This report from Radio Sweden in October 1990
GERMANY--No Radio Berlin International broadcasts appeared on October 3rd.
Frequencies normally used by RBI carried a live relay of the ecumenical
service in the Marienkirche in Berlin celebrating German unity. This relay
was originated by Berliner Rundfunk and also carried, among others, by
DS-Kultur, Radio Aktuell, Deutsche Welle and Deutschlandsfunk. At the end of
the service, former RBI frequencies were heard to carry Deutsche
Welle/Deutschandfunk external service programmes. (BBC Monitoring Service and
Manfred Schida, Austria)
The final broadcast in English from RBI was bittersweet. The head of the
service, Robin Mitchell, spoke of annexation of East Germany rather than
unification and added : "That's what happened between Deutsche Welle and
Radio Berlin International. After much sweet talk about a fusion and merger
on an equal footing, what is happening is that RBI will disappear tonight and
that Deutsche Welle will have taken over our frequencies and our transmitters
tomorrow. Out of a total staff of 250 RBI employees a mere handful might get
a new job with Deutsche Welle. Thus, like for so many in this country,
unification day spells unemployment for many of my colleagues. The champagne
of jubilation has a very bitter taste to it."
The program closed with the song "The End" by the Doors. "
RBI's last programme schedule.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE BROADCAST SCHEDULE FOR RADIO BERLIN INTERNATIONAL
European and Asian Services only
All times UTC
All frequencies kHz
Compiled by Jari Perkiomaki <fk001...@uwasa.fi>
Information about transmissions to other target areas is appreciated.
You can contact me at my e-mail address above.
Address: Radio Berlin International, English Section, Berlin 1160, GDR
TO EUROPE
Time Frequencies (+ notes)
0545-0630 5965, 6115, 7185
0745-0830 6115
0745-0830 6040, 6115, 7185, 9730 (Sat & Sun only)
0945-1030 6115
1145-1230 6115
1345-1430 6115, 9730
1545-1630 6080, 7260, 7295, 9730
1745-1830 9665, 9730
1945-2030 7185, 9665, 9730, 1359 (MW)
2145-2230 5965, 7295
TO ASIA
0545-0630 11970, 21540
1145-1230 11970, 15440, 21465, 21540
1445-1530 15240, 17880
TO FAR EAST
0745-0830 21540
0745-0830 21465, 21540 (Sat & Sun)
0900-0945 21540
0900-0945 21465, 21540 (Sat & Sun)
Usually, German language broadcasts follow the English broadcasts for
half an hour.
