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The Media Network Vintage Vault 2024-2025

November 2024 - A message from Jonathan Marks, producer Media Network.  Yes, we're still here although my other work has meant I have little time for shortwave these days. I've started sorting out some off-air archives in the audio-only selections. It's true, radio has a terrible memory. (I'm delighted to learn that the British Vintage Wireless Society is still going strong https://www.bvws.org.uk ) Now you know why I am publishing old editions of Media Network here on this site, as well as some of the off-air recordings of stations I monitored in the 80's and 90's as part of the research for the programme. I'm simply looking for ways to capture more unique stories that I believe need to be told before we all forget. I realise that in 1000 editions of Media Network, we had only just begun the scratch the surface. So at this time of reflection, I'd just like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement as the archive project enters a new phase.   First time visitor? I'm Jonathan Marks. If this is the first time you've visited the vault, then I'm glad you dropped by! There are over 660 editions of Media Network, representing just over half the episodes that we made and broadcast from the Radio Netherlands' studios in Hilversum. I'm pleased to say most survived in excellent studio quality (quite often in stereo). 
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  2. Media Network - The Worldspace Saga

Media Network - The Worldspace Saga

Jun 28, 2010

This programme dates back exactly ten years ago to June 23rd 2000. What fascinates me in that how little has changed. England was exiting a football tournament, DAB was still trying to get adopted (to be fair its doing better in the UK and Denmark these days) and Worldspace still pumping out claims that they were going to be the platform of choice for the developing world. Ten years on Worldspace is no more, although I keep hearing of rescue attempts, cause the satellites are still up there. Does anyone believe the idea is not broken beyond repair?

Show Archived Comments

Hikaru
eleven and a half years ago

Whilst agreeing with Catherine about the lack of Presenters I would appticeare hearing a live voice occasionally, particularly in the mornings when I have to tune elsewhere to find news bulletins, weather and travel information. But please continue to keep your digital airwaves free of DJ waffle!

Eivind Motland
fourteen and a half years ago

I was not aware of the MP3 tests World Radio Network wanted to try via DAB broadcasting. The MPEG2 standard sure has been controversial, and is one of the reasons why DAB to this day don\'t take off very good. Is the DAB+ standard able to broadcast MP3?

And regarding Worldspace I had many good listening hours with the programme output they had in their early days. My receiver was in fact costing less than GBP 100, whilst most of them at the time were really expensive. I think the purpose of the Worldspace operation changed from Noah Samara\'s statement in the programme when they started a subscription-based radio service. They did not get many subscribers to it, and as stated in the programme: The system was not fit for listening in cars (blimey) - and it was a satellite service for radio signals (and limited internet downloads) only.