation on 1st Nov. from a ship in the Bay of Plenty, off Tauranga, New Zealand. Another station will take the air on Dec. 1st also from a ship in the Bay of Plenty. Will operate 15 kW on 1450 kHz.

Nov 18

Dutch pop station Radio Veronica, 1562 kHz, is now on the air daily 0500-0100 hrs. On October 27th the 8 kW Radio Veronica was heard by Richard Wood in Honolulu, Hawaii. 7200 miles over the most difficult propagation path - the North Pole.

Dec 2

Radio Nordsee International is a new commercial radio pirate on board the former Swiss 20 years old 570 BT coaster "Servetta". The name has been changed to "Mebo II" after the owners Erwin Meister and Edwin Bollier with HQ in Zürich, Switzerland. Recently Mebo II left Rotterdam for Lisbon where she will get the final radio installations. There will be 3 powerful transmitters, Acc. to some sources 100 kW each, Acc. to other information a MW transmitter of 30-50 kW, a SW transmitter of 10 kW and a FM outlet. Fq's will be 1605 and 6210 kHz and 102 MHz. Anchored between Scheweningen and Hoek of Holland, Radio Nordsee International will commence broadcasting in German, French and English any of these days and will be on the air daily at 0400-2400 hrs. The owners hope that the station will be audible in the whole Western Europe including parts of Scandinavia-Warsaw-Rome-Madrid. According to a brief press note, there will be a pirate radio ship broadcasting peace messages to the Arabs and Israeli during the forthcoming Christmas and New Years holidays. - Must be Abie Nathan's Voice of Pece.

Dec 9

Radio Nordsee International on board Mebo II will commence test transmissions from Portugal around Dec. 15. Will later on be anchored some 20 sea miles west of Scheweningen and 25 miles north of Hoe van Holland. Will operate on 1605 kHz 100 kW, 6210 and 9940 kHz 10 kW each, and 102 MHz FM. Will get supplies from Spain by "Mebo I" under Panamese flag. - Does anyone know the fq's and broadcast times of Abie Nathan's peace beaming to the Middle East? - Four weeks ago The Voice of Shalom to Israel was heard in English at 1930 on 21475 kHz. A religious text was broadcast, but the fading was strong, and the station faded out completely after a few minutes and has not been heard again.

Dec 16

Since Dec.1 Radio Free Caroline makes tests on 1187 kHz with 20 kW. Regular broadcast will begin on Dec. 24th. - On Dec. 25th there will be a test transmissions of 20 minutes duration from Caroline TV on the UHF channel 25-30. Regular TV programmes will commence during spring 1970 from a Super Constellation at some 20 000 ft altitude above the North Sea, thus making it possible to receive the TV-programmes in great parts of Europe. -Radio Nordsee International, which should be testing by now acc. to earlier reports, has its HQ. under the following address> Radio Nordsee International, P.O. Box 1136, CH8047, Zurich, Switzerland. Expected to operate on 1605, 6210, 9940 kHz and 102 MHz. - It now seems that the action for collecting money for The Voice of Peace in America is not going so well. The press, radio and TV have paid no attention to the presence of the ship docked in New York at 63rd Street and the East River, adjacent to the Heliport. US $170 000 is needed, but so far only $5 000 have been raised. The address is: Peace Found, P.O. Box 1111, New York, or The British Found for Peace Ship, District Bank Limited, 47 Old Bond Street, London W 1, England.

1970

Jan 6

Radio 266 is a new commercial pirate which is planning to take the air on Feb. 14th from a ship four miles off Frinton, Essex, Acc. to the weekly British pop music paper Record Mirror. The first programme will be a disc special tracing the career of Elvis Presley, recorded in Belgium. Although initially only 2 hours, a 24 hour schedule, all in English, will be in force by Spring. The station, which a European record company and a music publishing firm are financing, will broadcast on mediumwaves 266 metres. Although the name of the ship has not been disclosed, it is rumored that the former Radio London vessel Galaxy is returning to Amsterdam for a refit. - Radio Veronica has moved from 1562 to 1578 kHz.

Jan 13

Acc. to a letter from the administration and technical management in Zürich, Switzerland, Radio Nordsee International has had a delay with the start, but now plans to go on the air by the January 15th. - Radio Veronica is back on 1562 kHz.

Jan 27

Radio Nordsee International is now on the air. Heard here in Stockholm on Jan. 25th on 6210 kHz. Good strength but strong interferences.

Feb 3

Radio Nordsee International has now been heard testing in English and German. Mebo II is anchored a few hundred metres from the Dutch pirate Radio Veronica off Scheweningen, but will probably move further north to a position 7 kilometres off the coast between Ijmuiden and Den Helder. As earlier mentioned, there are four broadcast transmitters onboard. One MW transmitter of 100 kW operating on 1605 kHz, two SW transmitters of 10 kW each for 6210 and 9940 kHz, and a FM transmitter of 1 kW on 102 MHz. The first test transmission was commenced at 2130 on Friday January 23. The transmissions were said to be experimental and later last week the short-wave transmitter was not heard at all here in Stockholm. Reception reports are welcome under the address: Radio Nordsee International, P.O. Box 113, CH-8047, Zurich, Switzerland.

Mar 24

A new station, Radio U.K. International, was heard on Sunday morning, March 15th, at 0030 with a test transmission in English on 1358 kHz, 220 metres. Weak signal but clear at this time. Heard again the same day at around 1240 with a test on short-waves approx. 6230 kHz. Signal strength was quite good, and reception very good with only slight noise and fading. Acc. to announcements, located four miles off the Flinton-on-Sea, Essex, coast, and they are now conducting test transmissions, and will be doing so for about three weeks. Address: Radio U.K. International, 14 Sheetmore Lane, Sommercoates, Derby, England. They guarantee a 100J reply to reception reports, which will be very welcome.

Apr 7

New Zealand Broadcasting Authority has issued its first licenses for commercial radio station under private ownership. Radio Hauraki and Radio International are licensed to operate from Auckland.

Apr 21

Radio Nordsee International restarted broadcasting on April 10th on FM 102 MHz and on MW 1578 kHz. The Norwegian government has already complained of interference on 1578 kHz, and the transmissions are reported to be affecting the Barrow Deeps lightship. Acc. to announcement, the station expects to be back on 6210 kHz very soon. A pirate TV station onboard a ship just out of the territorial waters of Holland will start operation very soon on channel 2. Will have a 100 metre high antenna mast of 10 tons. Responsible is OTERM, standing for Onafhankelijke TV Exploitatie and Radio Mij.

Apr 28

On 1578 kHz the British GPO set up a jamming station, and Radio Nordsee International therefore stopped broadcasting on this fq. by 2000 hrs on April 15. Also the SW transmitter on 6210 kHz is silent due to a technical failure, but will be on the air again one of these days. Also the MW transmitter will be on the air in the near future on the new fq. of 1385 kHz. In a joint protest against the jamming of RNI, some 40 members of the Free Radio Ass. on Saturday 18th April tried to jam out one of the BBC networks. These thiny pirates with a range of no more than a mile are scattered around Gr. Britain.

May 12

Radio Nordsee International has returned in the air on 1385 kHz and 100 MHz. Heard at 1730 on April 30. Also 2200 hrs onward and on May 1st until 1100 hrs. Distorted on 1385 kHz by a whistle, probably due GPO jamming, and therefore stopped transmitting at 1100 hrs. Heard again on May 2nd and 4th at around 2000 hrs on 1385 kHz with test broadcasts and announcements in English and German every 15th minute. The Swiss government last month decided to incorporate into the Swiss law two paragraphs of the 1959 international telecommunication rules. The measure is expected to affect the Zürich based Radio Nordsee International. - Two new pirate stations are planned for operation off the Australian coast. Freedom 1 will operate off the coast of Victoria, starting May 15th. The station will be operated by Revolution Sound Studios, Melbourne, and will play Australian and English pop music. The Australian Commercial radio stations refused to pay royalties for Australian and English records, and will no longer play them, starting in May. The record companies are therefore going to broadcast from their own stations. Freedom I will operate on MW but will vary fq. from day to day to prevent jamming. The other outlet will start within a month, also on MW, from outside the heads of Sydney Harbor. The vessel is expected to be the "Tiri II", which was used by Radio Hauraki off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand. May 19. 1970. A pirate-transmitter, obviously the same as the former Radio Euroweekend, broadcasts every Saturday at 1130-1200 hrs on 6040 kHz and FM channel 43. Pop music and good reception.

May 22

Since May 13th Radio Nordsee International is testing on 1232 kHz, 244 metres. The SW outlet is still off the air, waiting for some technical parts from USA. Acc. to announcement, the Allan-West-DX-Spot will be broadcast during the Allan-West-Show at 1700-1900 hrs on 6210 kHz, as soon as the SW transmitter is repaired. Speaking of R.N.I., Radio Jackie, operating from premises at Carshalton, Surrey, England, was raided by police on Sunday May 17th, and its transmitter and radio equipment valued at over one thousand pounds confiscated. Radio Jackie has been operating on 197 metres, broadcasting pop music for four hours every Sunday. It was reported last month that the station's aim was to black-out the BBC transmission in the south of England as a reprisal for the jamming of Radio Nordsee International.

June 2

Acc. to an interview in the British press, the directors of Radio Nordsee International have made an agreement with a Czech broadcasting station to pay them a percentage of the income of RNI for the use of their channel on 1232 kHz. The British GPO has now commenced jamming also on this new channel of RNI. The SW outlet on 6210 kHz was not on the air last week either - Radio 266 is a new project, which should be on the air this month. It is thought that the ship will be the "Laissez Faire" ex-Radio England. - It is also widely reported that Caroline Television will be going on the air on July 1st on Channel 27 UHF at 1700-2300 from a Super Constellation over the North Sea.

June 9

Acc. to the HQ in Zürich, Radio Nordsee International will restart operation on 6210 kHz adding the new 9940 kHz in parallel with 1232 kHz around June 10, 1970. Depending upon the result of the election in Gr. Britain, the Mebo II may sail back to a position off the Dutch coast. Verification cards are not yet issued, but will be printed when the fq's are finally determinated in a month or two. Some 40000 reports received so far. - Radio Scotland can be heard every Saturday and Sunday broadcasting from M/V Liberation anchored in the North Sea. Operating on approx. 1111 kHz at 1200-1630. Mailing address: Radio Scotland, 239 Eastwood, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7LG, Gr. Britain. - The Dutch pirate station on 6040 kHz is for the time being not on the air on Saturdays, but on Sundays, heard with good strength at 1235-1405. Also the VHF-channel 43, 100 MHz was announced. The DJ introduced himself as Theo, and the station was called Music Radio.

June 16

Radio Nordsee International has dropped German broadcasts and will probably close down entirely after June 18 if the Labor Government wins the election. Acc. to the HQ in Zürich, the SW outlet on 6210 kHz will take the air again on June 16th. - Radio Hauraki, off the coast of Auckland, N.Z., ceased operating as a pirate at 1000 GMT on June 1st 1970. Has been broadcasting on 1480 kHz on board Tiri I and Tiri II for 1111 days. Is the only pirate to gain a license to transmit from land and is expected back on the air in Sept. or Oct. The celebrations signaling the closing of the station were abruptly curtailed when one of the announcers, Mr. Rick Grant, fell over-board. At the time of reporting Mr. Grant's body had not been found, and he is presumed drowned.