Mailbox

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This week in Mailbox: storms in the Czech Republic; reception of Radio Prague broadcasts around the world. Listeners quoted: Alex Torbeni, Dean Bonnano, Norbert, Rabi Sankar Bosu, Linda Lunardi, Mogire Machuki.

Photo: CTK
Hello and welcome to Mailbox coming to you from a rainy Prague. The weather has been rather temperamental here in the Czech Republic lately, with thunderstorms, heavy rains, unusual humidity and only occasional sunny patches.

Our longtime listener in Bali, Alex Torbeni, comments on Radio Prague’s reports on the recent storms that wreaked havoc in so many villages mainly in the borderlands:

“Let me tell you that I was surprised by your story in the current affairs block about storms in June being exceptional. Before I heard this program, I thought that the Czech Republic was free from storms. After listening to your current affairs, I'm aware that storms take place anywhere. Storms take place in my country, too, especially in the rainy season. Storms, landslides, floods and tsunami have all taken place in my country. I thought that a small country like the Czech Republic is free from this kind of natural disasters. Your current affairs programme is informative for someone who has never visited your country like me. Keep up the good work!”

Let’s take a look at where else and how you listen to Radio Prague’s broadcasts around the world:

Dean Bonanno lives in Connecticut:

“On this lovely evening, I am sitting on my front porch as I write with a view of 600 foot forested hills. Your broadcast is booming in on 11600 as I listen on my 1950 Zenith Transoceanic G500 radio using a whip antenna. It's hard to imagine a nicer way to end a weekend.”

A listener who signed as Norbert writes from Germany:

“I am just listening to your stream broadcast about PPP. Very nice! ‘Banks falling over themselves to finance...’ I love it when public paid reporters actually tell us things that Anglo-American vulgar pro-business doctrine does not allow to be told. Your music between programmes is also tasteful and nice and short. I just looked at your website and YEY! I can download the whole English broadcast from the archive! Fantastic!”

Rabi Sankar Bosu writes from India:

“I have been listening to Radio Prague for quite a number of years, in fact the first time I picked up your English broadcasts was 14 years ago. I do not enjoy listening via internet as I have no computer. I listen to your radio broadcasts when I can receive RTI – English Service meant for South Asia at 09.00 UTC (2.30 p.m. Indian time) and also shortwave at 20.00 UTC (1.30 a.m. Indian time).”

Linda Lunardi from the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island writes:

“I receive Radio Prague on CBC Overnight, local station 96.1 FM and try not to miss any broadcasts. Keep up the great work – I’ll be listening.”

And finally our regular listener Mogire Machuki from Kenya:

“Just wanted to remind you that I am still listening to your station at this end with a super clear signal ever thanks to my super shortwave receiver... Grundig YB 80.”

Thank you very much for your reception reports as well as brief notes about where and how you listen to our broadcasts. We would like to let you know tha there has been a slight change to Radio Prague’s frequencies. You can find the details on our http://www.radio.cz/en/frequencies#en

Our time is running up now so let me just repeat our regular quiz question.

This month we are looking for the name of the Austrian composer born in 1797 whose both parents hailed from the German-speaking areas in North Moravia. His father was born in Neudorf (now Vysoká, part of Malá Morava near Šumperk) while his mother was born in Zuckmantel (now Zlaté Hory).

The address for your answers is Radio Prague, 12099, Prague or [email protected]. Thanks for listening today and Mailbox will be back next week. Bye-bye.