13 April 2003

Iraq: Media behaviour 1200 gmt 12 Apr - 1200 gmt 13 Apr 03 (c) BBC Monitoring BBC Monitoring has observed the following official, unofficial, opposition and broadcasts of unknown location: No new stations targeting Iraq have been heard since the start of Radio Nahrain operated by UK forces in southern Iraq near Basrah and US-run Information Radio. Information Radio continues to be heard on shortwave 4500 and 9715 kHz shortwave and 756 kHz. Al-Mustaqbal/The Future on 1575 kHz mediumwave has been broadcasting programmes irregularly. On 12 April it was observed to be carrying continuous music at 1215 gmt, without announcements, and left the air at 1400 gmt. Voice of the People of Kurdistan was observed already on the air at 1315 gmt on 4025 kHz shortwave although listed to sign-on at 1345. A transmission was also observed commencing at 0200 gmt. The station appears to have made an adjustment to local summer time. Republic of Iraq Radio, Voice of the People was observed at 1510 gmt on 1053 kHz mediumwave and 9563, 9570 and 11710 kHz shortwave. Radio of the Land of the Two Rivers was observed on 1566 kHz mediumwave between 1457 and 1530 gmt, with possible technical interruptions. Mesopotamia Radio and Television from Irbil was heard signing on at 1700 gmt on 7560 kHz shortwave. Radio Freedom (Radio Azadi), Voice of the Communist Party of Iraqi Kurdistan was heard at 1635 gmt on 3900 kHz shortwave. Voice of Rebellious Iraq was observed opening on 675 kHz mediumwave at 1500 gmt and has recently continued past this time. (The same frequency is used by a new Iranian station called Radio Nejat from 1230-1430 gmt.) Voice of Iraqi Kurdistan was observed in progress on 4085 kHz shortwave at 1625 gmt. Voice of Kurdistan Toilers was observed in progress at 1605 gmt on 4245 kHz shortwave. Voice of the Iraqi People was observed opening at 1730 gmt on 3900 and 5883 kHz. 4:34:17 PM     comment on this entry []

Simpson's World Last Sunday (6th April) the BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson, who was in Northern Iraq, was caught up in a 'friendly fire' incident.  An American jet fired a missile at the vehicle column in which the BBC was travelling with Kurdish fighters and American special forces troops.  Eighteen Kurds were killed and more than 45 were injured.  Several of the BBC crew were injured in the attack and their translator, Kamaran Abdurazaq Muhamed, was killed. Two days later John went back to the scene to record his impressions for Simpson's World. I watched this programme last night. You may still be able to catch it today at 1445 UTC via this live Real Player stream. 12:39:54 PM     comment on this entry []

© Copyright 2003 Andy Sennitt.