DORALE TRANSMITTER GOES LIVE; NEGLIGIBLE

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001435

SIPDIS

RABAT/CASABLANCA PASS TO IBB/DAVID STRAWMAN; DARREL
DUCKWORTH IN TANGIER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS ASEC KPAO KU DJ BBG
SUBJECT: DORALE TRANSMITTER GOES LIVE; NEGLIGIBLE
INTERFERENCE WITH DORALE PORT


1. (U) SUMMARY: A medium wave transmitter at the Radio
Television Djibouti (RTD) station in Dorale was activated on
November 4, marking completion of phase one of the RTD-
International Board of Broadcasters (IBB) joint renovation
of the station. Concerns that the transmitter may interfere
with cranes at the Port of Dorale have thus far been
unfounded. END SUMMARY


2. (U) On Thursday, Engineers activated the first of three
to be installed by IBB at the RTD Dorale station. Another
medium wave transmitter is scheduled for activation at the
end of this year, and a short wave transmitter in the spring
of 2005.


3. (U) The $1.2 million renovation of the station and
installation of the transmitters is part of a bilateral
agreement between the Government of Djibouti (RTD) and IBB
for the long-term lease and licensing of the PK-12 site used
for Radio Sawa broadcasting.


4. (U) There were some concerns that cranes at the new Port
of Dorale, now under construction, would pick up energy from
the transmitter, posing a potential danger to crane
operators. However, thus far tests have showed no/no-marked
effect on the Port.


5. (U) In a visit to the radio station on Thursday, Port
representatives said they were unaffected by the transmitter
but aware of the potential dangers. RTD has been and has
said it will remain in regular contact with the Port about
this issue, especially when the other two transmitters are
activated.


5. (U) Comment: As this is an RTD facility and not a USG
facility, all parties are aware that any problems and
incidents will be handled by RTD, with reports passed to IBB
and post.

RAGSDALE