Mailbox
This week in Mailbox: Radio Prague’s website, differences between broadcasts, The Dictionary of Communist Totalitarianism, reception in New Zealand, the renovation of the historic Czech Radio building. Listeners quoted: Peter Komrska, Stephen Hrebenach, Chun-Quan Meng, Bob Boundy.
Peter Komrska writes from the Canadian capital of Ottawa:
“I have been listening to Radio Prague for the past 15 years mostly by shortwave. I am 46 years old now and spend my time as an inventor/electronics technician. Last November I bought a new Wi-Fi internet radio. I now receive you clear every day. The Wi-Fi radio is much better than the shortwave radio because about 70% of the time reception was very poor with the shortwave.
“Also, I was pleased to find biographic notes with photos of your English section staff. I was especially pleased to see Sarah Borufka's picture. She has a really cute voice and it is especially enjoyable to listen to. I went on to your website hoping to find a photo of her there and was pleased to find photos of all the staff and narratives in the section Who Is Who under About Radio Prague.”
Stephen Hrebenach follows Radio Prague in Ohio:
“I just noticed that your web site made a minor change to display the articles on the left in a more pronounced way. (I don't think that has anything to do with the browser.) I was somewhat indifferent to your web page overhaul in the recent past, but this change is definitely an improvement.
“And while I am corresponding, I have to mention that I have noticed at least two times in the past couple of months that the broadcast at 13 UTC is different from 16 UTC. (Occasionally, I try to listen in real time to the early broadcast and then decide that I missed some things so I listen to the same program later.) I wish that I had written down what the specific days were, but I remember that the features, after the Current Affairs, were different. What is going on? And in general, what is the difference between the 13 UTC and 16 UTC broadcasts? Just an update on the news or something more?”
Generally, the 16 UTC broadcast has a fresh news bulletin but on days when there are breakthrough developments, such as on election days etc., the programme may be completely new. Also the earlier broadcast is by several minutes longer so you may hear things that don’t fit in the evening slot.
Chun-Quan Meng from China listened to a recent Panorama by Jan Richter:
“I'm interested in ‘The Dictionary of Communist Totalitarianism’ compiled by Czech linguists. It must be a wonderful dictionary! I was born in 1957 and have experienced many political movements in China. The most notorious one is the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976. You know, the Cultural Revolution was advocated by Chairman Mao. During the movement, which nearly destroyed China's economy, ‘Long live Chairman Mao’ and ‘Down with Liu Shao-qi’ were often heard on the central communist party's main propaganda radio.
Bob Boundy is writing from a “very wet and cold” New Zealand:
“The mountains are covered in snow and our ski fields are beginning to open. I am still having problems in receiving Radio Prague. On 9880 and other frequencies there has been no reception for many weeks now. I’m wondering if any other listeners in the Pacific area are having any reception problems like me here in New Zealand? I would like to know please. Before our time change reception was perfect.
“What is happening with the refurbishment of the old Czech Radio? At what stage is it at now? I visited the old building twice, and I even had an interview as well. That was in the 1990s.”
Regarding reception, I have forwarded your e-mail to our shortwave expert Oldřich Číp. If someone else is experiencing any difficulties with reception or our website, please let us know. And as every month, you can also try your luck in our monthly competition:
“This month we would like to know the name of the 19th century Czech-born American missionary and bishop who was canonized in 1977.”
Please send us your answers by the end of July to [email protected] or Radio Prague, 12099 Prague, Czech Republic. Next week, we will reveal the correct answer to last month’s mystery Czech question and you’ll find out who the lucky winner is this time. Until then, happy listening.
