Chelmsford Calling World Service

After a few years break from broadcast radio I was interested in creating a programme again but without the intensity & pressure (& cost) of my RSL / community radio project. I thought it would be fun to use the 'Chelmsford Calling' name again but in a different type of programme, so - with tongue in cheek - the 'Chelmsford Calling World Service' was born!

With the emphasis on fun & returning to my earlier shortwave days, I wanted to create a show that would appeal to radio enthusiasts across the world.

A brief background explanation would be appropriate here regarding the different & unusual qualities of shortwave. In basic terms, the shortwave transmission bands have the ability to reach far greater distances than traditional medium wave or FM bands, & can in some cases travel across the world with relatively low power transmitters. Of course life is never perfect, & there is a bit of an art to knowing when & on what bands to transmit, & also when it is likely to be able to receive distant transmissions. 

The world of shortwave has changed considerably over the last 30 years with many major broadcasting organisations cutting back on their shortwave output in favour of internet distribution of programmes. This is understandable - the cost of operating a shortwave AM transmitter is far in excess of internet streaming costs, & in many ways the internet provides a more reliable & higher quality reach. However there is one major disadvantage in reliance on the internet alone - it is dependent on networks & connections that can often be controlled by others.

The beauty of shortwave is it's ability to reach considerable distance & it's capability of being received by a simple low cost radio receiver. Aside from jamming transmitters it is difficult to block reception, so shortwave is a way of reaching people that others may not want you to reach.

I question the long term wisdom of governments turning off their shortwave services - although it is interesting to note a few nations have continued to expand their broadcasting. This has however had an unexpected side effect for small radio groups & hobbyists like me with the emergence of licenced shortwave relay stations providing broadcast facilities at an affordable cost. 

I was very fortunate to be able to arrange for my programme to be broadcast on a variety of relay stations ranging from small low power hobby / community stations to the mighty WRMI - Radio Miami International - with transmitters of 100kw (that's 100,000 watts!) output. 

Another difference now from 20 years before was the existence of the internet, so running alongside the shortwave transmissions was a website with additional details & also giving the option of listening to the monthly programme online.

Here's details from our original website of our transmission relay partners.

All the World Service programmes were uploaded to our Chelmsford Calling Mixcloud page at the time of transmission & are still available to listen to. Click on the players below for programmes 1 - 12.